Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
When you hear the name Jack Thompson, you might picture the rugged Australian actor from Breaker Morant, or perhaps the fiery American activist who took on the video game industry. They share a name but little else. This article separates fact from confusion, showing who each Jack Thompson really is, where they come from, and … Read more
Few celebrity hairstylists command as much public curiosity as Chris Appleton — the man behind Kim Kardashian’s signature sleek blowouts and Dua Lipa’s red-carpet waves. But his personal life has drawn just as much attention, especially after his brief marriage to actor Lukas Gage ended in divorce. Here’s a fact-grounded look at Appleton’s family, career, … Read more
Few TV dramas spark as much curiosity about the real person behind the story as Last King of the Cross. The Paramount+ series follows John Ibrahim, a former Kings Cross nightclub owner whose life has been the subject of police investigations, tabloid headlines, and now a dramatised television epic that separates known facts from fiction … Read more
For more than two decades, the fate of British backpacker Peter Falconio has haunted true-crime followers around the world. The man convicted of his murder, Bradley John Murdoch, died in July 2025 without ever revealing where Falconio’s body lies. Now, fresh details from a 2026 coronial inquest into Murdoch’s final days have reignited questions about … Read more
You’ve seen the man behind the dark glasses on stage and in photographs, rarely without them. Jeff Lynne, the creative force behind Electric Light Orchestra, has made those sunglasses as much a part of his image as his music, and in this article we separate fact from speculation about why he always wears them, what … Read more
Most people know Matilda Ledger only as a name attached to a Hollywood tragedy — the daughter of Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams, born just two years before her father’s death. But behind the headlines and inheritance rumors is a young woman who has spent nearly two decades out of the spotlight, raised by a … Read more
Few television characters leave a mark quite like Samantha Carter did on a generation of sci-fi fans — smart, capable, and never the sidekick. But Amanda Tapping, the actor who brought her to life, has spent the last decade proving that her talents extend far beyond the Stargate universe. Born: 28 August 1965 · Known … Read more
Alison Hammond has a way of making television feel like a proper catch-up with a friend. The Birmingham-born presenter, who first bounced onto screens as a Big Brother contestant in 2002, has since become one of ITV’s most recognisable faces — and one of its most candid. Full name: Alison Hammond · Born: 5 February … Read more
If you’ve scrolled past Alison Hammond on This Morning or caught her infectious laugh on social media, you’ve probably wondered what’s behind the headlines. She’s lost 13 stone (approximately 84 kg) after receiving a pre-diabetic diagnosis, according to Medical Daily (health news outlet), and her career arc from reality TV to a BAFTA-nominated presenter has … Read more
If you grew up in Australia in the 1970s and 80s, Jon English’s voice was likely part of the soundtrack. Whether belting out Six Ribbons on the radio or starring as the rebellious convict in Against the Wind, he was a constant presence. Born: 26 March 1949, Hampstead, London · Died: 9 March 2016, age … Read more