Innholdsfortegnelse for 13-Jan-2025 i Woman

Firstly, I want to start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year. I hope you celebrated in style and started as you mean to go on! With the decs packed away and no twinkly lights to put smiles on our faces, we need to make our own fun – until the daffodils start to show themselves and the world feels a little bit brighter again. And, what better place to start than Woman’s very first issue of 2025! With 32 extra pages, including TWO FREE extra magazines, a chance to win a seven-night family holiday, filling meat-free recipes that will save you a fortune and exclusive interviews with some of our favourite stars. We have even chatted to Demi Moore (see page 8), and Coleen Nolan opens up…

With another festive season over, most of us will, hopefully, be left with lovely memories and some fabulous gifts. Oh, and more than likely, a few extra pounds we could do without. But who better to take inspiration from about feeling great about ourselves during dreary January than Amanda Holden, who, at 53, appears to be ageing backwards. The showbiz all-rounder has been married to her music producer husband, Chris Hughes, 52, for 16 years, and the couple have two daughters, Lexi, 18, and Hollie, 12. Amanda has never been short of body confidence and isn’t afraid to take risks with her outfits, even though they’ve sometimes got her into trouble. ‘Confidence helps with fashion choices’ Feeling good Her Britain’s Got Talent wardrobe often makes headlines, and she courted major…

With temperatures remaining chilly for the foreseeable, stay snuggly without compromising on style in these cuddly faux-shearling accessories from New Look. Pair plush mittens with ultra-soft earmuffs in caramel hues for a cosy style that’ll look as chic on your commute as it will on the slopes. Don’t forget to finish your look with the matching bag – this designer-inspired look will add a luxurious and toasty on-trend touch to every outfit! Mittens and earmuffs set, £24.99, bag, £24.99, both New Look…

Secret flutter If you can make the effort, false lashes really do make a difference to your look. Amanda Holden has been spotted wearing Ardell Naked Lashes in style 423, £3.79, amazon.co.uk, which are beautifully fluttery and subtle. Overnight wonder She’s one of the most famous women in the world, but even Beyoncé is not immune to the allure of a high street hero. Apparently, every night she applies a layer of Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm, £13.50, Boots, across her face. ‘I go to bed looking totally greasy,’ she has said. Still, this rich ointment is a gift for dry, winter-worn skin, lips and hands. Caring cleanser Sarah Jessica Parker has gone from Manolos to E45, revealing she uses the Face Foaming Cleanser, £9.99, Boots, in beauty podcast Glad…

Starting a new exercise regime can be daunting, even more so when life is busy. So don’t beat yourself up if you’re yet to get going with a January fitness plan – with help from Woman’s fitness expert Annie Deadman, we’ve made it super easy for you. In fact, you don't have to clock up hours at the gym to get fitter and trimmer, you just need to start moving more at home. By doing a mix of Annie’s exercises that sculpt, strengthen and stretch your body, you’ll improve your physical and mental wellbeing. ‘Complement these moves with a healthy wholefood diet, with less sugar and plenty of fluids and you’ll not only firm up, but you’ll have tons of energy, fewer mood swings and more focus. Some menopause…

Trying to shed unwanted weight? But also miss settling down in front of the TV with a meal from your favourite restaurant? Takeaways are often considered a no go when dieting but, by making smarter choices, you can still have a little of what you fancy and reach your goals. Not convinced? We’ve rounded up the simple swaps that will keep you on track and boost your health. It’s a win-win situation. SWERVE THE SAUCES Can’t resist dipping? Condiments add calories and sugar. Choose ketchup or mustard over mayo or sweet chilli sauce. PLAN AHEAD Decide what you’re having as early as possible and avoid looking at the menu again to stop unhealthy last-minute picks. Costa SWAP Mozzarella and Tomato Panini (493 cals) SAVE 154 CALS FOR Egg and Mushroom…

Why weight-loss jabs could make you sick Tempted to buy a ‘quick fix’? The dangers are all too real and may not be worth the risk… If I’d lost 1lb every time I’d been asked my opinion on weight-loss jabs recently, I’d be invisible by now. I’m not just talking about patients, either. Friends, family and colleagues all seem desperate to know whether they are safe and if they really work. There are several weight-loss jabs now licensed in the UK, but their use on the NHS remains restricted (see roundel) and the safety concerns keep on coming. The worry is, the jabs can also be bought online or on the high street and individuals are using them to get ‘beach-body ready’ without them being prescribed by a medical professional.…

A qualified vet for 12 years, Emma Marchington currently teaches veterinary medicine in Surrey. Keep your pet well this winter The colder months of the year can be a dark, dreary time for both pets and owners, but there are things you can do to help keep your animals happy and healthy. While getting outside with your dog lifts your spirits too, inevitably, you’ll probably spend more time indoors. Both of you will benefit from extra mental stimulation and exercise at home. There are fun games you can play with your dog inside, or you can set up a mini training session. At home, we get our Labrador Tess to wait in another room and then call her through for a treat, or hide a treat for her to sniff…

DUNELM Embrace retro decor with a mix of eclectic prints in colour-pop shades. PRIMARK Go globe-trotting with this medley of animal motifs, vibrant oranges and jungle greens. NEXT Leopard is everywhere at the moment, so why not give it a go? Ground the loud print with green and black accents for a luxe look. JOHN LEWIS The bolder, the better with this maximalist scheme. Have some fun clashing prints and citrus shades together for a playful feel.…

IF YOU LOVE TO WIN PRIZES THEN VISIT comps.womanmagazine.co.uk In 2014, Hollywood actor Kevin Costner sent a heartfelt tribute to the British Armed Forces, thanking them for serving ‘unflinchingly to protect’ what? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word answer. ACROSS 11 Definitely (6)12 Wanderer (9)13 Noisy quarrels (4)14 Jewellery item (8)15 Label or emblem (5)16 Not a single person (6)17 Word with the same meaning (7)18 Working together (11)20 Gold or copper, for example (5)22 Emphasise or reinforce (9)24 African country (5)28 Tolerant (7)29 Concept (7)32 Sculpted figure (6)34 Switchboard worker (8)36 Illnesses (8)37 Painter (6)39 _ Ferrera, star of Ugly Betty (7)40 Confused, puzzled (7)45 Acquire knowledge (5)47 Echoed (9)48 Dairy product (5)51 Upkeep (11)53 Jumper (7)55 Structure for…

Traditional but trendy With The Traitors filmed in the Scottish Highlands, it’s only natural that Claudia chose to sport her take on the classic kilt. After the star wore this tartan number, John Lewis revealed a 92% increase in online searches for them. We love that she paired the traditional piece with a fun, oversized knit complete with smiley patches on the elbows. Country chic While we look like we’ve raided our dad’s wardrobe for a random outfit to go on a dog walk, Claudia pulled off this mis-matched look. The contrasting patterns paired with a smart coat and Hunter wellies remind us of something the late Queen would have worn at Balmoral. Monochrome moment If funeral fashion became a thing, Claudia would nail it with this ensemble. Comprising a…

THE RISE OF ‘FAIRY PORN’ Move over, Taylor Swift. There’s a new obsession making its way into our ears, and it’s not just the latest pop hit. Spotify Wrapped 2024 revealed a surprising trend: middle-aged women are fully embracing ‘fairy porn’ novels. Yes, you read that right — fairy porn. At the top of the charts? A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas, a tantalising retelling of Beauty and the Beast, featuring sexy fairies (aka fae), brooding immortals and romance. In fact, three out of the top 10 most-listened-to audiobooks this year are written by Maas. The trend is so powerful that even global superstars like Margot Robbie and Dua Lipa have been spotted dipping into the fae-filled fantasy realm. Maybe that’s why Margot’s next movie…

Ruth Langsford Ruth’s tarot card is the Six of Cups, one of nostalgia and good times. It shows her reminiscing with ex-colleagues, and meeting and working with friends and contacts from days gone by. She’s not interested in the sadness in her past, says this card, only the joy in her future. A lucrative collaboration will be on the table for the presenter, where she will be promoting a luxury product range close to her heart. Linda Robson Linda has the Transformation/Rebirth card for 2025, which means she’s changing as a person and seeking new challenges. The actor will be offered an exciting opportunity to tread the boards in a theatre production that will be quite unlike anything she’s done in years and may include dark, unexpected themes. A secret…

She may be newly single, but when Woman sits down to catch up with Coleen Nolan, the star, who turns 60 in March, is showing no signs of heartbreak. As bubbly as ever, Coleen talks about splitting from her partner of three years, logistics worker Michael Jones, admitting that she felt ‘panicky’ after they moved in together. She also reveals that she isn’t ruling out falling in love again, and shares details of her and fellow single pal Ruth Langsford’s girly weekends. Hi Coleen, would you say you’re in a happy place at the moment? I am in a very happy place. I’ve got the little farm that I’ve always dreamed of. All the animals are here and my kids are around. It’s all just lovely. You’ve had an amazing…

Known as the ‘Queen of Clean’, Mrs Hinch’s Instagram page is a one-stop shop for those wanting to up their cleaning game. Sharing hacks, top tips and must-have products, she’s become a cleaning sensation, but how does the mum of two, who is pregnant with her third little boy, keep Hinch Farm looking immaculate? The new year is a great time to spruce up our homes and, luckily for us, Mrs Hinch is on hand to share how to do it. FRESHEN UP YOUR FRIDGE After a season of entertaining and indulging, come January our fridges are in need of some TLC. So it’s the perfect time to clear out those leftovers and start from scratch. Thankfully Mrs Hinch – real name Sophie Hinchliffe – has shared her step-by-step guide…

TAILORED BLAZERS A smart jacket is well worth having in your wardrobe. Look for relaxed fits that streamline your shape and make layering a breeze. Leave open to elongate your frame and roll up sleeves to flatter arms. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS As comfy as your favourite joggers but with an elegant spin, we can’t get enough of this easy silhouette. With leg-lengthening powers, they sit high on the waist and look great with trainers or heels. Look for pleated detailing on the legs and add a belt for extra definition. V-NECK JUMPERS A cold-weather classic, you can never have enough cosy knits and this simple neckline will flatter all busts. Give it a glamorous finish with a dainty necklace. A-LINE SKIRTS Swap jeans for this feminine alternative. Just as versatile, opt…

Make weights your priority this year I’m going to cut to the chase here. Resistance training, strength training and weight training are different words for the same thing. It is asking your body to do something that is difficult (but not impossible) either through using your body weight or – and this is better – by lifting, pushing and pulling a variety of equipment. Your body adapts to the demands of weight by becoming stronger. As you increase in strength, your bones become denser, your joints more stable and your muscles much firmer. These are big wins for women, because it’s a fact that we lose muscle as we age. When we enter the menopause, our oestrogen levels drop, muscle loss gathers pace and our bones become fragile. Weight training…

No matter what’s holding you back, when it comes to achieving your weight-loss goals there are ways to sidestep common diet obstacles. Changing your lifestyle and dropping a dress size can be difficult, but tweaking your attitude can help you more than you think when on a shape-up journey. Here’s how to focus your mind before you start to slim… Be realistic Setting yourself attainable tasks is key. ‘It may be tempting to promise that you’ll go to a yoga class five times a week or lose half a stone before the end of the month, but working from a cold start, you’re unlikely to honour that level of commitment,’ says functional health practitioner and coach Fran McElwaine. ‘It’s too much of a behavioural change all at once.’ Instead, create small…

Working as a consultant breast surgeon, it was my responsibility to tell around 10 women a week they had cancer. It was emotionally intense. As a clinician, you have to develop a sense of detachment, otherwise you’ll crumble, but it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, I’d cry in the toilets. There’s no counselling and very little training for breaking bad news. It’s just part of the job – until it happens to you. In 2015, aged 40, I found a lump. I never regularly checked my breasts, a fact that seems crazy now. In the past, I’d had two cysts that were benign and a normal mammogram nine months earlier. Still, I decided to get checked. I didn’t want my team at work to see me, so went to a different…

SNUGGLE UP Grab this throw for less this winter. Made from plush fleece, it offers exceptional warmth and a soft, velvety feel, making it ideal for snuggling up with your furry friends. Was £7.50, now £3.50; onlinehomeshop.com. Offer ends 13 January. STYLISH STORAGE Did your pup get new toys for Christmas? Keep the house tidy with this storage basket. Was £7, now £5; onlinehomeshop.com. Offer ends 13 January. TINY TREATS Head to Pets at Home and stock up on your favourite small animal treats. Designed for rabbits and guinea pigs, there’s plenty to choose from including these mini hay bale treats. Buy any 4 for 3; petsathome.com. Offer ends 28 January. FOODIE FAVES Get a huge 75% off your first order of dog food at tails.com. Simply give a brief…

Tins. They’re everywhere in supermarkets – tins of baked beans, tins of chopped tomatoes, fruit in syrup, even whole meals like a ‘tinned Christmas dinner’. I try to avoid using canned food in daily cooking as I like to cook from scratch, but it’s always good to have a few rolling around in the cupboard. But with more and more foods being sold in tins – even professing to contain one of our ‘five a day’, in some cases – I wondered: could I feed my family on NOTHING but tins for a whole week? Would I save time and money? Would it be appetising enough for my husband Cornel, 44, and kids Alex, 15, and Adriana, 11? And, more importantly, how healthy would it be? Here’s how we got…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr Seeing is not necessarily believing. Blink twice and what you thought was there may have disappeared. Hopes and fears are not to be trusted. Wait until you have the facts. For your reading ☎09058 172557 TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May The working week gets off to a strange start. Whatever the actual weather, it’s foggy out there. Missteps and misunderstandings aside, though, somebody has lost the plot! For your reading ☎09058 172558 GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun Where am I going? Why? And when? It’s that kind of a week. You’ll be playing catch-up and coming up against the occasional mystery. Deal with a money problem pronto. For your reading ☎09058 172559 CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul Mars returns to your…

We’ve seen Pete Wicks strut his stuff on Strictly, but we get to see a different side to the former TOWIE star as he works with the UK’s leading dog welfare charity Dogs Trust in new series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake. The four-parter will follow the animal lover as he helps to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need. Here he reveals more… When did your love of animals start? Ever since I was a kid. All they want is love and loyalty, and that’s exactly what they give you back. They don’t care what you look like, they don’t care where you’ve been or how your day has been. They just make you happy. I would much rather be around animals than people. If we could be more…

Ruth Langsford has always been inspiring and relatable when it comes to health and fitness, sharing recipes and being refreshingly open about the fact that she’s struggled with her weight since menopause. As honest and open as ever, Ruth admits she’s been feeling insecure when it comes to her looks, saying, ‘I don’t really worry too much about age. But at 60 to now, and I’m now 64, I feel like everything has kind of drooped and sagged. It’s a bit, you know, a funny neck.’ But rather than let it get her down, ever-positive Ruth admits, ‘I don’t let it rule my life. I’m not obsessed by it.’ Instead, after enjoying the indulgences of Christmas, and starting the new year as a strong, independent woman after her split from…

HARRY’S BIGGEST ENEMY Of all the men in grey suits that Prince Harry detested at Buckingham Palace, one stood head and shoulders above them all. His father’s all-powerful Private Secretary and right-hand man Sir Clive Alderton. Normally the men (and now women) in the palace corridors stay hidden in the shadows, but thanks to Harry’s autobiography Spare, we know how much Harry really disliked Sir Clive. So much so, that he called him the Wasp. But now I hear that Sir Clive, 57, could be moving to pastures new. There have been rumours that he could be in the running for the all-important role of US ambassador (where he would need all his diplomatic skills when Donald Trump returns for his second term as president this month). Or, having worked…

If you’ve ever attempted to slim down each January and then quit soon after, we don’t need to tell you how hard it can be. ‘Dedication, willpower and organisation are all needed to stick to a diet,’ says nutritionist Hayley Pedrick*. ‘Many are short-term strategies rather than long-term healthy habits, so it’s easy to slip. There’s also no “one-size-fits-all” approach, and personality and lifestyle can have a huge impact.’ Answer our questions below to find out why you fall off the wagon and how to deal with your weak spots. TAKE THE TEST Tick the answer that sounds the most like you 1 You wake up feeling… ■ Sluggish ▲ Snoozy ● Too comfy to move ◆ Like you only just went to sleep 2 Your average day is… ▲…

Whether you call it a muffin top or a bloated tummy, even if you’re only a little overweight those extra pounds have an infuriating tendency to settle around the middle. It’s bad for morale, but there’s a health worry, too, as excess abdominal fat is an indication of internal visceral fat. This is fat laid around major organs, which has been linked to a host of health problems. The good news? Whatever your age, you can lose those bulgy bits and rediscover a leaner you. Go to the loo Constipation is a common cause of bloating, but eating fibre helps. A healthy amount is 30g a day. Choose wholegrain breakfast cereals and bread, wholewheat pasta and couscous, bulgar wheat and brown rice. Or ancient grains, such as quinoa, amaranth, barley…

DEAL OF THE WEEK Get hold of a one-month ClassPass for £1 to use at a selection of gyms and studios at classpass.com OFFER ENDS 8 APRIL 2025. T&CS APPLY. UK ONLY THE LATEST SCAM HMRC copycats Watch out for tax-related scams, ranging from text messages claiming you’re owed a tax rebate from HMRC to phishing emails asking for your banking details. Fraudsters want your personal details to steal from your bank account or sell your data to fellow criminals. Follow our advice to stop them. KEEP YOUR MONEY SAFE 1 HMRC may contact you by text or phone, but it’ll never request personal or financial information, nor ask you to make a payment via email or text. 2 Don’t click links or download attachments from suspicious emails or texts…

People often tell me how much my daughter, Imogen, looks like me. In playgrounds, at school assemblies, and while watching her perform in dance classes, other parents will comment, completely unprompted, how she is ‘the image of me’. True, we both have blonde hair and blue eyes, and big, toothy smiles. We also have the same way of pursing our lips when we’re concentrating. But, although I carried my daughter for nine months and gave birth to her, genetically she has no more to do with me than any of the other children running around. ‘We were sent details of two potential donors’ Match making She was created using a donor egg from a complete stranger – albeit one carefully selected in the knowledge that she had my colouring, is…

Harissa lentil penne Lentils provide a meatiness to the sauce for a great alternative to bolognese. SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 30 MINS ✱ 2tbsp olive oil ✱ 2 shallots, chopped ✱ 2 carrots, chopped ✱ 2 tomatoes, chopped ✱ 5 garlic cloves, crushed ✱ 400g tin green lentils, drained and rinsed ✱ 2tsp dried mixed herbs ✱ 1 dried bay leaf ✱ 1½tsp ground cumin ✱ 400ml passata ✱ 3tbsp rose harissa paste ✱ 1tbsp each white miso paste, balsamic vinegar ✱ 350g wholewheat penne ✱ Flat leaf parsley, chopped, to serve 1 Heat a saucepan on medium heat. Add the olive oil, shallots and carrots, and cook until softened. Once they’ve started to turn golden, stir in the tomatoes and garlic. 2 Add the lentils to the…

Bergerac U&Drama Remember the Jersey-based crime drama that ran from 1981 to 1991 and starred John Nettles as the titular detective? This six-part reboot stars The Split ’s Damien Molony in the role of Jim Bergerac, who’s a broken man when we first meet him. As he grapples with grief and battles booze in the wake of his wife’s death, can he become the formidable investigator he once was? Zoë Wanamaker also stars as Jim’s mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford. A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story ITV1 In 1955, Ruth Ellis, 28, was the last woman to be hanged in the UK, and this four-part drama reveals the secrets of one of Britain’s most notorious murder cases. The Ipcress Files star Lucy Boynton portrays the nightclub hostess who shot her lover…