Yours magazine issue 249

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Protect your sight yo forever!

eyes New ways for healthy he FASHION 14 stylish sandals

They’re comfy too!

BEAUTY The best oils to soothe summer skin

Bake Off’s Nadiya one year on: ‘My life will never be the same’

Penelope Wilton

Jul 5-18, 2016 £1.55

The news that even beats being a dame MAKE THE MOST RETIREMENT OF RETIRE ✓ Start a business ✓ Find a hobby ✓ Help others ✓ Take a trip

WI N £6,400 OF P R I Z E S • Electric bike • Spa break • Pet food

Sally Geeson, Sid James, Diana Coupland and Robin Askwith in the film version of Bless This House and far left, Sally today

By Katharine Wootton

PICS: Rex SHuTTeRSToCK, Helen JoneS, AlAmy, GeTTy ImAGeS

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less This House and Carry On might be as synonymous with the Seventies as bell-bottom pants and Farrah Fawcett, but the legacy of these landmark comedies has definitely lived on, largely thanks to the enduring appeal of one man: Sid James. And one actress who worked with Sid across both these comedies is Sally Geeson, most memorably playing Sid’s on-screen daughter, Sally, alongside Robin Stewart and Diana Coupland in Bless This House.

“I first met Sid at Thames Television – the place we called the fun factory because it was such a blast – when producer and director, William G Stewart introduced us to talk about

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God bless dear Sid

It’s 40 years since we said farewell to comedy genius Sid James. Here Sally Geeson, who starred with him in Bless This House, shares her memories of the gentle star a new TV series he was planning called Bless This House,” says Sally. “I was expecting to meet this Carry On character. But Sid was the loveliest, sweetest man.

He just stood up and said, ‘Hello, Sal’, and straight away we had a rapport that we knew would work.

“Sid was so different in life to many of his characters.

He was a quiet, sophisticated man and while he wasn’t a joker, he could see the funny side to every situation.”

Sally tells how all 72 episodes of Bless This House were filmed in front

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of a studio audience. “We’d all be introduced at the start. Every time Sid was announced, you felt the roof was going to come off the studio, people were cheering so much. Everybody loved and identified with him, especially in Bless This House where he was this dad and husband character.”

Sally with Sid on the set of the film of Bless This House, with the film’s director Gerald Thomas

But while Sid loved the public affection, Sally says he was never a showoff. “When we filmed the outdoor scenes of Bless This House twice a year on location the whole area used to shut up shop to line the streets because they loved Sid. He didn’t see himself as a celebrity, but just a working

news nostalgia actor like the rest of us. He definitely taught me that this is a job. Getting starryeyed and affected doesn’t work at all. You have to keep your feet on the ground.

So he was a very stabilising influence for me.”

Sally adds that he was also very serious about rehearsing. “He knew his craft so well and had this incredible ability to make it look completely natural, but it was seriously practised. He was a lot like Norman Wisdom in that way, who I worked with in the early days – a slick, professional performer, but a real natural clown.”

As well as Bless This House, Sally worked with Sid again when she appeared in three Carry On films, once as a child and later in Carry On Abroad and Carry On Girls. “Me and my sister (the actress Judy Geeson) adored the Carry On films as children, so it was such fun to join something I’d grown up loving. The best thing about being part of it was that I felt so comfortable, because Sid was there. Funnily enough, despite him being such an icon, I never felt nervous acting around Sid as he was so kind. Because of his brilliant comedy timing, everyone around him had to learn how to do it as well to make it work and Sid would help us all with that. He was certainly a mentor to me.”

Sally with her sister, actress Judy Geeson, in 1967

THE SID FILE

‘Funnily enough, despite him being such an icon, I never felt nervous acting around Sid as he was so kind’ When news broke in 1976 that Sid had died, aged just 62, after suffering a heart attack on stage at the Sunderland Empire Theatre Sally was heartbroken. “He was such a tonic. When he passed it was just terrible.

He died so young – who knows what more he would have given us?”

For Sally, Sid gave her not just years of fun in her acting career and great friendship, he was also responsible for encouraging Bless This House

n Carry On – The Ultimate Collection, rrp £49.99, is distributed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment and is available now on DVD and Digital Download. n Two new Carry On films, Carry On Doctors and Carry on Campus, are set for release in 2017, to mark the 25th anniversary of the last film.

director, Bill, to ask Sally out on a date while they were filming the series. Not long after, the pair married and went on to have three children together, although they have since separated.

After Sid’s death – just four days after the broadcast of the final sixth series – Bless This House came to an end. Sally left acting to pursue a new career working with children with special needs, but returned more recently with roles in pantomimes and commercial work. But she’ll always treasure her very special memories of the irreplaceable Sid James.

Sally looking back at some photos of her and Sid from the Seventies

n Solomon Joel Cohen, or Sid James as he would later become, was born in 1913 to Jewish parents in Johannesburg. n Training as a hairdresser, he served as a lieutenant in an entertainment unit of the South African Army during the Second World War and moved to Britain immediately after the war. n His first major comedy role was in The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) with Alec Guinness and Stanley Holloway but his big break came working on the BBC Radio series, Hancock’s Half Hour

n Sid made 19 Carry On films, usually playing a wise-cracking cheeky chappy, with that trademark laugh. n He was married three times and had four children – Elizabeth, Reina, Stephen and Susan.

WHITE HOT strapline left xxxx

When the weather heats up stay cool with these stylish looks, says Fashion Editor Michelle Nightingale

TIP Stick to crisp white shades – off-whites can look grubby Dress, £75, 8-20, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams | Heels, £55, 3-8, Next | Wedges, £28, 3-8, M&Co | Hat, £4, Primark | Necklace, £3, Primark | Sunglasses, £2, Primark

EASY UPDATES EXACT MATCH!

SlimÉ fast!

This stylish jumpsuit has a flattering wrapstyle top and tie waist, which helps highlight the bust and cleverly draws the waist in. Team with metallic heels for leg-lengthening results.

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Bold and bright

Worn by Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid Navy jumpsuit, £59, 8-22, M&Co

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Silver heels, £29.50, 3-8, M&S Collection

Brighten up your summer look with these sunny accessories.

QUICK FIX Get rid of stubborn creases quickly by adding a damp sock to your tumble dryer with the crinkled load. Set it to a medium heat and leave for 10-15 mins before hanging immediately. Voilá!

Scarf, £12, M&Co

TIP Keep your whites looking grown-up by teaming them with stylish metallic and tan shades

TIP If you’re combining white separates make sure they’re the same shade of white

Clutch bag, £45, Next

Orange shopper, £9, Primark Sunglasses, £18, M&S

Flower power You can’t escape floral prints this summer – so don’t try! If you’re worried about looking girly or a little twee avoid pastel prints and instead stick to strong shapes against darker colours.

Great for slimming too!

We love these bold florals.

Stockists: Clarks 01458 899904; Debenhams 0344 561 6161; Deichmann 01858 468546; Jones Bootmaker 0800 163 519; M&Co 0800 031 7200; M&S 0333 014 8000; New Look 0344 499 6690; Next 0333 777 8000; Primark ask in-store; Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262; Wallis 0344 984 0266.

Navy kaftan, £35, s-xl, Wallis

Floral midi dress, £35, 8-22, M&Co

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PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST LINDSEY BAKER

Top, £25, s-l, Wallis | Skirt, £26, 8-22, M&Co | Trainers, £26, 3.5-9, Next | Sandals, £55, 3-8, Clarks | Necklace, £4, Primark | Sunglasses, £2, Primark | Bag, £59, Jones Bootmaker

Trousers, £40, 8-20, Wallis | Top, £34, 6-22, Next | Flat sandals, £19.99, 3-8, Deichmann | Bag, £12.99, New Look | Sandals, £55, 3-8, Autograph for M&S | Necklace, £18, Mood for Debenhams | Sunglasses, £5, Tu at SainsburyÕs

& glowing Plumped up

If you’ve never tried facial oils, give these summer skin saviours a go, says Yours Beauty Editor Michelle Nightingale

n Lorraine Dallmeier is the Director at Formula Botanica, the online organic cosmetic science school – www. formulabotanica. com.

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lowing skin starts with good hydration and when it comes to deep-down moisture, facial oils are hard to beat. “Botanical oils are some of the most underrated beauty ingredients,” explains Lorraine Dallmeier, Director at Formula Botanica. “The outer layer of your skin contains natural oils, which makes it easier for oilbased beauty products to penetrate your skin and lock in moisture and beneficial ingredients.”

TOP TIP

“If you’re prone to oily skin apply your facial oil at night so it can slowly seep into the skin and work its magic while you sleep,” suggests Lorraine

Lorraine’s top oils Argan oil Great all-rounder The most popular oil of the moment, argan oil is high in omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids, which revitalise and nourish. Because it’s deeply moisturising, it’s perfect for mature skin and also makes a great protective hair oil for summer.

Try: Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Facial Oil, £14.99/30ml

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Pomegranate seed oil Sun-damaged skin This superfruit produces an oil rich in fatty acids and also has anti-inflammatory properties, so is great for soothing dry, cracked and sun-exposed skin. It’s also antioxidant-rich and is thought to help to regenerate the skin’s outer layers.

Try: Fushi Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil, £19.50/50ml

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Avocado oil

Rosehip seed oil

Long-lasting hydration Unlike most botanical oils, dark green unrefined avocado oil is pressed from the fruit and not from the seed. It contains high levels of anti-ageing Vitamin E and makes an excellent hair, skin and nail oil.

Try: Melvita Avocado Oil, £16/ 50ml

Skin-regenerating It’s a dry oil so feels light and absorbs quickly, plus studies have shown it’s great for regenerating skin. High in essential fatty acids, including the superstar antiager Vitamin A (retinoic acid).

Try: A’kin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil, £18/23ml

treat your skin SUMMER SCENTS

This year’s hottest perfume trends are inspired by rose-scented English gardens and exotic faraway escapes, according to the Perfume Shop.

TREND Tropical escape SPLASH OUT: Michael Kors Coral Eau de Parfum, £58/50ml, The Perfume Shop SAVE: Island Escape Eau de Toilette, £16/95ml, M&S

TREND Rose Garden SPLASH OUT: Elie Saab Rose Couture Eau De Toilette, £52/50ml, The Perfume Shop SAVE: Roger & Gallet Rose Eau de Toilette, £24/50ml, M&S

DIY oils!

Try Lorraine’s top blending tips for making your own facial oil

Ultimate anti-ager Otherwise known as barbary fig seed oil, it’s extremely high in antioxidants such as tocopherol (Vitamin E) and its rich anti-ageing properties make it ideal for dry and mature skin. It does everything that argan oil does – and more.

Try: So Pure AntiAgeing Nutrient Elixir, £18/10ml

Sacha inchi oil Sensitive skin saviour With its high levels of antioxidants and fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, this oil can help reduce facial redness and is great for sensitive skin as it protects the skin’s natural barrier.

Try: Eloquence Nourishing Treatment Oil, £29.99/50ml

n Start by ordering a small range of oils and test them one by one to see which suit your skin. Only use cosmetic-grade carrier oils, buy in Holland & Barrett or at Amazon.co.uk n Your blend won’t need a preservative, but adding an antioxidant will prevent the oils from going rancid. Anti-ageing Vitamin E is a good choice.

You only need a tiny amount – about 0.5 per cent of your blend – so for 50ml that’s just 0.25ml. n Some oils have strong natural aromas, so adding an essential oil can help mask the scent. Add just 0.5-1 per cent of your total blend and stick to skin-safe oils such as lavender, chamomile or sweet orange.

Stockists: A’kin available from Waitrose 0800 188 884; Dr Organic available from Holland & Barrett; Eloquence www.eloquencebeautycare. com; Fushi 0208 742 2000; Sun Smart available from M&S 0333 014 8555; Melvita 0207 907 0449; So Pure Skincare www.sopureskincare. co.uk; M&S; The Perfume Shop 0800 988 8660

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PIC: SHUTTERSTOCK

Prickly pear seed oil

lasting 12 months that took us to Sydney for a year and then to visit my cousin in carefully, especially in California on the return relation to their budget as journey. We checked out accommodation can be the logistics for the trip such T ra ve lle rs : expensive. We wanted as house, health and travel N or ee n a nd D ec la n our budget to allow us insurance and contacted a to see as much of Australia as rental agent to let out our possible so we did our homework and house in Ireland.” discovered Homestay.com – a website The couple then headed off to for finding hosted stays – that suited us Australia where they toured the country, for trips outside Sydney. After applying including trips to Melbourne, Cairns, for a visa, we booked a world ticket Perth and the film location of TV’s Home and Away! “When we were in Cairns I even did a skydive,” says Noreen. “It was High-flier: Noreen an amazing experience. Not bad for an skydiving in Cairns over-60 gran!

“Sydney is a wonderful city and Declan loved it. The outdoor life suited him and he spent most days playing tennis, cycling, swimming, walking or taking our grandchildren (who live there) to the beach and the park. The gap year gave us a lot of confidence to continue our travels. We left Australia with fond memories and a longing to return.”

‘We took a senior gap year!’ or Noreen and husband Declan from Dublin, retirement was a great opportunity to see the world with a senior gap year in Australia – including visiting their daughter and grandchildren in Sydney.

Careful planning with finances – including renting their home out for the year – helped fund the trip of a lifetime. “Anyone contemplating taking a gap year should do their homework

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reader tip...

“Don’t feel guilty about spending your time exactly as you choose or that you HAVE to do something. You are your own boss now” Jennifer Paton probably not the full list! I also run the bridge group, which has more than 80 members and I’ve been busy and fulfilled retirement. on several holidays, days hen Mary Claxton retired out and theatre trips. from her pharmacy job and “I joined the U3A a few years “Doing this has returned to the UK with her after moving to Peterborough, ry a M : t n definitely helped me husband, after living in Zimbabwe for and now think of myself as an Stude structure my days – 30 years, she only knew one person ambassador of this fantastic there’s no time for housework! When you in her new city of Peterborough. Now, organisation. This is the best thing get to this stage in your life, you want thanks to taking up new hobbies with that can happen to anyone retired or to branch out and try things that you the University of the Third Age (U3A), semi-retired. Since joining, I’ve done haven’t done before or improve what you she’s made loads of friends and has a watercolour painting, calligraphy, have done before. When I was at school creative writing, I was totally useless at art but now I’ve poetry writing and done a watercolour class, I’ve got five appreciation, geology, pictures on the wall that are mine and I’m Spanish, Welsh, and “Get a dog if you didn’t have one quite proud of them. singing – and that’s because of working. They’re great

‘Joining U3A has changed my life’

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reader tip...

company and dog walking gets you out and keeps you fit” Diane Deternant

SPECIAL REPORT find out more... n Decide whether you want to travel, take a gap year, or just need a holiday.

A week at the beach is very different to six months travelling the world. n Consider home commitments, such as children or older parents, and whether you’re fit and well enough to live away from a permanent home and deal with some of the stresses that come with travelling. n If you’re not selling your house, you could rent it out to fellow holidaymakers (www.airbnb.co.uk), exchange houses with someone in another country for a set period (www.ivhe.com and www. lovehomeswap.com) or house-sit for someone in the country you’re visiting (www.housecarers.com). n Some companies specialise in finding older people charitable gap year work. The African Conservation Experience provides opportunities for animal lovers. Call 01454 269182.

Outreach International matches your talents and expertise to a community projects working with disadvantaged people in countries from Nepal to Costa Rica. Call 0190 374 6900 or visit www.outreachinternational.co.uk n CoolWorks posts jobs for retirees around the globe (www.coolworks. com/older-bolder

“It’s not expensive to become a member (each regional U3A charges a different membership fee, although the average cost is £20 a year) and you have access to many different activities. It’s great to be part of and keeps me young.”

find out more... n To find your local U3A call 0208 466 6139 or visit www.u3a.org.uk n Check library, council and community notice boards and newsletters for details of hobby groups in your area that you might like.

‘I started my own business’

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renda Dearne proved it’s never too late to start your dream business when she relocated and set up her own perfume company, at the age of 81! And she’s not alone. A recent survey revealed nearly seven per cent of over-65s are starting their own business and one-in-ten people approaching retirement are thinking of using their pension pot to become an entrepreneur.

Brenda’s adventure began when she teamed up with business partner Graham Way. “We met when we were both volunteer guides for St Paul’s Cathedral. I’d Brenda worked in researched her accountancy market first all my life and Graham had been in perfume for 30 years and had all the contacts, so it was just a case of establishing the business and deciding where we wanted to go with it.

“We started selling perfumed candles that evoked iconic views of the English countryside or an Italian villa, at four shops around the UK and then online.

“When we first started, I learned all the things you have to do to start a business, such as finding out who your customers are and going round other stores looking at other candles, deciding what’s good and bad.”

At the same time as setting up the business Brenda decided to move from London to Media City in Greater Manchester. “Everyone thought I was crazy as I didn’t know anybody in Manchester but now I’ve got lots of friends. My favourite thing about being an entrepreneur is going to lots of networking events and spending time meeting other people. I’m always the oldest person at these things but I find it really useful to exchange ideas.

I’d advise anyone setting up a business to network as much as possible to see what’s out there and find people who are in the same situation as you.

“There are definite benefits to being an older entrepreneur Ent repr eneu r: as everyone Bre nda respects me and wants to talk to me about what I’ve done. And I hopefully help younger people.”

Recently Brenda, now 85, and Graham decided to start up another business, leaving candles behind. “We learned so much from setting up the candle business and we are going to use that experience to focus on the bath and body market.

“Quite honestly, to be excited about what I’m doing and have a reason to get up every morning is brilliant. Starting a business has truly given me a new life.

My father retired at 88 and that was only because he lost his sight so it must be in the genes. I definitely have no plans to retire from my business any time soon as I love it so much.”

find out more... n Starting a business is a big, and often risky, undertaking, so do your research.

You need to know what competition you’re up against, the current demand for what you’re offering, your customers, growth opportunities, costs and any possible pitfalls. n Make a business plan and draw up a detailed budget. n To get the right support early on, get a business mentor with mentorsme.co.uk n The government can often advise on funding options for new businesses, such as the New Enterprise Allowance, which offers a weekly allowance for up to 26 weeks, a loan to help with start-up costs and a business mentor. Call the Business Support Helpline on 0300 456 3565 or visit www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/womenin-enterprise

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recipe inspiration RHUBARB & ORANGE TART A small slice of this is all you need to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Serves: 8 Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time: 25-30 mins n 2 oranges n 60g (2¼oz) icing sugar n 3 tbsp butter or margarine, softened n 2 eggs n 190g (6¾oz) low-fat Greek-style yogurt, plus

260g (9¼oz) extra, to serve n 135g (4¾oz) ground almonds n 35g (1¼oz) plain flour n 4 rhubarb stalks, cut into 3cm (1¼in) pieces n Honey, for brushing

T his dis h w orks be aut ifully w it h fr e sh che rrie s

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. Grease a 20cm (8in) cake tin and line the base and sides.

2. Zest the oranges. Cut into segments then reserve for serving. Add the icing sugar and butter to the zest and beat until fluffy. Beat the eggs in one at a time. Stir through the yogurt and fold in the almonds and flour.

3. Spoon the mixture into the cake tin. Arrange the rhubarb on top of the batter and press in lightly.

Bake for 25-30 mins.

4. Remove from the oven, brush with honey (warm it if it is too thick) and leave to cool before serving.

Per serving: 272 cals, 17g fat (5g sat fat) Quick. Easy. Healthy. Good Food Every Day by Callum Hann & Themis Chryssidis. Published by Pavilion. Rrp: £16.99

BERRY PIE POPS A fun bake that children of all ages will love to help make Serves: 16 Preparation time: 30 mins Cooking time: 15 mins n 100g (3½oz) butter

or margarine n 225g (8oz) plain flour n 2 tbsp icing sugar n 2-3 tbsp water

For the filling: n 25g (1oz) raspberries n 25g (1oz) cherries

(stone removed) n 25g (1oz)

strawberries n 25g (1oz) blueberries n 2 tbsp cornflour n 25g (1oz)

caster sugar

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1. Chop the butter into cubes and rub together with the flour and icing sugar in a bowl until you have fine crumbs. Stir in a few tbsp of water and mix until you have a dough. Wrap in cling film and chill while you make your filling.

2. Roughly chop the berries. Mix together with the sugar and cornflour and leave to stand for about 10 mins.

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.

4. Roll out the pastry and use a cookie cutter to cut out circles – you will need two for each lolly.

5. Roll over half of the circles so they are a bit larger, then cut a small star shape out of the centre of the larger circles.

6. Spoon a little filling onto the centre of the smaller

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circles. Place the larger circles over the top of the filling and seal the edges with a fork. Brush melted butter over the pie pops then bake on a lined tray for 15 mins.

7. Once golden brown, remove from the oven and insert a lollipop stick while still warm. Be sure to push the stick up to the top of the pie but not all the way through. Tie a bow on each stick for added decoration.

Per serving: 117 cals 5g fat (1.5g sat fat) www.bakewithstork.com

BLUEBERRY CUPCAKES

TR Y THIS:

Canderel Green Stevia Sweetener

These simple blueberry cupcakes swap sugar for low-cal stevia

A natural low-calorie sweetener. Made with reb A, the sweetest extract found from the stevia plant, it brings a delicious sweet taste but without all of the calories of sugar.

serves: 12 Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 20 mins 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Place 12 muffin cases into a muffin tray.

2. Beat 115g (4oz) butter or margarine and 15g (½oz) granulated stevia until light and fluffy. Then gradually beat in 2 medium eggs before folding in 140g (5oz) selfraising flour and 125g (4½oz) blueberries.

3. Divide the batter between the cases.

Bake for 20 mins, then cool on a wire rack.

4. Meanwhile, beat 75g (3oz) butter or margarine and 75g (3oz) icing sugar until smooth.

5. Stir in 125g (4½oz) low-fat cream cheese. Spread the icing on the top of the cupcakes and arrange 125g (4½oz) blueberries and 50g (2oz) halved raspberries to make flowers on top of each cake.

£1.44 /75g

n Available from tesco

Per serving: 218 cals 15g fat (4g sat fat) www.bakewithstork.com

BLUEBERRY TART This pretty tart is the perfect finish to a meal

n 250g (9oz) plain flour n 2 tbsp of icing sugar n 125g (4½oz) butter

or margarine n 2 egg yolks n 2-3 tbsp water

For the pastry cream n n n n n

1 medium egg 1 egg yolk 55g (2oz) caster sugar 25g (1oz) plain flour 300ml semi skimmed milk

For the decoration: n n n n

300g (11oz) blueberries Icing sugar for sprinkling Finely-grated zest of 1 lime Mint leaves

1. Rub together the flour, butter and icing sugar. Add the egg yolks and water and mix to a dough. Knead lightly, wrap in foil and place in the fridge for 30 mins.

2. Roll out the dough on a lightly-floured surface and use it to line a 25cm (10in) flan dish. Prick the base of the pastry case with a fork and line with baking paper filled with dried beans or rice. Bake in the oven for 15 mins. Remove the paper and beans and cook for another 10 mins. Set aside to cool.

3. To make the pastry cream, whisk together the egg, egg yolk and caster sugar until light and creamy. Stir in the flour, then the milk. Pour into a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Cook for 2-3 mins until thick then leave to cool.

4. Spread the pastry cream over the pastry base and top with the blueberries. Dust with icing sugar and decorate with lime zest and mint leaves.

Per serving: 401 cals 21g fat (6.5g sat fat) www.bakewithstork.com

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PICs: rex/shutterstoCk

serves: 6 Preparation time: 15-30 mins Cooking time: 25 mins

star chat

MY LESSONS FROM

life

n TV is my first love From the age of three, I knew I wanted to work in television.

The dawning moment of realisation came when my dad, who worked for the BBC, took me to see Blue Peter and I said ‘that’s what I want to do, Daddy’. While I trained as an actress and did a few shows early in my career, such as Chicago and When Harry Met Sally, TV – and especially live television – was definitely my first love. One of my favourite moments in broadcasting was working on the Millennium where I did 28 hours of live television with no break. I just love people and am very nosy, so television is the perfect environment for me.

the Sunday, then was up at 4.30am on the Monday to cover on the Lorraine programme – I was absolutely fine.

n There’s nothing wrong with getting older I love getting older and am honest about my age. I’ve quite publicly said I would never get botox, but I don’t mind if anyone else does. My only worry is that I haven’t got enough time to do all the television I want to do, but hopefully I’ll still be working at 120!

PICs: bbC, alamy

n mornings are the best time of day!

My husband always laughs at me because he says he’s never known anyone to get out of bed and just start chatting the way I do. He’s one of those people who doesn’t like to talk first thing. Recently, we came back from holiday at midnight on the Saturday and I was doing my BBC London radio show on

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TV and radio presenter Gaby Roslin talks heroes, high points and how her life was transformed by a diet change

n Friends mean everything I love sitting in for my friend Lorraine Kelly on her breakfast show sometimes.

She’s such a great friend of mine and I adore her. Hers are big shoes to fill but it’s definitely her show so I’m very much babysitting. I think one of the kindest things anyone’s ever said about me is when Lorraine wrote in a column that she thinks my radio show should be on the telly. She’s so lovely – and what a sweet thing to say.

n Changing my diet transformed my life I’ve such a passion for health and nutrition, because what we eat can dramatically change our lives. I know because for years I suffered with crippling stomach pains, wheeziness and a constant runny nose and they tested me for all sorts of things.

Then one day someone said I might have a wheat allergy. So I tried eliminating wheat from my diet for two weeks and as

Gaby with hubby David Osman

dramatic as it sounds, my life changed. I now strongly believe that you can heal yourself with what you eat and that nature has some great natural antibiotics such as garlic, ginger, raw honey and beetroot. We can actually fix ourselves to be happier and healthier. And it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming; I now cook fresh food for the family every night and choose organic meat and sustainable fish. n Gaby hosts The saturday show every saturday at 9.30am on Channel 5. she’s also an ambassador for love your Gut (www.loveyourgut.com) n Gaby was talking to Katharine Wootton

And finally…

n Who made you who you are today?

Growing up, I was so inspired by blue Peter’s Valerie singleton. I thought she was fantastic. another presenter I really grew up to love and respect was Cilla black, who I was lucky enough to know.