Innholdsfortegnelse for December 28, 2015 i Woman's Own

Hasn’t Strictly been fantastic this year! Not only have the stars dazzled on the dance floor but the pros have caused quite a stir too. New to the line-up was hunky Gleb Savchenko, who’s already notched up a 46.5k Instagram following. And he got co-host Claudia a little flustered when he whipped off his shirt following a sexy samba. He’s certainly the perfect winter warmer! For all the info on the Strictly Christmas special, see p94 . Enjoy! Join us online Head to our fabulous website, womansown. co.uk , to get all the latest celeb gossip, great competitions and deals, plus beauty, fashion, easy recipes and health tips.…

The Duke of Cambridge has spilled the beans on his family’s Christmas, and admitted it’s likely to be a busy one! William revealed that George, now two, ‘has suddenly worked out what Christmas is all about’ and ‘will be bouncing around like a rabbit. If I get any sleep on Christmas Eve it’ll be good.’ William and Kate, both 33, and little George and Charlotte will not spend Christmas Day with the Queen and the royal family at Sandringham, Norfolk. Instead, they will be at their home, nearby Anmer Hall, and will be joined by Kate’s family. ‘We’ll go to church as a family on Christmas Day, as we always do,’ revealed Wills. ‘Then we’ll watch George try to tackle his presents. It’s a very different experience at Christmas, having…

Former Loose Woman Denise Welch isn’t one to stick to the norm – and Christmas is no exception. The TV star, 57, talks exclusively to us about why she and her husband, Lincoln Townley, 42, spend Christmas with her ex, Tim Healy, 63. Here the actress, who’s mum to The 1975 band member Matthew, 26, and Louis, 14, tells us more… So it’s that time of year again! What’s a typical Christmas like for you? I don’t do Christmas at my house because I don’t cook. Lincoln would happily cook but then I’d have to spend the whole of Boxing Day clearing up the kitchen, which I refuse to do. The wonderful thing about Christmas is we all get together with the blended family and we go up to Tim…

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Christmas is meant to be the season of goodwill, but instead, it seems it might be the time to start locking your doors – and checking them twice. With crime rates on the rise over the holiday season – including murder, burglaries and drink-driving – we take a look at some of the worst offenders, who will definitely be making Santa’s naughty list… DRINK-DRIVING... ON THE WAY TO CHURCH There are some things you expect at church over Christmas – the choir singing hymns, sermons about wise men and shepherds and prayers for baby Jesus. And then there are things you don’t expect. Worshippers at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Ipswich were left stunned when their Christmas Day mass was interrupted by police searching for a drunk driver. Susan Peck,…

Leek and lime salmon encroute SERVES 12 PREP TIME 30 MINS COOKING TIME 1 HR 5 MINS YOU WILL NEED • 2 skinless salmon fillets 800g each, cut from a whole salmon (a supermarket fresh fish counter or fishmonger will do this for you) • 750g frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1tbsp olive oil • 400g leeks, rinsed and sliced • 2tbsp fine cornmeal • Finely grated zest and juice of 2 limes • 3tbsp hollandaise sauce from a jar, plus extra to serve • 1 egg, beaten HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 200 ° C/Gas 6. Trim off the tail end of the fillets. Roll out a quarter of the pastry on a floured surface to a shape slightly larger than one fillet. Place on…

Sitting in front of her bedroom mirror, combing her long blonde hair, my daughter Libby, then nine, looked just like Rapunzel. ‘Aiden will be here soon,’ she said, smiling up at me. Aiden, then seven, was my friend Clare’s boy. She and I had hit it off when we’d met on the maternity ward in November 2010, when I was having my second baby and Clare was having her third. With my husband Wayne and Clare’s husband Richard getting on so well too, we’d spend lots of time together. Libby and Aiden had also become friends. We lived in Milton Keynes, a mile away from each other, and when Aiden came round that day, in April 2015, he and Libby had the best fun. She called him her boyfriend and…

Waiting in the wings, I looked down at my costume and felt my cheeks flush red. Wearing a garish orange dress, smudged lipstick and a purple wig, I was dressed for stage as the ugly sister in a Christmas pantomime. Only at 19st, I felt as hideous as the character I was playing… When I was a child, my mum insisted we ate nutritious meals, so she was baffled by my ever-expanding waistline. What she didn’t know was that, every day, I’d spend my lunch money on crisps and sweets – and hide chocolate under my bed to eat at night. By 14, I already had rolls of fat around my middle and, worried, Mum took me to the doctor. Of course, he suggested the obvious – more exercise and…

Good news! 2016 marks the end of a four-year cycle that has seen mind-blowing levels of change. Seven bust-ups between Uranus and Pluto from 2012 to 2015 mean everyone has seen big changes both personally and in the wider world. Thankfully that’s settling down now. These are slow-moving influences so I can’t promise life will be plain sailing, but it will be calmer, especially for Aries, Librans, Capricorns and Cancerians. Meanwhile, Virgos will enjoy a good time up until September and Libras get lucky after that. Sagittarians have a lot on their plate while life lightens up for Scorpios. ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR LOVE AND FAMILY Life feels easier than over the past four years but you still have change-bringer Uranus in your sign. If your birthday falls…

Carol Vorderman CAPRICORN (24 DECEMBER) Like all Capricorns, Carol’s destined for a super-memorable Christmas. In her case because a business deal she’s involved in could make her a very wealthy woman. Aries 21 Mar – 20 Apr Around Christmas Day itself, the electrifying influence of Uranus is especially active. So expect some surprising, if not shocking, developments and be prepared for anything – literally anything – to happen. Especially if your birthday’s in early April. For more call 0901 609 4780* Taurus 21 Apr – 20 May Many of us look set for an eventful, maybe even a tricky, Christmas but you, Taurus, get off the hook. Your ruler Venus makes a lovely link with Jupiter, planet of good luck, on the 24th, meaning it’s your job to spread the…

The smash-hit period drama Call The Midwife is back with another Christmas special and a fifth series in the New Year. As she returns to her role as doctor’s wife Shelagh, Laura Main, 34, admits she’d love to follow in her co-star Helen George’s foxtrotting footsteps. You won the Children In Need Strictlyspecial last month, how was that? It was great fun, but so intense. We only had three days of training and then it was into the studio for costume fitting and a spray tan! It was so challenging – I was just thinking, ‘Please don’t go badly wrong!’ We were all terrified but it was a huge honour. Are you a Strictlyfan ? Oh my goodness, I’m…

Eamonn Holmes has sensationally revealed he has to have a double hip replacement, after secretly being in agony for years. The TV presenter has been battling debilitating pain for nearly two decades, but has kept delaying the operation out of fear it could end his career. But now he’s said he will take at least 10 weeks away from work to have the operation early next year. ‘It’s got to the stage where I can’t delay it any longer – it’s very painful and it does stop me doing things,’ confessed Eamonn, who’s married to his This Morning co-host Ruth Langsford. ‘But I’m a 56-year-old man and I know how ageist this industry can be. I don’t want people thinking, ‘Oh, he’s having a double hip…

Nails Inc NailKale in Richmond Park Gardens, £14. Navy looks smart, chic and elegant whatever your nail shape. Autograph Gel Effect Nail Colour in Lavender Grey, £6, M&S. More fashionable than nude, a pale grey is a winning neutral for winter. Jessica Custom Nail Colour in Bohemian Rhapsody, £10.50, gerrardinternational. com . Missing summer brights? This chic teal will satisfy your colour cravings. OPI Nail Lacquer in Let Your Love Shine, £12.50. This softly shimmering ruby red is an ageless way to do Christmas sparkle. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Boho A Go-Go, £9.99. Use with the matching Top Coat (£9.99) for up to two weeks of delicious plum. Butter London Patent Shine Nail Lacquer in Broody, £15. A grown-up pink that delivers…

This time of year was once always so special. Not only was December the month I fell in love, but it was also when we said ‘I do’. It used to be full of happy memories, yet now it brings me nothing but sadness – reminding me of a betrayal that changed my life forever… I was a single mum to my children, Brittany, then eight, and Christopher, one, when I bumped into Adam at work. Like me, he’d joined the retirement home as a carer. At first, I didn’t think of him as any more than a colleague. It was December 2007 and with 10-hour shifts and keeping up with the chores at home, I had plenty on my mind already. But the more I got to know him,…

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I CAN’T STAND MY IN-LAWS I’ve been married for 10 years and the only disagreements my husband and I ever have are about his parents. He’s not close to them and Christmas is the only time we see them. They come for lunch where they end up saying terrible things and being rude. I would happily cut them out of our life, but he seems determined to have this one link to them. What should I do? Julie, 43, London Unfortunately just because you’re related to people, it doesn’t mean that you will get on with them. As a result it’s not unusual to spend Christmas with people who spoil your day. You have two choices. Either stop letting them get to you, because besides spoiling Christmas lunch they have…

Watch out for… British Gas is making changes to its Nectar points scheme. At the moment, customers of British Gas and Sainsbury’s Energy – a sub brand of British Gas– who link their Nectar card to their energy account can earn up to 400 points a year for simply being a customer. But from 31 December these customers will only be able to earn points through one-off offers. The details are sketchy but an announcement about the new scheme is expected in February. British Gas says customers will be able to earn points in three ways – by receiving bonus offers, through offers from Nectar partners, and through giveaways. Watch this space! Inthenews... Childcarseats An investigation by the BBC’s Watchdog and consumer group Child Seat Safety has uncovered…

Win a home entertainment system and more! Spend Christmas Day enjoying your favourite festive films by winning a home entertainment system and movie bundle! Simply opt in and play a minimum of £10 on bingo, £30 on Slots or Slots Mini games or £50 on Casino or Casino Mini Games between Thursday, 17 (12am) and Tuesday, 22 December (11.59pm) to earn an entry into the prize draw. We ‘Noel’ you’ll want to win this!…

Peter Andre has unveiled a shock secret about himself – his nickname is Ponge! The singing star said, ‘It used to be Pandre, as in P Andre, but people got bored and it got cut down to Ponge.’ The dad-of-three, 42, who’s married to Emily, 26, also revealed that he feels it’s time to apologise for some of his more questionable music tracks. ‘I’d like to say sorry to the British public for inflicting my song Insania on them. I hope we can all move on from it.’ We forgive you, Ponge.…

Holly Willoughby, 34, and Phillip Schofield, 53, have admitted that once, after a boozy night out, they stole from a restaurant! ‘We both came home with something,’ Holly revealed. ‘You know restaurants sometimes have hand soap you can buy? The next morning Phil went to me, ‘I appear to have a bottle of hand soap from the restaurant we were in. Did we steal it?’ I was like, ‘I don’t have one.’ I went in to my cupboard and there it is. So Phil rang them! I was like, ‘Deny! Deny! Deny!’ and he said, ‘I’ve checked all my receipts and we don’t seem to have anything for hand soap. Did we rob you?’ They said we were clearly having a good time so we could have it on them!’…

Gillian Taylforth has had a momentous 2015. Not only has the bubbly blonde actress turned 60, but after 15 years away, she returned to the acting role that made her famous, as EastEnders’ glamorous mum Kathy Beale. A gasp of shock was heard around the country when she first turned up in the soap’s live episode in February – not just because Kathy was back from the dead, but also because Gillian didn’t seem to have aged a day! We caught up with the star over a glass of eggnog for some festive chit-chat about her fantastic year and how she’ll be spending Christmas at home with fiancé Dave Fairbairn and her children, Jessica, 23, and Harrison, 16. Gillian, you look amazing! What’s your secret? I suppose I’ve…

PARTY PANIC DARK CIRCLES The only bag you should be packing at Christmas is a party clutch, not the under-eye variety. Dark circles and puffiness are the first signs you’ve been burning the candle at both ends and are symptoms of your skin lacking natural moisture. Look for products with caffeine, such as Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-On, £10.49, to tackle that puffy, swollen look – keep it in the fridge for a turbocharged treat. Dark circles are harder to tackle, but an eye cream with youth-boosting peptides and instant optical brighteners will do nicely. We love Olay Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Correcting Swirl Eye, £29.99. Finally, the tone of Max Factor CC Stick in Yellow, £8.99, neutralises the bluish tint of under-eye circles in seconds. PARTY PANIC SPOTS When we’re…

HOW IT WORKS This plan is not only low in calories, but also low in carbohydrates and salt to help you get rid of excess fluid. It’s high in protein too, to help keep you feeling full, and also includes metabolism-boosting foods that give you the edge when it comes to zapping fat. WHAT TO DO 1 Stick carefully to the plan – all the foods have been specifically chosen to maximise your results. 2 Eat when you’re hungry, not by the clock. So for example, if you don’t feel hungry until mid morning, don’t eat breakfast until then. 3 If you’re still thirsty, drink more green tea or just plain water (not sparkling, though, as it’s important to avoid introducing unwanted gas into your system). 4 Remember, the plan…

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO THROW THE PERFECT PARTY EASY MENU For a stress-free dinner party, follow our tips and prepare ahead so you can spend more time at the table. FINGER FOODS From luxury canapés to showstopping desserts, we’ve taste-tested the best nibbles to impress your guests. TASTY TIPPLES Our guide to the perfect fizz, mixers, wine and beer that will keep everyone happy this festive season – cheers! PARTY HOUSE Give your home the wow factor this New Year with a dazzling display of glamorous decorations.…

Top 5 wines UNDER £10 GREAT WITH RED MEAT Lindeman’s Bin 65 Chardonnay, 75cl, £6, Tesco A Christmas classic bursting with aromas of peach, fig, melon and toasty oak, it’s medium bodied with a fresh, crisp finish – a great match for turkey. Exquisite Collection New Zealand Pinot Noir, 75cl, £6.99, Aldi Light and juicy with red berries, this is a great all-rounder for sipping or serving with rich food. Mirabeau en Provence Rosé 2014, 75cl, £9.29, Waitrose Rosé isn’t just for summer! Light and crisp with elegant fruit flavours, this will be delicious with a cheese board. Campo Viejo Rioja, 75cl, £6, Asda For a glass that’s a little different to your usual heavy Rioja. This is a lighter, fruitier version – perfect with game or beef. Tour de…

Reader rated Sally Ann Clarke, 47, from Northern Ireland ‘I’ve suffered with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for over 25 years. But since I’ve been taking my Symprove drink every morning, (£21.95 for 500ml, symprove.com), a live probiotic, my stomach has really calmed down. Finally I can enjoy parties and meals out.’ 5 festive first aid buys Over a quarter of us do not own any sort of first aid kit*. With accidents more frequent at Christmas, be prepared with... 1 ICE PACKS READY IN THE FRIDGE Remember the RICE code for sprains – Rest, Ice, Comfortable support and Elevation to bring down the swelling. Try Lloyds Pharmacy Reusable Hot/Cold pack (£4.99, lloyds pharmacy.com). 2 DRESSINGS Keep well stocked with haemostatic plasters. Hydrocolloid pads are good for minor cuts. And try Superdrug’s…

1 Don’t over fill your diary: Often holidays are stressful because we try to do too much. Be realistic about what you can – and can’t – do. 2 Take the shortcuts! Even if you like making things from scratch, don’t feel you have to. There’s nothing wrong with shop-bought Yorkshires! 3 Refuse to be a martyr: Doing all the work for the ‘sake of your family’ will leave you frazzled and resentful. Ask people to help out – it’s a good bonding experience too! 4 Say no: Just because it’s Christmas it doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everyone – and that includes the kids. If you can’t afford an expensive gift don’t struggle to buy it. . 5 Get out: Go for a walk on Christmas…

‘I WENT BACK TO WORK AS SOON AS I COULD’ We’ve all followed nurse Pauline Cafferkey’s terrifying health battle with Ebola in the news but there’s another reason this incredible woman has touched all our hearts – her dedication to keep putting others first. In December 2014, Pauline, from South Lanarkshire, Scotland, knowingly put her own life in danger when she travelled to West Africa to treat victims of the virus Ebola. ‘I couldn’t sit and watch what was happening on TV,’ she says. ‘I needed to get out there and do something.’ After a month of treating patients – and spending Christmas away from her family – Pauline headed back to the UK for a break. But within hours of returning, she was taken ill with a raised temperature…

Iceland and the Northern Lights Experience Reykjavik, one of Europe’s most surprising capitals, and discover a startling landscape of smouldering volcanoes, glaciers, geysers and bubbling thermal pools, and have the chance to see the aurora borealis. Departing Jan 2016 to Mar 2017. Price includes: A guided tour of Reykjavik and the chance to go in search of the aurora borealis Four nights in Reykjavik with B&B accommodation. Return flights to Keflavik and return airport-to-hotel transfers Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager Sorrento and the Bay of Naples Spend a wonderful week on the coast in sunny southern Italy. You’ll get to explore the region’s fascinating history and sample the culture and amazing cuisine while staying in one of the prettiest and most popular resorts on the glittering Mediterranean.…

What would you do if you won another jackpot? If I hit the jackpot again, I’d love to spend the money doing bits to my house! I’d like to get a few new accessories and things for my kitchen. a I’ve always loved bingo and have played for as long as I can remember. I used to go with my gran when I was younger. I read her cards for her when she started finding it tricky to see them as she got older. As time passed, I started going to the bingo with my own friends. It was such a great way to spend time with them and have fun. But a few years ago, it became harder for me to get down to my bingo hall and the…

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Just wow! Wow, I can’t believe how great Pauline Yong looks at 55! What impressive abs! I’d like to think that after a few sessions in the gym I could look like that too… But unfortunately I’d never be able to give up the cheese and wine! Natasha Crawley, Cambridge Age doesn’t matter Paula Abdul has a lovely figure, but I wish she wouldn’t wear such tacky dresses! She still has fab legs at 53 – so can certainly get away with shorter dresses, but a full sequin, low-cut number doesn’t do her any favours. Sheila Brailsford, via Facebook Dancing queen Many thanks for your feature about Darcey Bussell. I found it most interesting. I’m a big fan of her work and an avid follower of ballroom dancing… Deafening nightclubs…

‘IT’S NOT HARD FOR ME TO BE MISERABLE’ Estranged from his son David and on a downward spiral after losing his wife Val in the helicopter crash in August, can Eric Pollard face up to his past, present and future and find a happy ending? Actor Chris Chittell, 67, spoke to us about the special storyline… How does it feel to be taking centre stage in the Christmas Day episode? It’s a wonderful honour! They pitched the idea to me just before Charlie [Hardwick, who played Val] left. I feel like it’s a great accolade to myself and Charlie. And it was such fun playing Scrooge – I got to throw a bucket of water over some carol singers! Poor Eric has been miserable for so long. Might his misery…

‘I try not to be a treezilla!’ She’s the queen of crafty – no wonder Kirstie Allsopp loves Christmas When did you realise you’re good at craft? On camera! When we shot Kirstie’s Homemade Home I had to make everything myself, so I had to go for it. This new series has taken you everywhere! In Bratislava we saw how they decorate a tree. We went to a lovely Christmas market in Austria and saw how to make gloves out of shrunken jumpers. You’re a mum and a step mum – do you involve the boys? Yes, you have to! I try not to be a ‘treezilla’. It’s important that they get to put up the decorations they’ve made over the years. And we like making cooked gifts, too. Location,…

King of style Gok Wan has been helping the nation dress since 2006, when his programme How To Look Good Naked first aired. Since then he’s released books and starred in TV shows helping us to pick the perfect outfits. Now Gok, 41, is a regular presenter on This Morning . We caught up with him for a festive chat… What makes you happiest at Christmastime? All of the festive cheer – I love the lot! I love the lights, the decorations, the campery, the festivities, the alcohol – all of it! What’s your Christmas tipple? It’s the only time I’ll have a Baileys – I’m normally a gin man, but at Christmas you’ve just got to have a bottle of Baileys. I’ll…