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Hugh Grant finally reveals his children's names

Hugh Grant has revealed the names of his two youngest daughters for the first time in a candid interview moment. The English actor and father-of-five has never announced the names of two of his children or the gender of his youngest offspring. Now, during an interview with talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, the 64-year-old finally shared that his youngest child was a girl and shared her name with viewers. During a conversation about his own unusual middle name, Mungo, he said, "I was in a bit of a panic with my wife on the day we named [our daughter]." Sharing the hilarious inspiration behind the name, he said, "We thought it might be nice for her when she was older if she could say in bars that her middle name is Danger. So, her name is Lulu Danger Grant. Austin Powers, you know?" Hugh, who also has a son named John Mungo, went on to reveal that his youngest isn't the only child in the family with a fun name. He went on to say that he and his wife Anna were stressed when naming their first daughter, and decided to ask their son for advice. "We asked her elder brother when she was on the way, 'there's a new baby coming along, what shall we call her?'", Hugh explained. "And he said 'Kevin', because that was his favourite Minion." "And we did think about calling her Kevin, but then we said, 'you'd better think of something else', and he said 'Blue', because that was his favourite colour." The announcement was out of character for Hugh, who despite being a huge Hollywood name, tends to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. Image credits: YouTube

Family & Pets

Chilling vision of missing family emerges

A video filmed in New Zealand's west coast is the first "credible" sighting of a father and his kids who went missing three years ago. Tom Phillips along with his daughter Jayda, now 11, son Maverick, 9 and daughter Ember, 8, disappeared from the New Zealand town of Marokopa in December 2021. There have been hundreds of sightings of Phillips reported to police since then, with many of them unverified, and the children nowhere in sight. But now, new footage shot on the evening of October 3, showed all four of them marching through a grass field in Marokopa, in a single file with camouflage gear and heavy backpacks. The video, filmed by pig hunters, was handed to police and has since prompted a large-scale search of farmland in the area this week, which unfortunately failed to locate Phillips and his children. In the footage, the family seemed unaware they were being filmed from afar, with one of the witnesses describing them as "equipped for the bush". The children's mother, Catherine, has seen the video and instantly recognised her kids. “I’m so happy that they’re all there," she told the New Zealand Herald. "I’m so relieved to see all three of my babies. They’re all alive." The pig hunters who filmed the footage recalled their short encounter with the children. “The children asked: ‘Who else knows we’re here?’ And then they just kept on walking. They were all packed up, they had big packs on. I think the father sort of kept them moving,” Farmer John McOviney told the New Zealand Herald. In another interview with radio station Newstalk ZB, McOviney said that Phillips was carrying a large rifle. NZ Police Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders has also confirmed the sighting was being treated as "credible". "While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps," he said. "This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children's wider family." While police remain tight-lipped about what their next steps are, they said : "Our focus is very much on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick and Ember to their whānau [the Maori word for family] and we are doing all that we can to make that happen.” Phillips and his three children first went missing on September 11, 2021, and an arrest warrant was issued for Phillips shortly after their disappearance. He does not have legal custody over his children is alleged to have breached a custody order by taking them. The children are believed to have had no education or contact with others since their disappearance. Members of the public have been warned not to approach Phillips if they spotted him, as he may be armed. Images: TVNZ/ Waikato Police

Legal

"I'm home": Paramedics grant dying grandmother's final wish

Dedicated paramedics have made an emotional pit stop at the beach for a dying grandmother who wanted to see the ocean one last time. The ambos were transporting 94-year-old Shirl McHugh to the hospital when the grandmother asked to make a stop at Newcastle's Bar Beach: her favourite spot. Shirl told the paramedics she wanted to "feel the salt breeze one last time", as she had a feeling she wouldn't be leaving the hospital. When they stopped at the beach, the great-grandmother relaxed and told paramedic Brittaney Banks, "I'm home". Thankfully, Ms McHugh was able to bask in a beautifully fine day to take in the famous stretch of beach, which is busy with swimmers, surfers, lifesavers and families most days. Shirl, who was a respected member of her church as well as the wider community, died just 15 hours after her stop at the ocean. The NSW ambulance shared Shirl's story to their Instagram page, with paramedic Brittaney Banks recalling the emotional day. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyK0y_Ns8j5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyK0y_Ns8j5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by NSW Ambulance (@nswambulance)</a> </div> </blockquote> "When I opened the doors of the ambulance, Shirley said 'I'm home', and breathed a sigh of relaxation… it's one of those jobs I will remember forever," Brittaney said. Her granddaughter expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the ambulance crew for respecting the special request from the stylish great-grandmother known to many as 'Shirl the Pearl'. "Thank you ladies for fulfilling my Nan's final wish on her way home," Emma Brown wrote. "She had such a beautiful soul, it was really my pleasure," Ms Banks replied. "I am so glad we could bring her home." Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Why Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa is the best thing we've ever seen

Hold onto your chocolate bars, folks, because director Paul King has done it again! After his stroke of genius in casting Hugh Grant as the dastardly villain in Paddington 2, King couldn't resist the temptation to work with Grant once more. This time, he enlisted the British star for a truly magical role in the upcoming Roald Dahl prequel, Wonka (set to release on December 15 by Warner Bros.). But brace yourselves, because Grant's appearance as an Oompa Loompa is bound to leave you in stitches. During the official premiere of the Wonka trailer in London, which was attended by lucky guests treated to a buffet overflowing with Wonka-inspired sugary delights, King took a moment to explain his decision to cast Grant as a pint-sized, green-haired Oompa Loompa. The hilarious deadpan performance in the final moments of the trailer speaks for itself! In delving into the backstory of Willy Wonka, played by the brilliant Timothée Chalamet, King found himself diving headfirst into Dahl's books for inspiration. When it came to the Oompa Loompas, King discovered that although Dahl didn't grant them much dialogue, their songs were packed with incredible sarcasm, judgment, and cruelty directed at the kids in the story. “So I was really just thinking about that character; somebody who could be a real shit, and then — ah! Hugh!” he told the London premiere crowd. “Because he’s the funniest, most sarcastic shit I’ve ever met.” <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dckc2RcL69s" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> As for his leading star, Chalamet, King's praise was somewhat more refined, or so he claims: “It was a very short list of people who could play Willy Wonka, and really, it was him. I really do think he’s the most incredible actor of his generation, because he’s got this incredible ability to dive very deep into his own personal emotions and convey things with the turn of an eye — he’s very, very controlled, very smart and incredibly emotionally intuitive.” While acknowledging the daunting task of following in the footsteps of acting legends like Johnny Depp and the original Wonka himself, Gene Wilder, King was confident that Chalamet would rise to the occasion. "I think he manages to bring that sort of mayhem and mischievousness but with a deep emotional grounding," he said, "which is really quite extraordinary.” So, get ready to embark on a sugar-coated adventure with Hugh Grant's hilariously sarcastic Oompa Loompa and Timothée Chalamet's awe-inspiring portrayal of Willy Wonka. It's going to be one wild, chocolate-filled ride that will leave your sides splitting and your sweet tooth satisfied. Images: Warner Bros

Movies

“It’s the court of public opinion”: Sarah Ferguson condemns Phillip Schofield backlash

Sarah Ferguson has spoken out against the wave of judgement directed at former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield and the relationship scandal that swept the world. The 63-year-old Duchess of York was chatting to businesswoman Sarah Jane Thomson on her podcast, Tea Talks, when conversation turned to Schofield, and his controversial affair with a man - and co-worker - 30 years younger than him. When news of the affair broke, Schofield stepped down from his 20 year position as the face of This Morning. He later confessed to the Daily Mail that he had lied about the relationship, and <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/i-will-die-sorry-phillip-schofield-breaks-his-silence-on-his-career-ending-affair">informed The Sun that he was “not a groomer”</a>, despite public opinion. Criticism for the disgraced host flooded social media in the wake of the whole ordeal, with the story and its related rumours splashed across publications worldwide, and it was the backlash that Ferguson wanted to address, namely the idea of ‘cancel culture’ at the centre of it all. Thomson prompted the discussion by comparing social media’s take to a “huge game of Chinese whispers”, to which Ferguson responded that “it’s like the court of public opinion.” “And then [that can lead to] massive bullying to the point of extermination of a soul,” she added. “I don’t believe that anybody has that right to judge and exterminate a person’s own beliefs.” From there, Ferguson encouraged listeners not to leap to assumptions, as “we all have failings”. She asked that everyone instead take a moment “or make a cup of tea before you judge another human being without knowing all the facts”. “We don’t know the facts,” she pointed out. “We certainly don’t know what people get up to.” Thomson had her own thoughts to share on the matter, noting that “the problem is, when you’re in the public eye, any failing you make is there to be talked about, and the rest of us don’t have that. “We don't have that deep examining of where we've gone wrong, and then it's reflected over and over and over.” And while the two had made their point, Ferguson took a moment to discuss a - in her opinion “spot on” - article by Jeremy Clarkson for the Sunday Times, in which he wrote about the public’s race to condemn Schofield. “I’ve never seen a witch-hunt like it,” he said, “and what baffles me most of all is that, as things stand, no crime has been committed. I don’t know him at all well and have no skin in the game, but it seems to me he is only guilty of being what he said he was: gay.” In the article, Clarkson went on to note that the age gap between Schofield and his partner in the affair was receiving a different degree of attention to heterosexual stars in similar relationship situations - from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, who frequently dates women significantly younger than himself, and Al Pacino’s 54-year age gap with his pregnant partner. “Phil is no longer the genial host of some morning-time televisual cappuccino froth,” Clarkson surmised. “According to the people's court of social media, he's like his brother, a nonce.” Images: Getty

Relationships

"I will die sorry": Phillip Schofield breaks his silence on his career-ending affair

Former This Morning host Phillip Schofield has broken his silence over his affair with a colleague 30 years his junior in an interview with The Sun. And while the disgraced British television star shared that he had been left feeling “utterly broken and ashamed” over the whole ordeal, he stressed that any rumours of grooming were not true. “I did not,” he told the publication, after a week of the social media rumour mill running riot. “I did not [groom him].” “I know the photos of us circulating on Twitter look shocking, but I’m not a groomer,” Phillip insisted. He noted that “there are accusations of all sorts of things”, but claimed that had never been an abuse of power, as “we’d become mates … but of course I understand that there will be a massive judgement, but bearing in mind, I have never exercised that anywhere else.” According to Phillip, the two remain friends. And although the ex-show runner had been 30 years younger than him at the time of their affair, he added that the relationship had only begun after the man was 20 years old, when “something just happened between us that changed everything.” “I assume somebody, somewhere, assumed something was going on, correctly” he shared, “and didn't say anything. “At the time I did not think about it possibly ruining my career. I really probably only thought about it when I saw the rumour mill, and saw it growing. “Then I saw the link with the drama school photo [from] all those years before, and thought, ‘this looks shocking’." However, as Phillip said, he hadn’t lied in order to protect his own career, but instead because the other man in the affair hadn’t wanted “his name in public. He wanted his own life.” Phillip explained that “the lies grew bigger and bigger and bigger”, and that it was starting to have a deep effect on both of them. “It got to the stage where it was out of control,” he said, “and for whatever cost, it had to stop. “I have massive guilt, and regret. I’ve made a mistake, I’ve had an affair at work.” “I think my greatest apology must go to him,” Phillip revealed. “It has brought the greatest misery into his totally innocent life, his totally innocent family, his totally innocent friends. “It has brought the greatest grief to them.” He added that the pair hadn’t spoken since the story broke - and that he also no longer speaks to his former friend and co-host Holly Willoughby - but that when things began to spiral out of control, he’d “paid for his lawyers to independently work on his behalf. “I am deeply sorry and I apologise to him because I should have known better. I should have acted the way I have always acted. I should not have done it. “I’m sorry. And I will forever be sorry. I will die sorry. I am so deeply mortified.” Images: Getty

News

Stan Grant’s new book asks: how do we live with the weight of our history?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heidi-norman-859">Heidi Norman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> This month, journalist and public intellectual Stan Grant published his fifth book, <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460764022/the-queen-is-dead/">The Queen is Dead</a>. And last week, he abruptly stepped away from his career in the public realm, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/stan-grant-media-target-racist-abuse-coronation-coverage-enough/102368652">citing</a> toxic racism enabled by social media, and betrayal on the part of his employer, the ABC. “I was invited to contribute to the ABC’s coverage as part of a discussion about the legacy of the monarchy. I pointed out that the crown represents the invasion and theft of our land,” <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-19/stan-grant-media-target-racist-abuse-coronation-coverage-enough/102368652">he wrote</a> last Friday. “I repeatedly said that these truths are spoken with love for the Australia we have never been.” And yet, “I have seen people in the media lie and distort my words. They have tried to depict me as hate filled”. Grant has worked as a journalist in Australia for more than three decades: first on commercial current affairs – and until this week, as a main anchor at the ABC, where he was an international affairs analyst and the host of the panel discussion show Q+A. The former role reflects his global work, reporting from conflict zones with esteemed international broadcasters such as CNN. His second book, <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460751985/talking-to-my-country/">Talking to my Country</a>, won the Walkley Book Award in 2016. <hr /> Review: The Queen is Dead – Stan Grant (HarperCollins) <hr /> In this new book, Grant yearns for a way to comprehend the forces, ideas and history that led to this cultural moment we inhabit. The book, which opens with him grappling with the monarchy and its legacy, is revealing in terms of his decision to step back from public life. Released to coincide with <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronation-arrests-how-the-new-public-order-law-disrupted-protesters-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity-205328">the coronation</a> of the new English monarch, Charles III, The Queen is Dead seethes with rage and loathing – hatred even – at the ideas that have informed the logic and structure of modernity. Grant’s work examines the ideas that explain the West and modernity – and his own place as an Indigenous person of this land, from Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharawal country. That is: his work explores both who he is in the world and the ideas that tell the story of the modern world. He finds the latter unable to account for him. “This week, I have been reminded what it is to come from the other side of history,” he writes in the book’s opening pages. “History itself that is written as a hymn to whiteness […] written by the victors and often written in blood.” He asks “how do we live with the weight of this history?” And he explains the questions that have dominated his thinking: what is <a href="https://theconversation.com/whiteness-is-an-invented-concept-that-has-been-used-as-a-tool-of-oppression-183387">whiteness</a>, and what is it to live with catastrophe? <h2>The death of the white queen</h2> In his account, his rage is informed by the observation that the weight of this history was largely unexplored on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s death last September. The death of the white queen is the touchpoint always returned to in this work – and the release of the book coincides with the apparently seamless transition to her heir, now King Charles III. <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=917&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=917&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=917&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1152&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1152&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527406/original/file-20230522-29-dcc0ot.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1152&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure> In the lead-up to the coronation, “long live the king” echoed across the United Kingdom. Its long tentacles reached across the globe where this old empire once ruled, robbing and ruining much that it encountered. The death of the queen and the succession of her heir occurred with ritual and ceremony. Small tweaks acknowledged the changing world – but for the most part, this coronation occurred without revolution or bloodshed, without condemnation – and without contest of the British monarchs’ role in history and the world they continue to dominate, in one way or another. Grant argues the end of the 70-year rule of Queen Elizabeth II should mark a turning point: a global reckoning with the race-based order that undergirds empire and colonialism. Whereas the earlier century confidently pronounced the project of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-power-of-yindyamarra-how-we-can-bring-respect-to-australian-democracy-192164">democracy</a> and liberalism complete, it seems time has marched on. History has not “ended”, as Francis Fukuyama <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-end-of-history-francis-fukuyamas-controversial-idea-explained-193225">declared</a> in 1989 (claiming liberal democracies had been proved the unsurpassable ideal). Instead, history has entered a ferocious era of uncertainty and volatility. Grant reminds us that people of colour now dominate the globe. Race, <a href="https://theconversation.com/racism-is-real-race-is-not-a-philosophers-perspective-82504">as we now know</a>, is a flexible and slippery made-up idea, changing opportunistically to include and exclude groups, to dominate and possess. Grant examines this with great impact as he considers the lived experience of his white grandmother, who was shunned when living with a black man, shared his conditions of poverty with pluck and defiance, then resumed a place in white society without him. And writing of his mother, the other Elizabeth, Grant elaborates the complexity of identity not confined to the colour of skin, but forged from belonging to people and kinship networks, and to place – which condemns the pseudoscience of <a href="https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/speeches/power-identity-naming-oneself-reclaiming-community-2011">blood quantum</a> that informed the state’s control of Aboriginal lives. This suspect race science has proved enduring. Grant’s account of the death of the monarch is a genuine engagement with the history of ideas to contemplate the reality of our 21st-century present. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/527467/original/file-20230522-27-ts8u8f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Grant argues the end of the queen’s 70-year rule should mark ‘a global reckoning with the race-based order that undergirds empire and colonialism’. Yui Mok/AP</figcaption></figure> <h2>Liberalism and democracy = tyranny and terror</h2> In several essays now, Grant has engaged with the ideas of mostly Western philosophers and several conservative thinkers to explain the crisis of liberalism and democracy. Grant argues that, like other -isms, liberalism and democracy have descended into tyranny and terror. The new world order, dominated by <a href="https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-stan-grant-on-how-tyrants-use-the-language-of-germ-warfare-and-covid-has-enabled-them-204183">China</a> and people of colour, is in dramatic contrast to the continued rule of the white queen and her descendants. In this, perhaps more than his other books and essays, Grant moves between big ideas in history – the <a href="https://theconversation.com/criticism-of-western-civilisation-isnt-new-it-was-part-of-the-enlightenment-104567">Enlightenment</a>, modernity and democracy – to consider himself, his identity, and his own lived experience of injustice, where race is an undeniable organising feature. In this story he explains himself, as an Indigenous person, “an outsider, in the middle”; “an exile, living in exile, struggling with belonging”; living with the “very real threat of erasure”. <h2>Love, friendships, family, Country</h2> In the final section of the book, Grant’s focus switches to the theme of “love”, and to friendships, family and Country. He speculates that his focus on these things is perhaps a mark of age. Now, he accounts for the things in life that are truly valuable – and this includes deep affection for the joy that emanates from Aboriginal families. Being home on his Country, paddling the river, he finds quiet and peace. The death of the monarch of the British Empire, who ruled for 70 years, should speak to the history of empire and colonial legacy and all its curses – especially in settler colonial Australia. Yet her passing – which coincides with seismic change in the global economic order with China’s ascendance and the decline of the United States and the UK, the global cultural order and the racial order – has been largely unexamined in public discourse in Australia. The history of colonisation and of ideas that have debated ways to comprehend the past have been a feature of Grant’s intellectual exploration, including on the death of the queen. As he details in his new book, the reaction from some quarters to this conversation has exposed him to unrelenting and racist attack. In this work and in others, exploration of the world of ideas to understand the past and future sits alongside accounts of the everyday; of the always place-based realities of Aboriginal accounts of self. The material deprivations and indignities, the closely held humility that comes with poverty and powerlessness - shared socks, a house carelessly demolished, burials tragically abandoned – are countered by another reality: the intimacy of most Aboriginal lives, characterised by deep love, affection, laughter and belonging. These place-based, “small” stories Grant shares sit alongside the bigger themes of modern history, such as democracy and freedom. In this latest work, Grant details his sense of “betrayal” at the discussion he sought about the monarch’s passing and the discussion that was actually had, the history of ideas and his own place in this. And now, of course, he has announced his intention to exit the public stage. Racism, we are reminded, is an enduring feature of the modern world – a world yet to allow space for an unbowing, Wiradjuri-Kamilaroi-Dharawal public intellectual.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/204756/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/heidi-norman-859">Heidi Norman</a>, Professor, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/stan-grants-new-book-asks-how-do-we-live-with-the-weight-of-our-history-204756">original article</a>. Images: Q+A / ABC

Books

What it’s like to cruise around the world

Harry Phillips has checked off all the locations he dreamed to visit as a little boy growing up in Sydney – and he’s done it all by cruising. Harry has enjoyed a 75-night cruise around the Pacific and a 104-day cruise around the world and recommends cruising as a fun and convenient way to travel the globe. “I was just amazed the sights I saw on my cruise around the world. I saw places I had only read about, United States, Europe, Arabian Gulf, Asia, just so many great ports,” he tells Over60. Harry first got a taste for travelling on the sea when he embarked on a cruise around the Pacific on the Sun Princess. “The most memorable day was when we organised a mock wedding with the crew help. It had a cake and we held the wedding on the back deck. We had a friend dress as a minister, I was the MC and there were groomsmen and bridesmaids. It was a beautiful day, about 80 people turned up and thought it was for real,” he recalls. Two years later, his passion for exploring the world had not abated so Harry embarked on his second cruise on the Dawn Princess where he travelled around the globe. “I'm a widower and so is my lady friend and we both like warm weather. Those two years we were away from the cold weather,” he says. Some of his friends joined the two as they sailed from England to Sydney but “missed some great ports in America.” Breaking expectations Not everyone thought Harry’s adventure was a good idea. But Harry prove them wrong. He believes cruising reduces the majority of stresses that comes with travelling. “Friends said I was mad to be on a ship that long but most of the time you’re ashore all day sightseeing and only come back aboard to eat and sleep. Then you wake up in a different port. I tell them it's like traveling the world with a great hotel following you,” he says. “It’s the best way to see the world. You get on in Sydney unpack and have a drink while you sail away to see the world. You don't have to worry where to eat or stay, no worries about the weight of your bags. You see some of the best places in the world and I can tell you sailing into Sydney after 104 nights away is the most beautiful sight in the world.” For Harry, cruising the world is the prefect holiday. He can’t think of any negative aspects to his experience. The sheer excitement of looking forward to what he would see in the next port they stopped at made his day, every day. Many highlights Harry has taken away many highlights from his cruises – from visiting Normandy, to being stunned by the French country side and watching the changing of the guards in a palace in Monte Carlo. “One of our most memorable nights on board was on the formal night when we were invited to a private party by the Head Maitre D, his name was Rui. it was a birthday dinner for the first officer and there were two officers, another couple and us. It was a feast with jumbo prawns, lobster tails and we had flaming Bombe Alaska dessert,” he recalls. “It was a fabulous night, the wine flowed and we would only take a sip out of our glasses and the waiters would top it up. For the life of me I never realised why we were invited but we seemed to get along with Rui. He was very suave Italian, always immaculately dressed, not a hair out of place and to me he looked like he just stepped out of The Sopranos.” Images: Getty

Cruising

Star Wars actor collapses and dies at age 56

Star Wars actor Paul Grant has died at the age of 56 after collapsing at London’s King’s Cross. Grant was famous for his role as an Ewok in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 1983, and he also played a goblin in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The actor was found by police collapsed outside the station on Thursday afternoon, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/21777602/paul-grant-dead-star-wars-ewok-actor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>. Grant was reportedly rushed to hospital, but the doctors declared that he was brain dead and his life support machine was turned off on Sunday. His daughter, 28-year-old Sophie Jayne Grant, has said that she was “devastated” by the loss, and has described her father as a “legend”. "My dad was a legend in so many ways. He always brought a smile and laughter to everyone's face. He would do anything for anyone and was a massive Arsenal fan," she said. “He was an actor, father and grandad. He loved his daughters and son and his girlfriend Maria very much, as well as her kids who were like stepchildren to him. My dad, I love you so much, sleep tight,” she told The Sun. Grant lived with a rare genetic type of dwarfism called Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, that caused various health problems. He was also open about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction. Grant’s girlfriend Maria Dwyer has also paid tribute to the star. "Paul was the love of my life. The funniest man I know. He made my life complete. Life is never going to be the same without him," she said. Fans have taken to social media to mourn the star. “Sad to hear Paul Grant - Star Wars actor has died - I remember him in "Return of the Jedi" - my condolences to Paul's family,” wrote one fan. "R.I.P PAUL GRANT shocked & saddened big man ' we had fun & laughs over the years top Gooner with a passion REST EASY MY FRIEND,” wrote another. Image: Lucasfilm

News

"I did a Christian Bale": Hugh Grant loses it on set

Hugh Grant admitted to misdirecting his anger and going off at a “nice local woman” while filming Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. “I lost my temper with a woman in my eye line on day one,” Grant, 62, told Total Film magazine via Yahoo! “I assumed she was some executive from the studio who should have known better,” he said. “Then it turns out that she’s an extremely nice local woman who was the chaperone of the young girl.” The British actor called his temper tantrum “terrible” and explained that his episode ended with “a lot of grovelling,” according to Page Six. “I did a Christian Bale,” Grant teased, in reference to when Bale was caught on tape aggressively yelling at a Terminator: Salvation crew member in 2009. Later, the actor, 49, apologised profusely and called his actions “inexcusable”. This is not Hugh Grant’s first temper tantrum, as he’s previously admitted to occasionally having a short fuse. Former Daily Show host Jon Stewart called Grant one of the worst guests he ever had on his show, referring to the actor as “a big pain in the a**”. Grant held himself accountable, telling Andy Cohen in 2015, “He wasn’t entirely wrong.” “I did have a tantrum backstage. About once a year, I have a really mega-tantrum, and sadly he witnessed one. So he’s absolutely right.” He added. Hugh Grant stars in Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves alongside Chris Pine, Justice Smith, Michelle Rodriguez, Sophia Lillis and Regé-Jean Page. He spoke about why he was so drawn to the project, telling Collider that he liked the script was “about losers”. “This little band of comrades, they’re all a bit crap. [Pine’s character is] not great at being a bard. And the magician, played by Justice, is really bad. What do they call magicians in Dungeons & Dragons? Sorcerer. He’s not much good,” he told the outlet. “And Michelle’s character has been thrown out of whatever. What is she? Barbarian. And is still in love with her husband, who is in love with someone else. And I responded to that loser-ish thing about this little band.” he said. Image credit: Getty

Movies

"Just pure kindness": Richard E Grant's emotional gift after wife's death

Richard E Grant has shared the story of an incredibly thoughtful gift from his neighbour. The English actor said he was "undone" by his neighbour's gift, which was a heart-warming reminder of his late wife. Grant, 65, lost his wife, dialect coach Joan Washington, to lung cancer in September 2021. The actor shared an emotional video about the gift and how much it meant to him while he is continuing to grieve his loss. “I returned to the Cotswolds today for the weekend and the kind of violence in the silence as you long to hear the person that you can never hear again,” he began, looking visibly emotional. “What has completely floored me is to find that my incredibly generous neighbour Jules Bowsher has gifted me a comfort blanket, or a lap quilt as she calls it." “She has hand embroidered it over months, with all of my wife’s favourite poetry." “All of the names of the actors and coaches she worked with over the decades, films and stage plays that she coached on." “All the expressions that were common to our 38-year-long marriage.” The actor continued, “It includes little 3D pockets of happiness with keepsakes and trinkets, all referencing our long marriage.” “The amount of time she has taken to do this, it’s beyond measure as the kindness of friendship has undone me in the greatest spirit of Christmas as possible,” Grant said. “How can two little words, ‘Thank you,’ begin to adequately convey the enormity of what she has given me? “We’re not related. We’re not family or anything like that. Just pure kindness.” He finished by saying, “Thank you Jules. You’ve made a grown man cry with gratitude.” Fans flocked to comment on what a kind gift it was, sharing their admiration for the actor's thoughtful neighbour. “The hours that lovely lady must have spent, but to see how well received it has been, must give her pleasure too,” one follower wrote. <div> “What a kind lady,” wrote another. “I have lost my only son, and the kindness of people has blown me away; the world can be a hard place to be sometimes, but kindness truly takes over everything else, for sure.” Image credits: Instagram </div>

Caring

Favourite film stars from the 60s

They just don’t make movies stars like they used to, do they? Here are five of our favourite film stars from the 60s. 1. John Wayne John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison, grew up in southern California. As a child, he had a dog named "Duke" (which would later become his own nickname. He had a summer job doing props for a film company, and eventually landed a few bit parts thanks to his friendship with the director. He hit the big time when he was cast in Stagecoach in 1939, and was billed as John Wayne. He appeared in almost 250 movies. Best known for: Rio Grande (1950) The Alamo (1960) True Grit (1969) Famous quotes: “Young fella, if you’re looking; for trouble I’ll accommodate ya.” True Grit (1969) “I wouldn’t make it a habit of calling me that son.” The Cowboys (1972) 2. Cary Grant Cary Grant, born Archibald Alexander Leach, spent his childhood in Bristol, England. He left school at age 14 and joined a troupe of comedians, learning pantomime and acrobatics. He was selected to go to the United States and had a show on Broadway called Good Times. He stayed in America, and ended up starring with Grace Kelly in 1955’s To Catch a Thief. Best known for: An Affair To Remember (1957) North By Northwest (1959) Famous quotes: “Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant.” Cary Grant “My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can.” Cary Grant 3. Paul Newman The blue-eyed legend of the silver screen, Newman was born in Ohio and started acting in high school plays before he attended Yale University's School of Drama. Talent scouts in Ohio, who encouraged him to move to New York City to be a professional actor, spotted Grant. After a few small parts he hit the big time playing boxer Rocky Graziano in Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956). Best known for: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) Cool Hand Luke (1967) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Famous quotes: “Money won is twice as sweet as money earned.” The Color of Money (1986) “The embarrassing thing is that my salad dressing is out-grossing my films.” Paul Newman (2008) 4. Julie Andrews The English actress was born Julia Elizabeth Wells and began working as a singer from an early age. She shot to fame on Broadway in the role of Eliza Doolittle in the 1956 hit My Fair Lady. She followed this up with Cinderella (1957) and Camelot (1960) but it was Mary Poppins in 1964 that saw her become a household name. Best known for: Mary Poppins (1964) The Sound of Music (1965) 10 (1979) Famous quotes: “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – SNAP – the job's a game!” Mary Poppins (1964) “The hills are alive with the sound of music. With songs they have sung for a thousand years.” The Sound of Music (1965) 5. Sean Connery Thomas Sean Connery was born in Edinburgh and had many jobs (including coffin polisher) before getting into acting. He starred in several TV movies, TV series and small films before his big break playing James Bond in Dr. No (1962). He went on to play Bond six more times and continued making films in the 70s to the present day. Best known for: Dr. No (1962) The Untouchables (1987) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) The Hunt for Red October (1990) Famous quotes: “Bond. James Bond.” Dr. No (1962) “I like women. I don't understand them, but I like them.” Sean Connery (1957) Image: Getty Images

Movies

Video of Queen Elizabeth playing with first grandchild resurfaces

Royal fans have gone wild over a resurfaced clip of the late Queen Elizabeth playing with her first grandchild when he was just a child. In honour of Peter Phillips' 45th birthday, a royal fan account on Instagram shared the historic video of Her Majesty playing with Phillips in 1978. The video showed an intimate moment in the royal nursery at Buckingham Palace, as Princess Anne presented her son Peter to her mother, the Queen. As the mother and daughter sat on a floral patterned sofa, they were joined by one of the Queen's many dogs - which seemed to delight the one-year-old Peter as he gurgled and smiled. Meanwhile his grandmother, the Queen, could be seen smiling down at him. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ck-rLguIkp6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ck-rLguIkp6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Windsor Royal Family (@windsor.royal.family)</a> </div> </blockquote> The clip was shared to Instagram with the caption, "Happy 45th birthday to Peter Phillips." "Queen Elizabeth II with her daughter, The Princess Royal and grandson, 13 months old Peter at Buckingham Palace in December 1978." The video has racked up over 10,000 likes, with a flood of comments praising the late Queen for always being a doting grandmother. One person wrote, "The Queen was such a sweet grandmother." Another royal fan said, "Wonderful. Her first grandchild. She looks so happy. Missing our Queen so much." "I love how much the Queen loved her dogs, let them on her furniture, loved her grandbabies and taught them about loving pets too," said a third. "You can tell so much about people who are kind to animals. God bless beautiful Queen Elizabeth. Happy Birthday Peter Phillips." Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

Iconic Harry Potter actor passes away

Comedy actor Leslie Phillips, known for his roles in the Carry On films and as the voice of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter series, has died aged 98. Phillips passed away on Monday after a long illness. "I've lost a wonderful husband and the public has lost a truly great showman,” his wife Zara told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/20359203/leslie-phillips-dead-harry-potter-carry-on/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>. "He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went. “When we married he cheekily introduced me to the press as royalty, insisting I was the new Zara Phillips and that I was related to the Queen.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We are incredibly sad to hear of the passing of the wonderful Leslie Phillips who voiced the Sorting Hat with such inimitable wit and style in the Harry Potter films. <a href="https://t.co/gcqsIT2T3j">pic.twitter.com/gcqsIT2T3j</a> — Harry Potter Film (@HarryPotterFilm) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarryPotterFilm/status/1589982353274929152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2022</a></blockquote> With more than 200 roles in film, TV and radio series over a career spanning eight decades, the British actor was known for catch phrases including “Ding dong” - referencing his character Jack Bell in 1959’s Carry On Nurse - “I say” and “Well, hello”, delivering the last phrase with a suggestive intonation. Despite only starring in four of the 31 Carry On movies, Phillips said his famous catch phrases followed him for the rest of his career. Since the news of his death, tributes from fans and fellow actors have flowed in for Phillips. "RIP Leslie Phillips. Working with him was a joy. And yes he did say DING DONG (because I asked him to),” Coronation Street actor Tony Maudsley, who worked with Phillips, <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyMaudsley1/status/1589961247872909312" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>, along with a photo of the pair on a project they starred in. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 'Well, he-llo!' - alas, no more. He was such fun. He had a wicked sense of humour, such skill as a performer & a unique style that made every performance memorable, watchable & joyous. Honoured to have known him & to salute a long & special life. RIP Leslie Phillips. Ding-dong! <a href="https://t.co/tM9kiIxM83">https://t.co/tM9kiIxM83</a> — Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) <a href="https://twitter.com/GylesB1/status/1589981308822114306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2022</a></blockquote> “Sorry to hear Leslie Phillips has passed. Always liked his pater and had a few nice exchanges with him on Twitter back in the days when you could do that sort of thing on here,” Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh <a href="https://twitter.com/IrvineWelsh/status/1589970373957021697">wrote</a>. Even controversial TV show host Piers Morgan paid tribute, describing Phillips as a “wonderful character” and “superb” actor. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The wonderful actor, everyone's favourite cad, a master of innuendo and dearest of friends, Leslie Phillips has died aged 98. Spent so many happy times together. He came to my wedding. I shall miss him greatly. Ding Dong Leslie. Hello and now a final goodbye dear chum. <a href="https://t.co/uzhgwIiqcW">pic.twitter.com/uzhgwIiqcW</a> — Morris Bright MBE (@MorrisBrightMBE) <a href="https://twitter.com/MorrisBrightMBE/status/1589956691251953664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2022</a></blockquote> “R.I.P. Leslie Phillips. You didn’t quite Carry On until 100, but Ding Dong! you had a spiffing good try,” author Martin Knight <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinKnight_/status/1589951574176305153" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared</a>. Coronation Street actor Stuart Anthony <a href="https://twitter.com/STU_ACTOR/status/1589950232778792960" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>: “The wonderful Leslie Phillips CBE has left us. Aged 98. A true gentleman, fantastic actor and the nicest man I’ve ever met. His stories were the best.. RIP Leslie Phillips.” While he was known for his portrayals of upper class Brits, Phillips grew up in north London and revealed in a recent interview with <a href="https://www.theoldie.co.uk/blog/rip-leslie-phillips-at-98" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oldie</a> magazine that he took elocution lessons to change his Cockney accent. “All my friends and family were Londoners, real Cockneys, my brother is still a Cockney. They found it hard to recognise the new me, though my voice has without doubt played an enormous part in my success,” he told the outlet. After attending Italia Conti Stage School, Phillips served as a lieutenant in the Durham Light Infantry during World War II, but was declared unfit for service just before D-Day. He first appeared in film in the 1930s but wouldn’t go on to star in the Carry On series in 1959 and 1960. In 1998, the actor was made an OBE on the Birthday Honours list before being promoted to CBE in the 2008 New Honours. At the age of 90, he suffered two strokes six months apart. Image: Getty Images

Caring

Man’s huge legal debacle after mother dies in retirement village

Heartbroken Aussies who have lost a family member at retirement villages have been left fuming after being slapped with hidden fees. Gerard Grant lost his mother Dulcie almost two years ago and grieved her death, hoping her affairs would be a simple process. Mr Grant decided to lease the unit that his mother had been staying at for 15 years when he was shocked to find that he would instead be faced with a $55,000 bill for renovations. "It was listing everything from changing over toilets, to door handles, to electrical work," he told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/aussies-warn-about-retirement-village-exit-fees/2c9a556c-c0ae-479b-be91-e33065392676" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair.</a> "It was basically gutting the entire unit and installing everything brand new, which, in our view, was incredibly unreasonable and unwarranted, an absolute waste of money.” Mr Grant was not having any of it and challenged the retirement village, which is now run by Centennial Living, who then lawyered up. Lawyers sent Mr Grant letters of demand to settle the sale of the lease which should see the family pocket a huge $500,000. However, the lawyers argued that the retirement village was entitled to the $55,000 for refurbishments. It was then that Mr Grant suspected that his mother’s unit was not empty, so he called the landline and a woman called telling him that she had moved in. Mr Grant told the woman that she shouldn’t be there because they haven’t yet given over the certificate for the lease. Ian Henschke, the chief advocate for National Seniors Australia, noted it was important for families to understand what they were getting into with retirement villages. "A lot of people don't realise is what they're often doing is simply buying a lease on the property. They don't own it," he said. He warned that families are left with costs and exit fees they never expected due to the complicated contract. Mr Henschke said it was up to the state governments to make it an easier process stating it was not fair on older citizens. Image: A Current Affair

Retirement Life

Amy Grant hospitalised

Singer Amy Grant has been hospitalised following a bike accident, suffering cuts and abrasions. The 61-year-old was cycling with a friend in Nashville, Tennessee, when she fell off her bicycle. Grant was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was treated for her injuries and stayed overnight as a precaution, a representative told People. “[She] will be staying another night for observation and treatment," the rep added. Following the accident, Grant’s team shared an update on Instagram, thanking fans for their “prayers and well wishes”. “Thank you to all those offering prayers and well wishes for Amy after her bike crash yesterday,” the post read. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgkinQdPfhP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgkinQdPfhP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Amy Grant (@amygrantofficial)</a> </div> </blockquote> “She is in hospital receiving treatment but in stable condition. She is expected to go home later this week where she will continue to heal. Your kind thoughts and heartfelt prayers are felt and received. Amy was wearing her helmet and we would remind you all to do the same!” The accident comes two years after the singer underwent open-heart surgery to correct a partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) - a rare heart defect she was born with but only discovered during a routine check-up. When asked about her operation and health journey, Grant said she had “no idea” she had it. "I think women tend to put their health on the back burner," she told <a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Good Morning America</a> last year "It's more like, 'Oh my children, my grandchildren, my work, my spouse.' All of those things and we need the gift of each other. So even if you go, 'Oh, I got nothing on the radar,' just get somebody else to check it out." Once she recovers from her accident, Grant will be in for a busy year, with a tour scheduled to start from next month. After performing a string of shows in Tennessee and other US states, Grant will be returning home for Christmas-themed shows with her husband of 22 years, singer-songwriter Vince Gill, in December. At the end of the year, Grant will also be recognised by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with a Kennedy Center Honor - a prestigious accolade with previous recipients including George Clooney, Gladys Knight, and U2. Image: @amygrantofficial (Instagram)

Caring

Hugh Grant trolls outgoing PM Boris Johnson

Actor Hugh Grant has engaged in some hilarious antics against outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson amid calls for the leader to quit. After several days defying calls for his resignation from Conservative MPs and mass resignations from his cabinet, Mr Johnson finally announced he would resign late on Thursday (Australian time). But, the announcement came with the sounds of Yakety Sax playing in the background - per a request from Grant. The Love Actually star requested activists standing outside Westminster to play the famed Benny Hill Show theme song, which activist and anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray honoured at full volume. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Morning <a href="https://twitter.com/snb19692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@snb19692</a> Glad you have your speakers back. Do you by any chance have the Benny Hill music to hand? — Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/HackedOffHugh/status/1544953409845043201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></blockquote> “Morning [Mr Bray],” Grant tweeted on Thursday afternoon. “Glad you have your speakers back. Do you by any chance have the Benny Hill music to hand?” Mr Bray was all too happy to play the tune, sharing footage of protestors dancing to the wacky tune on the College Green. “Just for [Hugh Grant] as requested here today at the media circus… College Green. The Benny Hill theme tune,” Mr Bray tweeted. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Just for <a href="https://twitter.com/HackedOffHugh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HackedOffHugh</a> as requested here today at the media circus… College Green. The Benny Hill theme tune. <a href="https://t.co/Tazb57gT8e">pic.twitter.com/Tazb57gT8e</a> — Steve Bray Activist Against Brexit +Corrupt Tories (@snb19692) <a href="https://twitter.com/snb19692/status/1544998211630383104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></blockquote> The music could even be heard in the background of news broadcasts which aired interviews with MPs, including supporters of Mr Johnson, also held in Parliament Square. Footage of the interviews quickly spread on social media, with many praising Grant and the activists. “Brilliant! Whoever is responsible for the choice of music & the impeccable timing should be given an MBE!!!” one person commented. “You absolute beauties. He’s only gone and done it!” a second fan wrote. “Don’t know about you, but I’m pretty damn excited with Boris Johnson’s replacement as the new PM,” another said, sharing a photo of Grant in his role as the British PM in Love Actually. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Hugh Grant tweeted a request at activists protesting outside Westminster to play the Benny Hill theme on their loudspeakers; when they did it became the soundtrack for street interviews with leading Tories trying explain the situation to the British people <a href="https://t.co/V1LxUoxRUE">pic.twitter.com/V1LxUoxRUE</a> — Aaron Fritschner (@Fritschner) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fritschner/status/1545077380527673344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></blockquote> “Your request was Grant’ed Hugh!” another joked. “Bravo Steve! Bravo!” Although Mr Johnson has announced his resignation, he wants to stay until his replacement is chosen. “Today I have appointed a cabinet to serve, as I will, until a new leader is in place,” he said in his speech outside Downing Street. “I know that there will be many people who are relieved and perhaps quite a few who will also be disappointed. And I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world. But them’s the breaks.” Images: Getty Images

Legal

Grant Denyer’s big win over “false” affair story

TV presenter Grant Denyer has recently celebrated his win against tabloid magazine New Idea, after the publication was forced to publicly apologise for publishing a false story about him having an affair. In mid-October, New Idea published a story implying that Denyer was having an affair with his Dancing with the Stars partner Lily Cornish. Taking to Instagram on Monday, the Gold Logie winner shared two photos of the apology, which appeared on both <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.newidea.com.au/grant-denyer-chezzi-denyer-lily-cornish-apology" target="_blank">their website</a> and latest printed edition. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHTazzBfoa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHTazzBfoa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Grant Denyer (@grantdenyer)</a> </div> </blockquote> “As many of you have already read and raised with us, New Idea have printed today on the editor’s page an apology to Chezzi, Lily and myself for their most recent attack - The false, sensationalised, out of context and WRONG front cover,” he began in the caption. “And they have admitted (which very rarely ever happens) that the article was false. “They also have admitted that they regret publishing the article.” He <a rel="noopener" href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/2021/12/06/grant-denyer-wins-new-idea-battle/" target="_blank">also revealed</a> that he received a “confidential settlement” from the magazine almost two months after the “sensationalised” claims emerged. Denyer said that he had every intention of suing the publication, employing lawyers from Corrs Chambers Westgarth to argue his case, but a “suitable” settlement was reached outside of court. He noted that the settlement included, “most importantly, a public apology and an admission that the story and headline were false”. Though he said he, his wife Chezzi, and Cornish couldn’t remove the edition from circulation, “we hope this sets a serious precedent for the future”. “Thanks to each and every one of you who have sent us letters, emails and messages of support throughout this, and to all of those who passed on their distain (sic) to New Idea and boycotted the magazine, we thank you from the bottom of our heart,” he continued. “Without your support the 3 of us may not have been brave enough to take on this media giant.” New Idea released the apology earlier on Monday and conveyed its regret in publishing the story. “Are Media and New Idea acknowledge that Grant Denyer and Lily Cornish are not having an extramarital affair. They have never had an affair,” it said. “Are Media and New Idea regret publishing the article. “Are Media and New Idea wish to sincerely apologise to Grant Denyer, Chezzi Denyer and Lily Cornish for the hurt and embarrassment caused by this article.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV4nf66Jw2G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV4nf66Jw2G/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Grant Denyer (@grantdenyer)</a> </div> </blockquote> When the story first emerged, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/grant-and-chezzi-denyer-slam-cheating-rumours" target="_blank">Denyers refuted its claims</a> that Grant was “caught out” with Cornish. “Lilz is like our adopted daughter,” Chezzi said at the time, adding that Cornish was a close friend of both her and Denyer. “We grew extremely close during her month long stay with us here in Bathurst. We absolutely adore her!” Image: Getty Images

News

Hugh Grant’s former penthouse sells for eye-watering price

A penthouse once belonging to actor Hugh Grant has been listed for sale with a jaw-dropping £7,950,000 price tag. The British actor lived in the London home while filming rom-com Love Actually in 2002 but <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10111479/Hugh-Grants-former-South-Kensington-penthouse-goes-sale-7-950-000.html" target="_blank">sold it</a> just one year later for £3.5 million. The luxe three-bedroom apartment, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.alexandermillett.com/petersham-house-sw7" target="_blank">listed</a> by realtors Alexander Millett, comes with an outdoor jacuzzi on the roof, a sun deck, a private gym, and panoramic views of London. With vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the penthouse’s flashy interior is spread over 3,000-square feet and comes with 1500-square-foot of private outdoor space. From the master bedroom, there are views of the river and Battersea Power Station, while the west-facing side of the terrace offers views towards Chelsea. The home sits on the seventh floor of the South Kensington Petersham House in the heart of the district. Images: Getty Images, Alexander Millett

Real Estate

Prince Harry comes together with royal family in tribute to Prince Phillip

Prince Harry will soon join with members of the British Royal Family, including brother Prince William, as a special tribute is paid to his late grandfather, Prince Phillip. The Duke of Edinburgh will forever be remembered by all of his children and grandchildren in a documentary that will air later this month. The BBC recently announced the release of Prince Phillip: The Royal Family Remembers, revealing it was something that began as a tribute for the Duke’s 100th birthday, but was reworked following his death in April. “More than a dozen members of the Royal Family offer their personal thoughts and reflections as they pay historic tribute to the extraordinary life of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip Duke of Edinburgh” a press release stated. All children of the Queen and Duke, along with their adult grandchildren and other members of the Royal Family, have agreed to take part in this unique portrait of the longest-serving consort in royal history. This landmark documentary features interviews filmed both before and after the Duke’s death in April. Producers were given special access to the Queen’s private home movie collection, which is sure to unearth some unique footage. Between the footage and the interview, it’s said the documentary will be “an unrivalled portrait of a man with a unique place in royal history – by those who knew him best”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843910/new-project.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/51030a792e54409f928e261d7152e908" /> Image: Getty Prince Harry has made a number of TV appearances since his exit from life as a senior royal in March 2020, but none of those have been alongside other members of the Royal Family. His two Oprah appearances and his appearance in the mental health docu-series The Me You Can’t See – both covered his trials and tribulations with the royals and his perhaps worst memories in recent times. This TV appearance will more than likely have a more positive angle for the Duke of Sussex to reflect on. Prince Harry flew from the US to the UK to attend his grandfather’s funeral, marking this occasion as the first time he’d seen his family since the claims of racism within The Firm, among a number of other revelations. This new documentary isn’t the first time the family are paying tribute to their patriarch. Days after passing, the Queen and Prince Phillip’s four children – Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – remembered their farther in a special that aired on the BBC. Prince Phillip: The Royal Family Remembers airs in the UK on September 22 at 9 pm (6 am September 23rd AEST).

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