Alan and Amanda’s Italian Job
🏡🌞 Alan and Amanda's Italian Job, premiering August 2 on Foxtel. pic.twitter.com/KzzABJPcFp
— Foxtel (@Foxtel) July 27, 2023
Melissa posted on Instagram during the week that she had been filming clips in New York City for Luxury Escapes, which would air on LifeStyle later this year.
LAURA FOO WINS THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BAKE OFF
Laura Foo was crowned Australia’s Best Amateur Baker after winning over judges Rachel Khoo, Darren Purchese and special guest judge Maggie Beer in last night’s The Great Australian Bake Off finale.
Laura, a 26-year-old Management Consultant from Victoria, whose baking skills saw her take out the win over Ilona Nicola, a 42-year-old Health Policy Advisor from Victoria and Adam Miller, a 37-year-old Communications Manager also from Victoria.
The final three bakers faced off in the ultimate showdown creating their Signature high tea before attempting to conquer the season’s trickiest Technical a Guinea Fowl Terrine set by guest judge and Bake Off royalty, Maggie Beer. The bakers then baked their final Showstopper challenge, a 3D illusion cake.
Laura’s Showstopper bake was an incredible ‘Hawker’s Breakfast’ inspired by the food markets of Singapore where she grew up, recreating the serving counter, the cups of coffee including the plastic bag of ice and hard-boiled eggs on the side.
Along with being crowned Australia’s Best Amateur Baker Laura takes home the ultimate baker’s kitchen from SMEG after her win, Laura said: “I feel honoured to be standing beside my now lifelong friends, Adam, and Ilona, at the Grand Finale, and the win is truly the icing on the cake! I am full of gratitude for this incredible experience where I’ve learned and grown so much. I am truly humbled to be lifting the trophy this year, and just so excited to see what’s to come.
“Thank you to the amazing Darren and Rachel, gorgeous Cal and Natalie, all the fabulous Bakers, the most incredible crew who make this show as beautiful and warm as it is, and most importantly, to everyone who has watched the show, left a comment, or sent me a message. Your support has been incredible, and I feel so lucky.”
The Great Australian Bake Off is a BBC Studios production in Australia for FOXTEL based on a format created by Love Productions and licensed by BBC Studios distribution.
Laura Foo - Photo credit: Foxtel.
Surprised they’ve persisted with the show given viewership is generally pretty low.
The series will be produced by I8 Studios and will air on Foxtel LifeStyle on Tuesdays at 8.30 pm from 29th August, with an extra 10 encores across LifeStyle and LifeStyle Food each week. The show will also be available to stream on BINGE and Foxtel GO.
DYNAMIC PROPERTY DUO
ANDREW WINTER AND NEALE WHITAKER RETURN
FOR A BRAND-NEW SEASON OF LOVE IT OR LIST IT AUSTRALIA WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2023
FOXTEL today announced the highly anticipated fifth season of FOXTEL Original Love It or List It Australia hosted by real estate expert Andrew Winter and design guru Neale Whitaker will premiere on Wednesday 27 September 2023 on FOXTEL.
Winter, renowned for his extensive experience in the real estate industry brings his candid advice and valuable market insights, along with Whitaker, one of Australia’s foremost style gurus with an impeccable eye for detail and flair, will help property owners across Australia who are faced with one of life’s challenging decisions, to renovate or relocate.
This much-loved property series with its signature blend of real estate reality and design inspiration promises to bring another season filled with surprising twists and stunning transformations as homeowners negotiate their housing dilemmas. It’s one of the biggest decisions of their lives, with stakes made even higher this season as families face tough economic conditions, with soaring prices and biting interest rates.
Andrew Winter said: “We are finally back for season 5 and what a dynamic six months we have had. To be honest at the start of the season we were concerned about the market and if homeowners would see capital growth over the short term - that’s tricky in the best markets. It was not the easiest scenarios for either of us with concerns for the homeowners over capitalising and a market with literally nothing for sale. Are results predictable? Absolutely not.
“I’ve loved working on this season, what is not to like? It is just a fun format, and it is all real, real-life dilemmas, real homes, and real renovations.”
Neale Whitaker said: “It’s exciting to finally be back with a new season of Love It Or List It Australia. I may be biased, but I genuinely believe season 5 is our best yet. The world’s changed quite a bit since out last season and Andrew and I both knew we were in for a rollercoaster of tight renovation budgets, demanding deadlines and challenging property searches. Throwing unpredictable human emotions into the mix made it a white-knuckle ride. For me the result is ten very different renovations that give the homeowners bang for their buck and life-changing potential”.
Love It Or List It Australia is produced by Beyond Productions, a Banijay Company exclusively for FOXTEL. Format created by Big Coat Productions and represented by Banijay Rights.
BBC Studios Australia General Manager and Creative Director Kylie Washington commenting on the upcoming season of The Great Australian Bake Off, the last to feature Cal Wilson before her death.
“We all went through, as a production team, what was seemingly innocent at the beginning of our shoot to, things dramatically changing in a very short amount of time.”
Production had already concluded when Wilson passed early last month, however she will appear in early episodes and is not replaced in the 2024 season.
“No, because we thought she would be coming back. We thought maybe (a later episode), maybe the finale. We were all very hopeful, because we just didn’t know what it was,” she explained.
“Natalie Tran stepped up and did a fantastic job of solo hosting, as did Darren (Purchese) and Rachel (Khoo), our judges. They all pulled together.
“Cal was such a professional…. in terms of her work ethic, and her generosity, she didn’t want to let anyone down. But she also didn’t know what was going on, herself. She’s just one of those complete professionals, saying ‘I’m just gonna get through it, just gonna soldier on.’ Our lasting memory of her is ‘I’ll just sort out this thing and I’ll be back.’”
AUSTRALIA’S MUCH LOVED RENOVATION PROPERTY SERIES SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA RETURNS WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2024
SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA , a LifeStyle original returns for its 16th season with Award-winning host and real estate expert Andrew Winter, interior design expert Wendy Moore and landscape designer Dennis Scott, Wednesdays at 8.30pm from 20 March available to stream on the ‘LifeStyle’ App on Hubbl and watch on Foxtel.
With a record run of interest rate increases, crippling cost of living pressures and skyrocketing property prices, it’s never been more difficult to transform Australia’s unsellable property disasters into must-have homes.
The SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA team are never shy of a challenge, this series they take on a decrepit inner-Melbourne house - neglected for decades, a tiny timber cottage – rundown and bursting at the seams, and a Sydney house they literally need to turn back to front. Plus, not content with just the worst house on any given street, this series they’ve also taken on a beach shack, a country church and even a bus!
Andrew Winter said: ‘This season it felt like, for every home we turned up at, the home loan interest rates had gone up again, along with everything from building materials to trades and even filling up the car with fuel. Yet we must convince out homeowners to invest in change to get a sale. Not easy. As for results, this is the season for variety and surprises.’
Andrew, Wendy, and Dennis not only deliver advice and makeovers that could change these homeowner’s lives, but they also provide a wealth of real estate knowledge, design tips and money-smart style ideas that anyone can achieve in their own homes – whether they’re selling or not.
It’s the same SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA full of fresh ideas and amazing stories, but this year, the odds have never been stacked higher.
SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia exclusively for Foxtel. Format devised by Ricochet and based upon a program originally produced by Ricochet for Channel 4. Format licensed by Warner Bros. International Television Production Limited.
SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA is available to stream on the ‘LifeStyle’ App on Hubbl and watch on Foxtel.
The 10-part series will premiere on both Foxtel and Binge on Wednesday September 18 at 8.30pm AEST, with episodes coming weekly at the same time on both platforms.
This is the final season to feature Cal Wilson as co-host, before she passed away from a rare and aggressive form of cancer in October last year. She had already filmed the first four episodes.
EDIT: there is an interview with Rachel Khoo in this week’s issue of TV Week.
It’ll be a sad day tomorrow watching the premiere episode.
ARVIN GARCIA CROWNED WINNER OF FOXTEL ORIGINAL SERIES
THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BAKE OFF SEASON 7
36-YEAR-OLD NURSE TRIUMPHS IN THE BAKE OFF SHED
In last night’s nail-biting finale of The Great Australian Bake Off, 36-year-old nurse Arvin Garcia was crowned Australia’s best amateur baker, winning over judges Rachel Khoo and Darren Purchese. In the final episode, Arvin’s impressive baking skills took center stage as he faced the last three challenges: a botanical-themed signature cake, intricate paris-brests for the technical, and a stunning showstopper of his choice.
Arvin rose to the top over some brilliant competition from fellow finalists Dimi Jayamardene and Elliot Styche, taking home this season’s most coveted title. After 10 weeks of delicious challenges - from bread and biscuit creations to intricate French treats and tricky technical bakes - the three finalists whisked, rolled, and decorated their hearts out in the Bake Off Shed for the grand finale.
Arvin’s showstopper, the ‘Rising Phoenix’ cake, was a true masterpiece that captured his journey in the competition. With a bold chocolate phoenix rising from the center, this geometric creation was filled with apple compote, salted caramel, cream cheese, and crunchy pecans - a bake that wowed the judges with both flair and flavour.
Arvin said: “Winning Bake Off feels like a dream come true! Standing here with Dimi and Elliot, two amazing bakers, is such an honor. This journey has been so meaningful - not just pushing my creativity and skills, but sharing a bit of my culture and story through my bakes. Every moment has been unforgettable, and I’ll carry these memories with me forever.”
Judge Rachel Khoo praised Arvin’s heartfelt approach to baking, saying, “Arvin’s passion for baking, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, truly set him apart. Every bake he made told a story, and it was inspiring to see how he wove his culture and memories into each creation. His attitude throughout the competition and creativity make him a deserving winner of this season’s Bake Off.”
In addition to the title, Arvin takes home the ultimate baker’s kitchen from SMEG.
Season 7 began with 12 talented bakers from around Australia, each hoping to take home the title. Over 10 weeks, they tackled everything from bread to biscuits, cakes, and intricate technical challenges, impressing the judges with their skills and creativity.
The Bake Off franchise began in 2010 with The Great British Bake Off, where it became a ratings phenomenon. The format has been produced locally in the US, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, Ireland, Kenya, Norway, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine, Algeria and France, as well as previously in Australia for the Nine Network in 2013.
Produced for Foxtel Originals by BBC Studios Productions Australia and based on a format created by Love Productions and licensed by BBC Studios.
LOVE IT OR LIST IT AUSTRALIA
RETURNS FOR A SIXTH SEASON
FOXTEL and Beyond Productions today announced that FOXTEL Original Love It or List It Australia has been commissioned for a sixth season featuring Australia’s favourite property duo renowned real estate expert Andrew Winter and respected design guru Neale Whitaker.
Andrew and Neale are once again tasked with helping Australian homeowners who are torn between staying and renovating their current property or selling up and moving to a new one. During the past five seasons the creative and clever duo have used their individual property and design skills to help fifty-three Australian families.
FOXTEL and Beyond Productions have commenced casting, searching across the country for homeowners who are facing one of life’s big dilemmas to renovate or relocate. Production will commence soon, and the new season will be available on Foxtel and BINGE later this year.
Love It Or List Australia is a key component to the Foxtel Group’s premium lifestyle slate of Australian Originals. The show’s success has made it a fan favourite captivating viewers with its compelling mix of home renovation challenges and emotional real estate choices.
Andrew Winter said: “Watch out we are back, don’t think that competition between the love it and list it camps will ease. It will be as fierce as ever. Add in a property market where locations are all moving at different paces, this will impact the choices our homeowners make this season. I can’t wait to start looking at some tempting real estate.”
Neale Whitaker said: “It’s exciting to be returning for Season 6 of Love It Or List It Australia! I can guarantee plenty of good-natured sparring between Andrew and I (he’s so competitive), but more importantly, plenty of problem solving and creative ideas for Australian homeowners facing the very real dilemma of whether to stay or go. In these cost-conscious times, I want them to fall in love with their homes all over again.”
Love It Or List It Australia season six features 10 x 1-hour episodes and is produced by Beyond Productions exclusively for FOXTEL. Executive Producers for Beyond are Karen Warner and Geoff Fitzpatrick and for the Foxtel Group Howard Myers-Rifai and Wendy Moore. Format created by Big Coat Productions. International Sales and Distribution: Banijay Rights Limited.
Casting for homeowners for season 6 is currently underway, applications for casting: undecided@beyond.com.au
FOXTEL UNVEILS INNOVATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS SERIES
GEN WELL
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AMCAL
PREMIERES MAY 2025 ON LIFESTYLE
Today, the Foxtel Group is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new health and wellness series, GEN WELL, premiering on Foxtel’s LifeStyle channel in May, and streaming on Foxtel Go and BINGE.
In partnership with Amcal Pharmacy and hosted by the beloved Australian TV personality Ali Daddo, GEN WELL offers an inspiring and fresh perspective on how diverse, multigenerational Australian families can take meaningful steps to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Across 10 entertaining and informative episodes, the docuseries explores some of the nation’s key health and wellness concerns such as sleep, pain management, women’s health and stress.
GEN WELL combines new and emerging wellness experiences with practical, trusted advice from Amcal Pharmacists, empowering viewers to rethink their approach to health.
Wendy Moore , Executive Director, Entertainment Content and Channels, FOXTEL said: “GEN WELL is another example of how the Foxtel production team can collaborate with trusted brands to create market-leading television. Amcal have joined with us to create a show that redefines how health and wellness are brought to Australian homes. By combining authentic stories from relatable families with expert advice and transformative experiences, the series delivers an inspiring blend of entertainment and empowerment that touches every generation in Australian homes – these are our stories.”
Allana May , Head of Marketing, Amcal said, “It’s an incredible opportunity to partner with Foxtel on a prime-time series that seamlessly blends the very essence of the Amcal brand. Supporting everyday health and wellbeing journeys and providing practical advice is at the heart of what our Pharmacists do every single day, as they are committed to helping Australians to feel well and stay well at every stage of their lives.”
At the heart of the series are families embarking on transformative wellness journeys, showcasing resilience, health empowerment, and the strength of unity. From navigating the challenges of recovery and mental health to tackling life transitions like pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, their stories highlight the power of prioritising well-being. These journeys inspire others to embrace resilience and take charge of their health at every stage of life.
GEN WELL is developed in partnership with Amcal and produced for Foxtel by The Precinct. Executive Producer for Foxtel is Howard Myers-Rifai.
The series premieres in May 2025 on the LifeStyle channel and streams on Foxtel Go and BINGE.
Who?
Is she a child or long lost sister of the Daddos?
Ali (real name Alison Brahe) is the wife of Cameron Daddo. She is an author and a former model.