Issue 4: This week in New Idea

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ELLEN DEGENERES TELLS: MY SECRET STRUGGLE

She’s got TV’s hottest talk show, a blissfully happy marriage, reported annual earnings of $50 million – and the whole nation flushed with excitement over her impending visit to Oz in March. But popular Ellen DeGeneres, who turns 55 this week, didn’t achieve her current state of success and contentment easily – in fact, the star confesses that not so long ago she felt her life had hit rock bottom. In her own words, she was ‘sure it was all over’. On her way to Oz, the star opens up about her private life and the news that changed her life forever.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: KATE’S BABY PREP: HYPNOTHERAPY, YOGA… AND GRANDMA IS MOVING IN!

July is circled on the calendar as Kate and William tick off the days to their baby’s arrival. But with six long months ahead, Kate has three secret weapons to cope with the rigours of pregnancy: yoga, hypnotherapy and her mum! New Idea exclusively speaks with Jessica Hay, the Duchess’ oldest friend, as she reveals all the details on how the baby preparations are coming along.

BEC AND LLEYTON: NEW YEAR, NEW BABY!

After a traumatic year, doting young mum Bec Hewitt looks set to put the drama of 2012 behind her and focus on a joyous new project – baby number four! While hubby Lleyton has been unsure about another little one – especially while he’s still battling it out on the tennis circuit – friends close to the couple say Bec longs for another child to complete their family.

NICOLE’S WORRY OVER BELLA’S BIG WEDDING SHOCK

There’s a ring on her finger and a smile on her face, but Isabella Cruise has a few issues weighing on her mind when it comes to tying the knot with her Scientology love Eddie Frencher. Not only does the bride-to-be want to delay her dream wedding until she and her beau lose more than 60kg between them, she also wants both her famous parents to give their blessing. But Bella’s excitement isn’t shared by everyone. While Tom Cruise is believed to be enthusiastic about the nuptials, Nicole Kidman has reservations. The two parents now face a war of wills over the wedding.

RACHAEL FINCH AND MICHAEL MIZINER SAY ‘I DO’

A chance pairing on Dancing With The Stars brought them together – and now Rachael Finch and Michael Miziner have made it official off the dance floor. New Idea exclusively joined Rachael and Michael on their big day. The bride looked breathtaking in a stunning low back, fishtail-style, silk chiffon dress with chiffon and crepe layering, complemented with a floor-length veil. ‘We were getting married in the middle of summer in a garden, and I am very much an environment person, so for me I wanted to portray a beautiful summer breeze,’ Rachael says.

BRIAN AND VOGUE – FEUDS, KIDS AND THEIR NEW START

Married life has been a calming influence on this former freewheeling bad boy. This week, Brian and Vogue speak exclusively to New Idea about feuds, kids and their new start. ‘Now our idea of a special night is actually to stay at home together, cooking food. Our day-to-day life is pretty quiet, you know,’ grins the former Australia’s Got Talent judge. Vogue, who ‘definitely’ wants children with Brian one day, adds simply: ‘We like to keep each other on our toes, but we could spend the guts of a month together and never have an argument.’ Brian gently disagrees: ‘I have slept on the couch a couple of times with Winston if I got home drunk from the football!’

FOOD: TRUE BLUE FAVOURITES

Celebrate Australia Day with a backyard barbie! New Idea showcases a selection of modern day dishes, including salmon kebabs with harissa, pork spare ribs with peach and orange glaze and smoked fennel steaks with prawns. And for that extra Aussie touch, New Idea suggests whipping up some tangy tomato relish to serve on the day.