Innholdsfortegnelse for July 21, 2025 i Woman's Own

I love getting lost in a good film or TV series, and it helps when the scenery is stunning. I find myself daydreaming about visiting all the places featured – and it turns out that there’s a name for this. ‘Set-jetting’ is becoming more popular and on p72, our brilliant travel team brings you all the places that should be top of your list. It’s not just Hollywood stars, though. Have you ever wanted to holiday like a royal? On p12 we take a look at where the Firm goes for some R&R. On p22 our fashion team has you covered when it comes to the perfect outfits for any staycation. I love the brown, one-shoulder top and trousers – so chic! And, whether you’re at home or abroad, on…

Alison Hammond is a woman in demand – from This Morning to For the Love of Dogs and The Great British Bake Off, everyone seems to want a piece of her. However, it appears that the 50-year-old presenter could be about to give it all up and make a very unexpected career move into education. Having previously said she’d like to take a break from her TV commitments at some time in the future, she’s now revealed that she may do just that – to set up a school. ‘I’m aware that youngsters do look towards me. In the future I do want to give back. My one dream, in my head, is to do a drama school that kids do not have to pay for. I want to call…

At the TRIC Awards in June last year, Eamonn Holmes made his first public appearance since his shock split from wife Ruth Langsford was announced, confessing, ‘I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all.’ ‘I’M NOT OK. THIS IS NOT A GOOD TIME AT ALL’ Twelve months on and it seems the TV star’s luck has not improved much, after he was reportedly booed and heckled as he took to the stage to accept a gong for GB News at this year’s TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Awards in London. The night of celebration seems to have turned to humiliation for the beleaguered presenter, with one person reportedly even telling Eamonn – who was using a wheelchair – to ‘get off’ the stage during his acceptance speech.…

FUNNY STUFF Which country do you think is the funniest? As you’ll never guess in a million jokes, I’ll tell you… it’s the Czech Republic! Yep, according to a survey of 6,000 people across 30 countries, the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia) tops the list as the funniest in the world, followed by Portugal and Ireland. The UK was placed 18th – under Australia, France and on a par with Canada. However, in good news, Brits ranked funnier than Germans and Americans, who placed 27th and 29th, respectively. And despite consistently polling one of the most boring countries, Belgium came fourth. Which means Tintin is officially funnier than Ricky Gervais! FAKE IT, DON’T BAKE IN IT! Sunbed use is on the rise, but getting a tan is not worth…

Buy of the week Fix mouth ulcers fast with Anbesol Liquid (£5.75 for 10ml, Boots). Its antiseptic and anaesthetic ingredients help relieve pain and promote healing. If you do one thing Ease stubborn back pain Niggling discomfort? You’re not alone… …But simple changes can make a big difference. Checking your posture is a great place to start. ‘Stand with your heels, back, bum and head against a wall to get an idea of what “upright” feels like. Maintain this after you leave the wall. Do it for just 15 seconds, a couple of times per day, as a reminder,’ says consultant osteopath Mr Michael Fatica from the clinic backinshapestudio.com. And stretch regularly: ‘Roll up a towel and lie with it placed in the small of your back to open up…

I’m frightened to say no to him Q I’ve been with my partner for five years. During this time, he’s become very clingy. He threatens to hurt himself if I don’t do what he wants. I refused to cancel a night out with friends recently and he tried to stab himself, and we ended up in A&E. I love him, but I’m frightened that he’ll hurt himself because of me. A Abuse comes in different forms. When he threatens self-harm when you don’t do what he wants, that’s emotional and psychological abuse. This behaviour is done to isolate and frighten you. What’s more, if he does hurt himself, it’s not because of you; it’s because he’s trying to control you. Help is needed. Tell friends and family and seek help…

Holding a test tube in the air and pouring acid into a glass bottle, I started explaining to my Year 11 science class about the next experiment, but I was quickly interrupted. ‘Miss, your whole arm is shaking,’ one of my pupils frowned. She was right, my hand and arm wouldn’t keep still, and my heart was thumping so hard in my chest I could feel the vibrations in my ears. I painted on a smile, but behind the facade I was terrified. So, after that class in 2011, I went to see my doctor. Days later, blood tests revealed I had an overactive thyroid. It meant that the butterfly-shaped gland at the front of my neck was producing too many hormones, affecting my heart rate, body temperature and energy…

Menopause magic It’s really common to feel off-kilter during perimenopause and menopause, with rollercoaster hormones impacting everything from your mood to your skin. EQUI London Menopause Formula, £70 for a 30-day supply, equilondon.com, is powered by an incredible blend of nutrients and vitamins to regulate your hormones and restore balance. Plump it up We lose around 30% of our collagen during menopause, leaving us with deeper lines. Supporting your skin from every angle, Gold Collagen Forte Ageless, £59.50 for a 10-day supply, gold-collagen.com, contains marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, elastin and ceramides for plumper skin. It is expensive, but really makes a difference – and it’s cheaper if you subscribe. Hydration hero Hyaluronic acid is a hero hydrator that can hold up to 100 times its weight in water. It exists…

Custard creams MAKES: 10 Great as they are, these can also be easily jazzed up with fancy flavours. YOU WILL NEED 100g unsalted butter, softened100g caster sugar1 medium egg yolk½tsp vanilla extract175g plain flour30g custard powder For the filling: 50g unsalted butter100g icing sugar, sifted1tbsp custard powder, sifted1tsp boiling water HOW TO DO IT 1 For the biscuits, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat again. Sift over the flour and custard powder, then mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Shape into a ball, then roll out between 2 sheets of baking paper to 5mm thickness. Slide on to a tray and chill for 30 mins. 2 Heat the oven to 170C Fan.…

She may be a celebrity, but life isn’t all glitz and glamour for Coleen Nolan. Last year the star, 60, moved into her very own six-acre farm, which she shares with daughter Ciara and her fiancé Max, and a whole menagerie of animals. The ever-growing farm is home to two horses, five dogs, six cats, five ducks, two cockerels, four hens and five pygmy goats… and counting. ‘It’s just a wonderful feeling, it really is my happy place,’ Coleen said about her life on the farm. Here, we take a look around. HOME SWEET HOME Coleen’s farmhouse, which she says has an ‘atmosphere of countryside and cosiness’, is in Dilhorne, Staffordshire. In addition to the main house where Coleen lives, the property also has an annex where Ciara and Max…

Danny Dyer ‘I CAN’T WAIT FOR PEOPLE TO SEE IT!’ The former EastEnders star on the return of Mr Bigstuff… After making his comedy debut in the series about a pair of chalk-and-cheese brothers in 2024, Danny Dyer bagged the gong for Male Performance in a Comedy at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards. ‘Amazing, innit?’ says Danny, 47. ‘I’ve had a good run with awards over the years… but I never thought I’d get a BAFTA. It’s lovely.’ Now the comedy is back for a new series, which sees Danny reprising his role as Jack-the-Lad type Lee, alongside series creator Ryan Sampson as his formerly estranged brother, Glen. Meanwhile, there are a host of guest stars this time around, including ex-Corrie actors Rula Lenska and Shobna Gulati, and Linda Henry,…

My bedroom at home is spacious, my mattress comfortable, yet for a really good night’s sleep I need to be squished into my little camper van, listening to the sea and wildlife outside. For the first half of my life, the prospect of camping made me shudder. But the pandemic upended everything. I never wanted to share germs with 200 other people on a plane again. I dreamt of the open road, and I was far from alone. During Covid-19, demand for camper vans skyrocketed – sales in July 2020 were up 71% on the same month the previous year*. I began following digital nomads on social media, envious of their freedom, gingham curtains, sun-bleached hair and wild swims. ‘THE BONGO IS A FLEXIBLE FRIEND’ EASY CONVERSION With ‘knowledge’ acquired…

Mel IS MARRIED! Mel B, 50, tied the knot with hairdresser Rory McPhee, 37, in an intimate ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral – however, only one of her Spice Girls bandmates, Emma Bunton, was in attendance. Victoria Beckham, Melanie Chisholm and Geri Halliwell-Horner were all notably absent from the nuptials, sparking rumours of a feud. Victoria and Mel C seemingly rubbished these claims by taking to social media to congratulate the happy couple. Mel C, who was working abroad so unable to attend, shared a picture of Mel and Rory and wrote, ‘So so happy for you both and beyond gutted I couldn’t be there. Excited to celebrate with you really soon! Yippee!’ Geri, however, failed to publicly wish Mel well. Over the years, she and Mel B have locked…

LILY ALLEN Last summer, singer Lily revealed she had a new, surprising, source of income – an OnlyFans account dedicated to her feet. The move came after Lily, who charges subscribers £8 a month, discovered her feet had been ‘rated quite highly on the internet’. Hitting back at criticism, Lily, 40, said, ‘Imagine being an artist and having nearly 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify but earning more money from having 1,000 people subscribe to pictures of your feet. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.’ LOTTIE MOSS In February, model Lottie – younger sister of Kate Moss – revealed she was quitting OnlyFans despite making upwards of £30k a month at one point. ‘I’m moving on to the next chapter of my life… I’ll always be really thankful, but…

URBAN ESCAPE From historical to hedonistic, whatever vibe you’re seeking on your city trip you’ll need stylish outfits that can keep up. Invest in versatile pieces that can be dressed up and down, effortlessly taking you from a day of sightseeing to dinner and cocktails. Packing to a loose colour theme makes mixing and matching a breeze. WILD SHORES Catch the UK’s unspoilt beaches on a sunny day and you could be in the Caribbean, but every Brit knows, when it comes to the weather, expect the unexpected! From packable rain macs and lightweight fleeces to Bermuda shorts and breezy, relaxed dresses, these are your ultimate all-weather essentials. RURAL RETREAT If your plans involve roaming the countryside or soaking up the history of a stately home, be sure to pack…

Glowing finish I’ve been so impressed with The Ordinary UV Filters SPF45 Serum, £15.80, Boots. The brand is known for creating straightforward, fuss-free skincare products that do their job efficiently and simply, and this is no different. The silky serum formula glides over skin and leaves it with a flattering sheen. Rhiannon Hint of tint I love the new trend for tinted sunscreens – they’re ideal for no-make-up days when I still want a bit of coverage. Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30, £17, Boots, is brilliant. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything and the finish is the perfect mid-point between matte and glowing. Jess Quick stick I’ll be carrying Clarins Sun Stick SPF50, £25, John Lewis, in my bag all summer. It’s so handy for topping…

Scrubbing splatters of dried blood off floors and furniture with heavy-duty bleach, I tried not to dwell on the poor soul who’d lost their life within these walls. As a crime-scene cleaner, grim sights like this were part of my role but I was proud of myself for doing a job that not many people could stomach. In 2016, I’d been an unemployed single parent, counting pennies on my kitchen table. ‘I don’t have enough left for nappies,’ I wept, as a feeling of dread crept in and I realised I’d have to ask a friend to lend me the money. Caring for my son Jett, then one, my finances were painfully stretched and, after bills, I had almost nothing left. On my own, with no support or childcare, it…

Cyber attacks on big businesses have been huge news this year. Hackers have been targeting companies from Co-op and Marks & Spencer to Qantas and Hertz. When M&S was targeted in April, online orders were suspended and it’s been predicted it will suffer a £300 million loss. Customer data, possibly including contact details, was stolen too. Apparently, the hackers used ‘social engineering’ in the attack, meaning they fooled someone into making a security mistake or giving them information. It leaves us wondering how sophisticated these fraudsters are when even big retailers fall victim. We speak to a woman who suffered a hacking nightmare and look at how you can protect yourself. ACT FAST Apple, Facebook & Google users told to change passwords NOW as 16 billion accounts affected by colossal…

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 Which of these men’s singles tennis players has the middle name Barron? The answer is the one missing from the grid. AGASSIASHEBECKERBORGCONNORSDJOKOVICFEDERERLAVERLENDLMcENROEMURRAYNADALPERRYRAFTERSAMPRAS CROSSWORD ACROSS 6 Evidence of absence from a crime scene (5)7 Bigheaded (8)10 __ of the Planet of the Apes, 2024 sci-fi sequel starring12 Across, 4 Down, 5 Down, and 17 Down (7)11 Length in units of 3ft (7)12 Dichen __, actor who played Katya Kinski in Neighbours (7)13 Nonsense (7)14 Museum events (11)19 __ to Kill, 1989 Bond film starring Timothy Dalton (7)21 Irish comedian who has regularly appeared on Mock…

Olivia Attwood has been backed as ITV’s next big star after landing a coveted role presenting This Morning over the summer months. However, it seems the announcement that the former Love Island star has been given the job has ruffled a few feathers at ITV, which is undergoing a major cost-cutting drive and set to axe more than 220 jobs across its daytime shows. Some at ITV are reportedly unsure if Olivia, 34, has the gravitas for a seat on the famous sofa. One TV insider said, ‘There’s definitely a split in the building. Some of the senior producers are worried viewers won’t take Olivia seriously. Others think she could bring in a new audience and refresh the format.’ ONE OF A KIND Another person who is reportedly disappointed with…

Easy breezy For maximum style impact with natural ventilation, I’ll reach for my maxi skirt – it’s the easiest way to look dressed-up with minimal effort. For the beach, I pair it with a simple vest and flip-flops, and if going out for dinner, I dress it up with a billowing-sleeve blouse. Eloisa Skirt, £15.99, sizes xxs-xl, H&M Style statements I love to add a little drama to my look by carrying a handheld fan, while my oversized retro sunnies bring a dose of glamour to every outfit. I’ll always make a beeline for the sunglasses section at TK Maxx – it’s impossible not to pick up a bargain or two! Paula Sunglasses, £24.99, Guess at TK Maxx; fan, £3, flyingtiger.com Colour wash Due to its visible grain, linen is…

Sitting on the swing chair enjoying a beautiful autumn evening with my friend Nate, I realised I couldn’t fight my feelings any longer. Aged 41, I was almost two decades older than 24-year-old Nate and I’d insisted that we’d only ever be friends when we’d first met online two months earlier in July 2018. Now, as Nate gazed into my eyes, I felt my heart rate quicken. ‘I want a relationship with you,’ he said, and I realised that, despite the age gap, Nate was more mature than any of the men I’d dated previously. ‘Let’s go for it,’ I said, before he leant in to kiss me. When I’d joined an online dating site in 2017, I really wasn’t holding out much hope of finding love. After a string…

PERIOD MISERY Q Over the last few years, I have been really struggling with increasingly heavy periods. My GP referred me on to a gynaecologist who did a hysteroscopy and a biopsy test. The results have come back all clear and, as I’m 50, the gynaecologist suggested I just sit it out as I’m likely to hit the menopause any day, but my periods are a real problem. Please help. A Your periods may well stop soon. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 but, of course, that is an average and there is no guarantee. You could ask your GP about trying an intrauterine system (IUS). This is like a coil that can be fitted in surgery and most women find their periods stop altogether soon…

Luscious lashes Eyelashes not as long as they used to be? Get into the habit of applying Uklash Lash Growth Serum, £38, uklash.com, nightly to encourage healthy growth. Curling lashes will help to open up the eye and make them look wide awake. Try PS… Pro Lash Curler, £2, Primark. Follow with a lengthening mascara. Revolution Wrap Lash Mascara, £10.99, Boots, is our current obsession. Punchy pout Dark circles? Thread veins? Whatever your complexion concern, a bold lip creates the ultimate distraction. For instant, youth-boost points, line lips with Make Up Gallery Get Lippy Lip Liner, £1, Poundland, to keep the colour sharp and bleed-proof. You can slightly overline your lips at the Cupid’s bow to create a fuller-looking lip if yours have thinned with age. Follow up with a…

UNDER 400 CALORIES Prawn layered salad SERVES 4 Make your own version of this old-school favourite, upgraded with bacon and avocado. YOU WILL NEED 75g macaroni250g cooked and peeled frozen prawns, defrosted½ iceberg lettuce, shredded198g tin sweetcorn, drained1 carrot, grated1 cucumber, diced55g cooked unsmoked bacon rashers, roughly chopped1 small avocado, diced For the sauce: 5tbsp light mayonnaise 5tbsp ketchup 2tsp horseradish (optional) HOW TO DO IT 1 Cook the macaroni according to pack instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, then set aside. Meanwhile, mix together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. 2 Layer the cooled pasta, most of the sauce, and the remaining salad ingredients on a large platter. Drizzle over the remaining sauce and serve. READY IN: 15 MINS PER SERVING: CALS: 398 FAT: 21G SAT FAT: 3G…

READER QUESTION Q Are prescription charges going up this year? And by how much? A Prescription charges in England will be frozen this year, for the first time since 2022, with a single item remaining at £9.90 in 2025-26, the government has said. Three-month and annual prescription prepayment certificates will also be frozen and any existing exemptions will continue. This only applies in England; prescriptions are free in the rest of the UK. Go green for less Hate decluttering your wardrobe? Put your hangers in one direction; then when you’ve worn an item, hang it up with the hanger facing the other way. Over time you’ll see what gets left out, so you can choose to donate or sell. 3 easy ways to... Save on rail travel Training it this…

15-21 July 2025 ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr The Moon in Aries on 18 July guides you to start afresh in some area of your life. Consider where you need to make changes and follow through with courage. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May You’re a gentle and grounded sign, preferring quiet to hustle and bustle. Prioritise your peace, because you need to honour the part of you that desires this. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Venus in your sign helps make new connections with people who will be important in future ventures. Move beyond your comfort zone to aid positive change. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul With Jupiter and the Sun in Cancer, you can be seen and heard in a new way. Express your creative…

TWO KINDS OF STRANGER by Steve Cavanagh (£16.99, HB, Headline) A complete stranger is about to become her worst nightmare. Ellie Parker has it all – a beautiful family, a gorgeous apartment and an amazing job. Known by everyone for her random acts of kindness as an internet celebrity, she is watched by millions of followers as a betrayal causes everything to come crashing apart. Even at rock bottom, Ellie will still offer a helping hand to someone in need. The problem is, a sadistic stranger is hell-bent on plunging her into even deeper chaos. Can conman-turned-lawyer Eddie Flynn help Ellie outwit this cruel mastermind? A masterfully plotted tale. A NEIGHBOUR’S GUIDE TO MURDER by Louise Candlish (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins, ) How well do you really know your neighbours? Retiree…

For Claire Sweeney, hitting her stride in her 50s was somewhat of a surprise. Known for her iconic role as Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, as well as various stints on reality shows and in musical theatre, she suddenly found herself signed up to another big soap: Coronation Street. Playing drug addict Cassie Plummer, many viewers were surprised to see her dressed down with messy hair and little make-up – far away from her usual glam self. But for Claire, 54, it’s been a dream. Speaking to Woman’s Weekly recently, she said, ‘It’s nice to be known as an actor again. I landed the role in Brookside for six years and then I went away and did loads of presenting work and musical theatre. So to get back to acting in…

CRUELLA OF A LAUGH! Starring as Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmations The Musical – following in the paw prints of my mate Kym Marsh – former BGT champ Sydnie Christmas is doing her homework. ‘Oh she was fabulous, I’ve been watching all her videos,’ Sydnie tells me as she prepares for the stage role of the Disney diva – kicking off on her 30th birthday. What better way to celebrate for a gal born to be under the heat of the lights. So what does Sydnie like about Cruella most? ‘She’s a complete nutter!’ JOLLY MISS MOLLIE Who knew that Corrie’s Mollie Gallagher started her career as a seat filler at the National Television Awards, before eventually winning one of her own: ‘I remember when Lucy [Fallon] won, I…