Innholdsfortegnelse for Monday, May 27, 2024 i Woman's Own

Royalist or not, most of us are intrigued by what life is really like for the Windsors and their family – so, in steps Mike Tindall to spill the beans! On p10 we find out about dance-floor dramas, surprising texts and what it’s really like to have Princess Anne as a mother-in-law. For some showbiz royalty turn to p82 where, in an exclusive interview with Woman’s Own, Dame Joan Collins insists she’s ‘done’ celebrating birthdays. I’ve got to disagree with the dame – birthdays should always be celebrated! On p34 we’ve got your new season shape-up sorted, on p58 we’ve got no-bake puds – who doesn’t love a cream pie? – and for salon nails at home turn to p40. I love getting my nails done but it’s pricey so…

Last summer, Alison Hammond announced she was finally ready to think about marriage after being ‘scared’ of commitment. She admitted, ‘I just feel like I’m tied down and I don’t like it, when really and truly, I’m getting to that age now where I think, “Alison, let go - it’s OK to settle down.”’ And it seems that her wish may finally be coming true, as the TV star, 49, has found love in the form of Russian masseur and model David Putman, 26. But despite a friend previously saying that Alison ‘has never been happier’, the TV star has now opened up about how tough romance has been considering she has her 19-year-old son Aidan to think about, admitting, ‘If Aidan doesn’t like them, this isn’t gonna work.’ And…

Pulling out a tray of freshly baked cinnamon buns, I breathed in their deliciously sugary smell and couldn’t resist the temptation as I grabbed one and scoffed it down in two bites. It was November 2019, and for the past 10 years I’d been a pastry chef, baking my own unique, tasty treats including buns, cakes, sweets and ice cream. Since 2016, I’d worked on a luxury cruise ship, sailing around exotic locations like Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Alaska. It wasn’t as glamorous as it sounds though and most days I was up early, on my feet in the kitchen for hours, rarely stopping for a proper meal. Instead, I’d tuck into leftovers, or my own desserts, including huge spoonfuls of cookie dough batter and buttercream, and slices of…

Q What does a typical morning for you look like? A My alarm goes off between 5.30 and 6am. As a detective, I don’t wear a uniform, but I still like to look smart in a trouser suit or dress to project professionalism. I’m usually at the station by 7.30am. My first task is to read the daily ‘force log’, detailing major updates from the past 24 hours. If key crimes like high-risk domestic abuse or stalking have emerged overnight, I’ll brief my team of 70 and they will take action. Q Which part of your job makes you spring out of bed? A The fact that every day is different. As a senior investigative officer, or SIO, I might be the most senior detective on a major case –…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows. Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Wordsearch Born in Spain in 1953, Grand Duchess Maria has a claim to be the head of which royal house? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ALPINANJOUBOURBONHABSBURGHANOVERORANGEOTTOMANROMANOV SAUD SAVOY STUART TUDOR WESSEX WINDSOR YORK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Disarm (6)4 Having perpetual life (8)10 Referee (7)11 Bike rider (7)12 _ Fisher, star of films Confessions of a Shopaholic and Wedding Crashers (4)13 Breaks through (10)15 Glowers (6)16 Beam under a railway track (7)20 Smoker’s receptacle (7)21 Small tree with yellow flowers (6)24 Collection (10)26 _ Dano, actor who played the Riddler in film…

FATHER’S DAY by Richard Madeley (£16.99, HB, Simon & Schuster) Nick will stop at nothing to protect his daughter. After losing his wife in a tragic accident, the widower must raise his vulnerable young daughter Lucy on his own. A fresh start in a new house was supposed to make things easier, giving their broken family a chance to leave the past behind them. But new horrors lie in wait. Fragile and seeking comfort, Lucy falls under the spell of a dangerous online stranger. Nick hunts down the anonymous person behind the screen – with devastating results. This pulse-pounding thriller from Richard Madeley will keep you reading late into the night. On sale 23 May. THE MAPMAKER’S WIFE by Hannah Evans (£20, HB, Orion) 1954. Beatrice has never left Grenada.…

Eamonn’s DEATH FEARS Eamonn Holmes sparked concern amongst his fans after an Instagram picture he shared had them believing he’d died. The former This Morning presenter shared a snap with his 795,000 followers. However, unusally, the portrait was in black and white, with many believing that it was being used as a death announcement or obituary. One follower commented, ‘Don’t scare me like this when I am hungover… I thought you were dead,’ while another agreed, ‘It did cross my mind too.’ A third wrote, ‘Jesus, I thought you had passed.’ While he didn’t respond to his fans’ alarm, the comments no doubt rattled the GB News star, who previously revealed his fears that he’d die at 64 – the age he is now. ‘My father was dead at 64.…

DIRTY DANCING Recounting a tale from his wife Zara’s 70s-themed 30th birthday party, Mike revealed his mother-in-law Anne, the Princess Royal, had an up close and personal encounter with his crown jewels. ‘I was dancing on the dance floor, I had flares on, full outfit but it was quite tight. Nothing ever fits – rugby player’s bum and legs,’ he shared. Mike continued, ‘I was dancing with my mother-in-law and I did a sl*t drop… Ripped my trousers, straight in front of her.’ Mortifyingly, he added, ‘It happened to be that my boxers that I had on at that time said, “Nibble my nuts.” As I turned around, she’s gone, “I’d rather not.” BOOZY BONDING If Mike’s stint on I’m a Celebrity in 2022 taught us anything, it’s that the…

WORK-SHY TEENAGERS Teenagers are shunning work to do nothing, but it seems we only have ourselves to blame Are your kids lazier than you? Chances are if you’re in possession of offspring in their teens the answer is a resounding YES! Not because that age group have always had a passion for staying in bed as long as they can (they were probably doing that back in the days mum and dad were out hunting sabretooth tigers) but because, statistically, today’s teens are officially lazier than those that went before them. At the turn of the century, 48% of teenagers had a part-time job while still at school yet, according to research by the Resolution Foundation, in 2020, fewer than 25% had ever done any paid work. Post-pandemic, it’s just…

WILL I BE ALLOWED TO TAKE HRT? Q I used to be a heavy drinker and, as a result, did some damage to my liver. I’m really struggling with the menopause and many of my friends tell me hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a lifesaver for them. Is it safe for me to take HRT given my liver problem? I haven’t had any alcohol for 13 years. A Some alcohol-related liver disease is reversible so your liver may have recovered given your abstinence. Speak to your GP who will probably recheck your liver blood tests and may recommend you take HRT in patch form, meaning the hormones are absorbed directly into your bloodstream via the skin, bypassing the liver. Can weight affect contraception? Q Over the past two years,…

Not accepting drinks from strangers, taking your glass to the toilets with you, and watching the bartender while they make your drink has become second nature to everyone frequenting bars. Spiking – where someone slips you an intoxicant without your knowledge – is sadly not a new thing. While anyone can be a victim of spiking, it is most often used to leave women vulnerable to sexual assault. Horrifyingly, one in 10 women say they’ve had their drinks spiked*, only now there’s even more cause for concern, with a rapid increase in vape pens being targeted. And it’s not just teenagers who are victims. Last year, data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council found that there were 6,732 reported spiking offences between May 2022 and May 2023, including vapes, food…

Grilled chicken with proper barbecue sauce £1.20 PER SERVE SERVES 6 A simple homemade sauce makes this chargrilled chicken extra special. It’s great with pork and prawns too. PREP TIME: 10 MINSCOOK TIME: 50-55 MINSCALS: 300 FAT: 11.5GSAT FAT: 2G CARBS: 13G YOU WILL NEED 1 medium chicken, jointed, or about 1.6kg bone-in chicken pieces Vegetable oil, for brushing For the barbecue sauce: 2 shallots, peeled10 garlic cloves, peeled2 red chillies3tbsp olive oil8 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves only2tbsp fennel seeds2tbsp smoked paprika3tbsp soy sauceZest and juice 2 lemons1tbsp mustard powder150g soft brown sugar225ml tomato ketchup175ml orange or apple juice HOW TO DO IT 1 Whizz all the sauce ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and…

READER QUESTION Q How much does it cost to renew a passport, and are there options to spend less? A Prices have changed recently. It costs £88.50 to renew or replace an adult passport if you apply online, or £100 if you fill in a paper form. Renewing a child’s passport costs £57.50 if you do it online, or £69 if you renew by post. However, if you need a passport urgently it’s more expensive, so it’s always best to check your passport and plan ahead for trips. There’s more information at gov.uk. Go green for less An easy way to spend less on food is to reduce how much meat you eat. You’ll find some tasty veggie and vegan recipes at goodto.com. If you’re cooking meat, you can bulk…

And… relax ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Known for your direct approach and no-nonsense communication style, you may be asked to give advice to a friend this week. You can really help to boost their confidence. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Mercury in Taurus gives you the opportunity to speak up when you need to assert yourself and to create a practical plan to implement at work in the coming months. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun With both the Sun and Venus in Gemini you may find yourself connecting to new people. This puts a spring in your step and allows you to develop lasting friendships. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul If you’ve been feeling a bit blue recently, some good news will help to lift…

Despite Dame Joan Collins turning 91 this week, the age-defying star is still just as in demand as ever and shows no signs of slowing down. She’s just wrapped up filming in the Czech Republic for her latest movie role and is in attendance at a glitzy awards bash in London when Woman’s Own catches up with her for an interview. The five-times married actor is accompanied this evening by her husband, Hollywood producer Percy Gibson, who she’s been married to since 2002 and is 32 years her junior. Here, Joan fills us in on why she thinks her glittering career spanning over an incredible seven decades is purely down to ‘luck’, her best piece of advice and why she’s done with birthdays… ‘LIVE EVERY DAY AS THOUGH IT’S YOUR…

Eleanor Tomlinson ‘THE OUTLAWS ARE BACK TOGETHER!’ The comedy drama returns for a new series… It’s back to Bristol for a third series of The Outlaws, about a mismatched group from all walks of life on a Community Payback scheme. After getting on the wrong side of crime boss The Dean (Claes Bang), the gang have finally got him off their backs by stitching him up and getting him arrested at the end of the last series. ‘FRIENDSHIP IS A MAIN THEME’ As he awaits trial, everyone is moving on with their lives. Ben (Gamba Cole) is running his own food shack, activist Myrna (Clare Perkins) is rekindling a romance with old flame Sean (Patrick Robinson) and cab driver John (Darren Boyd) has a new Zen outlook. Meanwhile, awkward lawyer…

YOUNG AND FUN The early 90s saw a fresh-faced Denise appear on-screen for the first time, starring in a number of dramas including Kappatoo, Scratchy & Co and The Bill. She was part of a band, Those 2 Girls, scoring a one-hit wonder in 1995 with All I Want. REALITY QUEEN Fans of reality TV will know Denise’s voice well. Since TOWIE’s inception in 2010, the star has narrated the Essex-based show. She’s a regular on Celebrity Gogglebox and has been a contestant on The Masked Singer and Dancing on Ice. SHOWGIRL Born to be on stage, it’s rare you’ll find a party where Denise isn’t singing and dancing. In addition to her TV and film credits, she’s also appeared on the West End in hit musicals including Chicago and…

DENIM DELIGHT This style will go with everything. Jacket, £37.99, sizes xs-xxl, H&M VERY HANDY A chic, kitchen essential. Oven gloves, £2.50, Primark STRIPE IT LUCKY Give your chairs an update. Seat cushion, £11, George Home FRILL SEEKER Made from organic cotton. Top, £29.99, sizes xs-l, lindex.com SCENT-SATIONAL Great for a long-lasting, fresh fragrance. Diffuser, £9.99, H&M SERVE IN STYLE Upgrade your meal times with these stylish plates. Serving bowl, £14.99, small serving plate, £9.99, large serving plate, £12.99, and side plates, £6.99 each, all H&M INDOOR OASIS Add a lush green feel to your living space. Faux plant, £8.50, Matalan RAISE A GLASS Ideal for al-fresco dining. Plastic wine glasses, £14 for four, John Lewis & Partners SUNKISSED SKIN Look radiant and glowing. Isle Of Paradise Gradual Self-Tan Lotion,…

Former Loose Women star Saira Khan shocked viewers when she announced she was quitting the panel back in 2021. Despite spending five years on the talk show and becoming a fan favourite, the mum-of-two felt that she had ‘to assess her priorities’ at the time. Rumours of a falling-out with her co-stars emerged, but now, catching up with Woman’s Own just after her 54th birthday, Saira reveals what really happened. Plus, The Apprentice runner-up tells us all about her anticipated TV return and why she’s leaving her husband and children to celebrate her birthday halfway across the world alone. Hi Saira, great to see you. How have you been since you left Loose Women three years ago? Things are really good! I’m working on my business and that’s growing beautifully.…

Have you heard about? CUDDLING COULD BOOST HEART HEALTH Snuggling up to a partner doesn’t just improve your relationship intimacy, it may help repair your cells after a heart attack, too*. During an attack, a huge number of cardiomyocytes – which allow the heart to contract – die. But oxytocin – aka the cuddle hormone – appears to help reprogramme cells in the outer layer of the heart, turning them into cardiomyocytes. Single? Cuddling a friend has the same effect. It worked for me Jacqueline Brook, 59, from Surrey ‘I was experiencing terrible flare-ups of my Crohn’s disease with severe pain. I now take Myla’s Sea Moss Gel (£25, 720ml, mylasmoss.com), a food supplement made with sea moss and alkaline water. It has helped so much as I’m not on…

He manipulated me into sending money Q Last year, I was swept up in what I believed to be a romance with a man I met online. Then I realised he was manipulating me into sending him money (£2,500 over the year). I had to tell my son and daughter, which was very painful. I’m left feeling old, stupid, ashamed and wary of trusting anyone ever again. A Frauds and scams are the scourge of modern life, and the romance scam is one of the hardest to overcome. It leaves you feeling heartbroken, gutted and ashamed, even though you are the victim. But remember, you’re not alone. You weren’t foolish; you fell for a convincing scam that was waged against you over a long period. It’s something that could happen…

Laid-back layering Layers are great for creating fullness and it’s a universal styling trick that works for any hair length and face shape. Try a couple of gradual layers from mid-lengths to ends, or copy Rose Byrne’s longer, curtain-style fringe to add movement that will flatter features. Using a volumising product such as Charles Worthington Thicker & Fuller Texture Spray, £9.99, Boots, will boost bounce too. Pixie cut Really short hairdos like Olivia Colman’s can be stylish and easy to maintain but, as the name suggests, a pixie cut works best for people with fine bone structure or those with a square jaw, so do your research before getting the full chop. A major perk of a shorter cut is that it reduces styling time – simply rub a little…

The front door swung open and my daughter Georgia dashed inside, the biggest smile on her face. It was 2011, and Georgia, then 15, was an energetic teen. Our youngest, she was close to her older sister Scarlett, then 20, but they couldn’t have been more different – while Scarlett loved dancing, Georgia was a bit of a tomboy and always wanted to be outdoors. Running, tennis, canoeing, climbing – she loved it all, but her main passion was the Air Cadets. She’d joined at 13 after her dad Steve had suggested it. Steve was a murder squad detective with West Mercia Police, and one of his colleagues was a supervisor for the Cadets. From camping to shooting competitions, Georgia had so much fun, and now she’d come home from…

Cheat’s cherry ice cream SERVES 8 Just four ingredients, and no special equipment needed! PREP TIME: 10 MINS, PLUS FREEZINGCALS: 459 FAT: 28GSAT FAT: 14G CARBS: 67G YOU WILL NEED 600ml whipping cream60g icing sugar2tsp vanilla bean paste400g frozen black cherriesIce cream cones; finely-grated chocolate, to serve (optional) HOW TO DO IT 1 Pulse the cream, icing sugar and vanilla paste in a food processor until thickened. Add the frozen berries and whizz until smooth. 2 Spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight. 3 Transfer the ice cream to the fridge about 30 mins before serving. Scoop into ice cream cones or bowls, and top with some grated chocolate to serve, if liked. TIP YOU COULD USE A MIXTURE OF…

H&M Home CHIC MONOCHROME Create a pared-down look, adding pops of green and bamboo accessories Habitat PRETTY PASTELS Give muted pink, teal and sage green a modern feel with curved shapes and statement patterns…

RIHANNA & A$AP ROCKY Fans were overjoyed when, after many years of being unlucky in love, singer Rihanna seemingly found her happily ever after with rapper A$AP Rocky. The couple, who hit it off in late 2019, welcomed their first child in May 2022. Yet a month before the birth, things took a turn for the worse when A$AP – real name Rakim Mayers – was arrested in connection to a shooting. Earlier this year, he pleaded not guilty to the charges, but Rihanna, 36, must have faith in him because she went on to give birth to their second child in August last year. It may not be a conventional love song but Rocky, 35, declared his love for the mother of his two children by dedicating D.M.B. –…

People are always surprised when they learn about my one of my previous jobs, and it’s mainly women who are keen for details: it’s not always something they have experience of and they’re fascinated. For me, it was just a way to earn extra money for holidays with my daughter, and while some people may judge, I’m not ashamed – far from it! Fifteen years ago, I very much lived a double life – while working as a local government project manager, I also worked as a stripper. It began in 2008, aged 33, after I joined a pole-dance fitness class. I was sporty anyway and it turned out I was good on the pole. My teacher, Sarah*, also worked as a stripper and when she suggested I try it…