While we all love and crave the theatrics (duh!), one bride is already standing out against the inevitable chaos for all the right reasons: the delightfully wholesome Katie Johnson.
Self-described on her Insta bio as “living the bougie hippie life,” Katie is a mentor, writer, traveller, and nature lover.
Katie Johnson is a CEO bringing heart and hustle to MAFS 2025
Katie is the founder of EATS HQ, a Queensland-based social enterprise restaurant with a mission to “empower all through support.”
EATS HQ focuses on helping individuals and communities build self-sustainable livelihoods, whether that’s through job opportunities or donations.
“Our mission is to serve up meals that make a difference while providing beautiful spaces for like-minded individuals to come together,” reads the website.
EATS HQ was even a finalist for the Sunshine Coast Business Awards for Social Impact in 2021. What a queen!
Katie Johnson has made her TV debut before MAFS
Katie’s feel-good efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, with a heartwarming TV cameo long before she even dreamed of becoming a reality star on MAFS.
In 2023, she and her EATS HQ team appeared on Sunrise alongside weather presenter Sam Mac at the iconic Eumundi Markets.
Katie’s infectious penchant for positivity first caught attention in 2020 when a post she shared on The Kindness Pandemic Facebook page went semi-viral.
She described witnessing a heartwarming moment at a café in Noosa — a dad clearing his table to let a frail, elderly couple sit — and how it inspired her to pay it forward, setting off a ripple effect of goodwill that left her in happy tears.
“See, one little act of kindness, despite what’s going on in your day, can really make a difference for a lot of people. Be kind even when you’re hurting,” she wrote.
The post racked up tens of thousands of likes and earned Katie an interview with 7News.
And now, her next moment in the spotlight has arrived!
The full cast of Married at First Sight (MAFS) 2025 has recently leaked so we know who is set to walk down the aisle next year, one of these brides is Jacqueline Burfoot.
Jacqueline is a New Zealand native who is more than just good looks! In fact, she’s a very smart cookie and known as the life of the party.
Read on to learn more about MAFS 2025 bride Jacqueline.
What is MAFS’ Jacqueline job?
Image: Instagram.
Jacqueline is one smart cookie. She has a Bachelors of Law and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland, where she graduated in 2018.
Between 2019 and 2024, Jacqueline has had several roles as a lawyer and investment analyst.
She has also studied at the College of Law Australia and Harvard Business School Online.
One of her colleagues endorsed her on LinkedIn, saying she is one of the “most hardworking, dedicated, and intelligent lawyer-turned-entrepreneurs”.
“Throughout the women’s tech accelerator at University of Auckland and our class, it was clear that she will excel whereever she is and at whatever she applies herself to,” her peer noted on LinkedIn.
Jacqueline is known as “the life of the party”
Not only is Jacqueline the holder of a double degree, but her friends have nothing but the best things to say about her.
Maybe she’ll be one of the fan favourites on MAFS?
“Jacqui is an absolute delight to be around. She’s fun, loving, and has a heart of gold,” a friend told The Daily Mail.
“She loves animals and is always the life of the party. I have no doubt she’ll turn up the heat on MAFS.”
Who is Jacqueline paired with on MAFS 2025?
For this upcoming season of MAFS 2025, Jacqueline is rumoured to be paired with Ryan Donnelly. Back in August, The Daily Mail published images of Jacqueline kissing him for the first dinner of the series.
Ryan is an actor and his friends have said he is a “nice guy”.
I wonder how well these two will get along!
Stream past seasons of MAFS on 9Now. MAFS Season 12 will air in 2025.
Read on to find out everything we know about the leaked winner of Love Island Australia.
Mimi, Sophie and Em, Love Island Australia 2024. Image: Nine
Who is predicted to win Love Island Australia?
In the past, betting odds often gave a good indication of who was set to win Love Island Australia 2024.
While insider trading is strictly illegal, if a particular couple had a lot of money bet on them, that would usually indicate that a lot of people would be likely to vote for them.
Australia’s biggest betting site, Sportsbet, quietly stopped taking bets in the novelty category in October 2024, which means we unfortunately don’t have that to go off anymore.
Fans think that Kaylah and Eric will win Love Island 2024
This season has been pre-recorded, and all of the dumpings have been decided by the Superfans, but the season finale is expected to be live.
Australia will have the option to vote for the Love Island 2024 winner from Thursday, December 12, which means that no one actually knows who will win. However, some polls have been floating around Facebook fan pages, and Kaylah and Eric are easily winning those.
Kaylah and Eric. Image: Nine.
One particular poll has one thousand votes, and Kaylah and Eric have the lion’s share of them. Em and Mercedes follow closely behind the couple.
In third place, it’s relatively even between Mimi and Steph and Hannah and Taylor, however, we already know that the former couple have been dumped.
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that many people who will be voting for theLove Island Australia winnersaren’t voting in Facebook polls.
So, take of that what you will!
The Love Island Australia 2024 finale airs on Monday, December 16 at 8.30pm AEST on 9Now and 9Go!
The Bachelor Australia’sJimmy Nicholson and his wife, Holly Nicholson, have welcomed a baby boy, Lennox James Nicholson, into the world.
Their son Lennox was born on Monday, December 9, weighing 3.35 kilograms.
In an Instagram post, Holly announced the arrival of their baby boy.
“At the risk of sounding cliche, it’s certainly true what they say, there is no handbook to prepare you for this kind of love overnight,” she posted.
“Thank you for choosing us little man, waking up to you the last few mornings has truly felt like a dream. You already have us wrapped around your very long fingers & toes.”
Jimmy and Holly posted an adorable gender reveal video on Instagram in September. In the clip, The Bachelor alums shared the exciting news with their friends and family using various methods. One was through playing cards and another was through a cupcake!
Since then, Jimmy and Holly have been documenting their pregnancy journey on Instagram. They’ve given their followers a behind-the-scenes look at their DIY journey for the nursery, their move into their new home and Jimmy being pregnant for the day!
The ex-Bachelor contestants have been very honest and upfront with their fertility journey.
In another Instagram post first announcing her pregnancy, Holly said her positive result wasn’t a “walk in the park”.
“Whilst we were struggling through this privately, we made a promise to ourselves that if / when we do eventually get pregnant, we will acknowledge on here that it wasn’t as easy as we had anticipated… in the hopes it might make some feel less alone,” she said.
“For those looking at this right now experiencing infertility or loss, we see you & from the bottom of our hearts hope a little miracle comes your way too.”
Congrats Jimmy and Holly, we are so happy for you!
The remaining Islanders were tasked with choosing one couple to be eliminated, and Steph and Mimi received the most votes. Both of them were shocked to learn of their elimination, and Steph angrily told the group that they were the “last couple that was supposed to be dumped”.
On a brighter note, the seemingly loved-up couple got to leave the villa together, so what happened after? Here’s everything we know about thisLove Island Australia couple and their relationship status.
Steph and Mimi: Does this couple survive Love Island Australia?
Mimi and Steph. Image: Nine
While in the villa, Mimi and Steph’s relationship appeared strong, but things have come crashing down since then.
During an interview with 9Now, Steph revealed that he and Mimi are no longer together.
“Mimi and I are not in a relationship. We decided to stop things one month after the show, but we are on good terms together. I don’t regret anything. She’s an amazing woman,” he told the publication.
Meanwhile, Mimi spilled a bit more of the tea, telling the publication that she was the one to end things.
“I actually called it quits with him, purely because he did and said things that I was not comfortable with. He showed another side of him that I didn’t like,” she explained.
“When the show finished, we actually got into quite a big argument that involved me stating that I didn’t want to continue this relationship.
“He kind of crossed my boundaries quite a few times and I was quite upset about it. I feel like he was a different person outside of the Villa.”
Steph and Mimi’s Love Island story
Mimi and Steph have been paired with Dylan and Kaylah for Hotel Amor. Image: Nine
Mimi was one of the original Islanders on Love Island Australia 2024, and early on, she was coupled up with DylanTowolawi.
As time passed and Steph eventually entered the villa as a Bombshell (a Love God, in fact), Mimi found herself leaning toward the Frenchman instead and eventually, she recoupled with him.
Will Mimi end up with Dylan?
Regardless of the fact that Mimi and Dylan were only together early on in the show, fans on social media have been gunning for them to get back together and a recent Reddit post has added fuel to the fire.
One Redditor shared a bunch of photos of Mimi and Dylan out together outside of the villa and included a telling tidbit.
“I was sent these photos by a lovely Redditor who saw them yesterday. They said they [Dylan and Mimi] were all over each other and kissing!! Her outfit matches that of a TikTok uploaded by her friend yesterday as well,” they wrote.
This season will once again throw a group of celebrities, a little more accustomed to the high life, into the wild, where they’ll tough it out together in a camp deep in the jungle. But where exactly is that jungle?
Here’s what we know about the filming location for I’m a Celebrity Australia 2025.
Where is I’m a Celebrity Australia 2025 being filmed?
Since 2015, I’m a Celebrity Australia has taken place in the South African jungle, specifically the edge of Kruger National Park.
In 2021 and 2022, the show took a brief detour due to the pandemic and was filmed in Springbrook National Park and Dungay Creek in New South Wales. Luckily, from 2023 onward, it returned to the stunning South African location.
In fact, the cheeky teaser for the upcoming season, featuring Robert and Julia “live from Africa,” gives us a glimpse of the wild surroundings the celebrities will face.
In another behind-the-scenes clip, we see Robert getting up close and personal with some snakes on set. While he definitely looks in his element, we’re not too sure the celebs will fare quite the same…
Wondering just how tough it gets for celebs on set? According to 2023 contestant Woody Whitelaw (of Will and Woody and Celebrity Apprentice fame), the show is a lot more real than you might think.
“I was under the impression that the jungle would be a fenced off area, and the animals that came in and out would be controlled,” he shared on-air last year with his radio co-host, Will McMahon.
Woody Whitelaw. Image: Ten
“But the head of security, Steve, told me that outside of the campsite, there are guys in camo standing by. They’re there to warn us if there’s a lion or water buffalo heading our way and make sure they’re safely redirected.” Yikes!
Well, if that’s anything to go by, I’m a Celebrity Australia 2025 is going to be a wild ride!
Watch previous seasons of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! on 10 and 10Play.
As always, it’s up to the fans to vote and decide which duo will walk away as this year’s winner, and take home the ultimate Love Island Australia prize.
But what exactly is that prize this year? Will the winners face the ultimate test: love or money? Here’s what we know.
What do the winners of Love Island Australia get?
Last year, KaleRoberts and Tyra Johannes snagged the $50,000 prize. However, the show departed with the usual ‘steal or split’ decision.
Love Island Australia 2023 winners Kale and Tyra. Image: Nine
Instead, the couple walked away hand in hand (and wallet in wallet) without any messy dilemmas of cashing out.
Will this year follow suit, or is the iconic format making a comeback?
Sophie Monk spills the tea for Love Island Australia 2024
Love Island host Sophie Monkhinted during Episode 27 that 2024 might be revisiting the classic Love Island finale setup.
“What normally happens on Love Island is the winning couple picks an envelope each. One with $50,000, the other with zero,” she explained.
“The Islander that picks the envelope with 50 grand then makes the ultimate decision: keep all the cash, or share it with their partner. Love, or money.”
Sophie Monk. Image: Nine
Sophie dropped another clue about this year’s Love Island Australia prize during the episode’s mini Love or Money game, where $20K was up for grabs, teasing, “If you take this money, you’ll basically take home as much as the winners.”
So while it’s not officially confirmed, it does seem to suggest fans can expect the return of the $50,000 ‘steal or split’ format.
Who’s tipped to win?
According to Who, fitness influencer Kaylah Holmes and bombshell Eric Garcia are currently the couple to beat, with fans rallying behind their undeniable chemistry.
Adrian, 31, is known as the “dessert king” for his Instagram and TikTok account Sweeet Sundayz. Adrian posts delectable content for his 11-thousand-odd followers, like sweet recipes, restaurant reviews and trying viral foods.
He posts videos with friend and fellow content creator Jasmin Weston, also known as Jasmin Eats on Instagram and TikTok.
They’ve made the viral Christmas Crack, a Lamb Souvla, and coconut lemon meringue tarts. Yum!
Adrian owns a sports lifestyle brand
MAFS Adrian and his friends posing for PAKD Sport. Image: Instagram.
Adrian launched his own business, PAKD Sport, in 2022. The brand sells a range of gym bags aimed at both new and seasoned gym-goers. He is the CEO but also designs the gym bags.
MAFS’ Adrian is tipped to be a “breakout groom”
Adrian with fellow MAFS 2025 contestant Eliot. Image: Instagram.
MAFS 2025 has yet to begin airing, but Adrian has been named as a breakout groom alongside his MAFS bride, Awhina.
Reports from The Daily Mail have noted that Adrian and Awhina will “steal the hearts of viewers”. Colour us intrigued!
“Their chemistry is undeniable, with many speculating that they could become the breakout stars of the series,” the publication wrote.
We cannot wait for MAFS 2025 to see what unfolds for Adrian!
Married At First Sight Season 12 will air on Channel 9 and 9Now in 2025.
TheLove Island Australia contestants are here to find love and avoid the wrath of the Superfans!
The Australian iteration of the show is a bit different from its Love Island UK counterpart — on our side of the hemisphere, the series isn’t live, and Islanders are voted off by Superfans.
But who are these Superfans and what role do they play on Love Island Australia?
Who are the Superfans?
Eric, Kaylah, Hannah, and Taylor. Image: Nine
Love Island Australia Superfans are viewers of the show who receive episodes of the series before everyone else—and they make decisions about the Islanders’ fate.
For example, sometimes, Superfans will vote for the couple they think is the most loved on the Island or the opposite: who isn’t the most loved.
Speaking to Refinery29, producers of Love Island Australia said who the Superfans are in the name.
“The Superfans are exactly that — Superfans on the show that we recruit every year. They are very real and watch clips we supply them to make up their decision,” producers told the publication.
How do you become a Superfan?
If you are chomping at the bit to become a Superfan, you can apply before the season begins to decide the Islanders’ fate.
Channel Nine usually publishes an article and social media posts about applying, so follow those pages to ensure you don’t miss out on being a Superfan!
What do people say about the Love Island Australia Superfans?
Image: Nine.
While Nine opens applications every year for the Love Island Superfans, there’s some people over on Reddit that think gaining the title of being a Superman isn’t so straightforward.
Some Redditors think it’s the producers being the Superfans but others aren’t convinced.
Do the Love Island Australia Superfans pick the winner?
No they don’t! Thankfully this is when the viewers come into play and they can cast their votes. The finale will be airing next week on Monday, December 16.
Stream Love Island Australia Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Love Island Australia 2024 is just about done and dusted for another year, but we still have to vote for our winners.
In recent years, Love Island Australia has been pre-recorded, which means that viewers weren’t able to vote for which Islanders were dumped throughout the seasons. Instead, those choices were made by the Islanders themselves, as well as a group of people called Superfans.
Superfans are a group of viewers who apply to receive advance episodes of the show and can vote for Islanders during dumping and challenges.
However, the Superfans reign has come to an end, because viewers will be the ones in charge of voting for the winners of Love Island Australia 2024.
Learn how to vote for your favourite Islander!
Love Island Australia 2024’s Sophie and Dylan. Image: Nine.
Where do I vote for the winner of Love Island Australia 2023?
Voting opens after the Thursday episode airs on December 12, ahead of Monday night’s finale.
When does voting close?
Voting will close will close on the night of December 16, ahead of the season’s finale.
Who can can I vote for?
At the time of writing, there are three couples left.
Their story on Love Island Australia was a whirlwind. Eric was a latecomer to the season, but he and Kaylah instantly had eyes for each other.
So, what has happened since Love Island Australia wrapped up?
Here’s everything we know about Kaylah and Eric’s relationship on Love Island Australia.
Kaylah admires Eric at the Love Island fire pit. Image: Nine.
Kaylah and Eric: Do this couple survive Love Island Australia?
Yes, they do!
They are one of the only remaining couples to survive this season. Even making it further than this season’s winners Em Miguel Leighand Mercedes Knox, who broke up soon after the finale aired.
They confirmed their relationship status in a very cute TikTok. The caption reads, “Blessed is an understatement.” Adorable!
Kaylah and Eric have been on a social media posting spree since December 19, uploading content on Instagram and TikTok about what they have been doing since leaving the villa.
Kaylah and Eric: Love Island Journey
Rumours of their relationship were popping up on various Love Island forums and blogs, where they were continually spotted together.
One post on Reddit showed Kaylah posting on Instagram with Eric very much in the background.
Earlier this month, the user posted, “Love the subtleness of Eric in the background of Kaylah’s posts. Well, we already knew they were still together, but the subtleness has me.”
In November, the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. At a White Fox event that month, Kaylah admitted she was still dating the person she coupled up with from the villa.
“I’m with my partner that I met in the villa, still currently. We are loved up, and it’s such a vibe. We’re here together tonight,” she said during an interview at a White Fox event in November.
Interestingly, former 2023 IslanderNate Page uploaded some fun pics from the event to IG, and one showed Kaylah and Eric standing riiight next to each other.
During the episode on December 10, the Islanders went through some R&R – revelation and repercussions – where they saw their partners spill the tea through their audition tapes.
During Eric’s R&R time, he said the youngest he would date is 23. He said 21 and 22 are still a bit too young for him. FYI, Kaylah is 22.
He said that his ex was “fit, tall, and blonde ” and that he prefers more natural looks.
But Kaylah wasn’t disheartened by these revelations and said she was “pretty happy”.
When it came to Kaylah’s audition tape, she spoke about a situationship she was in before the show. She confessed she wanted to be with that person because he “ticked all the boxes”. On hearing this news, Eric said he was a bit “taken aback by it”.
But don’t fret, they cleared the air post-R&R — Kaylah apologised, and Eric said that he felt “so much better.”
Kaylah’s Love Island journey before meeting Eric
Kaylah and Zane earlier on Love Island Australia. Image: Nine.
In the episode that aired on December 3, Eric told Kaylah that he was “really vibing” her, and she reciprocated his feelings.
In the following episode, Eric chose Kaylah to couple up with, and they’ve been very cute ever since.
Kaylah entered the Love Island Australia 2024 villa during Episode 10. She almost instantly coupled up with Zane Prophet, and the pair appeared to have a strong connection until Zane suddenly started having doubts.
He was coupled up with former flame Sophie Mills at Hotel Amor, and the pair hooked up… multiple times. To make matters worse, Zane recoupled with Kaylah after the saucy overnight stay and then dumped her.
But thankfully, Kaylah is now with Eric!
Stream Love Island Australia Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
While we’re all rooting for the brides and grooms-to-be to find their happily-ever-afters, let’s not forget the MAFS experts behind the matchmaking magic: Alessandra Rampolla, John Aiken, and Mel Schilling.
Find out more about the MAFS experts below!
Alessandra Rampolla
Alessandra Rampolla. Image: Nine
Joining us from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Alessandra is the certified clinical sexologist bringing over 20 years of experience to the MAFS matchmaking room.
Alessandra holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and boasts a list of other degrees and certifications in sexology, according to her Nine bio. She kicked off her career counselling individuals and couples before making her TV debut, appearing on shows including the Emmy-nominated School for Husbands, Sex Hospital, and Dr. Phil.
Alessandra first joined as a MAFS expert in Season 8 (2021). As part of the expert panel, she focuses on the importance of sexual expression and compatibility in romantic relationships, using her sexpertise to ensure the TV newlyweds are set up to thrive.
Beyond helping reality TV couples, Alessandra has hosted her own radio show, authored five books, and built an impressive social media following with 2 million followers across platforms.
John Aiken
John Aiken. Image: Nine
Relationship expert John has been in the field for over 25 years and runs a successful private practice.
In an interview with Chattr earlier this year, John shared that he feels it’s his “responsibility” to point out any questionable behaviour he notices in the participants’ relationships.
“Over the last three seasons, I’ve become more direct,” he said.
“You’re in a privileged position where you can give them really hard-hitting feedback in a short amount of time, in the hope that it lands and it changes.”
Beyond sharing his expertise on the MAFS couch, John has appeared on ABC’s Making Couples Happy and Making Families Happy, Nine’s Today Show, Today Extra, and A Current Affair. He’s also the weekly dating and relationship expert for 9Honey.
Outside the silver screen, John is a best-selling author and runs exclusive relationship retreats.
Mel Schilling
Mel Schilling. Image: Nine
Mel is a dating and relationship expert with 20 years of experience. She has worked with clients at all stages of life in corporate and therapeutic settings. She’s also worked as a business and personal coach in Australasia and the Middle East.
As her bio reveals, Mel is passionate about educating, motivating, and inspiring people to be their best and believes the key to happiness lies in having great relationships.
In terms of her love life, Mel spent 10 years as a single gal in the Melbourne scene before meeting her partner at 40 through the world of online dating.
In 2019, Mel and Gareth Brisbane tied the knot in Bali, and now they share a beautiful family with their six-year-old daughter, Maddie.
This year, she’s also been an inspiration, sharing her health struggles publicly after being diagnosed with colon cancer last year.
Married At First Sight Season 12 will air on Channel 9 and 9Now in 2025.
The spicy season smashed viewership records and became the number-one reality series in the United States across all streaming platforms while it was originally airing.
But, despite its monumental success, there has been no way to (legally) watch the show in Australia until now.
Six months after the popular program initially premiered on Peacock in America, we’re finally able to settle in and watch the shenanigans go down.
Some of the Love Island USA cast. Image: Peacock.
How to watch Love Island USA Season 6 in Australia
Love Island USA will be airing on Channel 9 and 9Now from December 11.
Who is in the cast?
Love Island USA Season 6 has ten original cast members, Aaron Evans, Coye Simmons, Hannah Smith, JaNa Craig, Kaylor Martin, Kendall Washington, Kordell Beckham, Leah Kateb, Rob Raush and Serena Page.
Throughout the season, multiple Bombshells will be sent into the villa to try and find their matches, and one of those is our very own Aussie — Olivia Walker.
Olivia Walker on Love Island USA 2024. Image: Peacock.
Who is the host of Love Island USA 2024?
Former Vanderpump Rules cast member Ariana Madix stepped into the role of host of Love Island USA Season 6. She took over from Modern Family’sSarah Hyland, who hosted the popular reality show from 2022 until 2024.
The winners of Love Island Australia 2024 are typically decided through fan voting.
However, discussions on Reddit suggest that fans this season may prefer to vote for their favourite individuals rather than couples. This sentiment could influence the way votes are cast during the finale.
“No favourite couples, so I will just vote for my fav islander,” wrote one Redditor.
“If Mimi is in the final (Don’t think so BCS [because] she’s a boss babe) I will vote for her. If not, en [Em] gets my vote.”
What’s the prize for winning Love Island Australia?
Love Island Australia finalists from 2023. Image: Nine
Last year’s winners, Kale and Tyra, were awarded a $50,000 prize. Usually, winners are asked if they’d like to split the winnings or steal it for themselves, but in 2023, the show departed from this structure.
It remains to be seen whether 2024 will follow a similar approach or return to the classic format.
Stream Love Island Australia Mondays to Thursdays on Channel 9 and 9Now.
If you fell in love with the culinary creations of Simone Presta and Viviana Barile on My Kitchen Rules 2024, this is your chance to enjoy their cooking first-hand! Simone and Viviana are bringing their talents to Sydney for a special restaurant event that’s sure to sell out.
MKR’s Simone and Viviana’s Sydney restaurant pop-up
Simone and Viviana, winners of MKR 2024. Image: Seven
IIn collaboration with Sydney-based restaurant Cucinetta, best pals Simone and Viviana will host an exclusive pop-up event on December 16. Joining forces with ChefVincenzo, the night promises a celebration of Italian flavours and live cooking at the harbour-view restaurant.
The Instagram post announcing the event reads:
“Join us on Monday, December 16, for a special evening at Cucinetta with Simone Presta and Viviana Barile, the Italian duo from Queensland you’ve seen on TV.
“Experience the flavours of Italy with live cooking stations featuring fresh pizzas, creamy pasta, and handmade cheese. Plus, indulge in bottomless drinks, antipasto, and live music—all with the stunning Sydney Harbour as your backdrop.”
Interactive live cooking stations featuring pasta prepared in a cheese wheel and wood-fired pizza
Live entertainment to set the mood
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to see MKR alums Simone and Viviana in action!
How are MKR fans reacting to the announcement?
MKR‘s Simone and Viviana are set to host a restaurant pop up in Sydney. Image: Seven
Folks were thrilled by the news online, with fans on Instagram gushing over the opportunity.
“THE BEST!!! CANT WAIT,” shared one excited fan.
“How exciting guys,” wrote another.
“Soo good!!! looks amazing,” shared a third.
The fans who are unable to attend, however, have been writing of their disappointment.
“Oh no why could this not be in January… December is to (sic) busy at work to get there,” wrote one Instagram user.
“I wish I could come to Sydney,” said another.
Can’t make it? Try Simone’s restaurants in Brisbane
If you’re unable to attend the pop-up event, don’t worry. Simone Presta actually owns two incredible Italian restaurants in Brisbane: Doughcraft and Scugnizzi.
While Viviana isn’t officially involved, the dishes carry the same flair and authenticity that won over judges on MKR.
The stage is set for an exciting change up in The Block2025, and it’s safe to say this could be one of the most interesting seasons yet. Reports suggest that contestants could even walk away with additional funds at The Block‘s auction day thanks to the changes in format.
Here’s what we know so far about next year’s season of The Block.
How will The Block change in 2025?
What’s changing in the next season of The Block? Image: Nine
According to Yahoo Lifestyle, the upcoming season may see contestants building homes from scratch rather than renovating existing properties. This shift not only dials up the challenge but could also significantly impact the value of the homes.
The properties – which will be set in Daylesford, Victoria – will be eco-friendly, designed to meet Victoria’s seven-star energy efficiency standards for new builds. This detail could increase the value of the homes.
Looking at Domain’s Green Homes Report, eco-friendly properties are generally easier to sell and can attract higher prices – something that next year’s contestants will likely be happy to hear.
These houses will also be pretty large, it seems! The Herald Sun has reported that contestants of The Block will be expected to produce five-bedroom two-storey homes in 2025.
Who will be competing in The Block 2025?
While we’re yet to learn about the contestants for next season, casting is currently open. If you’re considering taking on the challenge, now’s the time to apply!
If you want to throw your hat in the ring and try your hand at winning a million dollars or more, we have written a guide on how to do just that.
In short, you’ll have to apply with a partner (obviously), and when sending in your application, you’ll have to answer a series of questions.
It’s probably going to take a while, so allow a decent chunk of time to complete the process.
What’s next?
The Block judges Marty Fox, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer. Image: Nine
As the countdown to 2025 begins, it’s clear that this season of The Block will push boundaries in construction, sustainability, and creativity. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to another action-packed season of jaw-dropping builds and high-stakes auctions.
The video showsMimi Parahinitalking about Hannah making moves on Taylor while he’s coupled up with Em, and Kaylah Holmesand Krissy Bertone concocting a plan with Hannah to help her get some alone time with Taylor.
Hannah and Kaylah after Illegally Blonde was played. Image: Nine.
Watch Love Island Australia 2024’s unaired Get Her to the Greek clip
The unaired Movie Night clip Get Her To The Greek was split into two parts but involved Hannah, Niko Fotopoulos and Mia Dalkos.
The first part of the video focussed on Hannah and Niko’s time in the hideaway, and the other, a chat between Mia and Niko about who would move states in order for their relationship to work.
The girls after the Love Island Australia 2024’s Get Her to the Greek video played. Image: Nine.
While the clip didn’t really show any scenes that the Islanders didn’t already know about, both Mia and Niko weren’t able to resolve their issue.
The duo has officially launched a funky new business called FUNFUNFUN, starting with a drop of ’90s-style Balzac hats. Here’s everything we know about their latest venture and how you can snag one.
The hats are described as the ultimate Christmas gift, with the duo encouraging fans to grab one for their mums, dads, or even their dogs.
Over on their website, Ricky and Haydn explain that these hats are more than just stylish accessories.
“When we rocked these hats on The Block 2024, they became an iconic part of our look, and now we’re bringing them to you. We went all-in and purchased the entire stock to make sure you could get your hands on these bad boys.”
The first drop is highly exclusive, featuring just 100 unique hats, priced at $49.99 each. Buyers will also receive a quirky set of fluro shoelaces with their purchase.
But wait, there’s more! This is just the beginning. Ricky and Haydn teased plans for an expanded collection featuring headbands, party shirts, jackets, and much more.
Fans react to the launch
The hat line has already caused a stir among fans, with excitement flooding the comments section of their announcement video.
“I’m so excited that you’ve done this! I can’t wait to see which design turns up in the mail,” wrote one enthusiastic supporter.
Another fan shared: “Just ordered mine! You guys should be really proud of yourselves for all the hard work you’ve put into this. I can’t wait to see what other cool designs you create in the future.”
A third added, “Got me hat ordered, legends! Keen to be a fun factory member.”
Ricky and Haydn’s time on The Block
Fans will remember Ricky and Haydn from their time on The Block 2024, where they wowed audiences with their stunning coastal home. The pair finished fourth at auction, selling their property for $2.7 million.
Since the show, other contestants have also branched out into exciting projects, like Courtney’s new furniture line and Maddy and Charlotte’s return to renovating.
If you’re looking to get your hands on one of Ricky and Haydn’s iconic hats, head over to the FUNFUNFUN website before they’re gone!
The highly anticipated Australian Christmas movie How to Make Gravy premiered on Binge in December, and we’ve caught up with the cast and creators to hear all about the filmmaking process.
Paul Kelly’s iconic Australian song How to Make Gravy was adapted for the screen by ARIA award-winning musician Meg Washington and writer/director Nick Waterman.
Since its release in 1996, the song has gained cult status, cementing itself in the Christmas traditions of millions of families—with December 21 being celebrated as ‘Gravy Day’. It tells the story of Joe, an inmate writing a letter to his brother Dan as his family prepares to celebrate their first Christmas without him.
Nick Waterman, Paul Kelly and Meg Washington at the How to Make Gravy premiere. Image: Instagram.
Meg Washington and Nick Waterman on the inspiration behind How To Make Gravy
During an interview with Chattr, Meg and Nick revealed they were inspired to create the Christmas movie by a series of events in 2019: After listening to the song at a friend’s Christmas drinks, she later suggested it would make a great movie.
When the couple reached out to Kelly’s manager, Bill Cullen, just to see if the idea was possible, he invited them to Kelly’s gig in Brisbane on December 21 — otherwise known as Gravy Day.
“Cut to us in the rain with 10,000 people and Paul singing that song and all the 10,000 people, us included, holding each other and just openly sobbing,” Meg explained.
“Nick and I just looked at each other and looked around, and we just thought, this is really special – we need to do everything we can to try and make this happen.”
Nick said that it wasn’t hard to get people onboard to collaborate with the project.
“There’s so much love and goodwill out there for Paul Kelly and so many fans of his music. People have been connecting with his music for decades,” he told Chattr.
“Whenever we were telling people about the project, we were amazed at how receptive they were.”
Meg Washington with the How to Make Gravy cast. Image: Instagram.
Hugo Weaving and Daniel Henshall on what it was like making How To Make Gravy
In the interview, Hugo Weaving, who plays prison cook Noel in the film, shared his insights about the story, their characters and his experience working on set.
“I think it’s actually a very beautiful film,” he said. “I’m really incredibly proud to be a part of it. Beautiful song – a great adaptation by a couple of really exciting team of filmmakers Megan and Nick, and fantastic to work with this guy [Daniel Henshall] and a great cast.”
Daniel, who plays prisoner Joe (and the song’s letter writer), echoed Hugo’s sentiments and told Chattr what drew him to the How To Make Gravy script.
“I think the catharsis and the understanding of people’s faults and how everybody makes mistakes and nobody is perfect,” he said.
“That really spoke to me; I just went, ‘Oh, this is so inclusive’, and it spoke of healing through community. Allowing people to accept their own faults and holding them accountable while giving care and support and not just keeping them isolated in their own fear, shame, or guilt.
“Every single character goes through some turning point, some revelation, some change – it gives us as an audience hope for them and hope for ourselves in our own day-to-day faults and mistakes.”
Hugo added: “I think it speaks to all of us actually because it’s about family and home and missing home.
“When you want to be there and you can’t and therefore about owning up to your own inadequacies and it’s ok to be human beings. It’s fantastic material.”
Agathe Rousselle and Daniel Henshall in How To Make Gravy. Image: Binge.
Brenton Thwaites and Damon Herriman weighed in on what they loved about the script
Brenton Thwaites, who plays Joe’s brother Dan, told Chattr that he could personally relate to the story that’s told on How To Make Gravy.
“It’s a very well-written character-driven drama about a family that on the page just felt really connected and were going through the trials and tribulations of most Aussie families, and it really just kind of hit home,” he said.
“The fact that it was very brave and the themes in it are confronting but at the same time very resolving and rewarding in a cathartic way. There’s a lot of great stuff for families in there … I think the relationships in this film are very recognisable and really emotionally impactful.”
Damon Herriman plays Roger, another family member mentioned in the song, said he’s been a fan of the song How To Make Gravy since the 90s and was intrigued by the character.
“I felt like [Roger] was someone I hadn’t quite played before, a little bit of an outsider in this family group who thinks he’s a bit better than everyone else, and was there was some humour to be had in there as well so it was a fun role.
“I got to play husband to Kate Mulvany for the second time in my life, and she’s a dear friend, so that was also a huge plus.”
How to Make Gravy is now available to stream on BINGE, Foxtel, and Hubbl On Demand.
While it may be a stunningly big call, Movie Night Part Two 2024 was, perhaps, Love Island Australia‘s most dramatic episode of all time.
The spicy ep peaked when a clip showed Sophie Millsand Zane Prophet hooking up at Hotel Amor. Once the video had wrapped, Sophie’s current partner, Dylan Towolawi, said that he knew that she and Zane had done “everything but sex” during the overnight stay.
ICYMI, upon her return from Hotel Amor to the regularLove Island Australia 2024villa, Sophie told Dylan about her kiss with Zane and only revealed that she’d been “touchy-feely” with him.
After the damning Movie Night episode finished playing, Dylan made a comment that left the other Islanders shocked, but it was partially bleeped out.
Dylan’s bleeped out comment at Love Island Australia Movie Night. Image: Nine.
What did Dylan say to Sophie?
So, what did Dylan say to Sophie? One Redditor weighed in.
“I had no clue myself, but several people here have posted something to the effect: you sucked his d**k, and then the next night, you sucked mine,” they wrote. Which… Eesh, Dylan.
Jade, Hannah, Kaylah and Mia’s reaction to Dylan’s comment. Image: Nine.
The social media response to Love Island Australia 2024’s Dylan’s comment about Sophie
Social media didn’t take Dylan’s comment about Sophie too kindly, with one person writing on Reddit that it “genuinely broke” their heart.
“Guys, this is the world we live in. Women getting sl*t shamed and laughed and men getting applauded,” another commented in the same thread.
Another user questioned why Zane didn’t get the same icy treatment from the other Islanders that Sophie did.
“How Zane looked like the hero is mind-blowing! I’m disgusted by this episode,” they penned.
A third said that while they thought Sophie’s actions weren’t right, neither was Dylan’s response.
“Any guy who gets off on humiliating a woman in public as revenge is a red flag. Yeah, Sophie was wrong. She didn’t deserve to be publicly shamed,” they wrote.
Over on X, the sentiment was pretty much the same.
“Dylan with the 100 body count slut shaming a woman on national tv btw,” one person tweeted.
Some more X reactions are below:
How did Sophie get slut shamed in front of everyone but Zane got away with NOTHING ?? The double standards are insane bruh! #LoveIslandAUpic.twitter.com/g4uJ7PkYlk
So I’ve just finished the last episode and all I have to say is YES Sophie lied about the Zane situation and she should’ve been more honest about it BUT she doesn’t owe shit to nobody outside of Dylan all the boys laughing at her was crazy. #LoveIslandAUpic.twitter.com/t4BoK7Y3ke
Honestly i feel bad for Sophie. If I was her, I would’ve been like yeah I did it so what get over it. Zane ass needs to go home honestly he should’ve left after how he did Kalah tbh Dylan just has the upper hand that’s why he treated her like that chillee #LoveIslandAUpic.twitter.com/OSVQd5ZXNo
How do you as a woman comfortably defend a man who slut shamed a lady on a national TV. They both did silly things but making up excuses for the man cos in your head he's the victim in the situation is so awful. There's no victim in the Dylan and Sophie situation.#LoveIslandAU
Zane knew Soph had feelings for him and led her on. Feelings that were grown OUTSIDE of the villa. Now she’s the bad guy? And everyone is cool with Zane treating women like that? Disgusting #LoveIslandAU
Let’s not forget “Dyl” was the one who let everyone know that he didn’t believe women should have a high body count but with men it’s fine. Is anyone surprised he’s slut shaming Soph but is cool with Zane? #LoveIslandAU
Wow. Misogyny on full display. Yikes. Ick. Dylan's a grafting Fboy with a crazy body count. Game should recognize the game, but nope. Only the woman is sex shamed. #LoveIslandAU#LoveIslandAUS#LoveIslandAustralia
