Innholdsfortegnelse for 06-Jan-2020 i Woman's Own

‘Her marriage meant everything to her’ The ‘most amazing’ beginning Ant McPartlin was just 18 when he met Lisa Armstrong, then 17, at a pop concert in Newcastle in 1994, where they were both performing – she in pop band Deuce and he with best friend Declan Donnelly as PJ and Duncan. Ant previously described the meeting as ‘the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me,’ while Lisa said his handsome looks left her feeling ‘gooey’. It wasn’t until 11 years into their romance, in April 2005, that Ant popped the question. They tied the knot in a fairy-tale ceremony in Buckinghamshire the following year, with Dec as best man. Ant once called it the ‘happiest day of his life’ and gushed that Lisa looked ‘absolutely stunning’ as she…

Does anyone know who invented New Year’s resolutions? The only thing I’m certain about is that they were a sadist who quite clearly loathed everyone. Because what on earth is the thought process behind making the coldest, darkest, poorest, frumpiest, dumpiest month of the year the right time to make yourself even more miserable? Day one when you’re hungover and stuffed from New Year’s Eve revelries isn’t ‘Who decided the coldest, darkest, poorest month was the time to be more miserable?’ too tricky to navigate. Plus, if you do give into temptation, it’s fine because it’s still ‘party season’. But as the month draws on, the pressure to be a 2020 saint rather than sinner mounts up. Dry January is only designed to make you go booze bonkers come February.…

Settling onto the sofa with a cup of tea, I smiled, thinking I’d have a few minutes to myself while my nine-week old daughter, Ava, was asleep in her bassinet beside me. Yet as I flicked on the TV, the shrill sound of a baby crying made me sit bolt upright. ‘It’s OK, sweetheart,’ I cooed, leaning over to comfort Ava, only she was sound asleep. I could still hear wailing, though, and it sounded right next to me. ‘Who is that?’ I asked the disembodied cries, but no sooner had I said it, I knew the answer. ‘It’s the baby I lost,’ I thought, flooded with painful memories of the miscarriage I’d had nine years earlier in 2007. ‘I turned up the TV to drown out the phantom cries’…

This is the year I… CLEAR UP MY BREAKOUTS Depending on what’s causing your spots, and how persistent they are, you might need to seek the help of a dermatologist to really get them under control. Start by asking your GP or visiting a private clinic. In the meantime, stock up on BHA (that’s beta-hydroxy acid) salicylic acid. Oil-soluble, it penetrates deep into pores, unclogging them and stopping them from becoming blocked. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, £10.99, cultbeauty.co.uk, is brilliant. Leaving your zits well alone is important too, picking and squeezing will not only lead to scarring, but mean you’re more likely to spread bacteria. Spot patches are great for shielding blemishes from prying fingers, as well as treating them. Try Zitsticka Killa Spot Clarifying Patch Kit, £26.99,…

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK…. MAKE CASH FROM YOUR CAR Rather than paying for an airport car park when you go away on holiday, why not make money from it instead? With Car & Away, a new car-hiring service, your car is rented out while you’re away, and the company reckons owners can make around £80-£200 per week doing it, depending on the size and make, plus you’ll get a free car valeting on your return. It’s currently available at Gatwick and Bristol airports and Car & Away says your car will be insured when it’s with them. As always, read the T&Cs carefully to make sure you’re happy and it’s worth telling your own car insurance company beforehand too. For more info, visit carandaway.com. How to… get…

Califia Farms 750ml Unsweetened Almond Milk (Tesco) PAPPARDELLE COURGETTE WITH GINGER PESTO Serves 3-4 You will need: ● 4-5 courgettes, thinly sliced with a vegetable peeler ● 1 corn on the cob ● 175g mini cherry tomatoes, halved ● Olive oil for frying For the pesto: ● 40g basil ● ½ teaspoon minced ginger ● 30g spinach ● 15ml unsweetened almond milk ● 2 garlic cloves ● 125ml olive oil ● Juice of 1 lemon ● 30g walnuts How to do it: 1 Put all the pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste, and blend well. 2 Next, slice your courgettes and cut your corn off the cob. 3 Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan, then add the cherry tomatoes…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr It’s a great time for leisure and pleasure, Aries, so start as you mean to go on this week. With new ideas flooding your thoughts, be proactive and set your goals high. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May It’s time to spice up your life! Love matters are set to blossom, bringing much-deserved happiness. Keep your mind open for an offer you can’t refuse from a friend. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun The dominant half of you is in control, and it’s a great week to take a considered gamble by capitalising on monetary matters. Gains will come from surprising places. Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul Funds-willing, why not treat yourself, Cancer? Go big! Someone will give you a compliment that will…

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Having had a rift with his brother Harry in 2019, ‘William will ensure he is seen more with Harry and their children will be photographed together to show the world that both brothers are unified,’ according to Sally. On top of this, the psychic says that ‘William and Kate will take on a bigger role from the Queen with visits abroad, and the Queen will honour both of them for this.’ The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Sally sees them announcing that Meghan is pregnant with their second child in 2020. When it comes to their role within the royal family, Sally adds that ‘the Queen will express her concern about their obvious unhappiness’. Piers Morgan It seems 2020 doesn’t see much change for…

‘If you get a good script, you have to have it’ Why David Tennant is kicking off the new year by tapping into his dark side… You must be minted – you’re the hardest working man in showbiz! I’m very cheap. I’ll turn up for anything. Seriously, though, it’s all about the writers. There’s so much good writing about. If you get a good script, you sniff it and think, ‘Nobody else is having that!’ Just like Deadwater Fell. It’s the hardest show to talk about because anything I say unpicks the plot been above stairs’ ‘I’ve never It’s a cracking yarn… so what CAN you tell us? It’s the fictional town of Kildarrock and I play the local GP, a very happy family man with a beautiful wife and…

Was about to return the usual red, slightly scratchy ‘Mrs Christmas’ undies (thanks again, darling) when I saw those amazing photos of Vanessa Feltz. The 57-year-old radio and TV broadcaster posed for a stunning set of sexy lingerie shots looking hotter than ever to show older women are still sensual beings. ‘How dare they expect women of my age to cover up,’ she declared. ‘I still love spectacular, athletic sex.’ Go girl! Life experience and a naughty twinkle will always be more of a turn on than a bimbo with fake boobs and an empty head. Vanessa has a brain the size of a planet, a great sense of humour and a brilliant career. She’s also a granny. So maybe I’ll keep that sexy Santa set after all. What’s your…

Davina McCall, 52 Fitness queen Davina could stop traffic in this chic red ensemble. Her black boots pull the whole look together and her statement bag adds extra interest. Duchess of Sussex, 38 A colourful coat doesn’t need to be blinding and Meghan’s navy cover-up looks just as cosy as it does stylish. The slouch boots are very on trend too, but we’d ditch the fancy hat for the Tesco run! Katie Holmes, 41 Rust orange is a hot colour trend right now and Katie wears it well, teaming her satin slip dress with a classic trench in a similar shade. Nadia Sawalha, 55 A sure-fire way to give an all-black outfit a bright boost is with neon. Loose Women’s Nadia keeps her accessories simple and lets the coat do…

Taking my last exhausted step across the finish line, I punched my fists in the air and looked around for my family and friends who were there to support me. Then, with my February 2019 Brighton half-marathon medal around my neck, we went to find a nearby pub. Only, while I felt elated sipping my gin and tonic, my heart also felt heavy. There were three important people missing – my sisters, Yvonne, Jane and Mandy. We should’ve all been together, popping champagne, celebrating Jane’s 50th, too, instead, my family were raising a glass to them and fundraising in their memory. When I was born in 1974, Yvonne was seven, Jane, five, and Mandy, just three. And when our little sister, Becky, arrived eight years later, the five of us…

My friend is depressed Q My best friend has been going through a hard time and is sad. She’s lost weight, can’t sleep or eat and is always tearful. I know she has money worries, but she also lost her mum this year. I want to help but am scared I will say the wrong thing as I think she’s depressed. What do I do? She’s 47, and her kids are grown, so I’m all the support she has. Name and address withheld. A The best way to help your friend is to make sure she knows you want to support her. The next time you see her say, ‘What can I do to help right now?’ If she says she doesn’t know, then tell her you’ve noticed she’s down…

THE RULES Before you begin, here’s some of Fiona’s essential tips for fast, achievable weight loss… 1 Rethink breakfast ‘There is scant evidence to prove skipping breakfast results in us eating more during the remainder of the day,’ says Fiona. ‘Have your first meal when you are actually hungry.’ 2 Go pink  Japanese researchers showed that mice given astaxanthin – the pigment that gives salmon and prawns their pink colour – had significantly lower body weight and body fat than mice fed a similar diet without astaxanthin. ‘Add a “portion of pink” into your day,’ says Fiona. 3 Try having a snack at bedtime ‘Studies show that those who regularly get less than six hours’ sleep per night tend to gain more weight than people who get…

What do Simon Cowell, Gregg Wallace and Huw Edwards all have in common? They have all had a midlife makeover – with gym routines, spray tans and pearly-white teeth. Music mogul Simon, 60, even went vegan and cut back on alcohol, losing a stone and a half in weight. Fans were shocked at the transformation, but one woman has seen it all before. Here, Cara French, 45, explains how she watched as her chain-smoking, takeaway-loving partner Neil, 46, changed into a vegan gym-lover and self-tanning hunk. ‘I joked that he was having an affair with the gym’ Cara French is a lab technician. She lives in Rhyl, Denbighshire, with her partner, Neil Coates, 46. ‘Neil and I met at a party nine years ago,’ explains Cara. ‘He was working…

‘Bunty meets her match!’ As BBC1’s daytime crime drama Father Brown returns for its eighth series, Emer Kenny reveals what’s in store for Bunty… When Father Brown returns to BBC1 for its eighth series, the sleuthing priest has 10 new mysteries to solve, one of which involves saving his friend Bunty from the hangman’s noose when she’s accused of murder! ‘He seems like the male version of her’ ‘It’s a brilliant episode,’ says Emer Kenny, who plays Bunty in the 1950s-set crime drama. ‘Bunty goes to a Gatsby-themed party hosted by a playboy millionaire, but when he ends up getting murdered, it’s thought that she has a hand in it and she ends up going on trial. There’s something very real at stake for Father Brown because his friend is…

1. Dancing on Ice, ITV The skates are back on for the next 10 weekends, making TV history with the show’s first competing same-sex partnership with Ian ‘H’ Watkins of Steps with pro Matt Evers. There’s a new addition to the judging panel in the form of John Barrowman. 2. Coronation Street, ITV The Platts must be hankering for simpler times when Shona buttered rolls at Roy’s. As Josh’s trial begins, painful memories resurface. But will proceedings be overshadowed by the ripple effects of Christmas Day, which are still casting dark shadows over the street? 3. Doctors, BBC1 Former Emmerdale star Frazer Hines – best known for playing Joe Sugden for 22 years on the slurry slinging saga – guest stars on the cult daytime soap, returning to familiar sudsy…

‘She’s been looking after her mother, the family, us… I am in awe of her’ They can often be found bickering with one another live on This Morning or teasing each other about their bad habits, but beneath their playful exterior Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford’s relationship is rock solid. Since Ruth’s sister tragically passed away in June, the couple have faced a challenging few months – but Eamonn admits, ‘We just have to get through,’ and praises his wife for being ‘absolutely incredible’ even in the face of adversity. And while many of us start the new year on a strict diet plan, Eamonn – who turned 60 in December – and Ruth, 59, aren’t fans of doing anything that might make January ‘miserable’. Instead, Eamonn is all about…

After filming wrapped on the first series of The Greatest Dancer last year, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse confessed she and her fellow judge Cheryl ‘hadn’t really kept in touch’, adding fuel to the rumours of a feud between the two women. And with Simon Cowell’s BBC dance competition returning to our screens in January, former X Factor judge Cheryl, 36, has admitted things got heated between her and Oti, 29, while filming the second series. Oti and Cheryl are two of the four judges on the show, hosted by Alesha Dixon and Diversity star Jordan Banjo, with Glee star Matthew Morrison and new judge Todrick Hall completing the line-up. Todrick – who has choreographed for the likes of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift – isn’t the only thing that’s…

Wrap up An easy way to update a casual outfit. £5, studio.co.uk Colour pop This slingback will liven up any monochrome outfit. £5, everything5pounds.com Eco friendly Reduce your carbon footprint with these bamboo straws. £5, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk City break Get ready for your next trip with a new luggage tag. £3.50, sassandbelle.co.uk Going for gold Jazz up your look with a sparkly touch. £5, Accessorize Clutch control Grab this bargain bag. £5, everything5pounds.com Give me some light Add a pop of colour to your bedside table. £5, Wilko Tea time Enjoy your cuppa in a cool mug. £3, typo.com Bath hero Make the most of downtime with this relaxing bath oil. £5, Oliver Bonas Plate up Eat in style with this this graphic plate. £3, Flying Tiger Glam eyes Technic Mega…

Asymmetric hem dresses Dresses with asymmetric hems are softer on legs and create a slimming effect. Styles with contrasting panels will add definition. CRAYOLA COATS With its double-breasted design and long lapels, this sunny coat will streamline tummies. Ensure the top arm seam finishes at the highest point of your shoulders. Indigo jeans Darker wash indigo denim will slim down your thighs – this style is high-waisted and features cleverly positioned pockets that will lift your bum. BELT UP A belt is a great way to update your look without breaking the bank – wear with your chunky winter knits to reclaim your shape. FLORAL SKIRTS The gentle A-line shape skims over hips while the ruffle hem will slim calves. This sweet skirt will be perfect with a knit and…

Why has my cholesterol gone up? Q A recent health check has shown that my cholesterol is high and that I need to make an appointment to see my doctor to discuss starting statins. I really don’t understand – I became vegan a couple of years ago and eat so healthily. Should I ask to repeat the test? A Actually, only about 10-20% of our cholesterol comes from our diet. The rest is made by our bodies, so it is perfectly possible to eat healthily and have a high cholesterol, or have a high fat diet and have a low cholesterol. So, I’m afraid, you should see your GP and discuss statins. It feels like I’m eating metal QI had antibiotics for a chest infection and while I was on…

Most middle-aged drinkers admit they should reduce their intake – but less than half actually try to cut down. Two women who go over the 14-unit weekly guideline try a different method each and tell Woman’s Own how they did... ‘I switched to non-alcoholic drinks’ Hannah Verdier, 47, lives in Sydenham, southeast London, and is mum to daughters, Mimi, 10, and Evie, seven. In a typical week, the single copywriter drinks around 38 units. By switching wine for non-alcoholic drinks, she cut down to just eight units in a week. I’m a single parent, so during the week friends tend to come to me, as it’s easier for babysitting. We’ll often crack open a bottle of wine to share and sometimes I’ll have a glass or two while I cook.…

Brined chicken with cider, pears and pumpkin Brining the chicken seasons it throughout and keeps it juicy. Serve with mashed potato or salad. Serves 4-6 ✽ 1 large, free-range chicken (about 2kg) ✽ 10 shallots, halved and peeled ✽ 4 bay leaves ✽ 5 thyme sprigs, plus extra leaves to serve ✽ 50g butter, softened ✽ 1 small pumpkin or round squash, deseeded and cut into wedges ✽ 3 small pears, halved and cored ✽ 2tbsp olive oil ✽ 150ml dry cider For the brine: ✽ 200ml dry cider ✽ 100g demerara sugar ✽ 2tbsp rock salt ✽ 1tbsp whole black peppercorns ✽ 2 thyme sprigs ✽ 3 fresh bay leaves, crushed 1 Make the brine by mixing the ingredients with 200ml water. Put the chicken in a large, zip-lock…

Book The Dead Wife by Sue Fortin, £7.99, HarperCollins, PB Steph is commissioned to review a newly opened country estate in the Lake District, run by the Sinclair family. But Harry Sinclair is still mourning the death of his wife, Elizabeth. So when Steph is asked by Elizabeth’s mother to secretly investigate her daughter’s death, she starts sneaking around to uncover the truth. This book cleverly explores the complexity of family dynamics and is a gripping thriller perfect for avid fans of Ruth Ware. Film The Gentlemen Out 1 January Guy Ritchie returns to his British gangster-movie roots with this star-studded action comedy. Matthew McConaughey stars as an expat American marijuana kingpin who’s embroiled in all kinds of shenanigans as he looks to quit. Hugh Grant pops up with a…

Sheridan Smith In BBC1’s true-life drama Four Lives, the Cleaning Up star plays the mother of a gay man who falls victim to serial rapist and killer Stephen Port. Pierce Brosnan The former James Bond will star in Netflix drama Eurovision , which follows two Icelandic musicians who are given the chance to perform at the contest. Billie Piper In Sky One’s eight-part drama I Hate Suzie , the former Doctor Who actress plays a star on the wane whose life is turned upside down when her phone is hacked and dodgy photos of her are leaked online.…