Strictly secrets revealed!
With the new series officially launched, Yours went behind the scenes to chat to some of the stars By Alison James
Carol’s frock forecast BBC Breakfast Weather reporter, Carol Kirkwood (53), is more than happy to let her reigning Strictly champion partner, Pasha Kovalev, take the lead on the floor but when it comes to the outfits, she’s adamant she won’t be flashing the flesh. “I won’t be wearing any short dresses because I have legs like an elephant! If I’d started dieting and going to the gym months ago, it might be different but I didn’t so there’ll be no skimpy frocks for me and my tassles will be long enough not to be transparent. But I won’t be cutting back on the bling!” Glad to hear it.
Carol is delighted with her choice of partner… Pasha
From top left, Carol Kirkwood, Katie Derham, Helen George, Jeremy Vine and Daniel O’Donnell – part of the Strictly 2015 star cast
Anton is hoping he and Katie Derham are a winning duo
❙ tv chat ❙ In his top hat and tails, journalist and broadcaster Jeremy Vine (50) certainly looks the Strictly part. “He has no sense of rhythm – although his partner, newly-wed Karen Clifton is doing her best,” says a Strictly insider. Jeremy, however, reveals that even if he were the next Fred Astaire, he’d still be unlikely to win. “I am so polite and will just wave the others past me on their way to the trophy and later think to myself, ‘I wanted that!’” he says.
Spray tan talk Don’t be surprised if Call The Midwife actress Helen George doesn’t seem as, well, orange as the other competitors. The reason? She’s not allowed to have spray tans. “I’m filming Call The Midwife while doing Strictly and clearly my character Trixie can’t be tanned,” says Helen (31). “I’m having the kind of instant fake tan that washes off at the end of the day.” Helen’s tipped for success now she’s been partnered with super-hunk Aljaz Skorjanec, who won in 2013 with model Abby Clancy, but she’s still worried about the Latin dances. “I don’t know how to move my hips and I think I look like a duck.” We think she’s quackers – and sure to deliver!
Ainsley’s cooking with gas! Some might have thought pro-dancer Natalie Lowe drew the short straw when partnered with TV chef Ainsley Harriott (58) but far from it. Ainsley (right) has never had dancing lessons, but he can
bust some moves. Before he became a chef, he was half of a singing/ dancing duo called the Calypso Twins and was limber enough to limbo! And Ainsley’s ambitious... “I’m prepared to put in the hours and train properly. We may not be looking at the Glitter Ball but fingers are crossed for Blackpool.” That’s not good enough for Natalie, though. “Never mind Blackpool, I’m looking a bit beyond!” she says.
Cool it Bruno!
Our writer Alison James – who was at the launch show aired on September 5 – reveals some fun facts from the night... Although the show was on TV for just an hour and 20 minutes, it took five hours to record! We were given choccie bars and fruit juice half way Jive bunnies through to keep our strength up. Kevin from Grimsby and Eastenders’ Several segments required two or Kellie Bright (39) are said to be like a more takes – for instance, the judge’s couple of excited kids as they work introductory dance, the celebs’ first out their routines. Those in the know descent down the staircase (the boys got say their jive is utterly joyous. And a bit muddled up!) and Pasha Kovalev and no wonder. Kellie says the jive is the Caroline Flack’s 2014 winners’ dance. dance she most wants to do with The class of 2015 got their group the man who was at the top of ✢ The new dance in the can first time round. her Strictly partner wishlist When Anton’s not performing, while it also happens to be series starts on Kevin’s favourite dance! Friday, September 25, he flirts with the ladies in the with the first couple audience, Tess Daly slips off her high heels whenever she gets Daniel’s oh so to be eliminated on wholesome Sunday, October 4 the chance and the pro dancers constantly ‘chalk’ the soles of their Kristina Rihanoff may have shoes to avoid slipping. something of a man-eating Most thrilling of all, Bruno Tonioli offered reputation but Daniel O’Donnell’s me a job! He was complaining about the wife, Majella, is perfectly happy he’s heat so I cooled him down with my handbeing partnered by the ‘Siberian fan. “I’d like to employ you!” he declared, Siren’. “I’m delighted she’s working then adopted a Roman Emperor pose and with Daniel because she’s a fantastic requested I peel him a grape! choreographer who’ll bring the best out in him,” Majella reveals. It’s smiles all round at the partnership. 15... It seems Kristina herself Who’s with who in 20 Singer and reality TV requested crooner Daniel Call the Midwife’s Helen (53) as her partner in order to star Peter André with George with avoid further controversy as Janette Manrara. Aljaz Skorjanec. Daniel is “such a wholesome Sports presenter Singer Daniel character, he was deemed the Kirsty Gallacher with O’Donnell with most appropriate partner.” Brendan Cole. Kristina Rihanoff.
Anton’s dream Forget playing the clown, Anton du Beke’s getting serious this series as he realises – for the first time in several years – that he really could be in with a chance of, if not actually winning SCD, then going a good deal of the distance. The reason? His partner, broadcaster, Katie Derham (45). Unlike previous partners Judy Murray, Ann Widdecombe and Nancy Dell’Olio, Katie can really dance. “We’re going to work hard and we’re going to get good,” says Anton with enthusiasm. However while Anton’s Ballroom skills have never been in doubt, insiders say he’ll need to call in the Latin experts to help him get the rhumba right, the samba sorted and the paso more passable. There have been rumours that Katie had hoped to land one of the Strictly hunks as a partner. Don’t believe a word of it. She’s had her eye on Anton for the past four years. “I would just love to learn to dance with Anton,” she said back in 2011.
Presenter Anita Rani with Gleb Savchenko. Former Olympian Iwan Thomas with Ola Jordan. BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood with Pasha Kovalev. Broadcaster Katie Derham with Anton du Beke. EastEnders actress Kellie Bright with Kevin Clifton. YOURS
Actress Georgia May Foote with Giovanni Pernice. Singer Jamelia with Tristan MacManus. Boxer Anthony Ogogo with Otlile Mabuse. Former boy band member Jay McGuiness with Aliona Vilani. TV chef Ainsley Harriott with Natalie Lowe. BBC journalist Jeremy Vine with Karen Clifton.
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PICS: BBC, SHUTTERSTOCK
Gentleman Jeremy
Style notes
Your
healthy hair
We’ve found the perfect products for youthful and easy-to-manage hair
formula
By Charlotte Haigh MacNeil It’s tempting to stick to the same shampoo, conditioner and styling products, but they might not be the best combination for your hair now. Getting it right could make a huge difference to the look and feel of your hair, but with so many to choose from this can be tricky. So we’ve found all the best products, and done the hard work for you!
Fine, thinning hair
Grey hair ✢ Best shampoo: Trevor Sorbie Colour Silver Shampoo, £3.67/250ml, has violet pigments to help neutralise the brassy tones that can develop through grey hair.
✢ Best shampoo: John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-Day Volume Shampoo, £4/250ml, penetrates the hair shaft from within, helping to thicken and lift it.
✢ Best conditioner: Pro:voke Touch of Silver Colour Care Conditioner, £1.46/200ml, strengthens and repairs hair, with brightening ingredients to keep it colour rich.
✢ Best conditioner: L’Oreal Elvive Fibrology Conditioner, £3.99/400ml, gets into each hair to expand its diameter, resulting in immediate volume.
✢ Best treatment: John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir, £9.99, moisturises coarse, grey hair deep down. Smooth through your hair then blow dry.
✢ Best treatment: Charles Worthington Thicker and Fuller Scalp Tonic, £7.99/100ml, contains organic pea sprout to prevent hair shedding and encourage new hair to grow. ✢ Best styling product: Pantene Pro-V Mousse Volume and Body, £2.93/200ml, gives a lightweight lift and volume to hold hair without weighing it down.
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✢ Best styling product: White Hot Hair Shooshing Crème, £13/60ml, contains nourishing white truffle to give grey hair some lift. Run through your hair after drying. STOCKISTS: Charles Worthington 0800 0234 966 www. charlesworthington.com; Dove 0800 0851 548 www.dove.co.uk; Dr Organic 01792 646475 www.drorganic.co.uk; Elnett 0800 0304 031 www.loreal-paris.co.uk; John Frieda 0800 652 1496 www.johnfrieda. co.uk; Lee Stafford 0118 391 3430 www.leestafford.com; L’Oreal Elvive 0800 0304 031 www.loreal-paris.co.uk; Lush 01202 668545 www.lush. co.uk; Organic Surge 01955 606 061 www.organicsurge.com; Pantene 08000 283578 www.pantene.com; Touch of Silver 020 8538 1255 touch-of-silver.co.uk; Trevor Sorbie 01372 375 435 www.trevorsorbie. com; VO5 0800 085 720 www.vo5.co.uk; White Hot Hair 0844 4633978 www.whitehothair.co.uk Details correct at time of going to press
Dry, coarse hair ✢ Best shampoo: Garnier Ultimate Blends Sleek Restorer Shampoo, £2.79/250ml, contains coconut oil to soften and smooth coarse hair. ✢ Best conditioner: Dove Hair Therapy Intensive Repair Conditioner, £2/350ml, leaves hair shiny. ✢ Best treatment: Organic Surge 2-minute Moisture Mask, £7.50/150ml, protects and smoothes from within. ✢ Best styling product: Elnett Satin Extra-Strength Hair Spray for Dry and Damaged Hair, £6.60/400ml, holds and nourishes your hair.
Coloured hair ✢ Best shampoo: Dove Hair Therapy Colour Care Shampoo, £2/400ml, is formulated with special ingredients to cleanse while protecting colour. ✢ Best shampoo: Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo, £10.25/220g, is rich in coconut oil to leave your curls soft and shiny.
✢ Best treatment: Dr Organic Pure Moroccan Argan Oil, £14.49/50ml, infuses curls with vitamins and moisture but is ultra light, so won’t drag hair down.
✢ Best conditioner: Charles Worthington Curl Definer Conditioner, £3.99/250ml is designed to softly sculpt curls. We love its zingy scent, too.
✢ Best styling product: Lee Stafford Here Come the Curls Manager Spray, £9.99/140ml, helps define and smooth curls, while retaining the volume.
✢ Best conditioner: L’Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Conditioner, £3.99/400ml,, helps colour last longer and moisturises your hair. ✢ Best treatment: Pantene Pro_V Colour Protect Damage Rescue Masque, £4.69/200ml contains vitamins to moisturise and seal in colour.
✢ Best styling product: VO5 Cherish My Colour Bodyliscious Mousse, £4.19/200ml, lifts hair at the root for incredible volume. ✢ NEXT ISSUE Yours Anti-ageing and beauty awards
There are lots more tips on how to anti-age your hair at www.yours.co.uk/beauty
PIC: MASTERFILE
Curly hair
Why winter is bad for your health Most adults get between two and four colds every winter – but is it the bugs, the weather or our bodies that makes us more susceptible to colds between October and March? We used to think that colds were more common in winter because we tend to be cooped up inside with other people, making it easy for germs to spread. But scientists now don’t think that’s the answer. “The cold virus first takes hold in your nose,” says cold and flu expert Professor Ron Eccles. “And in winter the cold air cools the lining of your nose reducing its ability to resist the infection. There are also more viruses around because there are more people with colds plus viruses may survive longer on surfaces and in the air when it’s cold.” Our immunity also has a part to play because it varies with the seasons. “In winter our Vitamin D levels are lower because there is less sunshine and we know that Vitamin D helps to support our immune systems,” says Professor Eccles. Being older is actually a bonus when it comes to bugs, because we’ve already had a lot of viruses so our bodies are naturally immune to them. “However, if your immune system is weak it might not be as effective at fighting off viruses you haven’t had, so some colds may be more severe and cause chest infections and complications,” says Professor Eccles. Colds and flu could also make your lungs vulnerable to bacterial infections such as pneumonia. It’s especially important to take care of your health in winter if you already have a respiratory condition such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Being older is actually a bonus when it comes to bugs, because we’ve already had a lot of viruses so our bodies are naturally immune to them 46
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Stay strong & healthy
Why you need the flu jab Last year more people over 65 died of respiratory illnesses and complications from colds and flu than any other group, which is why it’s so important to have your flu jab. “Vaccination is your first line of defence against influenza, especially when you’re over 65,” says Professor Eccles. It’s best to have your flu jab in early winter between October and November. Most GP surgeries hold clinics around this time. The flu jab is free if you are: ❍ Over 65 ❍ Have a serious heart disease ❍ Have a BMI over 40 ❍ Have a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema ❍ Have serious kidney disease ❍ Have diabetes ❍ Have lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as for cancer ❍ Have had a stroke You may also be entitled to a free flu jab if you’re a carer so ask your GP if you are eligible.
The flu jab myth: The flu vaccine only protects you against flu not colds – so it’s still possible to get a cold if you’ve had your flu jab. But the flu vaccine contains inactive strains of the flu virus and it cannot cause flu or a cold. Many people say they get a cold or flu-like symptoms after the vaccine – but the chances are they were already infected with a cold before they had the jab.
Healthy hygiene If your flu jab is your first line of defence against bugs then good hygiene is your second! Follow these simple steps to protect yourself… ✢ Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water. ✢ Clean surfaces such as your telephone, door handles and keyboard regularly to get rid of germs. ✢ Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, or cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow to stop germs getting onto your hands. ✢ Put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible and avoid using handkerchiefs, which can harbour germs.
Can I really boost my immunity? Why is it that you come down with every single bug that’s going around and your friend or partner hardly ever gets sick? The chances are they have better immunity, either because they have been exposed to more viruses through their lifetime and so are immune – or because their lifestyle helps to support their immunity.
Scientists are still researching whether our diet and stress levels can affect our immune systems Scientists are still finding out whether our diets, lifestyles and stress levels can affect our immune systems. There’s no quick- fix, because as the experts point out, your immune system is just that, a system, made up of different parts which all have different needs. But early studies at Harvard University suggest that a healthy lifestyle could help you to fight off winter’s bugs. YOURS
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Good to KNOW...
How to...
Get the best price More pounds for your property!
By Katharine Wootton
Meet our experts Danny Watts is branch manager of the newly opened William H Brown estate agents in Newmarket
Alison Cork is a writer and founder of Alison At Home and is the ambassador for the Wood Window Alliance (www.woodwindowalliance.com)
f you’re planning to sell your home anytime soon, fixing problem areas and making simple tweaks to how you present your house could make a huge difference to how much it’s worth – and it doesn’t always have to cost the earth, either. From that one dingy room that needs brightening up to your dream of making use of the loft space, we’ve all got niggly odd jobs around the house that we’ve been meaning to sort for years. But what’s worth doing and what isn’t? We asked our experts some pressing property questions to find out where to focus your attention before selling, so that you can get the best price possible for the home you’ve loved and looked after for years.
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PICS: ALAMY, GETTY IMAGES, ISTOCKPHOTO
Do I really need to redecorate? “I’d definitely recommend it, especially if it’s been a while since the last time your home was refurbished,” says Danny Watts. “A really nicely decorated house always sells quicker and is more likely to get the asking price. 62
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Ben Bambrough is managing director of home staging experts, bB Design House (www.bbdesignhouse.com)
“Even if you don’t have the time or money to redecorate, make sure you give the house a really thorough clean and declutter as much as possible. Prospective buyers will want to try to visualise themselves living the house. So put away any personal belongings in storage boxes and keep shelves and surfaces clear. This will let the buyers imagine their own belongings there. “Sort out any dirty skirting boards, wires sticking out of sockets, or flaking paintwork. They’re really quick, easy jobs, but make a big difference in making the house look loved. “Pay particular attention to your hallway. Remove any shoes, coats and old magazines you might have laying around there,” adds Ben Bambrough. “If you’re lucky enough to have a wide hallway, flaunt its full potential by clearing things away to show potential buyers just how spacious it really is.”
‘Pay attention to the hall – get rid of shoes and magazines’
THE THREE GOLDEN RULES... ...to follow before a viewing Scrub the bath, shower and sink – whatever the decoration, unclean bathrooms are a huge turn-off to buyers Consider kerb appeal – make your drive, front door and entrance as spotless and inviting as possible. Hanging baskets and a lick of paint on the door can make a big difference Have a sniff – pet smells aren’t going to make viewers want to hang around, while pleasant smells from flowers or baking will transform the viewers’ experience
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for your home Is it worth installing double glazing or fixing the heating to make my house warmer? “Yes. It’s a good idea to make your house warmer especially if you live in an old house or near a road,” says Alison. “I like timber windows in particular because they tend to be more energy efficient than UPVC ones, making your house cosier, and they last longer. Some estate agents also say fitting UPVC windows could devalue your house by up to £20,000, so I’d recommend fitting double glazed timber windows instead.”
a warmer, less harsh hue. “Then make the most of natural light by drawing curtains back as far as possible, using ties if you can. And if it still looks dark after doing this, consider skylights or a repaint with lighter colours to make the room brighter and give the feeling of space.”
✦For more advice on making your home more energy efficient, contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 or www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Do buyers pay much attention to the state of the garden? “I think it’s the house itself that counts as buyers can make their own plans for the garden once they’ve moved in, so I wouldn’t spend a fortune changing it,” says Danny. “But presentation and making a good first impression are still important, so mow the lawn, get rid of weeds and make it look generally tidy.”
My daughter says dark rooms put buyers off. Is that true? A recent survey showed that poor natural light and dark rooms trouble 54 per cent of potential buyers, making it the third biggest turn-off after damp and a poorly maintained house. “Dark rooms don’t show your house off at its best,” says Ben Bambrough. “The key is to always make sure all lights are on when buyers visit, using a few extra lamps in particularly dark corners and high wattage bulbs that shine brighter.” Think about the colour of your bulbs too – soft, white bulbs tend to give out
We’re thinking about converting the loft. Will it add value to our house? “Typically, the more useable floor space you add to your property, the greater the value of your property, meaning conversions and extensions are worthwhile investments if you can afford them,” says Alison. “But – and this is a big but – they will only add value if it’s a quality build. Poorly done work can knock thousands off your asking price, while a well-done conversion or extension will add ten to 15 per cent to the value of the property and will more than return the cost of the build. So stay away from cowboy builders who promise a quick job and do your research to find the right tradesman for the task in hand.” ✢ NEXT ISSUE How to cut the cost of cooking! YOURS
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secret Saffron Walden Reader Denise Hammond-Webb reveals this Essex town’s charms Get lost!
Shake things up
Take a stroll on the common and walk round the largest surviving turf maze in Europe, thought to have been constructed in 1699. The key to the maze is to find the right starting point near one of the outer corners and carefully follow the brick path without deviating!
Try a milkshake at The Mocha Café which is tucked away in the Central Arcade. It’s been around since the Sixties when it had pinball machines in the windows. They won’t reveal the secret of their amazing ’shakes, but I know that there’s ice-cream in them and you have to use a spoon because they’re so thick!
Step back in time
Be amazed
✢ 01799 523695, www.themocha.co.uk
Named after the saffron crocus grown here in the 16th and 17th Centuries, Saffron Walden is famous for its Grade I listed medieval buildings. Don’t miss the 14th Century Old Sun Inn on Gold Street, with its extraordinary carved plasterwork, known as pargetting, where Oliver Cromwell is said to have stayed.
To experience an early 19th Century hedge maze, head for Bridge End Gardens. Recently restored to their original Victorian design, the gardens are made up of seven linked garden ‘rooms’ including a box garden and rose garden. Take a picnic to enjoy under the cedar trees. The entrance is through gates on Castle Street or Bridge Street.
PICS: ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK
Hit the shops Angela Reed, on Market Hill, is full of unusual home accessories and furniture; you’ll find something new each time you visit. The twiceweekly market, set outside the town hall, has been running since 1141 and now sells a mixture of fresh fruit, vegetables and other food, along with crafts and clothes.
✢ Contact the tourist office 01799 524002
Visit a secret spot Virtually unknown to visitors, a hidden gate in a high brick wall in the town centre leads to the Audley End estate. Walk to the end of Abbey Lane, off the High Street, and you will gain entry to beautiful tree-lined walks with benches to rest on.
Don’t miss… Saffron Walden Museum is perfect for a rainy day. Grandchildren will Turn the love the Egyptian page for antiquities and more tips entrance costs only £1.50. ✢ www.saffronwalden museum.swmuseumsoc.org.uk
✢ Tell us about hidden gems of the UK Send a review of a place you know and love (300 words with photos – send one with you in it), with your name, age and address to Lizzy Dening at the address on page 3 or email lizzy.dening@bauermedia.co.uk. We pay £50 for each story we publish. YOURS
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