‘Why I’m glad D In an exclusive interview with Yours Dame Maggie Smith chats about playing the Countess, her love of ‘battier’ roles and why she tried to put her own sons off from going into acting
Yours favourite Dame Maggie: stepping out in style and inset, as the acid-tongued Countess
❙ star chat ❙
By Gabrielle Donnelly ews earlier this year that Downton Abbey will finally draw to a close at the end of the next season came as a sore blow to everyone – but Maggie Smith. Greatly as she has relished playing the tarttongued terror Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, she agrees that all good things must come to an end – and as far as the costumes are concerned, the end can’t come quickly enough. “It’s not riotously funny to be in corsets and a wig from 7 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock at night,” she says firmly. “We have had a great time making the show – the cast are enchanting and all the young are really lovely so it was all very enjoyable on that level. But to tell you the truth, the corsets are agony! God knows how they lived in the days when they had to wear them all the time – God knows.” It is a good old rainy British afternoon at Highclere Castle and Dame Maggie, in full Lady Violet mode, is sipping elegantly at a cup of tea. “I think the success of Downton,” she says, “has had a lot to do with the fact that it shows the world a sort of magical idea of what England used to be like, with wonderful houses and the sun shining all the time. And, well, I don’t know for certain, but I’m pretty sure it was really always like today, chucking it down with rain and generally cold and everyone
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From top: with baby son Toby in1969, and her sons Toby and Chris pictured recently
trying to do things without getting drenched!” She adds, hastily, that there has been more to the show – created and written by Julian Fellowes, and winner of more TV awards than his Mr Bates could shake his stick at – than just nice scenery. “Of course, Julian’s writing is brilliant – that’s the most important part. Plus, there’s the fact that there are a whole group of us in the cast who really enjoy being together. We have been doing this for a long time now, and a lot of the younger actors have grown up together, so that is a great joy. We won a Screen Actors Guild Award, and I don’t think it’s by accident that the award didn’t go to one of us but to the
‘All good things must come to an end and as far as the costumes are concerned the end can’t come quickly enough!’
whole company. We’re really an ensemble, and that’s a wonderful thing to be part of.” Dame Maggie has been acting for, quite literally, all of her professional life. The daughter of health pathologist Nathaniel Smith and his Glasgow-born wife Margaret, she was brought up in Oxford and left school at 16 to join the Oxford Playhouse. She says, proudly, that she has never had a job outside acting and the theatre. “I don’t think I could do anything else even if I tried! I was a theatre dogsbody at the Oxford Playhouse for five years, and I never even had time to get a conventional job like waitressing because there was always something else for me to do in the theatre. Because it was a repertory system they did a lot of plays, and so I did a lot of understudying, although nobody ever fell over, or became dramatically ill or anything, so I never got on. “I did become very good friends with Ronnie Barker, who also came from Oxford and had been at school with my brothers. In fact, about the first thing I did do at the Playhouse was a play called The Letter by Somerset Maugham, in which he and I played two Chinese boys in an opium den. We never acted very much together when we were adults because he was mostly in television. But he was a terrific actor, was Ronnie, just terrific.” Best known as a stage actress for most of her career, she became famous to a wider audience in the Harry Potter films playing YOURS
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d Downton is ending’
Style Anti-ageing notes
The Yours Beauty Ambassadors
Wendy Stripp (72), Ormskirk
Delia Bennett (74), Loughborough
Linda Wilkinson (61), Rugby
Rita Fellows (76), Littlehampton
Linda Graham (66), Newcastleupon-Tyne
Rita tested…
Bourjois Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer £10.99/15ml The claim: Illuminates complexion and boosts radiance with no greasiness, leaving skin feeling soft and supple. Rita’s verdict: I found the instructions were far too small to read, but the pump bottle made it easy to apply. My skin absorbed the product easily and it was nongreasy, providing an excellent base for my foundation. Final thoughts: I felt it gave my face a glow (my partner agreed) and I will be buying 4 5 it again.
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Create a flawless base for foundation with the latest beauty must-haves By Lizzy Dening rimers are very popular because they have so many benefits, especially when it comes to anti-ageing. They fill in fine lines, reduce the appearance of large pores and make it easier for you to apply your foundation. They also help to keep your make-up in place and smudge-free for longer so it’s no wonder that make-up artists swear by them. Make sure to buy a primer before you go on holiday as they are great for preventing shine on warm summer days, too. Apply a pea-sized amount to your skin about five minutes after moisturising. Using your fingertips, massage it into your face to help get your circulation going and to make
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Our Beauty Ambassadors have put five of the best to the test!
sure you have an even coverage. Gently sweep some under your eyes with your ring finger to help any undereye concealer to glide on smoothly, as well as on your lids to correct redness, help eyeshadow stay in place, and even soften crow’s feet. Dab a little on your lips to stop lipstick from feathering, then apply your make-up over the top as usual, finishing with pressed or loose powder to set the look. Alternatively, primer can be worn on its own instead of foundation, to improve your skin tone without adding any extra colour, or you can dab it on your cheekbones as a highlighter to give your face a youthful lift.
Delia tested…
Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer £6.99/30ml The claim: Delivers up to eight hours of extended make-up wear; visibly blurs and minimises pores and imperfections with a skin-perfecting formula. Delia’s verdict: The product has a thick consistency and for about 30 minutes after application my skin felt a bit tacky, but then turned smooth and soft. I used it both under foundation and on its own, but apart from an improvement in my skin’s texture, I didn’treally notice much difference. Final thoughts: I’d rather pay a bit more and buy a product with a more 2 5 noticeable effect.
Primers fill in fine lines, reduce the appearance of large pores and make it easier to apply your foundation
primers
on test Linda Wilkinson tested…
L’Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer £9.99/20ml The claim: Provides a light, enriching base which illuminates the skin and provides up to eight hours of hydration. Linda’s verdict: I applied the primer after moisturising and liked the light texture. It left a sparkly effect on the back of my hands – it was a bit like using liquid silver! My skin looked brighter and I could see light being reflected – I even used a little over my foundation for instant highlights. Final thoughts: I preferred using it without make-up as it left my skin 4 looking bright with a youthful glow. 5
Wendy tested…
£5/30ml The claim: Moisturising, non-sticky base coverage WINNER BASED ON which holds make-up PRICE in place. Wendy’s verdict: While the packaging was minimal, it didn’t matter as it was so easy to apply and made my make-up feel and look good all day. It also made it easier to apply. I really liked the fact that I didn’t need to touch it up all the time which was really impressive. Final thoughts: It’s a real winner as it’s excellent value and a little 5 goes a long way. I’d buy it again. 5
Linda Graham tested…
Clarins Paris Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch £26/15ml The claim: This awardwinning primer is the perfect 5 5 combination of make-up and skin care. Fills in the appearance of lines, wrinkle and pores. Linda’s verdict: It was very easy to apply and left my skin feeling smooth and silky. It’s very pricey, but I only needed a little to make a big difference. It also made my foundation easier to apply. Final thoughts: My husband said my skin looked more radiant and healthy. I would definitely buy this again.
STOCKISTS: Bourjois www.bourjois.co.uk; Clarins 0800 036 3558 www.clarins.co.uk; George 0800 952 3003 www.direct. asda.com; L’Oreal 0800 0304 032 www.loreal-paris.co.uk; Rimmel www.rimmellondon.com. Details correct going to press.
PIC: ISTOCK PHOTO
George Face Primer
✢ NEXT ISSUE Our top beauty tips on how to fake a youthful glow YOURS
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Style notes
Blue stripes There’s nothing more classic then a navy stripe! It’s worth investing in a good quality striped top or jacket as it will never go out of date. Carol Ann wears: Stripe jacket, £59, 8-20, Monsoon; top, £25, 10-20, Twiggy at M&S; white trousers, £30, 10-20, Next; shoes, £35, 3-8, Next; bag, £35, Floozie at Debenhams Or try these… Shirt dress, £30, 10-20, Bhs Stripe skirt, £10, 10-20, F&F at Tesco Blouse, £25, 10-18, Very Tunic dress, £68, 8-16, People Tree
Choose your STOCKISTS: Bhs 0344 4116000 www.bhs.co.uk; Bonmarché 0330 026 2728 www.bonmarche.co.uk; Debenhams 0844 800 8877 www.debenhams.com; F&F at Tesco 0800 323 4070 www. clothingattesco.com; George at Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com; Jacques Vert 0344 7705838 www.jacques-vert.co.uk; Laura Ashley 0871 9835999 www.lauraashley.com; M&Co 0800 031 7200 www.mandco.com; Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200 www.marksandspencer.com; Next 0844 844 8000 www.next.co.uk; People Tree 0845 450 4595 www.peopletree.co.uk; Very 0843 5573635 www.very.co.uk; Wallis 0844 984 0266 www.wallis.co.uk; Details correct at time of going to press
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SUMMER STYLE Grown-up trends to keep you looking smart in the warmer weather By Jo Winch
Bohemian style
Fabulous florals
A perfect trend choice for summer holidays, choose loose, flattering kaftans in browns and oranges, mixed with brown leather or suede accessories. Joan wears: dress, £30, 10-18, The Collection at Debenhams; necklace, £15, Next; bag, £8, George at Asda; sandals, £32, 3-8, Next
Not a trend for wall-flowers, this season’s take on florals is bold and beautiful. Complement the print with bright basics! Carol Ann wears: floral top, £24, 10-18, M&Co; cardigan, £18, 10-20, Bhs; trousers, £35, 10-18, Julien Macdonald at Debenhams; pumps, £15, 3-8, Bhs Or try these… Top, £22, 10-20, Bhs Dress, £32, 10-24, David Emanuel at Bonmarché
Or try these… Kimono, £16, 8-18, George at Asda Blouse, £30, 10-20, Next
Nude tones
It’s summer’s must-have colour and there’s a shade for everyone. If you’re nervous, you can also add touches within a print or with accessories. Grey, blue and white and even khaki are great colours to mix with warm yellow. Carol Ann wears: top, £38, 12-32, Simply Be; scarf, £12, Bhs; jeggings, £18, 8-20, Bhs; bag, £24.50, Laura Ashley Or try these… Skirt, £18, 10-20 Blouse, £14, 10-20, both F&F at Tesco
Or try these… Skirt, £30, 8-20, Wallis Blouse, £14, 10-20, F&F at Tesco
✢ NEXT ISSUE Save money with our ideas for a capsule holiday wardrobe! YOURS
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PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP OLIVIA FERRIER
Feel-good yellow
Mixing pale pastels with creams is a sophisticated choice that looks smart and will keep you cool too. Joan wears: jacket, £55, 8-20, Next; top, £18, 10-20, Bhs; trousers, £30, 8-20, Next; necklace, Jacques Vert, £29; shoes, £25, 3-8, Bhs; bag, £24.50, Laura Ashley
Good to KNOW...
How to get on a
GAMESHOW
Find out how to appear on your favourite TV quiz show By Katharine Wootton hen you shout out the answers to your favourite TV quiz show, do you often think that you could do better than some of the contestants? Well, getting on a game show isn’t as difficult as you might think. And in the process you will have fun, meet lots of new people, and experience the whole process of putting together a TV quiz programme.
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Find a show for you The first step is to find a show you would like to appear on and make an application. Many shows advertise at the end of the programme so watch out for details of how to apply, usually just before or after the credits roll. “Don’t be afraid to apply for brand new shows that perhaps don’t even have a confirmed title yet as well as ones you’re familiar with,” says Di Coke, a regular game show contestant and competition winner. “The new ones get fewer applications, making it easier for you to get on.” Usually, you will be asked to film a pilot episode then asked back a second time if the show gets the go-ahead. Before you apply, it’s a good idea to consider whether the show is right for you. “You need to apply to a show that you are going to feel comfortable appearing on,” says SamDean McMurran, co-founder of beonscreen. com. “Some shows require you to share a lot of yourself in the application process and on the show so check out the format beforehand and make sure you feel happy with it.” “Shows such as Million Pound Drop, Pointless and Eggheads require you to have a partner so ask them to see if they’re interested first.” Di recommends pairing up with someone who has different interests so you can cover all topics. ✢ www.beonscreen.com puts most of the latest opportunities for existing and brand new shows all in one place. Also try www.bbc.co.uk/beonashow, www.itv.com/beontv, and www.channel4.com/ programmes/take-part
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Meet our experts Di Coke is a regular game show contestant and competition winner. She blogs about her experience and top tips on superlucky.me Sam-Dean McMurran is co-founder of beonscreen.com, the UK website that advertises opportunities to star on TV
Make your application sparkle Your application is your chance to make an impression so take your time over it. “Make yourself sound as interesting as you can,” says Di. “Include funny stories and any fun facts about yourself .” Some application forms ask you for information such as your signature party trick or if you have a quirky hobby. “You usually need to attach a photo so find one that shows you smiling naturally. Or you could do something a bit unusual – for example, when I applied for Supermarket Sweep I had a friend take a photo of me with a trolley in Tesco.”
Just be yourself If the producers like your application, you will usually get a phone call from them soon after applying. “Be chatty and enthusiastic. Sometimes you will be asked general knowledge questions, but you don’t have to get these all right. In fact, sometimes it’s better if you don’t, as getting some wrong answers often makes better television,” says Di. After this, you might be invited to an audition, usually at a big city near to you. You won’t necessarily be paid expenses for this so bear in mind how you’ll get there. “Once you arrive, start chatting to the fellow contestants,” suggests Di. “This will make you feel more relaxed and you might be able to pick up some tips from anyone who has done TV quiz shows before.” “Producers are trained to spot anyone who is putting on an act so just be relaxed and genuine,” says Sam. “The main thing they want to see is that you can talk about yourself freely and are up for a bit of fun.”
IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUIZ SHOW LOOKING FOR CONTESTANTS? Inspired to take the plunge? Here’s how you can be a contender. Keep It In The Family Bradley Walsh’s light-hearted family game show is looking for fun, outgoing families to take part. ✢ Visit www.itv.com/beontv/shows/kiitf Applications close June 21, 2015
The Chase Do you have what it takes to beat The Chaser? Casting has begun for series nine. ✢ Call The Chase hotline on 0207 157 3816 or visit https://itv.etribez.com/a/itv/ thechase/welcome.
Tipping Point The show, hosted by Ben Shephard (right), is on the lookout for new contestants. ✢ Visit www.itv.com/beontv/ shows/tippingpointseries6 Applications close September 28, 2015
Fifteen to One Could you be the next Fifteen to One grand champion? ✢ For an application form, email 15to1apps@remedyproductions.tv
Once you’ve got through the audition, it’s show time! You will be briefed in advance on what to bring with you. You usually need a couple of changes The Chase: Anne Hegerty of clothes in case you clash with and Bradley Walsh the other contestants. It’s a good idea to do some homework before you find yourelf in front of the TV cameras. “Try to swot up a bit before the big day,” suggests Di. “Go to a few pub quizzes or find a quiz on the Internet that’s similar to the one you’ll be on.” Then it’s just about enjoying yourself. “Being on a TV game show And if you fluff an answer? is an amazing experience,” says “It’s not the end of the world,” says Sam. “All the production crew are Di. “Getting stuff wrong just makes experienced in making you feel you human. welcome and completely at ease. “Being on a game show really is Any nerves or questions you have, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that someone will always be on set to talk you can tell stories about for years to things through with you”. come so just savour every moment.”
“Someone will always be on set to talk things through”
✢ Have you ever appeared on a TV quiz show? We’d love to hear about it. Write to the address on page 3.
Deal or no Deal? Would you like to beat the banker? ✢ Visit https://contestantform. dealornodeal.co.uk
Countdown This Channel 4 favourite is searching for contestants who are clever with anagrams and numbers. ✢ www.channel4.com/programmes/ take-part/articles/all/be-on-countdown to download the application form
The National Lottery: Win Your Wish List Hosted by Shane Richie, the BBC1 Saturday night game show is looking for lively couples to take part. ✢ Write to Win Your Wish List, Victory Television, The Hub, 70 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1EA or email wishlist@victorytelevision.com before August 1, 2015
PICS: REX SHUTTERSTOCK; GETTY IMAGES; ITV
Make the most of the moment
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You think you know...
Cyprus?
This sunny island is more than just a beach resort By Lizzy Dening
Cyprus is famed for its warm climate and delicious food, but if lying around on a beach isn’t your thing, there’s also plenty of culture, history and activities
Fabulous food
✢ With a Cypriot ‘meze’ there’s something for everyone to tuck in to – from tender kebabs, right, to salty haloumi cheese, spicy sausages, creamy houmous and sweet pastries and rice puddings. Be sure to visit Paphos – one of the nicest big towns on the island – and you’re guaranteed a fantastic meal. First, plan to have lunch at the pretty Last Castle restaurant on Avakas Gorge Road – it has to be during the day, as this rustic spot has no electricity! Everything is cooked on a traditional spit fire. 110
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Take a stroll around the archaelogical park at Paphos before enjoying an authentic Cypriot dining experience
There’s no menu either, and meat-eaters are given either chicken or pork with crusty potatoes and a salad, while vegetarians get a tasty bean stew. The ocean views are stunning, and the roof is a canopy of grapevines. Alternatively, visit the family-run 7 St George’s Tavern where everything, including the organic wine, is handmade and free of chemicals and preservatives. They serve a traditional meze and keep feeding you until you’re full! Try the sticky toffee pudding, made from dates grown around the restaurant. Yum! ✢ The Last Castle 00 357 26991088; 7 St George’s Tavern 00 357 26 963176
History lesson
✢ After you’ve taken a trip to see the ruins at Paphos, above, pack your camera for a day out in Salamis, Cyprus’ most important pre-Christian city. The site has a restored Roman amphitheatre, marble baths and mosaics, as well as a nice beach. It costs 3.50 euros to visit, and is easily accessible by water taxi from Famagusta. If you’re staying on the north side of the island, pay a visit to Kyrenia Castle in the Old Harbour. Built by the Byzantines, it has been updated and added to by conquerors over the years, and now contains a dungeon, chapel and museum. Rich in history, it also offers stunning views as you walk its ramparts.
Rural exploring
✢ If you’re comfortable with the idea of driving a hire car, it’s definitely worth exploring the roads through the Troödos mountains to get an alternative view. It’s lush, green and much cooler than the rest of the island, perfect if you’re feeling hot and bothered! Marvel at Mount Olympus, visit some of the ancient churches and monasteries, go wine-tasting or enjoy a leisurely hike. Alternatively, travel to the tip of the Akamas peninsula in the west for a day at the Baths of Aphrodite. This peaceful natural grotto is said to be where the goddess of love used to bathe and makes for a perfect picnic spot.
The Troodos mountains provide the backdrop for the picturesque town of Lefkara
A drop of the good stuff…
Beach bliss
Feel like a goddess on Aphrodite Beach
near Paphos, which has a mixture of sand, shingle and intriguing rock pools, plus a local tavern that will let you use their sunbeds and umbrellas for free all day when you buy a drink.
✢ No visit to Cyprus is complete without a glass (or two!) of locallyproduced wine. The pretty town of Limassol holds an annual wine festival every September in the Municipal Garden. It’s been going since 1961 and is designed to be similar to ancient Greek celebrations. There’s a small entry fee, but a bottle of wine is included. ✢ For details on this year’s festival, visit www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy/ wine/index_en.html
We’ve included local phone numbers to use once in Cyprus, but if you want to call from the UK just add 0035 to the start of each number. Obviously international rates will be higher.
Artistic attractions
✢ Modern Art buffs will love the Nicosia Municipal Arts Gallery. Set in a former power station, there’s a permanent collection of paintings, photographs and more, as well as frequently updated exhibitions, plus it’s free to visit. For earlier work, pop into the AG Leventis Gallery, in the New City, where for 5 euros you can see works from the 16th to the 20th Century, including paintings by Monet and Renoir. There’s also an impressive number of works by Greek artists. ✢ Nicosia Municipal Arts Gallery 00 357 22797400, http://nimac.org.cy; AG Leventis Gallery 00 357 22668838, www.leventisgallery.org
Exchange rate at time of printing, 1 euro=72p sterling.
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PICS: ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK, STOCK FOOD
✢ Aphrodite’s Beach, in between Lemesos and Paphos, is probably the island’s most famous, thanks to its two upright rocks out in the water. Legend has it that they mark the spot where the goddess Aphrodite rose from the sea. Stay for a dip, but take a picnic rather than paying over the odds at touristy cafes. For a more secluded spot head to Vardas beach
FUN with the Make
Ladybird Rock Pe ts You will need: ✢ Newspaper ✢ Pebbles from the garden ✢ Acrylic paint ✢ Paintbrushes ✢ Black googly eyes ✢ Glue dots 1 Paint the top half of the pebbles red, and leave to dry. They may need another coat of paint, depending on the natural colour of the pebble – you can decide how well the paint has covered the pebble after the first coat.
✢ Image and project courtesy of Aisha Green for Hobbycraft
TRY THIS!
3 Decide which end of your pebble is going to be the face and paint this black, along with a black stripe down the middle and some black spots on the ‘wings’.
2 Once the pebble has completely dried, paint the back of it and leave it to dry again.
4 Place a glue dot on the back of two googly eyes and secure them in place on your ladybird’s face.
Instead of painting your ladybird rock pet the traditional red...
Why not opt for some thing a little dif fe rent like a ye llow or pink one?
Watch
Visit
✢ The Moomin family, along with their pals Little My and Snorkmaiden, take off on a perilous sea journey. After travelling through storms and past desert island dangers, they reach Riviera, a place that tests their family ties. Moomins on the Riviera (U) is in cinemas now.
✢ The Tank Museum in Bovington brings military history to life with the world’s best collection of tanks and action-packed live displays. Call 01929 462359 or visit www. tankmuseum.org
Read
Buy
✢ Teen adventurer Beck Granger finds himself stranded on a Himalayan mountainside and has to survive some of the hardest terrain on earth. Mission Survival: Lair of the Leopard, by Bear Grylls, out now, priced £6.99.
✢ Make packing the car for a day at the beach easy with these strong, flexible buckets (£6.99) and collapsible fishing nets (£5.99) from Wacky Practicals. To order call 0800 599 9458 or visit www.wackypracticals.com
EXTRA
FOR YOU
What’s your favourite way to keep the little ones happy? Get a £10 voucher if yours is published! Send us your tip with a photograph of your family to Yours (Fun with the Family), Media House, Peterborough PE2 6EA YOURS
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