'BERT'S ALWAYS WITH US'

It's the most wonderful time of the year for the beloved Aussie showbiz family

- PATTI & LAUREN NEWTON

Lauren Newton says Christmas “lost a bit of its sparkle” after her famous father Bert Newton died in 2021.

“He loved it so much and he was Mr Christmas. So it does feel like there’s a piece missing without him. But we’ve done our best to carry on and still make it special and enjoy it.”

And her mum Patti, 80, says that includes spoiling Lauren’s kids, her six grandchildren – Sam, 17, Eva, 16, Lola, 13, Monty, nine, Perla, six, and Alby, five.

“I feel like she’s compensating now for Dad not being here by going even bigger,” Lauren laughs. “It’s great. We always have a wonderful day and there are always lots of surprises. It’s a happy day.”

THE GREATEST GIFT

Lauren, 46, tells Woman’s Day she makes sure she honours Bert’s memory during the celebrations too.

“I always give Mum something that involves him. Last year I had a blanket made with his face all over it. It was hilarious – so gaudy, but mum loved it. Then the year before I had a pillow done with his face on it. I like him to always be included.”

Not that they need a reminder of the beloved entertainer.

“A day would never go by without Lauren and I having some sort of discussion about something he did or some Christmas present he bought us – so he’s always with us,” Patti tells Woman’s Day.

‘It does feel like there’s a piece missing without him’

“I think I’m helped a lot by having the children and Lauren so close. I feel very privileged to have so much love around me. [Lauren’s husband] Matt [Welsh] and Lauren are very generous – they always include me in things. I have my dinner with them every night.

“My son Matthew’s in America, of course, but I speak to him all the time. He rings for all the birthdays – and there are a lot of them to remember!” she laughs.

The pair say Bert’s never far from the grandkids’ thoughts either.