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29/3/11 15:50:53 29.03.2011 14:45 Rival Colour LTD

Will Lewis finally find true love?

Yours favourite Kevin Whately chats about the new series, family life and why TV ageism affects men too!

By Pam Francis t’s the role that has made him a household name – playing the unassuming Detective Inspector Lewis.

In the last six years that Kevin has been starring in his own series, the show has netted more than a billion viewers worldwide. But even so, he’s still bemused to find he’s often considered a ‘heartthrob’ – or as they call him the USA, a ‘hottie’.

“Women like Lewis because there’s something reassuring about him. He’s a perfectly nice old cove in his own way. But when it boils down to it, his popularity is just the power of television, isn’t it?

Despite his ‘hottie’ status, Kevin insists it’s not just female actors who suffer from ageism in TV. “It’s difficult because you lose your bloom and don’t look as

I Will Lewis and Dr Hobson (Clare Holman) ever sort out their love life?

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good on screen as you get older, but age isn’t a good enough reason not to use someone who’s good at what they do.”

As he’s confided to Yours readers before, the days of doing sex scenes are long gone. “I’ve done lots in my time, but I’d find them embarrassing now!” he says.

In this series, a kiss is as about as far as it goes, when he becomes attracted to one of his ex-sergeants, played by Saskia Reeves. And there’s still the hint of attraction between the inspector and Dr Laura Hobson (Clare Holman).

“They still don’t know what to do about their love lives,” says Kevin, “and this time Lewis actually gets to snog another woman, which could cause problems – but for various reasons it doesn’t carry on.

“Basically Lewis, like Morse, has turned into a grumpy old man. I didn’t want that to happen when the series first started, but I’m happy with it now, and it seems to work.”

It’s hard to imagine a less showbizzy actor. Kevin winces at the very idea of appearing on a celebrity reality show such as

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With John Thaw in Morse – but Kevin’s not ready to call time on Lewis yet!

Dancing on Ice, like fellow Geordie and friend Denise Welch.

Or Strictly Come Dancing.

“Absolutely not. Anything that has the word ‘celebrity’ in the title ain’t going to have me on it. I think, particularly for actors like me, it detracts from your ability to be someone else in a drama if people are too familiar with you as yourself. The more you do these shows, the less convincing you can be as an actor.”

He shuns awards ceremonies.

“I can’t remember the last time I went to one – I steer clear of them.

I don’t really like prizes, especially not for acting. I can see the point of Oscars for publicity, but I don’t like the idea of comparing one performance against another.”

Kevin admits that if there’s one thing that he and his character do have in common, it’s a lack of romanticism. “I’m not as bad as Lewis – he’s completely hopeless at it,” says Kevin.

“But I’m not romantic by any standards.”

That’s harder to believe when you learn that he kept his recent 60th birthday low-key, preferring a five-day break in Paris with his wife of 28 years, Still in love at 60: Madelaine, to a big with actress wife celebration.

Madelaine Newton

‘I’m sure that the time will come when we decide to call it a day just as John Thaw and I did with Morse’ “It was just the two of us, to celebrate our 60th birthdays which fall within two weeks of each other. It got to about a week before mine and we thought we ought to do something about it.

“When we hit 50, our kids sprung a surprise party on us, which was very kind, but it’s not us. This time, we said no party or presents – besides which, we don’t feel it’s much of a milestone, other than thinking, ‘how the hell can I be 60?!’

“What is great about it is that you’re not trying to prove anything to yourself or anyone else. I’m much more comfortable in my own skin now. As a teenager I suffered terrible shyness. I’m still shy, but it doesn’t bother me any more. It was all-consuming then.”

It’s just as well Kevin has lost his teenage shyness, as he’d find it hard to escape the public eye today. He was even spotted by a fan in Paris! “This little Parisian man with a Poirot moustache came up and started talking about Lewis, which was funny.”

Kevin met Madelaine in 1980 when they both appeared in the stage play, A Nightingale Sang.

“When she asked me if I was ‘married…or what,’ I said ‘what’ because I was living with a girl at the time. She thought I meant I was gay, which put her off for a while,” he recalls.

When they did finally get together, Kevin admits he didn’t pick the most magical moment to propose. “I asked Madelaine to marry me when she was in labour with Kitty, and she said ‘no’, probably because she had other things on her mind! It took two goes before she agreed!”

The couple live in a Buckinghamshire village near Milton Keynes with their 25-yearold son, Kieran. “With us, just having a lot in common is what makes it work. We suit each other.

We share everything.”

On the age front, he’s well aware that if he were a real detective inspector he’d be approaching retirement age by now, but Kevin isn’t hanging up his police badge just yet. “I’m sure the time will come when Laurence Fox and I decide it’s enough, in the same way as John (Thaw) and I did with Morse. But we’re definitely filming more this year.”

Finally, Kevin reveals his favourite role of all time – being a proud granddad to four-year-old Ivy. When he’s not working, he spends four days a week caring for her, while mum Kitty trains as an opera singer.

“It really suits me down to the ground. You see everything through the eyes of a child, so whatever age she reaches is fascinating. I love it – and yes, she does have me wrapped around her little finger.”

He also reveals it might not be long before there’s another actor in the family, for little Ivy is already showing signs of following in Granddad’s footsteps, singing constantly and acting a fair bit.

At which point Kevin apologises and says he has to dash. “I’m picking Ivy up from playgroup and giving her tea...”

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❝I’m going to report How royal memorabilia collector

By Alison James oyal memorabilia collector Margaret Tyler had the surprise of her life when an American TV station contacted her with a special request – could she join their wedding reporting team?

The 67-year-old gran’s amazing memorabilia collection – thought to be the largest in the UK – had caught the attention of TV chiefs on the other side of the Atlantic and they made a bee-line to her Wembley home to sign her up.

“I’ve done a couple of reports already,” she says proudly. “People from the station read about me and sent an executive from New York over to sign me up. I really enjoy doing the reports. I’ve been so busy since the engagement was announced and have had visits from Italian, French. Swiss, German, Japanese, Rumanian and American film crews. I’ve had the bunting up outside my house since February.

I’ll be watching the wedding on TV once I’m home, of course. I’ll have video-taped it, you see.”

Landing the reporter’s role is a just reward for Margaret, who has been a devoted collector of all things royal for decades. Her collection is insured for £40,000 and made up of 10,000 objects – and rising. It’s on the increase,

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Just her cup of tea: Margaret’s collection has drawn media interest from around the world – she’s considered an expert on all things royal

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t for American TV❞ Margaret Tyler’s passion for the Royal Family landed her a job!

“I’ve loved the royal family ever since I was a little girl and had the odd bit of royal memorabilia, but it was Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981 that really got me hooked,” she says. “Some people call it an obsession but I think it’s a lovely thing to do – although dusting isn’t much fun.

My four grown-up children and grandchildren encourage me.

They like trying to find me items I don’t already have for Christmas and my birthday.”

So how will Margaret be celebrating the royal wedding?

“I’ll be doing what I always do before a big royal event – having a tea party for friends and family a few days before the wedding.

We’ll drink lots of tea, chat about the royal family and put the world to rights. We may have it in the garden – it depends on the weather. I can’t wait! I’m so excited and hope the nation feels the same. This is such a special occasion and really should be celebrated by us all. William and Catherine remind me of a young Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, and I think they’ll have the same kind of long, happy marriage. They’re proper partners and Catherine looks such a sensible girl, doesn’t she? She’ll look especially stunning if she wears her hair up.”

Once the wedding is over – and that of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in July, of course – Margaret’s thoughts will turn to next year’s Diamond Jubilee.

“That will be another great occasion,” she says. “Especially if Catherine has had a baby by then.

What a wonderful way for the Royals to celebrate!”

William and Kate souvenirs…

Yours writer Joy Harris investigates what’s on offer...

Hear ye, hear ye... royal wedding souvenirs are now on sale, from the elegantly tasteful to the cheap and cheerful! Official merchandise ranges from a tea towel and hanging decoration to a pill box, tankard and plate. all available from the Royal Collection, 7 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1 OPP or call 020 7839 1377.

Or why not call Prince Charles’s Highgrove shop on 0845 521 4342 and snap up the last few Royal engagement picture jigsaws?

D Thousands of ‘unofficial’ souvenirs, include a limited edition Tetley tea towel, illustrating the royal couple as Tetley Tea Folk (left). For more details write to Tata Global Beverages, 325 Old Field Lane, North , Greenford, middlesex UB6 082 or visit www.tetley.co.uk D The amazon website is packed with royal memorabilia. You can invite the happy couple to brighten up your street party with a lifesize cardboard cut-out of William and Kate. We particularly love the coaster proclaiming ‘Keep Calm, You Can Still marry Harry’.

D Party shops nationwide have a range of bunting, royal wedding flags, banners, party poppers and tableware. amazon even has cut out party masks of the couple – but why is William only £1.60 and Kate £2.99?

D Or place your order with the middletons’ Party Pieces company. In a diplomatically labelled Best of British section, they have everything from a Union Jack teapot vase to chocolates and disposable cake stands.

D Turn to p54 for some of our special royal wedding offers.

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of course, what with the wedding of William and Catherine (Margaret politely corrects me for calling her Kate) almost upon us.

“The china’s been flying off the shelves at Her Majesty’s Royal Collection shop on Buckingham Palace Road,” explains Margaret.

“So far I’ve got a mug and a plate which they saved for me. It’s a very pretty gold, grey and white design – you never see a face on official pieces of royal china.”

Not that Margaret is without the odd image of a royal face in her three-bed roomed semi! In the hall there’s a shrine to the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the sitting room is crammed with mugs, plates, tea towels, vases, cushions, posters, placards, ornaments, figurines, dolls, magazines, books, newspapers, photos, wind-up Racing Royals, videos, and a replica of Charles and Camilla’s wedding certificate. Phew! Then there’s Margaret’s ‘Diana Room’ with its specially commissioned stained glass windows of Althorp (the ancestral Spencer home) and Kensington Palace, respectively.

The room also contains a tapestry of the late Princess’ school, a rug bearing her image on the floor and a painting of her on the ceiling. Margaret was hoping to add a ‘William and Catherine’ conservatory to her home but she’s been refused planning permission.

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blazer £35 sizes 8-22, Marks & Spencer

3 classic pi Treat yourself to these 50+ ensure you look good for SMARTEN UP Team this lightweight blazer with casual jeans and a belt to nip you in at the waist for a smart look.

Blouse, £29.50, sizes 8-22, Marks & Spencer; jeans, £35, sizes 8-22, short-long length, Marks & Spencer; pumps, £39, sizes 4-9, Lands’ End; belt, £8, New Look; bag, £10, Primark

Credits: Photography Ruth Jenkinson; Styling Jo Winch; Hair and make-up Sarah Jane Green and Olivia Ferrer.

DAY TO EVENING (inset top) Team your blazer with a flattering knee-length skirt and a detailed top.

Embellished top, £38, sizes 8-20, Betty Jackson at Debenhams; print skirt, £29.50, sizes 8-22, Marks & Spencer; earrings, £8, Allusions at Bhs; bangle, £15, Wallis

RELAX IN STYLE (inset bottom) For a classic look combine with smart cropped trousers and a simple top to effortlessly take you from spring to summer.

Pale green top, £25, sizes 8-22, Marks & Spencer; khaki trousers, £29.50, sizes 6-22, Dorothy Perkins; shoes, £45, sizes 3-8, Marks & Spencer

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frie e

pieces… 9 looks

+ or

Style notes

friendly wardrobe classics that will every occasion By Michelle Nightingale OUT FOR LUNCH Choose a super-flattering dress that’s comfortable to wear day or night. The sleeves are a perfect solution if you don’t want your arms on show. Simple yet stylish, with minimal accessories and sensible heels, this is the perfect Sunday lunch outfit.

Peep toe shoes, £30, sizes 3-8, M&Co; scarf, £8, Bhs; bag, £25, Marks & Spencer

DreSS £18 sizes 8-18, Tu at Sainsbury’s

ADD SPARKLE (inset top) Dress yours up with a cover-up and a bold necklace to add a touch of sparkle.

Silver lurex cape, £35, one size, Marks & Spencer; necklace, £20, CC

GO CASUAL (inset bottom) A pretty cardigan will give your dress a whole new look for casual days at home.

Floral cardigan, £35, sizes 8-22, Marks & Spencer StockiStS: Bhs 0845 196 0000; Bonmarché 01924 700100; CC 01845 573 120; Debenhams 0844 800 8877; Dorothy Perkins 0845 121 4515; GIVe 0844 335 1001; Lands’ End 0845 012 3000; M&Co 0800 031 7200; Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234; New Look 0500 454 094; Next 0844 844 8939; Primark 0118 960 6300; Tesco 0800 505 555; Tu at Sainsburys 0800 636 262; Wallis 0844 243 4320.

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Ask us anything… about looking good 1

Anti-ageing

3

2

beauty tricks at 50, 60 & 70+

Does your beauty routine nee lot of women cling to the same beauty routine they’ve had for years, making them look and feel ten years older,” says Trisha Chandler, make-up artist for Makeup Works (www.makeupworks.co.uk). Follow Trisha’s beauty tips, perfect for you whatever your age.

A

Whether it’s running around with your grandkids or heading off to work, finding a beauty routine that doesn’t take time is key.

D Tame your eyebrows Having your eyebrows professionally shaped can do wonders for your face. “An eyebrow wax or thread can instantly take years off you, framing your eyes and working like a mini facelift,” says Trisha. Don’t spend a fortune on expensive treatments every time your hairs grow back – follow the shape with your tweezers instead. These Slant Tweezers (£1.50) 1 from e.l.f are perfect.

D Protect with an SPF “No matter what your age, use sun protection all year round,” says Trisha. You’ll protect your skin from damaging rays and help prevent premature ageing. To save time

IN YOUR

50s

Stockists Avon 0845 601 4040 www.avonshop.co.uk; Botanics 0845 0708 L’Oréal 0800 072 6699; Maybelline 0845 399 0304; Rimmel available nation

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Did you

kNoW? 3

More than a third of women in a Superdrug survey admit they would never leave the house without wearing make-up

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tine need updating? Our expert has secrets for the age you are

After the menopause, your oestrogen levels will be low, causing the production of elastin and collagen in your skin to drop too. It’s common to develop sensitive skin, so help protect it wherever you can.

D Go green Swapping your morning tea for a cup of green tea could help keep you healthy inside and out. “Drinking just one cup a day will offer great anti-ageing benefits and help promote the production of elasticity in your skin,” says Trisha. If this

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doesn’t persuade you, then experts have found antioxidants in green tea can help delay the ageing process.

D Avoid foam cleansers “Chemicals in foam cleansers aren’t good for ageing skin, as they can strip it of its natural oils,” says Trisha.

As an alternative, try Boots Botanics Face Soothing Cleansing Balm (£6.63/70g) 4 . “Always apply your cleanser with a muslin cloth and lukewarm water – never piping hot, because it will dry out your skin even more,” says Trisha.

D Don’t forget your base To hide imperfections and even out your skin tone, always use a primer before applying your foundation. “Primers are fantastic for minimising fine lines and acting as a base for your foundation,” says Trisha. Try Maybelline Instant AntiAge Smoother (£9.99/7ml) 5 . The lightweight gel helps to even out your skin’s surface and hide fine lines and pores.

Your skin will now have calmed down, especially if you’ve taken good care & BEYOND of it over the years. But dry hair can still be a problem, so keep it hydrated with moisturising products.

IN YOUR

70s

0845 0708 090 www.boots.com; e.l.f 0845 6788 818 www.eyeslipsface.co.uk; Kérastase 0800 316 4400; ilable nationwide, www.rimmellondon.com; Tesco 0800 505 555 www.tesco.com;

D Nourish your hair Youthful hair is glossy and full of life, whereas ageing hair can look dull and dehydrated due to the lack of oil our hair glands produce as we age. To bring the life back to your crowning glory, treat it to a deep conditioning treatment like Kérastase Age Premium Masque Substantif (£25.90/200ml) 6 . “Hair treatments are great for giving your hair a boost and they work harder than conditioners because they absorb into the hair shaft rather than laying on the surface,” says Trisha.

D Stimulate your skin “If your complexion is looking dull and tired, revive it by treating your skin to a home facial massage,” says Trisha. “Gently massage moisturiser into your skin with your fingertips, using upwards and outwards strokes. This will help work it deep into the layers and give your skin a wonderful glow.”

D ‘Grow’ your eyelashes As with hair, your eyelashes might look a little sparse, but you can give them a helping hand. L’Oréal Paris Lash Renewal Serum (£11.22/7.5ml) 7 helps lashes look fuller, thicker and stronger in eight weeks.

There are plenty of ‘lash-growing’ mascaras available too, so save yourself time by using Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara (£8.99/8ml) 8 .

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PIC: GETTY IMAGES

and money go for a day cream that already contains an SPF, like Tesco Skin Wisdom Age Delay Day Moisturiser SPF 15 (£7/50ml) 2 , to help keep your skin hydrated and give it a youthful radiance.

D Avoid frosting By this, we don’t mean cake.

“Frosting lipsticks have a reverse effect on the face making you look much older,” says Trisha.

“The sparkle and shimmer will emphasise fine lines and make them look deeper.” Stick to creamy, moisturising lipsticks, like Avon Moisture Seduction Lipstick (£8.50) 3 – to take attention away from your wrinkles and keep lips hydrated.

By Jade Pickering

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Recharge your

health

Banish that gloomy feeling and put a spring in your step with these top energy and mood-boosting tips that will leave you feeling revived and refreshed

By Michelle Nightingale

1

Sleep well

A good night’s sleep is the simplest way to ensure you wake up full of bounce. If you find it difficult to nod off, then avoid stimulants and heavy meals before bedtime. If worries are keeping you awake, write them down before hitting the hay. Sleep problems can also result from certain vitamin deficiencies, particularly calcium and magnesium, as both help your mind’s ability to relax.

Foods containing tryptophan, which helps keep up your levels of sleep-essential serotonin, can also help – so try tucking into turkey, milk and eggs.

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spring

2

Start the day right

Porridge is a great all-day energy choice, as oats are stuffed full of potassium, magnesium and B vitamins for the ultimate vitality boost. If you prefer something a little lighter then try a fresh fruit salad, but avoid mid-morning hunger pangs by having a slice of wholemeal toast with low-fat spread on the side. For a gentle detox, drink a cup of hot water with a slice of lemon, take three deep breaths and gently ease yourself into the day.

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Get outdoors

A brisk walk in the fresh air is one of the easiest ways to lift your mood and recharge – plus it’s a great way to top up vitamin D levels.

“The effect of sunlight in short exposures has a moodboosting effect on our brains.

It also boosts vitamin D levels and combined with exercise has an overall de-stressing effect,” explains Lisa Hall, consultant aromatherapist for Makeup Works (www. makeupworks.co.uk). So, pop on your walking shoes and make the most of the nicer weather – but remember to take an umbrella, just in case.

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Harness the power of essential oils

“Aromatherapy is a fantastic tool to help increase your energy levels and improve your body’s immune response as well as helping to reduce stress levels,” explains Lisa Hall. “Stimulating essential oils such as ginger, lemon, orange, patchouli, peppermint, pine, rosemary and thyme oils are classic energy boosters. For a deliciously reviving morning bath, try the following recipe: • 2 drops orange oil • 3 drops rosemary oil • 1 drop peppermint oil • 1 drop thyme oil Fill your tub with warm water. The perfect temperature is 27°c (80°F) – too hot and you’ll dry the skin and the oils will evaporate too quickly to be therapeutic. Try to bathe for 15 minutes to really get the most from this morning treat.”

Forget dreary black and grey – some experts believe that the colours we wear affect the way we feel. For energy, pick brighter shades of blue and red and zesty shades of orange, yellow and green. And don’t stop at your wardrobe.

Painting the odd wall in your home a cheery colour will help you feel sunny all year round – even when it’s not so sunny outside.

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Bring the outdoors in

Research shows that houseplants can boost mood levels, lower stress and increase pleasantness! Not only will they brighten up your windowsills, but these leafy friends also help provide cleaner air by absorbing dust. Spathiphyllum (peace lily), chamaedorea (parlour palm) and dracaena (dragon tree) are popular choices that work hard to purify the air in your home.

Tuck into nature’s finest foods!

One of the main ways to boost your energy is to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. There’s plenty to choose from, but vitamin B-rich leafy greens, as well as leeks and radishes, are excellent energy boosters. Why not take it a step further by growing your own? We’ve got a special seed selection of five easy-to-grow vegetable varieties available for the special price of £9.99 (usual price £16.99). To order, call 0845 166 4040 or visit http://shopping.yours.co.uk and quote code YRO817.

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Ditch the black

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y talking point y

When you’ve got to go Councils across the country are cutting the provision of public loos.

A penny for your thoughts…

By Joy Harris t’s always good to know there’s a loo close by if you need one – not just for our generation, but for mums-tobe, those with toddlers and people with medical conditions that mean there’s little time to hang around when nature calls.

But in many towns and cities, a place to ‘go’ is becoming a rare luxury. Councils have no statutory obligation to offer facilities and, as budget cuts bite, public loos are increasingly being flushed off the bottom of the balance sheet.

The British Toilet Association, which campaigns for more and better public loos, estimates the latest cuts has left only 4,000 loo-cations in the country. Loo of the Year Awards director Richard Chisnell says: “We have lost 30 to 40 per cent of toilets in the last ten years. There are far sexier things in life – but we all need to go.”

Some authorities have entered into partnership with local shops and businesses, paying them to let us use their facilities which is cheaper than maintaining their own. But while this plugs a gap, such schemes can be complicated.

Everyone appreciates cuts are needed, but Yours wonders if councils have gone for the quick fix rather than considering the knock-on effects?

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FoR public loos

D We need them! Everyone needs a comfort stop once in a while – it’s a natural function, not a choice.

D Lack of loos might put off visitors to an area, with a knockon effect for trade and damaging the area’s reputation.

D Hanging on for too long can lead to bladder damage.

D Older people particularly will be left isolated, as they will be nervous of venturing out if they fear being ‘caught short’. A trip out is supposed to be relaxing, not fraught with worry.

D Councillors could easily make their cuts elsewhere (for instance, council executive salaries) – leaving essential toilet services intact.

AgAINST public loos

D Public loos are targets for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, often making them unpleasant to use.

D Supervised loos have the best chance of staying attractive and supervision costs money. (But it doesn’t take a maths genius to compare a few attendants’ low wages with seemingly excessive tiers of town hall management.)

D Partnership schemes are cheaper, and could offer a better quality environment. (But what happens when shops and businesses are closed?

Such facilities are also not always accessible to disabled people and rely on the goodwill of traders, who may feel unable to cope with toilet traffic other than their own customers.)

Don’t take it sitting down!

If you’re not happy with your council’s loo provision, start a local Where Can I Go? campaign with the support of the British Toilet Association.

Write the council a letter of complaint, badger your local councillor and MP, organise a petition and make sure your campaign gets a mention in the local media. Yours hopes you are flushed with success!

D For more help and advice contact the BTA on 01403 258779 or visit www.britloos.co.uk

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