Brisbane bachelor off the market after TV proposal
Which Brisbane TV identity is newly engaged to his beautiful girlfriend? Read all the details of his unique proposal here. As well as socials pictures and gossip from around town this week.
Damien Anthony Rossi
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THE SCOOP
WEDDING FORECAST
For years he was one of Brissy’s fave bachies and now he’s taken the plunge and is off the market for good. Ten News First’s weather presenter Josh Holt came up with the ultimate plan of using his 40th birthday as a ruse to pop the big question to his partner, 34-year old medical sales specialist Skye Davis.
Leading up to the big moment, he videoed his proposal sitting behind the Ten newsdesk to later surprise Davis and on the day of his birthday the pair headed to The Star Gold Coast with Davis believing the weekend away was just for Holt’s milestone celebration. Whilst enjoying a pre-dinner champers in their room, Holt asked Davis if she’d like to see the goof reel workmates had done for his 40th and promptly began streaming it on the television. When it reached the actual proposal, he dropped to his knee and presented a stunning Belgian-cut round diamond ring in its Xennox Diamonds box, confessing to A-list that “The ring was upside down! ”. No matter, as his now-fiancée was overcome with emotion and, of course, accepted. This was followed by 90 minutes of calls to loved ones, as you do. Congrats to the happy couple!
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COVERING UP
Brisbane’s cooler than usual winter has prompted even The Naked Musicians to cover up - for now. Christopher Wayne, one half of the famously naked duo that has played to audiences in more than 340 cities and headlined their own Vegas show, will be returning to Brisbane Powerhouse next month for an up close and personal performance of his family friendly one-man show.
“I’ve spent the last few years travelling and performing, so I couldn’t be more excited to return to my home city, pop on my favourite suit, and give audiences some magic in a time where we could all use some in our lives,’’ he says. Tickets go on sale for the show - called Christopher Wayne: Fully Dressed - this Tuesday.
SHUTTING UP SHOP
With domestic travel almost non-existent, a number of retailers have shut up and vacated their premises at Brisbane Domestic Airport, leaving it looking like a ghost town. It’s a tough situation for Brisbane Airport Corporation who commenced a $40 million upgrade of the Domestic Terminal, which was to include 51 new or refurbished shops, earlier this year. Among those who have moved out is fashion stalwart Country Road. The retailer has also vacated their Brisbane City store in the heritage-listed former bank building at 180 Queen St, but a new ‘pop up’ store is tipped to open in the city in the next few months.
THE PJ SUMMIT
A-list was heartened to learn that the art of the pyjama party has not been lost. Reports are that guests at Sunshine Coast hospitality identity Heidi Meyer’s The Pyjama Summit had such fun they were literally doing cartwheels by the end of the weekend! Meyer, owner of Aquila Retreat and Malumba Estate at Buderim, hosted 24 of the Sunny Coast’s most successful and influential women (and one man!) at Aquila for a “magical, dynamic and inspiring” weekend to discuss ideas on how to best support the region during these challenging times. Donning comfy winter woollies during the day and a variety of pyjama looks at night, guests were treated to a range of activities and a slow food menu designed by Meyer and Deco Events boasting local produce. VIP guests included PR identities Giorgi Ciot and Philippa Drynan as well as author Barbara Pease and Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Jeanette Allom-Hill both of whom shared inspiring stories with the group.
EMPORIUM EXCITEMENT
Award-winning luxury hotel Emporium Hotel South Bank has a number of exciting reasons to celebrate this week including the announcement of John McIlwain as its new General Manager. After a long stint in Sydney and most recently in the role of GM of Operations for QT, Atura and Rydges Hotels (for NSW, Queensland and NT), the born and bred Queenslander is thrilled to be back in the Sunny State and at the helm of the glamorous hotel owned by Tony and Fran John. Also toast-worthy is the return of the popular monthly Champagne Club hosted by Brisbane bubbles queen Bernadette O’Shea. It will be held the first Tuesday of each month at the hotel’s uber-posh rooftop cocktail bar/restaurant, The Terrace, that now boasts new head chef Benny Lam (ex-Donna Chang) whose specialty is innovative modern Aussie fusion cuisine. Champagne Club returns on September 1.
EVENT OF THE WEEK
Ping Pong opening, Newstead
It’s been a long time between drinks on Brissy’s usually vibrant social scene so it was a welcome oasis for die hard foodies and socialistas when new Thai eatery Ping Pong flung open its doors at Gasworks. Enthusiastic guests rocked up to the pink-drenched premises to be welcomed by owner Yianni Passaris flanked by father Michael and indulged by chef Bowyo Muangsong with an array of delectable dishes from the tantalising menu. VIP’s included Channel 7’s Kendall Gilding with hubby Tim Morgan and Emma and Amy Sheppard.
LOOK OF THE WEEK
Event: Ping Pong opening
Name: Elizabeth Kingston
Suburb: Fairfield
Age: 58
Occupation: Retail Sales
Embroidered Coat: Anthony Leigh Dower / Dress: Self-made / Boots: Shoe Collection / Bag: Spencer Rutherford / Necklace: Akira Isogawa
Style Icon: NYC fashionistas!
GUESS WHO, DON’T SUE
It’s baaack! We’ve seen this week that the embarrassing early pandemic toilet paper panic buying in Oz was not a one-off aberration as it’s making a return with the white stuff starting to disappear again from shelves. And Brissy’s not immune with one well-known socialite spotted at a Northside supermarket sporting a loaded up trolley including two 24-packs of toilet rolls that were at risk of toppling out of her cart. A-list feels she probably knew what she was doing is frowned upon given her face was partially hidden by large designer sunnies and a floppy hat (which really just called more attention to her nefarious activities!).
