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Keith Urban: I should never have quit The Voice

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Keith Urban: I should never have quit The Voice

The former Voice coach is wishing he’d stayed on home turf.

Keith Urban left the warm and fuzzy love-in of the The Voice and found himself caught in the crossfire between forever-feuding divas Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey on American Idol. No doubt his new job has been a rude awakening for our laid-back country superstar, who got on famously with fellow The Voice judges Delta Goodrem, Joel Madden and Seal.

Forced to play peacemaker between Nicki and Mariah, whose screaming matches have shocked the entertainment world, the father of two is regretting his decision to quit his Aussie gig for the lucrative US TV show. “They don’t pay me enough to have to deal with this crap,” the National Enquirer quoted Keith as saying.

“Keith knew there’d be friction between the two women, but had no idea how vicious and threatening it would become,” a source also told the mag. “What makes him uncomfortable is the level the animosity has escalated to. And his wife, Nicole Kidman, is concerned as well.”

While Keith tries to put a positive spin on the fights, saying “I love working with passionate people”, it’s clear the strain is a not-so-welcome change of pace. “I was the UN,” he told celeb news website Extra of one angry on-set exchange between Nicki and Mariah (see video below). For Keith, it’s a world away from the happy family atmosphere on The Voice.

Read more about Keith’s decision to leave The Voice in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday October 29, 2012.

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The Queen’s joy at Zara’s baby news

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The Queen's joy at Zara's baby news

The royals prepare to celebrate a new arrival.

When Zara Phillips was spotted with what looked suspiciously like a baby bump at Royal Ascot racecourse in the UK last week, the eyes of royal watchers lit up. And when Mike Tindall, her usually gruff rugby-star hubby, sidled up for an uncharacteristic kiss and cuddle, their public display of affection was a further hint the pair could be expecting the Queen’s third great-grandchild.

Respected royal commentator Bill Coles reveals exclusively to Woman’s Day that the pitter-patter of little feet is imminent for Zara, 31, and Mike, 34. “I can’t confirm she is pregnant, but all the signs are that she is,” he says. “Zara is desperate for a baby.

“Ever since she picked up silver [in the equestrian] at the London Olympics, it’s been – as Mike calls it – all systems go. He’s been taking every supplement you can think of, and she’s taking the business of having a baby very seriously. She’s almost given up booze and is trying out organic food and meditation.” She was spotted leaving hip London club Maihiki in the early hours last week, and onlookers couldn’t help but notice how her heavy puffer-jacket would conveniently hide a growing tum.

Someone who’s equally as happy as Mike and Zara about their plans is the Queen. She is already a great-grandmother to Savannah, 22 months, and Isla, seven months, the daughters of Zara’s brother Peter Phillips. But the promise of a newborn is believed to have boosted the spirits of the 86-year-old monarch, who is reported by one US magazine to be suffering from sciatica, arthritis and a deteriorating heart.

Read more about Zara’s baby plans in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday October 29, 2012.

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Meet Katie’s new man: She’s so in love

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Meet Katie's new man: She's so in love

Katie Holmes has fallen for a Harvard graduate and friends say he’s the perfect partner for her…smart, good-looking and tall!

In the months since her split from Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes has thrown herself into single motherhood, dedicating every minute to keeping her daughter Suri feeling happy and secure. But her intense dedication to Suri has left the 33-year-old with little time for herself – especially to find new love. But now it appears the perfect man has popped into her life when she least expected it. And friends say he’s just the guy she’s been waiting for.

Woman’s Day can exclusively reveal that Katie has fallen for another fellow actor. But unlike her A-lister ex, this time it’s a scarcely known but respected writer and actor, handsome Harvard graduate Alex Schemmer. Alex, 31, has a string of film and TV appearances to his name, including stints on Cougar Town and Modern Family, but Katie has come to know him as the writer of her new film Responsible Adults.

“Katie has a massive crush on Alex. It’s pretty adorable how much she likes him,” a source who speaks to Katie regularly tells us. “I would never have guessed this would happen so soon, but it came completely out of the blue – they started off having a quick phone chat about the film and they just really hit it off.”

In a development that both shocked and delighted those close to Katie, who was left emotionally exhausted after her highly public split, the mum-of-one developed a schoolgirlish infatuation with Alex. “She thought he was funny, smart and charming, and spent two days obsessing about him,” our insider confides. “Then she pretended she had more questions so she’d have an excuse to call him – it’s like she’s back in high school.”

Read more about Katie’s new man in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday October 29, 2012.

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Princess Mary and kids in car crash

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Princess Mary and kids in car crash

Princess Mary.

Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary had a scare last week when she collided with a cyclist while driving her children across Copenhagen.

Mary, 40, was driving two of her four kids through the Osterbro district of the Danish capital when a woman on a bike rode straight into the passenger side of the car.

The royal Range Rover was making a right-hand turn at the time, but onlookers said the cyclist was at fault.

In pictures: Mary and Frederik like newlyweds in Brazil

“The cyclist seemed to almost be lost in her own world,” a source told local tabloid BT. “It’s like she didn’t even see the car.”

The cyclist was unhurt, and the royal court later confirmed that Mary and her kids were involved but uninjured.

The palace also revealed Mary had contacted the cyclist after the accident to make she was okay, and offered to pay for any damage done to her bike.

Mary’s husband Crown Prince Frederik has been involved in several traffic incidents in the past. He is regularly fined for speeding, and was lucky to escape a car crash in France in 1988.

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Three of these women are fat, doctor says

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'Three of these women are fat', doctor says

A recent Marks and Spencer shapewear advertisement.

Thousands of Australian women would love to look half as good as these lovely lingerie models, but a British doctor thinks two of them are overweight, while one is obese.

The five models above feature in a shapewear campaign for UK department store Marks and Spencer. Like many ordinary women, they range in size from eight to 16, but Dr Ellie Cannon thinks they set an unhealthy example no one should aspire to.

“Fat, truth be told, is neither a feminist nor a cosmetic issue,” she wrote in a piece published in the Daily Mail. “It is, quite simply, a health issue. And we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be steered into losing sight of that fact.

“The fact is it is absolutely outrageous that, in an effort to illustrate the diversity of women, obesity has taken its place alongside ageing and differing skin colours.

“Yes, these adverts have captured the notion of individuality beautifully, by using women in their 50s. But including overweight — and therefore unhealthy — women in the mix is downright misguided, at best. “

Dr Cannon says she treats women struggling with obesity-related health issues in her GP practice every day, and is appalled that it is now acceptable to be overweight.

While she is glad many companies have stopped hiring skeletal models, she says the current trend of celebrating obese ones is just as dangerous.

“I am really concerned by this trend of supposedly empowering women by what has become known as the ‘body acceptance movement’ which embraces the notion that fat is fine,” she wrote.

“While fat may be fine cosmetically, it is not fine for your health. Body shape has been hijacked solely as a fashion issue and as ammunition in the war of cool versus uncool.

“We know from studies of anorexics that when they idolise and obsess over images of these very thin women, it exacerbates their illness and perpetuates their self-loathing and body dysmorphia.

“Isn’t it just as irresponsible to promote the notion that being overweight is perfectly normal?”

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Halloween in Hollywood

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The stars came out in their Halloween best over the weekend! Here are the best ones we have seen so far!

Halloween in Hollywood

The stars came out in their Halloween best over the weekend! Here are the best ones we have seen so far!

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie was ready to sell some cookies in her Halloween outfit.

Seal

Seal and his new mystery woman arrived at a Halloween party dressed in opposition basketball team uniforms.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Kim posted this picture of herself dressed as a mermaid on Twitter. “Me and my captain,” she posted.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff certainly got into the spirit with his incredible Day of the Dead costume.

Jessica Alba

How cute! Jessica Alba, her hubby Cash Warren and their daughter Honor dressed up as The Incredibles.

Heidi Klum

Halloween queen Heidi Klum dressed up in this Egyptian number for her 13th annual Halloween bash!

Fergie

We are loving Fergie’s dedication to this outfit! She dressed up as Hollywood personality Angelyne Woodruff.

Connor Cruise

Connor Cruise and a friend posed in these creepy masks.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton and her beau were inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Alessandra Ambrosio posed in her outfit alongside friends.

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In pictures: 10 most expensive hotel suites

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While a few weeks on the Australian coast make for a fabulous family holiday, there are more extravagant options — if you have the money. From the opulent Villa La Cupola Suite in Rome to the racy Hugh Hefner Sky Villa in Las Vegas we profile some of the planet’s most luxurious holiday accommodation. By Rosalind Scutt

Holiday like the rich and famous

While a few weeks on the Australian coast make for a fabulous family holiday, there are more extravagant options — if you have the money. From the opulent Villa La Cupola Suite in Rome to the racy Hugh Hefner Sky Villa in Las Vegas we profile some of the planet’s most luxurious holiday accommodation. By Rosalind Scutt Image: President Wilson Hotel, Geneva

Celebrities and fashionistas love to holiday at the Bahamas in this shamelessly indulgent 10-room suite. The Bridge Suite spans the space between the resort’s two Royal Towers (hence the name) and features a living room with a grand piano, a dining room with a 22-carat gold chandelier, a terrace overlooking the island, and a three-metre tall four-poster bed in the master bedroom.

Price: US$25,000 (AUD$24,200) per night

Image: Atlantis

The Ritz-Carlton hotel is located on top of the city’s tallest structure, Tokyo Midtown Galleria, close to the thriving nightlife district, Roppongi. The suite is located on the 53rd floor making it the highest hotel room in all of Tokyo and with views out to Mount Fuji, that alone may be worth the spend. Otherwise, the one bedroom suite features an oversized marble bathroom and a dedicated personal concierge.

Price: ¥2 million (AUD$25,000) per night

Image: Ritz-Carlton

Villa la Cupola is the largest suite in Italy and is said to be inspired by ancient Rome. It features extensive stained glass, marble and frescoes combing in a dramatic cultural opulence. A wraparound terrace, private spa and sauna and a private cinema are all included.

Price: €20,000 (AUD$25,200) per night

Image: Westin Excelsior

The multi-level Presidential suite sprawls across more than 240 square metres and has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private gym, a steam room and a wine cellar. There is also a rooftop terrace with an outdoor saltwater swimming pool.

Price: €27,000 (AUD$34,000) per night

Images: Hotel Cala di Volpe

This three-bedroom suite boasts all the style and convenience of a luxurious seaside private home and includes a private marina and beach. Other highlights include indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, massage room and a business centre.

Price: €27,000 (AUD$35,000) per night

Image: Grand Resort Lagonissi

Hotel Martinez is a favourite destination for celebrities, especially during the Cannes Film Festival. The penthouse suite spans over 185 square metres, has four bedrooms, marble baths, multiple living and dining rooms, state of the art TVs and electrical amenities, and a spa set on an outside terrace with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. If the price is too stiff, patrons can a request the suite to be divided into four individual suites. Rooms are sound-proofed.

Price: €23,000 (AUD$29,000) per night

Image: Hotel Martinez

Buxom babes and pleasure seekers — this is your ultimate playground. The 836-square-metre, two-bedroom suite has been lovingly decorated by Hefner himself to give holiday makers all the comforts you might expect from a silk robe-wearing lothario. From the enormous rotating circular bed to the indoor bunny-branded infinity pool which looks out over the Strip this suite is the perfect party palace.

Price: US$40,000 (AUD$38,800) per night

Image: Palms Casino & Resort

If you love Manhattan then this is your ultimate holiday pad and with nine bedrooms there’s no need to holiday alone. The penthouse spans the entire top floor and is known as “the castle in the clouds”. A 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline keeps you tapping the pulse of one of the planet’s most exciting cities. A personal butler, personal trainer and a Rolls-Royce driving chauffeur are all included in your room charge. There’s also unlimited international calls (go on, call the kids). Price: US$45,000 (AUD$43,700) per night

Four Seasons Hotel

One of the most luxurious hotels in all of India, the Raj Palace was once the residence of a Maharaja. The Presidential suite here spans four entire floors and is decorated in opulent furnishings including lavish fabrics, mirrors and ivory. There’s plenty of rooms to get lost in and more than enough to do with a private museum, a swimming pool located on a roof terrace, panoramic views and a gym.

Price: US$45,000 (AUD$43,700) per night

The Raj Palace Hotel

The Royal Penthouse suite takes up the entire top floor of the hotel and boasts a twelve-bedroom apartment featuring a grand piano, billiards room, library and private fitness centre. Aside from these features, the main draw card is a much celebrated panoramic view over Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc — not to forget the bulletproof doors and windows (who doesn’t need those on holiday!).

Price: US$65,000 (AUD$63,000) per night

President Wilson Hotel

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Man sues wife over ‘ugly’ baby

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Man sues wife over 'ugly' baby

Jian Feng's wife spent $90,000 on plastic surgery before they were married

A man in China was perplexed and furious when his jaw-droppingly beautiful wife and himself, who he obviously believes to be quite attractive as well, somehow produced an ‘ugly’ baby.

Jian Feng has since divorced and sued his wife for being ugly, winning around $150,000 in a lawsuit.

Related: Pippa Middleton ‘devastated’ by ugly face taunts

Feng was reported to be absolutely in love with his wife and the couple were happy to fall pregnant soon after marrying, but when their baby girl was born that is when problems arose.

Born bearing no resemblance to either of the parents, Feng decided the baby was ‘incredibly ugly’ and initially expected his wife had cheated.

As it turns out, his wife didn’t cheat, but had undergone $90,000 worth of intense plastic surgery to change the way she looked, and had neglected to share this with her husband.

On discovering this, Feng divorced and sued his wife, claiming she got him to marry her under “false pretences”.

Related: 45-year-old woman gives birth to grandson

The judge sympathised with the betrayal Feng was feeling, awarding him a significant sum in the divorce.

The issue of custody has not been reported, but we think the ‘ugly’ baby would be in better hands with her ‘once-ugly’ mother than the allegedly attractive, but evidently ugly-on-the-inside dad.

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Another royal wedding! Princess Madeleine announces engagement

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Another royal baby! Princess Madeleine of Sweden pregnant

Sweden's Princess Madeleine and her fiance Christopher O'Neill. © Kungahuset.se

Sweden’s Princess Madeleine has announced her engagement to her banker boyfriend Christopher O’Neill.

Christopher — who is 38, British-born and US-based — proposed to Madeleine, 30, earlier this month but her father King Carl XVI Gustaf had to have the union approved by the Swedish government before the engagement could be announced.

In pictures: Meet Sweden’s newest baby Princess

“Chris proposed to me in New York at the start of October and we are very happy,” Madeleine said in a video recording posted on the palace website.

“Madeleine and I have known each other for two years and I recently summoned up the courage to ask her to marry me. Thankfully she said yes,” Christopher added.

The wedding will take place next year during the Swedish summer. It is likely the couple will marry in Stockholm Cathedral, where most of the country’s royal weddings take place.

Christopher is not from an aristocratic background, but his family has a previous association with royalty — his glamorous mother Eva reportedly had an affair with Britain’s Prince Charles in 1986 while he was still married to Princess Diana.

There is also some scandal in Madeleine’s past. She was previously engaged to lawyer Jonas Bergstrom, but was forced to end the relationship after he allegedly cheated on her with a 21-year-old student at a ski resort.

She moved to New York after the split, where she met Christopher.

Madeleine is the youngest of King Carl and Queen Silvia’s three children. She is fourth in line to the throne.

In pictures: Mary and Frederik like newlyweds in Brazil

Madeleine’s older sister Crown Princess Victoria married her personal trainer Daniel Westling in 2010. The couple welcomed their first child, Princess Estelle, in February this year.

Victoria and Madeleine’s brother Prince Carl Philip is not yet married, though he is dating model Sofia Hellquist.

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Men are better at multitasking than women

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Men are better at multitasking than women, study finds

It is a truth universally acknowledged that men can’t do more than one thing at a time — but a new study has challenged this long held belief, proving men are actually better at multitasking than women.

The controversial research — which will be published in prestigious US journal Psychological Science — claims that hormones linked to the menstruation cycle left women less able to juggle tasks at certain times of the month, while men’s performance was unaffected.

Psychologists at Stockholm University asked 160 men and women aged 20 to 43 to keep track of the time on three digital clocks that displayed different times at different speeds.

They also had to watch a scrolling ticker listing common Swedish names and press a button when one of the names was repeated.

Lead researcher Timo Maentylae found that men performed consistently, but women’s performance was linked to their menstrual cycle.

Those who were menstruating performed the tasks well, while those who were ovulating struggled.

“Previous studies have shown that women’s spatial skills vary across the menstrual cycle with high capacity around menstruation and much lower around ovulation, when oestrogen levels are high,” Maentylae said.

“The results showed a clear difference in multitasking between men and women in the ovulation phase, while this effect was eliminated for women in the menstrual phase.”

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