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Emma

‘My husband says I’m

TONE DEAF!’ Is an OPEN MARRIAGE the key to happiness?

Royal expert on

SEEING DOUBLE

NUMBER2!

How Mrs Hinch is turning into Stacey

BABY

Are Meghan and Harry about to share some happy news?

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YOUR LIFE

23 Don’t Tell Me I Can’t… …learn a language 24 Real Life Zena Cooper was blind for 38 years, but nobody knew 30 Real Life The unspoken secret of our 37 year marriage 32 Lose Weight, Feel Great Exclusive WW plan, plus get one month free!

40 Real Life Meet the side hustlers

Are you one of the people who made a New Year’s resolution to be healthier in 2020, but your good intentions are already slipping? If so, you’re not alone. As a nation, we last just 12 days into January before giving up.* That’s why our exclusive WW eating plan on p32 could be your slimming saviour if your willpower is waning.

It’s so flexible you can still eat all your favourites, while losing up to 2lb a week. Trust me, the recipes are delicious! Tell us how you get on.

Faye M Smith, Wellbeing Editor

YOUR LOOKS

16 Let’s shop! Winter blues 19 Fashion Maths Get yourself a fab new gym kit with these stylish options 20 Fashion 10 of the best trench coats 27 Beauty Luxe for less 28 Beauty 10 ways to find the perfect foundation

YOUR TIME

18 Promotion Win a holiday to Portugal with Neutradol 36 Food News Hot buys to try 38 Recipes Ching-He Huang shares some of her favourite suppers 42 Homes The silver scene 44 Ask The Experts Relationship, family, medical and pet problems resolved 48 Travel Weekend getaways 50 Bingo Win with us!

54 Books & Puzzles 56 On The Box What to watch ✱ On the cover

Woman, incorporating Woman’s Illustrated and Woman’s Mirror, is a Registered Trademark of TI Media Limited. Cover printed by Walstead UK Limited, text printed by Walstead UK Limited. Repro by Rhapsody Prepress. Published by TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Distributed by Marketforce (UK) Ltd, a TI Media Limited company, 2nd Floor, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU. Tel: +44 (0)20 3787 9001. Back issues: 01795 662976; support@mags-uk.com or order at http://mags-uk.com/browse-by-publisher/ ti-media.html. All prices correct at time of going to press. ©TI Media Limited, 2020. All rights reserved and reproduction without permission is strictly forbidden. We cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited material. We do not accept or return unsolicited manuscripts.

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What A Year! Will Shirley Ballas tie the knot in 2020? Plus more celeb news Cover story Meghan and Harry Celebrity How Mrs Hinch is turning into Stacey Solomon Celebrity Emma Willis interview Celebrity Style on trial Talking About Are tracking apps damaging our health?

View From The Back

We take a look at what’s in store for some of our favourite celebs over the next 12 months

Yit EwiAll bRe!

WORDS: GEORGIA FARQUHARSON. PHOTOS: PA IMAGES, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, INSTAGRAM @SHERIDANSMITHSTER

JACQUELINE JOSSA TO RENEW HER VOWS Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne are set to renew their wedding vows, despite cheating claims plaguing their marriage.

The EastEnders star was crowned Queen of the Jungle after winning I’m A Celebrity in December but the drama involving her husband almost eclipsed her win.

Despite claims he’d been unfaithful on several occasions (all of which he denies), Jac’s giving him another chance.

She says, ‘The thing is… we’ve been going through it for two years – this isn’t

Will Shirley allas

TIE THE KNOT? S

trictly Come Dancing’s resident head judge has made no secret of her desire to get engaged to her toy boy Danny Taylor, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if it happened in 2020.

Despite being married twice before, Shirley, 59, is keen for a third trip down the aisle with Danny, who she met when they starred together in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Liverpool Empire last Christmas.

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‘I’d marry him tomorrow if he asked me,’ she confesses. ‘If this is what love is, I’ve never experienced it before.’

But Shirley might have to wait for Danny to put a ring on it, as the 47-year-old actor recently joked about feeling ‘forced’ to pop the question during an appearance on Loose Women.

He said, ‘I want to enjoy this. Why do we always try to force it?’

new for me. I want to hit the restart button, it’s been two years of me giving him hell… he knows he’s done a lot wrong, but we’re OK.’

Alison goes it alone

After 10 years hosting showbiz segments on This Morning, Alison Hammond has finally bagged her own daytime chat show.

The hour-long show is set to be called Happy Hour and will see the former Big Brother star talk to famous faces, alongside lifestyle and exercise segments.

An insider says, ‘Her bubbly and quickwitted personality have made her a hit with viewers, and producers think she’s ready for the limelight.’

New Louise Redknapp music is on its way!

Louise Redknapp’s hotly anticipated comeback album, Heavy Love, will be released in 2020 after the former Strictly star delayed it last year due to clashes’ in her schedule.

Louise, 45, said, ‘This has not been an easy decision and I hate to let anyone down. Heavy Love has been two years in the making with blood, sweat and (a lot!) of tears and so I want o fully commit to its release, and showing t off to its fullest potential.’ It’s hought the album is nspired by Louise’s public split from ex-husband Jamie.

SYCO SIGNS MEGAN MCKENNA Megan McKenna is set to release new music this year, having secured a recording contract with Simon Cowell after winning The X Factor: Celebrity.

The former TOWIE star, 27, feels she’s finally ‘being taken seriously’ after performing a number of her own songs on the talent show.

‘It’s been amazing and surreal,’ she said of the experience.

‘I’ve always wanted to do The X Factor, so being able to be on it and do my own songs has made it even more incredible.’

Dawn French to return to TV

Everyone’s favourite Vicar of Dibley star, Dawn French, will return to our TV screens in 2020 in brand new six-part ITV drama Glass Houses.

Dawn – who plays main character Maggie Connors, alongside former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh and Friday Night Dinner actor Mark Heap – said, ‘[We] have been developing Glass Houses for some time and I can’t wait to finally get started in front of the camera. It’s such a good story with a fantastic funny, touching script.’

Sound great – we can’t wait!

BABY ON BOARD SHERIDAN SMITH AND JAMIE HORN heridan, 38, is xpecting her first hild with fiancé amie, 28, after he pair met on nder in 2018. he actress nnounced she d a ‘baby on oard’ during performance n a cruise ship October.

RONAN AND STORM KEATING The Boyzone star, 42, and his wife Storm, 38, are expecting their second baby together. The couple – who have been married since 2015 – are already parents to two-year-old son Cooper.

OLA AND AMES JORDAN After a three-year ertility struggle, ormer Strictly ros Ola, 37, and ames, 41, are xpecting a baby rl in March. The uple, who’ve een married for years, fell egnant on their t round of IVF. RYAN THOMAS AND LUCY MECKLENBURGH Ryan, 35, and girlfriend, Lucy, 28, will welcome a baby boy in 2020.

The actor, best known as Corrie’s Jason Grimshaw, also has an 11-year-old daughter with ex, Tina O’Brien.

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‘2020 needs to be a

TURNING POINT’ Royal biographer Duncan Larcombe reveals why he thinks that baby number two could be just the distraction the Duke and Duchess of Sussex need in the new yearÉ 6

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Cover Story

Anyone close to the couple knows that Meghan and Harry can’t endure another year of negative headlines in 2020.

I started covering Prince Harry as a royal correspondent when he was a teenager. Every time he was on the front pages for all the wrong reasons, a very odd and unique thing happened – the public loved him more and more.

Dressing as a Nazi, drunkenly attacking a photographer, attending a strip club, then turning stripper himself in a poorly thought through and now infamous game of naked pool in a Las Vegas hotel, did nothing but elevate the young royal in the public’s eyes.

His bravery on the front line and the perception of a chap who wore his heart on his sleeve made Harry a People’s Prince; down to earth and not afraid of speaking his mind. Harry was a breath of fresh air in a family that has a tendency to appear aloof, out of touch and at least two decades behind the rest of us.

Behind the scenes, Harry was popular with journalists. He invested time and effort playing to their egos and enjoyed a laid-back working relationship with the press, which bore fruit in a string of positive headlines and support.

with great privilege and wealth.

Could a new baby be Who else gets £2.4m from the on the cards for the taxpayer to renovate their private couple this year? residence? In the real world, who can expect to be loaned the services of a private jet from a pop star who gifted them a holiday at his lavish pad in France?

One thing is very clear for all those involved in the running of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s household – 2020 simply must be better.

Aides are already busy putting in place plans for a royal tour of North America in September and Harry has confirmed he’ll once again play a central role when the Invictus Games take place in the Netherlands this May. The important role they play in supporting successful sports event for the Queen and their desire to ‘connect’ injured war veterans has the royals to the younger generation. gone from strength to strength since Harry dreamed up the The biggest challenge they face next year concept after leaving the Army. is grasping the concept of knowing when Harry and Meghan told friends they’re to speak out and when to maintain a keen to have another baby. A source close dignified silence. This has to start with a to the couple told me they don’t want concerted effort to heal the rift between Archie to be an only child and they don’t Harry and his brother, Prince William. want a big age gap between the siblings.

Harry’s always been at his best at his The fact the duke and duchess virtually brother’s side. They have a special bond disappeared from the public eye for a and great chemistry. In 2020 it’s essential ‘six-week break’ is bound to fuel rumours Harry and Meghan navigate this tricky they know something we don’t. However tightrope because the love of the British royal protocol means nothing will be public cannot be taken for granted. confirmed or denied by the Palace until Sadly for the couple, the media will an official announcement. always be there to point out their Although rumours are circulating that shortcomings. However, Harry needs to another baby will arrive in 2020, there is rise above this and roll with the punches. no sign that the couple will wind up their The easiest way of avoiding those commitment as full-time working royals. negative headlines is to It has been suggested they decide not to give his may throw in the towel and critics the ammunition move to the US to escape in the first place. This the scrutiny of royal life, but means reining in the senior sources have played lectures of poverty and down this idea, not least the environment, no because of the private jets in the new year and avoiding laying himself open to speaking out about the ‘plights’ of life as a royal.

Yes, it’s hard, and the public get that. But life is a hell of a lot harder for ordinary people who want a prince they can admire, adore and if they are really lucky, get to meet.

So 2020 will be a turning ially point; a chance to focus on the The couple controvers positives, as the negatives of spoke out about the Harry’s ‘accident of birth’ – as struggles of royal life he famously describes it– will always be there.

‘HARRY NEEDS TO REIN IN THE LECTURES’

Future plans

But by the end of 2019, sources close to Harry fear this fun-loving image is under threat. Worse, they realise privately that popularity with the British public is not – as it always appeared – an unwritten right.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Harry is capable of drawing a line under the mistakes of 2019 and starting a new year focusing on how much he has to offer as a full-time working royal.

He remains one of the Royal Family’s biggest assets, and I don’t think the public want to knock someone who’s universally remembered as the tragic 12-year-old walking behind his beloved mother’s coffin.

But this will not happen if the perception of an angry prince barking at the moon persists.

Meghan and Harry got caught out in 2019. Their negative stance towards the media made them look aggrieved with a life that is laced

Uphill battle

‘THE PUBLIC WANT A PRINCE THEY ADMIRE’

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WORDS: DUNCAN LARCOMBE, FORMER ROYAL EDITOR OF THE SUN AND AUTHOR OF PRINCE HARRY: THE INSIDE STORY. PHOTOS: GETTY, PA IMAGES

A

lot is riding on 2020 for Prince Harry and his highly criticised wife. The shine has definitely worn off the golden couple, who married in front of a global TV audience of nearly two billion in 2018.

The detail in the decor

As well as outfits, the pair like to coordinate Christmas decor.

Within a week of each other, Stacey and Sophie debuted cream, white and silver trees online with a white wicker skirt. Stacey said she couldn’t wait to celebrate Rex’s first Christmas, while Sophie was excited to have ‘a family of four’ this year.

SEEING

DOUBLE? WORDS: REBECCA CALDERWOOD. PHOTOS: ACTION FOR CHILDREN’S SECRET SANTA CAMPAIGN/JOSEPH SINCLAIR, INSTAGRAM @STACEYSOLOMON, @MRSHINCHHOME

Stacey Solomon and Sophie Hinchliffe appear to be turning into each other…

Baby besties

It appears the close age gap between sons Rex and Ronnie isn’t the only similarity between Stacey and Sophie’s tots. The boys, who were born only one month apart, are often spotted together wearing matching cute outfits.

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Stacey, 30, has already got their kids’ future mapped out, saying, ‘I can’t wait for them to be diving into ball pits and munching away on soggy breadsticks together!’

Celebrity

Family photos

Stacey, Joe and Rex kicked off the festive season by sharing a family shot outside their home. Days later, Sophie, 29, took to Instagram to share her own festive photos. The cleaning sensation, who revisited her former wedding venue for the snaps, even went as far as hiring her own personal photographer to capture the special moments

with husband Jamie, son Ronnie and their dog Henry. Mrs Hinch wrote, ‘I’m so pleased we came back here.

Back to our wedding venue, but this time [round] with our boys.’

Cleaning routines

Mrs Hinch is known for sharing her cleaning routines with her followers. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Stacey, who has started posting her household chores on her Instagram stories. As well as using similar household products, the besties even copy each other’s fonts and witty captions.

Essex girls at heart

Troll talk

Back in May, Stacey hit back at online haters, who claimed she was ‘too thick’ to get into university. And since joining Instagram last year, Mrs Hinch, who has 2.9 million followers, received nasty comments about Ronnie.

She replied, ‘I’m not hurting anyone. No one deserves stuff like that!’

When they’re not running around after their young children, hoovering the stairs or organising their kitchen cabinets, Stacey and Mrs Hinch both like to get glammed up. Taking a break from their regular Instagram posts, the Essex-born women shared snaps from their fab makeovers. Stacey shared a picture from a date night with Joe looking really fabulous, while Sophie showed off her crimped hair and false lashes. It must be an Essex thing!

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‘Matt tells me I’m a

HIDEOUS SINGER!Õ Presenter Emma Willis tells Woman about the new series of The Voice and why she won’t be performing like her husband from Busted

E WORDS: HAYLEY MINN. PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM @EMMAWILLISOFFICIAL, ITV

mma Willis may be one of the most natural presenters on television, but she insists when it comes to her singing, the same can’t be said – especially if you believe her husband, Matt Willis, who says Emma is completely tone deaf!

The 43-year-old TV host is back on our screens presenting the new series of The Voice, with Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs and will.i.am all back as coaches once again.

After two series, Jennifer Hudson sadly won’t be returning and has been replaced

by Meghan Trainor – something Emma is extremely excited about. Her children; Isabelle, 10, Ace, eight and three-year-old Trixie are all big fans of the artist and have been begging their mum to meet the All About That Bass singer ever since she told them the exciting news.

As Woman sits down with Emma for a chat about what went on during filming, she laughs as she reveals how she often disagrees with the judges’ decisions, tells us whose team she’d choose if she was ever a contestant on the show, and explains why women should stick together at all times…

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Hi Emma, you’re back on The Voice.

How hard is it for you standing there when the chairs don’t turn around?

It’s horrible, but most of the singers can deal with it. The initial reaction is quite hard on them, and then we spend a little time together and I give them cuddles.

Do you ever disagree with the judges?

There have been points where I’ve gone, ‘Can they not hear what I can hear?’But I don’t have the proper musical ears and they

Emma with husband Matt and working on the show, right

Celebrity know what they’re doing. I have to remember I am not in that chair, nor can I sing.

Really? What does Matt think of your singing?

With her three children

My husband says I’m pitch perfect, but also tone deaf because if there’s a song on and I’m happily singing along in the car, he’s always like, ‘Oh my God, you’re in exactly the right pitch, but you sound f**king hideous!’

If you could, would you like to have the choice of bringing back a couple of people who didn’t get through?

No because, again, it’s really not my place.

If it was a presenter talent show, then yes, I’d be happy to, but not for singing!

Meghan Trainor is replacing Jennifer Hudson this year. Are your kids fans?

Yes! My kids have got these little mini iPod things and they’ve got their own little playlist and her song, All About That Bass, is always playing in my car.

They honestly love it to bits and when I told her that Meghan was joining the show, my daughter’s face was so excited.

Have they met her yet?

Not yet, because we’ve been filming in Manchester. But when we’re in London for the finals, they’ll definitely come.

What’s Team Meghan shaping up like?

‘MY KIDS LOVE ALL ABOUT THAT BASS’

S**t hot!

Which judge would you pick if you were performing?

I would pick Meghan, my goodness. I would always pick the female that’s in that chair. They get cocky, those boys. I got asked this before and I was like, ‘J-Hud every single day.’ So I’m now like, ‘Meghan, every single day.’ Us girls stick together, we have lots of fun.

The boys think they’re hilarious!

Do you think that there should be another female judge?

I think that would be lovely if it was equal, but I also think the people that are in those chairs, they all deserve to be in that position, so it’s hard to say. ✱ The Voice continues on Saturday on ITV

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o TYLE

ur pick of the best and

WORDS: SELINA MAYCOCK. PHOTOS: GETTY

BEST DRESSED

12

CATHERINE TYLDESLEY

LIZ HURLEY

CINDY CRAWFORD

Looking sensational in this red dress, Catherine, 36, shows off her super-trim figure after competing in Strictly Come Dancing. Demure and delightful!

When it’s all work and no play, Liz, 54, has it covered with this formal chequered-print jumpsuit.

Check out how good she looks!

The American model, 53, knows exactly how to accessorise with this layer dress – the black belt and necklace is the icing on the cake.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

onTRIAL

Celebrity

worst dressed this week

WORST DRESSED

SHARON OSBOURNE

Sharon, 67, might be showing off her fourth facelift, but it looks like she needs to invest in a better stylist, as this dress is giving us Addams Family vibes.

SINITTA

What happens when you can’t decide what to wear? You wear it all at once, like Sinitta, 56. Smart, casual, fur, sparkle and sport, all rolled into one. Shame, shame, shame!

MEGHAN TRAINOR

It’s usually all about that bass for The Voice coach Meghan, 26, but someone should tell her she needs to listen to better fashion advice after going out in these silky pyjamas.

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ARE TRACKING APPS

DAMAGING OUR HEALTH? Millions of us use location apps to keep tabs on our loved ones, but spying on your family can come at a cost

B

ack in the good old 90s, if a friend let slip they’d put a tracker on their husband or followed him to work, we’d have imagined Glenn Close stalking Michael Douglas in Fatal Attraction. Yet two decades later, spousal – and parental – surveillance is not just common, but accepted, with apps now a global obsession.

Use of this so-called ‘stalkerware’ has risen by 35%* in the UK in the past year, with 16% of parents admitting to tracking their kids.

Most location apps work on mutual volunteering of information – but what if your husband isn’t where he said he’d be, or your child’s icon vanishes? Experts are warning that, rather than alleviating worry, these apps could cause anxiety.

Woman looks at whether it’s ever a good idea to snoop on loved ones...

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‘IT HAS ALMOST BECOME AN ADDICTION’ Catharine Higginson, 50, is a writer who lives in Dorking with her husband, James, 48. She has three children, Daisy, 24, Tilly, 21, and Max, 17.

When I first discovered location tracking apps in 2015, I thought they were intrusive, until my husband, James, explained how useful they could be. Now, I use them to keep tabs on my whole family.

James and I use Google location services to cyberfollow each other.

It’s incredibly useful because we’re both self-employed and our routine changes daily. If I’m due out, I’ll check if he’s on

his way home – that way, I can decide whether to leave the dogs in the garden or turn the heating on. Or, I can see where he is and ask him to stop at the shops.

Knowing he can see where I am is also reassuring if I’m out at night – he can see if I’m running late or if there’s some issue.

Constant worry My three kids – now aged

between 17 and 24 – use it when they go out, too.

Friends in their group share their location on various apps, so if anyone gets lost or has a problem, the others can step in and help.

But there’s a downside.

When I went to uni in 1988, the only way my parents could reach me was by letter or hoping I cobbled enough

Talking About

‘IT CREATES AN ATMOSPHERE OF MISTRUST’

requires a fine balance between benign surveillance and a young person’s increasing need for autonomy. Today, children are struggling to build their own resilience with helicopter parents who micromanage their every move.

WORDS: ANNA MATHESON, CATHARINE HIGGINSON. PHOTOS (MAIN PHOTO POSED BY MODEL): GETTY, PA IMAGES. *BBC

Accredited therapist Sally Baker says: Tracking family members can easily lead to all kinds of overthinking and increased anxiety. The whole act of checking in on someone can become a compulsive cycle of feeling anxiety, then relief when fears are proved unfounded.

With relief, there comes a release of dopamine, the feel-good hormone, that can make this process cross into obsessional behaviour.

Even when a partner agrees to be tracked, it can easily set up an unhealthy dynamic.

It would be better to improve ongoing communication instead.

Poor communication is at the heart of most relationship breakdowns, and a couple’s real problems are rarely just geographical. Tracking children should be age-appropriate and

Underlying issues

If you track family members without them knowing, it’s hard enough to deal with the fallout without escalating mistrust on both sides. At some point, you’re going to have to admit you know where they’ve been – and how you know.

Spying muddies the water and creates another layer of dishonesty between you both. Most people know intuitively that something is wrong in their relationship. It’d be more beneficial to be open about those feelings and create an atmosphere of openness rather than mistrust. ✱ For more information, visit Sally’s website at workingonthebody.com

‘SPYING MUDDIES THE WATER’

change together to call from the payphone in my halls of residence. My mum had no choice but to cross her fingers and not worry too much. With so much technology on offer now, I worry constantly.

Yes, I can see where my kids are, but if, for example, my son isn’t on campus when he should be, instead of being sensible and assuming his lecture was cancelled, or that he’s just being lazy, I imagine the worst and start messaging him until he responds, and hounding him with calls. If my daughter is out in a ‘dodgy’ part of town, I’m on edge, checking her location until I know she’s safely home.

Recently, James went to do the weekly shop. I was on the sofa with a cold and I suddenly realised he’d been gone ages.

He’s rubbish at shopping, plus the shops are busy on a Saturday afternoon, but instead of thinking rationally, I checked

his location and he looked to be in the middle of nowhere, not moving.

I didn’t stop to think his location may not have updated due to a poor signal and instead went into total panic mode – and by the time he arrived home, I’d convinced myself he’d crashed the car and was dead in a ditch somewhere.

CELEBS KEEPING TRACK AMANDA ABBINGTON installed a tracking app on her 12-year-old son’s phone, saying it gives him freedom, as she knows where he is.

Vivid imagination It’s ridiculous, I know, but

sometimes I just can’t help myself.

I have a vivid imagination that’s quick to conjure dark thoughts.

The rational part of my brain tells me to stop checking my family’s locations, as it only causes anxiety, but it has almost become an addiction for me now.

I’m an anxious person anyway and this just adds to my stress levels. Yet the technology exists now, so not using it would be like going back to using the rotary phone – impossible.

Pandora’s box of trackers has been opened, and I just can’t seem to kick the habit.

‘I START IMAGINING THE WORST’

ANDREA McLEAN admitted using a location app when her son travelled to his dad’s house. ‘I’d like to know he’d got there OK.’

JANET STREET-PORTER said she was ‘glad there wasn’t a tracking app’ when she married her first husband because she ‘was up to no good’!

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Terms and conditions: Standard Woman terms and conditions apply, for details go to ti-media.com standard-competition-terms/ Entry implies acceptance to these rules. For website rules of play, go to womanmagazine.co.uk/rules. The promoters are TI Media Limited & Neutradol (supplier of prize). In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions in this promotional material and the Standard Woman terms and conditions, the former shall prevail. The winner and their partner will receive 7 nights bed and breakfast at the Praia da Oura Apartments, round trip flights from the nearest available airport and transfers to and from the hotel. The trip must be taken by end of January 2021 and excludes Christmas, Easter and bank holidays. It is subject to availability of flights and accommodation as purchased by the agent supplying the holiday on any particular date. Travel to UK airports or incidental expenses are not included. There is no cash or other alternative to the prize stated and the prize is not transferable, and no part or parts of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions. Prior to departure the winner must purchase comprehensive travel insurance either from the agent supplying the holiday or through their own source.

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A n ew tr avel site made for people who love to tr avel by pe ople w h o l ove to tr avel.

Specialising in l u x ur y, f amil y and adventure tr avel inspir a t ion.

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T ’ N A C I E M L L E T DON’T

...learn a language

Despite quitting as a teen, Lucy Matthews is now a Spanish speaker

P

arading my new hairdo in front of my daughter, Hannah, 29, I was beaming. But it wasn’t because I liked the cut, rather that I’d managed to go to the salon in Mexico and tell them exactly what I wanted, all by myself, and in Spanish. Just two years earlier, my linguistic skills were limited to ‘hola’ for hello, and ‘gracias’ for thank you. But here I was, in October 2019, at the age of 59, my fluent request having been fully understood.

When Hannah first moved to Colombia in 2014 to work for a non‑governmental organisation in human rights, I was so proud. Not only was she bettering the lives of others, she’d also embraced a culture and language she was unfamiliar with. She adjusted quickly, became fluent in Spanish, and was having an incredible time.

So when she invited me to visit for two weeks in the summer of 2015, I was excited to immerse myself in this same culture and to get to know all her new friends. Only, when we all met for the first time, Hannah had to take on the role of translator, stopping after each sentence to tell me what everyone was saying. Her new friends knew little English and I was hopeless at Spanish.

I’d studied it at O level for a while, at school in the 1970s, but the vocabulary, tenses and grammar all proved far too difficult, so I’d given it up and not taken the exam, certain I’d never need to use it.

Hannah headed to Mexico in 2018 and showed no signs of coming home

Lucy spoke to her hairdresser in Spanish

With her daughter, Hannah, in Mexico any time soon. Her whole life was rooted in Hispanic countries and Spanish was a big part of her life. ‘I should make it part of mine, too,’ I realised, as I wanted to be able to visit, order in restaurants or converse with her friends without always lumbering her with the task of translating. What’s more, I didn’t want to be that 50‑something woman, set in her ways, who refused to speak another language and expected others to speak English. That’s when I knew that I had to try learning Spanish once again.

But after my unsuccessful stint at school, I was apprehensive and didn’t think I’d be able to do it, especially when youth was no longer on my side. How would my older brain retain words and phrases when my younger one couldn’t?

Nevertheless, I had to try. ‘That means a lot to me,’ Hannah said when I told her.

‘You’ve always been able to do anything you’ve set your mind to.’

Buoyed, in January 2019, I started weekly two‑hour Spanish night classes, and when I wasn’t in the classroom, I was still learning, having downloaded language apps on my phone. It was as difficult as I remembered, but every week I was remembering more words and

WORDS: FIONA KINLOCH

‘IT GAVE ME SUCH A RUSH’

began to put together sentences. At 59, I was able to do something I couldn’t as a teenager. It gave me such a rush.

In October 2019, I arrived in Mexico for a month‑long visit. I was confident in my ability to order in restaurants and have basic conversations with Hannah’s friends.

Still, when I went to the hairdresser’s by myself, I was concerned I’d end up with a shaved head. But when my pixie hairdo turned out exactly what I wanted, I was so happy with how far I’d come.

From someone with no knowledge of Spanish, I can now hold a conversation and follow what Hannah and her friends are talking about.

I’m visiting her again this year, and I can’t wait to chat to all the locals – hopefully I’ll be even better by then.

Yes, you can

BUT REMEMBER…

✱ Experts have said yo u’re never too old to learn a new languag e. ✱ There are hundreds of adult-education courses run all over th e UK. Many are held in the evening an d at weekends. ✱ Language apps are an effective and popular way to learn. Du olingo is free on Apple and Android de vices and has a reported 300 million us ers worldwide.

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23

Blind for 38 years

BUT NOBODY KNEW Zena Cooper had a secret, and it was about to unravel

W

hen you keep something secret long enough, the fear of it unravelling can become all-consuming, especially when it comes to telling loved ones, as you worry about being embarrassed or causing immense upset.

That’s why, for 38 years, I hid something so huge that people now struggle to comprehend how it went unnoticed, until a simple mistake at work forced me to admit the truth – that I’m almost completely blind.

When I was four, I was referred to an optometrist after failing an eye test and was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue.

24

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It caused dislocation of my lenses, leaving me with damaged sight, so I was given huge bifocal glasses to help me see.

I suffered some skeletal deformities characterised by Marfan syndrome, including mild scoliosis and long limbs, but it was mostly my sight that was affected.

Still, the glasses didn’t help. ‘I can’t see the blackboard,’ I moaned to my mum, Jennifer, when I was six, so she insisted the teacher moved me to the front of class. That didn’t help, either, but bullies already called me ‘triple glazing’ thanks to my garish

eyewear, and I was terrified of sticking out more – or worse, being pitied – so I didn’t tell anyone I was still struggling.

Plus, at first I didn’t realise I was that different and assumed everyone saw people as vague blurs, identified food by smell and felt for clothes seams when they dressed.

I had some light perception, so managed to learn to read and write by holding my face close to the paper, and recognised people by voice, height or smell. Each afternoon, my gran would collect me from school and I’d find her by the smell of cigarettes.

‘IDIDN’T REALISEIWAS DIFFERENT’

Real Life But people would describe things, or talk about TV programmes, leaving me feeling completely lost in the conversation, and it gradually occurred to me I couldn’t see like them. By then, I was too embarrassed to mention anything, so simply didn’t. Over the years, opticians prescribed stronger glasses but never realised the extent of my sight problems.

I lived in a state of perpetual hypervigilance, counting steps so I’d know when I’d reached my classroom, memorising instructions and where things were. I knew every road curve and pavement dip in my small town of Ammanford, South Wales, and never ventured out my comfort zone, turning down parties or trips out of town.

At school, friends helped me out.

‘What’s on the board?’ I’d whisper, and they’d read it out in hushed tones. I often had falls, though, and by 10, I’d suffered a broken foot, finger and collarbone, and dislocated my jaw. I got called clumsy, and that’s what I let everyone think – that I was awkward and uncoordinated.

Things got worse At

WORDS: ANNA MATHESON

home, I could never find anything, which didn’t go unnoticed. ‘Typical teenager, always losing things,’ Mum would joke, passing me the phone. I didn’t learn to drive, claiming I was too scared, and after school I did a GNVQ. The secret just spiralled, until suddenly I was married, working as a psychiatric nurse, and it felt too late to tell anyone. How could I tell members of my family I’d known my whole life that I’d never really seen their face?

Even medical professionals still didn’t realise how little I could see. Luckily, my job was interactive, so I spent most time chatting to patients rather than writing reports. My first child, Rasheena, was born in 1997, and Korisha

Doctors diagnosed Marfan syndrome

followed in 1998, and I bonded with them instinctively. When people cooed over how gorgeous they were, I’d nod along, hiding my devastation that I’d never see their smiles. I lived for their giggles instead, delighting in their babble and the smell of their soft skin. But, worried about tripping or getting lost while they were little, I didn’t leave the house very much.

In 2000, an operation to fix the dislocation in my lenses made my eyesight worse, and when I went to dress a patient’s leg ulcer shortly after, I realised I couldn’t even see it. It no longer felt safe to work as a nurse, so I retrained as a school counsellor, telling family the hours were better.

After my husband and I split in 2001, I had Jaidan in 2002 and Zaidley in 2003. Again, mother’s instinct kicked in and I knew when they were poorly as their skin would smell bitter.

As a fivesome, we made it work, the girls just knew I had sight problems, so would fetch things for me or navigate as I pushed the buggy, and we got the bus everywhere.

Yet the little sight I had declined – until, by 2015, I was falling more and suffered eight knee dislocations in two years.

Then, that November, I mixed up two pupils at work. Luckily, I’d broken no confidences, but it frightened me as it could’ve been so much worse. That evening, at home, I decided I couldn’t live a lie any longer. ‘I need help,’ I realised.

First, I contacted Guide Dogs UK and, after tests, was put on the list for a Seeing Eye dog. Telling my parents was daunting as I didn’t want to upset them – but days later, I sat them down at their home. ‘I’ve applied for

a guide dog,’ I confessed. Mum was puzzled. ‘Is your sight that bad?’ she asked, and I took a deep breath and told her I couldn’t see anything. They were stunned, and horrified they’d never known, but I assured them they needn’t feel guilty as I’d chosen to keep this huge secret and they’d always been wonderful parents who kept me healthy and happy.

Coming clean I

told the kids together that day, too – but, while they hadn’t realised the extent, they’d figured out my sight was declining. ‘I won’t worry as much about your tripping,’ Rosheena, then 18, admitted, and it was a relief to have everything out in the open.

Everyone was so attentive and helpful for the next 17 months, until my labradoodle, Munch, finally arrived. I was nervous the first time I took him to the shops as it felt like a shining beacon on my disability, but it was reassuring knowing he’d keep me safe. When my neighbour saw me with Munch, she couldn’t believe he was mine. ‘I’d no idea!’ she gasped – a phrase I heard a lot.

In some ways, being secretly blind made me stronger and more capable, but I wish I’d got Munch earlier, as he’s opened up a new world for me, I’ve ventured further and even taken him away on short city breaks.

Now, at 42, I talk openly about my disability and can’t believe I lived under the weight of this huge secret for so long.

‘HE’SOPENED UPANEW WORLD’

✱ What You See When You CanÕt See

by Zena Cooper (£10.99, Hay House) is available now

On her wedding day

Zena was bullied for her glasses WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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1

Shade match

To avoid an uneven finish, try your shade on the side of your cheek or along your jawline instead of your hands or neck. Lighting is key too, leave the tester on for 10 minutes (some foundations become darker when they mix with the natural oils on your skin) and double check it outside, away from shop lighting. Most high-end brands offer tester pots to try at home, but if you’re on a budget, L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation, £9.99, Superdrug, is available in 40 shades to match 98% of UK skin tones.

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Go easy

As the saying goes, less is often more, so resist the urge to slather your foundation all over your face and instead only apply to the areas that need coverage – whether that’s dark circles, blemishes or pigmentation.

You’ll be surprised at how little product you need.

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Blend beautifully

Half-way between the ease of using your fingers and splashing out on brushes, sponges make applying liquid foundation a doddle. Use the rounded part to cover larger areas, like your cheeks and forehead, and the tip to get into hard-to-reach creases, like the corners of your eyes and nose. If it’s sheer coverage you’re after, dampen your blender first or use it dry to build-up coverage. Instead of sweeping or wiping, use a ‘dabbing’ motion.

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Whether your foundation is nowhere to be seen come 10.30am, or you’re finding that it makes dry patches more prominent, chances are it’s your skincare that’s the problem. Create a good foundation for your base by buffing away dulling dead skin cells with a grainy scrub like Botanics Radiant Youth Refining Microdermabrasion Polish, £9.99, Boots and add hydration with a lightweight moisturiser. Cien Hydro Expert Aqua Gel, £2.99, Lidl, is a real bargain.

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Know your undertone

To find a shade as similar to your skin as possible, it’s helpful to work out whether your skin has cool, warm or neutral undertones. The easiest way to check is with jewellery – if your skin looks healthiest when you hold something silver, you have cool undertones. If your skin looks best when next to gold, you have warm undertones. Can’t see any difference? Chances are you have a neutral undertone to your complexion. Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation, £29.50, Debenhams, comes in over 50 shades with three clear undertones to choose from.

Beauty

8

Brush works

Think there’s only one type of foundation brush? Think again! Use a nice fluffy brush for a smattering of product on areas that don’t need much, a small one for targeted application on pesky zits and a flat-topped brush with densely packed bristles for when and where you need more coverage. B. Powder Brush, £8.99, Superdrug, Real Techniques Expert Concealer Brush, £7.99, and Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush, £17, are our top picks for base brushes.

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There’s no denying matte foundations have brilliant staying power, but the thick consistency means they’re often too heavy on mature skin. Rubbishing the myth that all powder formulas look ‘flat’, BareMinerals Original Foundation, £24.30, remains one of the glowiest foundations we’ve ever tried. But if you don’t want to invest in a new product until you’ve used up your matte one, loosen it up by mixing in No7 Custom Blend Highlighting Drops, £13.50, Boots.

If you’re fearful of looking overly made up, opt for a sheer formula like the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, £35. Toeing the line between skincare and make-up, it gives just a hint of coverage. But if you’re after something that won’t budge and can handle a night out, Maybelline Superstay 24h Full Coverage Foundation, £9.99, Boots, is a must. It can cover up imperfections without caking.

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Don’t go too dark

If it’s tanned skin you’re after, going one shade darker won’t help. The best way to add natural-looking warmth to your complexion is to apply bronzer.

Dust it onto the parts of your face the sun hits (tops of cheeks, nose and forehead). Max Factor Bronzer, £9.99, Boots, has a great mix of shades to see you through.

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Consider your skin type

If your skin is oily, opt for something a little heavier – it’s the one exception to our ‘no matte’ rule. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, £31, Boots, has brilliant staying power. If dry skin is your concern, try Revolution Conceal & Hydrate Radiance Foundation, £9, Superdrug. It nourishes and plumps skin as you wear it.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WORDS: JESS BEECH. PHOTOS: GETTY

6

Avoid matte

Choose the right coverage

29

The unspoken

SECRET

MARRIAGE A wife reveals the shocking way she and her husband have kept their relationship alive

I

f you’ve been married for several decades, as I have, here’s a game you’ve probably played. I ask myself: if I could go back – 37 years – would I have gone ahead, when I was 22, with my wedding? The years since have been eventful, with the arrival of three wonderful children topping the list. But there has also been infidelity, arguments, separation and sexual stalemate. There have been times when my husband John has been the last person with whom I would want to share my deepest feelings. Some nights, I have silently cried myself to sleep beside him. Other nights, I have shared a bed with other men, who I have connected with in a way I never have with my husband.

So, given my time over, if I’d known then how complicated and exhausting this marriage would be, surely I’d have backtracked down that aisle and waited for someone else with whom I might have had an easier ride? Only I wouldn’t.

I’d marry him again. Because, despite everything, John has always supported me in my sometimes inconvenient career, 30

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plus he’s clever, funny and a dedicated co-parent. Yet our marriage has taught me that one person can never fulfil all our needs. It’s taught me, too, to see affairs in a different light, because my marriage wouldn’t have survived if my husband and I hadn’t both had other lovers.

None of this was in my mind on my wedding morning in 1982. Back then, I believed in the ‘happy ever after’ notion of marriage.

I got pregnant soon after, and for the next 12 years, our children were my focus.

Looking back, I was so immersed in their needs, I failed to notice that John and I were increasingly disconnected. I

suspected he was having an affair long before I chanced upon the text message from his colleague, Helen, that confirmed it. I was shocked, but our youngest was only six, and I didn’t want our kids to grow up with divorced parents. Through tears, I begged John to stop seeing Helen. He seemed to think the idea that he’d leave me was ridiculous. Yet I was consumed with jealousy and insecurity for months, especially when he was travelling for work, as Helen was on some of those trips.

One day, certain the affair was still going on, I phoned the hotel and asked to be put through to Helen’s room. But

‘I BEGGED JOHN TO STOP’

Real Life he mentioned that she and her husband were moving to Australia. A few years earlier, I’d probably have felt differently, but now I understood his terrible sadness and could see how much he’d miss her.

I made extra efforts to arrange dinners, theatre trips, weekends away to cheer him up. We never spoke about her, but I knew he realised I was trying to help, and appreciated it. It’s strange, but Helen’s departure brought us closer.

before the call was connected, I panicked and hung up, realising I’d become obsessed. Whatever John was up to, or not up to, it was ruining my life, and it hit me that I didn’t have to let it.

Coming to a realisation I couldn’t change him, but I could change

myself. Soon after this, I went back to college and began a new career in recruitment, which brought travel opportunities. After many years at home, it was now my turn to be the globetrotter, while John was the on-duty parent.

Jetting off one morning on an early flight to the US, I remember thinking, ‘Will he use this as an opportunity to see Helen?’

Then I realised he’d be lucky to find the

time: three children are a handful.

One evening at a hotel in Canada, I was working in the lobby when a gorgeous man called Paul asked if I’d like to go out for a drink. ‘Why not?’ I thought. It was an instant attraction: I knew, from the moment we smiled at one another, that we’d end up in bed. John and I hadn’t discussed non-monogamy, but knowing he’d had an affair meant I didn’t feel bound by vows. The next morning, I felt alive in a way I hadn’t for ages.

At home, John and I were close – and despite the work and family pressures, enjoyed being together. More importantly, our children were happy. Then came disaster for John. I was convinced he still saw Helen occasionally, and one evening

to redraw the lines of our marriage and recommit to it, but we didn’t. One day, I went for coffee with a client who I’d only ever communicated with by email and was struck by how attractive, funny and intelligent he was. He was 15 years younger than me but we ‘got’ each other in ways neither of us had experienced.

Within weeks, we were inseparable, messaging constantly, meeting up for snatched afternoons in hotels. We were in love. He had a three-year-old daughter, so quitting his marriage was never on the cards, nor was leaving mine – so in that sense, our affair was balanced. Gradually, however, the strain of our double life took its toll and he left me to make things work with his wife. I miss him terribly, but I understand. Dealing with the fallout has been lonely but, oddly enough, the person who understood was John. I never told him what had happened, but he guessed.

And just as I’d been there for him when Helen left, he was there for me.

I’m not sure how much our children know, but I suspect they have an inkling.

What I’ve learnt from it all is that a marriage contract is negotiable. It’s a fiction of our age to believe infidelity is the end. John and I were young when we got married, and in the years since, we’ve sometimes needed the heady excitement of love affairs and the joy of a passionate sex life. That hasn’t meant we’ve wanted to leave our marriage for it, nor has it meant we’ve checked out on getting the kids’ uniforms ready for school or sorting out the broken dishwasher.

Neither have the affairs affected our ability to join forces when needed and steer our family through choppy waters, such as serious illness, financial difficulties and the loss of our parents.

But we’ve had times when we needed the support and love the other one wasn’t able to provide, and both accept – without ever having to outrightly discuss it – that it is OK. Because ultimately, we need many relationships in our lives, and for some of us that’s true of our intimate relationships, too.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

31

‘JOHN’, ‘HELEN’ AND ‘PAUL’ ARE NOT THEIR REAL NAMES. WORDS: GIULIA CROUCH © TELEGRAPH MEDIA GROUP LIMITED. PHOTOS: GETTY

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B L 2 PER WEEK

✱ Add a small, doable activity to your day, like taking the stairs or parking further away from the shops. ✱ Make the most of the weekend – take a long family walk, go for a bike ride or take a swimming class. ✱ Make fitness even more fun – go bowling instead of going to the cinema or choose badminton over the pub. ✱ Try WW’s FitPoints 2.0 and choose your activity based on what will have the greatest health payoffs. To add extra flexibility to your eating, you can add activities into your SmartPoints budget.

Building on the success of SmartPoints® and ZeroPoint™ foods – the foods that form the basis of healthy eating habits – WW is introducing myWW, its most customised weight✱ For this plan select the colour plan loss programme ever. With three ways you think best suits you or find out what to follow the programme (Green, Blue WW recommends via a self-assessment or Purple) based on individual food on the WW app. preferences and lifestyle behaviours, ✱ Here, you’ll find breakfasts, lunches and myWW gives your body what it needs dinners ranging from 0 SmartPoints to 10, without you going hungry. plus desserts, snacks and drinks ideas. ✱ Green: 100+ ZeroPoint foods, with ✱ To keep things flexible, mix and match a minimum 30 SmartPoints budget to meals to form your own weekly meal plan spend on other foods. Ideal for those based on the minimum daily budget for who love to eat out and grab 'n' go. your chosen colour (see right). ✱ Blue: 200+ ZeroPoint ✱ There’s a variety of fresh foods to build your meals fruits and veg throughout around, with a minimum the plan to help you get 23 SmartPoints your five a day, but budget. (Current feel free to switch Every food and drink has a WW members will them up for your SmartPoints value: one simple recognise this plan seasonal favourites. number based on calories, protein, as WW Freestyle). ✱ Drink six to eight saturated fat and sugar. Protein drives ✱ Purple: 300+ glasses of fluid a the value down; sugar and saturated ZeroPoint foods day. This includes fat drive it up. Join WW and you’ll and a minimum 16 coffee, tea, milk, no have a personalised SmartPoints SmartPoints budget. added sugar squash, Budget based on your age, Great for carb lovers! diet drinks and water. weight, height and gender.

HOW IT WORKS...

What’s a SmartPoint?

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BREAKFASTS

FRENCH TOAST WITH STRAWBERRY SAUCE Serves 4 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 8 mins Make a sauce by combining 300g hulled and chopped strawberries and 60ml water in a small saucepan set over a low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 mins, until the berries soften. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 15g granulated sugar until dissolved. Set aside. To make the French toast, beat together 4 medium eggs, 80ml skimmed milk, 1tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of ground cinnamon in large shallow bowl.

Dip 8 x 35g slices of brown bread, one slice at a time, into the egg mixture until well coated on both sides. Brush a frying pan with 1tsp olive oil and set over a medium heat. Cook the French toast, in batches, until deep golden for about 2 mins per side, transferring to a plate as you go and covering to keep warm. Place 2 pieces of French toast on each plate.

Spoon the strawberry sauce on top.

SMARTPOINTS: Green 8 | Blue 6 | Purple 6

Eat Well, Feel Great

LUNCHES

Butternut squash, apple and ginger soup

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, APPLE AND GINGER SOUP Serves 4 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 30 mins Mist a large pan with calorie controlled cooking spray and set over a medium-low heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 1tbsp grated fresh ginger and 2 crushed garlic cloves and cook for 6-8 mins until the onion is soft.

Add 500g prepared butternut squash, 2 peeled, cored and chopped Cox apples and 750ml stock (made with 1 vegetable stock cube) and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 mins, until the vegetables and apples are soft. Season well. Using a stick blender or food processor, blitz until smooth. Ladle into bowls then swirl 1tbsp 0% fat natural Greek yogurt and 1tsp pumpkin seeds into each bowl.

SMARTPOINTS: Green 1 | Blue 1 | Purple 1

Sticky sausage open sandwich

STICKY SAUSAGE OPEN SANDWICH Serves 2 | Prep 5 mins | Cook 30 mins Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Place 3 Quorn sausages and 1 red onion cut into wedges in a small roasting tin. Drizzle with 1tsp olive oil and bake for 25 mins, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

Dot the sausages and onions with 2tbsp redcurrant jelly and sprinkle with a pinch of chilli flakes. Bake for another 5 mins, until sticky. Slice the sausages thickly on the diagonal. Divide the sliced sausages, onions and 25g rocket between 2 x 22g slices of calorie controlled bread, and serve straight away.

SMARTPOINTS: Green 7 | Blue 7 | Purple 7 AVOCADO AND BOILED EGG ON TOAST Serves 1 | Prep 5 mins | Cook 2 mins Put 40g sliced avocado on a toasted 50g slice of sourdough bread and gently mash with a fork. Arrange 1 sliced boiled egg on top and season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chilli flakes.

SMARTPOINTS: Green 8 | Blue 6 | Purple 6

PANZANELLA Serves 4 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 30 mins Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Put 4 mixed peppers in a roasting tin and mist with calorie controlled cooking spray. Roast for 25-30 mins, until softened. Remove from the oven, put the peppers in a bowl and cover with cling film.

Once cool, peel off the skin, halve, remove the seeds and slice into thick strips. Meanwhile, put 175g sliced ciabatta on a baking sheet and mist with cooking spray. Bake until golden and crisp.

Remove from the oven and rub the toasts with the cut sides of 2 halved garlic cloves. Break i to chunky croutons. Put 800g chopped ixed tomatoes in a mixing bowl with the eppers and 2tsp capers. Whisk together bsp olive oil and 2tbsp white wine vinegar, eason well, then add to the bowl with the outons and 30g chopped fresh basil. Mix ell. Let the salad sit for 10 mins then serve.

MARTPOINTS: Green 6 | Blue 6 | Purple 6

HICKEN AND CANNELLINI BEAN SALAD erves 2 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 10 mins eat a nonstick frying pan over a mediumgh heat and mist with calorie controlled ooking spray. Fry 250g skinless chicken reast fillets for 8-10 mins, turning every now and then, until cooked through. Remove Panzanella (above) om the heat and set aside to rest. Put a and chicken and 00g tin drained and rinsed cannellini cannellini bean salad eans in a large bowl, then add ½ finely opped red onion, 250g chopped cherry matoes, 1tbsp parsley and the chicken. ss to combine. In a bowl, whisk together sp olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon and a nch of smoked paprika. Drizzle over the ad, season, toss to combine, then serve.

MARTPOINTS: Green 6 | ue 2 | Purple 2

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DINNERS

ITALIAN-STYLE STEAK AND VEGETABLE TAGLIATELLE Serves 4 | Prep 15 mins | Cook 10 mins Mist a frying pan with calorie controlled cooking spray and heat over a mediumhigh heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook, stirring, for 2-3 mins. Add 1 diced aubergine and 2 diced courgettes, and cook, stirring, for 7-8 mins. Stir in 3 diced tomatoes and 2 crushed garlic cloves, cover and cook over a medium heat for 3-5 mins. Stir in 1tbsp roughly chopped basil and season to taste, then remove from the heat and set aside.

Cook 200g wholewheat tagliatelle according to the pack instructions, until al dente. Drain and keep warm. Lightly spray a griddle pan with cooking spray and heat over a high heat. Season 4 x 120g beef frying steaks. Cook for about 2 mins on each side, depending on how you like them cooked. Serve with the vegetables and pasta, garnished with 1tbsp chopped parsley.

SMARTPOINTS: Green 8 | Blue 8 | Purple 3

Chickpea vegetable curry

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HICKPEA VEGETABLE CURRY erves 4 | Prep 10 mins | Cook 25 mins ook 200g brown rice according to the pack instructions. eanwhile, mist a large nonstick frying pan with calorie ontrolled cooking spray and add 1 chopped onion and chopped aubergine. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for -7 mins, until softened. Add 4 chopped garlic cloves, 1tsp ghtly crushed cumin seeds, 6 cardamom pods, 5 cloves, pinch of chilli flakes and 1tsp nigella seeds, and cook for mins, stirring all the time. Stir in 1tsp turmeric and cook for min, then add a 400g tin drained and rinsed chickpeas, 250ml stock (made with ½ vegetable stock cube) and 3 chopped tomatoes. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 mins over a medium-high heat. Add 100g spinach and cook for min or until wilted. Season to taste. Serve in warmed shallow bowls with the rice and 75g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt divided between the bowls.

SMARTPOINTS: Green 7 | Blue 5 | Purple 1

Eat Well, Feel Great GINGER SALMON WITH SPICY DHAL Serves 4 | Prep 20 mins | Cook 20 mins Mix 50g grated fresh ginger and 3 grated garlic cloves with 1tbsp water to make a paste. Add 1tbsp mustard seeds and a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Spread the paste over 4 x 120g salmon fillets and marinate for at least 1 hr. For the dhal, bring a large pan of water to the boil, add 300g red lentils and simmer for 20-25 mins, until tender.

Drain. Meanwhile dry-fry 1tsp cumin seeds over a medium heat until they start to pop.

Remove from the pan and set aside. Add ½tbsp olive oil to the pan and fry 1 finely

chopped onion over a medium-low heat for 5 mins until soft. Add 1 finely chopped green chilli and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves and cook for 2 mins, before adding 1tbsp garam masala and 1tsp turmeric. Return the toasted cumin seeds to the pan and cook the mixture for 2-3 mins. Remove from the heat and stir into the lentils, with 4 finely chopped tomatoes and 260g spinach. Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and top with the salmon fillets. Bake for 12-15 mins until the salmon is opaque. Serve with the spicy lentil dhal.

SMARTPOINTS: Green 11 | Blue 1 | Purple 1

Italian-style steak and vegetable tagliatelle

Get one month FREE and save up to £32.95!

WORTH OVER

Boost your weight loss motivation and get your healthy lifestyle off to a great start by joining WW, with a WW coach who knows WW inside out.

Use this exclusive Woman reader offer to receive your first month of the WW Workshop + Digital programme free. Only £22.95 per month after, based on a three month commitment term.

Visit WW.com/uk/woman-offer to redeem before midnight, 21 January 2020.

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SNACKS

✱ 1½tbsp reduced-fat houmous with 3 x 7g plain rice cakes Green 5 | Blue 5 | Purple 5 ✱ Low-fat chocolate mousse Green 4 | Blue 4 | Purple 4 ✱ Small skimmed-milk cappuccino Green 2 | Blue 2 | Purple 2 ✱ 18g bag Walkers French Fries (any flavour) Green 2 | Blue 2 | Purple 2 ✱ WW bar (any flavour) Green 2 | Blue 2 | Purple 2

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PHOTOS: KRIS KIRKHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

SIGN UP TO WW DIGITAL OR JOINA WWWORKSHOP TO FIND OUT YOUR PERSONALISED SMARTPOINTS BUDGET

Ginger salmon with spicy dhal

35

HOT BUYS to try

NOT JUST ANY VEGANUARY…

M&S has added over 100 delicious new vegan-friendly products to its Plant Kitchen range, including two plant-based versions of comfort favourites – Tofish & Chips with vegan tartare sauce and No Chicken Kiev, oozing with garlicky vegan butter. So tasty the whole family will love them. £3.50 each, serves 2.

SAFETY FIRST

tylish and functional, Viners’ new ssure collection of kitchen knives as been designed to help reduce ife-related injuries, with the pointed tip removed in favour of a more ounded shape. There are six knives the range, including a paring knife £3.99), chefs knife (£5.99) and bread knife (£5.99). Available from Dunelm from the end of January.

TASTE THE WORLD

Waitrose & Partners has added lots of great new products to its Cooks’ Ingredients range so you can try exciting flavours from all over the globe.

There’s cuttlefish ink (£3.50, 90g), a natural black dye with a taste of the sea that gives a dramatic look to paella, risotto and pizza, chermoula (£1.75, 95g), a Moroccan spice blend you can use as a marinade or dressing, or Vietnamese cà ri gà paste (£2.09, 180g), for an instant spicy flavour boost to any simple stew.

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OATLY’S NEW CHOCOLATE DELUXE IS READY TO POUR FOR A CHILLED VEGAN SHAKE OR WARMED FOR HOT CHOCOLATE. £1.99, 1L, ASDA AND OCADO. Katsu curry kit

If you’re a fan of Japanese katsu curry, deliciously crispy breadcrumbed chicken or vegetables served with a fruity sauce, make it easily at home with Miso Tasty Katsu Curry Kit. It includes katsu sauce and panko breadcrumbs – just add chicken, tofu or sweet potato and rice. £2.49, serves 2, Ocado and Sainsbury’s.

Food News

NOT SEEN THAT EFORE!

Try a

Three healthy veggie snacks

TREND

1

BLACK EYED PEA PUFFS Bepps, the black eyed pea puff brand, has added a tangy Salt & Vinegar flavour to its range. Just 90 cals a serving, they’re lower in fat and sugar and higher in protein and fibre than traditional crisps, £1.79, 70g, Tesco.

2

MOROCCAN FALAFELS Cauldron’s best-selling Moroccan Falafels have gone vegan by replacing honey with agave. Great for lunch with hummus, or with a veg tagine for dinner. £2.25, 180g, Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

3

SOUTHERN FRIED POPPERS Think delicious popcorn chicken but meat-free and healthier.

Quorn’s new Southern Fried Poppers are high in fibre and made with sustainable plant-based protein in a tasty crispy breadcrumb coating. £1.25, 60g, Sainsbury’s.

DAIRY-FREE MOZZARELLA

Anything plant-based is a huge trend, but it’s taken a while to develop decent dairy-free cheese, so vegan pizzas have been few and far between. Co-op’s new GRO brand includes a Kashmiri Spice Pizza topped with spiced cauliflower, red chillies and MozzaRisella, a cheese alternative made from brown rice sprouts. £3.50, serves 1, from 8 January.

INDULGE AND ENJOY

Beat the January blues with one of Pati & Coco’s gloriously indulgent desserts. Crack through the dark chocolate shell to find layers of rich Belgian chocolate ganache and a crunchy biscuit base. Available in four irresistible flavours (Praline, Caramel, Ganache or Pistachio) they’re pure pleasure. £3.50, 2x80g, Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Booths.

COMPILED BY: NICHOLA PALMER

BOOZE

NEWS

This week’s top tipples all impress with less, whether it’s low calories, low alcohol or low cost, including a white wine at £3 off, a floral mixer and a light gin in a tin.

SLIM GIN IN A TIN Tesco Low Alcohol G&T with reduced-calorie tonic gives you all the flavour of a London dry gin and tonic but with less than 0.5% ABV and only 12 calories – great for portion control. £1.

1/3 OFF WINE OFFER M&S has some great wine deals until 27 January, including a crisp dry Côte de Charme Sauvignon Blanc, down from £9 to £6. Perfect with fish pie or roast chicken.

MAKE STIR-FRIES EXTRA TASTY WITH LEE KUM KEE SESAME WOK OIL FOR A NUTTY FLAVOUR. £2.29, 207ML, TESCO AND SAINSBURY’S. HIBISCUS MIXER Merchant’s Heart Hibiscus Tonic Water is a refreshing no-alcohol drink that’s both citrusy and fragrant with a hint of bitterness. Mix with a spirit or drink on its own. £1.30, 200ml, Sainsbury’s.

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Sizzling

Feeling chilly?

Ching-He Huang shares some flavour-packed dishes to warm you up

suppers

Ching’s tip For a smooth, cooked sauce, strain through a sieve and discard the whole spices, or just eat around them!

Ching’s braised hong sao pork Sweet and salty spiced pork belly in a deliciously sticky sauce.

SERVES 4 ✱ 700g pork belly slices, rindless ✱ 2tbsp rapeseed or groundnut oil ✱ 1tbsp fresh ginger, grated and peeled ✱ 3tbsp Shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry ✱ 3 star anise ✱ 1tsp whole Sichuan peppercorns ✱ 3 long, whole, dried red chillies ✱ 250ml chicken stock ✱ 80ml dark soy sauce ✱ 3tbsp soft brown sugar ✱ Pinch of salt

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1 Bring 11/2ltr water to the boil in a large pan. Add the pork belly slices and simmer over a medium heat for 30 minutes. Remove the pork and drain well, then pat dry with piece of kitchen paper and slice into 2cm x 2cm pieces.

2 Heat a wok over a medium heat, add the rapeseed or groundnut oil and give the oil a swirl, covering the base of the wok. Add the pork pieces and brown for around 2 minutes, then add the ginger, rice wine or dry sherry, the star anise,

Sichuan peppercorns, dried chillies, chicken stock, dark soy sauce, brown sugar and salt. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook over a medium heat for 45 minutes, until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly and is a glossy, reddish-brown colour.

3 Remove from the heat and serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried greens of your choice.

Per serving: 674 cals, 47g fat, 16.2g carbohydrates

Recipes Ching’s tip Adding fresh chilli and basil at the end of cooking, just before serving, really gives a fresh flavour hit

Thai green sweet potato curry Roasted potatoes in a Thai-spiced coconut curry sauce… and it’s vegan!

SERVES 2 ✱ 300g sweet potatoes, cut into 21/2cm chunks ✱ Pinch of salt ✱ 1-2tbsp rapeseed oil For the curry ✱ 1tbsp rapeseed oil ✱ 21/2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated ✱ 2 small baby shallots, sliced, or 1/2 white onion, diced ✱ 1 stalk of lemongrass, any tough outer leaf discarded, cut into 4cm slices ✱ 2tbsp Thai green curry paste ✱ 1tbsp tamari or low-sodium, light soy sauce ✱ 200ml coconut milk ✱ 300ml vegetable stock ✱ pinch of salt ✱ 100g sugar snap peas or mangetout, whole ✱ Thai basil leaves ✱ 1 red chilli, seeds in, sliced

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4.

Put the sweet potatoes on a baking tray and season with the salt and oil. Roast for 30–35 minutes.

2 For the curry, heat a wok over a medium heat, add the rapeseed oil and swirl. Stir-fry the ginger, shallots or onion and lemongrass for a few seconds.

3 Add the curry paste and tamari or soy sauce and stir around to distribute in the wok. Add the roasted sweet potatoes, followed by the coconut milk and vegetable stock and bring to the boil. The sweet potatoes should look lightly crisp and browned at the edges.

4 Add the salt and sugar snap peas or mangetout and cook for 30 seconds. Garnish with the basil and sliced chilli. Spoon out and serve with jasmine rice.

Per serving: 471 cals, 29.6g fat, 46.7g carbohydrates

Taiwanese-style seafood ‘pancake’

Savoury pancakes in a wok! Pancake day and Chinese New Year sorted in one tasty dish.

SERVES 2 ✱ 40g potato flour ✱ 40g cornflour ✱ 2 spring onions, diced ✱ 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely diced ✱ 2tbsp rapeseed oil ✱ 100g fresh mixed seafood (squid rings, mussels and tiger prawns) ✱ 2 eggs ✱ 75g pak choy, each leaf sliced down the stalk into 5mm strips ✱ Sliced spring onions, to garnish For the sweet hot sauce ✱ 2tbsp hoisin sauce ✱ 2tbsp oyster sauce ✱ 2tsp sriracha chilli sauce 1 Combine all the ingredients for the sweet hot sauce and set aside.

Mix the potato flour and cornflour in 80ml cold water, then add the spring onions and chilli.

2 Heat a wok over a medium heat, add 1tbsp of the rapeseed oil and give the oil a swirl to cover the base. Add half the mixed seafood and fry for a few seconds, then add half the spring onion and chilli mixture.

Lightly beat one of the eggs and add to the wok with half the pak choy.

3 Cook for 2–3 minutes until the potato starch has turned translucent. Spoon out onto a serving plate and cover with foil to keep it warm. Make the second ‘pancake’ in the same way, using the remaining ingredients.

4 To serve, drizzle with the sweet hot sauce and garnish with some sliced spring onions.

Per serving: 415 cals, 17.4g fat, 48g carbohydrates

Ching’s tip For a veggie pancake, replace the seafood with a mixture of different types of mushrooms.

Wok On by Ching-He Huang, £20, Kyle Books.

Photography by Tamin Jones.

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39

MEET THE

SIDE HUSTLERS

These two women have found a fun way to top up their income

‘OTHER MUMS RAVED ABOUT IT’ Lisa Bonner, 42, lives in Hamble with her husband Nick, 48, and children, India, nine, Maddison, seven, and Sienna, four.

Frenetic screams wrenched me from sleep at 2am, making me leap out of bed and dash into my nine-month-old girl India’s nursery. Sure enough, she was lying in her cot, distraught because her dummy had fallen out. The moment I replaced it, her screams evaporated.

Since she’d been born in August 2010, India had slept well, eaten plenty and delighted Nick and I with her giggles. But she was obsessed with dummies, always trying to cram two in her mouth while clinging on to more with her tiny hands.

By August 2012, we had Maddison, too, but just the thought of weaning India off the dummy made me anxious.

‘We’ll need a gentle approach,’ I told Nick when India was three and I couldn’t put it off any longer. By now 40

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I was back at my job as a marketing director, so I decided to slowly introduce the idea at bedtimes.

I came up with the dummy fairies, who collected Lisa with India and dummies from Maddison in 2012 children who didn’t need them any more. ‘They give them to babies who do,’ I smiled, and India listened wide-eyed as I recounted their adventures. After a few weeks, she came to me before bed with her dummies in hand. ‘I’m ready to give them to the fairies now,’ she said. I was so proud.

Maddison never relied on a dummy, but our third daughter Sienna did, after she was born in January 2015. One day, I overheard India telling Sienna, then

fairies, and she loved it, gradually giving hers up, too. I started sharing my trick with fellow mums, even writing down the stories and handing out copies at the school gates, and when it worked, they raved about it.

In January 2017, I decided to publish my creation. Nick, a professional sailor, sold his little sailing boat and gave me the £3,000 to launch my idea. Grateful for his faith in me, I enlisted my friend Dan, a graphic designer, to illustrate the book.

More than half set up their side projects for lack of finding a full-time job they love

Real Life

‘IT’S MY PASSION, IT’S ALMOST LIKE THERAPY’

Nicola Parrott, 37, lives in Cardiff with her five-year-old twins, Chloe and Abigail.

Putting the finishing touches to the special cake I’d baked for my friend’s engagement party, I stepped back and admired my work. Glacé fruits and gold detailing of my own creation adorned the three-tier cake – and, truth be told, I was proud of the result. Tomorrow, I’d be back to work at my demanding job in healthcare redesign and planning with the NHS, commuting three hours for daily meetings, but for now, elbow deep in icing, I felt all that stress ebb away.

Baking started as a hobby after Chloe and Abigail were born in September 2014. As a newborn, Abigail was diagnosed as coeliac, meaning she couldn’t eat gluten, and for their first birthday I’d struggled to find a cake to suit her dietary requirements.

Relaxing and fun

I’d been made redundant by then, but my side project worked well around the girls and my new job as a uniform supplier. By November, I was holding the first copy of The Story of the Dummy Fairies. ‘I can’t believe it,’ I gasped.

WORDS: MISHAAL KHAN. PHOTOS: GETTY

Fairy dust Now, two years on, I’ve also created

a package, including a letter from the fairies, a bag in which to collect the dummies, a certificate, and biodegradable glitter as fairy dust. Last year, we sold over 1,000 books, earning over £5,000. I’m planning sequels, and this side hustle will eventually become my primary income. For now, I’m just happy the dummy fairies brought magic into my kids’ lives – and mine, too. ✱ The Story of the Dummy Fairies package by Lisa Bonner (£12.99) is available at fairiesaway.com and Amazon

‘I’ll just make my own,’ I thought in the end. I’d baked in the past, but never seriously, yet I didn’t let that deter me. I used gluten-free flour, and spent four days making a Minions cake for Abigail and a dinosaur cake for Chloe.

The girls’ faces lit up when they saw them and, judging by the speed their slices disappeared, it tasted great, as well.

Baking had been so relaxing and fun, almost like therapy, that I found myself whipping up cake batter in the evenings.

Not only did I love seeing the finished results, but it was the perfect way to de-stress after long working hours and racing around after the kids.

Friends tried my creations, and soon started asking for cakes for various occasions. After making a three-tiered one for my friend’s engagement, I did an 18th-birthday cake for a colleague’s son and then a wedding cake for my friend. It was a huge challenge, and a big responsibility, and as I spent hours perfecting my sugar flowers at the dining table, I handed Chloe

A third of side hustlers hope to turn their projects into businesses in the future

Nicola spends hours perfecting her creations

and Abigail a ball of gum paste each and giggled as I watched them try to make them, too. After 20 hours of preparation, followed by 30 hours in the kitchen, I pulled it off, and my friend was thrilled with the results. As a guest at the wedding, I was nervous as the cake was unveiled, but thrilled by the feedback.

‘Usually these cakes look great but taste dreadful. This one tastes fantastic!’ said one guest.

I don’t charge much, enough to cover the ingredients and a little more for my time, making a couple of thousand pounds a year, which I invest back into supplies. Recently, I also ran an informal course, teaching a friend and her mum how to make sugar flowers.

Working in healthcare is in my blood – my brother is a doctor, my mother was a nurse, so working with the NHS is important to me – but the kitchen is my happy place, and it would be my dream, one day, to be able to afford to move in there full time. ✱ Check out Nicola’s cakes at kaleidoscopecakes.co.uk

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Move over brass and gold.

It’s all about silver metallics this season Orla

pendant light, £50, Matalan

Velvet mirror, £59, Cult Furniture

Wyatt wall clock, £16, Laura Ashley Tassel candleholder, £12, River Island Jug, £9.99, Aldi

Rebel three-seater sofa, £899, snugshack.co.uk

Embellished cushions

Bring a little glitz and glam to the look with these sparkling cushions.

COMPILED BY: ESME CLEMO

Harper stool, £99, Next

Fringe cushion, £9, George Home

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Sequin border cushion, £12, Matalan

Metallic stripe cushion, £10, Next

Homes

Cosy throws

Mix and match different textures, layering shades of grey in your accessories.

Chelsea three-seater sofa, £549.99, palm cushion, £14, Bianco smoked mirror side table, £149.99, vase, £12, sparkling lamp, £18, candle, £9, and similar round faceted mirror, £50, all Argos

Faux-fur throw, £40, JD Williams

Fleece throw, £35, Cult Furniture

Woven throw, £18, Sainsbury’s

Bee cloche, £15, M&S

Floor lamp, £59, British Heart Foundation Candle, £12, River Island

Trinket tray, £17.50, Laura Ashley

Wine glass, £1, Poundland

Decorative tray, £12, Tesco

Luxe Damask wallpaper, £12.98 a roll, wallpaperdirect.com WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Ask SUZIE

AM I MISSING SOMETHING?

Q

I’ve worked hard all my life. My parents were well off – I mean, well off enough not to have to work level, but we were brought up to pay our own way and put back into society.

My husband died four years ago and I’m about to retire. I’ve been seeing a man for six months and always liked him as an easy going, relaxed sort of person. Then my mother died and since my father has been dead for some time, my siblings and I have inherited quite a lot. I intend to go travelling, volunteering and supporting charities. But my man has changed. He says I shouldn’t waste my money or time on other people. He makes horrible remarks and has become rude and insensitive. When I say anything, he says he’s just joking. Is it my sense of humour that’s the problem?

Suzie says

A

No, it’s this man who is the problem.

I suspect his easy going nature was based on the security of knowing his woman might provide for him. Now his fruit machine has paid off, his true nature is emerging. He sounds selfish, entitled and unpleasant. His behaviour is one big gigantic warning bell. It’s a bit of a cliché, and thus only too true, that you should never trust anyone who is rude to anyone below them. I’m sure your family will support you as you rid yourself of this gold-digger.

She’s offending me

Q

My sister-in-law is really getting on my nerves. The ridiculous part is that the thing she does to me that upsets me, may soon come back to haunt her. She and her husband are having problems conceiving and he’s said they may adopt. I pointed out I was adopted and ever since then she has bombed me with ‘sympathy’. She goes on and on about adopted children

GET IN CONTACT

arsh Wall, ily Dilemmas, 161 M m Fa at e zi Su to e Writ ail with you can send an em .

London E14 9AP, or ksuzie@ti-media.com as to m le ob pr al on your pers Susan Philippa, Linda and Dr to e rit w so al n You ca an email s above or send them es dr ad al st po e th at ia.com to woman@ti-med with your problem 44

Never trust someone who is rude to those who are below them

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

feeling like outsiders, knowing a parent abandoned them. It doesn’t matter how much I try to quietly say those who brought me up were my real parents, she won’t shut up. What can I do?

Suzie says

A

First, understand she’s grieving the loss of the opportunity to bear a child. Her husband seems to have made the journey but she’s not there yet. However, understanding her pain is not the same as sitting back and letting her ride roughshod over your feelings. So stop being quiet, say loudly and clearly, ‘No, that’s not at all how I experienced it. Please stop using those words.’

COULD IT BE MY PARTNER’S CHILD?

Q

My partner had a relationship with someone who was abusive.

She was violent and spent all his money. Now, 10 years after he left her, the CMS have got in touch saying that he fathered her child and he has to pay maintenance. He says he always used condoms and then got a vasectomy so the child can’t be his but what can he do?

Suzie says

A

The long delay in asking for support, and the fact that the request comes from the CMS and not her, suggests it may be that she is under pressure about benefits and she has named him. So he should demand a paternity test. Of course if they do a test and it is not his, he will be in the clear. But what if it is his? Go to relate.org.uk or Family Lives helpline on 0808 800 2222 for support. And it would help to talk this through with a solicitor.

PHOTOS (AS POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

Ask the EXPERTS

Solve your family dilemmas with expert advice

Ask DR PHILIPPA Woman’s GP Dr Philippa Kaye answers your questions

Desperate to stay young

Q

I know I sound like I’m sulking but I don’t want to get old. I don’t want the alternative either but I’m 58, I feel great and am really active. I’m frightened of the prospect of ageing; is there anything I can do to feel younger for longer?

Philippa says

A

An anti-ageing medication would be wonderful, but unfortunately there is no such thing, though

AM I AT RISK?

Q

I take ranitidine for heartburn and my doctor just phoned me to say it could be causing cancer and that I have to change to another medication. Am I at risk?

Philippa says

PHOTOS (AS POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. * INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES

A

Companies have initiated a global recall for products containing ranitidine, which is available on prescription and over the counter, under brand names such as Zantac. This is because there is a possibility (not a definite) that an impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine is present, which is a probable carcinogen, in that it can cause cancer. This doesn’t mean that you should stop until you speak to your GP. As they have offered an alternative, this is likely a safer option.

3

WAYS TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH THIS WEEK The scientists have spoken!

Try these easy ways to achieve a happier, healthier life

there is lots of research going into this area. However, there are things that you can do; firstly stop smoking if you smoke as this has a significant impact on health. Keep physically active as much as possible, including some resistance exercise, which includes carrying shopping bags, eating healthily and staying sociable. Make sure that you see a GP occasionally to check your blood pressure too!

Tips to stop my cancer recurring

Q

I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have had both surgery and radiotherapy. The doctors say that they’ve got it all and that hopefully everything should be fine, though I have to take medication for a few years. Is there anything else I can do to stop the cancer coming back?

Philippa says

A

There are actually things that you can do to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence. These include stopping smoking and trying to keep your weight at a healthy level, as well as sticking to the limits with regards to alcohol, so no more than 14 units per week. Recently, guidance says that exercise can reduce recurrence.

Physical activity has long been known to help deal with side effects of cancer treatment, but even after treatment, regular exercise can decrease the risk of recurrence.

Check Three in one on your elders

Keeping in touch with older people who may be feeling lonely can make a huge difference, says research from Age UK. But it doesn’t just help them – volunteering gives you a sense of purpose.

I MIGHT HAVE TO SKIP MY SMEAR

Q

I’m due my smear test and just can’t get to the doctors surgery at the times they are offering as I work. What should I do?

Philippa says

A

This is unfortunately an extremely common problem, with many women saying that they find it difficult to find the time to attend their smear, or indeed go to the doctor in general. GP surgeries often run what are called extended hours clinics, which are held either early in the morning or later in the evening, and sometimes at weekends; generally, these are not emergency appointments so often need to be booked a few weeks in advance, but your local surgery may run a nurse extended hours clinic in which you could have your smear. The NHS’s cancer director has called for local screening services to put on extra evening and weekend appointments, or even lunchtime appointments to help women in your situation.

However, having your smear test is hugely important so perhaps talk to your boss and see if you can make an appointment.

Be well on your way to five a day with M&S Food’s ‘The Roasted One’ Veg Pot (£3.50, M&S). Packed with garlic roasted vegetables and rice, it’s a tasty lunch that just so happens to have three veggie servings.

A tea for your knees

Creeky joints? Try Natur Boutique Burdock Root Tea (£3.99 naturboutique.co.uk).

A study* found that indicators of inflammation were reduced in those who sipped on burdock root tea, compared to those who just drank boiled water.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

45

Ask LINDA

Woman’s vet, Linda Simon, answers your pet problems

WHY DOES MY CAT EAT GRASS?

While no one can say for certain, there are plenty of theories as to why cats do this. Some believe it is to settle excess stomach acid – particularly if they have gone all night without eating – and rid themselves of parasites. Some experts claim that this is an evolutionary adaptation, whereby cats, before the advent of wormers, ‘flush’ themselves of the parasites they would catch when hunting in the wild.

Others say it is to help throw up fur balls, while some

owners believe their cats enjoy the flavour as in spring and summer, new grass tastes sweet and sugary.

While we may never have a definite answer, it’s important to emphasise that an estimated 70% of our felines will eat grass, and it is a natural process that we shouldn’t worry about too much. For many, it is a normal part of life.

However, if you notice your cat eating more grass than usual, it’s worth having them brought to the vet for a check-over, to rule out any underlying medical issue.

It is also worth mentioning that grass can pose hazards. All cats should be regularly de-wormed.

Similarly, be sure to avoid any nasty chemicals, such as weed-killer, on your lawn.

It is believed that some cats just enjoy the taste of grass

I’m six months pregnant and I reckon my boxer can tell as he is extra clingy. Am I going mad?

M

any owners who are pregnant tell me that they notice a change in their animals’ behaviour towards them and are convinced that they know when they’re expecting. Some experts believe that dogs may indeed be able to sense whether

Make sure your dog doesn’t feel left out 46

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

their owner is pregnant because of subtle changes in her behaviour, body language and perhaps even her smell.

Though some dogs may not really react to the above changes, more sensitive ones may indeed alter their own behaviour. This may mean increased affection and ‘clinginess’ though can sometimes result in agitation or even stress.

Try to ensure your dog is treated in the same way they were before the pregnancy and avoid them feeling left out. If you are tiring on long walks, consider having someone else help out so your boxer still gets the exercise he requires and doesn’t become too restless.

‘DOGS MAY ALTER THEIR BEHAVIOUR’

MY BOYFRIEND WANTS TO BUY TROPICAL FISH

T

ropical fish are a popular choice of pet for those with busy lives or who fear too much commitment!

They give us the pleasure of owning a pet, while not having to give up too much time or resources. Many tropical fish are stunning and can provide great enjoyment for their owners.

African killifish and Congo tetras are two good examples of these warm water dwellers, though there are many more to choose from. Most should be kept in large shoals of over six and dislike being kept in smaller groups.

Owners need to do research and you should encourage your boyfriend to purchase the fish from a reputable source who can also give some good advice on appropriate aquariums, feeding, tank heaters, filters and lights.

PHOTOS: GETTY

A

question that has plagued vets and owners alike for many years is why do cats eat grass?

Indeed, sometimes we see undigested grass in their vomit or stool, making us wonder if eating it is really such a good idea.

Ask SUSAN

Expert solutions for your sex and relationship dilemmas

We had sex and now he won’t talk to me

Q

After my partner left, my friends were very kind and supportive. As a result, one of my male friends and I got close then ended up having sex, even though he has a girlfriend. I don’t have any designs on him – I’m not ready for a new relationship.

But it hurts that now he’s cut off all contact.

He was perfectly willing on the night – so why is he pulling back now?

I WANT MY OLD FLAME BACK

Susan says

A

Your friend’s pulling back because he’s guilty – he knows he shouldn’t have gone to bed with you. And he’s worried that you’ll sleep together again and the situation will get worse. So respect his concerns.

Accept the friendship is over. And, make sure you don’t repeat this.

My man grabs my boobs and it hurts

Q

Now my kids are grown and have left home, I’m ready for a partnership. I’ve tried dating sites but the men I meet don’t offer anything. But I’ve noticed online a guy that I lost my virginity to. Now I can’t get him out of my mind.

Q

I love my man to bits, he seems to adore me, and we are hugely compatible out of bed. But in bed, though most of his moves are lovely, he’s really aggressive when he touches my breasts. Instead of going slowly and gently, he wants to grab, rub, tweak, knead, even pummel. I sometimes feel he sees my boobs as Play-Doh. How can I tell him to stop?

Susan says

Susan says

A

There’s nothing wrong about wanting sex with a past love. But be careful. Your disillusionment with online dating has made you long for the lust you felt before you had relationships and responsibility.

But that was years ago. You’ve changed. Your first love has changed. And the sex you get now will not be the same as you got then. So, contact this guy, but don’t pin your hopes on him.

A

Clearly your partner isn’t abusive and genuinely cares for you. So why this rough behaviour? Maybe one of his earlier partners gave him the incorrect message that rough is what women like. So you need to put him right. Get him explaining why he acts roughly. Help him understand that some women don’t want that.

Then spell out what you do want. And when he acts more gently, show him how much that turns you on. In short, get your man replacing his existing moves with ones that truly please you.

HOW CAN HE KEEP GOING?

Q

PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

My husband was never keen on having sex more than once in a session, even if I wanted to. He died three years ago and now I’m with a younger man who’s always happy to go again – and it all feels so much more relaxed. What’s making the difference between them?

Susan says

A

Probably, your late partner had a low sex drive from the start, or – given ageing and illness – found it difficult to get aroused after his first orgasm. If so, perhaps he resisted even trying to deliver

repeated erections, in case he didn’t succeed and so disappointed you. Whatever the cause, your new, young partner can perform more easily, and is therefore happy and more confident to go more than once. Enjoy!

3

STEPS TO GIVING A GREAT LAP DANCE

Ever been tempted to do a lap dance for your partner as part of foreplay?

Even if you’ve never tried before, why not give this a go?

Deliver the basics

Choose a song that turns you both on. Dress sexily and scantily, with clothes that are easy to take off. Sit your partner on a couch or chair, circle him sensually, then straddle, facing him or away.

Rely on loving lust

No need to dance perfectly – your passion will make this work. So do what comes naturally.

Lean, wriggle and grind. Use your hands and mouth.

Respond to how he moves.

Get coaching

It’s always good to have guidance, so head to allure.com for great tips. Or you could try YouTube for more useful tutorials of what’s possible, and take some inspiration from there.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

47

A weekend

GETAWAY WORDS: HELENA CARTWRIGHT. PHOTOS: GETTY, ALAMY

Need a change of scene? Try one of these alternative trips for an unforgettable break

VENTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN Would you book a mini break without knowing where you’d end up? The team behind travel company Srprs.me organise trips as cryptic as their name: they book you a break to a secret destination, and don’t

Who knows where you’ll end up?

48

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

tell you where you’re going until you’re at the airport. You tell them your budget and they look after your flights and accommodation – only giving you a small hint a week before departure, when they tell you the weather forecast. It might sound stressful, but it’s great fun: all the important bits have been sorted, so all you have to do is look forward to discovering somewhere new.

It’s a great idea for a break with friends because it keeps everyone guessing – and you all get a great surprise!

Get crafty in Toulouse, France

Get something more out of your weekend away with a French Holidays (bestfrenchholidays.com) trip to Toulouse. Its four-day jewellery-making break (£600pp) is an ideal way to get your creative juices flowing while catching up with friends. You’ll have two days of jewellery tutorial, using materials such as

Make your own jewellery on a French getaway bronze and clay, and access to the jewellery studio to work on your own pieces.

Your home for the weekend is a beautiful 19th-century farmhouse, sitting among 50 acres of countryside in south-west France. Plus, you’ll get to sample the delights of Gascony, a foodie’s heaven with wonderful game meats like wild boar and exceptional French wines.

Visit a Dark Sky Reserve in the Channel Islands

The tiny island of Sark, near Guernsey and Jersey, was designated as the world’s first Dark Sky Island in 2011 thanks to its serious lack of light pollution. This means, when the sun sets and the clouds part, there are millions of twinkling stars visible to the naked eye. Should you not be so lucky with the weather, though, Sark is still a gorgeous place. It’s tiny, car-free and unbelievably quiet. Hire bikes and cycle along the island’s main central road, explore tiny coves and beaches, and enjoy afternoon tea. We love Stocks Hotel (stockshotel.com) for a long weekend stay – it’s small but beautiful, with manicured lawns and a lovely pool.

Cast your eyes up towards the stars

BOOK A LONDON THEATRE BREAK

include The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, Wicked at the Victoria Apollo or The Phantom Of The Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Why not book into a lovely restaurant for dinner, head to a show and then finish up with cocktails on a rooftop bar, all before checking into Enjoy stunning Roomzzz songs and sets (roomzzz.com)? in The Lion King Offering one- to three-bed apartments, they’re perfect for the ultimate grown up sleepover. Its Dezign Suite also offers breathtaking views of London.

With so many incredible shows on all year round, London is he ultimate destination for heatre lovers.

Whether you want a ingalong musical, a dramatic play or a belting opera, there’s omething for everyone in the English capital. Favourites

Woman Bingo Promotion

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Lynne Scott, 60, from Swindon, Wiltshire, won £1,500 and treated herself to a very special birthday trip

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eading off to the local bingo hall with my best friend, Nicky, then 45, while my husband, William, then 57, relaxed at home had been the highlight of my week.

Our exciting bingo nights were one of the things we most loved to do together. Only, in July 2007, Nicky announced she was moving to Malta.

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together, William suddenly became ill and we had to cancel our plans. Sadly, in July 2016, he passed away, but his memory will always live on. Early in 2019, as my 60th birthday approached, I decided to finally book my long-awaited trip to see Kay in Bali for that September.

Our birthdays were just days apart in August, so we would both celebrate out there, although a month later. And then one evening in April 2019, I was sat in the living room on my laptop. ‘I fancy a game of Sapphire Bingo!’ I thought to myself. It was my favourite Woman Bingo game. I’d already had a big win previously playing Sapphire – a £2,000 Full House!

Now, I decided to buy six tickets at 25p each for the next game and waited for the ball calls. My numbers were called one by one until I had just one left.

‘Ben!’ I shouted into the kitchen at my son, as I watched the screen in shock.

As he came over, ‘Full House’ flashed up on the screen and I realised I’d won £1,500.

‘That’s amazing!’ Ben said.

It wasn’t until I saw the money in my bank account that I believed I’d won.

Then I called Kay to plan lots of extras for our trip to Bali including seeing the orangutans and visiting temples.

It was the holiday of a lifetime and was made even more special thanks to my bingo win, so thank you Woman Bingo.

WORDS: FRANCES LEATE. MAIN PHOTO: GETTY

‘I REALISED I’D WON!’

Holiday of a lifetime In early 2013, William and I decided to

use some of our savings to go on the holiday of a lifetime to India, Thailand and Singapore, stopping off in Bali to meet up with my sister Kay, then 51, and her husband, Matt, then 53.

However, in November 2013, several weeks before we were meant to go away 50

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Lynne with her winning cheque

Lynne had a wonderful holiday in Bali while visiting her sister, Kay

I spoilt my family w Hailey McNaught, 41, from Scotland,

S

hrugging off my heavy coat, I dropped my keys onto the sideboard. It was September 2019, and I had just got back from the garage where I left my car for repairs. While I waited, I loaded up the Woman Bingo app on my phone for a game. Even though I’d tried other bingo sites, Woman Bingo was my favourite.

Scrolling through the app, I noticed that the next game of Bingo 20 was about to start, so I clicked onto the room. It’s a 75-ball game where the numbers on your ticket are laid out in a different pattern each game, such as an octagon or triangle, adding to the fun. To win a cash prize, you need to complete one line, two lines or the Full House on your card first, before any of the other players.

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BOOKS&PUZ

TRICKY CROSSWORD!

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Incredible and marvellous (8) 28 - - - Watts, Birdman actress (5) To some extent (2,1,3) 33 Letter following alpha (4) Vividly descriptive (7) 38 Eternal (8) Unlocks (7) Draped border (7) Pond creature (4) Solid, safe (5) 48 Utterly disorganised (7) River-mouth (7) 54 A really long time (4) - - - Howard, film director (3) 60 Renounce (6) Cover by wrapping (7) 64 Self-importance (3) Snoop (4) Operator (4) Burgle (3) Vehicle’s framework (7) - - - wedding, 50th anniversary (6) Naval spirit (3) Necklace ball (4) For a short time (7) Eau de - - -, fragrance (7) Highland Games

E V O L U O IF Y RIZES TO WIN PVISIT Tps.wHoEmNanmagazine.co.uk

com

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ACROSS: 11 Fabulous 12 Naomi 13 In a way 14 Beta 15 Graphic 16 Unending 17 Unbolts 18 Valance 19 Newt 21 Sound 23 Chaotic 24 Estuary 28 Ages 29 Ron 30 Disown 33 Envelop 35 Ego 36 Nose 38 User 39 Rob 40 Chassis 42 Golden 43 Rum 44 Bead 48 Briefly 50 Cologne 51 Caber 54 Heir 56 Utensil 57 Decency 60 Warmed up 61 Mourned 63 Eyes 64 Scorer 65 Twins 66 Allergic DOWN: 1 Cavern 2 Runarounds 3 Noughts 4 Essay 5 Inch 6 Porcelain 7 Piquant 8 Lifeless 9 Garden 10 Paintwork 18 Viol 20 Thank 22 Organise 25 Unwinds 26 Armoured 27 Adder 31 Show home 32 Estimate 34 Ear lobe 37 Ebony 41 Drink 44 Braveheart 45 Grievance 46 Housemaid 47 Boil 49 Launders 52 Respite 53 Readily 55 Remark 58 Credit 59 Knead 62 Ursa

ACROSS

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Answer: SAUVIGNON BLANC

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hat type of wine does Jennie Bond say is her favourite? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares.

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pole (5) Inheritor (4) Any kitchen gadget (7) Proper behaviour (7) Prepared for exercise (6,2) Bewailed the loss of (7) Seed-buds of a potato (4) Goal-getter (6) Identical siblings (5) Having hay fever, eg (8)

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6

Deep hollow (6) Cars for local journeys (10) - - - and crosses, game for two players (7) English composition (5) Small unit of length (4) Fine china (9)

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Spicy-tasting (7) Inanimate (8) Horticultural area (6) Vehicle’s coated surfaces (9) Antique stringed instrument (4) Express gratitude to (5) Set in order (8) Takes it easy (7) Bullet-proof (8) Snake found in the UK (5) Display house (4,4) Rough calculation (8) Pierced body part (3,4) Black extremely hard wood (5) Swallow liquid (5) 1995 film about William Wallace (10) Cause for complaint (9)

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Female servant (9) Cook in water (4) Washes and irons (8) Interval of relief (7) Cheerfully (7) Mention, comment (6) Loan facility (6) Squeeze (dough) (5) - - - Major, constellation (4)

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ZZLES THE DILEMMA

by BA Paris (£12.99, HarperCollins, HB) If you enjoyed BA Paris’ Behind Closed Doors, then you’ll love this new offering as, once again, she is not afraid to push emotions to the extreme. Set over 24 hours, Livia is preparing for her 40th birthday. But her night is ruined by a dark secret, which she’s desperately trying to keep from her husband Adam.

For more books Meanwhile, Adam is information, see wrestling with his own womanmagazine.co.uk/ horrifying news that could books change their family forever.

THIS WEEK’S HOT READ

IF YOU LIKE THAT, TRY THESE… In Her Eyes

by Sarah Alderson (£7.99, Mulholland Books, PB) Family is everything and, outwardly at east, Ava Walker has the perfect one, until a home invasion sees her daughter left in a coma. Discovering that what appeared to be a random attack is anything but, Ava is determined to find out the truth. Satisfyingly gripping.

When The Dead Come Calling

by Helen Sedgwick (£14.99, Point Blank, HB) The sleepy village of Burrowhead is so perfect, surely nothing untoward could ever happen? Or that’s what the villagers tell themselves. But their rose-tinted view is shattered when the body of psychotherapist Alexis Crosse is found in this atmospheric mystery.

PHOTO: GETTY

Long Bright River

by Liz Moore (£12.99, Hutchinson, HB) A haunting tale of addiction and redemption, set in the gritty streets of Philadelphia, follows police officer Mickey Fitzpatrick, who prays she won’t find her sister among the victims of Kensington Avenue. When sex workers are murdered, the force is reluctant to acknowledge the scale of the problem, but Mickey will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

STARSCOPE

Your stars for next week by Penny Thornton ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr

And you thought you’d seen everything…

Whether you’re delighted at the surprise twists and turns or rather fazed by them, your course is now set for Planet Success.

For your reading 09058 172557

☎

TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May

Change what you can and accept what you cannot. It’s the beginning of the year, and there’s more to come.

Keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the stars.

For your reading 09058 172558

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GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun

Not everything will make much sense, but as the weeks go by, it will become abundantly clear that this was the way it was meant to be. Trust the process.

For your reading 09058 172559

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CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul

A lunar eclipse in your sign sets the stage for an ending and a beginning. You may not be able to control your destiny right now, so leave the judgements until later.

For your reading 09058 172560

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LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug

These are unusual times and they require new thinking. Maybe you didn’t plan all the events but, if you’re honest, you’ve known for a while that things had to change.

For your reading 09058 172561

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VIRGO 24 Aug – 23 Sep

A gestation period is over and a delivery just around the corner. The patter of tiny feet aside, it is time you set a major endeavour in motion and demonstrated your star quality.

For your reading 09058 172562

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LIBRA 24 Sep – 23 Oct

Is the ground beneath your feet moving? These are powerful influences: they’ll get rid of anything toxic and open the way for the new, the better and the different.

For your reading 09058 172563

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SCORPIO 24 Oct – 22 Nov

If you’ve been complaining that life is the same old, same old, your grievances will be addressed.

It’s quite the roller-coaster ride.

Fasten your seatbelt.

For your reading 09058 172564

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SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov – 21 Dec

You can’t control other people and you can’t tell the tide to retreat. Some things in life you just have to embrace or move on from. It’s that kind of week. Eventful.

For your reading 09058 172565

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CAPRICORN 22 Dec – 20 Jan

A lunar eclipse is the signature on this week’s events. You can close, complete and welcome in a new chapter.

Be warned, it won’t be seamless though. Be fearless.

For your reading 09058 172566

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AQUARIUS 21 Jan – 19 Feb

Take it easy. Better still stay underneath your duvet and let everyone else deal with the dramas. Then again, you could be the one who is making the headlines.

For your reading 09058 172567

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PISCES 20 Feb – 20 Mar

Rise to the occasion.

You may not think you have it in you to deal with everything that happens right now, but you can. Movies were made of this.

For your reading 09058 172568

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Starlines are updated every Saturday. Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge and last about four minutes. Users must be 18+. You must have the bill payer’s permission. Service provider: Spoke. Helpline: 0333 202 3390.

PSYCHIC SERVICES Contact our team for intuitive guidance… Call 09063 447986. Love & Relationship Psychic Call 09063 447980 Live Medium Call 09061 746340 Calls cost £1.50 per minute plus your phone company’s network access charge. Callers must be 18+. Lines open 8am-11pm every day – calls outside of these hours will be charged. Maximum length for calls is 19.6 minutes. To text your question to a Live Psychic, text WOMAN followed by your question to 87776. Text readings cost £3, plus standard-rate message. Psychics will promptly reply to all messages. When you text a psychic, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from TI Media Limited and Woman. If you want to receive these, please end your text with TIOPTIN. Helpline: UK 0333 202 3392 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri). Service provider: Spoke. All calls recorded.

Readings are for entertainment purposes only. Service is regulated by PhonepayPlus.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

55

WE BRING YOU THIS WEEK’S LATEST TV NEWS

6SECO0ND

INTERVIEW

S

Emer Kenny

et in the Cotswolds of the 1950s, BBC1’s daytime crime drama, Father Brown, is back for its eighth series and it sees the return of former EastEnders star Emer as the sleuthing priest’s friend Bunty. Here, the actor tells us more…

What do you think viewers like about Bunty?

She will always pick the most exciting, slightly dangerous option, especially if it will annoy her parents.

At the same time she has got great morals and a lot of heart.

Do you enjoy playing the character?

I love Bunty! She is really outspoken, brave, and always bold. She can be selfish and will often do the wrong thing, but mostly for the right reasons.

Bunty and friends are back once again Is love in the air for Bunty this series?

She meets a fashion photographer who seems like the male Bunty – fun-loving: he drinks, gambles, and womanises. They meet their match in each other. You’ll have to watch to find out what happens…

What’s it like playing someone with such an extensive wardrobe?

Bunty has an enormous wardrobe! She often dresses by theme. We have ‘Hunty

Bunty’ where she wears tweed and boots, and ‘Sporty Bunty’, which is more tomboyish, with trousers and sweaters. She also has a whole host of more feminine and glamorous dresses.

Can you imagine living in the 1950s?

The fashion and the cars are amazing.

Obviously, women’s rights were less so. ✱ Father Brown is on BBC1

LOOK WHO’S BACK

1995

Robert Carlyle stars in Cobra on Sky One

THEN

1997

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WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

In the early 1990s, Robert had small parts in shows such as The Bill, Cracker and Taggart, before landing the lead in BBC1’s Scottish police drama Hamish Macbeth (19951997). He also starred in one of the biggest films of the decade, Trainspotting (1996), as well as some other big-screen hits such as The Full Monty (1997) and The Beach (2000).

NOW

Robert plays prime minister Robert Sutherland in Sky One’s tense political thriller Cobra, which is set in Britain’s corridors of power. When a national emergency threatens the country, the COBRA committee meets to try to avert disaster. But can the powers that be also safeguard their own positions against their enemies? The Crown’s Victoria Hamilton also stars as the PM’s chief of staff and David Haig is a very shifty home secretary.

2020

On The Box

DON’T MISS!

Three shows you really need to make a date for this week…

COMING SOON...

What you’ll be watching on TV in the weeks ahead…

THE NEW POPE Sky1 Following on from The Young Pope, Jude Law’s Pope Pius XIII is still in a coma but there’s a surprise turn when secretive John Paul III (John Malkovich) is placed on the papal throne.

CATCH UP

PHOTOS: ALAMY, BBC, C4, CHANNEL 5, FILM4, ITV, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, SKY, HBO

VEGANVILLE BBC iPlayer This three-part series follows a group of vegans, including truck driver Dan (left), as they try to convince a tightknit community to move to a plant-based diet. But how will that go down with dairy farmer Abi (right)?

VERA ITV DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) dusts off her iconic raincoat and hat for a 10th series. In the first feature-length story, Vera and DS Aiden Healy investigate the death of a self-styled entrepreneur.

MIDSOMER MURDERS ITV In a new whodunnit, DCI John Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter investigate sinister goings-on at a circus. Jason Watkins, from The Crown and W1A, guest stars as the owner of Ferabbee’s Circus.

If you missed these shows first time around, here’s the best of BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5 and more…

SUSAN HILL’S GHOST STORY Channel 5 Based on Susan Hill’s novel The Small Hand, this chilling tale stars Douglas Henshall as a man who stumbles across a derelict house and is haunted by ghostly presences.

DAME EDNA RULES THE WAVES BBC iPlayer Dame Edna Everage hosts this special from her yacht and is joined by guests including Robert Rinder and Sharon Osbourne.

Plus, there’s music from Nile Rodgers & Chic.

TRENDING NOW BOX SET BINGE

EMMERDALE ITV Not that long ago, Jai took great offence when Laurel accused him of using drugs. But this week, when the pressure of work gets too much for him and he’s forced to work all night to get things done, the recovering addict orders one of his ‘special’ pizzas, which comes with a side order of cocaine! But the question is, will he use it?

A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE Amazon Prime Video Based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel, this mini-series charts the life of Emma Harte (Jenny Seagrove), from kitchen maid at the start of the 20th century to businesswoman in the 1980s. Deborah Kerr plays Emma in her later years.

RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS National Geographic Bear Grylls returns to put celebrities through their paces when they join him on an adventure across tough terrain. Among the famous faces putting survival skills to the test is Magic Mike star Channing Tatum.

VENUE 5 Sky One ugh Laurie plays uave space cruise ner captain Ryan lark in this futuristic omedy. When he luxury tourist sp p difficulties on an eight-week tour around Saturn it’s up to Ryan to save the day…

DES ITV David Tennant stars as real-life serial killer Dennis Nilsen. The three-parter follows the arrest and trial through Nilsen’s eyes, as well as from the perspective of DCI Peter Jay and his biographer Brian Masters.

HE STEPH SHOW C4 BC Breakfast’s Steph cGovern will host a vely look at topics of he day in her own daily how, which will be roadcast live in front of a studio audience from C4’s new home in Leeds. As well as star guests, she will have a different co-host every week.

WOMANMAGAZINE.CO.UK

57

View from THE BACK Sam Carlisle says what you’re thinking

Reality judges out in the cold

Christina and Geoffrey are parting ways

How boring will celebrity talent shows be without the token mean one on the panel?

I

t’s deeply ironic that Dancing On Ice judges have become the ultimate ‘snowflakes’. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have promised the show will no longer offend its stars after contestant Gemma Collins was ‘bullied’. Olympic legend Christopher says, ‘Everybody measures what you say, and that is etiquette. PC is very PC nowadays. So it is more difficult.’

Gemma claimed she was ‘bullied’ after judge Jason Gardiner compared her to a refrigerator. He denies it was a swipe at her weight, but was swiftly replaced by actor John Barrowman.

PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY, ITV

Dancing on Ice judges Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean

We are now in a weird world of reality TV where judges who have made second careers out of being nasty are worried about being overly critical of contestants.

But am I the only one who thinks this is what adds spice to talent shows? Do we want to spend our Saturday or Sunday nights listening to judges say, ‘Well, it was OK’? Is it any coincidence The X Factor ratings began to dip when Simon Cowell started to be nice? It’s like watching a boxing match where no one is allowed to hit each other.

ITV are rightly sensitive about the l ealth of anyone in front mera after the Jeremy ndal, in which a member blic died a week after ie-detector test. But nned celebrities putting es forward for a big show ccompanying fat cheque ake criticism on the chin. otential for harsh words e in your contract and panies should only cast who have the resilience to heir rumba is rubbish or tenberg is below par.

If you saw BBC’s Gold Digger, you’ll know the emotional scars domestic abuse leaves children. Charlize Theron recently spoke about her abusive childhood, when her alcoholic dad shot through the door of a room where she was hiding with her mum. ‘None of those bullets hit us, which is just a miracle,’ Charlize said. ‘The more we talk about these things, the more we realise Charlize bravely shared we’re not alone in any of it.’ How true.

her traumatic past

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Canine sharenting

Mad Men star Christina Hendricks is divorcing her actor husband after 10 years, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’. The actress and Geoffrey Arend have no children but agree on one thing: they’ve pledged to ‘always work together to raise our two beautiful dogs’.

Hollywood truly is La La Land.

k e e w e h t f o e t o Qu

‘I’M NOT REALLY A CAT LOVER. I PREFER DOGS’

Actor Sir Ian McKellen goes off-message doing interviews for his latest film… Cats.

Flush for time

A new uncomfortable toilet has been invented that makes people want to leave after five minutes. The seat is sloped forward by 13 degrees to increase strain on the legs, similar to a squat thrust. It’s hoped this will stop workers browsing the net while in the loo. Just imagine if as much effort had been put into finding the cure for cancer…

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