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Actress Cathy Shipton couldn’t be more excited about returning to Casualty for good on the medical drama’s actionpacked, feature-length 30th birthday episode By Alison James
30 YEARS OF T
Duffy in 2002, when she’d been promoted to Sister and Charlie, aka Derek Thompson, in the first episode
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(and Duffy’s back for
here’s only one place to be on the evening of Saturday, August 27 and that’s on the edge of your seat in front of the TV, watching Casualty’s landmark 30th anniversary episode. Not only does it feature a biggerthan-ever, truly dramatic and shocking stunt that will hit the heart of the hospital but old favourite Duffy, aka Lisa Duffin, played by actress Cathy Shipton, is at the heart of the action. Cathy briefly returned to Holby A&E last year and then again in June for the 1000th episode of the world’s longestrunning medical drama
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but this time, Duffy is back for the future – and what could be more apt than returning for the 30th anniversary episode on BBC1 when she was there for the very first one, broadcast on September 6, 1986? “Duffy’s back in Holby in order to surprise her old friend Charlie, who’s having a party,” explains Cathy. “But when she arrives at the pub, no one’s there because there’s been a cataclysmic incident close to the hospital. Duffy’s in her party gear but she immediately slips into work mode and is a safe and vastly experienced pair of hands. Charlie is in shock but when he sees Duffy, this look just passes between them. He’s so immensely grateful to see her. It’s like he knows that somehow they’ll cope if she’s with him.”
How does Cathy feel about being back in Casualty as a regular? “It’s very, very exciting,” she enthuses. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself and wonder if I’m in a dream. I feel quite humbled by the way Duffy as a character is still so popular. Coming back for those few episodes last year was a bit like dipping a toe in the water. It felt so right – rather like finding a pair of shoes at the back of the wardrobe that you haven’t worn in ages but which still fit very well and have lots of wear left in them! When I was then asked to come back on a permanent basis, I was delighted to accept.” The Casualty set moved from Bristol to Cardiff in 2011 so, in many ways for Cathy, it feels like being on a brand new show. “It’s very, very different,” she says. “In the
TV favourite The original cast
From far left: Cathy as herself; as duffy with Charlie (derek thompson) and the cast from more recent years
Front, l-r, receptionist Susie, (Debbie Roza); consultant Ewart Plimmer (Bernard Gallagher); house officer Baz Samuels (Julia Watson); SEN Megan Roach (Brenda Fricker). Back, l-r: Staff Nurse ‘Duffy’; paramedic Andrew Ponting (Robert Pugh); charge nurse Charlie (Derek Thompson); staff nurse Clive King (George Harris) and porter Kuba Trzcinski (Christopher Rozycki)
CASUALTY… a spectacular show!)
‘I have to pinch myself and wonder if I’m in a dream. I feel quite humbled by the way Duffy as a character is still so popular’ digitally. The camera lenses are like film lenses and much more subtle. The lighting is rather more flattering too – highly desirable for a woman of my age!” Does she wish she’d returned before? “No not
really,” Cathy (59) replies. “I left Casualty in about 2003 because I had a two-yearold daughter and I wanted to be at home with her. I had Talullah quite late on and I couldn’t see the point in having a child if I wasn’t around to look after her. “Once she started at school, I did a PGCE certificate in English and Drama, enabling me to teach to secondary level. Then I started acting with the Agatha Christie theatre company while also doing some teaching. In 2012, I had a one-woman show called Soldiers’ Wives written for me and I took it to Edinburgh where I was nominated for the best solo performance award. Now Talullah is 15, it’s much easier for me to work in Cardiff. I don’t need to be at home in London all the time, plus my husband Chris
(actor Christopher Guard) is there with her. The timing is perfect and I’m delighted Duffy was never killed off.” Now she’s back, we have to ask the inevitable question – what does the future hold for Duffy and Charlie? Or ‘Chuffy’ as they’ve been dubbed. “I don’t know where that’s come from,” Cathy laughs. “Charlie and Duffy do have a history, of course. They’ve been close friends forever but they’ve never been romantically involved. “Whether something finally happens now she’s back, well, there’s a bit of a question mark hanging over that. Duffy still has a husband in New Zealand – not to mention three strapping sons. You’ll have to wait and see what, if anything, happens between them.” We can’t wait. . .
some of Britain’s best-known actors, and some hollywood stars too, have made guest appearances in Casualty. In the mid-90s film star orlando Bloom, right, played a builder called Noel who ended up needing treatment. In 1993, a then largely unknown actress called Kate Winslet, right, played an 18-year-old with an abusive boyfriend, while Britain’s Got talent star david Walliams featured in an episode in 2003. other stars to have made an appearance include sherlock star martin Freeman, who played a robber who was stabbed in a 1998 episode and our very own roy hudd who featured in the 2007 series.
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PICs: adam hIlls mUG PhotoGraPhy, staystIll, BBC
old days, we were in an old warehouse in Bristol whereas we now have a purposebuilt set in Cardiff with a Hollywood-like back lot. It’s a bit like Universal studios! They build New York, we’ve built Holby and we can shoot external scenes on the lot. It’s different technically, too, and everything is shot
Famous faces who passed through Holby A&E
A v-neckline elongates the frame and balances out broad shoulders Top, £14, 8-22, F&F at Tesco | Wrap jacket, £42, 8-24, V by Very | Trousers, £28, 6-22, Next | Earrings, £5, Next
Belt up in style! Belted styles are a great way to cheat a waist and show off those curves Dress, £85, 8-20, Laura Ashley | Necklace, £18, Next | Flat shoes, £22, 3-8, Next | Sandals, £28, 3-8, M&Co | Orange bag, £35, Matthew Williamson at Debenhams
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A statement statem necklace will distract dis attention away from annoying problem areas
eat for pe Gr a
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Choose your outfit wisely and you can drop a dress size without giving up cake, says Fashion Editor Michelle Nightingale
£25, Accessorize
£25, M&S
£16, M&Co
slimming style lges s bu se ui
Feminine and flattering Dark denim masterfully slims the thighs, while a pretty blouse will skim your frame Blouse, £49, 8-22, Monsoon | Jeans, £20, 8-20, George at Asda | Necklace, £10, M&Co | Wedge shoes, £20, 3-8, F&F at Tesco | Beige flats, £15, 3-8, M&Co | Yellow bag, £22, Next | Navy clutch, £40, Laura Ashley
£55, Laura Ashley
The bigger the bag the smaller you look
Top, £19.50, 6-24, M&S Collection | Jeans, £25, 8-24, M&S | Earrings, £5, Next
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PHOTOGRAPHY: RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST: DANIELLE ELMES-HUGHES; HAIR AND MAKE-UP: SARAH JANE GREEN
in A pr t disg
Balance your hormones
By Charlotte Haigh MacNeil Dr Marion Gluck is a women’s health expert, specialising in bio-identical hormone therapy www.mariongluckclinic.com
You may blame them for those pesky hot flushes or mood swings but hormones control everything from your sleep to your appetite. Here’s what you need to know to keep yours in check 36
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The ‘male’ hormone Testosterone “We produce a lot less than men but testosterone is very much a female hormone as well,” says Dr Marion Gluck. “It’s produced in the adrenal glands and, until menopause, it’s also produced in the ovaries. “Testosterone maintains muscle tone and builds bone so it’s very important for preventing osteoporosis. It also plays a big role in confidence and energy levels, so as it decreases with age, you might notice changes in these.” GET IN BALANCE: “Exercise is the best way to increase testosterone – it kicks the adrenal glands into action,” says Marion. “You won’t produce the same amount as you did when you were younger but it will help. Any kind of exercise works – including sex.”
The ‘female’ hormones
Oestrogen and progesterone
These two hormones are secreted by your ovaries and control your menstrual cycle, but they take a big tumble at menopause. Oestrogen is responsible for soft skin and a distinctively feminine body shape – one reason you can be more Plant prone to weight gain oestrogens around the middle post may be menopause – and both helpful – get hormones also have an them in your effect on your mood. diet through
soya-rich
GET IN BALANCE: foods such as tofu “If you suddenly don’t feel yourself, it could be down to declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone at menopause,” says Marion. “Understanding that these feelings are down to hormonal changes and not, for example, depression, can be empowering. You could consider hormone-balancing therapy like bio-identical HRT.” Plant oestrogens may also help – get them in your diet with soya-rich foods such as tofu.
feel good The ‘hunger’ hormone
3 OF THE BEST CHEWABLE SUPPLEMENTS
Leptin and ghrelin
GET IN BALANCE: Regulating levels of ghrelin can help you keep a handle on your appetite. Some research has found that eating regular meals with a balance of wholegrain carbohydrates, such as oats, along with protein, is the best way to suppress ghrelin. Avoid too much fatty food to keep it in check.
Combining oats with protein will help to regulate your appetite
The ‘metabolism’ hormone Thyroxine Produced by the thyroid gland in your neck, it helps regulate your metabolism. “A decline in ovarian hormones at menopause has a knock-on effect on thyroid hormones too,” says Marion. “There’s actually an epidemic of underfunctioning thyroid and the symptoms are similar to depression – low mood, low energy, weight gain.” GET IN BALANCE: See your GP for a thyroid function test. A prescription of thyroxine can replace what’s missing and help you feel your normal self again.
Taking a vitamin supplement is a good way to help boost your hormonal health...
The ‘sleep’ hormone Melatonin This sleep-inducing hormone is churned out by your pineal gland when light levels drop in the evening. Melatonin is then released throughout the night, keeping you asleep until the morning – it drops off as the day gets lighter.
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GET IN BALANCE: Trouble nodding off? Make sure your bedroom is as dark as possible to encourage melatonin production. And turn off the tech - the blue light emitted at high levels by smartphones, tablets and laptops can suppress levels of melatonin and keep you awake.
The ‘stress’ hormone
Healthspan Vitamin C 500mg £12.95/320 chewable tablets. Give your immunity a boost with the added bioflavonoids that make it easier for your body to absorb the Vitamin C. From: www.healthspan.co.uk
Cortisol
Also known as the fight-or-flight hormone, this is produced in your adrenal glands and it’s a hormone you want to lower rather than raise. “Lots of women have high cortisol all the time and it can lead to a range of symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, lowered immunity and weight gain,” says Marion. GET IN BALANCE: This is all about addressing your whole lifestyle. Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet and make time for relaxation. If you’re under pressure at home or work you might not be able to avoid stress but you can still build in time to unwind and de-stress, even if it’s just a soak in the bath and an early night.
Always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking any new medication or supplements
Bioglan Omega-3 MultiVitamin Vita Gummies £9.99/60 fruit-flavoured chews specially for adults, packed with essential fats, vitamins and minerals to help keep your brain and vision healthy. From: Holland & Barrett
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PICS: GETTY IMAGES, ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK
These hormones work in tandem to control appetite. Ghrelin, released mainly in your stomach, is the hunger hormone that tells you when to eat. Leptin is made in your fat cells and sends you signals of fullness when you’ve had enough food.
In sickness and in health No one expects to get a chronic illness and it can be tough at first, but with an open attitude and lots of TLC, life can still be enjoyed
W
hen chronic illness affects you or someone you love, it’s normal to feel helpless and alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way. “While the initial diagnosis may push your understanding of ‘in sickness and in health’ to a whole new level, it’s important to realise illness affects everyone differently,” says psychological therapist and couple’s counsellor Annie Gurton. The way in which you and your partner will cope could be worlds’ apart, so if your relationship has been touched by long-lasting illness, here’s how to move forward with it without crashing at the first hurdle.
illness is involved. Try to be as frank and honest about your illness and how it is affecting you as you can be. “You can’t hold anything back, because it will ultimately come back to haunt you.” Annie says. Talk about how you are feeling and try to clearly communicate your needs. If you are struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis, explain that and ask for more time to process how you’re feeling in yourself before you talk to your partner. Keeping the lines of communication open between you helps to prevent anger and bitterness creeping in. And that makes it easier for your partner to support you in a way that works for you both.
Be honest and open
Nuture friends who can support you
The key to a happy and healthy relationship is being able to communicate effectively and that becomes even more important when
Social isolation can be a serious problem for those suffering from chronic illness. One way to avoid it is
to embrace strong friendships, which can act as a buffer against loneliness. “Try reaching out to friends and explain to them what’s happening to you. While some may find it too hard and confronting, others can be a great support for your mental health over the months and years ahead,” says Annie. Make sure your partner feels free to socialise without feeling guilty about being away from you. It’s still important to have your own individual lives as far as possible. Take advantage of support groups. “They offer the best kind of friendship – with people who’ve been through what you’re experiencing. They really know what it’s like and their advice can be invaluable because it comes from a place of experience and compassion.” n Talking to other people really helps – turn to p115 to find out more about the Yours Carers In Touch group.
SHARE HOW YOU FEEL WITH EACH OTHER It’s important to air your concerns as much as you can, especially if you’re the person with the illness. “While no-one wants to be a bore, it’s unhealthy to suffer in silence. So be clear and direct from the outset,” Annie says. If you don’t like your partner fussing over you, want to take some time away from visitors or just have some time to yourself, it’s better to explain that than put up with things and feel resentful.
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If you’re going to need long-term care because of your illness, you may want to think about how that will affect your relationship and discuss how that will impact on your partner’s life. “Some people struggle to come to terms with the effect long-term care has on their relationship and partner, so talk about how you feel and explore all the options open to you together.”
GOOD to KNOW MAKE POSITIVE PLANS AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
Treat yourself kindly
Chronic illness can shift the balance in an otherwise healthy relationship. The more responsibilities one partner takes on, the greater the imbalance. So if you’re the care-giver in the relationship, after a while you may start to feel overwhelmed and resentful. “Caring can make you vulnerable
The key to a happy and healthy relationship is being able to communicate effectively
difficult, so if they are caring for you make sure they have someone to turn to for support. Work together towards building a future that is still happy and rewarding but that takes into account your new limitations. remember, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed every so often, so take things slowly and always be kind to each other.
to a whole host of physical and emotional difficulties,” says Annie. Keep an eye out for signs of burnout such as irritability, changes in appetite, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep pattern, emotional and physical exhaustion, and withdrawal from friends, family and loved ones. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seek help for your own wellbeing as well as support in caring for your partner. n carers Uk have a help and advice line for carers – call 0808 808 7777 or visit www.carersuk.org
Make time for a cuddle
Connecting with your partner on an emotional level is vital to any healthy relationship – you’ll experience ‘feel-good’ chemicals
in your brain, which make you feel happier and more vibrant. “It’s a wonderful tonic, especially if you’re dealing with an illness,” sex therapist Dr Gabrielle Morrissey says. “Sexual expression through touch makes you feel good, improves self esteem and makes you feel ‘normal’, so you can escape hospitals, doctors
Connecting with your partner on an emotional level is vital to any healthy relationship and other grim realities. It also gives your energy levels a boost, keeps depression at bay, and increases your ability to cope with illness and other difficulties in life, too.” Cuddling, kissing and spending time together as a couple is important for your ongoing relationship, making you feel positive about what you’re going through. “Make it something to look forward to; your capacity to feel good together is about more than just sex,” says Dr Morrissey.
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pics: alamy TexT: mark Brook
once the illness is ‘out in the open’ and everyone who matters knows about it, it’s a good idea to create a plan. That plan should include specific matters such as coping skills, dealing with finances, caring for children, intimacy, and learning to accept that life has changed. “your core values may also need to change,” annie says. “so from being the sort of person who once said, ‘i’m strong and i can cope with anything,’ you may have to learn to say, ‘i’m no longer invincible and will need to accept help from others from time to time, but that’s ok’. it can take time to come to terms with this, so be kind to yourself.” also think about support for your partner. Helping and caring for someone with a chronic illness can be incredibly
Bubbles the
Bunny Have a go at making this cute crocheted rabbit – ideal for a grandchild to snuggle up to!
YOU WILL NEED: n Head, body, arms, legs:
n n n n n n n n
Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, shade 019 Duck Egg (light blue) Tail: Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, shade 001 White Muzzle: light pink felt Nose: black felt Mouth: black embroidery thread Bow: pink gingham ribbon 4mm crochet hook Pair of safety eyes Stuffing
ABBREVIATIONS ch – chain; dc – double crochet; dc2tog – insert hook in st and draw up a loop. Insert hook in next st and draw up another loop. Yarn over, draw through all three loops on hook; rem – remaining; rep – repeat; ss – slip stitch; st(s) – stitch(es)
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Difficulty rating
✪llll
fun to make METHOD FOR THE HEAD
Make 2ch. Round 1: 6dc in second ch from hook. Round 2: 2dc in each st. (12 sts) Round 3: *1dc in next st, 2dc in next st; rep from * to end. (18 sts) Round 4: *1dc in next 2 sts, 2dc in next st; rep from * to end. (24 sts) Round 5: *1dc in next 3 sts, 2dc in next st; rep from * to end. (30 sts) Round 6: *1dc in next 4 sts, 2dc in next st; rep from * to end. (36 sts) Round 7: 1dc in each st. Round 8: *1dc in next 4 sts, dc2tog; rep from * to end. (30 sts) Round 9: *1dc in next 3 sts, dc2tog; rep from * to end. (24 sts)
Round 10: *1dc in next 2 sts, dc2tog; rep from * to end. (18 sts) Round 11: 1dc in each st. Round 12: *1dc in next st, dc2tog; rep from * to end. (12 sts) Insert eyes in place and secure. Stuff head firmly. Round 13: *Miss 1st, 1dc in next st; rep from * until opening is closed. Fasten off.
FOR THE BODY
Make 2ch. Round 1: 6dc in second ch from hook. Round 2: 2dc in each st. (12 sts) Round 3: *1dc in next st, 2dc in next st; rep from * to end. (18 sts)
Yours tip... If you’re making a soft toy for a child under the age of two it is safer to embroider eyes rather than use plastic ones
Rounds 4-10: 1dc in each st. Fasten off. Stuff. Pin and sew to head.
FOR THE ARMS
Make 2ch. Round 1: 6dc in second ch from hook. Round 2: 1dc in each st. Continue until arms measure 3cm (1¼in). Fasten off. Do not stuff. Pin and sew to body.
FOR THE LEGS
Make 2ch. Round 1: 6dc in second ch from hook. Round 2: 1dc in each st. Continue until legs measure 3cm (1¼ in). Fasten off. Do not stuff. Pin and sew to body.
This is an alternative way to begin crocheting in the round. It’s tricky to master, but has the advantage that there’s no hole left in the middle of your starting round.
1
Form a loop with your yarn. You will need to loop the yarn around your fingers so the end attached to the ball lies on the right, while the tail of the yarn lies on the left.
2
Slide the crochet hook under both pieces of yarn from right to left. Use the hook tip to grab the yarn from the working (ball end) of the yarn.
3
Pull the portion of yarn you grabbed through the ring to create another loop on your hook. Note that this does not count as your first stitch.
FOR THE EARS
Make 2ch. Round 1: 6dc in second ch from hook. Rounds 2–6: 1dc in each st. Fasten off. Do not stuff. Pin and sew to head.
4
Chain as many stitches as the pattern calls for into the ring.
FOR THE TAIL
Make a small pom pom and sew on body.
FOR THE FACE
HOW TO START A MAGIC RING
Cut out a felt oval for the muzzle and a felt oval for the nose. Sew nose on muzzle. Embroider mouth detail and sew muzzle to head. Make a small bow and sew to centre of head.
5
Hold the working end of the yarn taut while gently pulling down on the tail end. As you do this, the stitches should close together at the centre, completing your magic ring.
6
Slip stitch into the first stitch. To close this round and start the remainder of your pattern, make a slip-stitch into the first stitch of your ring, and proceed to the next round.
n Taken from Super-Cute Crochet, over 35 adorable amigurumi creatures to make, by Nicki Trench. Published by Cico Books (rrp £9.99)
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star chat
life
n it’s never too late to realise your dreams
n my golden memory
Winning my first gold medal at the age of 40 (in the 10,000 metres at the European Athletics Championship in Zurich), an age when many sports people have retired, proves it’s never too late to achieve your dreams. This doesn’t apply only to athletes; it holds good for anyone in any walk of life. If you want to change careers or start a new life somewhere, you can still find that happiness.
n happiness leads to success I had my first child, Jacob, when I was nearly 36 and my second child, Emily, at 40. It’s no coincidence that my best years as an athlete have come after becoming a mum. My children make me so happy and give me a massive psychological boost
Jo at the london 2012 Games
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that feeds into my running. Before Jacob and Emily came along, my life was a routine of eating, sleeping and training and I was very stressed about running. Now I’m more relaxed and this is reflected in my performances on the track.
n Don’t sweat the small stuff I roomed with my good friend Dame Kelly Holmes at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and we always laugh about how tidy she was, while I was so messy. I’m a big believer in not worrying about the small stuff. There’s always an ever-increasing pile of laundry that needs putting away in my house, but there are more important things in life than having a tidy home. What matters most is that my husband, children and I are happy, healthy and active.
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It was surreal winning gold in Zurich. I kept thinking, “Things like this don’t happen to me,” and I put my arms only half way up because I couldn’t believe I’d won. I was then asked to do a lap of honour and I was able to enjoy that fully and take it all in. It was lovely being able to run over to my beautiful children and husband in the crowd to celebrate with them. They are always so supportive.
n Working relationships can be perfect Not everyone can work with their other half, but I’ve been coached by my husband Gavin since 1996 and it works just fine. We genuinely do enjoy working together. Also, I find it much easier to be brutally honest with Gavin than with someone else, and he feels exactly the same.
n Be flexible A flexible approach enables me to train as an athlete and look after my kids. Gavin and I often take the kids with us on my training runs. Jacob will go on his bike and Gavin can push Emily in the running buggy. I also have a treadmill in a cupboard at home, which enables me to train without leaving the house. I take Emily’s baby monitor in there with me so I can keep an eye on her while she sleeps and I run!
n challenges are good I turn 43 in September, but I’ve no plans to retire. My next goal is the 2017 World Athletics Championships, which takes place in London next summer. It will provide another chance to run in front of a home crowd, as I did at the London Olympics in 2012. That was just unbelievable.
n Jo was talking to clyde mcGarrigle n Jo’s book, this mum runs, is published by yellow Jersey press (£18.99)
And finally… n What i would tell my 18-year-old self i’d tell myself to never give up because i had a lot of injury setbacks during my career. But the most important bit of advice would be to surround myself with happy people i love, because they always help you achieve better things.
pics: rex/shutterstock, alamy
MY LESSONS FROM
British runner Jo Pavey, 42, whose Rio appearance makes her the first British runner to compete at five Olympic Games, chats to Yours