Innholdsfortegnelse for 05-may-14 i Woman's Own

It’s great to see that despite the 24-hour flight, the endless media attention and the demands of a nine-month-old son, Kate and Wills can still enjoy each other’s company. They may be on an official tour of Australia and New Zealand, but this relaxed picture of the pair in Sydney reveals just how at ease they still are together – with Kate looking quite flirty! Here at Woman’s Own, we’ve been fascinated by her outfits and how natural she is with everyone she meets. See more fabulous and fun pictures on p12. Join us online Head to our fabulous website, womansown.co.uk, to get all the latest celeb gossip, great competitions and deals, plus beauty, fashion, easy recipes and health tips.…

Eamonn Holmes once referred to his former GMTV boss Martin Frizell as ‘an idiot’ and blasted him in his autobiography. Now, Eamonn’s wife Ruth Langsford is working for Martin, the new man in charge at Loose Women. So what effect will this new professional relationship have on Eamonn and Ruth’s marriage? According to sources close to the couple, Ruth has reportedly issued Eamonn a warning, telling him ‘not to interfere’ when it comes to her work life. ‘Ruth prides herself on professionalism and leaves her personal life at the door,’ an insider revealed. Eamonn, 54, once described his years at GMTV as having a ‘bullying atmosphere’ and has been dismissive of Martin, who is married to Eamonn’s good friend and former co-host, Fiona Phillips. But Ruth, also 54, is determine…

NOSE TO NOSE Kate got up close with the locals while respecting the Maori greeting of touching noses, known as a Hongi. PLAYTIME! Adorable George seemed oblivious to his new surroundings as he happily got stuck into the toys. HOWSWEET The royal family were presented with a giant toy wombat – and George looked delighted! BOWLED OVER Wills was in for a telling-off from his wife after throwing a fast ball during a friendly game of cricket. Check out her heels! OOH-ER! Kate didn’t know where to look after being welcomed to New Zealand with a traditional Maori ceremony. ATRIBUTE TO GRANNY Kate toasted The Queen at the unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty. DOWN IN ONE Kate quashed pregnancy rumours by enjoying a glass of red during…

Flaunty our bust If you’re blessed with a bigger chest, show it off! Wear plunging V-necklines in delicate fabrics that highlight your curves. IT’S A WRAP A crossover style is perfect for larger-busted ladies. They’re a great fit, flattering, and will even whittle a waist. PEPLUM POWER If you’re apple-shaped, opt for tops that fit and flare, they’ll balance your bust and waist and cover up your tummy. MATERIAL GAINS Choose soft jersey, cotton and silk that will skim, not cling – enhancing your bust without adding inches to the rest of you. Be a perfect petite A skater style will create impeccable proportions! SIZE MATTERS If you’re super-small, buy from specialist petite collections – especially if you’re looking for maxi dresses or trousers. LONG STORY Go for dresses that…

Did you know? Facial exercises are a great way to get a chiselled chin. Look up to the ceiling, purse your lips and hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 times. NOURISH YOUR KNEES Baggy knees are caused by a lack of collagen. Improve tone by skin brushing with Champneys Luxury Body Brush, £10, before showering. Follow with Dove Firming Nourishing Lotion, £4.99, to moisturise and plump skin. HELP YOUR HANDS Keep puffy and dry hands at bay with Molton Brown Ylang-Ylang Replenishing Hand Cream, £10. For a richer treatment, try Ragdale Hall Relax Intense Overnight Hand Cream, £6, M&S, that works as you sleep. DITCH YOUR DOUBLECHIN Slim your neck and banish droopy jowls in one move with the Dr. Ceuticals Neck & Chest Lift SPF15, £19.99. Apply in upward…

She’s become so negative My 10-year-old daughter has always been quite a stress bunny, but lately she seems to be on a bit of a downward spiral. Every day she comes home from school with some negative story about school, friends or life in general. I spend so much time trying to cheer her up, only for her to find something else to be unhappy about. What can I do to help her? Katrina, 40, Cambridge Your first job is to rule out anything that might be happening at school or with her friendship group. Ask lots of open questions, including, ‘If you could change one thing about school right now, what would it be?’ Then arrange a meeting with her teacher to get some insight into what might be…

SWAP TO A LOWER-ALCOHOL WINE. This naturally cuts t e units in a bottle. At 5.5%, Miranda Summer Light Shiraz (from supermarkets including Tesco) contains just 4.1 units per 750ml bottle. And it honestly tastes good, too! FREEZE YOUR LEFTOVERS. ‘Many people don’t want to throw away the dregs of a bottle, but that can be the extra unit that tips you over the edge,’ says Lauren. Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray, then use them for stocks or stews. TRY A SOFT DRINK IN A WINE GLASS. ‘Often it’s the ritual of sitting with a wine glass and chatting with our partner that we find relaxing, rather than the wine itself,’ says Lauren. So try red grape juice or elderflower cordial with soda in your usual wine glass.…

When 35-year-old chef Claudia Lawrence went missing five years ago, her family said they’d been ‘plunged into a deep dark hole’. Claudia was last seen on her way home from York University, where she worked in one of the colleges, on 18 March 2009. But she didn’t turn up for her shift the next day, all attempts to contact her failed and the popular girl was never seen again. Despite a huge police hunt, there have been no arrests, little evidence, no prime suspects and the case remains unsolved. During a Crimewatch appeal this March, on the fifth anniversary of Claudia’s disappearance, North Yorkshire Police revealed they wanted to speak to a man aged between 55 and 65 who was seen standing outside her home between 6.45am and 6.55am on…

Chicken and cauliflower warm salad SERVES 4 PREP TIME 5MINS COOKING TIME 15 MINS YOU WILL NEED 4chickenbreasts 2heads cauliflower, cut into florets 75g rocket 125g cherry tomatoes, halved FOR THE DRESSING 1tbsp red wine vinegar 1tbsp wholegrain mustard 3tbsp olive oil 1tbsp finely chopped tarragon leaves HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the grill to high. Drizzle a little oil over the chicken breasts and season. Grill for 15-20 mins, until cooked through. 2 Steam the cauliflower for 5 mins, until just firm. Drain. Heat a splash of oil in a pan. Add the cauliflower and stir-fry for 2 mins. 3 Mix the vinegar, mustard, oil and tarragon together and season. Add the rocket and tomatoes to the cauliflower, then stir through the dressing. Serve the chicken with the…

HOW TO... get the best travel insurance It’s easy to forget travel insurance in the excitement of booking a holiday. But if you fail to get adequate cover and become ill abroad, you could end up with a huge bill. We explain how to get the best travel insurance for you and your family. HOW MANY TRIPS? Planning more than two journeys a year? It may make sense to get annual travel insurance. Compare single and multi-trip prices before you make your decision. FAMILY INSURANCE If you’re going on more than one holiday with the family, consider a group insurance policy to cover you all. These usually consist of two adults and up to four children (under the age of 18). Check Money supermarket.com to compare family policies. CHECK YOUR…

Opening a tender eyelid, I winced at the morning sun. Two empty bottles of rosé stood among empty Chinese takeaway cartons. ‘Horrible hangover,’ I groaned to my best friend Karly. From the grunting noise she made on the sofa, I gathered she was no better off. We’d only had a quiet night in, but with the kids asleep upstairs, we’d relaxed that bit too much. As we nursed our heads, I fantasised about bacon, eggs, a frothy coffee. We were in no state to go out, but wouldn’t it be amazing if someone could bring it to us? ‘I had a light-bulb moment’ ‘That’s it!’ I suddenly exclaimed. ‘Uh-oh,’ Karly said. ‘I know that look.’ She’d seen me have light-bulb moments before, but this was the biggest and brightest. I’d…

The day I won my jackpot didn’t get off to a promising start. I had applied to be on a TV game show and had just heard that I’d missed out on getting through to the next round of auditions. Disappointed, I called my daughter to tell her what had happened. ‘I won’t be on TV this time,’ I said. ‘Oh no, Mum, I’m sorry to hear that,’ Kirsteen, 43, replied. ‘It’s OK. I’ll just have to win the jackpot on the bingo instead!’ I joked, little knowing what was to come. Incredible! I logged on to Woman’s Own Bingo on my old laptop – which had seen better days – and bought some tickets for 90 Ball Bingo in the Tiki Bingo room. To start with, I wasn’t doing…

Best sec ret Barafundle Bay (above), tucked into the Pembrokeshire coastline, is simply spectacular. Crystal clear water, honeyblonde sand and a tumbling backdrop of dunes, limestone cliffs and pine trees make this beach feel like you’ve somehow escaped to the Caribbean – yet it’s just a 20-minute walk from the National Trust car park and tearoom at Stackpole Quay. HIGHLIGHTS Getting away from the hurly-burly for a totally unspoilt stretch of coast is utter bliss. Go to pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk or call National Trust Stackpole Quay (01646 661 359). Best for action The glorious two miles of Watergate Bay in Cornwall are a magnet for extreme sports fans – kitesurfing to sandball, paddle boarding and the more relaxing pursuit of sand art. Nothing works up an appetite like sea air and vigorous…

Foxxy man What a gent actor Jamie Foxx is. We share the same star sign and he told me he was thinking about writing a book on Sagittarians. Turns out Jamie, 46, and I have a lot in common - apart from his avocado farm in California, the Grammy, an Oscar, and a reputed $80 million fortune, that is! Style high I am counting down the days to a wild night out on the tiles with Lorraine Kelly and ITV fashion stylist Mark Heyes later this month. Mark’s a fashion guru and I usually trust his every word but he’s still insisting I can rock a capri pant as we head into the summer. I may dust off my culottes, but I reckon that, at my time of life, I…

Va-va-voom volume Actress Rosamund Pike, 35, opts for a formal, trapeze-style skirt in a feminine floral pattern. A plain black top is the perfect partner to this print. Velvetvamp Maxi skirts don’t have to be all floaty and summery, you know! Naomi Watts, 45, hits the red carpet in a dramatic black velvet number teamed with a silver jacket, perfect for an evening do. Pretty inpink Pastels are huge this spring and TOWIE star Lydia Bright, 23, is channelling ballerina chic in this pretty, pleated maxi skirt. Drawing the line Oprah Winfrey, 60, looks super glam in monochrome. The vertical white lines draw the eye down to slim her bottom half. Pocket look US actress Kate Bosworth, 31, strikes a balance between ladylike glamour and practicality with this mint-coloured maxi…

She may be back on prime-time TV as part of Good Morning Britain, but it seems that all might not be well with Susanna Reid, who recently posted ‘a cry for help’ on her Twitter page. Susanna, 43, took to the site to retweet a quote from another account, which read, ‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,’ raising concerns that the former Strictly star has been having a hard time coping with recent online comments blasting her as ‘insincere’. ‘Susanna was put on a pedestal during Strictly but there’s been a backlash against her and she’s been the victim of nasty comments,’ says psychologist and behaviour expert Donna Dawson. ‘She’s aware of how vulnerable she is and it would make anyone feel insecure. By posting…

Faces flushed, glasses askew, grinning for the camera, they’re the pictures no one wants to see – the after-sex selfies. Yes, you read that right. In the latest trend, couples are now sharing their post-coital pics for the world to gawp at. Just when we thought we couldn’t divulge any more of our lives on social media, lovers are pulling out their phones and capturing this most intimate of moments together. But who wants to see them? Even for a generation happy to share their entire lives on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, these pictures are shamelessly smug and embarrassing. You wouldn’t run into the street screaming, ‘I’ve just had sex!’, so why announce it on the internet? And what is there to boast about? People have sex every day –…

Be bold Pack a punch with vibrant trousers in an attention-grabbing ethnic ikat print. Fashion royalty Pippa Middleton, 30, wears hers to add impact to a simple monochrome outfit. Gorgeous geometric Printed trousers in a luxe jacquard fabric, as seen here on Rochelle Humes, 25, are perfect for taking you from day to night. Let your trousers do the talking by teaming with classic black accessories. Moody blooms Nail two trends in one like Mollie King, 26, who wears her floral-print trousers with a fine knit jumper. Add a leather biker jacket on top, and swap for a jersey tee come summer.…

WHAT TO DO It couldn’t be easier – just pick your tummy-trimming meals from the calorie-counted breakfasts, lunches and dinners below. In addition, drink half a pint of skimmed or 1% milk (or a calcium-fortified alternative with similar calories, such as almond milk) daily. That’s it! HOW THE FLAT TUM PLAN WORKS All meals are calorie-controlled and designed to moderate your blood sugar and insulin levels, which will help banish belly fat. Good levels of dietary fibre help prevent bloating and stop your digestive system from becoming sluggish. Potassium-rich fruit and vegetables help counteract the fluid-retaining effects of sodium that can add inches to your waist. AIM TO DRINK 6-8 GLASSES OF WATER A DAY Staying hydrated with water will help flatten your tummy, as it keeps your kidneys working…

FASTFACT Skimmed and semi-skimmed milk are better at guarding against osteoporosis than full-fat. Why? Because it’s the watery part of the milk that contains the most calcium. A large glass (about 200ml) of whole milk has 130 cals, nearly 8g fat and 230mg calcium. The same amount of semi-skimmed has 70 cals, 3g fat and 240mg calcium, while skimmed has 66 cals, 0.2g fat and 240mg calcium. Breakthrough A new blood test being trialled could detect whether or not you’re likely to develop Alzheimer’s. American researchers showed that testing levels of 10 fats in the blood could predict the risk of it coming on in the next three years. The number of people living with the disease is expected to treble by 2050. Alzheimer’s can attack your brain for 10…

This May marks the seventh anniversary of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The heartbreaking story of the three-year-old snatched from a holiday villa in Portugal has been well-documented. The most recent breakthrough came after a TV appeal in March when officers from Operation Grange, the investigation into the little girl’s disappearance, revealed they were hunting for a sexual predator who may have assaulted five British girls aged between seven and 10 in Portugal’s Algarve between 2004 and 2010. Officers described in chilling detail how the man preyed on young girls during break-ins. ‘This man has a very unhealthy interest in young, white, female children who he is attacking in their beds while they are on holiday,’ said Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, the senior investigating officer. The police received more…

Many of us are economical with the truth when asked about our exercise habits or our alcohol consumption. But if your partner answered those questions on your behalf, the responses would probably be more accurate. Most women think of heart disease as affecting men, yet recent figures show both sexes have an equal risk. It’s responsible for one in three deaths, making it the UK’s single biggest killer. Taking care of your heart is something the two of you can focus on together. Making a few small changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk of heart disease and help you feel younger and stronger. Eating a balanced diet, enjoying regular exercise that raises your heart rate, getting enough rest and taking a daily supplement to support heart health, all…

Proving bags can be both fashionable and functional, British label Mia Tui offers stylish solutions for every occasion without breaking the bank. This family-run firm’s collection contains elegant pieces such as the Grace messenger satchel (below right), £45, a great hands-free option. There’s also Ella (main picture), £58, a shoulder hobo bag with a slouchy silhouette, ensuring you’re always on trend. All Mia Tui’s bags are made from super-soft faux-leather and come in the season’s most sought-after colours, including vibrant pinks and gentle oyster whites. In addition they have a unique interior design, with clips for keys, water bottle holder and clutch bag to keep your belongings safe and sound. PLUS 10% OFF MIATUI HANDBAGS This brilliant offer applies only to full price handbags from miatui.com. To get 10% off,…

Pinned on the walls of my daughter Jodi Ann’s home are hundreds of beautiful postcards with the most touching and emotional messages. ‘You saved me,’ one says simply. They reduce me to tears and remind me just how special my girl is. For Jodi, 25, has been through so much, yet she spends every day being there for others. From the start it was clear my girl had a way with words. She’d leave little notes round the house. ‘Thanks for being you,’ she’d say. But, aged 22, and with her heart set on being a poet, her life was cruelly flipped upside down. It was September 2011, and Jodi had gone to a music festival. Returning home, she started to feel ill. ‘I’m just tired,’ she reassured me. But…

Aries 21Mar – 20Apr Venus sails into Aries at the weekend, with her lovely, soothing influence. And it’s a welcome turn of events. Not only is it a great time to resolve an ongoing dispute, but it means you should spend time pampering your mind and body as well. For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21Apr – 20May There’s a super-powerful New Moon and eclipse in your sign on Tuesday. The following five days are your best so far this year for starting new things. Especially involving communication. Be brave and speak out. For more call 0901 609 4781* Gemini 21May – 20 Jun What makes you tick? Events over the next seven days could make you question what’s driving you. And in this brilliant week for new ideas,…

I’ve been a member of Woman’s Own Bingo for a few months now, since spotting the offer of £25 free play for a £10 deposit. I found the website easy to use. Signing up is straightforward and it’s simple to find out about the games on offer. Now I like to go on once or twice a week. I’ve had lots of small wins in the past – and now I can say I’m a jackpot winner, too! One Tuesday night, I switched on the computer to relax with a few games. There was a lot of excitement in the Slots Friendzy room as the jackpot was more than a whopping £69,000. Slots Friendzy is my favourite game on Woman’s Own Bingo. There’s a great community jackpot that everyone shares.…

For Emmerdale’s Moira Barton, life is about to get extremely complicated (again). Not only is she set to walk down the aisle with Cain Dingle, but her son Adam is at the centre of a paternity mystery, which is about to explode right on the eve of her big day. But for actress Natalie J Robb, who plays her, it’s just another day in the office. After five years on the soap she’s had more than her fair share of drama, including an affair with her son’s best friend, a fatal car crash and a drug-addicted daughter. We sat down with Nat, 39, and a packet of biscuits to discuss life on the soap, the wedding from hell, her cougar reputation, and awkward sex scenes… What was it like filming…

Embarrassing moment I’m not easily embarrassed but a few years ago, I bumped into a fellow celebrity with his new girlfriend and I accidentally called her by his ex wife’s name. I won’t tell you who it was but let’s just say I was absolutely mortified – and so was he! Purchase A blazer from Zara. It confused me at first because it has a hood on it. but I love it. My fiancée Rosanna and I love shopping, whenever we get a bit bored or have nothing else to do we’ll hit the shops together. Thing that scared me... Watching One Born Every Minute. Honestly! I was like, ‘So that’s how it happens?!’ It nearly put me off going into the delivery room – I think I’ll be the…

Cutie KAI! Little Kai Rooney, four, looked absolutely adorable at a recent event dressed in jeans and a bow tie, and it looks like we weren’t the only ones to think so. ‘Kai loves getting dressed up,’ revealed mum Coleen, 28. ‘He was over the moon that he got to wear a dicky bow. He said he was ‘dead smart’’. Aw! Fears for ‘SUPER SLIM’ ANDREA Fans take to Twitter to express their concern Fans of Loose Women anchor Andrea McLean have taken to Twitter to express their concerns for her health after the presenter posted a picture of her looking ‘super slim’ online. Andrea, 44, posted the photo on her Twitter page to show off her newly cropped hair, along with the caption, ‘Couldn’t wait to show you my…

We’re slightly obsessed with Simon Cowell – even more so now he’s a daddy. Here Simon, 54, talks about ex-girlfriend and long-time friend Sinitta being baby Eric’s godmother, why he and James Arthur need to have a conversation after the X Factor winner claimed his career wasn’t being managed properly, and why he’d never let his son audition for Britain’s Got Talent! It was lovely that you and the rest of the judges took your dogs along to the launch of Britain’s Got Talent! We thought it would be a fun thing to do. We’d love to find another Pudsey. Amanda joked that Squiddly and Diddly have their own stylist… Yeah, right [laughs]. I don’t know where those Union Jack coats came from actually. They say you shouldn’t work with…

The skin on my daughter’s face was porridge-grey. Her hair clung to it like long, clammy fingers. It was spring 2007 and Courtney, 19, lay on my sofa, and as she retched again, I felt so ashamed. I could tut all I wanted for drinking herself into this state after a night out, but who had taught her how to do it? Me. I was the original party girl. From my first taste of alcohol at the age of 12, I’d loved its effects. I’d sneaked a gulp of my dad’s whisky and enjoyed the floaty feeling that followed. By 14, I was going to pubs with a face of full make-up so no one asked me for ID. After leaving school, I worked in Greece for a holiday company.…

1 Magicmask ‘Get more out of your anti-ageing face mask by applying a thin layer to the skin, then once it’s dry, splash your face with water to reactivate the ingredients for a deeper clean. Leave on for another 10 minutes before rinsing.’ Natalie Roche, managing director, GlamGlow UK GlamGlow Mud Mask, £49.99, M&S 2 Skinfast ‘As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at removing toxins and recycling dead cells. Intermittent fasting can help. Have an early dinner and move breakfast to 11am to boost detoxification.’ Laura Rudoe, founder and head of research for skincare company S5 3 Cheap & cheerful ‘Yes, low-tech lotions do work! Any moisturiser with shea butter or glycerine will temporarily plump lines and hydrate.’ Stephanie Maylor, Beauty Editor Garnier MoistureMatch Ultra-Hydrating Rich Cream, £5.99…

The anger spread across her face. I don’t know what had caused it, what I was supposed to have done. But her mouth was fixed in a snarl and she grabbed me by the hair, then jerked her arm so hard my small body swung off my feet and hit the wall. I cried out in pain as I slumped to the floor, and as if delighted, she pounced again, slapping my face, tearing at my skin with her fingers, even biting me. This person who was attacking me was my own mother, Maureen Batchelor. I was just nine and she saw me as an easy target to batter, insult and hurt. Almost as if it was her duty. ‘I brought you into this world,’ she hissed. ‘And I can…

It’s 9pm, you’ve had a busy day and you’re in front of the TV with a large glass of plonk. Sometimes you’ll have a second and, because it seems a shame to leave the rest of the bottle, possibly a third glass. Between you and your partner, you’re one bottle down – and sometimes you’ll fit in another one, as well. If this sounds all too familiar, then you may need to be wary of the morning after. Know your limits ‘It takes at least seven hours from the time you start drinking for the alcohol units in a bottle of wine to leave your body,’ warns Dr Sarah Jarvis, Medical Advisor for charity Drinkaware. Working out the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream depends on how much you’ve drunk,…

For the last 23 years, Kerry Needham has searched for her son, Ben. He was just 21 months old when he vanished while playing outside his grandparents’ farmhouse on the Greek Island of Kos on 24 July, 1991. At the time, 19-year-old Kerry was working at a local hotel while her parents were renovating the house. The international investigation into Ben’s disappearance is now the longest active missing person inquiry in British history. Yet there are still sightings and new theories that keep Kerry in a state of constant torment. ‘How much more can I take?’ In 2012, a team of British experts, led by South Yorkshire Police, launched a new hunt for the missing boy, who would now be 24. A site near his grandparents’ house was dug up,…

A thick purple scar runs down the left side of my face and angry red welts mark my arm, ear and hands. They’re a constant reminder of the gruesome dog attacks that have landed me in hospital three times. Yet I have not been a victim of a stranger’s menacing dog – but my own six-year-old bullmastiff, Boris, who shares my home. Who’s to blame? The attacks have been so bad that I’ve needed stitches, surgery, and I almost lost the movement in my left hand. My husband, Rob, 39, and I have faced public outrage over our decision to keep the 10st animal alive. ‘You are putting other’s lives at risk,’ critics say. Yet I don’t blame Boris for what has happened. I believe it’s my fault and that…

Salmon croissant These quick pastries make the perfect bank-hol brunch. SERVES 4 PREP TIME 8 MINS 1 Heat the oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Warm 4 all-butter croissants for 2-3 mins, then remove and leave until cool 2 Mix together 150g light cream cheese, 6 chopped cherry tomatoes, 8 chopped basil leaves, 1tbsp rinsed and chopped capers and the juice of ½ lemon and season. Divide and fill each croissant with the cheese mixture and 40g smoked salmon. We love... We can’t get enough of these deliciously moreish Pure Butter Shortbread Mini Scottie Dogs, £1.50, walkersshortbread.com. This snack bag is made for sharing – not! Treat yourself Make sure Lidl’s new range of dreamy desserts are on your shopping list this week. Perfect for parties and picnics, will you choose the…

As I finished singing Don’t Cry For Me Argentina from Evita, I saw Mum in the audience, clapping wildly. I knew how proud she was that at 12, I’d won a scholarship to Sylvia Young, a top London stage school. My mum Marie and I were a team, made extra-close by tragedy. When I was seven, my brother Dean died of cot death, aged seven months. It broke my parents’ marriage, and Mum and I went to live with my grandparents in Maidstone, Kent. I loved helping Nan, who was Italian, cook meatballs with spaghetti, or her special bread with lemon rind. But when I was 13, Nan died aged 72. A year on, Mum’s brother passed away, and Granddad lost his fight with Alzheimer’s. ‘It’s just us now,’ Mum…

To be honest, I’m still in shock at how much my life has changed in the past few months. My six-figure jackpot win with Woman’s Own Bingo was incredible, but to get a second win six weeks later was like something from a film. I’ve worked hard all my life as a nursing assistant. Recently, I took semi-retirement and cut down to two days a week. I’ve played in bingo halls for years but was wary about going online. Then I read a winner’s story like this one in Woman’s Own and thought, if it’s from Woman’s Own, it must be good! ‘I’m now almost a half-millionairess!’ In my first week, I won £500! I bought presents for my sons, Jonathan, 31, Simon, 28, and Jason, 27, and my lovely…

Such courage I read ‘I’m happier now I’ve got HIV’ [9April issue] and have to say, what an incredibly refreshing story! Rachel’s open, frank and positive approach to such a frightening condition is inspiring. This could so easily have been a woeful tale about lost opportunities to a death sentence, but instead Rachel has chosen to re-evaluate her life and to help and educate others. I am in awe of her and wish her the best. Vivien McLaren, email Fitter can be fun I used to struggle with my weight for years, until I discovered the Wii Fit! It took me just three months to lose 2st and I have never looked back. I’m now a size 10 and use my Wii Fit every day, not just to keep my…

BYE, BYE BI Patsy Palmer, 41, has once again quit EastEnders tomake a go of it in Hollywood. The actress will leave Walford later this year with her sights set firmly on success in Tinseltown. A pal revealed, ‘Patsy is excited about future work in Hollywood. She has got lots of exciting offers lined up and feels the time is right to say goodbye. It has always been her big ambition to crack Hollywood.’ Bottoms up, Alan It’s no wonder comedian Alan Carr’s chat shows are so hysterical – he has a year’s supply of Lambrini to hand! The host, 37, struck up a deal with the drinks firm to supply guests on his C4 show, including Tom Jones and Katy Perry. He also revealed some of the odder requests…