Innholdsfortegnelse for 20th Oct 2025 i Woman's Own

There are many reasons people want to lose weight. Health is obviously the most important factor, but it could just be wanting to feel better in your clothes. Either way, 43% of us are trying to slim down. It doesn’t always come easily, though. When our brilliant health team suggested the feature: ‘What’s stopping you slimming?’, I was immediately intrigued. For me, I was sure it was down to my love of chocolate and salt and vinegar crisps (what a combo!), but I was promised I’d end up with a more informative answer – and I did! So if you’d like to find out what’s derailing your diet, take the quiz on p28. And, if you’d like some low-cal recipe ideas, turn to p34 for some tasty ones from Pinch…

It’s the biggest shake-up to happen to daytime television in decades and it’s coming to a screen near you very soon. But while you’ll be watching sparkly, smiling presenters beaming at you from brightly coloured, luxurious-looking sets, the reality is totally different. Behind the scenes, ITV’s cost-cutting of huge daytime hits Good Morning Britain, This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women has been described as a bloodbath, with some of the biggest names in broadcasting reeling and terrified at where the axe will fall next. More than 200 roles are being culled in total. Good Morning Britain will be relocating to ITN’s headquarters in an anonymous glass office building on the edge of the City of London, while This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women will all be sharing a somewhat cramped…

WHAT IS A SECOND ‘TEENAGERHOOD’? Apparently Nicole Kidman is in hers… The latest thing for ladies like us is a second ‘teenagerhood’ evidently. Now if this means spots, exam stress and waiting for irritating, equally zitty boys to get in touch you can keep it thank you. However, if it means boobs and bums where they should be (not heading south faster than a migrating swallow) eyes bright with the excitement of an endless future and the confidence (arrogance?) to know that you’re the best generation to ever live then YES PLEASE! Evidently the current queen of second teenagerhood is Amazonian Australian actor Nicole Kidman. A woman of 58 still with impossibly glossy, long strawberry blonde locks, legs the length of the Amazon River and, er, a husband who apparently…

Buy of the week Outsmart gloomier weather with Together Health Organic Mushroom 5 (£27.99 for 60 capsules, togetherhealth.co.uk). Packed with vitamin D for overall wellbeing. THE TO-DO LIST BIN BOTTLED WATER Drinking from plastic bottles that have been sitting in your car can slowly poison you, as the car’s heat can cause the plastic to leach toxic chemicals into the water. BE POSITIVE Looking on the bright side can help reduce the likelihood of physical problems or needing help with daily activities after a fall**. STOP BATHROOM SCROLLING Using your phone on the toilet can put pressure on rectal veins, increasing your risk of piles by 46%, says US research. If you do one thing Handle your ‘hangxiety’ Feel ‘out of sorts’ the morning after drinking? You’re not alone –…

I haven’t had sex for over eight years Q I’m a 44-year-old divorced woman. Recently, I’ve been on a few dates with one man, and we are considering going away for a weekend. I haven’t had sex for over eight years and I’m terrified. It’s been so long since I felt desired or desirable, and I no longer have the body of a 24-year-old. Should I tell him about my insecurities or hope for the best? A Your feelings are normal and shared by many people having sex after a long absence. Have an honest conversation before your trip, about the fact that it’s been a while and you might need to take things slowly. Take your time and remember that good sex is about connection and pleasure, not looking…

Walking down the aisle towards my husband-to-be, I felt a warm glow of happiness as I thought, ‘This is the man I’m going to spend forever with.’ Our wedding day was the kind you see in movies complete with big white dress, nine-piece band and silent disco. When I gave a speech about my love for him, I meant every word. By then, we’d been together six years and from the outside we seemed like the perfect couple. We had the same sense of fun, loved nights out and weekends away with friends, and we hardly argued. People said that was a blessing but looking back now, maybe it was part of the problem. We avoided conflict at all costs. A few months after the wedding, we were ready to…

READER QUESTION Q I’m hoping to buy a new home soon – how long do mortgage offers last for? A Most mortgage offers last between three to six months, but this depends on the lender. However, the start date of the offer can vary: for example, it could be the date you applied or it could be when the lender issued the mortgage offer. So check this carefully. If you’re buying a new build, you might be offered a bit more flexibility. For more information, visit habito.com. Go green for less As the weather gets chillier, one way to prepare delicious meals using less energy is with a slow cooker, which are among the kitchen’s most energy-efficient appliances. Plus, you can batch-cook extra portions to enjoy another day, saving you…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr With Saturn, planet of responsibility, retrograding back through your sign over recent months, this has been a time of reflection. Take time to make any important decisions. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Everything is falling into place for you right now in a way that you could never have imagined. Roll with the good times and expect the best for yourself. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Notice the thoughts and ideas that are coming to you at the moment because they are answered prayers. If it feels right and there’s a flow, then go with it. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Ruled by the Moon, you’re particularly sensitive to its cycles. Go with your energy. Rest when you feel tired and…

CHRISTMAS FLING by Lindsey Kelk (£9.99, PB, HarperCollins) Laura was planning a peaceful Christmas by herself, flat-sitting for a stranger. But life has other plans. Upon arrival, Laura discovers a random man, Callum, hopping out of the shower, entirely naked. What’s more, his parents arrive and mistake Laura for their son’s new girlfriend. Whisked off to the Scottish Highlands with Callum’s whole family, Laura finds herself in a dreamy world of cosy pubs, stunning scenery and a beguiling – albeit fake – new relationship. But she can’t help wondering if the red-hot chemistry between them is part of the act or perhaps the real thing? Lindsey Kelk weaves a festive romcom that’s both heartwarming and hilarious. THE DOGWALKERS’ DETECTIVE AGENCY by Michael Hogan (£9.99, PB, Penguin) Charlie Boardman and his…

Sam Claflin ‘HE’S CONFRONTED BY MANY DEMONS’ The actor stars in a twisty new thriller by Harlan Coben… Lazarus is a new six-parter from the master of suspense, but unlike previous TV productions, such as Fool Me Once and Missing You, it hasn’t been adapted from one of the author’s bestselling novels. Based on an original story, it features The Count of Monte Cristo star Sam Claflin as forensic psychologist Joel ‘Laz’ Lazarus, who returns home after his father Dr Jonathan Lazarus dies by suicide. ‘BILL NIGHY IS A TRUE GENT!’ When Laz begins to have disturbing experiences that can’t be explained, his search for answers draws him into a web of cold-case murders as he grapples with the mystery of his father’s death and his sister’s murder 25 years…

As someone who has more scarves than the Doctor in Doctor Who, I’ve always thought I was made for autumn. It’s a standing joke in my extended family that if no one knows what to buy me, a scarf is the answer. So the slow-girl autumn trend – or ‘fall aesthetic’ as my 14-year-old daughter Annie prefers to call it – is right up my leaf-lined street. The trend doing the rounds on social media sees influencers embrace a slower pace of life, focusing on cosiness, nostalgia and mindful activities, like walking in leafy parks, reading with a warm cup of cocoa and gardening on crisp, fresh mornings. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer and the long, light nights, but the thought of the clocks changing sends me rushing…

Coleen DATING AGAIN Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan appears to have dipped her toe back into the dating pool, 10 months after splitting from boyfriend of three years Michael Jones. In a new video on her TikTok account Coleen, 60, revealed that she was going on a date, as she asked her children, Shane Jr, 36, and Ciara, 24, to judge her outfit. The latest update comes after the star confessed that she had a ‘bit of a fling’ and ‘slight romance’ with someone but in the end it ‘wasn’t the right person’. Speaking about the star putting herself back out on the dating scene a source told Woman’s Own, ‘After Linda passing, Coleen said herself she’d lost her mojo a bit. She’s finally getting it back and is wanting to…

COSY CORE The ultimate winter warmer. Jacket, £79.99, sizes 10-28, Damart PAMPER TIME Try in travel size. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée, £12 for 30ml, M&S HIGH SHINE Can also be used as a vase. Carafe, £34.99, H&M SHAKEN NOT STIRRED A fun finishing touch inspired by olives. Earrings, £12.99, stradivarius.com SOFT TOUCH Snuggle up in a luxe mohair blanket. Throw, £18, Habitat QUIET LUXURY Create a serene scheme with minimal accessories. Vase, £18, decorative balls, £10 for three, candle holder, £30, all Dunelm; flower, stylist’s own GET REFLECTIVE Make a big impact with a small budget. Wall mirror, £40, Dunelm THE RIGHT STRIPES Add subtle colour with this sophisticated combination. Bag, £39.99, parfois.com BOWLED OVER Create the perfect ‘shelfie’ with this bubble design. Stoneware bowl, £14.99, H&M SMART…

Burgundy beauty If you’ve yet to invest in autumn’s ‘it’ colour, now’s your chance. The stripes on this poplin shirt help to break up the rich red – perfect if you’re new to the shade. Wear with the matching trousers for a bold look or team with jeans for a polished, yet wearable get-up. Shirt, £16, sizes 8-24, George at Asda Charlie Two-in-one coat Straight from the catwalks, this designer-inspired scarf coat is top of my wish list. In a classic check pattern, it features a matching (and detachable) coordinating scarf to earn you some serious style credentials. Wear on weekend walks and let the compliments roll in. Coat, £55, sizes 8-24, Tu Clothing Paula Denim update A new season is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your wardrobe staples…

Ham, spinach and ricotta lasagne PREP TIME: 20 MINS COOK TIME: 2½ HRS ON HIGH, 5 HRS ON LOW CALS: 449 FAT: 20G SAT FAT: 11G CARBS: 32G SERVES 4 A few clever shortcuts make this family favourite easy enough for weeknights. YOU WILL NEED 200g spinach500g ricotta200g sliced ham, half chopped6-7 lasagne sheets80g reduced-fat mature Cheddar For the sauce: 500g passata2tbsp tomato puree2tsp each: garlic granules, dried oregano1tsp onion granulesMixed salad, to serve (optional) HOW TO DO IT 1 Wilt the spinach, then cool. Wrap in a clean tea towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. 2 Roughly chop the spinach and put in a bowl with the ricotta and chopped ham. Mix well and season with some black pepper. 3 In a separate bowl, mix…

SPIRAL XWORD Which ancient civilisation held a New Fire Ceremony at the completion of each of its calendar cycles? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell out the one-word answer. Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Bitesize Fit the words into the grid, using the clues given across and down. The shaded squares spell out the answer. ACROSS 1 Net (4)5 Nuts about (4)6 _-Göran Eriksson, late football manager (4)7 Sort (4 DOWN CROSSFIT Fill in the grid using the words listed here. The highlighted letters will spell out the answer. 3 LETTERS AshBedBusButOdd 4 LETTERS KiwiSickSkitSoloSwim 5…

For Lulu, coming out publicly as an alcoholic has been game-changing. At 76, she decided to reveal that she has been sober for nearly 12 years, following a stint in rehab in the US in 2013 after an off-the-cuff comment to her family. This led to her confronting a demon she had struggled with her whole life. ‘It’s liberating. It’s good to share the difficulties, because a lot of [alcoholics] don’t get here. I’m really lucky,’ she said. JUST HOLDING ON The conversation came about at her 65th birthday, when she was chatting with her niece about a friend with a drink problem. Lulu revealed, ‘She said, “He’s just holding on by his fingernails.” And I said, “He’s not the only one.” It just came out of my mouth. I…

Propped up in bed my little one nestled in close and latched on quickly. As he suckled away on my milk for his bedtime feed I listened to the sound of his rhythmic sucking and felt relaxed and content. Before I knew it his eyes had closed and he had fallen peacefully asleep. Like many mums, breastfeeding my son Luke before bed was part of our night-time routine. The difference was that my son wasn’t a newborn baby who needed milk to grow, he was a five-year-old with a head of hair, a full set of teeth and speech good enough to ask for milk himself! I began breastfeeding when I had my first son, Corey, in June 1997 when I was 27. As soon as he arrived and was…

Holding the hand of a mum in the final stages of labour, I gently encouraged her to push one last time. The room was quiet except for her sobs, already grieving for the baby not yet born. When her little girl arrived in silence, I wrapped her softly in a green blanket before I carried her away. The hospital would deal with what happened next while I comforted the devastated mother. ‘I’m so sorry,’ I whispered. It was the early 1970s and I was a midwife working at the Bond Street Maternity Hospital in Leicester. In those days, this was standard procedure – the mother of a stillborn would not be given the chance to hold their baby, to say goodbye, or to even see their child. It was tragic,…

CAN I DITCH MY MEDS? Q Several years ago, my GP prescribed me blood-pressure medication. Last year, my brother had a heart attack. It shocked me so much that I turned my life around – I now exercise and eat well. I have a blood-pressure machine, and my readings are consistently low. Is it OK to stop my drugs or do I need to come off slowly? A Make an appointment to see your GP and take your home machine with you. They will want to check that your machine correlates with the practice one. If it confirms your blood pressure is back in normal range, they will advise on how you reduce your medication. If you are on more than one tablet, for example, they may suggest coming off…

Cancel crow’s feet The delicate skin around our eyes is often first to lose its fullness as we age, so give your blinkers a fighting chance by applying a lifting eye cream every day. Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel, £25, beautybay.com, uses caffeine and hyaluronic acid to de-puff, brighten and fill out any fine wrinkles, and will leave you looking bright-eyed and well-rested. Or try eye patches that will give your eye area a temporary smoothing effect. We really love PS… Hydrate+ Revitalise Eye Patches, £1.50, Primark. Protect with SPF Sun damage is a big culprit for sagging and ageing skin. It’s important to keep yourself protected all year round - rain or shine. Try Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+, £20, cultbeauty.co.uk, which is featherweight and will…

Tropical greens Minimal monochrome Warm brights…

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 explorers has a module of the International Space Station named after them? The answer is the one missing from the grid. CABOTCABRALCOLUMBUSCOOKCORTESDA GAMADRAKEERIKSONHILLARYPOLORALEIGHSCOTTTASMANVESPUCCIZHENG Wordwise You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words. There is one nine-letter word, for which the clue is: pigman. 25 = average. More than 45 = well done CROSSWORD ACROSS The __, high-octane 2024 film…

Film KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Out now Jennifer Lopez stars in a new adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name. When Valentín, a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina, convicted for public indecency, they form an unlikely bond. J.Lo’s ex-husband Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon, produce. Music JADE THIRLWALL TOUR 15-23 October, multiple locations including London and Newcastle, tickets from £46 Little Mix’s Jade comes to a stage near you as part of her first-ever solo tour to support her debut album, That’s Showbiz Baby!. Get ready to sing your heart out and dance the night away. Tour MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, UK TOUR Until 15 November, multiple locations, tickets from £50 The revolutionary film comes to life in this show of glitz, glamour and grandeur.…

ELLEN DEGENERES One of the biggest faces on US TV for decades, last November chat-show host Ellen swapped the glitz of Hollywood for the countryside of the Cotswolds. The star, 67, revealed that she and her wife Portia de Rossi had planned to spend three or four months a year in the UK but made the decision to relocate permanently after Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024. Ellen says of life in the UK, ‘It’s clean. Everything here is just better – the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it.’ HANNAH SPEARRITT At the start of the year S Club 7’s Hannah, 44, started afresh in Costa Rica after walking away from the band’s reunion tour as she grieved the loss of bandmate Paul Cattermole and her…

MILLER’S TALE Star of the hugely popular Professor T, actor and comedian Ben Miller has penned the perfect Halloween kids book, Diary of a Wicked Witch. ‘I am writing this diary series of bad characters in fairy tales. This one is the story of the witch from Rapunzel. She gets in a lot of trouble and has to go on a wickedness management course,’ explains Ben. ‘Writing for kids vs adults is very different. Kids books are a lot shorter so you have to cram the story into less words – it’s quite difficult sometimes.’ ALL ABOARD! Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce star in Netflix thriller The Woman in Cabin 10 but Keira tells me the crew of the luxury yacht it was set on was more scared of the…