Who thrived, who dived and who survived in 2018?
From career shifts to makeovers, harrowing breakdowns to unexpected triumphs, Confidential has a list of the good, the bad and — of course — the ugly celebrity transformations of 2018.
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The year was jam-packed with headline-worthy transformations for local and international celebrities.
From bizarre career shifts and dramatic makeovers to harrowing breakdowns and unexpected triumphs, Confidential has compiled a list of some the year’s standout evolutions — the good, the bad and, of course, the ugly.
OSHER GUNSBERG
The Bachelor TV presenter underwent two major transformations this year — one mental and one physical.
After being fat-shamed publicly in 2017, the 44-year-old hit back, losing nine kilos over a 10-week period.
He also gave up his mental health medication, including antipsychotic drugs, to overhaul his body and mind — two things he has battled with since he was young.
SHANNON NOLL
As well as getting himself into several spots of bother this year, troubled singer-songwriter Shannon Noll of Australian Idol fame also hit the gym — hard.
The What About Me hitmaker was recorded going on a foul-mouthed rant during a gig in July and was caught with a bag of white powder in September.
After dodging conviction for the latter, Nollsie shared a picture on social media of his bulked-up physique, saying he was “feeling good” after hitting the gym.
With his fourth child with wife of 14 years, Rochelle, on the way, maybe Noll’s new love for pumping iron is a sign he’s trying to clean up his act?
MEGHAN MARKLE
Not long after the former Suits actor officially became a princess, Meghan Markle’s sparkle began to fade, with rumours about bratty behaviour behind closed doors dominating headlines.
Ending the year with the suggestion she has become Duchess Difficult, the former Hollywood star’s demands are being blamed for the resignation of two royal staffers this year.
Also accused of bucking royal protocol on several occasions, the Duchess of Sussex — who is a vegan, an animal lover and five months pregnant — reportedly tried to prevent her husband, Prince Harry, from attending his family’s annual Boxing Day pheasant shoot this year.
LISA WILKINSON
Breakfast TV’s golden girl has gone from co-hosting Nine’s ailing Today show to jetting around the world to interview mega-celebs for The Project.
Since jumping ship, 59-year-old Wilkinson managed to ruffle the feathers of former bosses at Nine by chatting with big names including Serena Williams following her infamous US Open meltdown, and Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins after he walked off The Bachelor series without a partner.
TIM ROBARDS
Another Bachelor alumnus to make the jump from reality TV to a long-running soap this year, Robards announced he was landing on Ramsay Street in October — soon after marrying his Bachie girlfriend Anna Heinrich in a lavish Italian ceremony.
Robards hinted at taking up a full gig on Neighbours and relocating to Melbourne.
KYLIE JENNER
The youngest member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan has proved she is just as powerful as her famous sisters this year.
The 21-year-old became a mum at beginning of 2018, welcoming her first child after keeping the pregnancy a secret.
She was named as one of the richest celebrities in America, thanks to the $1.2 billion she made from her Kylie Cosmetics brand.
SAM FROST
From dumped Bachelorette star to dumped radio presenter, Sam Frost made her third attempt to keep her 15 minutes of fame alive by joining the cast of Summer Bay.
The reality star-turned-actor was initially met with criticism when she reappeared on the small screen earlier this year, but the Home And Away newcomer proved her critics wrong, delivering an performance on par with those who have had years of professional training.
BEN SIMMONS
Not so long ago only sports buffs would have known who Aussie basketballer Ben Simmons was, but the talented sportsman was thrust into spotlight when he started dating Kendall Jenner.
The 22-year-old plays for NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, and Jenner was spotted at several of his games this year.
He also took out the Breakthrough Sportsman of the Year gong at the GQ Awards this year.
Being linked to the most famous family in the world is a sure-fire way to lift your profile.
USAIN BOLT
The retired Jamaican sprinter went from world record holder to wannabe soccer star.
The Olympic champion had an “indefinite training period” at the Central Coast Mariners but he and the club failed to come to a contract agreement.
Bolt has been linked with Diego Maradona, who manages a Mexican second division team and is keen to sign him.
BEN AFFLECK
After 40 days of therapy to treat his alcohol addiction, by the end of the year Affleck was back on doing what he does best.
This month Affleck was shooting American drama Torrance, Triple Frontier, in which he has a starring role, was released, and he signed on with Universal to star in the adaptation of novel I Am Still Alive.
What a comeback.
LADY GAGA
From chart-topping songstress to darling of the silver screen, Gaga morphed from pop star to award-nominated actor this year after a stellar performance in critically acclaimed A Star Is Born.
For her first-ever starring role, Gaga is in the mix for Best Actress at the Golden Globes and up for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
JASMINE YARBROUGH
Eighteen months ago, she was a little-known LA-based shoe designer.
Then she became Mrs Karl Stefanovic.
Far from her humble Brisbane beginnings, this year Yarbrough has become one of the most talked-about people in Australia.
Her range of Mara and Mine flats was stocked in David Jones, having been seen on the feet of celebrities such as Margot Robbie.
She has collaborated with high-profile models such as Cat McNeil.
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