Woman's Own November 30, 2012

This week, I want to highlight a very controversial issue – The Christmas Diet. Words that in my opinion should never be seen together! However, there is a way to watch your weight while you party this season – just swap your food. On page 36, our nutritionist and diet expert, Angela Dowden, reveals how to still enjoy festive treats without piling on the pounds. From clever Christmas lunch tips and tasty pud tricks to that all-important glass of bubbly, now you can indulge and stay slim. Hurray! facebook.com/womansownmagazine twitter.com/womansown womansowneditor@ipcmedia.com 020 3148 6565 This week! Now we’re ONLINE! From party hair ideas to festive fashion from the high street, gifts for all the family, money-saving tips and recipes – join us now at womansown.co.uk for the best Christmas ever!…

On the spot with Tom Ellis The Secret Of Crickley Hall’s Tom Ellis, 33, has two girls with wife Tamzin Outhwaite 1 Phone or text? A phone chat is the best way to put myself across. 2 Flats or heels? Flats. After a night in heels women complain about their feet. I’m not talking about my wife, of course. 3 Online or supermarket? Supermarket. I like to check the sell-by dates on food. 4 Cash or card? Card. I’m always finding random fivers in pockets of clothes that I haven’t worn for ages. 5 Cocktail or wine? I’ll have a nice glass of red, please. 6 Blonde or brunette? Blonde, obviously. 7 Salad or steak? I don’t eat much red meat. I eat chicken. I’m a breast man. 8 Bath…

Christmas crackers Tailored cut Choose a hip-length style like TV cook Nigella Lawson, 52. She keeps it buttoned up to make the most of her svelte new shape. Flattering fabric BGT judge Amanda Holden, 41, shows off her petite figure in this skilfully draped dress. The gentle ruching at the waist creates curves. Better belted Kate Middleton, 30, is effortlessly chic. Using a wide leather belt to cinch in her coat adds shape to her athletic figure. Try M&S for a similar look. Peplum perfect This frock is fabulous on Carol Vorderman, 51. The fitted skirt streamlines the hips while the flared design accentuates her trim waist. Clever detail Hollywood star Kate Beckinsale, 39, fools onlookers with her oversized bow, which appears to give her curvier hips and a smaller…

Proud of my pal Bernie Bernie Nolan is one of the bravest women I know. As well as battling breast cancer since her diagnosis in 2010, she’s also helped to save countless lives by encouraging women to go for mammograms and see their doctors if they notice changes in their breasts. After she appeared on my show recently, many women called us to say their cancer had been detected early and that they were going to be fine, all thanks to Bernie. I spoke to her often during the tough time when she was undergoing treatment and I rejoiced when she was declared cancer-free two years ago. So it was with great sadness that I learned her cancer was back. Bernie had been on the show just a few weeks…

How’s this for a CV: comedy icon, actor, Britain’s Got Talent judge, charity hero, writer, and with a model wife. David Walliams has certainly packed a lot into his 41 years. Next week sees David in a movie version of Great Expectations, then comes ‘the biggest gig of my life’, as he hosts the 100th Royal Variety Performance. At Christmas, Hugh Bonneville stars in the TV version of David ’s kids’ book, Mr Stink, and his autobiography, Camp David, will fill many a stocking. But, despite his success, David feels insecure and has tried to take his own life several times. ‘I hate being on my own,’ he says. ‘I think dark thoughts.’ Clearly, there’s more to David than spouting catchphrases and wearing a dress! t in my life,’ says…

Lisa Riley says that stepping on to the Strictly merry-goround has made her feel like a princess. ‘It has been beyond anything I could imagine,’ she says. ‘It’s been phenomenal. I feel like Kate Middleton must have felt at her wedding. The scabby girl done good. I can’t get over it.’ Lisa and I first met in the mid-'90s when she was on Emmerdale and I was dispatched on an assignment for GMTV to catch up with the Dingles. We hit it off immediately. Now 36, she says, ‘You’ve known me for years, Richard. I’ve not changed.’ And she’s right. I’ve always been drawn to Lisa’s warmth, wit and energy and I knew she was tailormade for Strictly. But her emergence as one of this series’ leading lights has surprised…