What the stars got up to during lockdown
As lockdowns around the country start to lift and we’re allowed outside again, take a look at what some of our stars got up to during the weeks holed up inside.
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From the lows of loneliness and bad haircuts to a whole new appreciation for the simple comforts of trackies, Uggs and walking the dog, isolation has been an eye-opener. And like these stars many of us will look back on recent weeks and marvel at the initiative and imagination we’ve unlocked during lockdown.
BRIDGET MALCOLM - VICTORIA’S SECRET MODEL
“On the second day of social distancing, the space bar on my computer broke. I thought I could handle fixing it, and so I took the key off and cleaned the mechanism. Upon trying to reattach it, I realised I had only succeeded in breaking it more. So in the remaining two months of isolation, I wrote three papers (ironically enough on serotonin) with a broken space bar, that only worked if I hit it really hard with both of my thumbs. I did manage to get 100 per cent on one of the papers though, so maybe the slower typing speed made the information really sink in?”
FRANCESCA HUNG - E! AUSTRALIA HOST
“The best bit about WFH for me is that I get to wear trackies and ugg boots when I’m filming or doing interviews with celebs … which is amazing. The worst bit though is that I have now become my own producer, sound, lighting and camera girl. Just last week I filmed a segment for E! that took over an hour, and when I went to check the camera I realised it had switched off at 5.07 minutes … torture!”
MICHELLE BRIDGES - FITNESS GURU
“During isolation it is all about staying fit and healthy. All business at the top (MB Active) to keep me on track and trackies and Uggs an absolute necessity to keep me warm and comfortable in the coming winter months. Trying to maintain some sort of normality, I think we have all adapted well to the new norm of working-out without gyms.”
EDWINA BARTHOLOMEW - SUNRISE PRESENTER
“I have been so committed to never doing my hair that I cut a hat to accomodate it. And as for my feet, I hope to leave Birkenstocks and socks behind in isolation but somehow this comfort combo might just stick. “
SARAH STEPHENS - VICTORIA’S SECRET MODEL, ACTRESS
“Inspired by Peaky Blinders, I gave my little brother a haircut. It’s a pretty horrific haircut. Think Keanu Reeves in Parenthood. Mum is no longer talking to me.
My parents and brother work in health care so quarantine was extremely strict. After arriving from New York, Dad waved at me with a gloved hand then proceeded to spray my luggage with disinfectant before entering the house.
The first 14 days of isolation felt like I was a grounded school kid again. Locked in a makeshift bedroom, my family sectioned off part of the house for me so I had my own bathroom. Usually I share with my three brothers so I consider this a win.
I completed a short online writing course and dusted off my old bass clarinet to keep me busy. I left NY thinking I’d be back in a few weeks but now I’m organising professional movers to pack up my apartment to put into storage.
I’m so happy to be back in Australia though.”
PETE HELLIER - CHANNEL 10 PERSONALITY
“Like most Australians (wife) Bridget and I have missed the pub drop in during lockdown. Not that we do it that much these days but its always good to know the pubs are open if the opportunity arises. So we decided to create our own iso pub crawls. We set up different rooms in the house and then stumble from room to room. My favourite pubs so far have been the hipster joint on our stairs Upwards, The Gentle Tumble, a swank little wine bar in our laundry, and the cosy and slightly too cramped Downpour — in our shower”.
LAURA DUNDOVIC - MODEL
“I dropped my earring down the sink and decided to retrieve it myself! I got one half of the pipe unscrewed by hand but the top half was stuck. I then, not once but twice, flooded the bathroom forgetting the pipe was unscrewed and emptied the bucket I had collecting water from the pipe back into the sink! I ended up having to drive to my parents to pick up a tool which did the trick. I was very proud until someone on Instagram asked if I had tried the stocking over the vacuum pipe trick. Sounds a lot easier and cleaner than what I did. At least I know for next time!”
SAM FROST - ACTRESS AND REALITY TV PERSONALITY
“I did a TV interview in my PJ pants from my bedroom, I have zoomed into H&A script read throughs (don’t get me wrong, I was prepared for the meeting) but was still in bed.
I have lived in tracksuit pants, jumpers and big woolly socks.
Regular exercise has been something that I have really needed _ mentally and physically.
My two dogs (Greg and Rocky) have never been on so many walks!
I went into this time period not knowing what it was going to be or for how long it would be for. I had grand plans of learning a language, doing an online cooking class, Marie-Kondo-ing my house but I like many people found this time a little confined. In all honesty I rated chocolate bars from best to worst, I did puzzles, I played board games, I slept, I read books, celebrated my 31st birthday, but most importantly, I took time for me.
Anyone who knows me well, knows I am a home body, but I am so happy to be going back to work on Home And Away.”
SIMONE HOLTZNAGEL - MODEL
“What started out as just a simple bedroom painting job on the first weekend in April (and perfect isolation project), turned in to a whole room renovation for me and my dad! Painting the walls turned in ripping out all the walls, the ceiling, floors — everything! The job still hasn’t been finished! Flooring was delayed for weeks (thanks again, Covid) and was only just laid last week and now I am just waiting for wardrobes to be installed!”
CHANTAL MONAGHAN - MODEL
“I’ve been in the same robe for eight weeks and I’m not embarrassed in the slightest, it’s very comfortable and in these times we need look after ourselves and do things that make us happy. During Covid I decided to try every single American cereal. It has been a fun exercise, with so many choices I cannot decide which one I love most. I am also teaching myself how to bake bread, I have messed it up four times but through trial and error I am slowly perfecting the process.
I’ve watched 10 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy and I have about seven left. Although I feel guilty sometimes, I think it’s OK to take time out, relax and take care of our mind, body and spirit as we won’t get this time again.
I’m exercising every day, planning for the future and setting some career goals but also trying not to stress out about the state of the industry. Hopefully we will bounce back stronger and better than before.”
RYAN ‘FITZY’ FITZGERALD - NOVA RADIO PERSONALITY
“We’ve been dressing up in different eras at home. I took the boys back to the 80’s on Beat Street for breakdancing.”
Originally published as What the stars got up to during lockdown