Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2, 2025 i Woman's Own

We’re all time-poor – there’s always something on the to-do list. Which is why I love the promise from our brilliant beauty team – to get glam fast! On p28, we’ve got fast fixes to plump out wrinkles – in just 60 seconds no less – get glossy hair and more. It means you save time and still feel your best – a win-win for me. Keeping in the ‘saving’ spirit, on p32 we’ve got money-saving meals for you – easy recipes that won’t break the bank but that the whole family will love. There’s plenty more in the issue too, on p30, writer and mum Gillian Harvey reveals what really happened to her sex life after having kids. I love her hilarious honesty – especially when she wonders what’s…

There’s really no denying Alison Hammond’s popularity. In recent years the star’s fame has soared. She has gone from hosting This Morning’s showbiz segments to presenting the main show, plus The Great British Bake Off and taking over from Paul O’Grady on his much-loved show, For the Love of Dogs. But while Alison, 50, is clearly a fan favourite, many viewers have questioned whether she was the right choice for a dog show, not owning a furry friend herself. ‘She’s not a genuine dog lover,’ one commented, while another viewer added, ‘It’s not the same, I tried to watch but she’s not a natural with the dogs, sorry.’ Another said, ‘Sadly don’t think Alison is the right fit.’ One person who producers might see as a possible replacement is Amanda…

THE REAL TEST It’s exam season, which means distraught teenagers are gibbering wrecks in their bedrooms, stressing over GCSEs and A levels. Most of us remember the trauma involved in taking exams. Mine was so bad I fainted at the beginning of Maths O level (as they were then). What wouldn’t have helped, though, is having either Mum or Dad fretting with me, as I swotted indoors during the glorious early weeks of summer. (For the life of me, I never understand why exams are held during the best weather of the year!). But now parents are evidently demanding ‘exam leave’ to ‘support’ their anxious teens. I’m sorry but this is not support, this is simply adding more stress to our youngsters’ lives. TIME TO DITCH OUR PHONES? We all…

Buy of the week Get rid of painful corns and calluses with Scholl Corn Complete Removal Pen (£12.55, Boots). Use once a day for four days. THE TO-DO LIST POP A PROBIOTIC Taking a daily probiotic can help lift your mood, found a study published in Mental Health Research. It’s thought this is due to the gut-brain connection. SOCIALISE Spending time with loved ones can boost your lifespan, says research**. It’s believed that this is because they can help to reduce stress and encourage us to be more active. REDECORATE Painting your bathroom light greys, blues or greens can help you feel prepared for the day ahead**. If you do one thing Check your breasts Did you know only 39%* of women examine their breasts routinely? Get into the habit…

He wants sex all the time Q My new partner always wants sex. He’s not very affectionate, so I think this is his way of trying to be close. But I don’t always want it. Sometimes, I want a hug or kiss without it going further. When I say this, he acts hurt, which makes me feel guilty. How do I handle this? A You’re caught between two needs – your partner’s desire for sex and your own need for non-sexual connection. The only way to deal with this is to talk about it in an honest way, away from the bedroom, so it isn’t loaded with emotion in the moment. A healthy relationship needs space for both of you to express your needs without guilt. SHE SAYS TERRIBLE THINGS…

READER QUESTION Q How do I set savings goals and have the confidence that I’ll be able to achieve them? A Start by deciding what you want to save for. Then go through your finances so you know where your money is going each month (an online budget planner may help) and try to identify any savings you can make. Once you know how much money you should have left each month, decide how much to put towards your goal. Then you can work out how long it will take to reach it. Find out more at moneyhelper.org.uk. Go green for less Buying the exact amount of vegetables you need for a recipe, rather than automatically reaching for a pre-packaged bag, can save money – and it reduces food waste…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr With Venus and Saturn in Aries, you’re a force to be reckoned with. Speak up and commit to what you want in your love life and career for the future. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May You’re hard-working and ambitious, but even you need a break sometimes. Make it your priority to take some time out to relax and reflect on the year so far. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun With the Sun and Mercury both in your sign, it enables you to look at a situation objectively. This will be helpful for yourself and also those close to you. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul If you feel like you’re running out of steam, don’t give up now. Keep charging ahead and…

A CORNISH LEGACY by Fern Britton (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) Cordelia Jago’s life lies in ruins. Could fixing up a crumbling house help her to heal? After losing everyone and everything dear to her, Cordelia is left with nothing. Except, that is, Wilder Hoo – a rickety manor house by the wild Atlantic coast of Cornwall. The building is falling apart and houses some of Cordelia’s worst memories. But as she breathes new life into the neglected rooms and forges connections with locals, a seed of hope is planted. While rediscovering long-forgotten moments of joy that were spent at Wilder Hoo, can Cordelia finally make peace with her past? A touching read. THIS HOUSE OF BURNING BONES by Stuart MacBride (£22, HB, Pan Macmillan) In Aberdeen’s NE division, it seems things…

Tom Daley ‘THERE WERE TIMES WHEN I THOUGHT I COULDN’T CARRY ON’ The retired Olympian reflects on the highs and lows of his diving career… After the closing ceremony of last year’s Olympic Games in Paris, Tom Daley announced his retirement from diving, marking the end of a phenomenal career that saw him become Britain’s most celebrated diver. In Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds, the Plymouth-born former athlete reflects on life as a diving sensation – from the build-up to his Olympics debut at the age of 14 in 2008 to his final appearance at the Games in 2024. As well as looking at Tom’s sporting achievements, which include winning gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021, the documentary also touches on events in his personal life including losing his dad…

Each time I step outside and the sun is shining, I snap open my fabric glasses case, embroidered with colourful flowers, and retrieve my retro sunglasses. If I catch a glimpse of my reflection while wearing them, I see someone else gazing back. My stylish mother, Olga, was never without her 1960s ‘cat’s eye’ sunglasses, and she taught me so much about fashion. As a little girl, I was in awe of my mother- who I always called Mummy even when I became an adult. When I was growing up, she worked as a lawyer, but was also a skilled seamstress. She taught me to sew and embroider, and encouraged me to see the value of quality clothing. At jumble sales near our home in Notting Hill, we’d root around…

J.Lo LEANING ON EX In the wake of her split from Ben Affleck after three years of marriage, Jennifer Lopez has been relying on one very unlikely A-lister. The singer – who rekindled her relationship with Ben in 2022, two decades after they were first engaged – is said to be leaning on her ex-husband and the father of her twins, Marc Anthony. An insider said, ‘Jennifer has been praising Marc to anyone that will listen. She’s so grateful for how he’s helped her through this divorce from Ben.’ They continued, ‘Marc’s proven he’s someone that she can still count on when the chips are down.’ The source added, ‘He could have easily judged her or done the whole “I told you so” thing, since it’s no secret he’s never…

STRIPE IT LUCKY You can’t go wrong with a classic striped top. T-shirt, £6, 8-28, Matalan LEATHER LOOK Size down to wear it around your waist. Belt, £6, sizes s-xl, Peacocks SLIDE ON Treat your feet to a colour clash pedi. Shoes, £7, Primark YOU’VE BEEN FRAMED Add these stylish shades to your collection. Sunglasses, £5, Primark GET THE GLOW Enjoy warm lighting in your outdoor space. Solar lantern, £3, B&M EASY UPDATE A new dining set can transform the entire look of your kitchen table. If you usually use plain white, try this glazed blue collection instead. Dinner plate, £4, side plate, £3.50, pasta bowl, £4, dipping bowl, £2, wine glasses, £6 for two, vase, £2, placemats, £3 each, all Nutmeg Home at Morrisons IN A KNOT Team with…

The matching combo I love a swimsuit that has a matching cover-up, it makes packing and outfit planning simple, and this fun printed one from Primark is a bargain! Size up in the shirt for an oversized fit that will cover your bum! Don’t wait too long, it’s bound to fly off the shelves. Shirt, £10, swimsuit, £11, both sizes xs-xl, Primark Becky The basket bag Designer-inspired and effortlessly chic, a classic straw bag brings a timeless charm to my wardrobe. Its natural colour and texture complement everything from linen trousers to sundresses, while sturdy handles and a roomy interior mean it’s practical too. Bag, £27.99, New Look Becky The dress Maxi dresses are my summer wardrobe staple, nothing beats the simplicity of a throw-on-and-go style. Lightweight and breezy, they’re…

Sticky chicken wings with cucumber salad SERVES 4 This sweet and spicy fakeaway makes a satisfying Friday-night choice. YOU WILL NEED 1kg jointed chicken wings½ red chilli2 thumb-sized chunks ginger, 1 grated (reserving ½tsp for the cucumber)3 plump garlic cloves, peeled, 1 crushed3tbsp soy sauce100g granulated or caster sugar½-1tbsp chilli paste (we used gochujang)Sesame seeds, to serve (optional)Lime wedges, to serve For the cucumber salad: 1 cucumber, roughly chopped½tsp ginger, grated½ red chilli, finely chopped1tbsp fish sauce2tbsp rice vinegar/white wine vinegar HOW TO DO IT 1 Put the chicken wings into a large pan with the chilli, the ginger chunk, 2 whole garlic cloves, 2tbsp soy sauce and 1ltr cold water. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 10-15 mins. Drain, reserving the poaching stock. Set…

PATRICK KIELTY & CAT DEELEY This Morning’s Cat, 48, who is thought to earn £500k a year to host the hit ITV show, is believed to have racked up a fortune of £8 million, thanks to her almost three decade-long TV career both here and in America, plus brand deals with the likes of Pantene Pro-V. Patrick, 54, has also been on our screens for decades, and now is said to earn around £400,000 a year presenting his Irish chat show, The Late Late Show. MARK WRIGHT & MICHELLE KEEGAN Former TOWIE star Mark and actor Michelle, who have just welcomed their first baby, Palma, are one of the country’s richest couples. Mark, 38, reportedly earns £5 million for his TV work and is said to have £1 million endorsement deals,…

Licking my lips, the scent of creamy carbonara sauce filled the air and my tummy rumbled appreciatively. It was August 2022, and me and my partner Olivia, then 49, were out for dinner with friends. ‘You look happy,’ Olivia smiled as we sat down. ‘That’s because we’re on holiday tomorrow,’ I laughed. We were going camping for a few days with my son from a previous relationship, Mason, then 15, and I couldn’t wait. Working two jobs as a teacher and counsellor meant life could be stressful. A trip away was just what I needed. Sinking into my chair I tried to relax and enjoy my pasta, but a pain began throbbing away at my temples. ‘Are you OK?’ Olivia asked, as the waiter cleared away our plates, mine barely…

DO I NEED TO HAVE MY MOLE CHECKED? Q On my back, just at the site of my bra strap, I have a mole which has started itching. I’m pretty sure that it’s just irritation from the strap, but my son – who is a nurse – is nagging me to get it checked out. I’m very mindful that the surgery is snowed under at the moment. What do you think I should do? A Though you might be right, we would recommend that any changing mole should be checked out. The signs to look for are a change in colour, size or shape, or new-onset bleeding or itching. It will take your doctor a few seconds to check this out and they will want to see you, so make…

30 MINUTES Sun-kissed skin Nothing boosts body confidence like a tan. Isle of Paradise Express 30-Minute Mousse, £21.95, amazon.co.uk, develops in just 30 minutes. Wash off and you’ll be left with a sun-kissed glow that continues to develop over the next four to six hours. If you prefer a deeper result, just leave the guide colour on for longer – up to three hours – before hopping in the shower. The tan itself is tinted, so you get to enjoy a flattering glow right from the get-go. 60 SECONDS Plump wrinkles Wunderlift 60 Second Wrinkle Reducer, £20, wunderbrow.co.uk, is powered by retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, C and E to improve wrinkles over time, with a flexible, firming matrix that helps lift, firm and tighten skin in…

Coastal cool Earthy tones Pastel paradise…

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 Wedang jahe and adrak chai are Southeast Asian beverages flavoured with what? The answer is the one missing from the grid. AGAVEALOEANISEDOCKFENNELFLAXGINGERGINGKOJUNIPERMANDRAKENETTLEPOPPYSENNATEA TREETURMERIC CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 __ Web, 2024 superhero film starring 14 Across, 29 Across, 8 Down, and 20 Down (6)4 Norm (8)10 Behind closed doors (2,7)11 Zayn __, One Direction singer (5)12 __ Hird, actor who played Edie in Last of the Summer Wine (5)13 Surprise (9)14 __ Merced, star of films Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Instant Family (7)16 Boy band whose hits include 1987 single When Will I Be Famous? (4)19 __ Sharif, star…

Film BONO: STORIES OF SURRENDER Stream on Apple TV+ from 30 May Brad Pitt produces this vivid reimagining of singer Bono’s critically acclaimed one-man stage show, Stories of Surrender. Alongside exclusive footage from the tour, Bono lifts the lid on his life in music, revealing personal stories that have helped shape his legacy. Event PLIED AND PREJUDICE On until July, the Vaults, Launcelot St, London SE1 7AD, tickets from £19 This hysterical take on the Jane Austen classic is both a play and a party, telling the tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as you’ve never seen it before. Audiences are in for a boozy and immersive night, promising laughter and fun. Tour ROBBIE WILLIAMS LIVE IN CONCERT 31 May until 14 June, multiple locations including Edinburgh, Manchester and…

RICHARD AND JUDY TV golden couple Richard Madeley, 69, and Judy Finnigan, 77, have almost 40 years of marriage under their belt but the famous couple don’t always sleep in the same bed. Last year Richard, who still works on breakfast TV while Judy is retired from the industry, revealed, ‘When I’m doing Good Morning Britain I sleep in the spare room.’ The star added, ‘I do probably sleep a little bit better in bed with Judy but I’m OK on my own,’ before explaining, ‘I wouldn’t think of doing that [disturbing her sleep] to Judy… Apart from anything else, Judy and her sleep, you do not mess with.’ BETTE MIDLER When asked the secret to her and husband Martin von Haselberg’s 40-plus years-long marriage, Hollywood legend Bette, 79, revealed…

FROM BATES TO THE BARD! Acclaimed Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Toby Jones, who played Alan Bates in the landmark ITV drama, is turning to the stage later this year as Iago in Othello at London’s The Royal Haymarket. ‘I can’t keep that a secret any more, I can’t keep the fear to myself any more. Everyone just wants me to be scared – I am scared,’ he told me. ‘Everyone tells me what a hard part it is, I know it’s a hard part. I live now in that world of preparation, so much of that is about being methodical. It’s a huge part!’ THE CROONER THE BETTER! It’s been a sizzling start to the summer, but Spandau Ballet legend Tony Hadley is already looking forward to…