Innholdsfortegnelse for 15-Oct-2018 i Woman's Own

Simon Cowell has sparked concerns for his wellbeing after pulling out of his best friend’s wedding just days before the event. The music mogul was due to be best man for Nigel Hall, who is the Global Head of TV for Simon’s record company Syco, leaving TV presenter Bradley Walsh to step in. ‘One side of his face is larger’ Simon, 58, blamed filming for America’s Got Talent in Los Angeles for his absence, but he’s thought to have also told friends that he was ‘too ill’ to attend. His partner, Lauren Silverman, 41, attended the wedding at Claridge’s Hotel in London alone. Simon has also recently had fans fearing the worst due to his puffy-looking face. ‘Simon looks a mess,’ one person commented. While another added, ‘Simon looks worn…

After five years away from Loose Women and not leaving on the best of terms, it was arguably never going to be easy for Carol McGiffin to slot back in. And last week, when Andrea McLean accidentally let slip that the panel had a WhatsApp group that Carol wasn’t in, the awkward moment was quickly picked up on by viewers. So is Carol being bullied by her fellow panellists? It's certainly yet another blow for the show that is being investigated by Ofcom after 7,900 complaints were received when Coleen Nolan and Kim Woodburn appeared on the panel together, with many of its viewers accusing Coleen of bullying and questioning why the show didn’t cut to an ad break to avoid the row. ‘I was snubbed…

Since when did gender become so confusing? Where do you stand on willies? Sorry to be so blunt about it but the male dangly bits are causing a bit of a stir recently. Especially when they belong to a woman. The politics of sexual identity are now more confusing than Brexit, with nearly as many ‘genders’ as there are theories on what the hell we do with bloomin’ Europe. But the main issue recently has been triggered, randomly, by the cosiest of institutions – the Girl Guides. In an effort to be all inclusive and politically correct they have issued somewhat hypocritical guidelines. If you’re a boy who identifies as a girl you can join the Guides. And share tents and showers on overnight camps. ‘I’d feel uncomfortable sharing a…

ADJUST YOUR COLOUR Once your grey hairs outnumber their pigmented pals, you’ve essentially got two choices: fight back (typically by going blonde for easy blending) or embrace your new hue. * Both can look fresh and modern. It really all comes down to the tone, which should be cool and creamy, not burnt and brassy. * Neutralise yellow with violet haircare such as Fudge Professional Clean Blonde Damage Rewind Shampoo, £14.95, lookfantastic.com, which has the strongest pigment we’ve tried (give your shower a wipe afterwards). * Grey needs a softer touch to avoid a blue-rinse look, with a product like Redken Graydiant Shampoo, £15.50, which leaves a nice youthful shine. Improve condition your There are many factors that can make hair feel progressively drier, some self-inflicted such as colouring and…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so you’ve probably seen the high street flooded with limited-edition pink buys, all to raise vital funds for charity. However, despite such public campaigns, breast cancer cases have been gradually rising. More than 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, with a projected increase of 2% until 2035. Why the increase? ‘There are a number of factors,’ says Professor Amtul Carmichael, a consultant oncoplastic breast . ‘Newer imaging techniques, such as digital surgeon mammograms and MRI, mean breast screening can ’ detect cancers that women can’t feel themselves. Because of this, breast cancer is being discovered a lot sooner, which is great news for survival rates. The age group most at risk Age also plays an important role in…

There’s nothing quite like a cup of coffee in the morning. Or maybe a few cups, just to keep energy levels up. And then again after lunch, when the slump kicks in. But what about if you’re becoming reliant on caffeine to power you through? Perhaps it’s time to cut back a little. Sarah Flower, nutritionist at Skinny Coffee Club*, says it could be a good idea to reduce your coffee intake if you have more than three to five cups per day, or if you’re experiencing any of the side effects listed below. ‘Generally, 400mg of caffeine a day – around four cups of coffee – is safe, but everyone tolerates caffeine at different levels,’ she explains. ‘Some people suffering from migraines, anxiety, digestive problems or chronic fatigue will…

Modern life can sometimes make it difficult for older and younger generations to meet, but what happens when age gaps actually set the foundations for a strong and lasting friendship? We talk to two women who have found such unexpected friendship and investigate whether you really can be friends with someone half your age. ‘I’M FLATTERED THAT SHE DOESN’T THINK I’M OUT OF TOUCH’ Jane Slade, 59, has formed a great bond with Lucy Daley, 32. I have known Lucy since she was 14. She was my niece’s best friend. They attended the same school in Bexhill, in East Sussex. I had spent my teenage years in the town and worked on the local newspaper before moving to London, so I would see Lucy at my sister’s and parents’ homes.…

‘I booked a holiday with my £1,255 win’ An accident left Kelly Lewis, 72, needing some me-time It was meant to be the holiday of a lifetime. My husband Tony, 72, and I had been planning a two-week break to Tenerife in December 2016. With less than a week to go, we were so excited. It was all I could talk about to my friends in the chat rooms of Woman’s Own Bingo. I’d been a player for six years by then, and Woman’s Own Bingo was by far my favourite site. In the run-up to my big holiday I hadn’t been able to play much because of an eye infection. I’d been given medication, but the Saturday before we were due to fly, I began feeling drowsy and sick.…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Tuesday’s new moon gives close relationships a reboot. Over the next fortnight dynamics can change for the better and behaving in a loving way on Thursday helps no end. Libra 23 Sep – 23 Oct It’s your best time all year for beginnings and new approaches. Tuesday’s new moon helps you smash a novel project. Give it an extra push for success on Thursday. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May A surprise might just give you a hint of how life is set to change. It could be a new job, a move or family-related. It gives you a lot to think about but will ultimately be exciting. Scorpio 24 Oct – 22 Nov Not the easiest week for relationships, especially if someone can’t…

Joe Lycett Comedian Joe Lycett hosts BBC1’s new teatime quiz show The Time It Takes, where contestants answer questions like what takes longer, completing a Rubik’s cube underwater or deflating an air bed? Kiernan Shipka Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka takes the lead in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina , Netflix’s dark reboot of 90s comedy Sabrina the Teenage Witch . Michael Portillo The politician-turned-presenter heads Down Under for another train adventure in his new BBC2 series, Great Australian Railway Journeys .…

She admitted she was ‘broken’ after her engagement to Joshua Sasse ended in 2017, but Kylie Minogue has well and truly bounced back and is happier than ever with GQ magazine designer Paul Solomons. Speaking about how her relationship with Paul trumps any romance she’s had in the past, she gushed, ‘It doesn’t compare. It’s lovely.’ The singer, who’s currently on tour, continued, ‘He’s not on the road with me because he’s got a job and commitments, as much as I would love him to be. ‘He’s in my thoughts throughout every show.’ Kylie, 50, coyly added, ‘I am so appreciative of what I have in my life right now.’ We’re glad to hear it, Kylie!…

Gregg Wallace is one of our best-known food television presenters, with appearances on MasterChef , Inside The Factory , and Eat Well For Less . But, despite being very cheery on screen, the former grocer, 53, has revealed to Woman’s Own of his struggles to conceive with fourth wife Anne-Marie, 32. Now three stone lighter than in as many years, Gregg explains how doctors telling him he could suffer a heart attack was the push he needed to lose the weight… What made you lose the weight? A few years ago, I just didn’t like the way I looked on telly. At my heaviest I was 16 stone – I am 5ft 8 – a blood test…

A brilliant website called A Place For Mom trawled interviews with 100 people over 100 for their tips on longevity. These folk were born in a time before electric light, telly, phones and cars were the norm and survived two world wars. Their reasons for being such punchy pensioners varied from whisky in a morning cuppa, chocolate, ciggies and avoiding marriage and kids. Tellingly, only 25% of them said they owed their longevity to being healthy, while 29% credited it to being happy. Smile, folks!…

‘My once lively boy became so weak’ As my son Oliver, six, ran a thread of multicoloured beads through his fingers, the look of concentration on his face made me smile. Sitting on the living room carpet, he looked so small surrounded by the thousands of beads, all carefully and meticulously threaded onto pieces of string. For Oliver, each bead marks a triumph – something that he’s overcome and beaten with his sheer resilience and courage. Oliver was just a year old when I first noticed that something was different about him. While many other children his age could walk, Oliver struggled to even pull himself up. His sister Macie, then five, had been walking and talking at his age too, so naturally I was concerned that Oliver was falling…

We don’t see my father any more Q My father remarried three years ago after being a widower for 10 years. We rarely see him now as his wife is ill and they’ve moved to the north of England. He looks after her, so can’t visit us and we don’t have the time to go there. I’ve resigned myself to what’s happened, but my younger sister is angry. She calls him all the time and gives him a hard time about it. I’ve told her to accept the situation, but she says she’s going to cut him off. What can I do? Louise, 51, by email A Your sister’s quest to get your dad to visit is probably less about seeing him, and more about feeling rejected and wanting to…

Getting ready for my first night out as a single woman in 16 years, I felt a mix of dread and excitement. Part of me couldn’t wait, while another part wanted to put my PJs on and hide away. I was newly divorced and my confidence was at an all-time low, but I knew I couldn’t spend any longer feeling sorry for myself. After 13 years of being a devoted wife and mother, this was my time. I had met David* through mutual friends when I was just 16 and he was 20. I was living at home while he was in the Navy, which seemed so grown-up. When he was away at sea, I’d write him letters and count down the days until he returned. Married but alone In…

The Big Family Cooking Showdown, BBC2 A second series of the show that pits teams of families against each other in a number of culinary challenges has two new presenters , Tommy Banks and Angellica Bell. YOU LIKE... TINA AND BOBBY , ITV This three-part drama told the romance of England’s 1966 World Cup captain Bobby Moore (Lorne MacFadyen) and his wife Tina (Michelle Keegan), who were football’s first golden couple. NOW TRY... TORVILL AND DEAN, ITV This upcoming ITV drama follows Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s ice dancing partnership from their humble beginnings in Nottingham to becoming Olympic gold medal winners in 1984. Casting Game of Thrones’ Will Tudor as Christopher and Ackley Bridge’s Poppy Lee Friar as Jayne, we can’t wait for this to…

Meghan Markle almost broke the internet last week when she went against royal protocol and shut her own car door. It’s something most people do every day, but royals always have car doors opened and closed for them by members of staff. Proving she’s keen to do things her own way, Meghan, 37, pushed the door shut herself as she arrived at her first official solo engagement since marrying Prince Harry – the opening of an exhibition at London’s Royal Academy of Arts. That’s why we love her!…

How’s the new job travelling through time going for you? As the companion of the Doctor, you’ll notice I just tag along and basically make the tea. I don’t listen to her. I’m befuddled with what happens in the universe. The Doctor certainly knows what’s happening. Is it true you didn’t know Jodie Whittaker was the new Doctor when you signed up for the part? I only found out with the rest of the nation that Jodie would be the first female Doctor when they showed the trailer during Wimbledon fortnight and revealed it was Jodie. I thought it was fantastic. But you knew who she was? I’d seen Jodie in Broadchurch and thought she was brilliant. To be honest, I’m thrilled to be part of it because this is…

Très chic Up your style status with a trendy beret, £10, Dorothy Perkins Classy case Amp up your iPhone with a smart (and shiny) new case, £6.99, H&M Get lippy Designer finish at a purse-pinching price. Mini MAC Lipstick, £10, House of Fraser Wrap up Keep warm, snug and stylish with this colourful scarf, £8, Primark Golden girl This gorgeous necklace radiates pure glamour, £10, Next Bag it The brighter the better – and a total bargain! Bag, £9.99, Zara Stripe hype An easy go-to piece for effortless panache. Dress, £8.99, sizes xs to l, Shein Go bananas A rich moisturiser that works wonders on dry areas. Body Butter, £6, The Body Shop Cosy glamour Give your home that opulent touch. Pillow, £8, JD Williams Going dotty Wear with some…

Being blonde is my thing I can’t imagine having any other hair colour! I switch up the shade depending on my mood, the season and what my complexion is like, ranging from warm honey tones to super-light when I’m in need of a pick-me-up. I currently love Clairol’s Nice ’n easy Ultra Light Bleach Blonde, £6.49. Why less is more When I was younger I used to throw on every bit of make-up, thinking it would make me look better. But when I look back at photographs, I think it had the opposite effect! I prefer a more natural look now and tend to invest more in skincare. I’ll use a bit of mascara, concealer and ChapStick, £1.20, Waitrose – to enhance my features, not cover them up! Time out The…

Should I visit the GP about my broken bone? Q I fell on a slippery poolside on holiday and broke my wrist. The local hospital was brilliant and I am back home and in plaster. Friends tell me I should speak to my doctor about a scan. What do you think? A I agree with your friends. If you break a bone after quite a minor injury, you should have a special DEXA scan which looks at bone density. A normal x-ray often won’t pick up thinning of the bones. Factors that increase the risk of brittle-bone disease (osteoporosis) include being post-menopausal, underweight, smoking, drinking to excess and long-term steroid use. What are these scales!? Q I have a patch of red scaly skin on my forearm. It has been…

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… GET AHEAD It might seem like we’ve only just said goodbye to summer, but Christmas is creeping up on us – so if you’re not already budgeting for the festive period then it’s time to get started. Work out how much you expect to spend on food, presents and going out, and start putting some money away now to avoid a financial hangover in January. How to… avoid banking scams Fraudsters are using increasingly clever tricks to try to con you out of your cash, so it’s essential to protect yourself Being the victim of fraud can be financially crippling, but there is finally some good news for those who have been scammed. The Financial Ombudsman said recently that banks must not automatically…

Ice cream sandwiches IRRESISTIBLE ALL BUTTER TRIPLE CHOCOLATE COOKIES 200G (COOP) Serves: 8 1 Thaw 900ml vanilla ice cream until you can easily stir a spoon through it, then transfer to a bowl. Put quarter of the ice cream back in the tub, then swirl through 50g canned condensed milk caramel. 2 Repeat with the rest of the ice cream and caramel, then return to the freezer to set (this works better if you do it in batches rather than in one go). 3 For each sandwich, scoop two balls of ice cream onto a chocolate cookie and top with another cookie. Serve immediately. OODLES OF NOODLES Birds Eye Veggie Bowl (Morrisons ) These easy veggie meals are ready from frozen in only seven minutes! The flavour-packed range includes four…

South Africa Departures from January to November 2019 Price includes: • Tour the Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift • Full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park • Stay in the Western Cape’s Winelands, enjoying a cellar tour and tasting • Stay three nights in Cape Town • Explore Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens • Visit Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum • Gaze at the awe-inspiring Blyde River canyon • Visit Hermanus for the world’s finest on-shore whale watching, dependent on season • Return flights from the UK, plus all hotel transfers • Stay in hand-picked four-star and three-star hotels with daily breakfast, two lunches and three dinners • Services of our experienced and insightful tour manager Japan - Land of the Rising Sun Departures…

I Invited Her In by Adele Parks, HQ HarperCollins, paperback, £7.99 How far would you go to get revenge if you believed you’d been wronged by the person you trusted most? This chilling question is answered in the latest thriller from Adele Parks. It’s been many years since former best friends Mel and Abi last saw each other, but when Abi needs a helping hand, Mel invites her to stay. It is only afterwards that she begins to realise how much of a mistake this might be. A gripping read. First Man Out 12 October Ryan Gosling reunites with La La Land director Damien Chazelle for this exhilarating biopic of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. We all know the outcome, of course, but…

1. EastEnders, BBC1 He’s one of EastEnders’ original characters and now Doctor Legg, played by Leonard Fenton, 92, is back on Albert Square 33 years after he first appeared. Expect doilies, fancies and a fresh brew from Dot. 2. Autumnwatch, BBC2 The colours of autumn – or fall as our American cousins call it, of course – are unrivalled in New England, so expect a feast for all the eyes in this week of special programmes from the East Coast of the US as Autumnwatch crosses the pond for the first time. 3. Doctor Who, BBC1 Guest stars are clamouring for a lift in the TARDIS on the newly revamped series, starring Jodie Whittaker as the new female Doctor. This week’s episode is The Ghost Monument, with cameos from Shaun…