Innholdsfortegnelse for 01-Feb-2021 i Woman's Own

You know what they say: if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Which is why some may be questioning the sudden change in line-up at Loose Women . Especially when, last year, the ITV daytime show recorded its highest viewing figures since 2014. But in the space of just three weeks Loose Women lost two of its biggest stars when Andrea McLean and Saira Khan walked away, prompting speculation of trouble behind the scenes. And Saira, 50, has suggested that more could follow, saying, ‘I actually think there are other women on that show who have had their time.’ And while the ladies – including Ruth Langsford and Nadia Sawalha – all appear to be close on and off camera, Woman’s Ow n understands that might not be the case……

OUR FAVE LOOK Charlotte Hawkins, 45 The Good Morning Britain presenter shows off her sensational figure in a tight-fitting denim jumpsuit from Forever Unique. Puff sleeves add volume to her silhouette, as she pairs the all-in-one with classic court shoes to elongate her legs and give the denim a smarter feel. Myleene Klass, 42 No wardrobe is complete without a classic denim shirt, and Myleene shows just how versatile it can be. Her Ba&sh top is given a feminine touch thanks to the puff sleeves, which she pairs with loose-fitting cargo trousers and heels to create the perfect everyday outfit. Giovanna Fletcher, 36 A denim dress is a wardrobe staple, and can be worn all year round. IÕm a Celeb star Giovanna wears hers with knee-high boots and tights, but…

Why is she on blood pressure meds? Q My daughter has terrible migraines and they have increased in frequency such that she is now getting them every couple of days and she is taking way too much time off work. Her GP changed her to a daily medication to prevent them, but when we looked at the patient information leaflet, there is no mention of migraine. It’s all about blood pressure? A Interestingly, there was no medication specifically designed to prevent migraine up until very recently – all the medicines we used were developed to treat other conditions and were then found to help migraines. There are a couple that were blood pressure medicines in the first place, which probably explains what you found. You could double-check with the pharmacist…

My family say I can’t achieve my dream Q Last year, I had a terrible time. I was made redundant, then got a new job only to have the business shut down months later. I’m 40, a single mum and I have low confidence, but I do have a dream. I want to become a teacher but my family keep telling me I’ll never be able to do it as I’m too old to retrain. Louise, 40, by email A Ignore those who say you can’t do it; it says more about them than you. People retrain all the time and at any age. If you have the will and a plan, you can do anything. Start by looking for funding. There are three types of funding available for teacher…

As the word guilty rang out, I screamed. Clarence looked over at me, shook his head before putting it on the table, crying. That moment destroyed me. Understandably, April believed Brooke without question. Brooke was the prosecution’s key witness, pointing to Clarence as the rapist and killer in court, while I was portrayed as the distraught wife defending her man. ‘But she has to be mistaken,’ I told my sons as we digested their dad’s life sentence. Brooke loved Uncle Clarence. And, that awful, dark morning she’d hidden under the duvet, terrified, as her grandmother was murdered, before being subjected to a brutal ordeal herself. She was traumatised when she’d first mentioned Clarence to police. How could anyone be certain what she really saw. Angry and grief-stricken, I vowed to…

It was a perfect autumn day, but my patience was wearing thin. ‘Half an hour and still no bus,’ I thought, frustrated, my mouth throbbing from the dental surgery I’d just had. Then a tan Volkswagen Beetle car pulled up, and the driver rolled down the window and smiled. ‘You should be thanking me you’re still alive’ ‘Where you going?’ he asked, and I couldn’t help but notice how cute he was. ‘Up to campus,’ I said. It was October 1974, I was 21 and studying Pharmacy at the University of Utah. ‘Me, too! Hop in,’ the charming driver beamed. Back then, it wasn’t uncommon for strangers to offer lifts, and while I’d never dream of hitch-hiking, he was a fellow student, clean-cut and handsome with curly, dark-brown hair, so…

1 Buy early seed potatoes now and pop them in empty egg cartons to encourage shoots to grow (chitting). Plant out in mid-March when the shoots are 1.5 to 2.5cm long. 2 Control lawn moss with a moss killer that contains ferrous sulphate, such as Winter Green, a moss-control fertiliser from lawnsmith.co.uk. If you prefer organic alternatives, try Moss Off. 3 Prune apple and pear trees to remove branches that cross one another and open up the centre to create a goblet shape. Also prune currants, gooseberries and autumn-fruiting raspberries.…

HAVE YOU HEARD? omebuyers in England are H waiting an average of 115 days from starting a mortgage application through to completing the purchase of their property, according to data from Trussle. The mortgage broker’s research found those in the East Midlands have the longest average wait at 166 days, while buyers in the South East are facing the shortest average wait at 96 days. IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… GET IN SHAPE A Barclays study found 48% of Brits don’t have a rainy day fund. So the bank is piloting a new series of ‘Money Workouts’ to help people improve their finances, including the ‘Little luxury diet’, which shows how much you can save by cutting down on treats. For more, visit moneyworkouts.barclays.co.uk. 3 ways to save…

Callum Scott Howells stars as gay Welsh lad Colin Morgan-Jones in C4’s It’s A Sin , which follows five friends sharing a flat and living it up in 1980s London. The arrival of AIDS, however, has cast a shadow over their lives as more and more gay men die from the illness. Written by Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies, the series shows some of the early misconceptions about HIV and AIDS as well as how patients were treated and the shocking attitudes towards gay people. ‘I’ve been so lucky’ ‘I was gobsmacked that the gay community was so ill treated,’ says Callum. ‘The way it was dealt with was crazy. This is an important story that needs to be told.’ As the drama continues this week, Roscoe (Omari…

Bee Gee legend Barry Gibb on staying alive and his hit new country album... You’re at your home in Miami, so how are things there? The same. Like California and Texas, it’s been one of the hardest hit places. We are all so dazed by all of it. I haven’t left home in months. I walk outside the house and get a bit of sunshine and come back in to take a vitamin D pill. What are we supposed to do? We have a few friends who have COVID, but we’re OK. Your new album Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook (Vol. 1) is a huge hit. I’m overwhelmed. It’s a real shock and such a thrill. The only thing is I can’t be in the UK to enjoy it and…

It had to happen, didn’t it? When our only escape is having a giggle at something good on the box, the fun police decide to get involved. Latest to fall victim is the brilliant BBC show The Royle Family, which now has to be screened with a ‘woke warning’ that it contains discriminatory language. I racked my brains to think what exactly, and could only come up with couch potato Jim’s classic catchphrase ‘My a**e’, which in the context it’s used in the classic 1998-2012 comedy series about a Manchester-based, TVobsessed clan, is a piece of perfectly scripted dialogue. ‘Does this comedy really upset anyone?’ Written, of course, by the late, great and hugely talented Caroline Aherne, who also starred in the show. Aah, but she also crafted the line…

Why is my womb tilted? Q I went for a smear recently and the nurse couldn’t find my cervix. She said my womb was tilted backwards and has asked me to book with one of the doctors in the practice for her to do it. Is this anything to be worried about? A No. Every woman’s womb is tilted. Three quarters tilt forward and a quarter tilt backwards. If, like you, the womb is tilted back, it can be more difficult to see the cervix. The doctor will probably ask you to place your hands under your bottom, which will tilt your pelvis and make it easier for her to take the smear.…

1 DO SOMETHING POSITIVE. Ticking off things on your to-do list that you have been putting off will give you a sense of relief and a feeling of happiness. 2 STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA. Set aside one day a week (or more) to have a social-media detox. Staying offline, even for a short time, will help you to stop comparing yourself to others and in turn, make you feel happier. 3 DOWNLOAD FEARNE COTTON’S HAPPY PLACE PODCAST. With a new guest each week, learn how to work through feeling blue to finding joy. Visit officialfearnecotton.com to download (free).…

Get your glow on A daily facial massage isn’t just beneficial for skin health, but by dedicating time for self-care, it can improve mental health too. Apply facial oil to your fingers then sweep over your face. Kyushi Orange & Neroli Oil, £21, kyushi.co.uk, contains a cocktail of zesty essential oils to energise and elevate your mood. Use Botanics Rose Quartz Gua Sha, £15, Boots, to gently sweep upwards and outwards over skin. The cool stone feels amazing on skin first thing and the gentle scraping technique stimulates blood flow so skin looks glowing. Boost your bath There are few things more relaxing than a long soak in the tub. It may even be good for your mental health too, since a study found that people who opted for a…

Feeling tears forming in my eyes, I watched as my employee, Alacia Bowker, then 19, walked into the school hall with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. ‘I thought you could do with some cheering up,’ she smiled, handing them to me. ‘And I want to take you for lunch later, too.’ I was so touched by her kind gesture, I pulled her in for a hug. ‘You’re so sweet,’ I beamed. It was April 2019 and it had been a difficult week at the kids’ club I owned, with staff being off sick and the stress of caring for more than 90 children. But Alacia had a way of keeping mine and my eight other staff members’ spirits up with her personality and thoughtful gifts. Taking Alacia on as an…

Reese Witherspoon In April 2013, actor Reese, then 37, asked police, ‘Do you know my name?’ when husband, Hollywood agent Jim Toth was arrested for driving under the influence. She pleaded no contest to an ordinance violation for refusing to stay in the car and was fined. Toth pleaded guilty, was fined, given community service and sent on an alcohol education programme. Hugh Grant It’s been 25 years since affable actor Hugh, now 60, was caught with sex worker Divine Brown in LA. The infamous 1995 mugshot, taken following his arrest for indecent conduct in a public place, has haunted the Love Actually star, who was dating Liz Hurley at the time. He called his actions ‘completely insane’ and received a fine. Haley Joel Osment In 2006, seven years after…

Winter paella Serves 6 This classic Valencian dish, usually enjoyed in the summer sun, makes a delicious winter warmer, too. ✽ 2tbsp sunflower oil ✽ 2 onions, sliced ✽ 2 sticks of celery, chopped ✽ 2 carrots, chopped ✽ 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, sliced ✽ 2tbsp sweet smoked paprika ✽ 1tbsp tomato paste ✽ 4 cloves of garlic, chopped ✽ Small bunch of thyme ✽ 1 red chilli, chopped ✽ 500g paella rice ✽ 250ml white wine ✽ 1ltr vegetable stock ✽ 200g curly kale, stalks removed and shredded ✽ 200g frozen peas ✽ 6 mild Peppadew peppers, sliced ✽ 1 lemon, cut into wedges 1 Heat the oil in a paella or large, deep pan and fry the onion, celery and carrot for 5 mins until lightly…

Gino D’Acampo The TV chef will return to host a second series of ITV’s revival of the classic game show Family Fortunes, which sees two families go head to head as they try to guess the most popular answers to a series of survey-based questions. Diane Morgan The After Life and Mandy star plays Becky, a woman from Bolton who’s obsessed with America in new BBC2 comedy Lethal. When her visa for the US is declined, she decides to marry a death row prisoner to get a green card instead.…

Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr You’re feeling more at peace because of your new attitude, as you don’t want conflict around you. It may be worth looking for a new career with more positive people. Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Creative pursuits will bring satisfaction, especially if you’re renovating a house. Home is where your heart and soul belongs, with your family. Make the most of them. Gemini 21 May – 20 Jun A new person might walk into your life and rock your world. Love isn’t always immediate and takes time to grow. Someone will express their deepest feelings for you. Cancer 21 Jun – 22 Jul It’s hard to get yourself heard. Everyone has their own agenda and no one is listening. Just get on with…

MOSTLY As Active soldier When it comes to conflict, you play an active role. In a situation you disagree with, you’re calm and level-headed. You don’t leave an argument – you get involved. You ask questions about why they feel and think that way, and won’t leave until you’re satisfied, so you don’t have any weight to bear. MOSTLY Bs Avoider You hate conflict or confrontation! You keep out of trouble for fear of getting hurt or upset, or making others feel bad. You hate uncomfortable situations and try to ignore them. Some battles are worth fighting – like for your friends or reputation. You’re not a pushover, so don’t act like one. MOSTLY Cs You get mad You’re definitely a fighter – but instead of being calm, you get…

TAKE YOUR WIFE TO WORK DAY! Like many of us, Michelle Keegan must have been desperate to get out of the house this week as she went along to work with Mark Wright – and she took their two dogs, Pip and Phoebe, too. While her hubby, 33 was doing all the hard work, presenting his Sunday afternoon radio show for Heart FM, Michelle, also 33, sat on the studio floor, looking at her phone, playing with their pups and sipping a drink. And Mark clearly didn’t get a choice in ‘bringing the gang to work’, as he wrote on Instagram. ‘She asked to come to work. How could I say no?’ Well, it looks like we know who wears the trousers in this relationship!…

Running errands Brighten up the prospect of tackling your to-do list with a bold knit that will lift your mood. Tuck into a pair of failsafe jeans, then bag a pair of comfy Chelsea boots to complete the outfit. TOP TIP Opt for wide-leg jeans that highlight your waist and lengthen your legs. Dinner date This time of year is all about layering. A floral midi dress will see you through to summer, and a smock-style dress is the most flattering. Wear a knitted vest over the top to keep off the chill. TOP TIP Swap dressy heeled boots for trainers, for a more casual feel. Cosy evening in If last year taught us anything, it’s how to nail the loungewear look. This matching set in a warm spring green…

Have you heard about? Diet deficiencies Six in 10 people don’t consider their nutritional needs before cutting out meat and dairy products, says a report.* ‘It’s important that people who are switching to a vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian diet or those cutting out food groups, should incorporate a daily multinutrient into their diets,’ says nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire. Peppermint pick-me-up Get the energy-boosting benefits of peppermint by adding a few drops of essential oil to a room diffuser. Studies show it prevents fatigue and can increase alertness and mental clarity. Resistance training for anxiety Twice-weekly resistance training of lunges, lifts and squats significantly improves anxiety symptoms, a study by the University of Limerick found. How to... Check your moles in winter Consultant dermatologist Dr Adam Friedmann shares his advice 1 Know…

Wow factor Striking calatheas symbolise new beginnings because they close their leaves at night and reopen them in the morning for a fresh start, which is where the saying ‘to turn over a new leaf’ comes from. Originally from Africa, they grow at the base of trees in semi-shade, making them perfect for areas with low light, as long as you keep them warm (18C plus) and moist. Available in shades of pink, burgundy, green and white with different stripes, they are pet-friendly and help to purify the air. Calathea Medallion (15cm to 18cm), £20, from a selection at leafenvy.co.uk. Coming up roses Fragrant and long flowering, it’s no wonder roses are the national flower of England. Planting them bare-rooted between November and March is the cheapest way to stock…

Princes Tuna Chunks in Spring Water 4x145g (Sainsbury’s) TUNA, PEPPER & PEA TORTILLA Serves 2 You will need ✽ 2 medium potatoes, sliced ✽ 1 red onion, sliced ✽ 2tbsp olive oil ✽ 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced ✽ 100g frozen peas ✽ 145g can tuna, drained ✽ 4 eggs, lightly beaten How to do it 1 Parboil the potatoes and onion for 3 mins, then drain. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the potatoes, onion and red pepper, then fry gently for 5 mins. Turn and cook for 5 more mins until softened and beginning to brown. 2 Heat the grill until hot. Add the peas and tuna to the pan and cook for a few mins to heat through. Pour in the beaten eggs, season…

The Mallorca Files, BBC1 Crime-busters DC Miranda Blake (Elen Rhys) and DC Max Winter (Julian Looman) return to solve more crimes on the Spanish island in the second series of the daytime drama. Guest stars include Phil Daniels and Kacey Ainsworth. Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home, ITV For her latest ITV travelogue, Joanna Lumley takes in the delights of the Yorkshire Dales, the Highlands, Dartmoor, Derry and London. She’ll also visit Coronation Street, meet some Devon Druids and enjoy a night out at an iconic gay pub. Mary McCartney Serves It Up, Discovery+ Sir Paul McCartney and his family are the most famous vegetarians on the planet and in this series, his daughter Mary shares their favourite meat-free recipes and the fascinating stories behind them. Each week, she’ll be joined…

Since Big Brother 11 winner Josie Gibson charmed the nation in 2010, she’s been a regular face on ITV’s This Morning. Hers is a story similar to that of Alison Hammond who, with Dermot O’Leary, has replaced Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes hosting the Friday shows – something Josie, 36, admits she has conflicted feelings about. For Josie, work means a lot of juggling, as she’s a single mum to two-year-old son Reggie. And, as the new WW ambassador, after years of yo-yo dieting she’s giving her lifestyle an overhaul in a bid to get fit for the sake of her son. What are your thoughts on Dermot and Alison replacing Ruth and Eamonn on This Morning? I couldn’t be happier for Alison, but I am so gutted for Ruth…