Innholdsfortegnelse for 14-Dec-2020 i Woman's Own

SUSANNA REID Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid is turning 50 on 10 December, and may even be stripping off to celebrate – as she recently joked she was going to follow in Gwyneth Paltrow’s footsteps and take a sexy picture to mark the day! ‘It did cross my mind,’ she said. ‘Then my mind went to how much embarrassment it would cause the children!’ Susanna – who is mum to Sam, 18, Finn, 16, and 15-year-old Jack – recently spoke of how much ‘more comfortable’ she feels with herself as she approaches the big 5-0. ‘Finally, approaching 50, I’ve realised I’m never going to look like Patsy Kensit!’ she exclaimed. Happy birthday, Susanna! Remember, you can download Woman’s Own from the App Store or Google Play Store direct to…

I’M A CELEBRITY: THE FINAL After three weeks of eating tripe and trotters, the King or Queen of the Castle will be crowned this week in Wales. I’m hanging on to my fetching red gilet and matching trousers. The bookies don’t have me as a contender for next year’s show yet, but the smart money says Ant and Dec will be back here, not in Oz, in 2021. When Dickie… was on the Titanic! In 2011, I went to Budapest on the set of Julian Fellowes’ Titanic, shot to mark the centenary of the disaster. It starred Linus Roache – son of Corrie legend Bill, who celebrates 60 years on the cobbles this week. I spent time with Bill, his other son James (who played Ken’s grandson) and daughter Vanya.…

Around this time last year, Phillip Schofield was battling with the secret that he was gay, despite having been married since 1993, and having two daughters, Molly, 27, and Ruby 24, with wife Stephanie Lowe. In his new book, Life’s What You Make It, the 58-year-old TV presenter describes it as being in ‘the darkest of places’, and writes how, over last year’s Christmas and New Year period, he regularly ‘sobbed quietly in the dark’, refused to eat – despite the best efforts of 56-year-old Steph – and was only getting two hours’ sleep a night. ‘It’s like being inside the blackest cloud and being consumed by crushing, desperate sadness,’ Phil recalled. ‘Nothing and no one can make it better.’ But, after coming out in February live on This Morning…

Waking up, I groggily rolled over and realised my fiancé Tudor wasn’t in bed next to me. It was 5am, and he’d been working as security for a New Year’s Eve party all night, but I’d expected him home by now. Picking up my phone to send a text, I saw he’d sent me a photo at 2am, looking smart and handsome in the lobby of a decadently decorated building, surrounded by Christmas baubles. ‘Sorry I missed your message, where are you?’ I texted, before falling back to sleep. Yet I’d never receive a reply, and that photo would be the last thing Tudor ever sent. ‘I never considered he’d ever be in danger’ I’d met Tudor Simionov in 2015 at university in Bucharest, Romania, where we were both studying…

Treat a loved one to this Lime, Basil & Mandarin Gift Set, £6.98, Aldi. Reminiscent of more expensive brands, this candle and diffuser duo will deliver a refreshing scent to any home. Help someone de-stress with Tisserand The Little Box of Relaxation, £11.95, Waitrose, which holds three scented rollerballs to soothe the mind and body. If you know someone who is passionate about skincare, the anti-ageing products packed into nspa Expert Ultimate Skincare Collection, £20, Asda, will be a welcome surprise under the tree. A luxe-looking candle like Lemon, Thyme and Verbena Triple Wick Candle, £6, Asda, is a fail-safe gift for anyone looking to create a calming ambience at home. Lacura Primer & Cheek Palette, £10.98, Aldi, is the perfect duo for beauty lovers looking for long-lasting make-up and…

Alcohol ‘Aim to have some booze-free days over Christmas, but, rather than focus on what you’re giving up, focus on what you’re gaining,’ says Janey Lee Grace of thesoberclub.com. ‘You’ll feel more present, less anxious and you will glow.’ Board games ‘Game playing induces laughter, reduces stress and lowers blood pressure,’ says Ellie Dix, board game designer at The Dark Imp. ‘Playing together brings families closer.’ Clothing Remember Joey in Friends and those Thanksgiving pants? Opt for loose clothing to avoid the turkey sweats. Tight clothing can cause acid reflux by putting pressure on the stomach.* Donate Declutter and get a big old dose of feel-good by donating to charity. Sue Ryder operates a free furniture collection service (call 0333 0031883), while the British Heart Foundation (BHF) runs a free…

Q I’ve been in love with a man I’ve known for 20 years. We slept together on a few occasions when we were in our 20s, but things never worked out. I’d always hoped one day it would because we are still friends, but now he’s getting married to his long-time girlfriend. I want to tell him how I feel, but is it too late? Claire, 43, Hants A Over the years, you’ve both had plenty of opportunities to get together, but as you say, it has never come to anything. Now he’s decided to marry someone else, the time for you two to make a go of things has unfortunately passed. As painful as this is, it’s time for you to move on and find someone you can have…

QI broke up with my long-term partner a few months ago, and I feel awful. He’s a nice man, but I realised he’s not the person I want to be with. The problem is, he messages and calls me repeatedly to beg me to come back, and my friends make it worse by telling me how broken he is. I feel guilty all the time, and I can’t bear it. Jules, 36, Kent A Ending a relationship is never easy, but it’s made worse when you have constant reminders from friends that you have hurt someone. Tell them to stop telling you how he is and limit the access that he himself has to you. Guilt is a horrible feeling to live with, but it will pass if you give…

QI love my partner very much, but for the last couple of years I have had absolutely no interest in lovemaking. It’s starting to cause friction between us. A friend says I should try testosterone, but I’m not sure what that would do. Could you please advise me? A Low libido is a very common problem and can be caused by lots of different things, including relationship issues, side effects of medication and even some underlying health problems, such as depression or an underactive thyroid. Make an appointment to speak to your GP, who will explore possible causes and treatments with you. Testosterone is one option, but it isn’t without significant side effects, including acne, unwanted facial hair and mood changes, so keep an open mind.…

Spiced ruby punch You will need ✽ 1 bottle of red wine ✽ 4 cinnamon sticks ✽ 8 star anise ✽ 400ml port ✽ 400ml vodka ✽ 2 tangerines, sliced ✽ 1l soda water How to do it 1 Pour ¼ bottle of the wine into a pan with the spices. Gently heat until hot, but do not bring to the boil. 2 Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Add the port, vodka and remaining wine. Remove the spices or reserve for garnish if you like. Transfer to a serving jug, add the tangerine slices and top with soda water just before serving at room temperature. Zingy Christmas cocktail Serves 1 You will need ✽ 1 or 2 lime wedges ✽ Maldon salt ✽ 3 parts grapefruit juice…

You will need • Rattan wreath base• Spruce and pine• Sea holly or thistles• Pine cones• Mini silver baubles• Eucalyptus cinerea or baby blue• Eucalyptus parvifolia• Florist’s wire• Florist’s scissors• Wire cutters• 1m green velvet ribbon• Buckets• Flower food (optional) 1 Begin with the spruce and pine cuttings: snip down to 15cm-length pieces and remove any leaves from the bottom 5cm. Thread the pine and spruce into the weave of the rattan wreath, focusing on one area and arranging sprays of pieces either side of this. Build on the foliage with clippings of eucalyptus to cover any bare pieces of rattan on show. 2 Taking two sea holly flowers or thistles, snip down the stem to 10cm and remove any leaves from the stem. Thread the flower into the centre…

YOU LIKED THE SISTER, ITV In this four-part thriller, Russell Tovey starred as Nathan, who had been involved in the death of his wife’s sister. Years later, his secret came back to haunt him when a face from his past, Bob (Bertie Carvel), suddenly turned up. NOW TRY… ANGELA BLACK, ITV Joanne Froggatt stars in this upcoming psychological thriller. She plays domestic abuse victim Angela, who’s left reeling when private investigator Ed (Samuel Adewunmi) turns up out of the blue and reveals some truths about her husband. DID YOU KNOW? Nicole is one of Australia’s biggest stars, but she was actually born in Hawaii where her dad was studying at the time. She was four when the family eventually returned Down Under to settle in Sydney.…

1 All Creatures Great and Small, Channel 5 When the drama returns for a festive one-off episode, it’s Christmas Eve in Darrowby and James (Nicholas Ralph) is stunned when Helen (Rachel Shenton) offers to go on a call with him. Will James be able to hide his true feelings for her? 2 Coronation Street: 60 Unforgettable Years, ITV To celebrate 60 years since the first episode was aired on 9 December 1960, this 90-minute special looks back at some of the soap’s most memorable moments, and remembers its most iconic characters. Plus there are behind-the-scenes revelations from stars past and present. 3 Call The Midwife,BBC1 The Nonnatus House midwives, not to mention the rest of Poplar, are delighted when Mr Percival (Peter Davison) and his circus rolls into town in…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr You’ve a strong sense of self, and move mountains to achieve your goals. You learn quickly and could easily add a few courses to your CV to further your career. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Looking for security in your relationship? Show your sensual, sophisticated side – create a luxurious evening they’ll love with candlelight and cosy throws. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun You’re quick-witted and good for a laugh. Why not set up an online joke forum and post live videos. Your group will increase in number as hilarity ensues. Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul Emotional and sensitive, you form deep bonds with those you love. You’re planning a special online event for family to come together to celebrate. Leo…

Why Lesley Joseph flocked to record a festive Birds of a Feather with her old pals Birds is back for Christmas! Yes, and we had a ball! Pauline [Quirke] is there – but only on the end of the phone because Sharon’s stuck on a COVID cruise – but it’s still classic Birds. It starts with Linda [Robson, who plays Tracey] stepping into a washing-up bowl full of disinfectant when she comes through the front door. She’s gone OCD about the pandemic – in a funny way. What was it like on set? Everyone was COVID-tested regularly. It made for long days – one day I got into make-up at 7am and back home at 11pm – but it was so worth it. When you see me in a leotard,…

1 The owner of this sweet-filled tree is extremely crafty in the house, so we’re not surprised at how unique it is. It’s definitely got the X Factor! 2 With a house this clean and such well-organised decorations, there’s only one star who could have decorated this glamorous tree… 3 This retired footballer and former reality star are getting ready to spend their first Christmas as a family of six. 4 This TV presenting couple’s tree is just as glamorous as they are. And if their lockdown DJ sets are anything to go by, they’ll be rocking around the Christmas tree! 5 The Loose Woman who owns this house is very traditional when it comes to decking the halls. We love it! 6 We’re sure there’s going to be a…

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 51 The actor strikes a pose in a glamorous, glittering floor-length gown. The power shoulders and drop diamond earrings give a nod to the 1980s, while the effortless updo and strappy sandals bring the look back up to date. Dame Helen Mirren, 75 Dame Helen wows in an ombré sequin frock. The form-fitting style keeps this embellished number sleek, while the contrasting black waistband nips in the waist and creates the perfect evening silhouette. Sandra Oh, 49 The Killing Eve actor gains all the attention in silver sequins. The extreme plunge neckline and feather shoulder detail make it a showstopper of an outfit for the party season. Vogue Williams, 35 We love how model Vogue has ticked off all the trends in an off-the-shoulder sequin midi dress. Matching…

The glossy blow-dry Add Color Wow Dream Coat, £20, to damp hair, rough dry, then blow-dry in sections with a large-barrelled brush. Smooth flyaways with a tiny dot of serum rubbed between your hands, then tuck your hair behind your ears like Lucy Lui for a perfectly sleek look. The slicked-back number You don’t need long hair for a wow factor ’do. If your hair is shorter like Dame Helen Mirren’s, try backcombing at the crown to create height with a Superdrug Backcomb Brush, £3.49. Then apply a small amount of L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Invisi’Hold 24h Natural Clear Gel, £3.75, to your hands and gently comb your hair, sweeping it back from your face. Spray with hairspray for added hold. The show-stopper pony Make a ponytail glam for the…

Stress doesn’t just have a psychological impact, it can have a physical impact on the body, too. ‘Physical symptoms might include tension in your body, restlessness, a racing heart or difficulty sleeping,’ explains Chloe. ‘Psychological signs could be irritability and anxious or racing thoughts and worries. Stress is fine for us in short bursts and can even be helpful. But prolonged stress takes a toll on our health and happiness. We can start to feel depressed, to withdraw, or it can negatively impact our relationships.’…

I don’t enjoy sex with my husband Q I’m 43 years old, and I’ve never enjoyed sex. I find it impossible to orgasm and, no matter what I try, I can’t get any pleasure from it. I’ve been married for 15 years and love my husband, but I feel like I’m never going to experience what everyone else gets to feel. Name and address withheld A Enjoying sex depends on so many factors: feeling relaxed, being stimulated enough and, of course, feeling comfortable with sex. The list is endless, and it can take time to uncover what’s happening and why. However, with the help of a professional, you can improve your sex life. See your GP to rule out anything physical, then they can refer you to a therapist who…

1 DOWNLOAD THE IWISH APP. This app (free on iOS and Android) allows you to set and track life changes, no matter how big or small. Add in pictures and set daily reminders with motivational quotes to keep you going. 2 DON’T OVERTHINK THINGS. Once you’ve decided to move forward with a change, go full force. Take action without overthinking it, as this will trigger motivation. 3 ASK YOURSELF WHAT’S THE BEST THAT CAN HAPPEN. Focus on the positive outcome, not all the potential pitfalls, as this will steer you forwards and help you reach your goal.…

Q The last two years of my life have been awful. I’ve been through a nasty divorce and have had to move from a house into a small rented flat with my 14-year-old daughter. A few months ago I was also made redundant. I’ve found a new job to keep me going financially, so I’ll be OK for a bit but, at 41, I feel like I have lost everything. I don’t want this life, but I feel stuck and scared, and I don’t know how to change things. Please help. Kelli, 41, by email A You have been through so much in the last few years and your life has changed drastically; it’s no wonder you feel stuck and scared. What you need to realise is that, while you…

Mini loaded potato skins two ways Serves 8 A moreish twist on the humble spud that will be sure to impress any party guests! You will need ✽ 1kg baby potatoes ✽ 2tbsp salted butter ✽ 2tbsp double cream For the crab filling: ✽ 1 dressed crab ✽ 2tbsp creme fraiche ✽ 1 red chilli, chopped For the cheese and bacon filling: ✽ 200g cooked bacon lardons ✽ 80g mature cheddar, grated ✽ 3 spring onions, finely sliced How to do it 1 Boil the potatoes for 20-25 mins until cooked, but firm. Leave to cool. 2 Preheat the oven to 220C/ Gas 7. Halve the cooled potatoes, then scoop out the centre of the flesh – we did this using a melon baller. Put what you have scooped out…

The coming year is one of big changes and self-reliance for most people, as the pandemic changes our priorities and our perspectives on life. Friends, family and well-being have become more important, especially for the more adventurous and cerebral signs of Sagittarius and Gemini, who are thinking of putting down stable roots. With big businesses going under, this is allowing the more creative signs of Pisces, Cancer and Aquarius to start making and selling products online. Virgo and Taurus are becoming more self-sufficient, growing veg and making preserves – but it’s a time for all signs to adapt and discover new and latent talents to see them through. Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr BEST BITS The start of 2021 is all about clearing out the old for a new…

This Christmas, all any parent wants is to give their child a magical experience, but, for some, 25 December offers no respite from domestic abuse. This Christmas morning, a lucky few will wake up in a refuge. In September 2020, mothers Ruby*, 33, and Zoe*, 24, escaped to a refuge with their children in fear for their lives. For Ruby, this will be the first Christmas where she isn’t terrified of her husband harming their three children, Zac*, seven, Daniel*, five, and Lila*, one. ‘There is nothing in this world I love more than my children,’ Ruby says. ‘My husband said if I ever reported the abuse to the police, he would kill us. He kicked me in the stomach when I was pregnant, and he would pin me to…

Christmas will look a little different for everybody this year because of the ongoing global pandemic. But one person who is not letting the uncertainty put a damper on things is actor Linda Robson, who is back to her best after recovering from a breakdown. While lockdown has weighed heavy on many people’s hearts, the downtime has given Linda, 62, time to focus on what’s really important – quality time with loved ones. As a result, she’s looking forward to creating a magical Christmas for her nearest and dearest. FESTIVE FUN WITH FAMILY Woman’s Own understands Linda is hoping to spend Christmas with her family, including her beloved grandchildren Lila and Betsy. A source close to the TV star reveals, ‘Lila and Betsy call Nanny Linda all the time and…

NICOLA ADAMS Her time on Strictly may have come to an abrupt end (although she may be back at the end of the series, if the rumours are to be believed), but in this robin jumper 38-year-old Nicola is sparkly enough for the ballroom! ‘You can’t help but smile when you see people getting into the festive spirit with a Christmas jumper,’ she said. ALEX SCOTT The One Show host Alex, 36, accessorised her jumper with tinsel to make up for ‘missing all the glittery fun of Strictly this year’, having competed in last year’s series. HOLLY WILLOUGHBY ‘Christmas is the most magical time for us at home, and we make it a tradition to get cosy in our jumpers and open our presents,’ says the This Morning presenter. Speaking…

Evidently, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Well, so says a song. Written by a man. And even though this Christmas is a bit of a weird one, with Santa in a face mask, socially-distanced reindeer and the waft of pine from disinfectant rather than the tree, it’s still an uphill sack race for women. The average bloke thinks checking the fuse on the fairy lights is making a huge sacrifice. Meanwhile, females are a blur of baubles, baking, shopping, scrubbing and probably sobbing. Calorie counting at Christmas is not for the faint-hearted But, ladies, there is one thing that makes the run-up to the big day worse – having a husband on a diet. Trust me. After years of believing that full English breakfasts, chip butties and…

George at Asda Zara Next Mango New Look Lindex M&S Tu Clothing TOP TIP If novelty jumpers aren’t for you, try one with embellishments. TOP TIP A statement pair of earrings will elevate any outfit. TOP TIP Tone this dress down by wearing a thin, black roll-neck underneath. TOP TIP For simple festive sparkle, wear this sequin top with your favourite pair of jeans. TOP TIP A cardigan is so versatile. Wear on its own buttoned up or open over a simple top.…

Have great hair all Christmas with these top tips and buys. ● Don’t forget to use the cool-shot button on your hairdryer – it’s there for a reason! Hair sets as it cools, so blasting cool air over your style helps set your look in place, ensuring a long-lasting blow-dry. ● Hair holds a style better the day after it’s washed. But, before styling, give it a spritz of L’Oréal Paris Professionnel Tecni Art Morning After Dust Invisible Dry Shampoo, £10.55, to give your hair extra texture and fullness. ● Glam hair is glossy and healthy. Boost yours with a weekly conditioning treatment. John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Deep Conditioner, £5.99, provides therapy for dry, damaged hair, thanks to super-hydrating sea kelp and  nourishing monoi oil. ● Not had…

It may not be the main event, but all food takes on more importance on Christmas Day – breakfast included! If you know that you’ve got a day of indulgence ahead, start the day with a nutrient-rich breakfast. Try smoked salmon or bacon with scrambled egg and a sourdough bagel, or, alternatively, layer yogurt, granola and fresh fruit in a glass, with some nuts and seeds for added texture. The Main Event Turkey Although it is one of the healthiest meats you can eat – far better than fattier alternatives such as duck and beef – there are still ways to make it healthier. Before cooking, prick the skin to allow the fat to run out, and cook on a wire rack so it’s not sitting in the fat during…

Have you heard about? A dose of digital nature New research by the University of Exeter has found that watching nature programmes can reduce negative feelings and help lessen the boredom and isolation of being stuck indoors. Christmas stress Only 42%* of Brits find the festive season relaxing. ‘Taking precious seconds to breathe may be the difference between getting overwhelmed and staying focused,’ says holistic health coach Louise Murray (livewellwithlou.com). Gas safety at home One in five UK homes have unsafe gas appliances, found the Gas Safe Register. Fit a carbon monoxide alarm, and know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. 35%  of home exercisers admit they put in less effort when no one can see them** It worked for…

Is surgery an option for my heel spur? Q My partner and I spent some time with my daughter in the Lakes and did a lot of walking. I developed a pain in my heel, which I put down to the increase in exercise, but we’ve been back home resting for several days and it’s no better. My GP is arranging an X-ray, as he suspects I may have a spur. If that’s the case, will I need surgery? A Heel spurs are caused by a build-up of calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone, and they form over months rather than days, so this may have been developing before your recent increase in exercise. If the X-ray confirms a spur, your doctor will discuss options with you,…

Prawn stars Some might call this selection of canapés fish-tastic… Tesco Finest 10 Prawn Lollipops, 180g, £4 We love the super-crunchy coating on these little bites. There’s a nice flavour of ginger and sesame seed oil, though we’d recommend serving with a sweet chilli sauce! King Prawns in Blankets, 159g, £7, M&S A great surf-and-turf option for your buffet spread. The plump king prawns are a good match for the salty bacon, and would be delicious served with a good aioli. Lidl Deluxe 12 Prawn Gyoza, 270g, £2.99 Freezable and quick to cook, these generously filled dumplings are brilliant for buffets or for a quick bite. They make a change from classic festive flavours, and the sweet and spicy sriracha dip is moreish. Lobster Thermidor Vol-au-vents, 145g, £9, Waitrose These…

Dressed as one of the ugly sisters in the local panto wasn’t how I’d dreamt of meeting the love of my life, but it was a Christmas I’ll never forget. Meeting Simon planted the roots of our family tree and marked the start of decades of shared Christmases. Looking back over 28 years, I’m stunned to see how much has changed. From child-free festivities at my parents’ to entertaining our teenage sons, we’ve seen achievement, bereavement, laughter and loss. Some of our Christmas traditions have lasted generations. But, with the impact of COVID-19 this year, it felt like the right time to look back over the decades. 1992 MEETING IN PANTO In stripy tights with a feather in my curly hair, aged 25, I’d strutted across stage with a snarl…

Jane Keeper, Director of Operations at Refuge, says: ‘Refuge supports 6,500 survivors every day, and we know how hard it can be for women to seek help when they are trapped by an abusive partner, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. Demand for Refuge’s services remains high, and our refuges remain open, safe and accessible. When women and children first arrive, they need reassurance, comfort and to feel safe. Many families arrive with very little, just a few essentials. Our staff work around the clock to make Christmas special, but for families fleeing abuse, the best gift of all is their safety. A stay in our refuges is an opportunity for women and children to rebuild their lives free from abuse.…

Kelly MacDonald When police drama Line of Duty returns to BBC1 for its much-anticipated sixth series, the Giri/Haji actress will play DCI Joanne Davidson, whose unconventional conduct raises suspicions at anti-corruption unit AC-12. Luke Evans The Welsh actor will star in true-crime thriller The Pembrokeshire Murders on ITV. He plays the newly promoted DS Steve Wilkins, who’s determined to bring a serial killer to justice as he investigates four cold-case murders in south Wales.…

MOSTLY As Make some ‘me time’ You are a home bird, and love your family to bits – it’s totally natural. But what about you? When was the last time you sat down with a cuppa and a book, or a box set after a soak in the bath? This year, take some well-earned ‘me time’ – we all need to recuperate after working hard. MOSTLY Bs Put that energy to good use You have bags of energy and don’t really know what to do with it! You love being outdoors, and getting your body moving, so how about joining a club, or trying a new exercise this year? There’s so much to choose from, such as rock climbing, dancing, spinning, rambling – the world is your oyster. MOSTLY Cs…

Tis the season to be jolly, and this week our favourite festive redhead, La Voix, catches up with Martine McCutcheon. The superstar drag queen delves into Martine’s perfect Christmas and finds out how many times a year the 44-year-old forces singer-songwriter husband Jack McManus and their five-year-old son Rafferty to watch her opposite Hugh Grant in the ultimate Christmas film Love Actually… Merry Christmas, Martine! How excited are you for this festive time? It’s been such a weird year, hasn’t it? I think the whole country needs Christmas! In a normal year for me, come October I start playing Christmas songs, and Jack rolls his eyes and says, ‘Martine, it’s too soon!’ Is that because you play your own albums? Of course, I have to put Perfect Moment on because…