Judi Age is just a number and some days I choose to be 20!

At 88, actor and global treasure Dame Judi Dench is as sharp as a tack and full of naughty fun. In an exclusive interview she talks about her lucky life, the essential joy of friends and family and the thrill of new projects, like her topical new film, Allelujab.

Granny's -great encore!

With the encouragement of her granddaughter, Helena Blanch relives her heyday and steps into the spotlight once more in a story written exclusively for The Weekly by best-selling novelist

Twas the night before Christmas...

And all through the house, not a McDermott was Stirring well, apart from our columnist of course.

"I'm licensed to sleigh!"

Spending Christmas halfway across the world became far less lonely for Amanda Kendle when she was invited on the adventure of a lifetime.

The PRINCESS and the SHAMAN

When Princess Märtha Louise of Norway fell in love with a Californian guru, it was assumed to be a passing phase. But six months into their engagement, many are asking how warmly the flamboyant Durek Verrett will be welcomed as a royal son-in-law.

Home is where the heart is

As we age, staying active and connected to community is crucial. Betty, who lives independently at 105, credits her community work and crosswords with keeping her sharp.

The CURIOUS TALE of AUSTRALIA'S own MISS HAVISHAM

Eliza Emily Donnithorne might not, as locals believe, still walk the overgrown paths of a Camperdown cemetery in a wedding dress as luminous as the moon. But this Sydney recluse and eccentric may well have inspired one of literature’s most tragic romantic figures.

"It's nice that life can still surprise you -Graham Norton

At 59, the vibrant TV chat show host never expected to be getting married, writing his fourth novel or spending three months a year back in Ireland.

How to nail Christmas Day

Christmas was a traditional affair when Julia Morris was a child. The Catholic family would attend mass the night before in their hometown of Gosford, open their gifts the morning of and then hit the road to see their Sydney-based relatives.

LOVE AND COURAGE

Dr Alison Thompson QAM, an Aussie surfer girl’ and first responder, has spent her year bringing hope and medi€al aid to disaster zones from Puerto Kico to Ukraine.

The GREATEST GIFT

There are two types of people in the world: those who celebrate Christmas Day sharing plates piled high with food, Christmas cracker jokes and thoughtful handwritten cards with their loved ones around the family table; and those who think it’s just another day and hit up the Hungry Jack’s drive-through for lunch. Ellidy Pullin is the latter.

Music made with Love

It's been a tough year for Australia's first family of rock'n'roll, but a lot of love and a rabble of grandkids have seen Jimmy and Jane Barnes through.

Born to shine

Twins Olivia and Zoe have already overcome unimaginable challenges. This year, they'll celebrate their fourth Christmas thanks to a new development in the care of premature babies, and to the special bond they share.

Behind Palace gates with Juliet Rieden

The next 12 months are going to be awash with firsts in the royal world and many will bring a pall of sadness. Last month we saw the first Remembrance Day without Queen Elizabeth II and the first with her son, Charles, as King.

On the road to Christmas Hills

Christmas is a time to celebrate the places we treasure and the people we love. We travel to Christmas Hills in the north of Tasmania, and along the way visit four communities where the year's challenges have been vanquished and the locals are doing just that.

Finding peace Jessic Rowe

cheek kisses, Jess's excitement is palpable as she rushes to offer tea, coffee, water, bustling

Stressed? Try HIVITA, Hi On Life!

If you are low on vitamins and minerals, it may be the reason for low energy, weak immune system, stress and tiredness, brittle nails and thinning hair.

Great Scott!

Denise Scott is off to Nashville to celebrate Christmas, country music and the fruits of her own fine parenting.

Christmas, our way

From Chinese banquets to backyard barbecues, how we celebrate the holidays around Australia is unique to every family. We catch up with some of our favourite stars to hear how they mark the most wonderful time of the year.

A break away hit

No longer the place tourists bypass on the way to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong is a fun, hip destination in its own right, plus a gateway to the indulgent Bellarine Peninsula.

Love and lies

Pippa is living the dream - handsome hubby Gabe, two sweet daughters and a stunning house perched on a beachside cliff. But then it all goes wrong and a web of secrets unravels in the thrilling new novel from bestselling Aussie author Sally Hepworth.

The art of complaining

Making a fuss. Whining. Grumbling. Complaining is often looked at as a negative, but if you learn how to finesse the art, great things can happen.

The LONG HAUL

Brain fog, sleeplessness and debilitating fatigue can linger months after contracting coronavirus, but researchers are closing in on the Long COVID puzzle.

Always in fashion

After a glorious debut in 1962, Fashions on the Field faced a few hurdles. But keeping one fashionable step ahead of the trend is in the contest's DNA.

Taking flight

As the wedding of the year approaches, memories of trips past come flying back.

Car troubles

As the daughter of a used-car salesman, our columnist has honed negotiations to a fine art. Or has she?

HIGH TEA WITH Sarah Ferguson

The feted investigative journalist and new host on ABC's 7:30 ponders naughty school days in historic England, a jealous boyfriend followed by the thunderbolt of love at first sight in Paris, and giggly conversations with her late mother.

The naked truth

After a rocky start to the year, and another brush with cancer, Heather Mitchell is celebrating friendship and family, true love and a career that is just hitting its stride.

STAR MAN

Elon Musk is the wealthiest man in the world and perhaps the most eccentric, but with his Aussie girlfriend out of sight for months could he also be the loneliest?

"We're entering a new phase of our lives"

For many, abandoning the city for a rural retreat became a happy by-product of lockdowns. But this beautiful sheep station owned by veteran newsreader Mark Ferguson and his wife, Jayne, is far from a hobby. We talk to the couple about their changing family dynamic and rekindling childhood passions.