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N o 1692

• 28 JUNE 2021 • £2.50

KATE’S BIG CHANGE

THE QUEEN IN WINDSOR

POMP, PAGEANTRY AND TEA WITH THE U.S. PRESIDENT

‘Investing in a child is an investment in our future’

FULL DETAILS OF HER EXCITING NEW SOLO PASSION PROJECT

ON WINNING FORM AT ASCOT

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‘She always gets it right’

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ITALY: 4,30 €. GREECE: 5,20 €. GERMANY: 5,90 €. AUSTRIA: 7,50 €. FRANCE: 4,20 €

INTRODUCING THEIR BABY BOY ‘It was a really beautiful moment’

STYLISH SOPHIE

THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX JOINS OTHER ROYALS AT THE RACES

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DR ZOE MORNING’ G.P. SHARES THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF HER HOME BIRTH

EXCLUSIVE FIRST INTERVIEW

JANETTE MANRARA

THE ‘STRICTLY’ STAR ON WALTZING INTO A DREAM ROLE

‘We have been talking about starting a family for a while’

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HELLO! SUBSCRIPTIONS Unbeatable savings INSIDE STORY All the star news 7 DAYS A round-up of the week HELLO! GOOD NEWS Uplifting stories PUZZLES Brain-teasers

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54 GREAT KATE

38 46 50 53 54 18 DATE AT THE RACES

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EMOTION

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PEOPLE IN THE NEW NEWS

LILLY BECKER Showing us her Wimbledon home, the estranged wife of tennis legend Boris reveals she is set on making a new match MIKE and ZARA TINDALL The new parents race ahead in the style stakes at Royal Ascot KELLY PEARCE How the Cornish mum discovered her baking was fit for a Queen EURO 2020 As the postponed football tournament gets going, we meet the women behind England’s stars ANNE ROBINSON Joined by daughter aughter EMMA WILSON for our exclusive e photoshoot, the evergreen A SUSSEWIN broadcaster counts down to B E A C H H X L U X U RY beginning her latest role UT BREA W O R T H KATY PERRY and ORLANDO £2,100 K p9 BLOOM Love on a gondola *UK res 8 idents only JANETTE MANRARA Is dancing on air to be taking the lead in Strrictly: It Takes Two MILLIE MACKINTOSH Thrilled to be expecting baby number two THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX speaks movingly about the Duke of Edinburgh and her own campaigning work THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE leads the way on children’s early years development THE QUEEN An action-packed weekend at Windsor as President Biden comes for tea MARVIN HUMES on the joys of new parenthood with wife ROCHELLE ZOE WILLIAMS Introducing Lisbon Lion, her pride and joy with partner Stuart McKay NAT BOWEN The artist with the A-list admirers presents her latest exhibition DIOR Classic fashion returns to the catwalk

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REGULARS

STYLE & LIVING G

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70 MIGHTY MARVIN

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Dear readers,

‘This is what change looks like’ Ashley Banjo

While we have to wait a while longer for restrictions to ease, we want to ensure you feel inspired, uplifted and ready to embrace the next few weeks, with our great mix of features, photos and fun!

Rosie Nixon Editor in chief

DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR

A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH FOR THE STARS

THE TV BAFTAS

SHOWSTOPPING GOWNS AND HIGH EMOTIONS AT AWARDS SHOW he red carpet was awash with showstopping T gowns as the brightest talents of showbiz put on a glamorous spectacle to celebrate British TV entertainment last week Actresses Zawe Ashton, Helena Bonham Carter and Jodie Comer and Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse were among the stars at the glitzy ceremony held in West London, where Michaela Coel reigned in two major categories thanks to her groundbreaking sexual consent drama I May Destroy You Bringing a regal touch to proceedings, Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte, Golda Rosheuvel, looked majestic in an embroidered tulle creation by Simone Rocha, while her co star Nicola Coughlan paired a fluoro orange Maison Valentino gown “It’s beyond my wildest dreams” with electric blue eye make up, as the two took to the stage to present an award

Supporting Actress winner Rakie Ayola (above left) in Bora Aksu and (clockwise from above right) Aimee Lou Wood in Miu Miu, Michaela, Entertainment Performance winner Romesh Ranganathan, Diversity’s Jordan and Ashley Banjo, and Paul Mescal

A BEACON OF HOPE On an evening where TV royalty was honoured by real royalty, the awards’ official programme had a heartfelt foreword by the Duke of Cambridge “The screen arts have been a collective beacon of light during these challenging times, with British television maintaining its global significance as a vital connective force for information, education and entertainment,” he wrote Prince William, Bafta’s president since 2010, also thanked those who had helped it

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FASHION Embrace high-shine metallics and sequins for an outfit that will have you looking red-carpet hot

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unscreen should be at the top of your skincare checklist but there is a lot of misinformation surrounding its use For instance, whether on a cloudy day you need to apply sunscreen pass through (You do: 90% of UV rays can the UVA rays light cloud, and that includes and UVB rays, associated with skin ageing which cause skin to burn ) say the And have you ever heard someone causes The sun sun helps clear up their skin? might skin to redden, so at most it But camouflage spots for a few days lifetime your repeated sunburn increases a skin cancer risk of developing melanom We’ve enlisted three leading dermatologists to debunk other SPFs common myths around using Plus, discover the latest sun protection products to suit your skin’s needs…

It’s time to set the record straight about sun protection. Apply yourself to our no nonsense guide

S.P.F. UNCOVERED

Stepping out in style (from top right) Jennifer Lopez, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Winnie Harlow

Zimmermann

Kindest regards,

Zawe Ashton in psychedelic Zimmermann, and (below right) Golda Rosheuvel goes floral with an edge in Simone Roca

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We want you to make the most of summer and beyond – a subscription to hello! means you are up to date with all the latest royal and celebrity news, plus there are delicious recipes to try and our pick of the best in entertainment, seasonal fashion and beauty launches.

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Michaela Coel, wearing Maximilian, accepts her Leading Actress award for I May Destroy You from David Morrissey

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‘I think it’s time for me to dress up, put my heels on and have some fun’

A new ball game: Separated from her husband Boris Becker, Lilly says she and their son Amadeus (and Daisy the Maltese Terrier cross) made the most of lockdown.

“I laugh that we walked so much, even our little dog didn’t want to go out any more”

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

AHEAD OF HER BIRTHDAY, AT HOME IN HER WIMBLEDON ‘HAVEN’

LILLY BECKER

ON LIFE AFTER BORIS, LOCKDOWN WITH THEIR SON AMADEUS AND LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT LOVE MATCH nside the Wimbledon home of Lilly Becker, Iplace. all is calm. “My home is my haven, it’s my safe It’s where we come and chill,” says the

later this year of her book Home, Sweet Home, a fun and humorous insight into her life away from the spotlight. However, this week Lilly (short for Sharlely) has cause to celebrate for another reason: she turns 45 on 25 June.

“I think it’s time for me to dress up, put my heels on and have some fun,” she tells us, as she reveals her hopes to one day find love again…

Lilly, how are you feeling as you approach your 45th birthday, and how do you hope to celebrate?

“I had planned a fabulous 150-person ‘white party’ in my gorgeous garden with waiters and the whole nine yards but, of course, those plans

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44-year-old model and former actress, as she welcomes hello! for our exclusive interview and photoshoot.

“Everyone who comes here loves it. It’s definitely my house and Amadeus’s house,” she says, referring to her “incredible, blond, blue-eyed” 11-year-old son with her estranged husband, sixtime Grand Slam tennis champion Boris Becker.

The couple, who married in the Swiss resort of St Moritz in 2009, separated three years ago, and

this has been her home in south-west London with Amadeus ever since. He is central to her world – and the house. “I don’t have a dining room: I gave that to Amadeus so he can have a playroom,” she says.

Both mother and son enjoy the outdoor life, so their beautiful garden has been a blessing during lockdown. “My garden is a dream. Throughout the whole pandemic it has been my saviour. We would sit outside and have picnics together.”

As well as home schooling with Amadeus during lockdown, the past year has been busy with the launch of a podcast series and the publication

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A photo of Lilly with her “blond, blue-eyed son” Amadeus hangs on the wall above a piano also covered in treasured family snaps (above).

The piano is her son’s.

“With a name like Amadeus, it has to be,” says Lilly. “He does play sometimes, and when our friends come round with their kids, they play too.” Star Wars and other Lego toys compete with books and photos for art deco shelf space (left). Amadeus is central to the house as well as Lilly’s life. “I don’t have a dining room,” she says. “I gave that to Amadeus so he can have a playroom.” Having originally lived in Chelsea, she says: “Wimbledon is a far better fit for us”

had to be put on hold due to Covid. I think this year we will have to stick to an intimate dinner, which I am happy to do, but it’s such a shame there will be no dancing. I was so looking forward to it, but Boris stopped that…

Johnson that is, not Becker!

“It’s absolutely important to celebrate my mid-40s. I think the last time I had any kind of big celebration was about five years ago when I was 40. A lot has changed since then – not to mention the new skills I’ve had to pick up, home schooling my son through lockdown. We were amazingly lucky to have our beautiful garden and Amadeus loved home schooling as he was able to do lots of outdoors stuff. Now I feel going through all the difficulties the pandemic brought has made me more secure in myself and my ability to tackle tough situations.”

Would you say you feel happier in your own skin now than a decade ago?

“Absolutely, but it is different – you can’t really compare the version of myself I was then and now. A decade ago, I was a young mother, just married and had just moved to London. I have matured so much since then and have learnt all the ropes of life.

“When I first moved to London my house was in Chelsea, then we moved to Wimbledon. Since then, I’ve realised Wimbledon is a far better fit for us. It was very emotional for BB to live there.”

Is Amadeus sporty like his dad?

“He is a very bright boy – and sporty, yes. He definitely has his father’s genes, he is tall and energetic and super athletic. He has blond hair with beautiful blue eyes. Naturally I think he looks like me, but…!

“Joking aside, he is a good runner and he’s very interested in tennis.

Weirdly, he has just clocked where we live and what that actually means. He understands now why we chose to live here. We are part of the history.”

You and Boris separated three years ago, although are not yet divorced.

Do you have regrets or do you look back on your marriage as a chapter in your life and it is time to move on?

“I love London and have lived here for 13 years – it’s been my world. I started a new chapter in my life and Amadeus was born and raised here.

“Sadly, Boris and I cannot make it work – that is the reality. We have truly tried. I am not full of regrets as he gave me so many wonderful memories and also our incredible son. For that alone I will be truly grateful – you learn and move on. Take the chapter and use it.”

(RIGHT) JUMPSUIT: GALVAN. JEWELLERY: STEPHEN WEBSTER. (PREVIOUS PAGES MAIN) SHIRT: VIOLANTE NESSI. TROUSERS: SKIIM PARIS. (INSET) SUIT: RALPH LAUREN. SHOES: AQUAZZURA. NECKLACE: DIANE KORDAS

‘A decade ago I was a young mother, just married. I have matured so much since then’

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‘My home is my haven, it’s my safe place. Everyone who comes here loves it’

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On your social media you expressed how difficult you found it seeing photographs of your son with your ex and another woman, something many would understand…

“Yes, at the beginning it was very difficult… very raw. We were at the early stages of separation, and we all had to adjust to it. And then to see a lady that I had never met before, that is young enough to be my child, trying to mother my own child – yes, it was hard and, unfortunately, I went onto social media and shamed another woman, which I absolutely regret now.

“If I ever meet her, I would apologise because I know it was wrong, but in the moment when I saw these photos it was really hard. Again, it is part of the learning process that is so important in life.”

You recently revealed you had tried online dating apps – how did you find that?

“Well, what’s a girl to do? Single and dying to get back out there!

“I tried them all and finally decided that I was not really cool with paying to be disappointed. I went for a lunch with one and he said he was 45 and in fact he was 54.

Apparently the numbers got muddled when he entered it onto the app.

“It’s a bit hit and miss. I want to find someone who is funny, who challenges me a bit and who is definitely fit. My extra requirements are ideally that he is well travelled and above 6ft 3in.

Mostly, though, I would like him to be intelligent and a parent.

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(LEFT) JACKET & TROUSERS: VIOLANTE NESSI. TOP: ATOIR. SHOES: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN. BRACELET: STEPHEN WEBSTER

Parquet flooring adds warmth to the stylishly furnished living room. With the dining room put to better use, a breakfast bar is set for two in the kitchen (below)

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‘I tried dating apps and finally decided that I was not cool with paying to be disappointed’

(RIGHT) KIMONO: OLIVIA VON HALLE

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Amadeus “definitely has his father’s genes, he is tall and energetic and super athletic”, says his proud mum, who had her son’s playroom (above) created when they moved into the house. Other areas are also filled with colour and favourite toys (below left), while in her bedroom (right) Lilly gets ready to celebrate her birthday, and is joined for the photo by six-year-old dog Daisy

“I did meet one – I call him Mr Islington. There was a ton of chemistry but we settled on friendship instead. I am emotionally ready, so it’s just trying to find the right one.”

You have also been busy during the past year with your podcast series, and also your book…

“My podcast series came about first. Obviously I needed to reach out to people, especially my German friends and my USA friends. It was a very organic and satisfying way to help feel more in control of a situation I was not in control of. Being a single mother is tough at the best of times, but during a pandemic…

“Then my book Home, Sweet Home, which is in German (I am half German and half Surinamese) also came about as a result of lockdown. I wrote it with my heart very attached to the project and I really hope other mothers can relate to it, warts and all.”

You sadly lost your parents when you were very young and were brought up by your grandparents.

Did you feel that loss all over again as a mother yourself?

“It was 42 years ago that I lost both my parents in a car crash.

“My younger sister and I were exceptionally lucky to have the deep and real love of our

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Lilly says of the playhouse: “When Amadeus was little, we had it made for him, it was his bed 14 at the top and it had a little library underneath.

But when we moved here and to this beautiful garden, we decided to put it outside, and now the foxes and their cubs live underneath it”

grandparents – that was very special. So as a result, I am kind of re-creating my own version of what motherhood means.

“I have moments where I’m super chilled, but I am strict when it matters. Making sure homework is done and having a consistent routine are priorities for me.

“I do have a soft touch. Amadeus knows how to push my buttons and when to ask for pocket money!”

Have you made him aware of his family heritage?

“I think it’s my duty to make him aware of his rich heritage, and I do think Amadeus is very much aware.

I have never experienced racism myself, but my family has for sure.

It’s still very painful.

“There’s a long way to go but I do feel hopeful for the future as people seem to be more aware and we are getting into interesting and important dialogue.”

Do you worry, as Amadeus gets older, about the influence of social media on him?

“Absolutely, one hundred per cent.

He’s already tech-savvy. He’s 11 and knows how to google.

“He can google his name, his father’s name, my name, so there is nothing that I can hide or that he can be sheltered from until he’s older. So I just have to be truthful.

That is important.

“I listen to my son, he listens to me, because you

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DRESS: IVAN YOUNG. EARRINGS: ALESSANDRA RICH

‘Amadeus can google his father’s name, my name, so there is nothing I can hide’

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can’t avoid social media and it is what it is. But he is not on any of the social media platforms – I’ve refused to let him have TikTok or Instagram.

“I think we just have to learn as we go and I’m definitely learning from him. As a single parent it is very important that I guide my son and I just need to know what’s going on in his head, so I take mental health super seriously.”

You also believe in the mental health benefits of keeping fit…

“Once Amadeus goes off to school, I get into my gym kit and head to Victoria to my spin class that I love, 1Rebel’s 45-minute workouts where I can just release all my stress and focus on me.

“Mentally and physically, I feel in very good shape. There is a link between exercise and mental health, so I make sure to make it a part of my routine.

“I do a workout five days a week and the endorphins definitely improve my mental wellbeing.”

Where do you hope to be in five years’ time, and do you hope to have found love?

“In five years’ time I’ll be 50… I mean, everyone wants happiness but I hope to be stress-free – not that I think I will be! I hope to be chilled and relaxed with a potential other partner and a happy family. Don’t we all long for that fairytale ending? I would H love to be in love.”

INTERVIEW: TAMARA BECKWITH PHOTOS: KATE MARTIN STYLING: OLIVIA BUCKINGHAM MAKE-UP: JO FROST HAIR: JADE VAN ELSLAND & ALICE THEOBALD AT ARLINGTON ARTISTS USING WINDLE LONDON

Lilly with Boris in 2016 (far right), and (right) Boris lifting 16 the Wimbledon trophy in 1985 at the age of 17: the youngest and first unseeded winner of the singles title

(MAIN PHOTO) DRESS & BELT: SKIIM. SHOES: AQUAZZURA. CHOKER & EARRINGS: DIANE KORDAS. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

‘Don’t we all long for that fairytale ending?

I would love to be in love’

WITH SOPHIE LEADING IN THE STYLE STAKES

ROYAL ASCOT

CHARLES AND CAMILLA, ZARA AND MIKE AND SOCIETY BELLES ENJOY THE THRILL OF THE RACES ONCE AGAIN

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‘You’ve got to think of it as a celebration of getting back to normal again’

The Duchess of Cornwall

The Prince of Wales with the Duchess of Cornwall and the Earl of Wessex watch as Royal Ascot gets under way (above) with clear social distancing in the parade ring (left)

highlight of the summer social A calendar was back in full force last week with the return of Royal Ascot. The five-day Berkshire race meet welcomed back 12,000 spectators in a magnificent sartorial display as the cream of British society brushed down glad rags and put on top hats and fancy frocks.

The excitement was palpable at the sporting fixture, which, being mostly outdoors, had been chosen as one of the pilot events allowed to take place before the possible lifting of all lockdown restrictions next month.

And while Covid measures put paid to the traditional daily carriage processions, it didn’t stop the royal family from enjoying the excitement and thrill of the racetrack once again.

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ROYAL APPOINTMENT While the Queen watched the first few days on television at home in Windsor Castle – making it only the second time in 69 years that she’d been absent – the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were there on opening day, with Camilla looking elegant in a striped Bruce Oldfield coat in shades of blue teamed with a matching face mask, and Prince Charles wearing his top hat and grey tailcoat with characteristic style.

Keen equestrian Zara Tindall, wearing a summery ivory Me+Em dress, also attended on the first day along with husband Mike. It was their first public appearance since the birth of their son Lucas in March and the pair were joined by Zara’s mother the Princess Royal and her husband Sir Tim Laurence.

Zara returned the following

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Prince Charles and Camilla, who sparkles in a champagne chiffon dress by Fiona Clare and widebrimmed Philip Treacy hat, enjoy the action on day two. Behind them is the Queen’s racing manager John Warren

CAMILLA ON THE QUEEN

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Prince Charles wore his top hat and grey tailcoat with characteristic style day without Mike, this time wearing a floral Erdem dress, to join a group of girlfriends in the stands – among them Dolly Maude, TV presenter Natalie Pinkham and Lady McCoy, the wife of champion jockey Sir Tony.

FASHION FAVOURITE Also winning in the style stakes was the Countess of Wessex, who, accompanied by her husband the Earl, cut an elegant figure in a series of striking outfits.

One featured a feathered hat that she’d worn to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding ten years ago, keeping in step with the official Royal Ascot dress

code, which recommended racegoers choose sustainable looks this year.

The Countess’s fashion won praise from celebrity stylist Gayle Rinkoff. “Sophie seems to have delivered understated chic this week at Ascot, championing great British design.

She always gets it right,” she told hello!.

“On the first day, she looked very elegant in a pretty blush colour, which suits her skin tone, with a little bit of a slit that makes it feel modern. It moves beautifully and she looks cool and unflustered.

“A day later, she went quintessentially British with a floral theme. The skirt,

by British designer Suzannah, makes a

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As rumours continue to circulate that the Duchess of Cornwall could assume control of the Queen’s string of racehorses, Camilla paid tribute to Her Majesty’s unrivalled understanding of and devotion to the sport of Kings.

“Well, it’s her passion in life and she loves it, and you can tell how much she loves it,” she said in an interview with ITV Racing. “She could tell you every horse she’s bred and owned, from the very beginning.

She doesn’t forget anything; I can hardly remember what I bred a year ago, but she’s encyclopaedic about her knowledge.”

The Duchess also recalled when the Queen’s stallion Estimate won the coveted Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013 – the first time in its 207-year history that it had been won by a reigning monarch (below).

“The whole world was willing this horse to win,” she said. “Sadly I wasn’t there, I was watching it on television, but we were all shouting, screaming and yelling and you could tell even Her Majesty was so excited. You could just see the smile on her face afterwards. To win the Gold Cup is something we all dream of, so I think it gave everybody pleasure.”

Charles and Camilla arrive on opening day and (left) look on as jockey KJ Manning celebrates winning the St James’s Palace Stakes

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Zara Tindall enjoys a girls’ day out with her friends – presenter Natalie Pinkham, Dolly Maude and Lady McCoy – on day three of Royal Ascot (above). On the festival’s opening day, the Queen’s granddaughter watched the action on the racetrack alongside Dolly and Anna Lisa Balding (below)

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bold statement with big florals and lilacs and purples, very on-trend colours this season. On day three she wore another dress by Suzannah, and I love this shape on her; it’s really flattering, it accentuates her curves and she looks womanly and confident.

“She does classic very well. The embroidered palm-tree pattern makes it really rather special.”

SO SPECIAL The Queen welcomed spectators to her favourite annual event in the official programme, saying how pleased she was that people would once again have the opportunity to “visit the course for this unique and special occasion”.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today, the Queen’s racing manager John Warren was full of praise for Her Majesty’s vitality and commitment to the sport.

Describing the Queen as “fanatic about racing, watching racing and breeding horses”, having gone to Ascot “all her adult life”, he said: “The Queen’s energy levels are incredible.

Aged 95, she went down to the G7 this week and trundled back on the train in the middle of the night, and the energies were raised at a higher level again for a week like Ascot.”

And while she might not be able to be as active this year as previous years due to social distancing, her interest in

Ascot was Zara and Mike‘s first public appearance since the birth of son Lucas the event was no less diminished. “The Queen’s totally fascinated with the breeding of the horses in every race that takes place every day of the week,” said John. “The Queen will certainly read the Racing Post every morning and look at the breeding of all the winners the day before, and see that the stallions that she uses will be potential horses for her own mares.

“It’s a deep fascination and very broad escapism for all the other things that the Queen has to deal with in life.”

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ODDS-ON FAVOURITE John also added fuel to the rumour that the Duchess of Cornwall, who has long been passionate about racing, is being primed to succeed the Queen at the royal stud.

“She is absolutely besotted by racing, so it is wonderful that they’ve opted to go for two days and start to really focus on the breeding side of things,” he told the BBC at the start of the week.

Meanwhile, Camilla herself expressed hope that this year’s pareddown Royal Ascot was the beginning of the road to recovery.

“You’ve got to think of it as a celebration of getting back to normal again,” she said, talking to ITV Racing. “Let’s all hope by next year

Zara, in Me+Em, with husband Mike. Her mum the Princess Royal was all23 smiles after presenting the Gold Cup (left)

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we will be completely back to normal and there’ll be the same amount of people that usually go there. I suspect the crowds are going to be astronomical.”

Joining royal racing fans were a host of familiar faces, including former Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo in a powder-blue frock by Hannah Sophia England matched with a floral headpiece. Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins was also there, with ITV

24 The Countess of Wessex (above) wears a Suzannah custom-made floral skirt, white blouse and the same lavender hat by Jane Taylor that she wore to Ascot in 2018, as she attends day two of the festival with her husband the Earl (above right). He later presents Frankie Dettori with his trophy after the jockey won the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on Indie Angel (right)

‘Sophie championed great British design’ Gayle Rinkoff

Sophie pairs her palm-print dress with the feathered hat she wore to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding ten years ago and (left) on opening day she wears an ARossGirl X Soler dress with another Jane Taylor hat

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REPORT: ROSALIND POWELL

Georgia Toffolo blooms in a powder-blue Hannah Sophia England 26 dress and floral headpiece. Jockey Khadijah Mellah (right) is the pick of the bunch

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. I-IMAGES. MAX MUMBY. PA IMAGES. REUTERS. REX FEATURES

Racing presenter Francesca Cumani and the Marchioness of Bath, in a nude lace dress and pale-pink fascinator, who was joined by Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and new It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara in a showstopping red floral floor-length dress.

Also enjoying a possible flutter in the sunshine was Sir Bruce Forsyth’s widow Wilnelia, looking striking in a black jumpsuit over a H sheer white blouse.

Stars brushed down their glad rags and put on fancy frocks

It takes two: Former Strictly Come Dancing star the Marchioness of Bath and27 dancer Janette Manrara step out in style

‘I don’t know if you have seen, but your cake is famous’

THE QUEEN’S CAKEMAKER REVEALED

hen Kerry Pearce answered a W last-minute request to make a cake for a community project, she

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never could have dreamt who the creation was actually for.

It wasn’t until after Kerry, 47 this week, had worked round the clock to finish the fondant-topped bake that she learnt it had been admired by none other than the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge – and that Her Majesty had made the first cut with a ceremonial sword.

The triple-layer vanilla and strawberry jam sponge with vanilla butter icing looked so enticing that the Queen commented: “That looks very good,” when she saw it at the Eden Project’s Big Lunch celebration last week.

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

HOW A CORNISH BAKER’S RECIPE ROSE TO A REGAL CHALLENGE

Kerry’s road to cake-baking fame began when she was tagged in a post on a local Facebook group by someone looking for a last-minute baker. “I had no idea it as going to be for the Queen or the G7 summit or anything,” she exclusively told hello!. “The woman on the phone just said it needed the Big Lunch logo on it and that it needed to have fondant icing. She said they were going to take it out to the community to portion it up afterwards.”

A TICKING CLOCK Having completed the job in just 48 hours, she put the cake to the back of her mind – until her mother Lesley messaged her with a picture of the Queen and her bespoke bake the morning after the event.

“I felt a bit sick, to be honest!” she said of her reaction when she found out who’d cut the first slice. “I was very shocked and couldn’t quite believe it. It was a little bit crazy. I had to turn my phone off because my social media just went completely nuts. I later got an email from the organiser, who said: ‘I don’t know if you have seen, but your cake has become famous!’ She said she was sorry they couldn’t tell me who the famous guests were, but they were sworn to secrecy.”

The cake, around 24in by 16in and 6in deep, was the biggest one Kerry had ever baked. “It was quite challenging. I used 60 Cornish eggs in the recipe.”

Kerry has been baking cakes since she and her mother Lesley ran a café

in Fowey. After it closed in 2004 she continued with word-of-mouth commissions until officially starting her baking business three years ago, which she combines with her work on the sheep farm where she lives with husband Ben and his parents.

She also does administration for Ben’s boat rental company and helps out at the parish council.

But despite her busy schedule, it’s the Queen’s cake that has got everyone talking this week.

“I’m still a little bit sort of overwhelmed by it all, really – people have been randomly giving me a little curtsy!” she said. “It just shocked me in a good way. I H can’t quite believe it.”

INTERVIEW: LAURA BENJAMIN

PHOTOS: KERRY PEARCE. PA IMAGES

Kerry (above) with one of her charges on her sheep farm and (top) royalty flocking to her creation as the Queen cuts her cake at the Big Lunch celebration at the Eden Project, assisted by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge

BACKING THEIR BOYS

COME ON ENGLAND! THE EUROS GLAM SUPPORT SQUAD These women make a striking team of their own

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MOTHER OF ALL TEAMS Alongside Megan was Charlotte, who has been married to defender Kieran for five years. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur fullback now plays for Atletico Madrid and the couple live in the Spanish capital with their children – Jacob, four, and two-year-old Esme Rose.

Fern, fiancée of centre back Harry Maguire, has a first-class honours degree in science and physiotherapy as well as 47,000 Instagram followers. She and the Manchester United star have been together for ten years and have daughters Lillie Saint, two, and Piper Rose, one.

Meanwhile, Annie shares three sons – Roman, nine, Riaan, five, and three-year-old Reign – with Manchester City defender Kyle Walker. Despite the couple briefly splitting last year, Annie took to Instagram last month to describe him as “the best daddy”.

Another Reign-ing team member is Reign London, the son of Anouska and her Manchester United defender partner, Luke Shaw. She brought the one-year-old to soak up the atmosphere at the national stadium. H REPORT: TRACY SCHAVERIEN

PHOTOS: MEGAN DAVISON. PA IMAGES

he class of 2021 bove and left, from ft) Charlotte Trippier, egan Davison, Fern awkins, Annie Kilner nd Anouska Santos how their colours at embley ahead of ngland’s opening uros game. Their 2006 counterparts ( b e l o w, i n c l u d i n g Cheryl Tweedy – in the hat – Coleen McLoughlin and Victoria Beckham) caused a stir in Germany

ngland’s glamorous army of wives and girlfriends first made its mark on football in 2006 when Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Tweedy and Coleen McLoughlin (now Rooney) descended on Baden Baden in Germany for that year’s World Cup finals.

Fifteen years on, a new crop is turning heads at this summer’s Uefa European Championship – and while these women are happy for their partners’ on-field performance to take centre stage, they make a striking team of their own.

One accomplished five-a-side squad in particular posed together ahead of England’s victory over Croatia last week in their first match of the tournament, played at Wembley. Wearing team shirts, denim shorts and trainers were Megan Davison, Charlotte Trippier, Fern Hawkins, Annie Kilner and Anouska Santos in a photo shared on Instagram by Megan, the wife of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. “Game Day – come on England” read the caption.

Megan met Everton star Jordan as a teenager in Sunderland and the couple have a two-year-old son, Arlo, who was also at the game to cheer his dad on, featuring in another post with his mum, who has 53,000 followers. The other women followed suit and posted photos of them with their children – wearing mini England kits with “Daddy” emblazoned on the back – at Wembley.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

JOINED BY DAUGHTER EMMA AT HOME IN THE COTSWOLDS

ANNE ROBINSON

(MAIN PHOTO) ANNE’S TOP: MARNI. SKIRT: COMME DES GARCONS AT DOVER STREET MARKET. SANDALS: PRADA. EMMA’S DRESS: SAMANTHA SUNG AT FENWICK. (RIGHT) ANNE’S DRESS: DANIELA GREGIS AT DOVER STREET MARKET. NECKLACE: MARNI

THE NEW HOST OF ‘COUNTDOWN’ SPEAKS FRANKLY ABOUT FAMILY LIFE AND BEING A FEMALE FRONTRUNNER

ne person who will be O celebrating the return of Anne Robinson to our TV screens this

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“They arrived just in time from London, and I couldn’t believe what came out of the car – two dogs, cricket bats, footballs, badminton and tennis rackets, plants. I didn’t think it was ever going to stop,” says Anne, sitting on one of the elegant sofas, which, along with her many books and eclectic artwork, makes th e sp ace so welc o mi n g a n d comfortable. A ping-pong table, put up for her grandsons, still stands as a reminder of when her home was overtaken with family paraphernalia.

“We had times of annoying each other, times of high drama, but over all it was fabulous,” she adds.

The TV presenter and journalist, famed as the Queen of Mean on the BBC1 quiz show Weakest Link, is not,

she admits, “trained in leisure”, so an invitation to present Countdown, after months at home, came just at the right time. As the show’s sixth host in its 39-year history, Anne, 76, will be “the oldest lady on TV who doesn’t judge a cooker y programme”, as she’s fond of saying.

IT ALL ADDS UP “I’ve been offered lots of things, but this was the first one that I thought: ‘That sounds good.’ I’m not bad at interviewing, I can work without a script, I like contestants and it’s endlessly interesting to watch.”

She’s also impressed by her copresenters, Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, who are both “at the top of their trees at what they do”.

A trailblazer in the world of TV and journalism in a career spanning over five decades, Anne, who was the first woman on Fleet Street to regularly edit a national newspaper, the Daily Mirror, in the 1980s, plays down the fact that she’s the show’s first female presenter.

“I baulked when they first told me because I hoped we’d got past that. I said: ‘You might as well say it’s the first person with an underactive thyroid to do it,’” she says witheringly.

“But then we had two female contestants on one of the early shows, and a female guest on Dictionary Corner. We had a punch to the air because the whole studio was female.”

Anne is softer and warmer than her on-screen persona,

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week is her daughter, Emma Wilson.

“It’s a lifesaver,” she says of her mother’s new job as the host of Countdown, the long-running Channel 4 daytime programme.

“She was driving us all crazy because she was bored – she’s terrible when she’s idle. But suddenly she has a skip in her step, and we’ve got Anne Robinson back.”

We are talking in the large, lightfilled living room of Anne’s beautifully converted Cotswolds barn where Emma, 50, husband Liam Kan and sons Hudson, 12, and Parker, 11, along with their two English setters, spent most of lockdown.

Defying stereotypes of age and gender, Anne, 76, is taking over from Nick Hewer as host of TV’s Countdown.

“Suddenly she has a skip in her step,” says Emma, pictured (right) with her mother and their dogs in Anne’s Cotswolds garden

‘We had times of annoying each other in lockdown, but it was fabulous’ Anne

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(LEFT) TOP: SACAI. DRESS: DRIES VAN NOTEN. SANDALS: ROBERT CLERGERIE. (ABOVE RIGHT) ANNE’S DRESS: DANIELA GREGIS AT DOVER STREET MARKET. EMMA’S DRESS: VICTORIA BECKHAM

‘Take a risk about everything — apart from husbands’

although many viewers will tune in for her legendary acerbic quips and biting sarcasm, a characteristic of Weakest Link that contributed to its success both here and in the US, where she also hosted the show (and made her a fortune).

Along with her magnificent Gloucestershire home, which she bought in 2006 and says is worth “a reported £6m”, she also has a home in London and an apartment in New York.

GAME-CHANGER “ Yo u ’ r e n o t t h e r e t o m a k e contestants cry, you’re there to know who you can play with,” she says when asked if she’ll be brutal.

“Also, I’m not sure some of my Weakest Link comments in this era of woke would get on now. I don’t think I could say: ‘Why are you so fat?’ – although I’m not sure I ever said that.

“But there was something in the first press release which I rewrote.

I said to Channel 4: ‘Why have you taken out one of my quotes?’ I’d

‘I root for the underdog and I get that from her’ Emma

It’s clear that mother and daughter have enjoyed family time in lockdown as they pose in the sitting room of Anne’s renovated Grade II-listed barn. “I felt emotional about the end of last lockdown, about the fact that it was the end of a chapter that was special. It was lovely knowing that she was there,” says Emma of her mum, who (far left) describes herself as “the oldest lady on TV who doesn’t judge a cookery programme” in 2004. It’s important to come clean on all that, because if you don’t talk about it, you have women thinking: ‘Why don’t I look like that?’”

HONEST APPRAISAL The decision to have a facelift came after she watched herself once on Watchdog, the BBC1 consumer programme she presented for 15 years, and realised she looked like h e r m o t h e r. “ L i g h t i n g h e l p s enormously,” she says. “If I was younger, I’d offer to sleep with the lighting man.”

A dedicated fan of fashion and self-confessed spendthrift, most of Anne’s outfits on Countdown will be from her own wardrobe and include her favourite designers – Marni, Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garçons and Givenchy.

So, the show might attract a whole new band of fashionista followers.

“Sometimes she gets her Issey

Miyake out and will say: ‘Don’t you like this?’ and I’ll say: ‘I think you’ve got it inside out. Or back to front,’” says Emma, who along with her flame-red hair, shares her mother’s quick wit and sharp intelligence.

“In lockdown, she said to me: ‘I need your help. Bring your laptop. I need you to go on the eBay.’ It was to bid on a Comme des Garçons jacket which she had to have.” Did they get it? “We got it, but it looked like a tea cloth.” Her mother rolls her eyes.

“I like to encourage women in two things,” says Anne. “To do good negotiations for a deal, and not to think certain outfits are unsuitable for them. I think you should take a risk about everything – apart from husbands, I suppose, which I’ve been notoriously bad at. Actually, I’ve only had two,” she says, on second thoughts.

She’s been married twice: first to Emma’s father, former Times editor

Charlie Wilson, and second to journalist John Penrose, from whom she separated in 2006. “ B o t h l o v e l y. B u t I ’ m n o t traditional wife material.”

H e r L i v e r p u d l i a n m o t h e r, she explains, was a self-made businesswoman who owned a large wholesale poultry dealing business, and was the main breadwinner, “so the batting order was very different”.

“We might think we’ve reached matrimonial equality. But I’d argue, there’s no such thing as a happy househusband. Only an exhausted, clever wife coming home and walking on eggshells because she’s terrified of upsetting the fragile arrangement by complaining about what has or hasn’t been done.”

For Anne to have thrived in the male-dominated world of newspapers of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, breaking big stories and working as a weekly columnist

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said that Rachel and Susie were very clever, younger than me and much thinner than me. The PR said: ‘Because it’s contentious,’ and I said: ‘What’s the point of hiring me then?

I am contentious.’”

While she doesn’t underplay the importance of having “older” women represented on TV, and the strong message it sends, the subject is “complicated”.

“A lot of television is about the way you look. So there is a demand, an expectation, that women are going to look pretty.

“I’ve always said: ‘Find me a programme where the male newsreader, say Jon Snow, Mark Austin or Huw Edwards, is 20 years younger than his female counterpart.’ But I’m aware, too, that if you want a gig at 76, you do bow to convention. You train and stay fit. I don’t go in the sun, I don’t smoke or drink, and I had a facelift

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‘You’re not there to make contestants cry’

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across several national titles, must have taken some confidence.

“I was brought up in a household where my mother would say: ‘You need to be up at six and out at five,’ meaning you had to find a way to baffle your competitors,” she says. “We just got on with it. And with any sexist obstacles in my early years in newspapers, I just kept thinking: ‘I’ll be in charge of them all very soon.’”

SOBERING THOUGHTS Does she consider herself a pioneer? “Well, remember I nearly killed myself with alcohol at one point, so let’s not paint too pretty a picture,” she says, referring to her battle with alcoholism, which she wrote about in her autobiography, Memories of an Unfit Mother. She stopped drinking in December 1978. However, there’s a generous drinks cabinet in the living room and a fridge full of soft and alcoholic beverages in the “drinks kitchen” for guests.

“I don’t mind in the least having lorry loads of alcohol around,” she says. “It’s decades since I stopped drinking. Chocolate is far more the enemy these days.”

She likes to break rules, and has the most fun doing so with her grandchildren, who call her Nonni. She allows them to stay up late, watch more TV than their parents would like and buys them Nerf guns.

“I spent a week screaming: ‘Not in the face,’” says Emma, who was used as target practice.

Anne avoided getting involved in home schooling – or “home screaming”, as she dubbed it – but Countdown came in handy for her younger grandson’s online maths classes.

“The teacher would use it as a fun top and tail to his lesson, to entice tardy students to turn up and have a reward at the end,” says Emma.

A broadcast journalist who also does voice-

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: CHANNEL 4. (RIGHT) SHOES: ROBERT CLERGERIE. (ABOVE LEFT) ANNE’S TOP: DOLCE & GABBANA. NECKLACE: MARNI. EMMA’S DRESS: MARC JACOBS AT FENWICK. SALON: RICHARD WARD HAIR & METROSPA

ostling playfully for the microphone (above), broadcaster Emma’s latest voice-over work is for US V show How to Academy. Next for Anne is fronting a new all-female line-up for Countdown (below) ith co-hosts Rachel Riley (left) and Susie Dent (right) – not her first time in front of the famous clock; she appeared on the show in 1987 (left)

‘If you want to stay in television post-50 you need a big box of tricks’ overs for American TV and advertising companies, including L’Oréal, Emma went to film school in New York at 19. She stayed for almost two decades, hosting her own national radio show and interviewing everyone from Angelina Jolie to Blondie and Quincy Jones.

In 2003 during a trip home to the UK, she met and fell in love with Liverpool-born Liam Kan, 56, an advertising film director, and they married in 2006. Having set up home in New York, they eventually moved back to England after the birth of Hudson.

“It was a big jump because I’d been cycling around Manhattan, wearing Marc Jacob heels and frilly skirts, and landed in London singing Wheels on the Bus in the local church,” says Emma. She’s currently putting her voice skills to good use as a reading mentor at the Thomas’s Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Thomas’s London day schools, which her sons attend, as do Prince George and Princess Charlotte. She helps out a couple of days a week reading in local primary schools in southwest London.

MOTHER LOVE Anne is delighted to have her daughter back in the UK. “I have much to thank Liam for,” she admits. “Her father and I bought Emma her apartment in New York and neither of us worked out that she’d put down roots there. So her meeting Liam was serendipitous.”

Are mother and daughter similar?

“I’m much nicer,” jokes Emma. “She calls me tricky, but I think she’s tricky. The phrase that sticks with me is that wild rabbits don’t breed tame ones, so we’re both capable of being single-minded. And I’ve picked up her sense of injustice – I root for the underdog.

“I’m incredibly proud of her as I don’t think many others at 76 are doing what she’s doing,” she adds. “I also like the fact that she asks questions. That she says: ‘Hang on a sec.’”

In recent years Anne has learnt, she says, to: “Enjoy more leisure time. Being here, entertaining, playing tennis, reading, just being home, really.” As to whether she shares any of those activities with a romantic partner, she refuses to comment. “It’s none of your business,” she says, with a familiar twinkle in her eye.

As she embarks on this latest chapter of her career, what does she feel most proud of?

“Being a newspaper journalist. Every job I’ve done in television has been a direct result of being a journalist – not because I’ve got a pretty face – and that has given me longevity,” she says, disappearing upstairs to find a dress to match her Robert Clergerie platforms for our photoshoot. “If you want to remain a female face in television post-50, you need a big box of tricks – in other words, you have to be able to play the South Bank in London as well as H the Liverpool Empire.”

INTERVIEW: ROSALIND POWELL PHOTOS: JOHN SWANNELL STYLING: ANNABEL HODIN HAIR: JONOTHON MALONE MAKE-UP: WENDY SADD AT JOY GOODMAN

Anne Robinson presents Countdown on Channel 4 every weekday at 2.10pm, from 28 June.

Rocking her frock, Anne is ever the fashionista, but she says: “Every job I’ve done in TV has been a direct result of 37 being a journalist – not because I’ve got a pretty face”

LOOKING LOVED UP AS THEY GLIDE THROUGH VENICE

KATY PERRY AND ORLANDO BLOOM SHOW ROMANCE FLOATS THEIR BOAT AS THEY SHARE SWEET HOLIDAY SNAPS

They only stopped gazing at the sights to share a kiss or snap a photo s they indulged in kisses, cuddles A and cocktails on a romantic break in Venice last week, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were definitely living la dolce vita.

The couple couldn’t have looked more in love as they took in the sights of the famous city from a gondola.

Dressed for comfort in cool, casual clothes, Katy and Orlando – who welcomed daughter Daisy Dove ten months ago – blended in with fellow tourists as they sipped refreshing spritzers while admiring the stunning scenes around them as they glided through the floating city.

Sitting side by side in the vessel, the couple, who got engaged on Valentine’s Day 2019, only stopped gazing at the sights to share a kiss or snap a photo.

After disembarking, British-born actor Orlando, 44, and singer Katy, 36 – who are based in Montecito, – took a series of selfies

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From top: A c in Venice’s surrounds; Kat snap on one historic brid pair on a w month-old dau

Drinking in the sights from aboard a romantic gondola (right), the couple take a brief break from their sightseeing to share a kiss (below right) ding on one of Venice’s dges. The pair continuously ted their stay on their oth sharing on social media sweet images they had taken her, including Katy enjoying e with one of the couple’s Orlando relaxing in their suite at the palatial Aman the Grand Canal.

R ALL LA FAMIGLIA ng duo were joined on their c break by their daughter lus Orlando’s ten-year-old nn – from his marriage to del Miranda Kerr – and other ily members. hey left the children behind r gondola ride, reuniting with ter for more fun.

At one point, the couple were seen taking Daisy – carried in a papoose by her adoring father – on a visit to a gelateria, where the whole family indulged in some ice cream. Orlando and Katy were seen feeding tiny spoonfuls to their delighted baby daughter, with the singer capturing every precious moment on her phone’s camera.

Speaking recently about her husband-to-be, Katy said she could see herself having children with him very early on. “I was like: ‘Here’s the father of my future children,’” she said. “I could see his kindness, empathy, care and tenderness.

I courted that. I was like: ‘Okay, H this is different.’”

REPORT: LAURA BENJAMIN

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The Inside Story REBEKAH AND JAMIE VARDY

A DREAM TEAM ON PARADISE GETAWAY

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ew things can match the thrill of representing your country playing the sport you love. But former England footballer Jamie Vardy managed to find a good substitute as he enjoyed a sun-soaked break with the woman who is always in his corner: his wife Rebekah.

Clearly on top of her away game, the model and mum shared pictures of paradise on Instagram, including one of her in a peachcoloured bikini (left). She also showed her paddleboarding prowess (below left) while another featured the Leicester City forward

giving her a piggyback in the clear waters (below right). “Ride or Die,” the caption read.

The couple, who have six children between them, recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary, with Rebekah paying tribute on Instagram to her “amazing hubby”, while Jamie told her: “Love you more than anything.”

They tied the knot two years after meeting, in a lavish ceremony covered exclusively by hello! at Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle in 2016. “We complement each other in all aspects and are so content in one another’s company,” Rebekah told us.

LOOKING SHIPSHAPE IN THE SUNSHINE

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ven in the calmest of waters, Dame Joan Collins cannot help but make waves. Relaxing on board a yacht in the Med with her husband Percy (together left), the actor not only found her sea legs but was more than ha y to show them off in photos. “Nothing beats #alifeontheoceanwave #summerfun #boatlife,” she posted on Instagram.

Joan, who turned 88 earlier this month, once told hello ! that the secret to retaining her ageless looks was being happy and busy. “I am very it and healthy now and I ry to look after myself,” dded the star (left).

A long-time lover of the ôte d’Azur – with a home St Tropez – her latest isit was spent exploring e area’s newly reopened estaurants with friends. fter lunching at old aunts such as Le Club 55 d trying out new openings cluding Gigi, Joan told r Instagram followers: aint Tropez is getting back normal again!”

REPORTS: KATHRYN WILSON. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. JOAN COLLINS. PERRIE EDWARDS. REBEKAH VARDY

DAME JOAN COLLINS

PERRIE EDWARDS

BIG BABY PLANS FOR LITTLE MIX S

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s Little Mix get ready to go from a threesome to a five-piece, mum-to-be Perrie Edwards is looking ahead to a different kind of number one.

And with the countdown well under way, she used her Instagram t day. Uploading phot baby shower in the g her Surrey home, she fans a glimpse of the which included a ca decorated with flower and tiny feet (below left), and a gazebo filled with balloons (below right).

Perrie revealed via a his-and-hers photoshoot and Instagram post in May that she and her footballer partner Al

Oxlade-Chamberlain (togeth expecting their first child. “So this wild journey with my soulm The couple’s big reveal cam ate ed t an inge bab Awa rd hirlw app n t oge nn iver okin ns: “ vic nge

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The Inside Story DENISE VAN OUTEN

DIGGING THE GARDEN SCENE he recently told hello! that she did not need an engagement ring as “kindness and support is the biggest diamond any woman can have”. But that did not stop Denise Van Outen‘s fiancé Eddie Boxshall from forking out on an impressive bunch of carrots.

Keen to help Britain go green, the couple recreated images from classic 1970s sitcom The Good Life in a shoot to celebrate the launch of a new sustainability accreditation scheme from energy price comparison company USwitch. Dressed as the show’s lead characters Tom and Barbara Good, posed with gardening gear and a selection of fresh produce (left and above) to highlight the findings of a survey in which 40% of respondents said they had become more self-sufficient during the pandemic.

Recently, fans have been more used to seeing Denise and Eddie vegging out on

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their sofa on Celebrity Gogglebox, as the pair return to the hit Channel 4 series for the third consecutive year.

“There’s a camera crew and they’re all outside, socially distanced from us,” Denise told BBC Breakfast. “We just sit indoors [and] binge-watch TV.”

IWAN THOMAS

GOES THE DISTANCE FOR TEDDY

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e still holds the UK record for the fastest 400m, but last week former 4x400m relay world champion Iwan Thomas became the first Olympic sprinter to finish a gruelling 100-mile run.

“It was emotionally and physically the toughest, most brutal thing I’ve ever done,” he tells hello!. “My feet are covered in blisters and my right ankle is the size of an elephant’s foot, but I feel so proud.”

The 47-year-old, who reached the finishing line of the non-stop race – the Centurion Running South Downs Way 100 – in 29 hours 35 minutes, carried a reminder in his pocket of why he was doing it: a photo of his twoyear-old son Teddy.

The little boy (with his dad, left) was only a few minutes old when he was found to have contracted group B strep – a streptococcal bacterial infection – and spent his first ten days battling for his life in intensive care. The bacterial strain, present in one in four pregnant women but normally harmless, can lead to meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis if passed on to the baby. It can be detected through a simple screening test.

“Teddy is such a happy, lively boy now, and even though he’s been through a lot you wouldn’t know it,” says Iwan. “He runs everywhere, just like me, yet because of his condition still suffers repeated infections.

“So many families tell me they weren’t as lucky. So if I can shine a light on this infection that claims the lives of so many young children, then the pain of what I endured was a hundred per cent worth it.”

Iwan raised £24,000 for the charity Group B

Strep Support for his efforts (below) and says: “It was sweltering hot during the day and when I ran through the night, I started to hallucinate.

My body was finished after 20 miles. I’m not built for long distance.”

But at the 48-mile mark, Iwan received some shattering news: little Teddy had been admitted to hospital with another infection.

“I had to decide whether to quit the race or carry on,” he says. “My partner persuaded me to finish the race for Teddy.” Happily, the brave lad is home after two days in hospital.

To donate to Group B Strep Support, visit justgiving. com/fundraising/gbssiwanthomas.

REPORTS: KATHRYN WILSON. LAURA BENJAMIN. SALLY MORGAN. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. IWAN THOMAS. PHIL HILL PH BALANCE. REX FEATURES. USWITCH FOR THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN

ELLIE GOULDING

N A POST-BABY SBAND CASPAR

t’s hard to believe that Ellie Goulding gave birth to her first child only six eks ago. The Love Me Like You Do ger, 34, showed no sign of sleepless ghts on one of her first post-baby enings out last week, attending a amorous charity auction with her sband Caspar Jopling (together ove). The couple, whose son Arthur er Winter Jopling was born on 29 ril, looked happier than ever as they ined stars including Anna Friel ight) and Claire Forlani, with Ellie eping it simple in a fitted black dress d high heels (left).

The event, held in London’s Covent rden, marked the opening of a new llection, Safe Places, by artist Lily Lewis (left) and was held in support of homelessness charity Refuge.

It was created to highlight the plight of domestic abuse victims, after calls to Refuge’s helpline rose by more than 60% last year, fuelled by lockdown stresses.

E l l i e ’ s attendance came just days after she emerged from her baby bubble and carried out her first work event as a new mother.

The singer performed her hit How Long Will I Love You at the wedding of Leeds United footballer Luke Ayling and his wife Poppy at the New Forest hotel Lime Wood.

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The Inside Story THE OF BATH

S NEW TALENT IN TOCRATIC STYLE sequins and spray tan, the Marchioness – as former Strictly Come Dancing star eymouth is now titled – looked more lroom at a British Fashion Council event tine Gallery during London Fashion a tulle and lace Christopher Kane dress praised the designer, telling hello!: “I thes and feel amazing in them.” the real star of the evening was Priya , winner of the £150,000 BFC/GQ Menswear Fund for 2021. The creator ative fashion label Ahluwalia World, she d as she posed (right, centre) with BFC executive Caroline Rush and Dylan s, editor in chief of GQ. In a social media st, Priya, who recently launched a sule collection of accessories with itage brand Mulberry, told supporters: y is one of the best days of my life.” w talent is a job for which the ever-stylish r made. She recently became a BFC under patron, backing its initiative to pport British fashion creatives. In doing e likes of Daphne Guinness, Maya Jama lba, the model wife of actor Idris.

LUPITA NYONG’O

LIGHTS, CAMER ACTION WITH SUPPORTING R

A

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fter more than a year of largely out of action, the industry is in business once more last week the cameras were rolli one particular location, Hollywood stars including L Nyong’o, Christian Slater, Juli Moore and Joan Smalls attende York’s Tribeca Film Festival.

Making her first high-profile appearance since Paris Fashion in March 2020, Oscar winner L was there for the screening o friend Nana Mensah’s debut fe film Queen of Glory. Clearly hap sit back and watch in a stun monochrome harlequin dre Studio 189 (left), she tweeted: good to be back in the world.”

The Black Panther actress will so back in the world of work, too, h recently signed up for the Appl adaptation of Lady in the Lake, in she will star alongside Natalie Por Also making an impact at the f was keynote speaker Debbie arry (right). She was joined on stage by her Blondie bandmates Chris Stein and Clem Burke as she talked about her acting career and life in music.

HARRY STYLES

ARRESTING LOOK AS HE COMPLETES ‘MY POLICEMAN’

A

s his acting career continues to flourish, Harry Styles has proved he can take more than one direction. And last week fans were thrilled by news that filming on his latest movie, My Policeman, had wrapped in Venice.

The singer shot the final scenes of the much-anticipated romantic drama in the city with co-star David Dawson, and shortly after arriving he was spotted in a water taxi waving to onlookers (below).

The film also stars Emma Corrin

REPORTS: KATHRYN WILSON. PHOTOS: BACKGRID. GETTY IMAGES. HBO/LMK. MEGA. SARAH JESSICA PARKER

I

(right, with Harry on location in Hove in May), who shared the excitement with her Instagram followers. Posting photos including one of her and Harry taken with their director, Michael Grandage, and producer Robbie Rogers at an outdoor swimming pool in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, she captioned them: “aaaaand that’s a falafel wrap baaaaby”.

Busy Harry also finished filming thriller Don’t Worry Darling earlier this year.

t was a Big week for fans of iconic TV series Sex and the City as three of its original four stars reunited to start filming sequel And Just Like That. Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie Bradshaw, posed for a photo (right) with co-stars Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis, against a backdrop of the New York skyline.

Posting the shot on Instagram, Sarah explained: “Together again. Read through our first episodes. Alongside the fellas and our newest cast members. Like an ice cream sundae.”

Among those reprising their roles is Chris Noth, best known for playing Carrie’s love interest Mr Big. “It’s great; we’re back,” he told one interviewer. Not everyone is back, however. After opting to step away from playing maneater Samantha Jones, Kim Cattrall (below, far right, in the original series) will not be joining the production. “I played it past the finish line and then some,” she has said.

SARAH, CYNTHIA AND KRISTIN ‘SEX AND THE CITY’ TRIO REUNITE

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

AS SHE PREPARES TO WALTZ ON TO ‘STRICTLY’ SPIN-OFF

JANETTE MANRARA

REVEALS THAT HAVING A BABY WITH HUSBAND ALJAZ IS HER NEXT BIG STEP

A

fter eight years lighting up the Strictly Come Dancing floor, Janette Manrara is waltzing away from the show that made her a household name. And, as she looks forward to a new career as a presenter on its spin-off show, she is also contemplating another role altogether.

Janette, 37, has made no secret of her desire to become a mother and she hopes stepping down from her physically demanding role as a Strictly professional dancer will allow her and husband Aljaz Skorjanec, 31, a fellow dancer on the show, to fulfil that dream.

“Starting a family is something we have been talking about for a while now, and dancing was something I really had to think about when it came to making any kind of decision,” she tells hello! in this exclusive interview, her first since she announced she’s to replace Zoe Ball as presenter of Strictly: It Takes Two. “The level of pressure that comes with being a professional on Strictly has now been lifted from my life, so I feel like I can breathe now when it comes to starting a family. We definitely want to be parents, and this has given us an opportunity to really take a look at that part of our lives and see what we can do moving forward. ” WALTZ OF EMOTIONS While her new job is a dream come true, she says her decision to quit Strictly left her in floods of tears.

“It feels like the most perfect next step in my life but it’s bittersweet, because it means that I’m not going to be doing Strictly more and I cried a lot,” she its. “I have so many years of beautiful memories and it’s going to be a very sad moment when I start watching Strictly, rather than being a part of it.

But I am going to be the biggest cheerleader and the biggest Strictly groupie. They’re going o have to kick me out of the tudios on a Saturday night.”

Janette was at members’ club oho House earlier this month hen she received the lifehanging phone call offering er the job on It Takes Two. “I started screaming, my nees buckled, my heart started ounding and tears rolled down y face,” she recalls. “I was just so ver the moon. Of course, the st person I called was Aljaz. e was just the happiest, oudest husband ever. He

s

It takes two: Janette and her celebrity dance partners have been popular double acts in her eight years on Strictly, including (clockwise from this picture) Peter Andre 46 in 2015; HRVY – with whom she made it to the final in 2020; and Dr Ranj Singh in 2018

‘Starting a family is something we’ve been talking about… we definitely want to be parents’

‘It feels like the most perfect next step in my life, but it’s bittersweet too’

Hot stepping: Janette, 37, has been dancing on air since it was announced she would replace Zoe Ball as presenter of Strictly: It Takes 47 Two. “I was just so over the moon,” she says of receiving the life-changing phone call offering her the job

‘Aljaz knows how much this means to me. I’m so excited and still in shock’

Janette with her husband of three years, Strictly professional Aljaz Skorjanec (above); the couple hope to be parents soon. “Dancing was something I really had to think about when it came to making any kind of decision,” she says

knew how much this means to me.

I’m so excited and I’m still in shock, because it all happened so quickly. ” FAMOUS FEET Since she joined the Strictly line-up in 2013, Janette’s celebrity partners have included singer Peter Andre, EastEnders star Jake Wood, designer Julien Macdonald – who later created her dress for her July 2017 wedding – and This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh, whom she joined on stage at London’s Garrick Theatre last week to sing a

duet of the song A Whole New World during his show Scrubs to Sparkles. Last year, she reached the final for the first time with singer HRVY and won the Strictly Live tour with former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher.

“I have beautiful memories of every single celebrity I’ve danced with, from my very first dance with Julien to my last one with HRVY, and I’m going to cherish that,” she says. “I may not have held that Glitterball, but just getting to the final felt like winning.”

Janette says she will especially miss

Janette (left) with pro dancer Luba Mushtuk and the Marchioness of Bath, a star contestant on the 2019 series as Viscountess Weymouth. Emma recently celebrated her friend’s success at her Longleat home (below).

“A very special celebration for the all round superstar that is @jmanrara so proud of you!!,” she wrote on Instagram

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‘As a Latin woman it means so much that the BBC has given me this opportunity’

PHOTOS: BBC. THE MARCHIONESS OF BATH. NICKY JOHNSTON

the month-long rehearsals in August with her fellow professional dancers ahead of the live shows.

“Being in the studio and sweating for those big group numbers will be hard to let go of; that will be the hardest goodbye,” she says. “Luckily I have Aljaz, so I’ll live vicariously through him. We have always choreographed together, and I’ll still be there with him, listening to the song that he’s going to pick for that week and trying to figure out the next step.

“We are all really close and we’re constantly cheering each other on and rooting for one another. When one of us succeeds, I feel like all of us succeed, and everyone was just so, so happy and excited for me. Every single one of them messaged me and I teared up when I read their messages. ” LIVE WIRE Janette, who impressed viewers and BBC executives when she stood in for Kym Marsh on Morning Live earlier this year, says Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James encouraged her to put herself forward for It Takes Two when Zoe announced her departure in May, after ten years. The show, which is co-hosted by Rylan Clark-Neal, goes behind the scenes of Strictly and Janette is looking forward to interviewing her dancer friends, as well as husband Aljaz, when it returns in the autumn.

“I think that would be one of the best chats on the sofa,” she says with a laugh. “I feel like I’m not really leaving Strictly, so I’m still going to feel part of this family and that gives me so much joy, because I would hate to just leave.

“As a Latin woman, it means so much to me that the BBC has given me this opportunity,” adds Janette, who was born in Miami to Cuban parents. “To go from a small Cuban neighbourhood, speaking no English, to being part of one of the biggest shows on TV proves that no dream is too big.”

Meanwhile Janette, who launches a new podcast with Aljaz this week called Twist and Shout, insists she won’t be giving up dancing for good.

The couple plan to finally take their postponed live show Remembering the Oscars on the road next year and Janette doesn’t rule out returning to the Strictly dancefloor in the future.

“I would never say never,” she says.

“Dancing is such a part of who I am and I don’t ever want to stop so, if the opportunity arose, I would consider it for sure. I’m going to miss that Strictly dancefloor so much, so I’m crossing my fingers they will let me back on it this year for one last dance.” H INTERVIEW: TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Janette has come a long way in her eventful life.

“To go from a small Cuban neighbourhood, speaking no English, to being part of 49 one of the biggest shows on TV proves no dream is too big,” she says

EXPECTING A PLAYMATE FOR SIENNA

MILLIE MACKINTOSH LOOKS BLOOMING LOVELY IN THE SUNSHINE AS SHE REVEALS HER PREGNANCY JOY

illie Mackintosh last M week announced the happy news that she and

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Hugo Taylor are expecting a econd child later this year – but, this time around, things re a bit different. “Being regnant with a one-year-old is whole different ball game!” he revealed.

The couple, who introduced ienna to the world in hello! fter her birth 13 months ago, id: “We are so excited to nnounce that Sienna is going be a big Sister! I couldn’t eep this to myself for much nger and I’m running out of ys to hide my bump!”

Spotted out on a walk with enna during the heatwave, llie was certainly showing the st hints of her bump in a wing floral midi dress,

‘It took us bit by surpri But I’m so g they will b close in ag

PHOTOS: GOFF PHOTOS. MILLIE MACKINTOSH

keeping cool in a stylish fed she strolled in a park showi hint of the exhaustion sh been experiencing.

Millie, 31, who suffered morning sickness and insom the first three months, sa Instagram: “Some days I stru to focus or function…”

She’s also been experie cravings. “My hunger levels been crazy. During my trimester I needed to ea minute I woke up and was w up in the night starving. I rice cakes by my bed – it’s a hunger that you just can’t i I’ve also had to eat smaller more often so I don’t get h and then feel sick. I’ve craving a mix of sweet and sa Hawaiian pizzas with pineapple, chicken sausage ketchup, egg-fried rice with chilli sauce – you get the pict Millie and Hugo intend t out the sex of the baby, whic admit, “took us a bit by sur “I thought we would have a age gap…” she said. “But I glad they will be close in ag hopefully really close.”

IT’S BEEN EMOTIONAL She also joked “lucky Hug she admitted her “emotion been all over the place; I’m grumpy and full of mood swi But during a recent f holiday to the seaside, Milli praise from her husban who took to Instagram to “Grateful for this beautiful li wonderful wife and Sunny d Devon,” alongside a sunlit s the couple.

Millie recently told h how becoming parents strengthened her bond wit former Made in Chelsea c Hugo, whom she marrie stunning English country g themed wedding three year covered exclusively by hell “Hugo and I have got a good friendship and that jus even stronger now we’v Sienna,” she told us. “We’ve through this amazing exper together. It’s made us feel really strong unit. Seeing hi dad makes me really proud.”

Now, they can look forw many more precious momen family of four. “I just feel so and overwhelmed wit happiness,” she said.

REPORT: ALEXANDRA WILB

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7 DAYS

A ROUND-UP OF NEWS REPORTS

AUTUMN AND PETER PHILLIPS

PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS Actress joins new faces of lingerie brand Actress Priyanka Chopra has joined Victoria’s Secret as an ambassador and podcast guest for the VS Collective, a project to reshape the company’s image.

The 38-year-old, who is married to singer Nick Jonas, is one of a group of women recruited to inspire “change and positivity”. US footballer Megan Rapinoe, transgender model Valentina Sampaio, plus-size model Paloma Elsesser and refugee turned model Adut Akech are among those helping the lingerie line make a “dramatic shift” from its Angels image.

Priyanka said: “To play a part in shaping the evolution and future success of a heritage brand like Victoria’s Secret is so exciting to me,” adding that she wanted to make customers “feel represented and like they belong”.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

New release marks 25 years of the Spice Girls he Spice Girls are celebrating the 25th T anniversary of their debut single Wannabe by releasing a new limited-edition

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Wannabe25 EP. It features a previously unreleased track, Feed Your Love, as well as the original demo of Wannabe and a remix by DJ Junior Vasquez.

In addition to announcing the EP, released digitally on 9 July and physically as a picture disc and cassette on 23 July, the band have invited fans to share Spice Girls memories using a special hashtag, #IAmASpiceGirl. In a statement, the group said: “The Spice Girls belong to everyone and that’s why we want to mark 25 years of Wannabe by celebrating our incredible fans.” In a post to her Instagram followers, Melanie Brown – band member Mel B – wrote: “Wowza it’s been 25 years!! How unreal is that?”

Wannabe was originally released in July 1996 and is the seventh-highest-selling debut single of all time. The group split in 2000 but Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm came together for a reunion tour in 2019, without original member Victoria Beckham.

Emma revealed last week they had planned to do more dates. “We started talking about maybe doing some more and then lockdown happened, which is such a shame. I’m dying to do it again. You can’t book anything yet, so we’re waiting.”

Meanwhile, Mel C was shocked to see some of her Spice Girls memorabilia – including tracksuits and home videos – listed for auction on eBay, with a 99p starting bid, allegedly from an “abandoned” rented storage room. She has since stopped the sale from going ahead.

For the latest celebrity news, visit hellomagazine.com

Former couple reach divorce settlement The divorce settlement between Peter and Autumn Phillips has been finalised, a spokesman for the former couple has confirmed. A statement released on behalf of the Queen’s grandson and Autumn, who married in 2008 and separated in February 2020, said they were: “Pleased to be able to report the financial aspects of their divorce have been resolved through agreement, the terms of which have been approved and ordered by the High Court today.

“They continue to put the wellbeing and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost. Both Peter and Autumn are pleased to have resolved matters amicably with the children firmly at the forefront of those thoughts and decisions.”

KATE ROTHSCHILD

Footballer snubs soft drink at conference Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo caused controversy at a Euro 2020 press conference when he removed two bottles of Coca-Cola – a tournament sponsor – placed in front of him. The company’s share price dropped after the incident, slicing $4bn (£2.9bn) from its value.

Cristiano held up a bottle of water and said: “Agua,” apparently encouraging fans to drink that instead.

The share price recovered, but Uefa later warned players they could be fined for copying his actions. England’s Harry Kane defended the sponsors’ right “to have what they want if they have paid the money to do so”. l Danish footballer Christian Eriksen has thanked fans for their support after the 29-year-old collapsed with a cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 match.

Banking heiress welcomes baby son Kate Rothschild has given birth to a baby boy, her first with partner Paul Forkan.

The new arrival was born two years after Kate and former husband Ben Goldsmith’s daughter, Iris, died in an offroad buggy accident at the age of 15.

Kate, 39, also has two sons with Ben, who last week said: “It’s incredibly happy news. Everyone is over the moon. I’m so excited to meet the little boy tomorrow afternoon.”

Kate, a member of the banking dynasty, and Paul have been dating since 2018. Paul’s parents were killed in the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 when he was just 15, leading him and his brother Rob to set up ethical clothing brand Gandys. l Comedian Katherine Ryan has given birth to her second child, a baby boy named Frederick.

Quote of the week ‘Khai will grow up feeling out the way that she can or wants to be a bridge for her different ethnicities’ Gigi Hadid on her hopes for her daughter with Zayn Malik

GIOVANNA AND TOM FLETCHER Stars apologise for using furlough money Giovanna and Tom Fletcher last week issued an apology on social media after reports they had furloughed staff via the Government scheme last year.

The couple, who are rumoured to be worth £8m, said they used the money to pay a member of their team who “couldn’t carry out their role due to the pandemic” but they had repaid the amount in full.

In a joint statement, Tom and Giovanna – who won last year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

– wrote: “While parts of the article were inaccurate (including all of the figures mentioned), it is true that we did follow financial advice to furlough someone we employ… It was a huge error of judgment, and a mistake we wholeheartedly take responsibility for.”

PRINCESS AMALIA Netherlands royal declines annual allowance Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, who will one day be Queen, has said she wants to waive her right to an income of €1.6m (£1.4m) until she takes on proper royal duties.

In a handwritten letter to the Dutch Prime Minister, which was published by broadcaster NOS, the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima wrote: “On 7 December 2021 I will be 18 and, according to the law, receive an allowance. I find that uncomfortable as long as I do not do anything for it in return, and while other students have a much tougher time of it, particularly in this period of coronavirus.”

Amalia’s decision is the first time a royal has declined their tax-free salary and allowance.

COMPILED BY EVE ROWLANDS. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. GOFF PHOTOS. REX FEATURES

Story of the Week

IN A WIDE-RANGING INTERVIEW

THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX

ON MOTHERHOOD, MISSING PHILIP AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Sophie (above) chats to the BBC’s Naga Munchetty (top left) in an interview that saw her speak of the Duke of Edinburgh (far left, with the Countess) and a treasured photo (left) of Philip and the Queen

PHOTOS: BBC RADIO 5 LIVE. GETTY IMAGES. PA IMAGES

T

he Countess of Wessex choked back tears last week as she spoke of how the Duke of Edinburgh’s death had left a “giant-sized hole” in the lives of the royal family.

Sophie, 56, who was talking to presenter Naga Munchetty on BBC Radio 5 Live, also recalled that she was overcome with emotion when she returned to the spot in Scotland where she had taken a happy family portrait of the Queen and Prince Philip enjoying a picnic.

Here is hello!’s selection of the highlights of the interview, in which the devoted mum opened up about her support for survivors of rape in conflict, her life with her children – Lady Louise Windsor, 17, and Viscount Severn, 13 – and how she became hooked on TV detective drama Line of Duty.

Life without the Duke of Edinburgh…

“He’s left a giant-sized hole in our lives. The pandemic has skewed things as it’s hard to spend as much time with the Queen as we would like. So the whole grieving process is probably likely to take a lot longer.

It’s only when you do the normal things that you would have done

with them, and you suddenly realise they’re not there, that you really start to have an ‘oh my goodness’ moment.”

On becoming emotional about her father-in-law…

“I was pregnant with Louise [when she took the photo in Scotland]. We went up there during half term. Just to be there, in that place, was an ‘oh my God’ moment.”

On Lady Louise’s future…

“I hope that she and her friends will protect her.

But I have to let her live her life. I can only equip her the best I can, and then she has to make her own choices.”

Lockdown “wobbles”…

“I certainly had the odd wobble, where I just couldn’t see an end to it.

I took the children’s disappointment on my shoulders. I would sort of feel: ‘Oh God, I can’t bear this, because I’m going to have to say to them yet

again “you can’t do” something.’ I think my daughter understood completely; it was harder for my son.

He wanted to play with his friends, and I was just constantly having to say no, and it was like: ‘It’s not fair.’”

Keeping fit during the pandemic…

“I’m in better shape. I OD’d on online exercise classes through my gym.”

Line of Duty and guessing the villain’s identity…

“I started the first episode and th a t w a s i t, I was hooked.

I was really disappointed in myself for having guessed [who criminal boss H was]. I kept on thinking: ‘It can’t be, but it’s got to be.’”

Her work with survivors of rape in war…

“The first time I met a survivor… this lady was probably in her 70s, and the country I was in had conflict going back generations. She started to tell

‘He’s left a giantsized hole in our lives — and the pandemic has skewed things’

me exactly what had happened. I was completely silent, but in floods of tears. When you hear somebody’s story of gang rape, it brings you to your knees. You then learn that, for so many of these women, this is a secret they will take to their graves.”

How she helps encourage change…

“Being a voice for these women and making sure the subject doesn’t drop off the agenda. Rape and torture are war crimes, and people who perpetrate these acts have to be brought to trial.”

Preparing for her role…

“When I started working with Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI)… I felt very much the new girl in town. I had so much to learn and felt thoroughly inadequate. But actually the only way you learn is by meeting people and hearing their stories.”

Why schools should teach about sexual violence in wars …

“I see no reason why not, because it is a reality. It’s important to put war into context as to what H really happens.”

REPORT: SALLY MORGAN

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HELPING ENSURE THE FORECAST IS BRIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN

THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE

REIGNS IN THE RAIN AT THE TRIUMPHANT LAUNCH OF HER HEARTFELT NEW INITIATIVE

‘My hope for today is to show that change needs to happen and the time for action is now. I truly believe big change starts small’ ot even a torrential downpour could N dampen the Duchess of Cambridge’s spirits last week as she launched a major new initiative that will shape her future royal work.

Sheltering beneath a rainbowcoloured umbrella, Kate smiled broadly as she left Kensington Palace to kick-start her new early years research unit, which she hopes will “transform lives for generations to come”.

The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood is the culmination of a decade of work by the Duchess and will focus on how the first five years of a child’s life can have a profound effect on their later life. Introducing the project last week, she said: “I truly believe big change starts small.”

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CUTTING-EDGE CAMPAIGN After announcing the project, Kate headed to the London School of Economics for a meeting with a group of early-years experts, including academics and practitioners from charities such as Mind and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Wearing a pale-lilac LK Bennett dress, nude heels and a floral mask, Kate, 39, strode into the building clutching a copy of Big Change Starts Small, the inaugural report from the centre, a collaboration between the LSE and The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

“I feel this is the social equivalent of

climate change, where we have followed the science for many, many years, and that is what we have to do with early childhood development if we want to build a happier healthier world,” said Kate, whose research has shown that negative childhood experiences are often at the root of problems such as addiction, violence, family breakdown, homelessness and poor mental health.

As they discussed the report’s findings that failure to tackle early years problems costs £16.13bn a year in England alone, mother of three Kate said: “The cost of lost opportunity not only affects the individual but it’s the impact it has on families and communities and society at large.”

She added: “As a parent, and when you’re pregnant and things like that, there’s not many conversations that surround you about the importance of brain development. We talk about breastfeeding and health and lots of physical milestones, but actually there isn’t that much support or guidance – or even just general conversation – about what you can’t see with their brains and understanding their minds.

“My hope today, through the report and the new centre, is to show that change really needs to happen and the time for action is now.

“It is going to take a long time and it’s not a quick fix. I’m really looking forward to many years of going

Sunny outlook: The Duchess’s smile couldn’t be brighter as she reveals details of a project close to her heart “to build a happier, healthier world” that will shape her royal work for years to come

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Child’s play: The Duchess’s animated expression shows her evident interest in the subject at the London School of Economics, where (below) she meets early-years specialists

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forward and I hope to see some of the things we have discussed put into action in the future.

“So it’s exciting times – this is just the beginning.”

Kate then returned to the Pavilion Café at Kensington Palace – a stone’s throw from where she lives in Apartment 1A with her husband the Duke and their three children – where she was reunited with some of the people she has met over the past ten years and who have influenced her work.

They included Julie Muir, 40, who runs addiction programmes in prisons for the Forward Trust and who spent time in prison herself as a young woman for drug-related offences.

Recalling how Kate had been affected by a visit to HMP Send in Surrey nine years ago, Julie said: “There was one woman prisoner there whose childhood was one surrounded by drugs and needles.

That had a really powerful impact on the Duchess.

“I feel flattered to be part of the change in the Duchess that has

‘I’m looking forward to many years going forward.

It’s exciting times — this is just the beginning’ helped her refocus energy on the early years.”

Kate also met single father Ryan-James Smith, 28, who took part in the Tiny Happy People initiative with the BBC and told her about his battle with depression.

“The Duchess doesn’t just ask how my daughter is but also how I am,” he said. “She understands that to look after the children we also have to look after the parents.”

The Centre for Early Childhood, based at Kensington Palace and with a staff of six, will commission research, develop campaigns to raise awareness about early years issues and collaborate with the private, public and voluntary sectors to find solutions. Funded by the Royal Foundation, Kate and the Duke’s charity vehicle, its work will include finding ways to engage teenagers with the science of early childhood brain development, in preparation for them becoming parents.

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VIDEO STAR In a video to mark the launch Kate, wearing a necklace bearing the initials of her children Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, six and Prince Louis, three, said: “Working closely with others, the centre hopes to raise awareness of why the first five years of life are just so important for our future life outcomes, and what we can do as a society to embrace this golden opportunity to create a happier, more mentally healthy, more nurturing society.

“By working together, my hope is that we can change the way we think about early

The Duchess arrives, elegant in an LK Bennett dress and downpour-defying heels. In a video to mark the launch (below) Kate wears a necklace (inset below) with the initials of her children George, Charlotte and Louis

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Back at Kensington Palace’s Pavilion Cafe, the Duchess (right) meets a group of parents who have helped her understand the importance of providing support for parents during the earliest years of children’s lives

childhood, and transform lives for generations to come.”

In her foreword for the Big Change Starts Small report, she explains how her interest in the early years was sparked soon after her marriage. “When first undertaking royal duties a decade ago, I started meeting inspiring people who were rebuilding their lives from challenges such as addiction,

homelessness, violence – and the mental ill-health that often underpins these experiences.

“Spending time together and hearing more about their lives, I was struck by how often poor mental health but also early childhood was the focus of our conversation. It was the recurrence of these conversations that drove me to want to learn more.

“What this report makes clear is

that our first five years lay important foundations for our future selves.

This period is when we first learn to manage our emotions and impulses, to care and empathise, and ultimately to establish healthy relationships with ourselves and others.

“It is a time when our experience of the world around us, and the way this moulds our development, can have a lifelong impact on our future

mental and physical wellbeing.

Indeed, what shapes our childhood shapes the adults and the parents we become. But – and this is crucial to understand – even if we ourselves didn’t get the best start in life, we can still break the cycle and develop the skills needed to raise the next H generation better.”

REPORT: TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Kate’s passion for early-years research has seen her meet a range of people including (below, from left) Aberdeen locals on a visit in 2020; a youngster at her Back to Nature garden at Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2019; a mum and her baby at London’s Battersea Park in 2020; toddlers on a visit to a children’s centre in London in 2019; and US First Lady Dr Jill Biden and children at a primary school in Cornwall this month

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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES: KENSINGTON PALACE. PA IMAGES: REX FEATURES. REUTERS

‘Our first five years lay important foundations for our future selves’

‘When you’re pregnant there’s no conversation about brain development’

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BASKING IN HER COLOURFUL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

THE QUEEN’S BIG WEEKEND

OUR MONARCH INSPECTS HER TROOPS AND WELCOMES THE U.S. PRESIDENT ON A WHIRLWIND TWO DAYS IN WINDSOR Her Majesty has shown that she is still bursting with vitality and boasts the energy levels of a woman half her age

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The Red Arrows fly overhead as troops put on a display of 60 military precision in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle for the annual Trooping the Colour

Cornwall, where she hosted the G7 Summit reception, than she was stepping back into the heart of the action to witness the pomp and pageantry of Trooping the Colour, before welcoming US President Joe Biden and his First Lady.

QUEEN OF VITALITY Her Majesty has shown that, at 95, she is

still bursting with vitality and boasts the energy levels of a woman half her age.

At Trooping, the annual ceremony that marks her official birthday, she was smiling in the summer sunshine as a royal salute and the national anthem heralded her arrival on a sheltered dais overlooking the castle’s quadrangle.

Enjoying every moment, she

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he is preparing for the magnificent festivities of her 2022 Platinum Jubilee, but the Queen has rarely experienced such momentous celebrations in her long and illustrious reign as those during her recent whirlwind weekend at Windsor Castle.

No sooner had she returned home overnight on the Royal Train from

The Queen is joined by the Duke of Kent as she inspects the troops (above). In a touching tribute to her late husband, the monarch chose the same elegant ensemble she wore for his 99th birthday photo

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62 The Queen’s delight in proceedings is evident (above). This year’s event

was scaled back slightly due to current conditions but still managed to incorporate an impressive array of pomp, including the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery (right), Her Majesty’s mounted ceremonial battery

The quadrangle was a riot of colour as guards showcased their precision marching skills

Members of the Scots Guards pass by the dais, watched by the Queen and Duke of Kent, and (right) present the regimental colour in a ceremony that marks Her Majesty’s official birthday

tapped her feet in rhythm to the rousing sound of the pipes and drums as the spectacle got under way.

Only two months earlier, this was where a military parade had honoured the Duke of Edinburgh at his funeral, and in a subtle tribute to her late husband, the Queen wore the same ensemble she’d chosen for his 99th birthday photo – a lilac-grey outfit embroidered with golden flowers with a matching hat by designer Angela Kelly, with an aquamarine brooch that belonged to the Queen Mother, her signature pearls, white gloves and black Launer handbag.

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HER STRENGTH AND STAY It was Prince Philip who almost always accompanied her to this annual occasion, but joining her on the dais this year was her younger cousin, the Duke of Kent.

Dressed in his full uniform, including his bearskin, the 85-year-old Duke attended in his

role as Colonel of the Scots Guards – the regiment whose turn it was to Troop the Colour – and was a supportive presence next to her.

Together they observed as servicemen and women from the Scots Guards, Grenadier Guards and Coldstream Guards showcased their precision marching skills and formations with mounted troops from the Household Cavalry and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

The quadrangle was a riot of colour as the Coldstream Guards and Life Guards paraded in their vibrant scarlet tunics, while the dazzling sun lit up the gold braiding on the striking navy-blue uniforms of the Royal Horse Artillery.

Rousing music filled the air, too, as a massed band of the Household Division, including the 1st Battalion Scots Guards Pipes and Drums, played Scottish tunes including Scotland the Brave, Hielan’ Laddie and The Black Bear.

Her Majesty looked on as the Queen’s Colour – a richly embroidered standard of

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The sky was filled with streaks of red, white and blue — bringing a broad smile to the Queen’s face the Scottish thistle entwined with the English rose – of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards was trooped through the ranks, followed by a marchpast and second royal salute.

The ceremony reached a crescendo with a 41gun salute and a flypast by the Red Arrows, who whizzed overhead in choreographed formation, filling the sky with streaks of red, white and blue smoke – and bringing a broad smile to the Queen’s face as she looked up in delight.

Due to the pandemic, it was only the second time in her 69-year reign that Trooping the Colour has been held other than at Horse Guards Parade in central London, where more than 1,400 military personnel and 200 horses usually take part. However, this year’s event exceeded last year’s pared-down occasion, with 275 servicemen and women and 70 horses saluting the Queen.

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BIDEN TIME The eyes of the world homed in on the same spot once again when the Queen rolled out the red carpet to welcome US President Joe Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden to her historic Berkshire home.

Radiant in a pink floral-print jacquard

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The Queen (left) looks up to the blue skies as the Red Arrows hurtle past in a dazzling, patriotic aerial display over Windsor Castle

Guards in formation and (above) mounted troops perform for the Queen, only the second time in her 69-year reign that Trooping has taken place outside London

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The Bidens are greeted by the Queen, Her Majesty elegant in a pink floral Stewart Parvin design and the First Lady in a 66 powder-blue Adam Lippes dress and Valentino heels

‘We had a long talk. I don’t think she’d be insulted but she reminded me of my mother’ President Biden dress by Stewart Parvin, with a rose-hued hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan and her favourite diamond Jardine Star brooch, she was all smiles as she greeted the couple on a dais in the castle quad, ahead of afternoon tea and a military march-past.

The Bidens had flown from the G7 summit in Cornwall by Presidential jet Air Force One to Heathrow Airport. From here their helicopter – Marine One – whisked them to Windsor and a Range Rover transported them on the final stage of their journey through the castle’s George IV gate.

The couple, who had already met the monarch at the Eden Project, were holding hands when they arrived, with President Biden wearing a smart navy suit and shades to protect his eyes from the blazing sun, and his wife looking elegant in a powder-blue dress with matching jacket by US designer Adam Lippes, paired with nude Valentino heels.

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After arriving four minutes early for their royal meeting, the Bidens stand to attention for the US national anthem (below).

The Queen looks delighted (right)

WARM WELCOME After a warm welcome from Her Majesty, a guard of honour formed of The Queen’s Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards gave a royal salute, and as the US national anthem resounded around the quadrangle, the President and First Lady proudly stood to attention.

The role of accompanying a VIP visitor while they inspect the troops used to fall to the Duke of Edinburgh until his retirement in 2017, but on this occasion it was the officer commanding the guard of honour, Major James Taylor, and Major General Christopher Ghika, who commands the Household Division, who performed this task as the 78-year-old President inspected the troops.

Then, after returning to the dais to watch the military march-past with the Queen, he and the First Lady were invited into the castle’s splendid, gothic-panelled Oak Sitting Room in Her Majesty’s private apartments for afternoon tea.

So convivial was their conversation that this traditional meeting between the

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The Presidential couple chat with the monarch (above); President Biden inspects the Queen’s troops (left) and Dr Biden and Her Majesty look to be getting on famously (below). “Thank you to Her Majesty The Queen for the warm welcome to Windsor Castle,” Jill later posted on social media

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‘I wish we could stay longer, maybe we could hold the cars up…’ The President

monarch and the US President overran by ten minutes.

Thrilled by the success of their first UK visit, the Bidens were later seen giving each other a hug, and ahead of their flight home to Washington DC, the President was full of praise for the Queen.

“We had a long talk,” he said, letting slip that they had spoken about Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s leader Xi Jinping.

“She was very generous. I don’t think she’d be insulted, but she reminded me of my mother – in terms of the look of her and just the generosity.”

President Biden has frequently spoken of how his mother Jean, who died aged 92 in 2010, was a profoundly influential figure in his and his family’s life, and who played a huge part in his political journey.

He is the 13th US leader to meet the Queen during her 69-year reign.

The only one of the 14 Presidents she never encountered was Lyndon B Johnson – she was pregnant with Prince Edward when he came into office after the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963.

Before bidding Britain farewell, the President divulged that he had invited the Queen to the White House for a return visit.

“She said: ‘What’s it like in the White House?’” he revealed. “I said: ‘Well, it’s magnificent but it’s a lot of people.’

“I said I wish we could stay longer, maybe we could hold the cars up a minute…” he added. “Anyway, H she was very gracious.”

REPORT: SALLY MORGAN

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. PA IMAGES. REX FEATURES

Time for a final photocall (above) before the Presidential helicopter Marine One whisks them away (right). Asked about the scale of the stle, the President said: “We could fit the White House in the courtyard”

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

REVEALING BABY BLAKE’S FIRST WORD

MARVIN HUMES

ON STYLE MISSTEPS AND WHY HE AND ROCHELLE ARE A DREAM TEAM

Marvin models an outfit from his new Next edit (above) as he juggles fashion with music and fatherhood to eight-month-old Blake (right), a much-adored addition to his family (below, with wife Rochelle and daughters Alaia-Mai, eight, and Valentina, four)

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,

, know, typical dad who’s into football,” he says. “It’s been amazing with Blake being added to the family set-up.”

Having just celebrated his first Father’s Day as a dad of three, he tells us that what means the most is Blake’s first word being “Dada”. “Which Rochelle’s not too happy about,” he laughs.

OUTNUMBERED Marvin admits going from two to three children has been “quite daunting”, but Blake has slotted perfectly into their busy family life.

“He’s definitely getting his own little character. He’s sitting up now and he’s eating really well, sleeping great. It’s been a while since we’ve been back in the nappy-and-bottles-andsterilising stage, but that comes back to you really quickly, and

INTERVIEW: ROSIE SMITH. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. MARVIN HUMES. NEXT

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avin has been “far from easy”, JLS band member Marvin Humes tells hello! when we catch up for an exclusive chat.

But with plenty to look forward to this summer – including staycations and hosting dinner parties while he and wife Rochelle wait for foreign travel to open up – he’s hoping that eight-monthold Blake will get the chance to get out and about more and “adapt” to the changes.

“Before, he was really clingy to us because he just wasn’t seeing many people,” says the star of his lockdown baby, a little brother to Alaia-Mai, eight, and Valentina, four.

No doubt family time has involved watching the Uefa European Championship, with Marvin hoping his boy will share his love of football. “ [ B l a k e ’s ] g o t l o t s o f

‘Blake’s just fit into our already hectic household.

The girls think that they’re his mum’ he’s just fit into our already sort of hectic household and brought another lovely element, where the girls think that they’re his mum.

They’re just besotted with him and idolise him.”

And it’s clear there is a lot of love to go around. “We’re really lucky we’ve got a great family unit and we’re really lucky that we’ve got each other,” adds Marvin of his wife and The Hit List co-presenter.

The couple, whose 2012 wedding was covered exclusively by hello!, will celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary next month.

FASHION COLLAB Marvin even gets fashion tips from the former Saturdays singer. Of his latest edit for Next, he says: “I always ask for her input and if something looks good.”

The 36-year-old released his fifth collection for the retailer last month and says: “It’s just been really seamless – no pun intended,” adding that this latest range is made up of ten looks and packed full of summer-ready pieces that “really suit my style”.

His style has certainly evolved.

Before finding fame on The X Factor in 2008 – and before Marvin started dating Rochelle – JLS favoured “deep Vs [vests]” and hoodies, with Marvin describing his hairstyle as a “side wedge”. “I think it was [The X Factor judge] Louis Walsh that told me to cut it, and when Louis Walsh is giving you hair advice, you must be doing something wrong,” he laughs.

JLS – Marvin, JB Gill, Aston Merrygold and Oritsé Williams – are back together after an eightyear hiatus with a twice-postponed comeback tour going ahead (they hope) this October. They’ve been recording brand-new music – all of which needs the Humes family seal of approval. Rochelle is “the first person I’ll go to with anything, especially music”, he says.

“It’s been really exciting and great to play around with new s o u n d s . We ’ r e p u t t i n g t h e finishing touches to the album,” which he adds is due to be released ahead of the reunion tour.

With his hands full with a newborn, new music and a new fashion collection, Marvin says one thing is for sure: JLS’s fashion choices “will be a lot different to what they were when we were H dressed as Power Rangers”.

REPORT: EVE ROWLANDS

Visit next.co.uk.

Marvin and Rochelle at Wimbledon two years ago: they 71 can’t wait for a return to postpandemic normality

‘It was a really beautiful moment. Stuart and I were in the birthing pool and we had five minutes where we just held Lisbon’

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Zoe and partner Stuart McKay present three-week-old Lisbon Lion to the world, swaddled, calm and content after a speedy arrival that saw the couple deliver him themselves at home

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

INTRODUCING BABY LISBON LION, ‘THIS MORNING’ G.P.

ZOE WILLIAMS

AND PARTNER STUART TELL HOW THEIR SON ROARED INTO THE WORLD — AND REVEAL HOLLY WILLOUGHBY GUESSED HIS GENDER he may be one of This Morning’s S resident GPs, but Dr Zoe Williams had to take on the role of midwife when her son

EXPRESS DELIVERY Picking up the story, Zoe continues: “My contractions started at midnight and I was totally in denial that he was actually coming until about 4am – I thought it was my body having a little practice.”

Zoe’s doula Leti arrived at around 9am

and the midwife team was updated, but, as first-time labours usually progress slowly, everyone agreed there wasn’t too much of a rush in them getting there.

“I felt very in tune with the baby and I felt he was giving me the signal he was okay,” says Zoe, who had been due to appear on This Morning on the day she gave birth. “But then it got to the stage where I could feel him moving down and I knew he was coming soon. I said to Stuart: ‘You’re going to have to deliver the baby.’

“Stuart and Leti were desperately trying to fill up the birthing pool and I was trying to buy us some time for the midwife to arrive. There was a knock at the door and we all breathed a sigh of relief

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made a speedy entrance to the world three weeks ago.

“I had planned on a home birth, but as it turned out, there wasn’t much choice because he came quite quickly,” says the radiant new mum, as she and her partner Stuart McKay proudly introduce their first child exclusively in hello! and reveal his name: Lisbon Lion Williams-McKay. With his shock of silky dark hair and rosebud lips, the adorable baby boy, who was born on 31 May weighing 8lb, looks angelic as he slumbers through our photoshoot at the family’s South London

home, while his parents recall the story of his whirlwind birth, which saw Zoe, 41, deliver the baby herself – with Stuart, 40, by her side.

“It sounds stressful but the reality was far from it. Zoe was incredible and I had complete confidence everything would be okay,” says Stuart, who on Sunday celebrated his first Father’s Day as a dad.

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(ABOVE LEFT) ZOE’S DRESS: BELLA DAHL AT FENWICK.CO.UK. STUART’S CLOTHES: LUCA FALONI. (LEFT) STUART’S T-SHIRT: ZARA. (RIGHT) ZOE’S RING: YAA YAA LONDON

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Enjoying a “precious moment” as new parents (above); and (left) Stuart lifts his son aloft. “He’s a strong little boy,” says the proud father, noting how Lisbon lives up to his middle name. Zoe agrees: “His cry sounds like a baby lion’s roar.” And as Mum and Dad hold Lisbon’s tiny hand (right) she also notes that: “Lions are very loving towards each other”

thought: ‘The midwife isn’t here yet so I have to hold him in.’ But that was followed by a moment of pure relief and acceptance. Leti provided so much reassurance and reminded us that at this stage there was no stopping the inevitable. Two contractions later, out he popped!

“It was a beautiful moment when Stuart and I were facing each other in the pool, we looked down and he was there in the water. I

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thinking it was the midwife – it was actually a delivery of plants…” laughs Zoe. Staying calm, Stuart stepped into the pool to assist Zoe and things progressed quickly from there.

“The next contraction came and I could feel his head,” says Zoe, who did an obstetrics and gynaecology rotation during her GP training. “I put my hand there, and I remember saying: ‘He’s got so much hair!’ I

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The couple’s inspiration for their son’s name came from the place where they met – and a guide to the Portuguese capital takes pride of place on a shelf in his nursery

The nursery has a wildlife theme with soft furnishings – including a jungly quilt (below right) – from John Lewis, furniture from Mamas & Papas and planters from Oliver Bonas

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picked him up and we had five minutes where we held him, before even checking if he was a girl or boy. My medical knowledge and training never prepared me for how wonderful the human body is and what it can do.”

“It was a beautiful, natural, almost primal, spiritual experience,” says Stuart of watching Zoe give birth. “We had fairy lights and rock-salt lamps around and we were in our own little bubble. There were two of us, then all of a sudden there were three of us, just as nature intended.”

Full of love for their “little lion cub”, Zoe and Stuart reveal how the special meaning behind his name pays tribute to

their own love story, which began when they met by chance at a bar in the Portuguese capital only 20 months ago.

“We had picked out the name Lisbon very early in our relationship, before he was even conceived,” says Zoe. “When he was born, we didn’t rush into naming him because we wanted to see his personality.”

Adds Stuart: “Basically, we wanted to know if he could pull off the name Lisbon – and he can.”

LITTLE LION KING The proud parents are happy to say Lisbon is living up to his middle name, too. “He’s a strong little boy, he did a press-up on my

‘He’s ridiculously cute and seems to get cuter every single day’

ADDITIONAL PHOTO: REX FEATURES. (ABOVE) ZOE’S DRESS: SLEEPER AT FENWICK. LISBON’S ROMPER: MARKS & SPENCER. STUART’S CLOTHES: FRAME. (LEFT) LISBON’S BABYGROW: MARKS & SPENCER. (RIGHT) ZOE’S DRESS: GHOST LONDON

Stuart

chest within his first hour of being born,” says Stuart. Zoe smiles: “His cry sounds like a baby lion’s roar.”

The couple have always seen lions as a symbol for their relationship. “Firstly, we both have big Afros,” laughs Zoe – who, like Stuart, is half-Jamaican. “And lions are very loving towards each other.”

L i s b o n ’s n u r s e r y d e c o r, including a striking lion wall hanging created by Zoe’s friend’s interiors company Noragrace Designs, is full of sweet references to his name, with jungle-themed bedding from John Lewis.

While Zoe is planning to take a year off from her work as an NHS GP, she hopes to return to This Morning much sooner and can’t wait to introduce her little bundle of joy to her colleagues.

“This Morning is such a family.

Lisbon is a well-behaved baby so far, so I’d love to bring him in and introduce him to the team,” says Zoe, who also reveals that show presenter Holly Willoughby maintained her record of correctly guessing the sex of her friends’ babies before they are born.

“Holly has this technique where she feels the side of your waist and she can tell if you’re having a boy or a girl. When I was pregnant, she was certain I was having a boy.”

Best known for giving medical advice during her segments on the ITV daytime programme, Zoe hopes to branch into new content now she is a mother herself.

“I’d love to do more stuff around babies – we know that a large proportion of people who watch This Morning are mums on maternity leave,” she says.

As they settle into life as new parents, Zoe and Stuart plan to put their stamp on their family home. They had only recently moved in when Lisbon arrived ten days early – “which was unexpected because no one is early in this family”, laughs Stuart – and hadn’t had time to finish unpacking.

For now, though, they’re focused on their baby boy. “We’re enjoying every precious moment while he’s so small. We’re acutely aware that he’s going to change quickly,” says the doting mum.

“He’s ridiculously cute and seems to get cuter every single day,” adds Stuart. “We stare at H him 24/7.”

INTERVIEW: EMILY HORAN PHOTOS: SIM CANETTY-CLARKE STYLING: ARABELLA BOYCE HAIR & MAKE-UP: LYNDSEY HARRISON

Zoe can’t wait to introduce little Lisbon to her other family, This Morning colleagues Holly Willoughby – who guessed she was having a boy – and Phillip Schofield (all below)

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DIVER SAYS ‘I DO’ TO SAVING THE DAY ot all heroes wear capes – some wear snorkels, N as proved when one heroic diver retrieved a lost engagement ring. Rebecca Chaukria and Viki Patel from Birmingham were on cloud nine after she said yes to Viki’s proposal on the banks of Windermere. But two days later their joy turned to panic when the beautiful diamond ring slid off the bride-to-be’s finger into England’s largest lake as the pair posed for photos. Thankfully, freediver Angus Hosking (below with the couple) – who runs the Lake District Diving group, who clear litter from the lakes – could dive in and help.

Miraculously, after 20 minutes of scouring the murky lake bed with a metal detector, Angus surfaced with the precious piece of jewellery.

“I was starting to get worried, then he emerged from the water with a smile, saying: ‘I think we have it,’” recalls the elated groom-to-be. “He really is a brilliant, brilliant man.”

Now ready for their happy ever after, the couple say they would love to invite Angus to their wedding this summer if restrictions allow.

FLYING INTO ACTION FOR WINGS OF DESIRE

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Flutterly amazing work is being carried out by a group of conservationists to help protect one of the UK’s most endangered butterfly species.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is restoring marsh fritillaries to Upper Minety Meadows, its newly acquired reserve. The eye-catching butterflies with intricate chequerboard wings are under threat because their preferred plant to eat – devil’s-bit scabious – is only found in areas that haven’t been heavily fertilised for agriculture.

“Fritillaries are also quite fussy about the habitat they like,” says reserves manager Ellie Jones, who is leading the project with a team of volunteers.

Now, after fundraising helped them to secure a £442,941 grant from the Biffa Award fund, the trust has been able to buy the 44 acres of land in North Wiltshire next to its Emmett Hill reserve.

Armed with increased space and more than 750 devil’s-bit scabiouses to plant, Ellie and her team can help secure the fritillary’s future.

REPORTS: EMILY HORAN. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. NICK UPTON/NATUREPL.COM. NICKY JOHNSTON. REX FEATURES. SWNS. TRIANGLE NEWS

BRINGING YOU UPLIFTING STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

SAIRA KHAN’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Football is bringing Britain together at the moment, hich is why I love that one football-loving landlord decorated his pub – the Big Tree in Sheffield – with e than 500 colourful flags in celebration of the Uefa opean Championship. The Euros are bringing so h light and positivity, which is what we need after everything we’ve been through. People are coming together, in pubs, homes and gardens. It’s exciting and uplifting. I think people want to feel united. When England, Scotland, or Wales (Welsh fans, inset above) do well, it changes the whole dynamic of the country. All those flags side by side on the pub are a great reflection that, even after Brexit, we are still part of one big community and we embrace our European neighbours.

The football is a real family occasion in my house.

Like this pub, my family and I decorate our house. We

bring the flags out and they stay up until England get knocked out. My husband Steve is a big England fan – if he was given a choice between football or me, he would have to pause for a few seconds before he’d realise the answer is Saira!

When I went travelling around the world in 2002, my first stop was to watch England play against Argentina in the World Cup in Japan.

It is incredible watching women like Alex Scott (inset above) commentate on a massive platform. It feels really inclusive. In a sport that’s been dominated by men fo many years, it’s wonderful to hear more female voi For my ten-year-old daughter to be watching the E for the first time and seeing women commentatin the games, it feels powerful. It’s an amazing time i sport. Good luck England! I hope they go all the way.

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BRAIN TEASERS TIME TO TAKE A BREAK AND GIVE YOUR MIND A WORKOUT

PUZZLE TIME

SEE HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN SOLVE OUR TWO JUST-FOR-FUN PUZZLES. THERE ARE NO PRIZES, BUT GIVE YOURSELF A PAT ON THE BACK IF YOU FINISH THEM! ANSWERS NEXT WEEK

WORDSEARCH

K F R L V H D R R M F H H U O P U C K I N G T O N

Signpost the way to these places in Somerset. The answers appear forwards, backwards, up, down and diagonally, but always in a straight line. You can use letters in the grid more than once.

LAVERTON LILSTOCK MUDFORD OTTERFORD OTTERHAMPTON PILTON PODIMORE PUCKINGTON RADSTOCK SHEPTON MALLET STAWLEY TWERTON UPTON WELLINGTON WELLS WILLITON WINCANTON YEOVIL

ABBAS COMBE APPLEY BRUTON BURNHAM-ON-SEA CASTLE CARY CLEVEDON CREWKERNE DURSTON ENMORE FIVEHEAD GLASTONBURY GOATHURST HIGHBRIDGE HIGH HAM ILCHESTER KEYNSHAM KILVE LANGPORT 1

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V R K O R R R A N E P V P A N A C M R B E E E A N

M E C D F I V A D N S E I Y S A M E O R S A A T I

ACROSS

Voracious (10) Traders (7) String instrument (5) Caper (5) Tallinn’s country (7) Filled with bubbles (7) Australian rock band (4) Spain’s former currency (6) Country bordering Alaska (6) Killer whale (4) Factory shops (7) Pasta type (7) Gulf of Naples isle (5) ___ Jacobi, actor (5) Memory loss (7) All over the country (10)

E K G R D M C M V M Y Y E F H L T N T R H W M H L

Y W Y G S N F H P O C K Y D O T L O O M E V T U C

S E E F I D N S Y R T B B B O H N E Y T K Y I R H

W R L W C A S T L E C A R Y U R P V W E P L T S E

N C I F T B N Y N O T P M A H R E T T O L E I T S

O M L H R S O F E C V N R A L I N D O H B W H L T

T S S B O U T F L O V S O V U W G H U M W M A S E

I M T O P P U Y E S V R N T A G P H A R T A C T R

L O O G G T R N B O L I P N L G B S H M S S C O S

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P B R E C A C P H

I S P V O O A L H A C B R E

A I L P M A M D E G L A E G Y A R L I E N T H L A I L S

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F N O D E V E L C O G L A S T O N B U R Y D S Y A

A TRIBUTE ON HER 60TH BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DIANA ON SALE NOW

A fascinating exploration of one of the great icons of our time and the many ways - from her compassion to her fashion - that she is shaping our world today

The dates JUNE 1954 John Spencer Viscount A thorp weds Frances Roche in We tminster Abbey

HER EXTRAORDINARY LIFE IN PICTURES

1961 Diana the four h of ive ch ldren is bo n A son John died at bir h the previous year

The camera loved Diana, capturing the defining moments of her story

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he lived for only 36 years but they were full ones From the joyful day of her birth 1 July 1961 to the ragic date of her death 31 August 1997 Diana fitted in more love despair laughter sadness dreams and drama than most people would manage n twice that time She was a shy young woman who became a Princess A k ndergar en assistant turned fashion con A woman who won then lost the heart of the heir to the throne but became the Queen of Hearts to millions And an aris ocrat c English

1964 Frances gives bir h to a second son Charles an heir to the Spencer earldom

LITTLE STAR

rose who became a global champion of the disadvantaged They were extraordinary achievements But above them a l what she valued most was becoming a mo her to her two beloved sons Princes Wi liam and Harry Here we mark the highs and lows wists and turns of he Princess’s life as seen hrough the lens of the camera If she were here today she would be celebrating her 60th birthday as a much loved and very glamorous grandmother Sadly that is something we can only imagine

Lady Diana daughter of Viscount Al horp – later he 8 h Ea l Spencer – was gifted with charm and charisma and was a natural in front of the came a Her parents’ separation when she was ive upset he idyl ic childhood of he four Spencer iblings but it also helped forge heir strong bond Diana’s younger brother Charles recalls her devo ion to him as hey grew up at stately home Al horp in Northamptonshire

1967 Diana’s pa ents separate and her fa her wins custody of the child en in a bitter court case

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WILLIAM AND HARRY’S LOVE FOR THEIR MOTHER WILL ALWAYS BE AN IRON BOND BETWEEN THEM

urely a matter of g r e a t sadness for Diana were she alive today would be the evident coolness between her sons since Harry’s decision to step back from royal life But often overlooked among the things the Duke of Sussex sa d during the nterv ew he and Meghan gave to Oprah Winfrey this spring is this passage “I love Will am to bits he’s my brother we’ve been through hell together we have a shared experience but we were on d fferent paths ” They are vital words Harry and his brother are indeed on d fferent paths But far more uni es the s bl ngs than divides them Quite simply they are the only people in the world who know what it was to have Diana as their mother and then o lose her And they are both passionately determined to honour her memory So the Princess’s 60th b rthday commemorat ons “could we l prove o be a catalyst for reconcil ation” her former pol ce bodyguard Ken Wharfe tells hello! A witness to the boys’ iron bond growing up he adds “If a friendship is that good I strongly believe hat it can be renewed ” The f rst s eps were evident when they chatted together at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral Seeing them together at Windsor almost seemed l ke old times Diana wanted her sons to be each other’s staunch support whatever life threw at hem and they were Toge her they survived even her loss As they prepare to honour her in this special year the world waits to see if that special bond has survived

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DON’T MISS THIS SPECIAL COLLECTORS’ EDITION ON SALE NOW FOR £8 Available nationwide in all good retailers, or visit subscription.co.uk/hello/HLSD. Subject to availability.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

MAKING A SPLASH IN THE ART WORLD, FORMER MODEL

NAT BOWEN

THE FAMED ARTIST ON CELEBRITY FANS AND HER TECHNICOLOUR LIFESTYLE

t with celebrity ient Abbey Clancy and e striking piece the model um bought for her own me (left). Both wear masks at have been created by Nat

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at Bowen’s mews house in West London is as much exhibition space as home. This is here the artist keeps her big, bold and eautiful artworks before they are sold to one f her growing number of affluent collectors.

“My house is almost like a revolving gallery,” she says. “Which is nice, as I get to have time with the pieces before they move on.

Sometimes I get attached to them, but I’m also happy to see them go as it frees up the mental and emotional space for me to create more.”

A former fashion designer and model, Nat,

34, is one of the UK’s leading abstract resin artists.

Her colourful and vibrant paintings are sought after by international art collectors and celebrities alike – star couple Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch, entrepreneur Eddie Jordan and jeweller Rosie Fortescue all have her work hanging on their walls. A major British A-list star is also currently interested.

But her art doesn’t come cheap: smaller pieces cost about £1,600, but her large-scale works can sell for up to £100,000.

Nat uses chromology – the psychology behind colour – as the foundation of her art. “It’s the way

‘My house is almost like a revolving gallery’

Nat is in the pink in her home, which is like a showroom for her art, with pieces filling her bright mews house with colour (above and right). “It’s nice as I get to have time with them before they move on”

whereas blue is calming and healing. “You can think of black as a negative colour, but for me it represents power and strength,” she adds.

DIAMONDS FOREVER Black is also the dominant colour in one of her most expensive pieces, Black Diamond, which formed the centrepiece of her exhibition last year at London’s Saatchi Gallery. The £100,000 work, framed in solid bronze, contains 4.5-billion-yearold meteorite dust, graphite pigment, carbon powder and a total of 1,000 carats of crushed

black diamond, which, she says, “cost thousands”.

Her Pink Diamond painting, on show at 45 Park Lane in London – part of her biggest solo show to date – is equally rarefied, with 1,000 carats of genuine pink diamond, with natural pink rosepetal pigment.

Rare and unique pigments – including Han blue from imperial China and lapiz lazuli from Afghanistan – are often incorporated in her works; she makes them by pouring layers of resin onto an acrylic canvas, which she then “paints” with a brush to create the patterns

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our brain sees colours and interprets them into an emotional and physical response,” she says.

“Colour is something we’re always taking in subconsciously; we’re not even aware of the impact it can have on us.

“I use it to communicate my emotions and experiences non-verbally, but somebody viewing my work might have a different response, depending on their experiences, their culture and what colour means to them.”

People associate hot colours – pinks, oranges and reds – with passion and warmth, she explains,

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‘You open my wardrobe and it’s literally a rainbow’

N a t ’s c o l o u r f u l a r t i s reflected in her choice of home furnishings (above) and modern chess set (below) and provides a pop of colour on the stylish white piano (left)

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and shapes. “This is why my pieces are expensive – there’s a huge amount of cost in what I do.”

A self-taught artist who didn’t go to art school, Nat, who shares her home with her stockbroker husband and works from her large studio in Ladbroke Grove, is an accomplished networker. often artists are introverted people who work in solitude in their studio, but I’ve always been a people person,” she says.

“I’m very sociable. I’ve met [former Formula 1 team boss] Eddie [Jordan] a few times in Monaco. A dear friend of mine knows Abbey and Peter well – he’s a collector of my work, which he ntroduced to Abbey and she loved it. I as WhatsApping her only the other day.

“When people ask advice about how I ot to where I am, [I explain] that it’s not ust about the talent. It’s all very well reating beautiful work, but if nobody is eing it or talking about it…”

BRUSH WITH FASHION rn in Solihull to teacher parents, Nat died at the London College of Fashion fore working for an independent fashion el. She says: “As soon as I got here, I was ving in certain crowds, travelling around world and ending up on yacht parties. I ed going out.” aving been scouted in Topshop aged 15 n she started working intermittently as a del, she went full time aged 24, having an azing time” and making lots of contacts. ion is still important to her.

‘Colour is something we’re always taking in subconsciously, we’re not even aware of the impact it can have on us’ “The way that I dress is another way of me being able to express myself,” says Nat, who wears mostly trouser suits. “You open my wardrobe and it’s literally a rainbow. The only colour I’m struggling to get is royal purple – I want a satin suit in that colour.”

By the end of her 20s she decided she needed to get a “real job” and took on a role as executive assistant to a property developer at the high end of the market, where she’d see impressive artwork hanging on the walls of multimillionpound show homes and began to visualise her own work in the same spaces.

Inspired by what she saw, she used the contacts she’d made to pitch the idea to produce four large-scale artworks for a show home in London in 2017.

“It sounds crazy, but I hadn’t even done anything in a professional sense before. But they had faith in me,” says

Nat, who was paid enough from the commission to set up her studio, reinvest in materials and put together a collection of work to show at art fairs around the world in Miami, New York, Hong Kong and London. Over time she built a global client base – and a long waiting list.

She says she would love to collaborate with luxury brands in fashion or the car industry in the future. “I’m not ashamed to say that people see me as a brand – it’s the way I market myself. I also want to show more internationally and become more recognised globally.”

To take over the world? “To take over the world,” she agrees, laughing. H INTERVIEW: ROSALIND POWELL

Chromadelic by Nat Bowen is at 45 Park Lane, London until 30 August. For more information, follow Nat Bowen on Instagram at @Nat.Bowen or visit natbowen.com.

PHOTOS: (HOME) CHRIS HARRIS. (EXHIBITION) DAVID PARRY. ADDITONAL PHOTO: NAT BOWEN

Fashion is important to the former designer who wears a pink trouser suit (above) and bright orange dress (right) from her wardrobe at her Park Lane exhibition. “The way I dress is another way of being able to express myself”

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Modern designs inspired by antiquity hit the catwalk at Dior in the first major runway show with an audience since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic

AS THE CATWALK RETURNS

ANYA TAYLOR-JOY LEADS DIOR’S MODERNDAY GREEK GODDESSES

Anya Taylor-Joy is ethereal in her Grecian-style gown.

“It feels so, so magical, and it’s so wonderful being here,” she said.

Beatrice Borromeo shimmers (right) 86 alongside her husband, Monaco royal Pierre Casiraghi

‘Women want freedom after this long lockdown’ Maria Grazia Chiuri

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t was one of the first major fashion shows to be held after more than a year of global lockdowns. So it was fitting that the names of those attending Dior’s Cruise presentation in Athens matched the scale of the occasion.

Leading the glamorous arrivals was Anya Taylor-Joy. The British actress wowed with her wardrobe in The Queen’s Gambit and she stole the (fashion) show at the Panathenaic Stadium in the Greek capital – the venue in 1896 for the first modern Olympics – in a gold Grecian-style gown.

Other front-row guests included supermodel Cara Delevingne and actress Suki Waterhouse, Beatrice Borromeo and her husband, Monegasque royal Pierre Casiraghi, and legendary French screen star Catherine Deneuve.

Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collection drew inspiration from Greek mythology.

“This collection is born by couture, athleticism and antiquity,” she said ahead of the show. “Women want freedom, especially after this long lockdown. That’s what we desire: H to move our bodies.”

Cara Delevingne makes a style statement in a plunging knee-length black and gold fringed number (below) and evergreen actress Catherine Deneuve keeps things simply chic in a rose-print trouser suit (below left)

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

REPORT: LAURA BENJAMIN

Suki Waterhouse is a green goddess (above). The 87 Persuasion star has missed live fashion. “I love the drama of a show,” she has said. “In that precise moment you are totally transported to another world”

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STYLE FA S H I O N ❘

Kiko Milano Unlimited Foundation SPF15 in Warm Rose 01, £14.99. Visit kikocosmetics.com

B E AU T Y

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WELLBEING

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter, £18. Visit thebodyshop.com

Christian Louboutin La Palette refill in Rouge Follies, £58. Visit eu.christianlouboutin.com/uk_en

Pai The Impossible Glow, £19. From cultbeauty.co.uk

COMPILED BY OLIVIA PERL. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES. ALL PRICES AND STOCKIST DETAILS IN STYLE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS

Ruby Hammer Precision liquid eyeliner, £19. Visit rubyhammer.com

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer, £58.

From cultbeauty.co.uk

Taylor Swift

GET THE LOOK

Bobbi Brown Luxe Defining Lipstick in Bold Baroque, £29. Visit bobbibrown.com

Taylor Swift’s skin was glowing at this year’s Brit Awards, where she was named Global Icon.

The 31-year-old’s skincare regime has improved since being a teen, when she would sleep in her make-up. “I needed to start being nicer to my skin,” says the Gorgeous singer. Kate Somerville moisturiser and The Body Shop Body Butter are essentials. “I moisturise my face every night and put body lotion on after I shower.”

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MORE THAN SKIN DEEP brand are setting an important precedent: “People can see your brand for what it is, beyond the colour of your skin. That is really important.

For the next generation, representation matters.”

Offering innovative skincare solutions and a range of make-up suitable for all skin tones – there are 51 shades of foundation, for instance – UOMA Beauty aims to inspire and celebrate diversity. We love the Badass Icon Matte lipstick in Aretha (£21.50, from Boots).

Not only is the pigment and pay-off incredible, its mango butter blend means you can wear a matt lip without it flaking or feeling dry.

There is a lot more coming from the brand later this year, so watch this space…

No-frizz finish Hair stylist and BaByliss ambassador Syd Hayes says the most common styling mistake he comes across is when people turn their tools straight up to the hottest temperature setting.

“This causes irreversible damage,” he says. “I always prep with a heat protectant, then go in on a low heat to create a sleek finish. It’s heat that allows strands to bend into new shapes, though, so make sure you get some tension in the hair as you dry it, then finish with a shot of cool air to seal the cuticles along the hair shaft and prevent moisture getting in, causing frizz.”

The new BaByliss Hydro-Fusion Air Styler (£60; visit babyliss.co.uk), has polishing bristles and rotates with two heat and speed settings, so you can re-create a smoothing, pro blow-dry.

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BEAUTY’S NEW ORDER This week, we speak to brand founder Sharon Chuter about her inclusive beauty range; we also discover self-tan hacks, the latest skincare launches and pro-approved hair styling secrets

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE JOLLY, KATE LOCKETT AND OLIVIA PERL. PHOTO: JSQUARED

Having worked for the world’s biggest beauty brands, two years ago Nigerian-born Sharon Chuter (right) decided to set up her own: UOMA Beauty.

“I wanted to create a safe space for all those who have been left out,” she says. “I felt marginalised and I’m not the only one going through that.”

The London- and Los Angeles-based creative director explains: “There’s the misnomer in the market that when you’re black-owned, you’re an ethnic brand and only cater to people of colour. True inclusivity goes beyond the colour of skin – it’s about everybody.”

UOMA, meaning beautiful in the southern Nigerian language Igbo, is available nationwide at Boots. For Sharon, the retailers stocking her fledgling

BEAUTY

SUMMER SWITCH How can you keep your skin glowing in the heat? Try changing to a foaming cleanser to cut through the sweat and sun cream, double down on skin antioxidants and swap out heavy creams for comfortable, lightweight lotions.

Skincare expert Dr JL Sebagh says congestion is a common problem during summer, and particularly while we’re wearing masks. “To prevent breakouts, look for topical treatments that combine antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients,” he says. Try the deepcleansing Dr Sebagh Skin Perfecting Mask (£42; visit drsebagh.com), which contains kaolin clay to draw out impurities and eucalyptus to fight bacteria.

“This palm-sized kabuki brush is perfect for self-tan and instant formulas, giving you an even, streak-free finish,” says Jules.

Isle of Paradise Shape and Glow Big Blending Brush, £12.95. From boots.com

“This angled brush allows you to create a gorgeous contour on the cheekbones that creates the illusion of a lift,” says Amanda.

Amanda Harrington The Face Lifter Brush, £35. Visit amandaharrington.com

The brush off Have you tried applying self-tan with a brush? You can cover a lot of ground with a mitt but when it comes to fine tuning the finish, particularly around your knuckles, wrists, hairline and ears, you can’t beat a blending brush.

“I’ve been using brushes backstage for years,” says Jules Von Hep, tanning expert and Isle of Paradise founder.

“It’s how I ensure my celebrity clients look so natural on camera. The super-fine follicles give an undetectable finish that you can’t get with your fingers.”

Celebrity tanner Amanda Harrington, whose clients include Sienna Miller and Billie Piper, agrees: “It’s a game changer.

By buffing product into your skin, you can build colour and then go lighter elsewhere.

A brush allows you to accentuate curves so your tan has a true, 3D colour, rather than something flat that just sits on the skin.”

All a buzz Celebrated for its antioxidant and healing properties, honey is a hot commodity.

As it becomes more popular in hair and skincare products, a few brands are leading the way when it comes to sourcing the sweet stuff sustainably. Guerlain, which has a bee-powered skincare range, Abeille Royale, has just announced its membership of the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT) and the French fragrance house aims to have its supply chains certified by 2026.

Look out for a new advanced version of the best-selling Guerlain Youth Watery Oil ([1] £105; visit guerlain.com), containing Black Bee Honey, launching in August.

Another brand with a heritage steeped in honey is Gisou. Founded by influencer Negin Mirsalehi, who comes from a long line (six generations) of beekeepers, the products contain sustainably sourced ingredients from the Mirsalehi bee garden in the Netherlands. Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Oil ([2] £68; visit uk.gisou.com) is inspired by Negin’s own homemade haircare treatment.

Finally, Burt’s Bees is demonstrating its commitment to boosting biodiversity, particularly in urban areas, by partnering with window-box subscription club Window Fleur.

The Burt’s Bees Joy In Bloom box (£80 for the first box and plants, then £40 for a seasonal refill; visit windowfleur.com), is filled with a variety of bee-friendly plants to help declining bee populations.

Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion, £10.99. Visit burtsbees.co.uk

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Former reality TV star Millie Mackintosh talks about having her first baby during lockdown and trusting her gut instincts

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INTERVIEW: KATE LOCKETT. PHOTO: ODA EIDE

INNER STRENGTH

WELLBEING

M

illie Mackintosh takes a measured approach to healthy living. “Do what you enjoy and love,” she says. “It should never feel like a punishment.

Forcing yourself to do something that you hate is not a healthy habit.”

After welcoming her daughter Sienna last summer with fellow Made in Chelsea alumnus Hugo Taylor and now expecting their second later this year, Millie has a new appreciation for her body. “I feel very lucky. I see the scars and changes, and it doesn’t quite look the same, but I’m really proud of what I’ve done. It’s incredible to see what the body can do.” Here, the 31-year-old, an advocate for food supplement Symprove, chats to hello! about her postnatal journey during lockdown…

Millie, you became a first-time mum during lockdown: what has motherhood taught you so far?

“To appreciate the little things. Motherhood has taught me to slow down and have more patience. You really learn so much on the job. You might feel the pressure to read that baby book, but just relax, enjoy being pregnant. Watch that show on Netflix, do nice things for yourself and make the most of that youtime as much as possible.

“I’ve learnt so much from other mums, from social media. I remember having a big stack of books next to the bed and feeling guilty that I hadn’t read them all cover to cover. That’s not essential. Also, go with your gut instinct. There’s so much to be said for what our gut’s trying to tell us. It’s called the second brain, which is why it’s so important to look after its health.”

Did you have any issues with your digestion during your first pregnancy?

“I found my digestion was slower. I read that’s a very common symptom. I felt sluggish at the start and it did get a bit uncomfortable as time went on – there’s less space. I had quite bad nausea and I was throwing up in the morning for about half of that pregnancy.

“I found eating six small meals a day helped. I know that is recommended when you’re pregnant. It keeps your blood sugar level balanced, and keeps those cravings at bay.

“I took Symprove when I was pregnant. I checked with my doctor and it was fine for me to keep taking it. It helps with the symptoms, but pregnancy plays havoc with your digestive system.”

How did you hear about Symprove? Why did you start taking it?

“A facialist and dear friend of mine, Nichola Joss, recommended I start taking Symprove. I was having a few breakouts and asked her what I could do to help improve my skin, and she explained I needed to look after my gut health and suggested I try it. I saw results after about a month and I haven’t looked back. I’ve been taking it for about six or seven years.

“Also, it has really helped with my digestive health.

I suffer from IBS and uncomfortable bloating, but that’s also so much better from taking Symprove.

Now my digestion is really good and I hardly ever get ill. I think that’s all down to having a healthy gut.

“I take it every day, all year round. First thing in the morning, before I’ve had my coffee or anything to eat, I have my shot. Then I start making Sienna’s breakfast and have a hot water and lemon after.”

How did you approach your diet after having Sienna?

“It’s about balance and moderation. What works for

me is to have a 70:30 balance of eating healthy nutritious food, then eating whatever I feel like. In the week, I tend to eat more healthily – lots of veggies, lean protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

At the weekend, I eat mainly a takeout box, or I eat out and have more indulgent things and that is fine.

I look forward to having that bowl of pasta, or going out for breakfast and having something I’ve been craving all week, or making a big roast on a Sunday.”

Did you take any other supplements last year?

“I think it’s really important as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle to take supplements to help feel your best. It’s never been so important to look after ourselves from the inside out. I take supplements from JSHealth – one for hair and energy, one that helps my skin, and I take magnesium as well.”

MILLIE’S MINDFUL MIX Better You Magnesium Flakes, £9.95. Visit betteryou.com

Take us through your postnatal fitness routine…

“I’ve had to adapt, as we all have, during the last year.

Having a baby and then being in lockdown, it changed my attitude to fitness and what I was able to do. After I had Sienna, I wanted to be gentle with myself, take it easy and not rush back into doing anything really hard. So, I started off with walking JSHealth Hair + and Pilates for the first two months. Starting with Energy supplement, gentle breathing exercises to help everything feel like £29.99 for 60 it was connecting again, then I slowly built up to tablets.

Visit gentle strength training. jshealthvitamins.com “After six months, I started running, which is not something I’ve ever done regularly but lockdown restricted me – I couldn’t go to the gym or to spin classes ‘There’s so much to be said for and I wanted to do something that would get what our gut’s trying to tell us. me out of the house, give me It’s called the second brain, that endorphin rush and burn some calories. Running which is why it’s so important is great for that and half-anto look after its health’ hour workouts fit really well into my schedule as a mum.”

How have you maintained your mental health over the past year?

“I’ve found it harder to meditate in the mornings, because now I have a baby my first priority when I wake up is her. For a few years, I’ve practised mindfulness in the morning before getting out of bed, but now I try to fit it into the evening. It helps me sleep. I also like the sleep meditations on the Calm app. The visualisation and body scan is a nice way to switch off. It’s 15 minutes, and Hugo loves it too. We’re both asleep by the time it’s finished.”

How do you relax?

“I really enjoy cooking. Hugo, when he gets home from work in time, will do bath and bedtime with Sienna so I can make dinner.

“On the weekends. I put on classical music and just enjoy it. I love a good bedtime routine as well, be that a lovely bubble bath with magnesium salts or essential oils, or a nice skincare routine. Now that we can, having a treatment is a nice way to switch off.

Facial massages, reiki or acupuncture are great for some me-time. I recently went for a facial at Dr Barbara Sturm’s new spa and I didn’t want to leave.”

Millie is an advocate for water-based food supplement Symprove, which contains four carefully selected strains of live and active bacteria. To order a 12-week (£158) or four-week (£79) course online, visit symprove.com.

Neal’s Yard Remedies lavender oil, £9.50. Visit nealsyardremedies.com

Symprove food supplement, £79 for a four-week course and £158 for 12. Visit symprove.com

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FASHION Next Premium blazer, £58. Visit next.co.uk

Privé Revaux Gretta sunglasses, £35. Visit priverevaux.com

Lavender Hill scoop tee, £40. Visit lavenderhillclothing.com

Beck pixie bag, £220. Visit shopbeckbags.com

& Other Stories ruched dress, £95.

Visit stories.com Cecilie Copenhagen Debra skirt, £95. From featherandstitch.com

Charles & Keith chunky sandal, £65. Visit charleskeith.co.uk

Olivia Palermo steps out in a Tibi dress, while Ashley Roberts opts for a Nasty Gal suit

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& Other Stories jacquard midi dress, £120.

Visit stories.com

Radish Layla dress, £180. Visit thisisradish.com

COMPILED BY RACHEL STORY. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. GO RUNWAY. REX FEATURES

Pa astel, sugary shades are a summer favourite and this yeear is no exception. Turn to soft hues of lavender and violet as seen at Valentino, Vivienne Hu and Zimmermann

Vivienne Hu

Kitty Joyas lilac studs, £115. Visit kittyjoyas.com

Take a cuee from Zimmerma ann and add a bolld belt or follow A Ashley Roberts an nd mix feminine lilac suiting with a band d tee for a tougherr edge

Zimmermann

Valentino

Melissa Odabash Cancun bikini, £204.

From beachcafe.com

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With Pay in 30 Days you can try before you buy and only pay for what you keep. Choose Klarna at the retailer’s checkout, with no need for card details to complete your order. Your agreed payment period starts when the order is shipped, meaning you can receive your order, then schedule your payment online or via the Klarna app any time within 30 days.

By reporting returns directly to Klarna, you’ll only pay for what you keep.

Meanwhile, the Pay in 3 option allows customers to spread the total cost of purchases into three interest-free instalments; you make the first payment at point of purchase and the remaining instalments are scheduled every 30 days. With email and app reminders, Klarna will ensure you are informed ahead of time each month so you can best budget for your purchase.

Klarna’s free app also provides daily inspiration and a seamless shopping experience; you can save items you like and receive push notifications when their price drops. You can also manage and pause payments, and get customer help if you need it.

Please spend responsibly. Borrowing more than you can afford could seriously affect your financial status. Make sure you can afford to make your monthly repayments on time. Over-18s only. Terms and conditions apply. Klarna Bank AB (publ) offers both regulated and unregulated products. Klarna’s Pay in 30 Days and Pay in 3 instalments are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). For more info, visit klarna.com.

ADVERTORIAL

TROPICAL TOUCH Just launched in stores and online, the summer collection at Mamas & Papas offers bright babywear with cheerful botanical prints across rompers, dresses and shorts. You’ll also find versatile basics in supersoft jersey, cotton and denim to mix and match in your budding fashionista’s wardrobe.

Mamas & Papas Tropical print shortie romper, £14. Visit mamasandpapas.com

BABY DRIVER Compact and sleek, the Airo pushchair is perfect for city streets and narrow spaces. It folds with one hand for ease during travel, or for quickly storing at home. The Airo tucks neatly into car boots, footwells, luggage racks and overhead compartments and can be carried rucksack-style or with a single shoulder strap. Suitable for newborns up to growing toddlers, the pram’s seat offers extra padding and a cosy knitted fabric to make nap-times that much easier.

Mamas & Papas Airo pushchair in black, £399.

Visit mamasandpapas.com

ADVERTORIAL

FREE WHEELING With a lightweight aluminium frame and alloy V-brakes, this bike makes an excellent choice for young cyclists. A bold green and white colour scheme and options to personalise the bike with your child’s name add a unique touch. Plus, you can bring the bike into any Halfords store for a free safety check at any time – giving parents added peace of mind.

Carrera Cosmos Kids’ Bike, £170. From halfords.com

OVER THE MOON Little ones will love supervising the intergalactic mission of two astronauts aboard this toy rocket.

With flashing lights, sounds for liftoff and a friendly alien, this fun, interactive model will encourage speaking skills and help develop hand-eye co-ordination.

Early Learning Centre Happyland Lift-Off Rocket, £49.99.

Visit elc.co.uk

PRIZE DRAW

WIN THIS LUXURY BREAK IN SUSSEX BY THE SEA

A beach hut with a view is the prize on offer in this week’s great draw, with a luxury seaside stay worth a whopping £2,100 up for grabs

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ere’s the perfect English seaside getaway in a setting oozing with character – and one lucky hello! reader and a guest could win it for free.

Our winner will bag a fournight bed-and-breakfast stay for two in a Beach Hut Suite at The Beachcroft Hotel in West Sussex, worth £2,100.

Don’t be misled by the name: these beach huts are something else, with modern design twists and all mod cons. The spacious suites have room for two bedrooms, a lounge and en suite, and each has a private terrace with sea views and direct access to Felpham village’s expanse of pebble beach. Sat snugly between

the sparkling Channel and the beautiful South Downs, it’s the ideal bolthole for couples or friends – and four-legged companions are welcome, too.

Also included in this stunning prize is one lunch, one afternoon tea with Digby Fine English sparkling wines, and dinner plus wine on one evening. All this plus the use of paddleboards for the day for the adventurous and an exclusive tasting of Digby Fine English wines at its tasting room in nearby Arundel, guided by the winery’s chief executive and head blender, Trevor Clough.

And if there’s time, our winner can enjoy a visit to spectacular Arundel Castle and gardens, right across the road from Digby Fine English.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, VISIT HELLOMAGAZINE.COM/PROMOTIONS 98

Terms and conditions: Entries close on Sunday 27 June at 11.59pm. Digby Fine English wine experience is subject to availability. Arundel Castle trip must be arranged in advance and is not valid 27 July-1 August inclusive. This package is strictly not transferable, resaleable or exchangeable and there is no cash alternative. Prize is subject to availability and blackout dates will apply including school holidays and bank holidays.

The prize is valid until 21 June 2022. Entrants must be UK residents and over the age of 18 unless otherwise stated. Travel is not included. Any other expenses or incidentals such as additional meals, any beverages and additional treatments are the sole responsibility of the recipient(s). The winner will be drawn at random and notified by email within 14 days of the closing date. The winner must respond within seven days. For standard terms and conditions, please visit hellomagazine.com/terms.

LIVING FOOD ❘

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A GOOD START Whether you’re new parents or, like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcoming another little one to your family, leading children’s nutrition expert Annabel Karmel helps you serve up fun but healthy food

APPLE, NECTARINE & BLUEBERRY PUREE Makes 4-5 portions Preparation time 10-15 minutes Cooking time 20-25 minutes • 2 sweet firm nectarines, peeled, stoned and diced • 150ml/¼pt water • 150g/5oz blueberries

INGREDIENTS • 2 apples, peeled, cored and diced

nectarines into a small saucepan with 100ml/4fl oz of the water.

1. Put the chopped apples and

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the fruits are soft.

2. Add the blueberries and remaining water. Simmer for 2 minutes, then purée in a blender.

TIP: To preserve quality, it is

important that any foods to be frozen are covered. Cook and purée the food, and cover and cool it as quickly as possible.

Freeze in flexible ice-cube trays or small plastic freezer pots for future meals. ▼

“This purée is particularly good when nectarines are in season, especially the sweet, juicy white ones. If they’re not available, you can substitute with ripe peaches or pears.”

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“After being rejected by more than 15 nnabel Karmel wrote her publishing houses, I finally secured a deal debut book after her first and The Complete Baby and Toddler Meal child, Natasha, died aged just Planner has sold more than five million three months from copies worldwide.” encephalitis. It motivated her to support parents and help them give What do you think is the reason behind your their children the best start nutritionally. enduring popularity with parents?

The Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner was “We all want our children to grow up to be published in 1991, and Annabel has followed good eaters yet, in reality, raising good that with 46 more cookbooks, describing foodies can be a real challenge. In my 30 them as “my legacy to baby Natasha”. years of supporting families, without a doubt Here, Annabel talks exclusively to hello! weaning still remains one of about the inspiration behind the biggest and often most that first book – sharing ‘It’s amazing to challenging milestones in recipes from a new anniversary first year. edition – and tells how she hear of generations baby’s “There has never been so keeps her ideas fresh, healthy of families returning much information out there, and tasty after 30 years… particularly online, and – to my books’ coupled with the fact that Annabel, how did it all start? babies need a nutrient-packed, “I actually started my career as varied diet from the very start to support a harpist, but my change of direction into their development, growth and future eating nutrition came after the tragedy of losing my habits – it can all feel pretty overwhelming first child, Natasha. for parents.

“She was born healthy, but she died at 13 “We can serve up healthy food, but making weeks old from a viral infection. It wasn’t a it taste good too is the real trick. I have spent diet-related illness, but I was understandably my career developing recipes that babies, cautious when it came to feeding my second child, Nicholas. I felt very vulnerable when he children and families will genuinely love.

That’s what I have long been trusted for, and became fussy and I struggled to find enticing it’s this powerful connection I have with recipes to encourage him, so I set about families that has kept my cookbooks firmly in devising my own creations. their kitchens for 30 years.

“I started a baby and toddler group with “It’s amazing to hear stories of different about 60 little ones, and so many of the generations of families returning to my parents were complaining about their fussy books. Just recently I met a woman who was eaters. Every week I would give them my weaning her child with the same book her recipes and it was the parents in the group mother had used to wean her. It’s incredible that encouraged me to write my first book.

encounters like this that make all the hard work worthwhile for me.”

What changes in children’s eating habits and diet have you seen in the 30 years since your first book was published?

“These days, parents are more aware of ensuring that food is low in salt and sugar.

Advice is always changing and evolving, particularly around weaning and early years food, which is why I’ve regularly updated my Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner to ensure I’m covering off everything parents need to know.

“The prevalence of and awareness around specialist diets has also changed considerably in the past 30 years. Childhood food allergies are on the rise, but there is also greater awareness around allergies and how to manage them.”

You have 47 books to date, your own range of chilled and frozen ready meals for children, a top-rated recipe app – what’s next?

“There’s a lot in the pipeline. I can’t quite believe that I’m celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner.

“I’m also cooking up an exciting cookbook for kids this autumn, so watch this space.

There’s also a brand-new edition of my Baby & Toddler Recipe app out.

“And my new online weaning course has really taken off. Parents can listen along to my step-by-step advice and it comes complete with videos, printable downloads, meal planners and exclusive recipes to get weaning off to a flying start.”

COURGETTI WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE Makes 3 portions Preparation time 15-20 minutes Cooking time 40-45 minutes INGREDIENTS • 900g/2lb ripe tomatoes • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the courgetti • 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar • A pinch of sugar • 2 tbsp tomato purée • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 4 large courgettes, trimmed • 2 tbsp torn basil leaves, to serve • Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve

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‘Spiralisers transform veg into “spaghetti” and give them oodles of child appeal’

1. To make the sauce, first make a

small cross on the base of each tomato. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1-1½ minutes until the skins are just starting to peel off. Drain and cool under cold running water, then peel off

the skins, quarter the tomatoes and remove the seeds.

2. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 5 minutes, then add the tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar and tomato purée. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the sauce has reduced and is thick.

Season well.

3. Put the courgettes through a spiraliser to make long spaghettilike strands or courgetti.

4. Heat a little oil in a large frying pan or wok. Quickly fry the courgetti for 2-3 minutes until just tender – if you want them softer you can fry for a little longer.

Season and spoon the courgetti into a serving dish. Pour over the tomato sauce and sprinkle with the basil and Parmesan cheese.

FROM TINY TO TODDLER Annabel Karmel’s Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold more than five million copies worldwide. Now Annabel has refreshed her bestseller to celebrate its three decades since publication. The new edition has more than 200 quick, easy and healthy recipes for weaning and beyond, plus advice, meal planners and a pull-out weaning chart.

Annabel Karmel’s New Complete Baby & Toddler Meal Planner is published by Ebury Press, £14.99.

Visit annabelkarmel.com.

BLUEBERRY, LEMON & YOGHURT LOAF CO-ORDINATED BY SARAH HAMILTON-WALKER

Serves 8 Preparation time 20-25 minutes Cooking time 1 hour 15 minutes “A chance to wow friends and family with this showstopping cake. Yes, you too can become a star baker with this foolproof recipe as you simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and then stir in the blueberries. Even the decoration is super easy – but don’t tell!”

INGREDIENTS • 175g/6oz butter, softened • 175g/6oz caster sugar

• 3 eggs • 225g/8oz self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 25g/1oz ground almonds • 150g/5oz full-fat natural yoghurt • Grated zest of 2 lemons • 200g/7oz blueberries For the topping • 100g/4oz icing sugar • Lemon juice To decorate • Blueberries • Lemon zest

• Mint leaves (optional) 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C,

325°F, Gas 3. Line a 900g/2lb loaf tin with non-stick baking paper.

2. Put all the cake ingredients except the blueberries into a bowl. Whisk until light and fluffy, then stir in the blueberries.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15

minutes until golden, well risen and cooked through in the middle (test with a skewer to make sure – it should come out clean). Leave to cool in the tin, then remove and peel off the paper.

3. For the topping, mix the icing sugar with enough lemon juice to form a thick paste. Drizzle over the cake, then decorate with blueberries, lemon zest and mint leaves (if using).

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Right Damaris in the stunning bathroom featuring tiles that were inspired by film director-turnedhotelier Francis Ford Coppola’s flooring in Italy’s Palazzo Margherita, and a large oil painting by Ann Gardner

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102

hen we speak to lingerie designer Damaris Evans, she’s sitting in the bathroom of her 500-year-old French farmhouse.

“This is probably the nicest bathroom I’ve ever been in,” she says. “The views from the bath extend all the way to the Pyrenees.”

Her parents bought the property in the small village of Fauroux, in southern France, in 1969. When her father died ten years ago, Damaris decided to take it on.

“The location is actually a bit of a secret space, a kind of undiscovered part of France,” she smiles. “A lot of international artists live here. There is quite an eccentric bohemian crowd, and lots of interesting musicians visit.

“It’s not a grand chateau. The doorways are really small; it’s a medieval building. The farmers who owned it before would have kept animals downstairs, with the kitchen on one side, then the bedrooms upstairs.”

BOUTIQUE LIVING Lingerie designer Damaris Evans shares the elegant touches that make her medieval farmhouse hideaway in the French countryside so special

COMPILED BY BECKY DONALDSON. PHOTOS: FREDERIC VASSEUR. OIL PAINTING IN BATHROOM: @ANN GARDNER PAINTINGS

Below A display of wildflowers balances the view and brings nature inside

HOME

SHOP THE LOOK Printed Originals limited art print Eclipse, £44. Visit printedoriginals.co.uk

Seletti monkey resin lamp, £205. From selfridges.com

Old stone walls contr contemporary art and f to create a laid-back sitti

‘The location is a bit of a secret space, a kind of undiscovered part of France. A lot of international artists live here’ In contrast to her London property, Damaris has filled this home full of bright colours, with the bathroom tiles being a showstopper. “I just love them so much because they smile.”

For the kitchen she wanted traditional patterned encaustic tiles but couldn’t find any, so she sourced vintage ones from a reclamation yard. “Some people say: ‘Your floor tiles are beautiful, are they original?’ I reply: ‘No, this is an old farmhouse, it had smashed terracotta tiles from the animals.’”

Candy bedding keeps the decor playful

KNICKERS WITH A TWIST In 2001, Damaris graduated with a degree in fashion design with print making from Central Saint Martins in London and, armed with a £5,000 loan from the Prince’s Trust, launched high-fashion lingerie label Damaris. In the vanguard of chic underwear, her trademark soon became cheeky bow-back knickers, which were reinvented each season.

In 2003, she launched a more wearable second line, Mimi Holliday. As the company grew, she was selling to 350 stockists. She later closed the companies – the Mimi Holliday brand still exists but she is not involved – and moved on to design Boutique x Damaris, a playful collection of lingerie for Marks & Spencer.

“I always wanted to work with Marks. Mimi had its naughty quirks, but it always had an essence of sweetness. Now I’m bringing that cheekiness to Marks.”

M&S Boutique x Damaris Blossom embroidered cami set, £25. Visit marksandspencer.com

Original Style St Malo Blue tile, £2.95 each. Visit originalstyle.com

Sweetpea & Willow Areca Palm, £180. Visit sweetpeaandwillow.com

The French Bedroom Company Provencal rattan chair, £395. Visit frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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CULTURE

JUNE SARPONG

WRITE ON Change is in the air, says the broadcaster and author – for whom interviewing the world’s biggest names is no issue

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n the course of her sparkling career, June Sarpong has interviewed Princes, Presidents and Prime Ministers, partied with the A-list and received an OBE for her services to broadcasting. And the TV presenter, activist and author has plenty more to tick off her bucket list.

“I want to visit every single African country,” June, who has Ghanaian heritage, tells hello! in our exclusive interview. “It will be about meeting people, the art and the food. Africa has had such misrepresentation in the world, so to be able to tell a more honest story of the continent would be lovely.”

As far as once-in-alifetime experiences go, June already has a fair few under her belt.

Recently, she hosted a conversation between two of the world’s most influential figures, former US President Barack Obama and footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford, at a virtual event last month.

“It was so much fun,” smiles June, 44. lovely thing was ‘There’s a real opportunity to “The that off-camera, they create something good – and were so excited about each other. I that is men and women having meeting think Barack Obama equal value. The time is now’ sees something of himself in Marcus, and I think Marcus sees Barack Obama as a role-model father figure. They’re both unifying figures who bring people from different backgrounds together.”

Since starting out as a bubbly presenter on T4, Channel 4’s youth strand, and working on shows including ITV’s Loose Women and Sky News’s The Pledge, June has interviewed some of the biggest names: the Prince of Wales, actor George Clooney, former Prime Minister Tony Blair

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK… FILM IN THE HEIGHTS

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda transports viewers to the Latino neighbourhood of Washington Heights, New York – filled with music and big dreams. In a tight-knit community, residents sing, hope and imagine a better life. Based on Lin-Manuel’s first musical and directed by Jon M Chu of Crazy Rich Asians fame, this feel-good extravaganza stars Anthony Ramos and Leslie Grace.

In cinemas now.

ALBUM PACIFICO

Written in a house in Malibu and inspired by the breathtaking Californian Pacific vistas, the fourth album from Surfaces is sure to get you into a carefree mood. Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki – the duo behind platinum-selling hit Sunday Best – offer free-spirited tracks for perfect summer listening.

REPORTS: EMILY HORAN AND LAURA BENJAMIN. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. PA IMAGES. PENGUIN BOOKS. STEVE SCHOFIELD/CONTOUR BY GETTY IMAGES. WARNER BROS

Broadcaster, author and activist June collects her MBE from Buckingham Palace (above, in 2007); she added an OBE in 2020. Another proud moment, hosting a conversation between former US President Barack Obama and Marcus Rashford, the England footballer and anti-poverty campaigner, in May (far left)

and South African leader Nelson Mandela – whom she says had the most profound impact on her when she hosted his 90th birthday celebrations in Hyde Park in 2008. “He was an amazing man; I feel very lucky to have spent time with him and seen his wonderful sense of humour.”

June also tackles society’s biggest issues, from racism to sexism. She has written books, including Diversify, which outlines the benefits of integration, and The Power of Privilege, exploring how white people can challenge racism.

And she has just revised her 2018 book The Power of Women, about why feminism benefits everyone.

“I wanted to talk about how, with the pandemic making us re-evaluate, this is an opportunity to find a way of working that is more supportive of women.

“The world of work has been designed for how men function,” says June. “We need something that considers the way women’s bodies work, for instance our hormone cycles and how they impact our energy. The Covid crisis has disproportionately affected women in terms of the numbers being furloughed and not going back to work.”

Pacifico is out on 25 June on 10k Projects/EMI Records.

STREAMING THE GLASTONBURY EXPERIENCE As the much-loved festival endures another enforced fallow summer, BBC iPlayer will run a pop-up channel with DJs Jo Whiley, Clara Amfo and Lauren Laverne sharing favourite memories, interviews and performances. Meanwhile, BBC2 will replay Glastonbury performances, including Kylie Minogue’s legends slot in 2019 (right).

On BBC2 and BBC iPlayer from 25 to 27 June.

BOOK NOW POP UP SCREENS

POWER UP

The new edition also explores how women can reclaim power over their bodies and safety in the wake of Sarah Everard’s murder in London in March.

“The minute a girl hits her teenage years, her parents give the talk on how to keep herself safe, but there’s no focus on the person who might make her unsafe,” says June.

“We need to have those conversations with our boys and take the pressure off women to keep ourselves safe.

“There’s a real opportunity to create something good – and that is men and women having equal value. The time is now.”

June is also passionate about improving diversity in the media. In 2019, she was appointed the BBC’s first director of creative diversity. “What’s really driving the change [is that] audiences want to see themselves and to see stories that might be different from their own. When you look at the new generation of diverse talent who are telling stories, it makes for better creativity and that is wonderful.”

INTERVIEW: EMILY HORAN

The Power of Women by June Sarpong is published by HQ in paperback and eBook.

Pop Up Screens returns to London with a season of outdoor cinema screenings. Enjoy film favourites from Dreamgirls and Rocketman to A Star Is Born at alfresco locations such as Kennington Park, Holborn’s Coram’s Fields and Guildhall in the City, washed down with drinks and street food.

From 9 July. To book, visit popupscreens.co.uk.

BOOK MOTHER, MOTHER

The debut novel from Annie MacManus – aka BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac – follows the fate of Mary, whose mother died when she was a baby.

One day when Mary is 35, her 18-year-old son TJ wakes up to find her gone. Where has she disappeared to and what made her leave? Annie also discusses the book on her podcast, Changes.

Out now, published by Headline, £16.99.

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TRAVEL

A DO DOSE D SE E OF ESCAPISM TO INSPIRE FUTURE GETAWAYS…

DREAM ESCAPES Hushed forest glades, pearly waters and sacred shrines give this breathtaking sstretch of Japan a captivating allure

Echoing the craftsmanship of Japan’s sacred Ise-Jingu shrine and looking out across Ago Bay, Amanemu (1) is a haven for serenity-seekers, providing somewhere to decompress and recalibrate. The luxurious suites lead onto vast wooden n decks with sink-in daybeds, there’s an airy yoga studio o for sunrise asanas, and th he staff couldn’t be more obliging. Most glorious of all is the pervading sense off calm that washes over you when n you arrive and sticks around until long after checkout.

TASTE

Alexa Chung has worked and spent time in Japan

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With windows framing vignettes of the surrounding forest and a menu that champions IseeShima’s diverse producee (urchins from Ago Bay, mitsubaa plucked in the woods) Amanemu’s achingly sophisticated d restaurant (2) strikes all the right notes.

Come sunset, the sunken poolside terrace, lit by row upon p row of lanterns,, is a

breathtaking spot to sink a round of yuzu-infused martinis. And if you’re into sake, how about a tasting session with one of the resident experts?

INDULGE

Centred around a hot-spring pool fed by Ise-Shima’s mineral-rich waters, the Aman Spa (3) draws on the healing power of onsen bathing. Rituals on the treatment menu range from stressbanishing watsu therapy to Himalayan salt poultices, though few things can top a solo stint in the heavenly open-air onsen.

EXPLORE

Hours can be spent padding WHAT between the pin-drop peaceful glades and mountainside Shinto shrines, but a visit to sighinducing Ago Bay is nonnegotiable. Known as the “bay of pearls”, it’s home to the ama, an ancient community of female freeNRBY Chrissie divers who collect abalone Linen Maxi Dress, and urchins. Call in at one £150. Visit of the harbourside huts to nrbyclothing.com take in their adventurous tales of the deep.

i Elega ant Resorts offers seven nights in a Mori Suite at Amanemu from £5 5,499pp, including flightts with Cathay Pacific, train tickets and private transfers; visit elega antresorts.co.uk to book. For up-to-date travel advice, advice visit gov gov.uk/foreig uk/foreig gn-travel-advice.

TO PACK

LE LABO Camphor Balm, £20. From libertylondon.com

LPOL Penrose Handbag, £375.

Visit lpol.co.uk

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