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Secrets from the DCI Banks set! By Alison James
T
here’s something rather intimidating about Caroline Catz when she’s dressed as her DCI Banks character, the formidable Detective Inspector Helen Morton. “It’s the hairdo,” explains Caroline as we chat to her on the Yorkshire-based set of the crime series. “It’s rather severe, as you can see – pulled tightly back into a bun. I do find it hard to shake Helen off when I still have her hair. But that can be very
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As a new series of DCI Banks begins, actress Caroline Catz, who plays DI Helen Morton, reveals some scary moments on set useful when you want to get things done. When I am racing for a train at the end of the week and I’ve still got my hairdo on, I sometimes forget I’m not her. That’s quite useful because it gets you a ticket faster in the queue and certainly gets you through the barriers.” DCI Banks is known for its gritty realism and
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authenticity. Nevertheless, it comes as a surprise to learn that the mortuary scenes are filmed in a real mortuary rather than mocked up in a studio. “It’s really not pleasant,” Caroline comments. “I always tell myself that I won’t let it freak me out being there, but it always does. I’m like, ‘Get me out of
here.’ I literally run out once we’ve finished filming.” Caroline says her costar, Stephen Tompkinson, who plays DCI Banks, is wonderful at lightening the mood during the dreaded mortuary scenes. “Stephen has the most
star chat Caroline on the DCI Banks set with co-star Stephen Tompkinson. Also pictured, right, Andrea Lowe who plays (DS Annie Cabbot)
‘Stephen has the most amazing memory for identifying the theme tunes of old children’s TV programmes. He’s wonderful at lightening the mood in the grimmer scenes!’ are very striking. “Aren’t they just,” Caroline (45) enthuses. “It’s that very particular kind of Yorkshire, postindustrial landscape as well as these very beautiful rural aspects. That’s the wonderful thing about DCI Banks, you get that steely edge of the urban with the very romantic side of that amazing landscape. “There is something very powerful about the contrast of those two things pulling in different directions. DCI Banks just has a very particular look. “I’m from Manchester and I miss the north at times, so it’s great to be here. I always really enjoy watching the show for the locations as well as the storylines and the characters.” It’s clear she’s very fond of her character, Helen – severe hairdo and all. “I love doing this job. It’s so different from playing
Louisa in Doc Martin. In fact, Helen’s more like Doc Martin than Louisa. I think if they met they’d definitely get on! “Helen is a very particular kind of character. She’s very guarded and I find her quite interesting, personally. “She’s often misunderstood by her colleagues – she has a very dry sense of humour, which is sometimes confused for rudeness and she often is perhaps a little more direct than is necessary. All of which is great fun to play, as you can imagine. “But I think the point is she has great integrity. She is economical with the niceties, which she would probably consider a waste of time – and what others may consider being personable and easy to get along with. In a work environment she likes to get things done and to stay focused and that’s
what makes her a useful member of the team. “Unfortunately along with that comes the negative side. Her overly direct approach can be problematic for her colleagues, for instance.” So who is Caroline more like – Helen or the very personable Louisa from Doc Martin, which, by the way, returns next year? “That’s hard to say,” she replies. “They are very different and there are parts of me in both characters – it’s inevitable that you draw on your own personality when you’re playing someone.” We’d say it depends on the hair! n DCI Banks is on ITV1 on Wednesday evenings
PICS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, ITV
amazing brain and memory for identifying the theme tunes of old children’s TV programmes and he distracts me with those. “He also remembers all the characters’ names and those of the actors. It’s impossible to catch him out. I check out what he’s said online and he’s always right. “It’s very impressive and a great distraction. We also laugh a lot together – in fact the grimmer the scenes, the sillier we are. It’s a kind of release.” We’re guessing that Caroline, who’s married to actor Michael Higgs and has two children, Honor, aged nine, and Sonny (14) wouldn’t have liked to become a detective in real life. “I couldn’t cope with gruesome crime scenes,” she says. “Even when you know it’s made up and everything’s mocked up, it’s still terrifying. You imagine how awful it would be if it was real.” On a more cheerful note, it has to be said that the locations for DCI Banks
Baby talk! Caroline Catz with Martin Clunes in Doc Martin
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6 steps to…
BOOSTyour
brain power Some simple changes now can help keep your brain young and cut your chances of dementia in the future – health writer Charlotte Haigh McNeil tells us how
GET ACTIVE
PICS: MASTERFILE, SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY IMAGES
Exercise has been shown to have the biggest protective effect on your memory. “We know that what is good for the heart is good for the head, too,” says Dr Clare Walton, “and people who are physically active have a reduced risk of developing dementia.” Regular exercise means anything that gets your heart rate up for 30 minutes or more, such as taking a brisk walk, a game of tennis or a dance class.” Consistency is key, so what’s important is to do something you’ll enjoy and will be able to keep up, whether that’s zumba, jogging or swimming.
Dr Clare Walton is Research Manager at the Alzheimer’s Society
HAVE YOUR HEALTH CHEC ECKS It’s true to say that what’s bad for your heart is also bad for your brain. One study found that high blood pressure in mid-life increases your risk of dementia. And a big belly in middle age – even if you’re not particularly overweight – can also raise your risk. Those with the highest amount of abdominal fat are up to three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those with the lowest amount. To stay on track, make sure you go for your NHS Health Check every five years. The practice nurse will measure
your heart-risk factors and tell you what changes you need to make. High cholesterol and high blood pressure usually have no symptoms, so without tests you won’t know if you’re affected. Getting these conditions checked and controlled is a crucial step to maintaining your brain power.
Simple lifestyle steps have been proven to dramatically cut your risk of dementia by 60 per cent
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DRINK LESS
TRY NEW THINGS “There is growing evidence to suggest people who keep their brains busy tend to have lower rates of dementia,” says Clare. “Recently there has been widespread interest in the potential of braintraining games. “These could be a good way for people to keep their brains active, but we need to see more long-term research before we can be sure of how much benefit they can really offer.” But, she says, puzzles (such as crosswords and Sudoku) and other word games could help too. Think about taking up a new hobby, such as learning a language – it could help slow brain ageing. Even reading every day could reduce your risk by up to 15 per cent.
There is growing evidence to suggest people who keep their brains busy tend to have a lower risk of dementia
DON’T SMOKE! Smoking raises your risk of dementia by a whopping 45 per cent according to a World Health Organisation report. The more you smoke, the higher your risk. Don’t waste time – the sooner you quit, the sooner you’ll see the benefits to your memory. Speak to your GP or pharmacist, or visit quit.org. uk for help and support. Even secondhand smoke might contribute to dementia, so take steps to avoid exposure if your partner smokes.
MACMILLAN
Try to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week (a small glass of 12 per cent wine has 1.5 units), and have at least two alcohol-free days. Drinking more than 4.5 units daily has been linked with speedier cognitive decline and a raised dementia risk. In the past a compound in red wine has been linked to a healthier memory, but recent research found that to get the benefits you’d need to drink 1,000 bottles a day! Red grapes, raspberries and dark chocolate contain the same compound so snack on those instead.
CAN HELP
If you or a loved one are living with cancer it can be difficult to know where to turn. But you’re not alone – Macmillan are on hand to offer practical help and emotional support to you and your family in a range of different ways. Cut out and keep these details handy, or give them to a loved one that may need support
Support Line
Whether you’re worried about practical issues, have questions about treatment, or just want someone to listen, call them on 0808 808 0000, Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm.
Get slim the continental way Keeping your weight down has been shown to help lower dementia risk. But it’s not just about losing weight – eating the right kind of food also counts. “There is an increasing amount of evidence that eating a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fish, vegetables, legumes and nuts is good for your brain,” says Clare. “And research has shown that this type of diet is associated with lower levels of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are all risk factors for dementia.” Make sure you eat plenty of wholegrains too, a diet pioneered by Rush University, US, which has been found to halve risk of Alzheimer’s, includes three daily servings of wholegrains such as barley and oats.
Information Centre Drop in to one of Macmillan’s Information and Support Centres and you’ll find a friendly expert ready to listen to you and help point you in the right direction.
Online Community
Macmillan’s Online Community is where you’ll find people who really understand because they’re going through cancer too. You don’t have to face it alone. Visit macmillan.org.uk/community
Financial Support
Macmillan can help to make money one less worry. They’re there to support you with benefits advice, grants, financial products guidance and more. Call them on 0808 808 0000, Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm.
Because no one should face cancer alone
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THE AUTUMN
Fashion Editor Michelle Nightingale discovers the key autumn essentials that will ensure you stay stylish throughout the season
one of us want to spend a fortune to take our wardrobe from season to season, so we’ve made sure that these gorgeous buys will look as good now as they will next spring. If you’re looking to spend less, choose a few investment pieces or classic buys –
EDIT
FASHION N 1 a neutral coat, a sleeved dress and a pair of boots are staples you’ll wear every year. Then ramp up the fashion factor by adding trend-inspired pieces. To give you a head start we’ve pulled together some of this season’s key pieces. We guarantee you’ll be stepping into autumn in style – whatever your budget.
Machine washable
Floral prints in darker hues are everywhere this season. We love this dress – perfect for daytime or evening. n Dress, £80, 8-20, Laura Ashley | Necklace, £16, Next
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TREND ALERT! MOODY BLOOMS
Cashmere is a luxurious wardrobe investment that can now be found at affordable prices on the high street. n Cashmere sweater, £75, 6-22, M&S Collection | Skirt, £36, 6-22, Next | Ankle boots, £38, 3-8, Next
n £69, 3-8, M&S Collection
n £39.50, 3-8, M&Co
seasonal trends
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Choose a classic coat in a neutral tone and you’ll have a wardrobe staple that you’ll wear year after year.
n Far left: Blouse, £75, 8-20, Laura Ashley | Coat, £49, 8-22, F&F at Tesco | Trousers, £26, 10-32, Simply Be | n Left: Coat, £119, 8-24, Per Una at M&S | Top, £24, 8-22, Next | Jeans, £16, 8-20, F&F at Tesco Investment coat
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AVO RIT U
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n £27.50, M&S Collection
PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST DANIELLE ELMESHUGHES; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN
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TREND ALERT! WINTER CHECKS
Checks are always a go-to during the colder months – but keep them smart by choosing a dress or stylish accessories, rather than a more casual shirt option. n Dress, £38, 6-22, Next | EDITOR’S Scarf, £14, M&Co
n £14, M&Co
n £17.50, M&S Collection
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HOW TO...
Avoid a trip to the
VET
Keep your pets healthy and happy – not to mention saving yourself a pretty penny – with these simple tips from an expert By Lizzy Dening
MEET OUR EXPERT Maeve Moorcroft is head of pets at Pets at Home
A
trip to the vet can be stressful for both you and your pet, but there are many medical conditions in cats and dogs that can be avoided with regular preventive treatments and high-quality diets. Maeve Moorcroft says: “Taking charge of your pet’s health can save you and them a lot of hassle.” Keep on top of those petcare jobs to save yourself a sizeable vet’s bill.
EVERY DAY
Feeding
“Pet obesity has become a big issue in the UK, with a large number of obese pets developing similar health problems to overweight people,” says Maeve. “Feeding them a good quality diet and giving them plenty of exercise will help. It’s especially important to limit the amount of treats or human food you give them.” Your local pet shop or veterinary nurse will be able to give you advice on the right diet for your pet.
Play and exercise Try to play with your cat for 10-15 minutes everyday. Make sure it has time to play outside. If yours is an indoor cat, invest in a cat tree and some toys for it to play with. Depending on breed, size and age, dogs need between 30 minutes and two hours’ exercise a day plus some play time.
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n For a simple test to determine whether or your dog is overweight, visit www.yours.co.uk/dogweight
GOOD to KNOW Should I be giving my cat or dog supplements? If your pet is healthy and eating a good-quality diet then supplements shouldn’t be necessary. Some larger dog breeds are prone to osteoarthritis, so supplementing their diet with glucosamine and chondroitin may help. Seek advice from your vet first.
Nail clipping Most pets don’t need their nails clipped because they wear away naturally, but if you can hear their claws clicking on the floor they may need a trim. You can do this yourself
Brush their teeth
“You can brush both dogs’ and cats’ teeth using specialist pet toothpaste (never use human toothpaste) and a soft brush, to help prevent tartar build up and gum disease,” says Maeve. It’s much easier to train a young animal than an older one, starting with a soft finger brush and moving on to a pet toothbrush. If they really aren’t keen, there are various chew toys and biscuits designed to keep their teeth healthy instead.
Give them a brush Regular grooming will remove dead hair, dirt and dandruff as well as keeping your pet feeling happy. Brushing your pet once or twice a week could help to keep their coat healthy. It’s especially important for older pets who might not be able to groom as meticulously on their own.
ONCE A MONTH
Do a simple home health check
Start from the head and work down your pet’s body to check for any abnormalities. n Eyes and nose should be clear with no discharge or inflamed areas. n Ears should be free of any wax, lumps or matted hair. n Coat should be glossy and matt-free, with no flaky or inflamed skin. n Check their legs by feeling for lumps and bumps and watch them walk to ensure they aren’t lame. If you’re worried about anything, consult your vet.
ONCE A YEAR
Which vaccinations does my cat or dog need?
“Yearly vaccinations prevent your pet contracting serious infectious diseases, some of which can be life threatening,” says Maeve. “Dogs should be routinely vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis and infectious canine hepatitis. Cats should be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, herpes, calicivirus and leukaemia.” This trip to the vet is unavoidable, but it could help to prevent long-term problems and keep your pet healthy for years to come, so it’s worth the investment.
Don’t forget Flea and worm infestations are particularly common problems and could make your pet unwell. Take precautions by using a regular treatment. Scratching is a sign that your cat or dog already has fleas – and if they’re on your pet they are in your home, so don’t forget to treat carpets and soft furnishing, too.
n Learn the basics of pet first aid, including how to build the perfect emergency kit, at www.yours.co.uk/petfirstaid
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pics: shutterstock, adobe/jonathan oakes, aLamy, getty images
ONCE A WEEK
with a pet nail clipper. Ask someone to hold your pet still to make the process less stressful for everyone! Look for the pink ‘quick’ inside the nail before you start and be sure to clip 2mm away from it, removing the tip of the claw. If your pet has black claws it can be hard to see the quick, so you might want to take them to the vet. Don’t attempt to clip your pet’s nails if you’re nervous about it, it’s better to get professional help.
Top tourist spots Before you visit our quirky alternatives you’re sure to want to see Moscow’s most famous sights. n The Kremlin – you’ll be hard pushed to buy a postcard which doesn’t feature this stunning complex of palaces and cathedrals. Entrance tickets cost R500 and include access to five church-museums and the Patriarch’s Palace. Visit www.kreml.ru n Red Square – outside the walls of the Kremlin, this cobbled square is at the heart of Moscow. Make sure to take your camera. n St Basil’s Cathedral – keep walking through Red Square and you can’t fail to spot the psychedelic colourful domes of this landmark which dates back to the 16th Century. Inside, there are an amazing nine chapels to explore. Entrance costs R250. Visit www.saintbasil.ru
So you think you know...
Moscow From unique train tours to its world-famous ballet and a space race museum, there is much more to Russia’s capital than the Kremlin By Lizzy Dening
Up, up and away Since the historic space race of the Sixties, Russia and space travel go hand in hand. Find out more about the Soviet space programme at the Cosmonautics Museum which is set inside a dramatic titanium obelisk outside the All-Russia Exhibition Centre, built to commemorate the launch of Sputnik. If you grew up in that era, pictures of Laika, the first dog to orbit the Earth, as well as seeing the space capsule used by astronaut Yuri Gagarin are sure to spark some memories. n Closed Mondays. Tickets cost R250. Visit www.kosmo-museum.ru
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take a trip Get outside While Russia is renowned for its dramatic winters, in the summer you should find it perfectly pleasant (around 19°C in July). Enjoy the sunshine – or wrap up warm in the winter – to explore Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture and Leisure. The former funfair is now a great spot to bike, play table tennis or just take a stroll. In winter the flooded ponds make the city’s biggest ice skating rink. Designed in the Twenties to be a communist utopia, the architecture alone is of interest. There are numerous places to eat and various art exhibitions to enjoy, too.
Take a train tour The city is packed with options for unusual sightseeing. Train spotters will get steamed up over private Moscow Metro Tours that last for two or three hours and involve journeys to ten or 15 famously beautiful stations. You might spot an unusual Aquarelle train with exquisite painted carriages or hear tales of Metro-2, a secret underground line that supposedly connected the Kremlin with the KGB. n starts from £52 per person. available through english-based company Viator, call 020 3318 0421 or visit www.viator.com
A taste of history
n Travel back in time to communist Russia at Kommunalka restaurant. It’s designed to feel like a communal apartment, a flat shared by two or more families (the accepted way of life until the Eighties). As well as the food, which is typically traditional fare – potato salads, borsch and meatballs – there are many authentic details to enjoy, from vintage newspapers on the walls to old radios and TV sets from the Soviet era. Naturally, there are plenty of varieties of vodka to be sampled as well. n Prices from R170 for soup. Find it on strastnoi Bulvar
Perfect harmony Anyone with a passion for music will love the Glinka Museum of Musical Culture. The collection boasts more than 3,000 handcrafted instruments from all over the world, including a violin made by Antonio Stradivari. n tickets cost R200. Call 495 739 6226, find it on Fadeeva street
A night of culture For a special occasion, you can’t beat a night at the opera – or ballet – at the world-famous Bolshoi. Recently renovated, the building dates back 200 years and hosts many of the best performers from around the globe.
n For a bleaker – but instructive – exploration of the n Prices R200-4000. Visit www.bolshoi.ru country’s history, plan a trip to the Gulag History Museum. Enter via a courtyard lined with (Closed in July and august) pictures of political prisoners and meet Feeling guides dressed as guards to learn the inspired to visit horrifying history of these enforced labour camps which were still in Moscow? Turn to existence as recently as the Eighties. page 116 for a n tickets R150. Call 495 621 7310 or visit www.gmig.ru
great-value offer
We’ve included local phone numbers to use once in Russia, but if you want to call from the UK just add 007 to the start of each number. Obviously international rates will be higher.
at the time of writing, 10 Russian Rubles (R) are worth 12p
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PICs: alamy, getty Images
DON’T FORGET...
you’ll need a visa before visiting Russia, unless you’re travelling with an organised group. Apply well in advance as they can take ten working days or longer. Visit www.rusemb.org.uk
recipe inspiration
Quick and easy
meals
Tasty dinners cooked in almost no time at all SAUSAGE AND RATATOUILLE CASSEROLE A hearty meal made in minutes Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes n 454g (16oz) 8-pack n n n
n
British pork sausages 400g (14oz) new potatoes, diced 400g (14oz) chopped tomatoes 390g (14oz) can Waitrose Ratatouille Provencale ½ 25g (1oz) pack fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1. Place the sausages under a preheated grill for 15 mins, turning occasionally. Cut into thick slices once cooked. 2. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10 mins until tender, drain and return to the pan. Add the tomatoes and ratatouille and simmer for 5 mins. 3. Stir in the sausages and cook for 2-3 mins. Sprinkle over the parsley and serve. Per serving: 401 cals 22.4g fat (8.8g sat fat) Waitrose. Thousands more recipes can be found at www.waitrose.com/recipes
TR Y THIS...
Exotic Moroccanstyle tagine Perfect for slow cooking meals and does double duty as a serving dish n Available from
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