Insiders spill on femme fatale socialite’s trip to Dubai with a Rich Lister… Plus, mayor’s shag pad for sale – and pharma bro’s NYC dash to win back model: THE GROUP CHAT

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Join Lucy Manly in The Group Chat for the latest Australian celebrity and society news – you’ll hear the buzz before anyone else!

A billion-dollar romance

While it was a relatively calm summer for most socialites, Emma Steel – as I reported last week – has found a wealthy new partner.

Sources say the socialite is now dating a genuine billionaire, a significant change from her previous relationships with wealthy doctors.

She reportedly celebrated the New Year with a wealthy, unidentified man in Dubai, a popular destination for billionaires.

Ms. Steel and her children traveled in first class and then stayed at the incredibly luxurious Atlantis The Royal resort, occupying its most exclusive suite, The Royal Mansion penthouse.

This stunning four-bedroom penthouse spans two floors and offers breathtaking views from the Palm. It features luxurious amenities like an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, private elevator, around-the-clock butler service, a library, and a bar, making it a truly exceptional and exclusive getaway.

This level of luxury is incredibly expensive. A night here is said to cost around $150,000, and you have to book for at least five nights during the holidays to experience the stunning, unobstructed view of Dubai’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Last year, the couple took a luxurious vacation to Fiji, staying on a private island accessible only by seaplane – a far cry from typical all-inclusive resorts.

But for Ms Steel’s new squeeze, it’s a drop in the ocean.

I’m still checking a few things about this man, like the status of his marriage as shown on Wikipedia – whether it’s officially over or just a long-term separation. But I can say he’s an experienced investor who became wealthy through technology and real estate.

And he’s a familiar name to the scribes of the Australian Financial Review’s Rich List.

Danielle Steel’s latest love story centers around her relationship with Dr. Alireza Fallahi, a cosmetic surgeon who drives a Lamborghini. This romance began soon after a legal ruling found she had falsely accused her former husband, neurosurgeon Dr. Timothy Steel, of assault.

Ms. Steel claimed that Dr. Steel physically assaulted her – punching, slapping, and kicking her – at their home. However, in 2020, a court found her testimony unreliable and dropped all charges.

Back then, Dr. Steel’s lawyer, Paul McGirr, had dismissed her as an unreliable and unstable witness, claiming she fabricated accusations against her husband.

‘In relation to her, she will make up anything to suit herself,’ Mr McGirr said.

Video presented in court revealed Ms. Steel repeatedly complained to Dr. Steel about finances, even though he provided her with $24,000 each month for personal and household costs, as well as paying for a full-time nanny.

‘You drip-feed me,’ she said to her then-husband in the video.

Honestly, when Tim mentioned his monthly income – twenty-four thousand dollars! – I couldn’t help but laugh. I gently reminded him that, considering his annual salary of either four or six million dollars, it wasn’t that significant. It’s all relative, you know? Sometimes we get caught up in the numbers and lose sight of the bigger picture.

The magistrate’s ruling, and the strong defense put up by Dr. Steel’s legal team, fascinated Sydney’s social scene and cemented her place in the gossip columns, where her name still appears regularly.

Pap king’s shag pad

Darryn Lyons, who used to be a paparazzi photographer and is now the mayor of Geelong, is putting his home in the eastern suburbs, known as The Horizon, up for sale and is accepting initial expressions of interest from potential buyers.

A recently renovated two-bedroom apartment in a famous tower designed by Harry Seidler has been called ‘Sydney’s sexiest apartment’.

‘Sleaziest’ may be more accurate.

Imagine a space that’s over-the-top and glamorous, like a Barbie Dream House but with a decidedly adult edge. It’s filled with luxurious details like a clear pink bathtub, sparkling crystal lights, and mirrored ceilings in the bedrooms – a detail I especially love.

Okay, so you won’t believe what I’ve heard about him! It’s the guy, you know, the one with… well, let’s just say he’s had some work done, and he’s famous for being the brains behind Big Pictures – the agency that got those amazing photos of David Beckham with Rebecca Loos? Apparently, he’s been spending a TON of time out of the country recently, and now he’s suddenly thinking about selling his apartment! I’ve been following him for years, and this is so strange… it all adds up, though. He’s definitely been keeping something from us!

After all, when you’re rarely at home, who really needs a translucent bathtub? 

The Horizon building has always been home to many famous and successful people. Past residents include actress Jacki Weaver, director Baz Luhrmann, costume designer Catherine Martin, and the late entertainment manager Harry M. Miller.

However, Francesca Packer-Barham, a media heiress, is widely considered the most prominent resident of the building, living in a luxurious apartment on the 40th floor.

You can always tell she’s back – her bright pink, eye-catching car is parked outside, and it definitely fits her style.

Mitchell Farah from First Hand Property and Conor Howard from NG Farah are handling the sale, and they’re looking for a buyer who has a taste for pink marble and a… unique lifestyle preference.

I have to admit, Lyons’ Horizon home is… something else. You either love it or you really don’t, but it definitely makes a statement – and honestly, it totally fits his personality. He’s not afraid to be bold, and neither is his house!

Society engagement

Alyce Tran, a former lawyer who now runs a fashion business, recently got engaged to Rob Simpkins, who is from England.

Alyce initially co-founded the monogramming company, The Daily Edited, but later sold her 50% share to her former partner, Tania Liu. The company eventually closed down. After that, Alyce joined LTK, a global platform for influencers (previously known as RewardStyle).

That move took her to London, where fate stepped in.

Alyce met Rob, the head of marketing for Roc Nation Sports International, while attending the same event. Alyce is the older sister of well-known stylist Caroline Tran.

I’ve known Alyce for years through various events, and I met her fiancé briefly last year at Opera Bar. She was showing him around, and it was clear they had a strong connection.

Over the holidays, Rob proposed to his partner, getting down on one knee on December 12th. He presented a heart-shaped diamond ring at McKell Park in Darling Point, a special location because it reminded them of their first date in Regent’s Park, London.

The couple plans to get married in London. Afterwards, Rob will move to Sydney later this year.

The newly engaged couple rang in the New Year with a glamorous celebration at John Symond’s stunning Point Piper mansion. They were joined by guests including Deborah Symond O’Neil, Bernadette Fahey, Lou O’Neil, and designer Michael Lo Sordo, and enjoyed prime views of the fireworks display.

Pharma bro’s NYC dash

Oh my gosh, you guys, I’m seeing reports that Kristen Apollos is back with Luke Calpis! Luke, as in, Sophie Curtis’ ex? And Sophie is Roxy Jacenko’s sister-in-law – Oliver Curtis is her brother! I’ve been following Kristen for years and this on-again, off-again thing with Luke is just… everything. Seriously, I need details! It’s like a crazy web of connections, and I’m totally obsessed with finding out what’s happening!

Yes, it’s a small world in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

According to insiders, the model ended the relationship privately before leaving for New York. However, being apart seems to have actually strengthened their feelings for each other.

Calpis arrived in the US ‘around Thanksgiving’ hoping to rekindle their relationship, and it seems he intends to stay for good.

Calpis, once a well-known part of Sydney’s social life, seems to have changed dramatically after its founder launched the men’s health telehealth platform, Primal Zone – almost like a complete transformation in image.

His company helps men get prescriptions for testosterone replacement therapy, and says it has assisted over 10,000 men in improving their well-being. The company promotes itself with a hyper-masculine image.

Apollos is known for dating prominent people. She was previously with Dave Katz, a financial manager, but they broke up after a major argument three years ago while vacationing in Ibiza.

As a lifestyle observer, I’ve noticed that Calpis and Sophie went their separate ways quite some time ago. Sophie, ever the independent spirit, has really focused on building her career and hasn’t been looking for a relationship since. She’s truly dedicated herself to her work!

Sources say her father, Nick Curtis, a former banker at Macquarie, supported her career goals by investing in luxury public relations company BLACK Communications on her behalf.

Reports suggest that Apollos and Calpis are planning a reunion in New York, and their story might not be finished yet.

 

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2026-01-08 15:56