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YOUR LIFE

Doing small things each week can make a big difference to your happiness. For me, it’s relaxing in a bubble bath when it’s cold and grey outside. But it can be easy to worry about how your indulgence affects the environment – which is the last thing you want when trying to boost your mood. That’s why our round-up of eco beauty swaps (p30) is a must-read. Simple, affordable changes that help the planet and allow you to still enjoy a much-needed treat. Enjoy! Faye M Smith, Wellbeing Editor

25 Don’t Tell Me I Can’t… Have my first child at 44 26 Real life Like Phillip, my husband was secretly gay 32 Eat well, feel great Get a B12 boost! 34 Real life I was waiting for her to come home: one mother’s heartache 36 Health & Wellbeing Focus on stomach pain 42 Real Life We were sitting on a goldmine: bargains worth a fortune 53 Real Life The picture that means so much

YOUR LOOKS

18 21 22 29 30

Let’s shop! Hot chocolate Fashion High street chic Fashion Luxe for less Beauty Luxe for less Beauty 10 eco beauty swaps

YOUR TIME

38 40 44 46 50 54 58 60

Food News Hot buys to try Recipes Perfect pancakes Homes Pure Blue Ask The Experts Relationship, health and money problems resolved Travel Go exploring in Geneva Bingo Win with us! Books & Puzzles 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. Editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any material submitted. TI Media Limited and/or its associated companies reserve the right to reuse any submission in any format or medium. We cannot take responsibility for manuscripts or photos sent in. TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Tel: 020 3148 5000; ti-media.com. Subscription rates: One year, 50 issues (including postage & packaging): UK £67.60; Europe €192.13; USA $125.99; rest of world £147.17. For enquiries and orders, please email: help@magazinesdirect.com. Alternatively, from the UK, call 0330 333 1113, or from overseas, call +44 (0)330 333 1113 (lines are open Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm UK time).

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What A Week! Celeb round-up, including why fans fear for Ulrika Cover Story ‘The Queen is tremendously disappointed’ Celebrity How Meghan will make her millions Celebrity Hunks of EastEnders Celebrity Happy birthday to Prue! Celebrity Style on trial Talking About Is a shoulder really so scandalous? We discuss… View From The Back

WE BRING YOU THIS WEEK’S LATEST GOSSIP

Fans fear for

‘FRAGILE’ ULRIKA U lrika Jonsson confessed she’s ‘inadvertently lost some weight’ during a rare appearance on Lorraine last month, and her ‘fragile’ appearance has worried fans. ‘Quite saddened watching Ulrika this morning,’ wrote one concerned viewer. ‘She seems so fragile.’ While another said, ‘Her weight loss has been detrimental to her face.’

Ulrika, 52, has had a turbulent year since her divorce from her third husband, Brian Monet. ‘I’m going through some s**t,’ she admitted. While Ulrika made it clear her weight loss wasn’t deliberate – with Lorraine hinting it was due to ‘stress’ – health and fitness consultant Laurel Alper thinks the TV star has dropped 7Ib, and the drastic loss has made her look ‘drawn’.

Laurel told Woman, ‘Everyone has a “set” point regarding weight. Go below that and your appearance can be affected. She’s lost too much weight for her age. If you lose too much, veins show as they do on her neck. It can make you appear scraggy and drawn.’ We hope you’re OK, Ulrika!

CELEBRITY PET of the week

Ulrika with her ex, Brian, in 2012 (left) and today

YES

70% NO

30% OVER TO OU!

Susanna Reid says her cats are like ‘teenagers’ and that’s why she loves them

WOMAN

W TTER: After Curtis Pritchard said Cheryl doesn’t speak to him much on Greatest Dancer, have you ever not spoken to a colleague at work?

The young royals love a good story

All the

LATEST GOSSIP

PHILLIP TO 'STAY MARRIED' Following Phillip Schofield’s admission that he is gay, it remains to be seen how he and wife Stephanie Lowe will navigate their relationship. In fact, despite the revelation, it’s reported that Steph – his wife of 27 years – has ‘no plans’ to divorce the star. A source added, ‘Steph isn’t bitter over Phil’s coming out.’

WORDS: GEORGIA FARQUHARSON. PHOTOS: GETTY, INSTAGRAM @BRIANNE_TV, @SUSANNAREID100, @WRIGHTY_, PA PHOTOS, SHUTTERSTOCK

A ROYAL BEDTIME

The Duke of Cambridge gave an insight into what Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ evening routine looks like when he revealed their favourite books to read at bedtime. During a royal visit to Wales, Prince William spotted a child reading Julia Donaldson’s Room on The Broom and said, ‘I read this to our children all the time,’ before adding, ‘David Walliams also does good books for children – for a little bit older children, I think.’ It comes after the Duchess of Cambridge’s former teachers revealed what she was like at school, with her French and German teacher, Mr Allford, describing her as conscientious’ and a ‘hard worker’.

MARK WRIGHT This reality TV hunk is ageing like a fine wine…

MAN OF THE

MOMENT!

Royal quote of the week ‘SOMETIMES YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING AND THINK YOU CAN’T DO IT, AND YOU JUST HAVE TO!’ The Duchess of Cornwall on staying positive.

WHIRLWIND ROMANCE Ice star Brianne Delcourt is engaged to her Dancing on Ice celebrity partner, Kevin Kilbane, after just two months of dating. Brianne, 39, has previously dated three of her skating partners.

Nice ice: Brianne shows off her sparkler

SHANNEN’S CANCER BATTLE 90210 star Shannen Doherty has revealed she’s battling stage 4 cancer just four years after finishing treatment for breast cancer. Shannen, 48, said the diagnosis was a ‘bitter pill to swallow’.

WOMAN

hen Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior royals and relocated to Canada at the start of the year, many assumed that the Queen wouldn’t be impressed with the couple.

But while she admitted that she would have ‘preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family’, she also insisted that she was ‘entirely supportive’ of the Sussexes’ decision to break away. ‘Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,’ Her Majesty said in a statement. ‘I support their wish for a more independent life.’ But royal expert Lady C exclusively tells Woman that behind closed doors, it’s a different story…

‘Disappointing and divisive’ Lady C tells us that while the Queen may publicly be ‘playing conciliator’, she’s all too aware of Meghan’s ‘tactics’. She says, ‘The Queen is a very astute woman and if I have been able to come to the conclusions that I have on rather more limited knowledge than the Queen possesses, I will be very surprised if logic has defeated her.’ She adds that the Queen is undoubtedly disappointed. ‘I know that there is tremendous disappointment because

‘THE QUEEN IS

TREMENDOUSLY DISAPPOINTEDÕ Royal biographer Lady Colin Campbell reveals what the Queen eally thinks of Meghan

Cover Story ‘The Cambridges are doing what Meghan and Harry should be doing, being proper members of the team. ‘The purpose of the British Royal Family is to represent the nation – the Queen included – and responsible royals understand that they have a duty to the nation. You do it irrespective of your mood because that is your duty. But of course, you need to have a concept of duty rather than a concept of entitlement.’ She scathingly adds, ‘Meghan is a very clever strategist. She is a good tactician – she has been doing it all her life and this is just another example of it.’

Sympathy for Her Majesty

Lady C suggests that the Queen, like many others, was ‘fooled’ by Meghan, and those close to her are now feeling sorry for her. She tells Woman, ‘Meghan, in the run-up to the marriage, put forth a very positive act that led people to believe that she wanted to be a team player. She fooled not just the Queen, but everyone. ‘There is great sympathy in the Palace not only for the Queen, but for Harry, all of the Royal Family and for the British nation. ‘There is tremendous disappointment that it’s not working out the way that people had hoped it would and that Meghan hasn’t turned out to be the positive embodiment and the outstanding success that they hoped she would be.’ Royal fans also feel sorry for the Queen, and have taken to social media to say so. One commented, ‘So sad for Harry. This is basically an abdication of a royal prince. So sorry for our Queen who has never put a foot wrong since 1952 and also the rest of the family.’ Another added, ‘I feel so sorry for Her Majesty the Queen. This must have been so difficult for her. But I have to say, first class decision.’

‘IT WAS A SHOCK TO EVERYONE’

Ruined reputation While many think that Meghan has been

treated unfairly – which could have led to her departure – Lady C insists that, on the contrary, there was a positive attitude towards her before her marriage to Prince Harry. She tells us, ‘Meghan has not been given such a terrible ride. Camilla was given a far worse time, but she showed that she’s a woman of substance. Meghan has shown she’s a woman of straw.’ The royal expert adds, ‘Everybody in royal and aristocratic circles was very positive about the fact that Meghan had qualities and possessed traits that would reinforce the positive steps taken by British society – that she would be a living representative of all of the diversity and inclusiveness that are now features of British society. ‘Nobody expected that she would fail to adjust in such an outstanding Harry and Meghan manner. It was a shock to everyone.’ are currently Lady C goes on to praise the Duke living in Canada and Duchess of Cambridge, saying,

WORDS: ROBYN MORRIS. PHOTOS: GETTY, PA IMAGES

Did the Queen misread her daughter-in-law?

there was tremendous hope that Meghan would bring something to the Royal Family that would be inclusive as opposed to divisive.’ Another royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, also believes that the Queen is more upset with the couple than meets the eye. He said, ‘Harry and Meghan won’t use their titles or perform royal duties but over and above the line drawn here, the Queen is showing her displeasure at the way they have behaved, despite her emollient words, which are so supportive.’ He adds, ‘To take away military appointments from Harry, who has served in Afghanistan twice, emphasises that the Queen feels he has let down the monarchy. ‘The Royal Family was already reeling from the crisis with Andrew, when Harry released a statement without telling senior royals who had, apparently, been involved in discussions on this for months. ‘The Queen has shown dedication to duty her whole life and clearly feels let down.’

➺ WOMAN

How Meghan will make

HER MILLIONS The duchess has got a huge team of media experts helping her and Prince Harry out behind the scenes

The PR experts

Harry and Meghan last year hired US PR company Sunshine Sachs, whose clients include stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lopez. The company founder, Ken Sunshine, also issued denials on Harvey Weinstein’s behalf when the film producer was first accused of sexually

New York PR guru Ken Sunshine

WOMAN

abusing women. Although its main focus is ‘crisis management’, the firm worked with Meghan on her edition of British Vogue, and there are rumours it was the source that leaked news of the couple’s plan to step back from royal duties. Meghan and Harry have also hired Sara Latham, a former campaign advisor to Hillary Clinton, as their head of communications.

Celebrity Former US President Barack Obama and Prince Harry are pals

BACK IN BUSINESS

Meghan has long had her own company, called Frim Fram Inc. She used it to run her lifestyle blog The Tig, which she shut down in April 2017, before she became engaged to Prince Harry. She renewed the blog’s trademark last September – although Palace officials insisted she did it only to stop others ‘purporting to be the duchess or affiliated with her’. Late last year, Frim Fram Inc was re-registered in Delaware, a low-tax state that guarantees levels of corporate secrecy unheard of in the rest of the country.

THE OBAMAS’ PLAN

The Obamas have built a personal fortune

Billionaire brand Sussex

Last year, Meghan and Harry applied to register their ‘Royal Sussex’ brand as a trademark for hundreds of items, including socks, pens, calendars and T-shirts. Some business experts have estimated they could make billions from licensing their brand.

Barack and Michelle Obama have become multimillionaires since leaving the White House, having started their own production company and signed a deal with streaming service Netflix to broadcast their ‘passion projects’. Although the couple have denied reports they’ve been advising their friends Harry and Meghan on stepping away from the Royal Family, there’s no doubt they’re a prime example of how to ‘monetise their brand’ without pushing away their fans.

The couple’s wedding souvenirs

Hollywood agent Nick Collins with actress Amy Forsyth

WORDS: HAYLEY MINN. PHOTOS: GETTY, WIRE IMAGE

THE TRIPLE THREAT

Like all Hollywood stars, Meghan has the Tinseltown trinity of an agent, lawyer and business manager. Her agent, Nick Collins, of The Gersh Agency, boasts celebrity clients including Tobey Maguire and Kristen Stewart, and is said to be negotiating a publishing deal for a proposed children’s book by Meghan. Meanwhile, her Beverly Hills-based business manager is Andrew Meyer, and she’s said to be working with LA lawyer Rick Genow, whose other clients include Sir Ben Kingsley.

A friend in Oprah

Oprah on the couple’s big day

he Sussexes are particularly close with prah Winfrey – who attended their edding and Meghan’s New York baby hower last year – and she could be ery useful to them. The influential TV ogul has already bagged Harry a job presenter and executive producer on documentary series about mental health on Apple TV+.

WOMAN

Danny Dyer

Who wouldn’t want to buy a pint from lovable landlord Mick Carter? But there’s a lot more to Danny’s character, who’s currently battling anxiety while dealing with alcoholic wife Linda.

HUNKS

of EastEnders

To celebrate 35 years of the BBC1 soap, we look back at some of our favourite Walford men

WORDS: JACK WHITE. PHOTOS: BBC

Michael Greco

Michael joined the soap in 1998 as Italian restaurant worker Beppe di Marco. In his four years on the Square, he became something of a ladies’ man – and sworn enemy of Phil and Grant Mitchell. Before starting a relationship with their sister, Sam, he grew close to Grant’s wife Tiffany.

WOMAN

Scott Maslen

As policeman Jack Branning, Scott has been sending pulses racing on EastEnders on and off since 2007. He’s also been involved in some of the soap’s biggest storylines – from wife Ronnie swapping their dead baby son James with Kat and Alfie Moon’s boy, Tommy, to Ronnie’s shocking death on the day of their second wedding in 2017.

Celebrity

Neil McDermott

Nigel Harman

We first saw Neil’s haracter Ryan Malloy 2009, when he was evealed to be the alf-brother of Whitney Dean. He aught the eye of a umber of Walford dies, including Stacey ater, mum of his aughter, Lily.

Who could forget Dennis Rickman? t should come as no surprise hat Nigel, who ppeared in he soap from 003 to 2006, on ‘sexiest male’ at the ational Television Awards for two years running!

Matt Di Angelo

Richard Blackwood

Dean Wicks brought some much needed eye candy to Walford on his return in 2014. But this was short-lived after he raped his sisterin-law Linda and tried to assault girlfriend Roxy. In 2016 he was paid off by mum Shirley Carter’s boyfriend, Buster, and told to leave for good.

We last saw Vincent Hubbard in 2018, when he was bundled – alive – into the back of a car by a corrupt police officer on Phil’s command. Which means the door’s lways open for a return…

Davood Ghadami We all saw what Davood was made of during his time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and, luckily for us, his character Kush Kazemi has quite the habit of getting his kit off…

Rob Kazinsky

Sean Slater seemed to work his way through half the women on the Square, having relationships with Tanya Branning, Ruby Allen, Chelsea Fox and Roxy Slater, all within three years!

WOMAN

Husband number one

Prue married author Rayne Kruger in 1974 and they stayed together until his death in December 2002. They have a son, Danny, and daughter, Li-Da, together. Prue and Rayne were having an affair for 13 years before marrying as he was her mother’s friend’s husband!

Her restaurant opening

Prue first became known back in 1969, when she opened her Michelin-starred restaurant, Leith’s, in Notting Hill. She eventually sold the restaurant in 1995.

What an honour!

y a d h t r i Happy B

! E U TO PR 0, 8 s n r u t h t i e As Prue L e h t r e v o k c a b we look life ’s e g d u j ff O e Bak and career…

Prue has been awarded an OBE in 1989 and a CBE in 2010 for services to food by the Queen. When receiving her CBE, she said, ‘I can’t believe it. It’s years ince I was a caterer, but I guess t is for my work as chair of the chool Food Trust, which has one a terrific job in getting chool lunches healthy.’

The Fourth Plinth

Prue has previously told us her greatest achievement is filling the then-empty fourth plinth on Trafalgar Square, while chair of the Royal Society of Arts in the mid-90s. Thanks to her, it now hosts changing works by contemporary artists.

WORDS: HAYLEY MINN. PHOTOS: ALAMY, BBC, GETTY, PA IMAGES

Today

These days, Prue is best known for judging The Great British Bake Off alongside Paul Hollywood, having replaced Mary Berry in 2017 when the show moved from BBC to Channel 4. And we couldn’t imagine it without her now!

A second marriage

In October 2016, Prue married retired clothes designer John Playfair after meeting at a dinner six years before. She has said he makes her ‘feel like a teenager again’, because he’s seven years her junior.

Great British Menu

Prue’s first step into TV judging was on BBC2’s Great British Menu with Oliver Peyton and Matthew Fort, which she joined in 2006. She was on the show for 11 series, going on My Kitchen Rules in 2016.

WOMAN

o STYLE

Our pick of the best and w

WORDS: SELINA MAYCOCK. PHOTOS: DAVE BENETT/ GETTY, PA IMAGES

THIS WEEK’S BEST DRESSED

NICOLE SCHERZINGER

Since she’s been hanging out with toy boy Thom Evans, Nicole, 41, has been glowing. And she looks absolutely ROAR-some in this animal-print gown. WOMAN

OLIVIA COLMAN

Actress Olivia, 46, won an Oscar for her role in The Favourite and, like the film title, her outfit is among our most liked from the BAFTAs. Delightful and demure!

CAT DEELEY

TV presenter Cat, 43, looks perfect in this purple, floral-print maxi dress – and the flicks in her hair give her an added wow factor.

onTRIAL

Celebrity

worst dressed this week

THIS WEEK’S WORST DRESSED

JANET JACKSON

Taking the Great Gatsby theme to the max, Janet, 53, is hidden under this silk and fur ensemble. Remember that less is more when you put this fancy dress outfit together again…

CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN

The big black bow on Claudia’s blouse, complete with the jacket draped across her shoulders, makes it look like a vampire cape inspired her outfit.

KYLIE MINOGUE

She’s used to spinning around and showing off her figure but Kylie, 51, looks more like a Twirl chocolate bar wrapper in this baggy lilac dress. WOMAN

Tracy Brabin’s response to criticism of her dress

Is a SHOULDE REALLY so scandalo After MP Tracy Brabin was attacked for her choice of clothing, women everywhere are growing fed up with being judged for what they wear

ocial media exploded recently when commentators castigated MP Tracy Brabin, 58, for exposing what they believed to be an improper amount of flesh in the House of Commons. Some claimed the MP should be removed for dressing so provocatively, others posted insults, and Piers Morgan branded the outfit a ‘tad inappropriate’.

And what was the outrageous body part she was flashing? Her shoulder. Reading the comments, you’d be forgiven for thinking the politician swanned into work in hot pants but, in reality, Tracy was wearing a long black dress with a slight slip off the shoulder. 16

WOMAN

Tracy – former Corrie actress turned Labour MP for Batley and Spen – hit back with a very acerbic tweet. ‘Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder…’ she wrote. It turned out Tracy had been meeting music executives before a last-minute decision to address Parliament about press freedoms. A broken ankle required she lean into the microphone, causing her dress to slip further. Yet why did a well-respected MP need to defend herself over showing her shoulder? Men, meanwhile, seem immune to criticism over their sartorial choices. Blaming ‘everyday sexism’ for the furore, Tracy said, ‘Women are

FIGHTING BACK

The dress in question – which finishes below the knee and is hardly risque – is selling fast at online retailer ASOS. As for Tracy, she’s put hers up for auction, with proceeds going to Girlguiding.

continually judged for what they wear, how they look and not what they say.’ Woman speaks to author Gillian Harvey – who, like Tracy, is tired of women being shamed for their outfit choices.

Talking About

‘MEN NEVER GET HELD TO THE SAME STANDARDS’ unbuttoned. But whatever they decide, nobody is going to accuse them of being sexually promiscuous or flaunting their flesh. In December, a record number of female MPs were elected, but it seems little progress has really been made. Tracy Brabin raced to Like most women, Parliament to defend freedom of the press, it takes me a while to yet all anyone noticed was her naked shoulder. choose what to wear Since when has that been a no-no? At the when going to an office or out in public. merest suggestion that lurking under her Not only do I have to consider if outfit was a female body, trolls took to something looks nice, I also have to their keyboards to accuse her of work out whether I’m accidentally being a ‘slag’. ‘making a statement’. Our country is run by a man We’re inundated with who can’t seem to comb his comments about celebs hair, let alone wield an iron in MPs are asked to wear ‘displaying their curves’, the direction of his crumpled ‘usual business dress’, ‘revealing toned arms’ or suits. Had he been making an with male MPs ‘flaunting baby bumps’. It important speech, people required to wear seems whatever we squeeze would’ve been more concerned a jacket. ourselves into, we’re perceived as at his words than whether or trying to send a message to whoever not he was dressed appropriately. happens to be looking. Take it from me, Tracy, you look great. My first job, in a London firm, at 19, required Surely we’re evolved enough to realise a women to wear skirts and heels (I’m not sure female baring a bit of skin isn’t trying to how that improved my typing speed), and attract sexual attention? That there’s more when a woman I sat with on the train noted than one way to dress, whatever your job? And – without malice – that most men liked having women, whatever they may be wearing, might something pretty in the office, I was horrified. actually have something important to say? Even as a teacher in my 20s, my modest outfit choices came under scrutiny. Once, I caused great offence in the staffroom when I leaned forward in tailored trousers and revealed a sliver of back tattoo. I even caught a colleague joking with a Year 11 class that my nipples were visible through my jumper. sychologist Emma Excuse me for being female! I’m 41 now, so enny says: this was the early 2000s, not the 1950s. nfortunately, we still live Let’s face it, men have it easy. Sure, they a society that believes might have a dilemma about which colour tie omen’s bodies are public to wear, or whether to leave their collar

PARLIAMENTARY DRESS CODE

ER ous?

‘WOMEN’S BODIES ARE STILL SEEN AS PUBLIC PROPERTY’

OUTFIT-SHAMED CELEBS

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY was told to ‘put her jugs away’ by one enraged viewer for her low-cut dress on the Dancing on Ice Christmas Special.

WORDS: ANNA MATHERSON, GILLIAN HARVEY. PHOTOS: PA IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY

Gillian Harvey, from Hertfordshire, lives with her partner, Ray, 69, and children, Lily, 10, twins Tim and Joe, seven, Evie, six, and Robbie, four.

Ofcom received numerous complaints about AMANDA HOLDEN’S revealing dresses during last year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

RACHEL RILEY shrugs off nasty comments. ‘Inappropriately short dress? Moi!?’ she tweeted, with a photo of her on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

roperty. We are quicker o judge and comment on hat a woman wears or ow they act in public. The rules are completely different for men – they don’t experience this misogyny in the same way. And actually, women are often the main perpetrators when it comes to dragging other women down. Even if you think you’re a feminist, I’m sure there are times you’ve judged another woman or celeb by their clothing. Much of this comes down to an unconscious bias we learn as children, in a society where women are seen by their looks first. Sadly, until we learn to recognise our own behaviour, we’re only perpetuating the cycle. If we choose not to make a nasty comment, or call out our friends and family for being sexist, than we have a chance to change the narrative for future generations.’

WOMAN

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Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing & Highlighting Powder Palette, £12.99

Dress, £49.50, sizes 6-24, M&S

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WOMAN

Earrings, £12, Oliver Bonas Bag, £46, Oliver Bonas

Too Faced Soleil Bronzer in Chocolate Matte, £25

Luxury Hot Chocolate, £7, Whittard

Let’s Shop! Jacket, £55, sizes 10-32, JD Williams

Shirt, £24.99, sizes 8-20, bonprix.co.uk

Luxury Soft Filled Truffles, £9.99, Homesense

Rabot 1745 Shower Gel, £16, Hotel Chocolat

Trousers, £24.99, sizes 8-16, New Look

Lustre Lipstick In Hot Chocolate, 90p, Primark Scarf, £5, Accessorize G9 Skin Chocolate Milk Bomb Mask, £3, lookfantastic.com

Boots, £45, M&Co Coat, £38, sizes 6-22, Dorothy Perkins

WOMAN

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Visit iwm.newmarketholidays.co.uk or call 0330 160 7853 quoting code IWM A selection of cabin types is available at ranging prices. All prices and cabins are extremely limited & may be withdrawn without notice. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges apply. Payment of on board accounts by card only. Fares exclude gratuities. Offers operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd ABTA V7812, a company wholly independent of Woman published by TI Media Limited. Prices are correct at itme of going to press on 30/1/2020 *Book by 17/2/2020. Subject to availability & may be withdrawn any time. Price shown includes discount. Choose free wine or a hamper when booking. Visit newmarketholidays.co.uk/offer-terms for full terms. †These cruises do not return to their original departure port, a coach transfer is available for a supplement.

Fashion

High street CHIC We prove you don’t need to splash the cash to dress like a celeb

Katie Holmes Blouse, £24.99, sizes 8-20, M&Co

Rochelle Humes

GET THE LOOK Looking supersophisticated in a bright red bouclé jacket, Katie, 41, adds smart jeans and a pretty blouse to up the glam factor.

GET THE LOOK The top-to-toe tonal look sported by Rochelle, 30, is a winner. Oversized clutches are the accessory of the season.

Trousers, £24.99, sizes 6-18, New Look

Coat, £60, sizes 6-22, Dorothy Perkins Jacket, £39.99, sizes 4-22, H&M Shoes, £19.99, Deichmann

Liz Hurley

Jumpsuit, £75, sizes 6-20, Phase Eight

COMPILED BY: MILLIE GOOCH. PHOTOS: GETTY

GET THE LOOK Perfect in pink, Liz, 54, looks radiant in this magenta jumpsuit. Red and pink are still a hot combination, so these contrasting heels work well.

Bag, £15.99, Mango

Boots, £30, Next

Bag, £44, JD Williams

Rebel Wilson GET THE LOOK Rebel Wilson, 39, has nothing to feel blue about in this gorgeous gown. Great matching colour-block bag too!

Ring, £22, Oliver Bonas

Bag, £22.50, Accessorize

Earrings, £5, Claire’s

Jeans, £35, sizes 10-32, JD Williams

Dress, £45, sizes 8-18, Damsel in a Dress Shoes, £19.99, H&M Shoes, £45, Phase Eight WOMAN

Swarovski crystals

Earrings, £17, Accessorize

Top, £8.50, sizes 6-24, M&S

Shoes, £13, Dorothy Perkins

Necklace, £2, Primark

E X U L

Dress, £25.99, sizes 6-18, New Look

for less £30 ALL UNDER

These buys are perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up Real leather

Bag, £27.99, bonprix.co.uk

Belt, £25.99, Zara

Skirt, £22, sizes 10-32, JD Williams

Top, £10, sizes 4-20, Primark 22

WOMAN

Fashion Bag, £16, George at Asda

Earrings, £5, Wallis

Top, £29.99, sizes 6-28, bonprix.co.uk

Trousers, £28, sizes 6-22, Dorothy Perkins

Scarf, £22.50, White Stuff

COMPILED BY: HANNAH HUGHES

Jumper, £16, skirt, £20, both sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing; shoes, model’s own

Boots, £29.50, M&S WOMAN

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… T ’ N A C I E M L L E DON’T T

…have my first child at 44 Louise Hunter found that being a ‘geriatric mum’ still has its advantages

A WORDS: © SALLY HOWARD/TELEGRAPH MEDIA GROUP LIMITED 2019. PHOTOS: LOUISE HUNTER/THE TELEGRAPH

re you a grandma too?’ the woman said, with a kind smile. ‘I’m a grandma-to-be, here to support my daughter.’ Blood rushed to my cheeks and my hands cradled my small pregnancy bump as I admitted that I was actually pregnant, expecting my firstborn. I’d been dreading the parenting class for months. At 44, I was undoubtedly the oldest mum-to-be in a room of 20- and 30-somethings.

I’d never felt that mothering urge that some women talk about. My parents divorced in my teens and my mum wasn’t a cake-baking sort of woman. In my 20s and 30s, I built a career as a globe-trotting saleswoman, and when my friends started having kids, I was pleased for them but never felt broody. Things started to change after I turned 40. My travelling made it impossible to keep relationships going, and a short-lived one around that time ended abruptly when I was transferred to Sydney for work. The realisation that I might never have children made me feel unsettled and scared, but I pushed these feelings to the back of my mind. Soon after moving, however, I became seriously ill with a brain abscess and it was touch and go whether I’d survive. As I was recovering back in Cambridge, I met Andy through friends. He was 46, a professional golf instructor – and, like me, he’d spent his career travelling. We didn’t discuss children at first – I assumed we were both too old to conceive. And I worried about the

Louise and Andy are loving life with their son, Freddy

health ris , p after my illness. Yet I secretly started feeling broody. Andy assumed I was infertile so hadn’t wanted to broach the subject. But one day, five months into our relationship, we ended up having a frank conversation, and I was surprised to learn that he was as broody as I was. ‘Why don’t we try?’ he asked. We didn’t tell our families as we didn’t want to tempt fate, but the close girlfriends I told were very excited about the possibility of a late baby in our group. I became pregnant quickly but had a miscarriage, which worried me. Was I taking a risk with my middle-aged body by trying to have a child so soon after a major health scare? Even so, we tried again and conceived within weeks. This time, the pregnancy was a dream, with barely any morning sickness. I felt womanly and full of energy. But, then, an early medical appointment knocked me when the obstetrician referred to me as a ‘geriatric mother’. I know that medical professionals use this term but I found it insulting. Freddy was born by caesarean, with no complications, and those early days were exhausting but blissful. Andy was 50 by this point and we often talked about

‘I ASSUMED WE WERE TOO OLD’

hether things would have been ifferent if we’d met years earlier, but we’re both sporty and in good health. n fact, I felt fitter than I did in my 30s. The biggest challenge, though, was hat other new mums were younger, with different priorities. It was all about keeping up with your social life. They’d natter away, while I felt like an elderly relative. It wasn’t the only time I felt that way. Once a man on the Waitrose checkout asked Andy and I if it was ‘grandparent day-care day’ when we were out shopping with Freddy. That said, things are changing. It’s refreshing that there are lots more 40-something first-time mums around. Four years on, Andy and I are focused on staying healthy and fit. We’re conscious we’ll be pensioners when Freddy, who has just started school, is 20, but I’m happy with our choices and have no regrets.

Yes, you can

BUT REMEMBER…

✱ Fertility rates for wo men aged 40 and over have increased sin ce the late 1970s. ✱ Celebrities are at it, too — singer Natalie Imbruglia had her first child at 44, and Janet Jackson at the age of 50. ✱ There are dangers. Th e risk of miscarriage spikes to 32 per cent among those in their ea rly 40s, and 54 per cent over the ag e of 45. WOMAN

Stephanie and Phillip Schofield have been married for 27 years

‘MY HUSBAND

WAS SECRETLY GAY’ Anne Lovell tells Woman what it’s like when life as you know it changes overnight – and how she coped

WOMAN

hen my daughter, Jo, 47, texted me to say that TV presenter Phillip Schofield, 57, had released a statement to say that he was coming out as gay after 27 years of marriage, I thought ‘Good for him!’. This may be an odd reaction from a woman whose own husband came out as gay after years of marriage, but it’s true. The world is very different from when my own ex-husband, David, came out in the 70s, but Phillip has still done

Real Life something very brave. His wife, Stephanie, and two daughters are just as courageous, for this news is sure to have had a huge emotional effect on them, regardless of how long they have known.

I was 19 years old when I met David at an ice rink in London, in 1964. He was my first love – my first everything – and just 18 months after we met, he proposed. Despite being macho and quite an alpha male, he could be very romantic and gave me a choice of three engagement rings as he wanted to make sure I’d love it. We married in 1965, and while neither of us wanted children straight away, we had sex regularly. Looking back, it was never the most passionate, but I didn’t know anything else. I thought we were both happy. Our daughter, Kate, was born in 1971, followed by Jo in 1972, but our relationship changed when both the girls were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. I gave up work to look after the children, and David worked in his family’s business. Our lives became a constant stream of doctor’s appointments, hospital visits and physiotherapy, and the stress meant the romance and sex we had been having disappeared. Then, in 1975, while tidying the bedroom, I found some gay magazines under the bed. The pictures of naked men shocked me, I’d never seen anything like it before. And when David arrived home that evening, I held back tears as I asked him about them.

morning, as we made breakfast, we both promised that the girls would always come first, and that we were still a team. I didn’t know anyone who was gay – after all, it hadn’t long been legalised. But over the next few weeks, each day, David would tell me a little more about the growing LGBTQ movement in London, and as he began to accept his own feelings, he realised he was gay rather than bisexual. I’d suspected this was the case the moment I saw those magazines; deep down, I think he’d been struggling since his teens and had suppressed the thoughts. I’d just been too inexperienced to notice whether there were any signs. A month later, we told our parents. They were all so disappointed, but as time passed, they learnt to accept our new family dynamic. Telling my closest friends was more embarrassing, and some of David’s refused to stand by him; after that, we only told those who needed to know. That’s why, to most people, we looked like any other married couple. David would cuddle me and kiss me on the cheek and, in public, he’d hold my hand – I think because he wanted to – but that’s as far as our contact went, and even though we continued to share a bed, we no longer slept together. I tried to be OK with it, but it left me feeling lonely and insecure. We both signed up to support groups, and talking about my experience with people who understood helped. It even pushed me to retrain as a counsellor and eventually become an agony aunt. One of the things I learnt was that you can never be sure of how you’re going to feel one day to the next. Sometimes, life seemed normal, happy even – we’d take the girls to the park or chat about work over dinner, but other days, I’d still feel anger and hurt at David’s deceit in marrying me. Over the next six years, although we still lived together, David and I both had our separate lives. We had affairs; I saw a couple of men that I’d meet through work or mutual friends, but the relationships never lasted long. Still, they made me feel attractive again. It was only when Jo turned eight that David told them about his sexuality, over

WORDS: ANNA MATHESON. PHOTOS: GETTY

‘THAT NIGHT, I SCREAMED AND CRIED’

Coming out

‘I think I’m bisexual,’ David told me nervously. Then he admitted that he’d been experimenting. I pushed him for more details but he wouldn’t tell me anything else, which somehow felt even more cruel. I was so angry that I couldn’t even look at him. That night, I barely slept. I screamed, cried and questioned our whole marriage. Had he ever really loved me? ll those times we’d slept Anne and David ogether, had he wished he’d on what would een with a man instead? have been their And yet, despite the hurt 40th anniversary nd the anger, I made the ecision not to leave David. We had two very ill toddlers who needed us under the ame roof – and, as much as t hurt, I still loved David. He wasn’t just my husband, e was my person, I couldn’t witch off those feelings vernight. So, the next

The Schofield family have shown bravery and courage

The girls were so accepting – and, to this day, I’m proud of how they embraced their unusual family set-up.

Moving forwards Not long after, in the early 80s, I met

someone at work who made me realise that I wanted a completely new relationship – one with both love and sexual intimacy – and I finally made the decision to leave David, although it was another 10 years before we officially divorced, and even then, we remained close. In 1995, I moved in with the man I met at work and he made me so happy, lavishing me with love and affection, which made the insecurities I’d felt after David’s revelation disappear for good. David was happy for me and we’d spend Christmases all together. I met David’s new friends, but never boyfriends as he never had another long-term relationship. When Kate got seriously ill in the late 90s, David and I looked after her together. And when she passed away, aged 28, in 1999, we grieved as a family. On what would have been our 40th wedding anniversary, David took me out for lunch. In 2008, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and over the last 10 years of his life, I helped Jo care for him. ‘Thank you for supporting me through everything,’ he told me a few months before he passed away in 2018, aged 77. ‘I couldn’t have done anything else,’ I said, squeezing his hand. Of course, ours wasn’t an easy journey. But women like me, like Stephanie, don’t need pity. We’re not victims and can turn these experiences into opportunities to change our lives. Our marriages and memories are no less special, and our relationship as a family may even be stronger. It takes a lot of work – but, together, you can learn to accept it, move on, and find happiness again.

‘WE AREN’T VICTIMS’

WOMAN

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Beauty Milk Kush High Volume Mascara, £10, cultbeauty.co.uk An impressive mascara that delivers lift and colour that can be layered on easily and removed effortlessly.

Max Factor Lash Revival Mascara, £10 If you prefer your lashes to look full but natural, this wand will help. The brush is made from a flexible material so it’s easy to coat every lash.

WORDS: SOPHIE CULLEN

Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara, £9.99 The double curved lifting brush grabs lashes at the root to lift, thicken and lengthen without clumps or flakes.

NYX On The Rise Volume Liftscara, £10 This ultra-pigmented formula catches and coats lashes in matte black for dramatic lift and volume in just a few strokes.

E X U L

for less

Barry M Showgirl Extra Volumising Mascara, £4.99 If you’re after XXL volume, this one is for you. The curvy, spiral-wand is designed to enhance and magnify the shape of your lashes so your eyes hold all the attention.

Lash-flattering mascaras for more wide-awake eyes Rimmel Scandaleyes Volume On Demand Mascara, £7.99 Some mascaras make a second application tricky, as your wand sticks to the first coat, but this mascara glides on application after application, so you can build up the volume to suit.

ALL UNDER £11

L’Oréal Bambi Eye False Lash, £10.99 Your lashes will be transformed into a delicately curled 60s flutter, thanks to the memory formula and wide bristle brush.

WOMAN

Re-fill your shower products

Ditch make-up wipes

Most make-up wipes are made from tiny plastic particles, meaning they take years to break down in landfill. Both Face Halo Makeup Remover Pads, £7 each, Boots, and Magnitone Wipeout Supernaturals Bamboo Microfibre Cleansing Cloths, £20 for two, Holland & Barrett, are machine washable.

Don’t discard your shower gel packaging when you’ve eked out the last drop of product. Splosh.com runs a subscription service for body care and cleaning products, sending a starter bottle that can be topped up with letterbox-sized refill bags. Prices start from £1.75 for hand soap. L’Occitane offers 500ml refill packs of its bestselling soaps, shower gels and shampoos. Its Shea Lavender Liquid Soap, £18, is our top pick.

eco beauty

10 SWAPS 4

Make the move to soap bars

Pump bottles might be handy, but the metal spring inside the mechanism means most can’t be recycled. The grey shade of Eco Warrior Clarifying Charcoal Bar, £4, Sainsbury’s, will make a statement on your bathroom shelf, as well as being suitable for using on your face. Beco Triple Milled Organic Soap in Spring Meadow, £3, Boots, is another brilliant buy. All of its packaging is made from recyclable materials.

WOMAN

Supersize your favourites

Cut back on both product packaging and shipping by splashing out on supersize versions of your most-loved beauty buys – it will save you plenty of cash too. QVC has a brilliant selection, with bumper bottles from high-end brands like Elemis, Color Wow and Ultrasun. Percy & Reed’s Wonder Balm Supersize (150ml) costs £19.02 at QVC, whereas the standard 75ml bottle will set you back £18 for less than half the product.

Minimise your water usage

Used by many manufacturers as a base ingredient to bring down costs, water is one of the first ingredients in most shampoos and face washes. Switch liquids for solid formulations wherever possible – you’ll be lathering with water anyway. Ethique Gingersnap Face Scrub, £12.99, Holland & Barrett, is water free, while Faith in Nature’s Lavender & Geranium Shampoo Bar, £5.79, Boots, contains just a tiny amount of water. WORDS: JESS BEECH. PHOTOS: GETTY

Save the planet without breaking the bank

Beauty

Get a second bathroom bin

With stats from Recycle Now showing that 90% of packaging is recycled in our kitchens, but just 50% in our bathrooms, it’s time to make space for a recycling bin. Soaper Duper ships orders from its website in a free bathroom recycling bin. We love the Sudsy Sicilian Lemon Body Scrub, £9.50.

Streamline your make-up

Reduce your dressing table clutter with one personalised Colour Palette from Tropic, £16. The palette can be topped up with everything from eyeshadow to blush in magnetic, aluminium trays to create your own look. No more fishing around in your bag for a loose eyeliner.

Re-think sheet masks

Much like plastic bottles, sheet masks are single-use, making them part of the ‘throw away’ culture we’re trying to avoid. Choose a biodegradable one with minimal packaging like The Body Shop Drops of Youth Sheet Mask, £5. L’Oréal Revitalift Filler Re-Usable Sheet Mask, £14, can be reused as often as you like with the co-ordinating Hydromask.

Look out for ‘naked’ packaging

Recycled or recyclable packaging is great, but no wrapping at all is even better. Lush has been championing so-called ‘naked’ packaging for years, with everything from bath bombs to shampoo bars available to buy just as they are. Made with cocoa butter and almond oil, Lush Floating Flower Bath Bomb, £6.95, turns your water milky blue for a pampering, luxe treat.

Choose reeffriendly SPF

If you’re jetting off on holiday, make sure your sunscreen is ‘reef safe’. Unfortunately, some of the chemicals found in sunscreen (oxybenzone and octinoxate) wash off your body when you’re in the water, causing fatal damage to marine life. Green People Scent-Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30, £16.50, lookfantastic. com, is suitable for even sensitive skin and is 100% reef safe.

WOMAN

Get a B12

BOOST! Eat to feel energised by adding this vital vitamin to your diet

POWER UP YOUR PLATE

ant more get-up-and-go? Healthy, balanced meals should deliver all that you need to tackle tiredness, but a shift in the nation’s eating patterns* is now leaving many of us short of nutrients – causing a slump in our energy levels along with more serious health problems too. Research suggests that almost 50%** of people may be lacking in vitamin B12 due to skipping meals or switching to a meat-free lifestyle. Considering that this Take a spritz to get nutrient is your optimum daily needed for dose of vitamin B12. a sharp ✱ Healthspan B12 mind and Blackcurrant Oral B12 isn’t produced in the an active Spray, 100 doses, body, so our supply comes body, it’s £8.95, health from food. Government worth tweaking span.co.uk guidelines recommend at least your diet to 1.5mcg (micrograms) daily. It ensure you’re getting should be easy to achieve this, and enough. Here’s how. more, with our daily meals. It absorbs better in the body in frequent small amounts, so the less often you eat it, the more you need. Doses up to 2,000 mcg are considered safe, says the NHS, as any B12 – also called cobalamin, is a waterexcess of B12 will be secreted with urine. soluble vitamin that’s essential for the It’s also worth noting that, as we age, B12 body to function so you feel raring to go. is less efficiently absorbed in the gut. It plays a major role in red blood cell formation, DNA, and maintaining a healthy nervous system. B12 is also involved in energy production, protecting a healthy brain, preventing strokes, If so, you have a greater risk of a vitamin maintaining cholesterol and blood B12 deficiency. ‘Many people start a pressure levels and sex drive. vegetarian or vegan diet without doing

EASY INTAKE

How much do we need?

The benefits of B12

Are you veggie or vegan?

WOMAN

any research,’ says dietician and HSIS adviser Dr Carrie Ruxton. ‘Simply cutting out whole food groups without prior planning isn’t ideal, as most animal and marine foods are a good source of B12.’ A vegetarian and vegan diet can still be healthy, but because you can't get B12 from plant sources, a bit of thought is needed to make sure you’re getting the right amount. The Vegan Society advises

TRY THIS!

At-home test kits make it easy to see if you’re lacking in this essential vitamin. Take a fingertip blood sample and send it off to the lab. Vitamin B12 test, £39, cerascreen.co.uk

Eat Well, Feel Great

SUPER SOURCES

Vitamin B12 is only found naturally in animal products, and the best sources are beef, liver and clams, advises Rob. It’s also present in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products. ‘Remember that unless they are fortified, plant-based foods contain no B12. Some breakfast cereals, nutritional yeasts, vegan spreads, non-milk alternatives and other foods will often be fortified with the vitamin,’ he says.

✱ CLAMS 100g = 98.9mcg

SARDINES 100g = 28mcg

✱ MARMITE 4g = 1.9mcg

✱ FORTIFIED TOFU 100g = 1.5mcg

✱ TURKEY BREAST 100g = 0.4mcg

✱ EGGS 1 egg = 0.6mcg

Excessive intake of alcohol may reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body.

eating B12 fortified foods two or three times a day to get 3mcg, or taking a B12 supplement daily. Pregnant women and the elderly are also more prone to low levels of this nutrient.

How to spot a deficiency

‘A B12 shortage can damage the nervous system, so it’s important to sort it as soon as possible,’ says nutritionist Rob Hobson. If you recognise any of these symptoms, see your GP. ✱ Lethargy ✱ Constipation ✱ Loss of appetite and weight loss ✱ Numbness/tingling in hands and feet ✱ Balance issues ✱ Sore mouth or tongue ✱ Depression ✱ Confusion ✱ Poor memory

✱ MILK 200mls = 0.8mcg

BEEF 100g = 2mcg

WORDS: ALI HORSFALL. PHOTOS: GETTY. *THRIVA. **NHS NUTRITION AND DIET SERVICES. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP.

CUT BACK ON BOOZE

✱ LAMB KIDNEY 100g = 79mcg ✱ CHICKEN LIVER 100g = 49mcg ✱ LAMB 100g = 2mcg ✱ DUCK 100g = 3mcg ✱ PORK 100g = 1mcg ✱ MACKEREL 100g = 19mcg ✱ HERRING 100g = 11mcg ✱ TUNA 100g = 5mcg ✱ SWISS CHEESE 100g = 3mcg

WOMAN

At 15, Becky got swept up with a bad crowd

I was waiting for her to

COME HOME Karen Edwards spent more than eight years hoping that she’d see her daughter again

ll any mother wants is for their daughter to be happy, healthy and safe, so when I turned on the news in March 2011 to see the parents of missing 22-year-old Sian O’Callaghan, I knew the sick feeling they’d have in their stomachs. My own daughter, Becky, had disappeared eight years earlier. As I watched the O’Callaghans beg for information about their daughter’s whereabouts, I felt every bit of the pain in their voices.

WOMAN

I followed their story over the next few days, sobbing for them when the manhunt ended in tragedy and a man arrested for murder led detectives to Sian’s body. I kept imagining the immense grief her poor mum must be suffering, until 24 hours later I no longer had to imagine. Detectives announced they’d found the skeletal remains of another girl and – I don’t know how, call it mother’s intuition – but as I listened to the latest development, I just knew. That second body was Becky.

As a little girl, Becky was a beautiful soul. She loved colouring, writing poems and playing outside with her older brother, Steven. When I married my new partner, Charlie, in 1997, we became the perfect little unit. But at school, Becky struggled to fit in, often becoming the victim of bullying. At 15, she’d got swept up with an unsavoury crowd, who introduced her to sniffing aerosols. When I found out, I was so angry. I shouted a lot, before talking to her about the dangers of drug addiction. It seemed to sink in and I hoped it was an experimental phase – but, several months later, I found drug paraphernalia hidden under her bed and was distraught when she admitted she’d tried heroin. From then, Charlie and I

Real Life tried to watch her, but it was difficult to always know her whereabouts. Life became a constant battle, and I watched in terror as my daughter faded away until she was a shell with sallow skin, greasy hair, and protruding ribs. She was constantly running away, and I tried every tactic to get her back on track: anger, tears, rational conversations. We paid for rehab twice, but she’d refuse to go, or would discharge herself to hunt down a dealer, and the whole cycle would start again. By summer 2000, Becky, then 18, was disappearing for weeks at a time, until her head would clear and she’d ring in tears, begging for help. I’d drive to collect her, give her a bath, make her dinner and pray that this time she’d stay for good, yet she never did.

Supportive role In December 2002, Becky,

then 20, called to say she’d been charged with burglary, and I went to support her in court before begging her to come home. Yet she insisted I drop her at a friend’s house first. I knew she might be going there for drugs, but I didn’t know how to stop her. I reasoned if I took her there, at least I’d know where she was – but after we arrived, she turned to me. ‘Mum, I’m going to stay here,’ she said quietly. I burst into tears, pleading with her to come home. ‘I can’t keep putting you through this,’ she said. ‘I’ll come home when I’m clean.’ Then she kissed my cheek and ran inside. I told myself she’d be back, like always, but the weeks, then months dragged on, and I lived in constant panic. Occasionally, I’d hear she’d been spotted by various acquaintances or friends of friends, and it convinced me that Becky was OK, but then I’d shift from relief to anger. If she was fine, why wouldn’t she call me? One year became two, then suddenly, five years had passed since I’d seen Becky. I’d search for hours whenever someone told me they’d seen her nearby and, in 2007, I tried posting on a missing-persons website. I even asked the Salvation Army to help search for her, but nothing came of it. Because Becky had chosen to leave, she wasn’t technically missing, but it

hurt that she just didn’t want to come home. Then Sian O’Callaghan disappeared. The man charged with her murder was local taxi driver Christopher Halliwell, then 47, and, after leading detectives to Sian’s body, he’d astonishingly asked, ‘Do you want another one?’ before taking them to a field where they found remains in a shallow grave. ‘It’s Becky,’ I told Charlie instinctively. But Charlie reassured me that it couldn’t be, people had seen Becky, after all – but the sick feeling wouldn’t go away. A few days later, the doorbell rang. Steven, then 32, who was round for lunch, answered, and I followed into the hall, immediately recognising the man at the door from the news. It was Det Supt Steve Fulcher, the officer leading the investigation into Sian O’Callaghan’s murder. ‘Is it my Becky? It is, isn’t it?’ I said. When he confirmed it was, I broke into heaving sobs lasting all day and night. I spent the next months numb with grief. After a post-mortem, Becky’s remains were returned in a coffin, but we were told her head had never been found. It was too much to bear. In May 2012, Halliwell was sentenced to life, with a minimum of 25 years, for the sexually motivated murder of Sian. He admitted abducting her in his taxi as she walked home from a nightclub, before taking her to a forest where he had stabbed and beaten her to death. But, unbelievably, he wasn’t charged with Becky’s murder. Det Supt Fulcher hadn’t cautioned Halliwell before he led him to Becky’s body, meaning his confession was inadmissible. Instead of Halliwell facing trial, Det Supt Fulcher

WORDS: KARA O’NEILL. PHOTOS: WILTSHIRE POLICE/PA WIRE, SHUTTERSTOCK, MATRIXPICTURES, PA IMAGES

‘I’LL COME HOME WHEN I’M CLEAN’

Halliwell was besotted with Becky

Tributes and flowers were laid after the body was found

was found guilty of gross misco d c for not following procedure. I was horrified. I campaigned furiously, begging MPs and judges to reconsider. The case was reopened in 2015, and re-examined evidence, including the testimony of an anonymous witness, meant that Halliwell would finally face trial for Becky’s murder.

Living in hope The witness told Bristol Crown Court

that Halliwell became besotted with Becky after meeting her in Swindon’s red-light district, where Becky, then 20, had ended up selling sex to buy drugs. In January 2003 – just a month after I’d last seen my girl – he’d had sex with her, strangled her, then buried her body. For eight years, Becky had been dead, her body alone in that cold field, and I didn’t know. I’d assumed she was getting clean – cruelly living in hope she’d come back one day. I’d even been angry for so many years, desperately waiting for a call. Halliwell was convicted of Becky’s murder and told he’d die in jail: finally, the justice my girl deserved. Steve Fulcher has become a good friend, and I’ll forever be grateful to him for bringing Becky’s body home. I just hope that while she has peace, Halliwell never will. ✱ A Killer’s Confession and a Mother’s Fight for the Truth, by Karen Edwards (£20, Headline)

WOMAN

FOCUS ON

Stomach

PAIN From trapped wind to more serious gastric conditions, here’s how to tackle tummy pain

truggling with your stomach today? You won’t be the only one. In the UK, stomach ache is one of the top reasons we visit the GP, and it’s often a gripe that comes and goes. But when is abdominal pain an indicator of something much more serious? Dr Kinesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist at The Lister Hospital, gives us the low-down.

Tummy talk

Confusingly, there are many reasons for a sore stomach. Trapped wind, difficulty digesting a meal, or simply needing a poo are often the usual suspects. Stomach ulcers, gallstones, and gastritis are also common conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome causes chronic pain in the abdomen. ‘Stomach ache is a result of nerves in and around the bowel becoming irritated by any of these conditions, and this leads the brain to feel pain,’ says Dr Patel.

Tell-tale signs

So, how can you discover the root cause of the discomfort? Firstly, identify your symptoms, says Dr Patel. He explains what to look for with common conditions that lead to pain – and how you can combat the cramps.

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Wind and bloating

Trapped wind is embarrassing and uncomfortable but not serious in isolation. Occasionally, it can be a symptom of other conditions such as coeliac disease or ovarian cancer. With trapped wind, your belly will feel stretched and full, and a build-up of gas can be spotted by the need to pass wind – often! ✱ BEAT THE BLOAT ‘Take regular exercise, sit down Avoid vegetables to eat, and adjust such as broccoli to your diet to avoid beat the bloat foods that are

linked to intestinal gas,’ says Dr Patel. These include beans and lentils, some fruits and fizzy drinks, and cruciferous veg such as sprouts, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

Constipation

Passing stools regularly is crucial for a healthy digestive system, says Dr Patel, and constipation leads to abdominal pain. If you’re only going to the toilet three times a week or less, and have crampy pains, it’s likely you’re constipated.

Health & Wellbeing Stomach cancer is not a common cancer in the UK, and stomach pain will often be the result of another condition. However, if you notice a lump and/or pain at the top of your tummy, are feeling full very quickly when eating, and burping a lot – all symptoms of stomach cancer – see your GP to put your mind at rest. Ovarian cancer can sometimes share the same symptoms as IBS, so get checked out if you have any concerns.

NATURAL SOOTHERS Try these natural remedies to relieve cramps, bloating and gas Tummy tea, £9.95, chucklinggoat.co.uk The soothing herbs meadowsweet, chamomile, peppermint and marshmallow root can aid digestion.

Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother, £6.95, Sainsbury’s Just the tonic to help beat the bloat. Schwabe Pharma Thisilyn Maximum Strength Milk Thistle, £12.99 30 capsules, hollandandbarrett. com Over-indulged? Relieve uncomfortable symptoms with this herbal antioxidant. Digestion calming drops, £8.95, weleda.co.uk Natural plant extracts to ease nausea and calm an upset stomach.

✱ GET THINGS MOVING Drinking lots of fluids, adding fibre to your diet, and being more active throughout the day will all encourage you to poo more.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to one in five people at some point in their life, according to the NHS. ‘Symptoms differ from person to person, but abdominal cramping is very common with IBS,’ says Dr Patel. The urgent need to poo, watery stools and regular bloating are also tell-tale signs. ✱ MANAGE THE PAIN ‘IBS is a lifelong condition, so finding ways to control these symptoms is key,’ says Dr Patel. Diet change can make a

big difference to accompanying stomach pain. Alcohol, fatty or spicy foods can cause a flare-up, so avoid them or keep a food diary to spot tummy troubles after eating.

Stomach ulcers

‘Also known as gastric ulcers, these painful open sores occur in the lining of the stomach,’ explains Dr Patel. ‘Not all stomach ulcers will hurt, but the most obvious symptom is usually a burning pain in the centre of the abdomen.’ You might also have indigestion and nausea. ✱ TIME TO HEAL Antibiotics will clear up your stomach ulcer if it’s caused by the bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). If taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) has

resulted in an ulcer, you’ll be given medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). ‘Antacid can ease the burning feeling in your stomach,’ says Dr Patel. ‘It’s best to give up alcohol, spicy foods and avoid stress until your ulcer has healed.’

Gallstones

An intense pain in the stomach that comes on quickly and lasts for around one to five hours could be gallstones. These small stones of cholesterol develop in the gallbladder, and it’s thought that one in 10 adults in the UK has them. ‘The pain is usually felt in the centre of the tummy, but can also start under the right ribs and spread to the side of the body,’ explains Dr Patel. ✱ SEE YOUR GP Small gallstones that don’t contain calcium can sometimes be dissolved with medication. If your stomach pain is severe enough to interfere with everyday life, your doctor may recommend keyhole surgery to remove your gallbladder.

Gastritis

‘When the lining of the stomach is damaged over time, it will result in inflammation called gastritis,’ explains Dr Patel. You might have gnawing stomach pain along with indigestion. ✱ TREAT THE CAUSE Reduce the amount of acid in the stomach to ease this stomach pain, advises Dr Patel. Medication, antacids, and eating small, frequent meals can help, as will cutting out alcohol. Once the stomach lining has healed, you can tackle what’s caused the damage.

WHEN TO WORRY?

If your stomach pain is severe, doesn’t seem to be getting better by itself or you’re experiencing other symptoms like weight loss or a persistent change in bowel habit, then you should see a GP as soon as possible, says Dr Patel. It may be that you’re experiencing one of these more serious conditions. ✱ Appendicitis ✱ Bleeding or perforated stomach ulcer ✱ Inflammation of the gallbladder ✱ Kidney stones

WOMAN

WORDS: ALI HORSFALL. PHOTOS: GETTY. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP

IS IT CANCER?

HOT BUYS to try

GOOD GUT HEALTH

Who knew that keeping your gut in tip-top condition to aid digestive health could be so simple and so delicious? M&S has launched a new Eat Well Good for Digestive Health range, which includes Fruity Kefir Granola Pots, spoonable Kefir Pots (as an alternative to yogurt), a Super Smoothie and a Pineapple and Turmeric Health Shot, from £1.10.

PLANTASTIC

Duckless Spring Rolls, No-Zarella Sticks, Dirty Fries, Smoky Tofu Burrito, Sweet Potato Katsu Curry and Roasted Veg and Houmous Pizza are just some of the delicious offerings from Asda’s new vegan range, called Plant Based. Prices start at £1.50 so it’s definitely an affordable option.

KITCHEN UPDATE

Look out for Morrisons’ new Wanderlust range of bowls, platters and tea towels in neutral and earthy tones of grey and yellow with terracotta highlights. A great addition to any kitchen, and good value too, with prices starting at £1 for a 9cm dip dish to £5 for a 3-pack of tea towels. In-store from 24 Feb.

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FOR LOW-CAL, LOW-COST COMFORT FOOD, TRY ALDI’S BALANCED CUISINE BEEF & RED WINE CASSEROLE. IT’S JUST £1.99 AND 185 CALS. Eggstra special Is it ever too early to enjoy a chocolate egg, especially when it’s vegan? Mummy Meagz, the cult vegan chocolate brand, has partnered with Holland & Barrett to launch the Chuckie Egg. Made with a rich, dark chocolate shell, sweet, creamy and gooey ‘yolk’, we reckon it’s going to fly off the shelves. 99p, 40g.

Food News

NOT SEEN THAT EFORE!

Try a

TREND

Three healthier swaps:

FOR SAUSAGES Heck Vegfurters, which are made with mushrooms, carrot and beetroot, are high in fibre, gluten-free, vegan and just right for popping in a bun or serving up with a full English veggie-style. £2.50, 4-pack, Sainsbury’s.

FOR CRISPS Popped, not fried is the way to a healthier crisp alternative and M&S Popped Corn Triangles are less than 100 cals a bag and a good source of fibre. Choose from Sweet & Salty, Spiced Coconut and Hot Wasabi. £1, 70g.

FOR A TAKEAWAY Really fancy a Chinese but not the calories? Tuck into a Slimming World Soy Ginger Chicken Noodles for a much lighter option that’s just as satisfying and much cheaper too. £3.50, 550g, Iceland.

MATCHA POWDER

As famous for its bright green colour as well as its health benefits, Japanese matcha is a finely ground type of green tea. Use it in hot drinks, smoothies, ice cream, desserts and in colourful bakes for an antioxidant boost. Try a taste of matcha with OMGTea 100% Organic Japanese Matcha Tea, £14.99, 30g, Lakeland.

SPREAD THE LOVE

Here’s a new flavour combo to try: Marmite and smooth peanut butter, mixed together in one handy jar. The smooth creaminess of the peanut butter with a hit of savoury Marmite is just perfect for spreading thickly on crumpets, bagels and toast, and it’s vegan. £2.50, 225g, Morrisons.

COMPILED BY: NICHOLA PALMER

BOOZE

NEWS

Even though dry Jan is over, non-alcoholic drink sales are on the up. Our tipples include a spirit alternative, booze-free fruity thirst quenchers and a new Baileys flavour.

FRUITY THIRST QUENCHERS If you’ve pledged to keep cutting down, Belvoir has drinks to tempt you. Pink Lady Sparkling Apple Juice (Sainsbury’s) and Lime & Soda (most supermarkets), £2.50, 750ml.

RED VELVET CUPCAKE LIQUEUR This is Baileys with va va voom! The latest, limited edition, Baileys Red Velvet Cupcake Liqueur is inspired by the iconic scarlet cake. Serve over ice, as a shot or swirled into coffee. £16, 70cl, Asda.

PAPA JOHN’S NEW BUTTERNUT SQUASH BASE IS PERFECT IF YOU’RE GLUTEN-FREE ANDVEGAN. VISIT PAPAJOHNS.CO.UK OR THE PAPA JOHN’S APP. ZERO-ALCOHOL SPIRIT After a booze-free spirit alternative? Check out Lyre’s London Dry Spirit, American Malt and Spiced Cane. Sainsbury’s, £22, 700ml.

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Perfect PANCAKES Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, these great new ways to serve pancakes are sure to impress

Nutella caramel pancake cake We make no apologies! This party pleaser is OTT but totally delicious for the occasional treat. SERVES 20 PREP 20 MINS COOK 25 MINS ✱ 750g self-raising flour ✱ 1.25ltr skimmed milk ✱ 3 large eggs ✱ Sunflower oil, for frying ✱ 600ml light double cream ✱ 1tbsp vanilla extract ✱ 1tbsp golden caster sugar ✱ 397g can caramel ✱ 200g Nutella or chocolate spread ✱ 30g pecan halves ✱ 30g marshmallows, halved

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1 Put the flour, milk and eggs in a food processor and whizz until smooth. Heat 2tsp oil in a 20cm non-stick frying pan. Pour in enough batter to generously cover the base of the pan, tilting it for an even layer. Cook for 2 mins until bubbles appear on the surface and base is firm. 2 Turn the pancake over and cook for another 1-2 mins until cooked through. Slide the pancake onto a plate and keep warm in a low oven. Cook pancakes until the mixture is used, stacking the cooked pancakes with baking paper in between. 3 Whip the cream with vanilla and

Food Ed’s tip This is easy to scale down. Make individual stacks with bought mini pancakes.

sugar until softly peaking. 4 To assemble, put one pancake on a serving plate, spread over some caramel, top with another pancake, spread with chocolate spread and repeat. Spread the next pancake with cream. Keep layering with caramel and chocolate spread. Finish with remaining cream on top, and a sprinkling of pecans and marshmallows. Flash the top with a cook’s blow torch to toast the marshmallows and drizzle with caramel thinned with a little hot water. Per serving: 997 cals, 46g fat (25g saturated), 96g carbohydrates

Recipes

Spring onion pancakes with barbecue ribs Asian-style pancakes served with succulent ribs and crisp cabbage.

COMPILED BY: NICHOLA PALMER. PHOTOS: TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

SERVES 6 PREP 30 MINS COOK 45 MINS ✱ 450g pack supermarket barbecue rib rack FOR THE PANCAKES ✱ 220g plain flour ✱ 12tbsp toasted sesame oil ✱ 1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped ✱ Sunflower oil, for frying ✱ 1 sweetheart cabbage, finely sliced ✱ Juice of 1 lemon ✱ Sesame seeds ✱ Kimchi (optional) 1 Cook the ribs in the oven according to pack instructions, reserving a little cooked barbecue sauce for drizzling. 2 To make the pancakes, mix the flour with 100ml warm water and a pinch of salt in a food mixer using a dough hook. Once combined, knead for 5-8 mins, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough and leave to stand for 10 mins. 3 Shape the dough into a long log, divide into six

Food Ed’s tip Kimchi is a Korean dish of spiced fermented cabbage, available in jars in supermarkets.

equal pieces and roll each one into a ball. Spread 1tbsp sesame oil on a baking sheet, top with a dough ball and roll out to a rectangle roughly 20 x 25cm (don’t worry if it splits). Sprinkle over one sixth of the spring onions and 1tbsp sesame oil. Starting at one of the long sides, roll the dough up and curl into a spiral. Set aside to rest and repeat. 4 Press and roll out the first spiral to a 10-15cm pancake. Heat a little sunflower oil in a frying pan and fry the pancakes for 2-3 mins on each side until golden and cooked through. 5 Remove the bones from the cooked ribs and shred the meat. Serve pancakes with the shredded meat, cabbage, a sprinkle of lemon juice, barbecue sauce and a few sesame seeds. Serve with kimchi. Per serving: 640 cals, 43g fat (9g saturated), 36g carbohydrates

Food Ed’s tip Whizz a handful of fresh spinach leaves into the batter to give the pancakes a lovely green colour.

Ham and cheese crepes Simple French-inspired pancakes, perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner. SERVES 4 PREP 10 MINS COOK 10 MINS ✱ 8 slices smoked ham ✱ 8tbsp grated Emmental cheese ✱ 1tbsp chopped fresh chives FOR THE BATTER ✱ 100g plain flour ✱ 2 eggs ✱ 300ml milk ✱ Sunflower oil, for frying 1 To make the batter, put the flour, eggs and milk in a food processor and blend until smooth. Heat 1tsp sunflower oil in a 15cm non-stick frying

pan. Pour in enough mixture to cover the base of the pan, tilting to spread evenly. 2 Cook for 30 secs until the pancake is set and golden on the base. Flip the pancake over and top with 2 slices of ham, 2tbsp grated cheese and a sprinkle of chives. Cook for a few secs until golden underneath. Slice the pancake out of the pan, fold in half and serve. 3 Repeat to make 3 more crepes in the same way. Per serving: 385 cals, 22g fat (9g saturated), 23g carbohydrates

WOMAN

WE WERE SITTING ON

A GOLDMINE

It’s what dreams are made of – finding out you own something that’s worth a fortune. But it happens more often than you’d think – not just on Antiques Roadshow

bra Goddard, 56, es in Twickenham, ndon ove of car boot es, or rather ding a bargain, is mething my mum, ne, and I always d in common. One wandered around the stalls, pushing my son, Jason, then three, in his pram, I spotted a wooden box full of costume jewellery. There were a couple of bangles I liked, but the man selling them told me I could take the whole box for £12. Being a consummate car booter, I haggled him down to £10. A week later, Mum came over and we went through the box. As we did, I pulled out a huge ring. The shank was a little tarnished and, when I put it on, the stone rattled in the setting. Over the next couple of months, I wore it on and off. In the end, it was just too garish – the stone was huge, and it was so heavy it would end up rolling around to my palm. As the years passed, I had two more children, six grandchildren, lost and gained jobs, moved probably five or six times, and I even had my home broken into. They took all my good jewellery – yet the ring remained. It wasn’t until 2016, 30 years after that car boot sale, that I was cleaning out

the spare room when my jewellery box caught on a bag and the ring fell out. As it did, it caught the light. I knew cubic zirconia could be worth a few hundred pounds, and thought maybe that was what it was, so I took it, wrapped in a plastic bag, down to my local jewellers. You hear people say they physically shook, but this man actually did. When he explained it was a diamond, I thought he’d got it wrong. But he was insistent. He could only measure up to 21 carats, which meant it was even bigger, and worth a lot. I ran, and I mean ran, back home, then called Sotheby’s. I was told to come in the next day, and that night, I sat up staring at the diamond, already picturing my new life! Sotheby’s measured the Indian cushion cut diamond at 26.27 carats and valued it between £350,000 and £400,000. In the end, it sold

£760,000

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Debra thought it may be worth a few hundred

for £760,000, partly commission paid by the buyer, and some went to Sotheby’s. I walked away with £460,000. I gave £10,000 to each of my children and £5,000 to the grandkids, and took the entire family – 19 of us – to Mexico. The rest has gone on giving Mum a good life. We never had much money, and it’s ice to be able to treat her. Sometimes I think about the man who old me the diamond, but I couldn’t even ell you what he looked like, 33 years is long time. Even now, I struggle to believe something like this happened to me. It’s the kind of thing you only read about. But it did, and I’m grateful every day. ✱ Car Boot Diamond (£7.99, Austin Macauley) by Debra Goddard is out now

WORDS: KIRA AGASS. PHOTOS: JON BOND – THE SUN, GETTY

‘I BOUGHT IT AT A CAR BOOT SALE 33 YEARS AGO’

Real Life

‘MY 99P PRINT WAS WORTH THOUSANDS’ Heaven, 56, es in Swindon. e runs Empower e Gambia and arity boutique e Emporium Loveliness.

ter sitting ough the holson fabric print, and watching it sell for thousands more than I paid for it, my nerves were so fraught I needed a very, very strong coffee. It’s a good thing that I’m not a drinker! It was October 2014 when I spotted the print in a Barnardo’s charity shop. It was on the floor behind the counter, and it looked so, well, different, with quirky dogs and reindeer. Although it was only 99p, I actually umm-ed and ahh-ed over it. Eventually, I parted with my money and took my new purchase out to the car. As I did, I noticed an inscription on the back that read: To Freya from Jake and Shirley Nicholson. By Ben Nicholson. My mum had been an art teacher, so I gave her a call. As soon as I said the name, she told me that, yes, he was a famous artist. I could be on to something here, I thought. That night, I did some research. The V&A museum website explained that Jake Nicholson was the artist’s son, and it looked like the print was one of four. More research told me that one had sold for £2,000. I sat there, stunned. It was the exact amount of money that I needed.

All for charity

‘I FELT LIKE I’D BEEN HANDED A MILLION POUNDS’

I’d been running a charity, Empower the Gambia, providing training and resources to rural communities, but after three years you need to apply to register as a charity commission – to do that, you need to have a reserve of £2,000. I’d found that out the day before I’d bought the print and had been distraught. It was a lot of money, and I had no idea how we’d get it. This felt like divine intervention. I called Bonhams, the auctioneer, and sent photos, but with the next auction five months away, I was desperate to get the print out of the house in case it was damaged. When it was finally time for the

auction in March 2015, my husband, Ben, and I stood at the back, listening to the bids. It all went quiet at £2,000, then minutes later, whoosh, there was a flurry from the overseas buyers. In the end it sold for £4,200. It was the most incredible feeling. We’d saved the charity. After commission, we were left with £3,300. I gave 10% to the Barnardo’s charity shop where I’d bought it, the rest went to Empower the Gambia. We’ve since been able to set up a unit for deaf children in one of the schools. What constitutes a fortune is all relative – the day that print sold, I felt like I’d been handed a million pounds. George and Rufus by Ben Nicholson

£4,200

UNCOVER YOUR OWN TREASURE

Experts at auctions website thesaleroom. com tell us what to look out for… ✱ Wristwatches and medals Some World War Two divers’ watches can sell for £30,000. Military medals can also attract good prices if they are connected to a famous operation or an outstanding act of bravery. ✱ Art from abroad Did someone in your family travel overseas, perhaps as part of the Army or Navy? Many brought back treasures from China. ✱ First edition books A first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone sold at auction for £27,500 in September 2019. ✱ Celebrity connections Autographed rock, pop and sports memorabilia are highly sought after. If you think you’ve uncovered a treasure, take it along to your local auction house to get it valued. Even if you don’t sell, you might need to increase your home and contents insurance.

WOMAN

Pure BLUE Bring some serenity to your bedroom with this calming colour

Table lamp, £55, Habitat Tealight holder, £5, National Trust

Faux flower arrangement, £16, Sainsbury’s

Cool bedding Update your linen with these minimal styles.

Blue Scandinese duvet set, from £12, George Home

COMPILED BY: ESME CLEMO

Foliage jug, £18, National Trust

Sustainable blue double duvet set, £23, Sainsbury’s

WOMAN

Classic floral double bedding set, £12, Argos Two-tier trinket pots, £16.50, Oliver Bonas

Homes

Comfy cushions

Coasters, £15 for four, Garden Trading

Create a pile of plush cushions to sink into.

Stripe cushion, £8, George Home

Maisie cushion, £20, Habitat

Auburn cushion, £19, made.com

Cushions, from £12 each, Astrid duvet cover set, from £11, throw, £25, brushstroke rug, from £20, iridescent table lamp, £35, Margot side table, £129, Porto double bedstead, £249, all JD Williams

Quilt, £180, John Lewis & Partners

Mera bedside table, £179, made.com

Greek blue chalk paint, £19.95 per 1l, Annie Sloan

Recycled glass, £2, Flying Tiger

WOMAN

Ask SUZIE

SHOULD I TRUST HIM?

I’ve always loved the story of how my husband and I met. You see, as far as I was initially concerned, I was invited to a dinner party by a friend and he came along with a friend of his. We were seated together and within a few minutes were chatting 10 to the dozen. On our second date, he confessed he had seen me at our local coffee shop, fell for me and, being too shy to just walk up, asked around to see if we had mutual friends, and engineered the party. I was charmed, and still am. And then when I told a recent acquaintance, she said it was creepy, he was a stalker and even after 20 years I shouldn’t trust him. What?

Suzie says

If he’d been a creepy stalker, he would have observed you, followed you around and bothered you. He did none of that. He found a mutual friend – someone who could vouch for him – and asked them to give him the chance to get to know you. Then he confessed what he had done. Stalkers don’t want there to be a trail. Your friend is either jealous at such a romantic tale, or too ‘woke’ for her own good. Maybe she has good reasons in her own life to be hyper-vigilant, but it helps nobody to see a problem where none exists. If she can’t row back from her misreading, I’d keep her as an acquaintance, not a friend.

A family rift over a big gay wedding

My son and his boyfriend are planning their wedding. But they both came to me last weekend in a state. They’d been with the other parents, who have always been welcoming to our son. This time, his fiancé got into a discussion with his dad, and was horrified to have him insist he would vote against gay marriage and in favour of firms who sacked gay workers. When

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 46

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they said those policies would adversely affect them, he shrugged. Is there any point in trying to smooth things over?

Suzie says

I don’t feel they should brush this under the carpet. Your son’s fiancé could say he’d hate to make them go against their principles and be part of something with which they disagree. He could also tell them he’s afraid they’d ruin his big day so is thinking about asking them not to come. In the interim, his dad might have had a chance to think about what he said. In the end, it has to be your son’s fiancé’s decision.

When does a tale of romance become a creepy story?

HOW CAN I GET MY HUSBAND TO STOP?

My husband has always been a happy-go-lucky person, but all of a sudden he keeps making jokes about him dying before me, and what I should do when left alone. I’m finding it anything but funny, even though our children think it’s a hoot.

Suzie says

Has someone he knows died or had a close brush with death? Has he been ill himself, or maybe had one of the birthdays that say time is marching – those with an 0 or 5 at the end of them? Something has alarmed him. The best way to deal with anxiety is neither annoyance nor laughter. You both need to explore the reason for his fears. Persuading him to book an ‘MOT’ with his doctor could give all of you the chance to see how he can be reassured or have anything worrying dealt with.

PHOTO (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

Libido has taken a downward spiral

I thought that the sex drive drop in both my partner and our relationship was due to the menopause – I haven’t been feeling very sexy. But whenever I try to have some foreplay my husband can’t get an erection, or can’t keep one. So who is to blame?

Philippa says

No one is to blame in this scenario; sex involving two people involves two people, neither one

WILL GUM WRECK MY TEETH?

Are there alternatives for fighting malaria?

Philippa says

Chewing gum is my favourite. I always choose a sugar-free one, but my friend said it’s still bad for my teeth. Is that correct?

If you enjoy chewing gum and choose a sugar-free option then actually it can be good for your teeth. It does have to be sugar-free though, as the constant sugar against your teeth would increase your risk of tooth decay. But sugar-free gum can slow tooth decay by up to a quarter when compared to people who don’t chew gum. It is thought that it encourages you to generate saliva and remove plaque. Chew away!

PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY. *RESEARCH BY: SK:IN SKIN CLINICS

can take all the blame, or all the glory for that matter! Libido often does drop around the menopause, due to the change in hormone levels, but other reasons can also come into play, including vaginal dryness, which can make sex painful. Depression or anxiety can also drop libido. As for your husband, erectile dysfunction is very common and I would encourage him to see his doctor as often it can be treated.

WAYS TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH THIS WEEK The scientists have spoken! Try these easy ways to achieve a happier, healthier life

I’m off on an adventure of a lifetime around Africa. I know I am supposed to take antimalarials but I read recently that drinking soup can help fight malaria. Is this correct?

A recent study showed that some soups were active against malaria, but it was a very small study and no one compound was found to be the active ingredient. So there is a bit of a way to go before an active component is found. Others have suggested that eating lots of B12 or substances such as nutritional yeast or Marmite can help prevent malaria but the most effective option is antimalarials, which your pharmacist or doctor will be able to supply. There are different antimalarial regimes for varying areas around the world.

Make a pledge

We all say we do it, but stats show that 70% of us forget to take make-up off after a night out*. With 39% of women saying that a glowing complexion gives them a confidence boost, make a pledge to remove yours tonight.

Eco-friendly brushing

WHAT COULD THIS LUMP BE ON MY ARM?

There’s a swelling on my wrist that doesn’t hurt and feels perfectly smooth. It definitely wasn’t there six months ago – do you know what is going on?

Philippa says

It sounds like you could have a ganglion; a totally benign lump, which tends to occur on the wrist or ankle. It is a fluid-filled sac that comes from the tissues that surround a joint or a tendon. They are just as you describe; very smooth and generally round and tend not to cause pain. Traditionally they were treated by dropping the family Bible on them, which causes them to burst but surprisingly enough we don’t recommend that now! If it isn’t causing pain, no treatment is needed and, although they can be removed surgically, for example if they are painful or interfering with function, they often recur. Go to the doctor to get it checked out as, of course, I haven’t actually seen it so can only guide you generally, but if it isn’t bothering you, then leave it be!

We’re all trying to do more for the planet, and now you can get a toothpaste that’s 100% naturally flavoured and comes in recyclable packaging. Happier Toothpaste from Happier Beauty is flavoured with papaya. (£12 for 75ml, happier beauty.com)

Love your gut

IBS affects one in five of us, and Bay’s Kitchen aims to help with its new gut-friendly sauce range. Flavours include Tikka Masala or Thai Green Curry, and they’re certified ‘FODMAP’ – a special IBS-friendly diet. (£3.95 for 260g, Morrisons)

WOMAN

Ask MARTIN

MoneySavingExpert.com’s Martin Lewis will save you £££s

Watch out for overdraft rates

Banks will soon charge 40% interest rates

verdrafts are the new danger debt. From April, most banks will charge around 40%, with some charging more. That’s double the cost of a typical high-street credit card. The regulator, the FCA, imposed changes in the hope of making things fairer for customers; while it’s worked in some ways, it’s failed to boost competition and will see many overdraft prisoners pay more. Everyone who ever dips into their overdraft needs to take action. SHOCKING NEW OVERDRAFT RATES

Most of the big banks have announced their new rates (some have small buffer zones where you don’t get charged). ✱ 39.9%-49.9% AER. Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland (all from 6 April). The amount depends on your credit score. ✱ 39.5%-39.9% AER. Nationwide (changed in Nov), HSBC, First Direct, M&S Bank (all from 14 March), RBS (27 March) NatWest (1 April), Santander (6 April). They will all charge c.40% AER. ✱ 35% AER. Barclays (22 March). ✱ 15%-39% AER. Starling bank will charge 15%-35%, and Monzo (both 1 April) 19%-39%. The exact amount depends on your credit score. Why have these changes happened?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ruled that 48

WOMAN

from 6 April 2020 current account providers must… ✱ End extra charges for busting your overdraft. ✱ Allow all overdrafts to have a single interest rate. The aim is to make it easier to compare and drive competition, and it’s certainly succeeded in making comparison easier. Previously, some had daily charges, such as Santander’s £1 a day, others interest rates, such as First Direct’s 19.9%, and some a hybrid, such as NatWest’s £6/mth and 19.9%. Now they all have a single rate, it’s easy to see that the problem is they’re virtually the same hideously high rate – which was unintended. So much so, after I and others complained, the FCA has written to major banks slapping them on the wrists by asking for evidence of how they’ve arrived at charging such high interest rates. It’s gone even further to say that banks must help those most vulnerable customers who’ll be hit hardest by the change. Rates are high, but not everyone will pay more

Generally, if you only go into your arranged overdraft a little, and not for long, you’ll win. For example, go £20 overdrawn with NatWest for one day, and you pay £6.01; under the new system, it’ll just be a few pence.

However, for those who are constantly stuck in their authorised overdraft by a decent whack, the increase could be huge. Take someone overdrawn by £2,000, their costs more than triple, from around £180/year to £680/ year. This locks many in as long-term overdraft prisoners. In fact, this is worse than most credit cards, and threatens to turn the old financial logic on its head. Many use their bank accounts to pay off credit cards, yet, perversely, as typical credit cards only cost 19% annual interest, and overdrafts are 40%, if you’ve both debts you’d be better to pay the minimum on your credit card and focus on reducing the overdraft first. Once that’s gone, try to clear the credit card. If you’re overdrawn, you’re not stuck

While not easy, there are solutions. For full help, see my mse.me/cutoverdraftcosts guide, but briefly… ✱ Budget and switch direct debit dates. Let these new rates be a clarion call to cut back and go spending cold turkey for a while. Move direct debit dates so they’re just before pay day, rather than just after. It can mean you’re not overdrawn for long. ✱ Switch to a 0% overdraft – if

you’ve a decent credit score. Firstdirect.com gives accepted newbies £100 and most a £250 ongoing 0% overdraft too. FlexDirect from nationwide.co.uk gives a year’s 0% overdraft. The limit depends on your credit score, but it can be far bigger, some get over £1,000. See the 0% year as time to clear what you owe, as after that you’ll be charged 39.9% AER. ✱ If these charges put you in financial hardship, complain. The FCA’s letter told banks that they must help those struggling – suggesting to reduce or waive interest, allow customers to continue using their overdraft at current rates, or agree repayment programmes. This means, as the regulator has said it, it’s arguably now standard industry practice. That’s crucial because if you complain and the bank does nothing, you can go to the free financial-ombudsman.org.uk for a ruling. And it looks at both the law and standard industry practice. ✱ Seek debt counselling help. If all else fails, talk to a free non-profit debt counselling agency such as citizensadvice. org.uk, nationaldebtline.org, or stepchange.org; banks take them more seriously.

✱ Get Martin’s FREE tips and money-off vouchers emailed directly to you each

week by signing up at moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

PHOTOS: GETTY

Warning, overdrafts will soon cost DOUBLE credit cards

Ask SUSAN

Expert solutions for your sex and relationship dilemmas

Shall I try a remote controlled toy?

I’ve always loved vibrators. I use them alone and with a partner. I’ve seen some described as ‘remote control’. Any tips on how to choose and use?

Susan says

Remote vibes are great for handing control to your partner. For choosing, get one quiet

I BLEED AFTER SEX

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed that I bleed during and after sex and if my partner touches me or when we use toys. I don’t bleed at other times, but it does put a stop to our fun, and I worry that I’ve become more sensitive. I wonder if we should be going gently, whether there’s something wrong, and what we can do to stop this. I’m 50.

Susan says

First, go for a check-up to make sure this bleeding isn’t down to an infection or inflammation. Otherwise yes, go more gently. But also, because you may be suffering vaginal dryness as you reach the menopause, add in lubrication. Try an over-the-counter vaginal lube or ask your GP for a cream targeted to help with pre-menopause symptoms.

enough to use discreetly; one that delivers the sensations you want; one that has the range you want – the same room or across continents. Then teach your partner your favourite patterns and set ground rules about what’s out of bounds. And, if using in public, be considerate – other people haven’t consented to join your fun!

My friends knew she was a cheat

When I married my wife two years ago, I didn’t know she was already sleeping with my best man. This came out six months later, we divorced, and it seemed the lowest point of my life. But recently I discovered that several of my closest friends knew what was happening at the time but didn’t tell me. I feel so betrayed by these traitors. Can I ever get over this?

Susan says

Of course right now you feel utterly betrayed. But what may help is realising that, almost certainly, your friends didn’t think they were betraying you. Maybe they were afraid of hurting you. Or unsure whether it was true and hoping that things would work out. Particularly around sex, people hesitate to interfere. So talk to your friends and learn their side. They may be more well-meaning than you imagine – or less treacherous than you fear.

WHY WON’T HE QUIT WATCHING PORN?

PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY

I’ve always known my husband watches soft-core porn. And, actually, I don’t mind – our sex life is great and he still desires me. But yesterday he said that if I wanted him to stop, he wouldn’t. So now I’m worried. It feels like he’s being selfish and doesn’t love me enough to meet my needs. Perhaps I’m being over-sensitive.

Susan says

You’re not being over-sensitive. There are some issues that should be negotiated until you have solutions you’re both happy with. And I believe that watching porn is one of these issues. There’s

no easy answer – you need to keep talking, trying to understand each other. But I think it’s fair to explain to your husband that, although you’re relaxed about the porn, his refusal to compromise is making you question his commitment.

REASONS NOT TO HAVE REBOUND SEX

A relationship has ended badly. You’re feeling really low. What better way to recover than to have sex, right now? But it’s not always the best idea…

It may be bad sex

It’s unusual for first-time passion to be really rewarding. Instead, go for cuddles (or just conversation) until you’re truly comfortable with each other.

Sex may stop recovery Surprisingly, if you move on too quickly, you may stay stuck in grief and regret. Instead, take recovery time of at least three months before connecting with someone else.

Rebound sex may add to pain

If a new connection doesn’t work, you can end up feeling rejected again. Instead, hold back on sexual involvement until you know things are going to last. Read Moving On: Breaking Up Without Breaking Down by Suzie Hayman (£14.99, Vermilion).

WOMAN

Go exploring in

GENEVA

Head to Geneva for fabulous views, top gastronomy and a wealth of culture – plus, visitors travel for free!

WORDS: JESSICA RANSOM. PHOTOS: GETTY

FIND YOUR WAY

Geneva is extremely easy to get to, with multiple UK airports flying direct and flight times under two hours. On your way out of the baggage reclaim hall, be sure to grab your free 90-minute travel ticket, which will get you straight to the city centre. All trains departing from the station stop at the city centre, and it takes just six minutes. While in the city, Geneva’s tourism board ensures visitors don’t have to worry about the cost of travel during their stay – all hostels and hotels provide tourists with a free travel pass that is valid for the entire stay.

WOMAN

Something here for everybody

If fine dining is what makes you tick, the city has 60 restaurants ranked by Michelin or GaultMillau guides. The budget-friendly, bi-weekly food market in Carouge is a must for any foodie, as it is overflowing with local produce. Chocoholics should book on to a guided tour, where you’ll visit five chocolate factories and sample the goods. For history buffs, there’s a multitude of museums to choose from, and outdoorsy types can hike, cycle, ski or paraglide.

SPECTACULAR SIGHTS TO SEE

Paying homage to its reputation as the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking, the stunning flower clock, situated on the corner of the Jardin Anglais, features 12,000 blooms. For a chance to appreciate Geneva’s unique location, take a short bus ride and cable car up Mont Salève. Or admire the mountain view itself by taking a stroll to the sunny square of La Promenade de la Treillie, and sit on the world’s longest wooden bench, made from 180 wooden boards.

Eat at Michelinstarred Domaine de Châteauvieux

Eat well

eneva has more than 2,000 estaurants, but there is one hef in particular who makes regular appearance. hilippe Chevrier was born in eneva and has opened everal restaurants since getting his first Michelin star at Domaine de Châteauvieux in 1991, and his second three years later. Sitting high in the idyllic Genevan countryside, Domaine de Châteauvieux is Philippe’s flagship restaurant. The menu uses local produce to create dishes that are a feast for your senses. For those on a smaller budget, visit one of his other venues, such as Chez Philippe, for a steak cooked over beech wood charcoal, or one of the oldest bistros in Carouge, Café des Négociants.

HOP ON A CRUISE

At 454 miles long, Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Europe. Appreciate its size and beauty by enjoying a Lake Geneva cruise, or set sail on one of the city’s iconic paddle steamboats. The world famous Jet d’Eau was built at the end of the 19th century and now pumps water 140m into the air. Be sure to Go to the lively carry around a water bottle and Place de Longemalle top it up from one of the many fountains around the city – 90% of the drinking water comes from the lake itself.

Stay in style

Located in the business district of the city, Hotel Rotary is part of the M Gallery collection and offers visitors a very comfortable and enjoyable stay. Rooms are filled with classic furniture and antique pieces, which were picked up on the owner’s travels. There’s also an excellent restaurant and bar, serving a wide selection of wines by the glass, 80% of which are proudly from Geneva. ✱ For information visit geneve.com

The city’s pretty flower clock tells the time accurately

✱ For more travel inspiration visit thecaribou.com

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Ava’s parents were told she wouldn’t reach three

For years, Vera Twomey had to watch her daughter suffer with a rare illness

ook at this picture of our daughter, Ava, grinning as we celebrated her 10th birthday – it’s a photo my husband, Paul, and I never thought we’d take. When she was four months old, Ava suffered a 45-minute seizure at home. There was no warning: her tiny body stiffened, her limbs trembled, and her eyes flickered from side to side. Terrified, I held her convulsing body as Paul called for an ambulance.

third birthday, but by the time she was six, in 2015, Paul and I were told by a consultant there were no medications left to try. It was awful. But we knew we couldn’t give up. I’d read about a case in America of a child who was treated with CBD and THC – compounds found in the cannabis plant and used medicinally . So in October 2016, after receiving confirmation from a neurologist, we decided to try CBD oil. Ava’s seizures stopped for the next 13 days, and she was subsequently 90% seizure-free. Over the next few months, Ava had a better sleep pattern, better balance and a better appetite. But by February 2017, the effects of the CBD oil began to wear off. We then knew we needed the addition of THC to Ava’s medical regime. But the percentage of THC necessary for Ava was above the legal limit here in Ireland, so we couldn’t get it on prescription. Ava would need to be granted a licence for its use. My attempts to contact the government to convince them Ava’s case was exceptional came to nothing. After two years of campaigning, desperate to draw attention to Ava’s case, one February morning I decided to walk from our home in Cork to the Irish parliament in Dublin. Paul thought I was mad as I packed a small rucksack, but as I kissed him and Ava goodbye, I knew that I had his full support. It took nine days to walk the 260km trek. I wasn’t prepared for how tough it would be,

‘AVA WOULD NEED A LICENCE’

‘Your daughter has an incredibly rare form of childhood epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome,’ the doctor told us, after running tests. We were told Ava may never walk or speak properly, but then he delivered the most devastating blow. ‘We don’t expect her to live past three,’ he explained. I was heartbroken. We learnt that the only hope for Ava was anti-epileptic medication, but over the next few years, one after the other, the drugs failed, unable to alleviate her pain or bring the seizures under control. Despite everything, Ava celebrated her

WORDS: FIONA KINLOCH / TERESA RICHARDSON

Vera has written a book about her daughter

The family had to leave their home

but as word got out on social media about my quest, and people joined me along the way to show their support, I was determined. Arriving at Parliament over a week later, my gesture had worked, and the Irish Health Minister agreed to meet me. But Ava still wasn’t granted a licence. With no other choice, in June 2017, our family uprooted our whole life and headed to the Netherlands, where it would be legal for Ava to be treated with THC. There, Ava thrived from the treatment, and over the next few months we amassed medical evidence that she was benefiting from the drug. In December 2017, we got the licence we needed to return home to Ireland, but we still have to go to the Netherlands every 12 weeks to collect Ava’s prescribed medication. It can be exhausting and expensive, but Ava is practically seizure free. She can go to school most days and loves Lego, jigsaws and her picture books. Seeing her thrive makes everything worthwhile. ✱ For Ava by Vera Twomey (£12.50, The Mercier Press Ltd) is available in selected high-street retailers and on Amazon

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WORDS: FRANCES LEATE. PHOTO: GETTY

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hat two languages did actress Kate Beckinsale study at university? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares.

ACROSS: 11 Engineer 12 Fling 13 Apollo 14 Bran 15 Calorie 16 Luscious 17 Adoring 18 Dresser 19 Ouch 21 Break 23 Physics 24 Cyclone 28 Hazy 29 New 30 Enigma 33 Complex 35 Doe 36 Skit 38 Hers 39 Aer 40 Termite 42 Butler 43 Bag 44 Perk 48 Unveils 50 Release 51 Voice 54 Word 56 Writers 57 Intense 60 Surveyor 61 Flyleaf 63 Unit 64 Falcon 65 Train 66 Skeleton DOWN: 1 Snored 2 Dinner lady 3 Fencing 4 Drill 5 Afar 6 Fivepence 7 Ageless 8 Passer-by 9 Domino 10 Flouncing 18 Desk 20 Shawl 22 Reasoned 25 Lump sum 26 In detail 27 Needy 31 Icebergs 32 Historic 34 Pasture 37 Truro 41 Obese 44 Prosecuted 45 Unpopular 46 Never fear 47 Less 49 Low-lying 52 Migrate 53 Unified 55 Device 58 Suitor 59 Feast 62 Yank

ACROSS

11 Designer of roads or bridges (8) 12 Throw, hurl (5) 13 - - - 13, Tom Hanks film (6) 14 - - - tub, lucky dip (4) 15 Measure of energy (7) 16 Rich and sweet (8) 17 Doting on (7) 18 Kitchen sideboard (7) 19 Cry of pain (4) 21 Fracture (5) 23 One of the sciences (7) 24 Hurricane, typhoon (7) 28 Misty, vague (4) 29 Fresh, unused (3) 30Puzzling riddle (6) 33 Difficult, problematic (7) 35 Female deer (3) 36 Comedy sketch (4) 38 Belonging to that woman (4) 39 - - - Lingus, flight company (3) 40Ant-like creature (7) 42 Chief male servant (6) 43 Container for shopping (3) 44Fringe benefit (4) 48 Unmasks, reveals (7) 50Let go of (7)

E V O L U O Y IF S E Z I R P TO WIN VISIT TwHoEmNanmagazine.co.uk

comps.

51 Sound of speech (5) 54 Part of a sentence (4) 56 Novelists (7) 57 Deeply felt (7) 60Buildings inspector (8) 61 Blank page at the beginning of a book (7) 63 Kitchen fixture (4) 64Hunting bird (6) 65 Form of public transport (5) 66 Human framework (8)

DOWN

1 Breathed noisily in sleep (6) 2 School canteen worker (6,4) 3 Olympic sword sport (7) 4 Dentist’s tool (5) 5 At a great distance (4)

6 Small coin (9) 7 Seemingly eternal (7) 8 Casual onlooker (6-2) 9 Dotted game counter (6) 10 Moving impatiently (9) 18 Classroom table (4) 20Woollen shoulder wrap (5) 22 Thought logically (8) 25 Single payment (4,3) 26 Fully (2,6) 27 Penniless, poor (5) 31 Drifting frozen chunks at sea (8) 32 Important in the past (8) 34 Grassland for grazing (7) 37 Cornish cathedral city (5) 41 Clinically overweight (5) 44Took to court (10) 45 Not generally liked (9) 46Don’t worry! (5,4)

47 Opposite of ‘more’ (4) 49 Close to sea level (3-5) 52 Fly south for the winter (7) 53 Merged into one (7) 55 Apparatus (6) 58 Admirer, wooer (6) 59 Grand meal (5) 62 Pull sharply (4) Editorial Complaints We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (https:// www.ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Limited Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

ZZLES SAVING MISSY

by Beth Morrey (£12.99, Harper Collins, HB) In what’s been described as a ‘coming-of-old’ story, we meet prickly Millicent ‘Missy’ who, at 79, is quite lost. Grieving for her husband, a son living in Australia and a daughter she hasn’t spoken to for a year – she is lonely. That is until she meets two women who help her realise it doesn’t really have to be that way. Featuring flawed but loveable characters, this is a story of friendship and the importance of not giving up.

THIS WEEK’S HOT READ For more books information, see goodtoknow.co.uk/ books.

IF YOU LIKE THAT, TRY THESE… Unbreakable friendship

The Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty (£7.99, HarperCollins, PB) As a celebration of female friendship, you need look no further. When Iris goes missing, Terry is determined to catch up with her runaway friend in Europe and convince her that the life she has left behind is worth living. A tear-inducing read with undeniable warmth.

A valuable lesson

Saturdays at Noon by Rachel Marks (£7.99, Penguin, PB) Sometimes a book comes along that really makes you think, and this story of two people who end up at an anger management class does just that. This is a clever and engaging read that shows how people, and children, can be misunderstood. Heartbreaking and hopeful.

PHOTO: GETTY

Too good to be true?

Unexpected Lessons in Love by Lucy Dillon (£7.99, Black Swan, PB) Hopeless romantic Jeannie has always been in love with the idea of love and thinks she’s finally got it right with vet Dan whose surprise New York proposal is surely the stuff of dreams. But even for Jeannie it seems a little too perfect and as the wedding approaches, fate steps in to show her the right path. A sparkling read.

STARSCOPE

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

Forget about getting anywhere fast and in a straight line for the next week, as journeys and information are going to be convoluted. Gives you time to think though. For your reading 09058 172557

☎

TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May

Expanding horizons is the theme of the moment, but whether you’re hoping to increase your skills and knowledge or add to your air-miles, it’s going to take time. For your reading 09058 172558

☎

GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun

Sometimes it’s good to reconsider decisions and to reschedule meetings and events, so don’t get too bent out of shape if things cannot proceed as hoped. Later is better. For your reading 09058 172559

☎

CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul

If someone is proving difficult to please, don’t try too hard. When the time is right you’ll understand why and, more important, you’ll have lost none of your allure. For your reading 09058 172560

☎

LEO 24 Jul – 23 Aug

Be prepared to wait for money to arrive and contracts to be signed. Delays serve a purpose. There could be a better deal and you may get more than originally discussed. For your reading 09058 172561

☎

VIRGO 24 Aug – 23 Sep

A new moon in the zone of relating begins a 12-month cycle for love and relationships. Nonetheless you may have to return to the past before you can go forward. For your reading 09058 172562

☎

LIBRA 24 Sep – 23 Oct

You’re probably not going to get the answers you need now, and certainly not in a hurry. So, put yourself on hold and wait for people to get back to you in their own time. For your reading 09058 172563

☎

SCORPIO 24 Oct – 22 Nov

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again… There is mileage to be made in going back to the drawing board and much to be gained by checking the story. Be patient. For your reading 09058 172564

☎

SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov – 21 Dec

As much as you may want to make a new start, it’s not quite the right time for it. Give yourself and others a couple more weeks before nailing your colours to the mast. For your reading 09058 172565

☎

CAPRICORN 22 Dec – 20 Jan

You may be ready to attack one or more situations, but your efforts could be frustrated by retrograde Mercury. There is a reason for any delays and diversions. Chill. For your reading 09058 172566

☎

AQUARIUS 21 Jan – 19 Feb

If an event is cancelled or someone backs out of an agreement, don’t take it to heart. Given time, the situation will probably change yet again. There’s a reason for everything. For your reading 09058 172567

☎

PISCES 20 Feb – 20 Mar

A new moon in Pisces opens a fresh chapter. Opportunities and offers could be on their way, although they may not be quite as they seem to begin with. For your reading 09058 172568

☎

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.

WOMAN

WE BRING YOU THIS WEEK’S LATEST TV NEWS

6SECO0ND

INTERVIEW

RUSSELL TOVEY

ussell tells us about his new role in ITV’s family thriller Flesh and Blood where he plays a son, Jake, whose life is thrown into disarray when his widowed mother Vivien (Francesca Annis) falls in love again, with retired surgeon Mark (Stephen Rea)…

A mum finds love in Flesh and Blood

Tell us about your character, Jake. Jake’s a personal trainer and the epitome of toxic masculinity. He’s never wanted to imagine his mum as being anyone apart from his mum. That’s her role. He’s a man-child! Does he distrust Mark from the start? Yes, Jake thinks he’s a dodgy character and doesn’t believe a word he says. It’s 18 months after his dad’s death, so it all seems a bit disrespectful.

What’s his relationship like with his siblings, Helen and Natalie? They all spend so much time together but they know nothing about each other on any level and they’re going through so much trauma but they won’t share it. Also, his sisters are earning more than him and I think that’s really damaging to his ego. Did you enjoy playing Jake? Yeah, because you’re so frustrated by him. You think, ‘Just sort yourself out!’ It’s so

rewarding to play this kind of lovable but damaged character. It’s a dream. What was it like playing a dad for the first time? It was awesome. The kids were brilliant, so sweet, and the boy’s got the same ears as me so that was good casting! But it’s terrifying that I’m of an age now where I’m actually playing a dad! ✱ Flesh and Blood is on ITV

LOOK WHO’S BACK

Jill Halfpenny stars in Inside No. 9 on BBC2…

Jill’s first TV role was in the BBC1 kids’ drama Byker Grove (1989-92). She’s best known for playing Phil Mitchell’s third wife Kate in EastEnders (2002-05) and Waterloo Road’s drama teacher zie Redpath (2006-2007). In 004, she won the second series Strictly Come Dancing, scoring perfect 40 with her jive. She’s so had roles in the BBC1 dramas the Club and Three Girls.

THEN

2003

2004 60

WOMAN

In this week’s Inside No. 9 tale, Jill plays Jennie, an assistant to worldfamous magic man Neville Griffin (Reece Shearsmith). He’s extremely protective of his secrets – and he believes stealing a magic trick is worse than murder! So when keen amateur magician and student journalist Gabriel (Dunkirk star Fionn Whitehead) lands an interview with Neville, can he unearth any secrets from Neville’s past..?

NOW

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…

ANT & DEC’S SATURDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAY ITV It’s been two years since the last series, which saw Dec host episodes on his lonesome, but the boys are back with the usual mix of star guests, surprises and hidden-camera antics.

CATCH UP

PHOTOS: ALAMY, BBC, C4, CHANNEL 5, CHRISTA HOLKA, ITV, PA IMAGES, WH FILMS

BARRYMORE: THE BODY IN THE POOL All4 In 2001, Stuart Lubbock was found dead at the Essex home of Michael Barrymore. This one-off documentary sheds new light on the case, with contributions from the police and Stuart’s family.

LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX BBC1 As the Yorkshire-set comedy drama makes a long-awaited return, Celia (Anne Reid) and Alan (Derek Jacobi) are seven years into their marriage, and not seeing eye to eye.

THE UNSHOCKABLE DR RONX BBC3 Online Dr Ronx Ikharia is on a mission to get young Brits to open up about their medical issues, so she’s taking her pop-up clinic everywhere from fried chicken shops to gyms.

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

WHITNEY All4 This feature-length documentary looks at the life and music of Whitney Houston. It explores the singer’s rise to fame and tragic death in 2012, and includes contributions from family and friends.

SIR DAVID JASON AT 80 BBC iPlayer As the actor turns 80, this one-off special celebrates some of his finest TV moments in shows such as Only Fools and Horses, Still Open All Hours and A Touch of Frost.

TRENDING NOW BOX SET BINGE CORONATION STREET ITV When Abi found out that Ray is a sex pest, she got revenge for the women he has harassed by stealing his car and torching it. Trouble is, Ray’s got some incriminating footage of Abi’s criminal damage so the sleazebag makes her an indecent proposal – either she sleeps with him or he’ll take the evidence to the police… What will she do?

THE GREAT CELEBRITY BAKE OFF FOR STAND UP TO CANCER C4 Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding welcome more celebs, including Carol Vorderman and Richard Dreyfuss, into the Bake Off tent. Who will be crowned Star Baker by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith? ANTASTIC BEASTS: A ATURAL HISTORY BBC1 tephen Fry explores the rigins of mythical reatures, including the iffler, erumpent and owling’s magical stories. The one-off documentary also reveals their connections to the very real animals that roam the planet.

THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH My5 First shown in 2010, this eight-part medieval drama is based on the novel by Ken Follett. Eddie Redmayne, Donald Sutherland, Matthew Macfadyen, Hayley Atwell and Ian McShane are among the cast in a story of secrets and betrayal as a cathedral is built in a fictional English town.

WOMAN

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

There’s no shame in being a single mum The pop star and mum of one is rejecting a label that she should be proudly celebrating

hen singer Nadine Coyle said she doesn’t want to be known as a ‘single mum’, my eyebrows hit the roof. Does the pampered pop star feel too important to be associated with society’s image of a ‘single mum’ – a stressed woman pushing a buggy in a hurry, with nappies and sippy cups flying out of her over-packed bag, and struggling to keep the wolf from the door. I have been a single mum. I still had a decent relationship with my ex and we chose to ‘co-parent’ years before Gwyneth Paltrow had invented that concept. Our daughter’s care was shared and decisions Nadine says we shouldn’t about her label women by their were made marital status together.

It was tough, emotionally and financially, but being a single mum made me feel incredibly capable. Despite our continued friendship, I wasn’t reliant on my ex. I worked hard to put food on the table. But I could look after this little human on my own. What was Nadine complaining about? She argued you shouldn’t label women by their marital status. We do, though. It’s interesting to us if anyone is married or single. Why go to all the fuss of a wedding if you don’t want people to label you? But, equally, society should value the work single mums do. Don’t devalue or judge women because they’re managing to bring up a child without the full-time presence of a man.

PHOTOS: GETTY, ALAMY

Lifelong obsession

Prince Andrew’s car crash interview with Emily Maitlis on Newsnight was one of the stories of last year. Her skill is all the more remarkable when you consider that, off camera, Emily has been plagued by a stalker for more than 25 years. Edward Vines has been sentenced for breaching a restraining order for the 12th time, this time by writing to her from his jail cell. If prison doesn’t change someone like Vines, it’s time scientists discovered what motivates stalkers and stopped the behaviour that wreaks havoc in their victims’ lives.

WOMAN

Emily’s stalker was jailed

Pammy and Jon Peters were married for just 12 days

Quicky marriage?

Pamela Anderson’s latest marriage is over after just 12 days. Which invites a rewrite of Craig David’s 7 Days: ‘Monday, took him to the church on Tuesday, we were making love by Wednesday, and on Thursday and Friday and Saturday. We filed on Sunday…’

ek e w e h t f o e t o u Q

MY WIFE ASKED ME, “IS THERE ANY CHANCE YOU COULD SAY THE SECOND THING THAT COMES INTO YOUR MIND?”’

David Baddiel’s missus, Morwenna Banks, is his harshest critic

Talking b******s

Penguins use small talk similar to humans, researchers have discovered. They probably have a better chit-chat than Danny Dyer. He recently revealed he has an infeasibly large testicle. ‘I’ve got a big b*****k – just one. It’s the size of a jacket potato and, er, sometimes I get it out, pad it in glitter and we have a little pipe [look] at it.’ TMI, Dan!

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