Ray Meagher turns 70!

Forget 70 being the new 50 - it's the new 30 according to Ray ‘Alf Stewart’ Meagher who celebrates his 70th birthday today!

But don’t even think about throwing him a surprise birthday party – the plain-talking TV stalwart will have none of it.

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"If I found out my wife or friends were planning anything like that, I wouldn’t turn up!" laughs the larrikin legend.

Ray’s no birthday Grinch – he just doesn’t like a flamin’ fuss!

Sweet-toothed Ray couldn’t resist a birthday treat from the New Idea food team’s Barb (above) and Pam (far right).. Source: New Idea magazine

"Not that I’m not happy to try these cakes you’ve been so kind to make," says Ray – who’s dropped by the New Idea Test Kitchen to share a chocolate birthday sponge and our ‘flamin’ galah’ cupcakes.

Instead, he and wife Gilly will celebrate with a road trip to Tassie where he plans to catch up with former costar Norman Coburn (who played Headmaster Donald Fisher).

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"He [Donald] lives on Bruny Island these days and he tells me the food and the wine’s great down there. I’m looking for ward to a good catch-up with him over a few reds," he says.

So what’s the 2010 Gold Logie winner's health secret?

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"I’m not popping vitamins or gulping green smoothies. I just try and be sensible," septuagenarian explains.‘When I’m onto a new, looser belt notch I cut back on my portion sizes and I try to walk for a good hour at least three times a week.’

Read the full story in this week's New Idea magazine, on sale now!

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