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Matthew McConaughey looks scarily thin for new role

Matthew McConaughey looks scary skinny for new role

Magic Mike star Matthew McConaughey has been snapped looking shockingly frail on the set of his latest film, prompting fears he may have taken things a step too far in the name of art.

The 43-year-old actor appeared pale and emaciated as he caught a flight from Los Angeles to New Orleans, and is reported to have dropped a staggering 14kg for his role as an AIDS patient in upcoming film, The Dallas Buyers Club.

The movie, set to be released next year, is currently filming in New Orleans, where Matthew’s pregnant wife, Camila Alves, has been spotted visiting the set with their two young children, Levi, 4, and Vida, 2.

“Matthew starts shooting this weekend, so he’s at his absolute lowest weight,” a source close to the star revealed. “In a month, he’ll begin to put it back on”.

With weight fluctuations a common practice among Hollywood’s elite, many fear that high-profile actors are setting a poor example for their young fans.

“Rapid weight loss puts people at risk of missing out on essential nutrients”, warn experts at the Dietitians Association of Australia. “Carbohydrates, protein, fats and other vitamins and minerals are all essential for the body to stay healthy”. According to the DAA, dramatic weight loss “puts people at risk of chronic health issues including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.”

Other long-term health risks associated with drastic weight loss include heart disease, loss of muscle tissue, osteoporosis and reduced immune function.

The DAA advises that “anyone (including actors) looking to gain or lose weight, should speak to an expert – an Accredited Practising Dietitian”.

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In review: The Twilight Saga, Susan Boyle and more

In review: The Twilight Saga, Susan Boyle and more
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True Confessions Agony Aunt: My wife has let herself go

My wife has let herself go

Image: Getty

I married my wife because she was hot and I knew there was no way I should even have a shot with her – let alone a relationship. For some reason she really loved me and wanted to marry me.

I didn’t want to lose her because I loved her body, her face, her breasts, everything. Being with her made me feel so good, touching her at any opportunity made me crazy. She was so perfect, but ultimately we have nothing in common.

That was 12 years ago. Now we have two kids and that body I was obsessed with is gone. She has put on like 25-30 kgs at least. I get so mad at her sometimes for letting herself go even though I know having kids can do that and it’s not her fault. She’s such a good person I would never say anything but the reason I fell in love with her is gone.

I feel trapped sometimes but I know it is my fault for being so superficial. Lately I feel myself looking longer at other women and fantasising about having sex with a hot woman again. I just can’t accept that I will never have amazing hot sex again when it used to be so mind blowing.

I have even been thinking about my ex girlfriend who was not even remotely attractive but who was my best friend at the time. I left her for my wife and I wonder if that was the biggest mistake of my life…giving up a quality relationship for beauty now seems so foolish.

You say you had nothing in common, but you were happy enough for 12 years. Looks matter and anyone can feel quite resentful if their partner changes dramatically, especially by putting on that amount of weight. No woman should put on so much weight just as a result of two pregnancies so you need to consider all the options before making life changing decisions.

Could she have postnatal depression or be comfort eating because she knows how much looks mean to you and was unhappy with putting on weight in pregnancy? You have two young children to consider and fantasising about other women isn’t the ideal way forward. Stop looking back at the past and try to make the future better for all of you. Talk to your wife when you won’t be interrupted so you can really concentrate on her. Don’t criticise or threaten to leave her if she doesn’t get fit; instead, tell her that you’re worried about her and you appreciate she’s very busy with two children but you’re concerned that she always puts her own needs last and it’s time she looked after her health.

Some exercise you can do as a family and you can also happily look after the children so she’s able to go to fitness classes. Tell her that being a parent has made you tired and less fit and that you’d like both of you to sort this out, so that also means healthy eating as a family.

Being a full time mother can be draining and even a bit boring and there are all sorts of possible reasons behind her weight gain so it isn’t doing either of you any favours to ignore it. You do need to consider depression and that’s not an easy subject to broach – maybe you could do some research before you chat and find out if there are any support groups in your area. She should also see her doctor no matter what in case there’s any other underlying health issue causing severe weight gain.

However tactfully you approach this she won’t be able to lose that amount of weight overnight, so you need to do some serious thinking. You’ve been very honest about what attracted you to your wife but if she doesn’t lose weight, is your marriage over? If so, take the long view regarding future relationships. Everyone ages, so could this obsession with looks affect other relationships if your marriage doesn’t last?

You felt you didn’t deserve your wife at first which hints at low self esteem and could go some way to explaining your obsession with looks, so counselling could really help both of you and guide you to making the right decisions for your children and yourselves.

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Prince becomes the King: Harry nicknamed ‘Elvis’

Prince becomes the King: Harry nicknamed 'Elvis'

US soldiers have given Harry a new nickname following his now-famous Las Vegas holiday

Prince Harry’s Las Vegas shenanigans made headlines, infuriated the royal family, and have now earned him a new nickname.

The Prince has become the King in the eyes of US marines in Afghanistan — they have nicknamed Harry Elvis, likening him to the legendary singer after his much-publicised Las Vegas holiday and the nude scandal that made it famous.

Related: Prince Harry vows to stay in Afghanistan

Officially known as Captain Harry Wales, the Prince has been deployed in Afghanistan where he is currently serving as a co-pilot gunner and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers.

“Harry has become a real celebrity around the camp,” a U.S. military source told the Daily Star newspaper.

“At first the marines thought he would be a sit-at-home soldier, but were shocked when he just kept on notching up the missions.

“He had been on some hair-raising runs, but refuses to be treated any differently from the rest of the lads.”

The troops are reportedly keen to get Harry back to Vegas, planning a trip once their service is done.

Following his last trip, in which the Prince was photographed nude at a hotel room party with other, also naked, females, the royal family is unlikely to give a return to Vegas their blessing.

Related: Why is naked Harry a hero and topless Kate a fool?

Prince Charles was reported to have given Harry a very stern talking-to after the images emerged and the scandal was splashed across front pages of newspapers all over the world.

On his Australian tour, the Prince of Wales gave a speech in which he expressed how proud he was of his son’s service in Afghanistan, telling Royal Australian Navy servicemen Harry had been phoning home regularly.

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A parent’s guide to helping kids through university

With many university degrees now costing tens of thousands of dollars, there are big financial implications for both parents and students. Here's how to navigate the tertiary minefield.
A parent's guide to helping kids through university

After the excitement of finishing their exams and taking part in end-of-year celebrations, many of our kids will face the big question — where to after high school?

While some will enter the workforce, an increasing number of students are heading off to university or TAFE.

According to the latest AMP.NATSEM Income and Wealth Report Smart Australians, education levels are on the rise with over four in 10 young adults completing some form of tertiary education.

It’s clear from the new research that education pays off in future earnings. A person with a Postgraduate Degree will earn more than $3.17 million over their lifetime, while a person with Year 11 or less education will have an income of just $1.74 million.

While there are long-term gains, the cost of tertiary education can inflict short-term pain on a tight family budget. With many university degrees now costing tens of thousands of dollars, there are big financial implications for both parents and students.

Tips for surviving tertiary education:

The value of an education

Talk to your children about how a tertiary education can dramatically improve their employment prospects and future earnings. While it might be tempting for them to take a full-time job and start earning money straight away, it may not pay off in the long-term.

A HECS upon you

Many students cover the cost of tertiary fees by taking out a low interest loan under the Federal Government’s HECS-HELP program. Both parents and students should ensure they fully understand how the scheme works. There are discounts for paying all or a portion of the fees up front.

Leaving the nest

Another big decision students face is whether they will stay living at home with their parents or move out on their own. While the idea of leaving the nest may sound exciting, it’s important to weigh up whether the increased freedom is worth the added burden of much higher living costs.

Paying their own way

If adult children are living at home while studying, it’s reasonable to expect them to contribute to household expenses by paying ‘board’. It’s also fine to ask them to cover the cost of their own car and petrol, outings and clothes. Encourage them to work part-time and on their holidays so they can be as financially independent as possible.

Don’t forget your own financial security

Before deciding what level of support you can offer your children while they’re studying, speak to a financial planner about what shape you’re in for retirement. It’s great to give the children a good start in life, but this won’t be possible if your finances aren’t in tip-top shape.

Tips for students

Whether or not they’re living with their parents, it’s important for students to create a budget as early as possible. By establishing good money habits, they’ll be in a better position to pay off their HECS-HELP debt quickly.

Dianne Charman is an AMP financial planner and mother of two.

Dianne Charman is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706. Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

To find your nearest AMP financial planner visit www.amp.com.au/findaplanner.

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Kate’s uncle dons Duchess mask to promote new business

Gary Goldsmith promoting his business on Twitter, and right, the picture he posted wearing a 'Kate' mask

We all have an embarrassing uncle, and the Duchess of Cambridge’s just won’t let up.

Gary Goldsmith, the brother of Kate’s mother Carole Middleton, has again tried to ride the Duchess’ coat tails and use her fame to promote his new company.

Pippa Middleton: ‘I’m famous for my brother-in-law and bottom’

Mr Goldsmith posted a picture of a man wearing a ‘Kate’ mask on his Twitter account which he uses to promote his recruitment business called Mint.

Accompanying the image was a message saying ‘Kate or not Kate that is the question!”

“It’s obviously not Kate else she would be doing the Mint-bot/wearing the T-shirt,” he wrote.

Other posts on the Twitter page show people wearing T-shirts carrying the firm’s logo.

This isn’t the first time the ‘black sheep’ of Kate’s family has used his royal associations, using the slogan ‘it IS who you know!’ on the business’s website.

But the disgraced uncle’s ties to the family aren’t as close as he may try to suggest.

After being exposed as a playboy involved in hard drugs, Prince William cut ties with Mr Goldsmith in 2009, only making an exception by inviting him to the royal wedding last year.

Related: William and Kate win fight to ban topless photos

Kate’s mother and father, Carole and Michael Middleton, have been accused of cashing in on her royal status in the past, selling royal wedding merchandise on their party planning website.

The Kate mask image has since been removed, and after being exposed, Mr Goldsmith defended the post, saying via twitter that he had been slagged “for having a sense of humour”.

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Demi Moore still smokin’ at 50!

Demi Moore recently celebrated turning 50 and proved she is still as hot as ever.

Demi, who rose to fame in the early 80s, has lived an interesting life in the public eye, from her numerous marriages, her daring red carpet looks and her profile as Hollywood’s ultimate cougar.

Here, we look at her best on screen moments, her most memorable fashion hits and misses and her many loves.

Demi Moore turns 50.

Dancing her way through the red carpet in 1982.

Demi looks comfy cool back in 1984.

Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore on the red carpet together in 1986.

Known for her brave red carpet choices. The Academy Awards in 1989 were no exception.

Demi and Bruce Willis hit the red carpet together in 1990.

A blonde Demi Moore back in 1990.

Demi in one of her most famous roles in the movie *Striptease*.

Demi in one of her most famous roles in the movie Striptease.

Demi and her family at the *Striptease* premiere.

Demi and her family at the Striptease premiere.

Looking lovely in lavender Demi attends the Academy Awards in 1992.

Demi stars alongside Patrick Swayze in *Ghost*.

Demi stars alongside Patrick Swayze in Ghost.

Demi left her usual look behind and opted for grunge with purple lipstick.

A demure Demi back in 1995.

The ultimate cougar, Demi steps out with AShton Kutcher in 2005.

A stunning Demi at the Golden Globes in 2010.

Demi sizzles in the shoot taken in Spain.

Demi at the Academy Awards in 2010.

Demi shows off her bikini body alongside Cameron Diaz.

Since her break-up from Ashton Kutcher Demi has stepped out looking super thin.

She has since bounced back and is hotter than ever.

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XFactor sham: The winner was chosen weeks ago

XFactor sham claims: The winner was chosen weeks ago

Fans of the hit show are fuming over allegations the results are ‘fixed’.

Since The X-Factor returned to our screens in August, the series has been plagued by controversy. There have been cat-fights, hook-ups and hate campaigns – but the most enduring drama of all has been gossip the competition is not as fair as it seems.

For months there have been rumours the competition is rigged, with fans calling “BS” over shock eliminations such as What About Tonight. The gossip gained traction when Jessica Mauboy and Stan Walker, Australian Idol runner-up and winner respectively, took to Twitter to cry foul following the elimination of Fourtunate.

Now with the finale just days away, whispers the winner has already been determined have reached a dull roar. “Wow, Sony posted the winner of X factor 2012, The Collective on their website and Deleted it after realizing. That’s how rigged X factor is,” tweeted a fan. “The Collective were decided as the winners before the show even aired,” wrote another. “Waste of money for the people that voted. It’s rigged.”

While there’s no trace of the alleged announcement online, it’s obvious The Collective are destined for big things. “Boy bands are having a renaissance right now,” says an industry source. “Of course people will try to emulate the success of One Direction.” Sources say The X-Factor creator Simon Cowell was adamant about getting an Australian version of One Direction and urged producers to find five male singers who would be willing to form a boy band on the show.

Read more about the claims in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday November 12, 2012.

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Danielle Spencer’s amazing break-over

Danielle Spencer's amazing break-over

Russell Crowe’s ex hit the races with style and a smile.

Surrounded by a sea of celebrities at the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, a glowing Danielle Spencer lit up Flemington’s famous Birdcage with a dazzling smile. Far from looking despondent about her separation from her husband of nine years, screen star Russell Crowe, the mother-of-two appeared happy and relaxed as she sipped drinks and shared laughs with fellow A-listers.

Looking immaculately stylish on Derby Day in a stunning white lace Collette Dinnigan dress with black-and-white headpiece by The Hatmaker, the petite singer smiled and chatted happily with other high-profile racegoers in what was her first public social outing since the split was revealed.

“So good to be here,” smiled Danielle, who was a guest of Myer for Derby Day and the Melbourne Cup. “There are horses out there somewhere, but I’m not in close contact with them or what they’re doing!”Danielle struggled to keep up with the action trackside as other celebrities queued up to meet her. Radio and TV funnyman Andy Lee says he would have loved to ask her out on a date. Alas, the two didn’t cross paths.

But Danielle did flirt up a storm with a mystery man in the Myer marquee on Melbourne Cup Day, sharing a laugh with the guest, who couldn’t take his eyes off her. And it’s little wonder – Danielle’s separation from Russell seems to be working wonders for her look, as she swapped her low-key wardrobe for a glamorous new one from famed Aussie designer Collette Dinnigan.

Read more about Danielle’s new look in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday November 12, 2012.

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Sharon Osbourne: The sacrifice that saved me

Sharon Osbourne: The sacrifice that saved me

With a deadly diagnosis looming, Ozzy’s wife made an agonising decision.

She’s already faced – and beaten – cancer, but when usually tough-talking Sharon Osbourne was dealt her latest blow, she was terrified. The wife of rocker Ozzy battled colon cancer 10 years ago and knew she never wanted to go through such pain again. So when doctors told her earlier this year that she carries a gene that predisposes her to breast cancer, the 60-year-old knew it was time to take drastic action.

“I didn’t want to live under that cloud, worrying every time I felt a lump and counting down the days to my next mammogram,” she told Hello! magazine last week. “The odds were not in my favour. I decided to take everything off and had a double mastectomy.”

During a gruelling 13-hour surgery, Sharon – mum to Aimee, 29, Kelly, 28, and Jack, 27 – had her old implants removed before undergoing a reconstruction to give her “very small and healthy” breasts. While many women in Sharon’s situation struggle with the idea of losing a part of their femininity, she says it was a sacrifice worth making.

“It was a no-brainer. I didn’t even think about my breasts in a nostalgic way, I just wanted to live my life without fear,” she reveals. “[Ozzy] agreed with me. He’s seen me sick before and he didn’t want to risk going there again. “[I feel] lighter now,” Sharon adds. “I used to wake up feeling bothered and I didn’t know why. It was a doomy feeling and thinking, ‘Two weeks to the next mammogram…’ ”

Read more about Sharon’s sacrifice in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday November 12, 2012.

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