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After EastEnders

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next for Barbara?

QUICK & EASY SUMMER FOOD 6 pages of recipes for meals in minutes

;6H=>DC Accessories to update your look for less!

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10:46:05 03.08.2010 09:38 Rival3/8/10 Colour LTD

❤❤H eart ❤ ❤ to Heart

Barbara Windsor may be bidding farewell to EastEnders after16 glorious years on Albert Square, but Britain’s best-loved star certainly isn’t about to put her feet up!

‘It will be 60 years this year that I’ll have been in the business and I love it as much as when I first went in’

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y star chat y

❝I love being in show business❞ here was a collective intake of breath across the nation last autumn when actress Barbara Windsor announced that she would be leaving behind both EastEnders and the iconic matriarch who is Peggy Mitchell.

The news came as a shock, but the general feeling was, that at 72 and having spent almost 60 years in showbiz, the diminutive blonde bombshell was planning to retire – until, that is, she made the following statement.

“I should spend a bit more time with my old man,” she quipped.

“When all’s said and done, he’s not getting any younger!”

True – but Scott, Babs’ ‘old man’, happens to be 27 years her junior! If this wasn’t proof enough that Barbara was still raring to go, her long-time manager and friend Barry Burnett confirmed it. ‘‘Retirement? Oh no, absolutely not, can you imagine that?” he says. “Anyone who knows Barbara knows what she’s like.”

Sure enough, it wasn’t long after making her Albert Square leaving announcement that Barbara started talking about taking to the stage, admitting that she’d already had several offers.

“I didn’t expect it, but I was really chuffed,” she says. “I thought, ‘What? This ageing sex symbol…?’ It will be 60 years this year that I’ll have been in the business and I love it as much as when I first went in. Theatre is my first love. In the years between the Carry Ons and EastEnders, I

T

was touring with Entertaining Mr Sloane, Guys and Dolls, Calamity Jane and Fings Aint What They Used To Be. I’d be nervous about appearing in the West End, but I’d love to do something new because new plays are what we want.”

Barbara, now 73, is, in fact, dipping her toe back into theatrical waters by appearing in pantomime this winter. She’s starring as Fairy Bow Bells in the Bristol Hippodrome’s production of Dick Whittington.

“I’ve never made any secret of the fact that I’ve been bursting to perform in panto again and the Bristol Hippodrome is a theatre I’ve always longed to play. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 60th year in show business.”

Before that, though, Barbara – and her alter ego Peggy Mitchell – will be taking their leave of Albert Square. Whether Peggy does die in the fire that ravages the Queen Vic remains to be seen, but certainly Barbara’s departure is being keenly felt by cast, crew and viewers alike.

For a while, her screen son Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, even questioned his future in EastEnders once Barbara announced she was leaving.

Psst…

Bubbly Babs Windsor about to make quite a splash poolside along with her husband, Scott, who is 27 years her junior

There were tears at her leaving party held in Elstree Studios, with the likes of Rita Simmons (who plays Roxy Mitchell) announcing that Barbara was like her honorary real-life aunty; Cheryl Fergison (who plays Heather Trott) threatening to kidnap her so that she couldn’t leave; and her old friend June Brown (Dot Cotton) simply saying, “I shall miss her enormously.”

Barbara herself was reported to be very emotional as a montage

Barbara shares a secret

She’s the voice of the Dormouse in Tim Burton’s movie alice in Wonderland, which stars Johnny Depp. “Getting the call from Tim Burton’s office and hearing he wanted me for the voice of the Dormouse – how good was that?

I asked if he wanted me to audition but was told, no. Tim apparently loved me in EastEnders and the Carry Ons, and didn’t want anyone else. What a privilege!”

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PICS: CamERa PRESS/alaN OllEY; SCOPE FEaTURES

By Alison James

EVERY FORTNIGHT

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Recharge your

health

You don’t have to embark on a major fitness drive to feel healthier and happier.

Small changes can bring huge benefits...

easy ways to

12 YOUR b

by Colette Harris

coffee and tea – in moderation!

1Drink

Drinking moderate amounts of caffeine in around three cups of tea or coffee a day could help prevent diabetes and cut the risk of alzheimer’s. latest research suggests caffeine can reduce high blood sugar and improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which in turn helps reduce the possibility of developing diabetes.

It could also help protect against memory problems associated with dementia and alzheimer’s – although researchers say this is more effective for women than men!

a daily crossword 2Do

Intellectually stimulating activity is known to have the potential to stave off alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. Studies have found that regularly flexing our brains almost halved the risk of developing alzheimer’s.

Crossword puzzles in particular are well suited to this purpose, as they involve a daily burst of sustained mental activity.

Or, if you’re a numbers buff, try doing a daily sudoku.

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for dark – not milk – chocolate 3Go

Grab some dark chocolate and you’ll reduce stress, lower blood pressure and stave off sugar cravings. There’s evidence that eating around an ounceand-a-half of dark chocolate a day reduces the level of stress hormones in your body. It’s also been shown to reduce blood pressure – due to the action of chemicals called flavanols which encourage blood vessels to dilate – and reduce cravings for sweet, salty or fatty foods. In an experiment where participants were given free rein to eat as much pizza as they wanted two hours after eating dark or milk chocolate.

The group which had opted for dark chocolate ate less pizza, declaring their appetite for it was much reduced, and so took in far fewer calories.

dancing 5Come

Dance the night away and you’ll improve balance and cut your risk of a fall, say two recent studies from Missouri in the US. Sign up to a local class – from ballroom to salsa – with a friend and get double the benefit.

4Try maple syrup instead of sugar

To help protect against cancer, a blob of real maple syrup (not maple-flavoured syrup) on your pancakes, waffles toast, or even stirred into your tea, gives you a boost of 13 newly-discovered antioxidant chemicals from this sweet tree sap, which researchers now believe have anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial properties.

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y health matters y

s to...

R bEST EVER HEalTH your bones a calcium boost 6Give

Recent research carried out in Italy showed post-menopausal women who didn’t eat much calcium-rich dairy food, such as milk and cheese, had higher instances of osteoporosis and hypertension, whereas women who ate more cut their risk. Fancy a mozzarella and tomato salad?

7De-stress with a drop of lavender

It’s something that has been well documented for years – how the smell of lavender can have a calming effect. but a recent study from Japan shows how it works. The study revealed that the smells of lavender, lemon and mango actually change the chemicals in your blood to make you relax, thanks to a chemical compound called linalool. So a few drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue is the perfect stress-buster!

Let go of grudges

8

You can have lower blood pressure, tension and stress in your life, says the world-famous Mayo Clinic in the US, which showed in a recent study that holding a grudge elevates heart rates, blood pressure, muscle tension and feelings of being out of control. If you find it hard to let go, prayer could help, says a recent study from Florida State University, which found that even one single prayer for the well-being of your partner could help release negative feelings and so improve the quality of your life.

Brush your teeth twice a day

9

brush regularly and protect your heart, say scientists at University College london, who revealed a 70 per cent rise in the risk of cardiovascular disease in people who didn’t. Other research said bacteria can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums, creating inflammation that affects the heart.

To slow down ageing and protect your heart, it turns out that phosphate chemicals found in a lot of processed foods, from crisps to fizzy drinks, hasten the ageing process, encourage kidney and heart problems and muscle and skin wasting. However, snack instead on 2.4oz (67g) of nuts a day – from unsalted peanuts to macadamias and pistachios, as well as sunflower seeds – and you’ll protect your heart by lowering cholesterol.

11Eat a Mediterranean diet

You’ll boost your brainpower, help prevent memory loss and cut your risk of weight gain, say the latest studies. The secret? a high intake of vegetables, legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, fruits, cereals, fish and monounsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil; a low intake of saturated fatty acids, dairy products, meat and poultry; and mild to moderate amounts of alcohol. Sante!

Take a walk in 12 the park Walk and you’ll improve self-esteem, say researchers who found that exercising in green surroundings for just five minutes a day boosted mental well-being. Working in the garden or walking a nature trail also counted. Do it briskly and you’ll cut your risk of breast cancer, too.

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pICS: GETTY IMaGES; MaSTERFIlE; REx FEaTURES aND THINkSTOCk

10Swap crisps for nuts

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Ask us anything…

Your I’m diabetic; questions how can I answered keep my medicines stored safely?

Don Wells, Chester Yours says: The Desang diabetes kit bag, pictured, could be just what you need Don. Designed to hold a blood test machine, finger pricker, insulin pens and needles as well as refills, it’s also compact enough to be carried in a bag, or handbag.

D Priced from £15.99, for stockists call 0870 300 2063 or visit www.desang.net

Q

Where can I find a magnifier to help me read medication labels?

Kate Turner, Islington Yours says: This ingenious gadget is just the thing for reading tiny type. The Daylight Vision LED Medicine Bottle Magnifier (£14.99) has bright LED lights to illuminate small print on medicine bottles and the like. The supplier also stocks clip-on spectacle magnifiers.

D For more details call 0208 964 1200 or visit www. daylight company.com

Q

How to

Did you

knoW?

find the r

Wearing the right size bra does wonders for your shape as well as your health.

Here are some facts and advice to help you make the most of your bust

By Jade Pickering D An ill-fitting bra can harm your health: Many women experience bad posture, back and neck pain and even scarring underneath the breast because of a badly-fitting bra, says Leona Harrison, bra-fitting expert for lingerie specialists Fantasie.

D Get measured regularly!

As we age, our skin elasticity weakens leading to a change in breast shape. That’s why as we get older having a regular fitting becomes more important – not only to ensure good health but also to bring back perkiness! “We recommend being fitted every six months or as soon as

Experts recommend a fitting every six months possible if you’ve had a sudden change in weight,” says Leona.

“Thankfully a good bra can also help perk things up a bit, too!”

GrEEnWAtCH We’d love to help Yours to answer your questions.

Write to us at: Ask Us Anything, Yours magazine, Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough PE2 6EA. Or email your query to us at yours@ bauermedia.co.uk with ‘Ask us Anything’ in the subject line.

info

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YOURS

Marking an important event with a tree is an original gift. The Woodland Trust offers a range of tree and woodland dedications to suit all budgets and occasions. Dedications start at £15 for a single tree, about £250 for a quarter acre and £3,000 for an acre grove with personalised bench. A group fund can be set up online to collect donations towards a dedication from family and friends.

For more details call 01476 581136 or visit www. woodlandtrustshop.com/woodland-dedications

Yours

info

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A th G

26/7/10 09:36:25

e right bra

D You can keep your bra on!

Being measured is a simple process and it’s all done with your dignity in mind. If you prefer to keep your bra on, the bra expert will measure around the fullest part of your bust and then underneath. They will then find you

the right underwear to suit your shape and lifestyle, and leave you to try them on in private. Wear a non-padded or lightly padded bra for your fitting, so it’s easier to work out your true size. However, if you don’t mind baring all, it won’t be at all embarrassing as these women are professionals and they have seen thousands of breasts before!

D take your time finding the right bra: If you’ve been wearing the same one for the past year, it’s time for an underwear overhaul. Wear and tear can cause your bra to become thin and stretched, leaving it unsupportive. A good indicator of a snug fit is to lean forward at the waist and allow your breasts to fall into the cups naturally. They shouldn’t overspill and there shouldn’t be any gaps. To get the most out of your bra, always start on the loosest hook. “Over time, you can work inwards until you reach the last hook. Once the band no longer fits snug around your back, it’s time to buy a new bra,” says Leona.

the VAt rate will rise from17.5 to 20 per cent from January 4 2011, so now is the time to make any major white goods purchases such as a new fridge or freezer It’s a

FACt

Are you wearing the wrong-sized bra?

DoEs tHE bACk rIDE uP? this is a sign that you’re wearing the wrong band size. try going one or two sizes smaller.

If it feels tight, but comfortable, then you’ve found your perfect size.

✘

Do You suFFEr From DoublE-boobs?

It’s likely you need a bigger cup size as the top of the cup should lie flat against your bust with no bulges. test yours by putting a t-shirt over the top – bulges will be more visible through the stretchy fabric.

✘

✔

DoEs tHE WIrE stAnD AWAY From Your CHEst? If you can fit two or three fingers between the wire and your chest, then you’re probably wearing a cup size too small. the wire should sit flat against your body, with minimal movement.

✘

turn the page for more advice

CAsH In tHE AttIC Lladró is famous for its porcelain figurines, decorated in pastel colours with a glaze. Founded in Spain in 1953, Lladró has produced more than 4,000 designs. Until 1971, when the blue-printed mark was introduced, impressed or incised marks were used. Look out for limited editions or models that were only produced for a short time. Similarly, retired models are likely to fetch higher values. A ‘Woman with dog’ (pictured) figure produced between 1971 and 1994 in excellent condition is worth £120-£180.

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✔ MONEY TIPS: SARAH jAGGER; PIcS: ILLUSTRATIONS: KAREN BOOTH; PIcS: MASTERFILE; REX FEATURES; GETTY IMAGES

?

A French woman, Herminie Cadolle, is credited with inventing the first modern bra which she patented and showed at the Great Exposition in Paris in 1900.

EVERY FORTNIGHT

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Clever ways to

UpdaTE YOUR lOOk for less!

Take your pick from our selection of gorgeous accessories to rework your wardrobe on a budget

By Michelle Nightingale

£15 D print detail sunglasses, Marks & Spencer D Nude jewel and ribbon pumps, sizes 3-8, New Look

£20

£13

each D Ethnic print bangles, F+F at Tesco 40

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Our lovely model wears: dress (with belt), £65, sizes 8-20, Betty Jackson.Black at debenhams; cardigan, £10, sizes 8-18, New look; neck scarf, £5.99, Tie Rack; patent peep toe wedges, £15, sizes 3-8, Marks & Spencer; sunglasses, £10, dorothy perkins; bracelet, £10, allusions at Bhs; bag, £22, Marks & Spencer.

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Style

£10

notes

D purple and turquoise bead necklace, Dorothy Perkins

£4 D White cotton ribbon hat, Bonmarché

D Rose print sequin bag, Next

£18

£15

£10

D Classic pearl and gold stretch bracelet, Allusions at Bhs

£15 D Turquoise gem toe post sandals, sizes 3-8, Riveria at Bhs

D Turquoise studded bag, F+F at Tesco

£15

D Green bead necklace and earring set, Wallis

D Silver rose bangle, F+F at Tesco

£5

£5 D Black raffia hat, F+F at Tesco

£10 D Cut away detail sunglasses, Next

StockiStS: Accessorize 0844 811 0068; Bhs 0845 196 0000; Bonmarché 01924 700 100; Debenhams 0844 561 6161; Dorothy Perkins 0845 121 4515; F+F at Tesco 0800 505 555; Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234; Marisota 0871 231 2000; Next 0844 844 8939; New Look 0500 454 094; Tie Rack 0208 230 2333; Wallis 0844 984 0266.

Details correct at time of going to press YOURS

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£12 pHOTOGRapHY: RUTH JENkINSON; HaIR aNd MakE-Up: OlIVIa FERRER aNd SaRaH JaNE GREEN; STYlING: daNIEllE ElMES.

D Monochrome weave waist belt, Accessorize

EVERY FORTNIGHT

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Love over 50 – what you told us

We received thousands of replies to our Swoftie (Single Women Over Fifty) survey – with some surprising results! ar from being happy to remain ‘on the shelf’, today’s new generation of single women over 50 are falling happily into the arms of toyboys, according to an exclusive new Yours survey.

While 59 per cent of Swofties questioned admitted they’d consider dating a man who was

F

ten years younger – a whopping 38 per cent revealed that they already have!

But, as they approach 50, George Clooney and Colin Firth can take heart that they’re still top of the dating popularity poll, closely followed by Alan Titchmarsh who, at 61, is almost a pensioner. Perhaps it’s Alan’s good natured smile and

59 per cent admitted they’d date a man ten years younger – 38 per cent already have!

old-fashioned courtesy that makes him a favourite – because when it comes to choosing their lovers, sex was not the most important factor in a relationship for 65 per cent, who rated companionship and having someone to share problems with more highly.

Woe betide the suitor who forgets his manners, though.

Fifty three per cent said they’d expect a man to hold the door open for them while 34 per cent agreed that chewing food with an open mouth was the worst thing anyone could do on a first date.

But even if they were blessed with the best manners in the world, poor Gordon Brown (49),

How we found love online

BY ClaIRE WIllIamS, CaROlE RICHaRdSON aNd Pam FRaNCIS. PICS: GETTY ImaGES aNd REX FEaTURES; lUCINda maRlaNd/UNP

Yours writer Pam Francis and reader Angela Johnson tell us how they found love online in their 50s, and share some internet dating dos and don’ts D Pam Francis (55) says: “If anyone had told me that in my 50s I’d be dolling myself up for a blind date, I’d have laughed.

Or possibly cried.

But there I was after 12 years of marriage and two fairly disastrous relationships, single again and looking for love.

“It was fear of being alone that motivated me to get my act together. after all, if I was looking for my dream house, I wouldn’t wait for its details to drop onto 74

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my doormat. I’d decide what I was looking for, then go and find it.

“Encouraged by my children, I tried singles holidays, lonely hearts ads, dating agencies and the internet. I quickly discovered that desirable single men are not as brave about going to solo events as women. So I stopped wasting my time shuffling round the dance floor at singles dos and joined a couple of reputable internet dating sites.

“Numerous good dates followed, once I’d learned the art of weeding out the hopeless

causes: only answer emails from men you’re really interested in; don’t pick men fresh out of a relationship; always phone him first (if he talks non-stop about himself, don’t go). don’t waste money or a whole evening on a meal: aim for a coffee or a drink. Sometimes you’ll have fun, other times you’ll wish you’d stayed home. But don’t give up. I didn’t – and after kissing many frogs, I finally met my prince, and we’re living happily every after.”

EVERY FORTNIGHT

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❙ Swoftie survey ❙

0

Having fun, sharing problems and companionship were even more important than sex

We love you! Gorgeous George Clooney and Colin Firth were the number one choices for a star date...

Mike and Pam found love thanks to internet dating

to practise safe sex by not using contraception. This backs up research reports that continue to suggest an increasing number of over-50s are running the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases because they are not using protection.

D After Angela Johnson (58) from Lincolnshire was widowed seven years ago, she didn’t think she’d find love again – until she met leslie (65) on Friends of Yours online – now www. yoursdating.com. angela says: “although I had a supportive family and lots of friends, I was fed up with going out with other couples and feeling like a gooseberry. It was also very lonely coming home every night to an empty house. “after seven years I finally decided I was ready to look for some male companionship. at first, I

...but Brucie and Prince Charles didn’t impress our swofties, who voted them the least desirable

only wanted friendship but, to my surprise, I found much more besides. I signed up to the Friends of Yours website and noticed the profile of a man called leslie. We started emailing each other and soon realised we had lots in common. We both put our families first, were quite homely and loved getting out in the garden.

“When we started chatting on the phone it was so easy, right from the start there was no awkwardness. It was like we’d known each other for years. On the morning of our first date, he sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers

and a note saying he couldn’t wait to see me.

“We had a wonderful day and afterwards I invited him back to my house for a cup of tea. Since then our relationship has gone from strength to strength. We’ve been together a year and I moved in with him just after Christmas. I’ve retired from my job so we can spend more time together.

“We have a busy life with our children and grandchildren and it couldn’t be better. my advice to anyone feeling lonely is to go for it. meeting leslie changed my life for the better.”

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EVERY FORTNIGHT

PIC:

Bruce Forsyth (82) and Prince Charles (61) still couldn’t impress.

They were – in that order – the three high-profile males Yours swofties would least like to date.

Perhaps the most worrying revelation was the fact that 21 per cent of swofties are failing

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Cu t ou t&

18 quick & easy

ke ep

Summer recipes Compiled by Sheena Correa

these speedy dishes allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the precious few months of British sunshine PHIl VICkerY’s

No-bake Lime & Bitter Chocolate Pie

© Phil Vickery for Carnation, for further recipes visit www.carnation.co.uk YOurs

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PIC: rex features

Light & zesty

Top Tip Caramelise the lime slices by simmering them in a pan with an equal mixture of water and icing sugar, barely covering the slices. Reduce to a sticky coating, but remove before they brown.

D Makes 6 portions D Cals 394 D Fat 25.9g D Sat fat 16.8g D Preparation time 20 minutes D Chilling time 11⁄2 hours Takes minutes • 75g (3oz) butter to prepare • 225g (9oz) ginger nut biscuits, crushed • 400g (16oz) can Carnation Condensed Milk Light • Finely grated zest and juice of 5 limes • 284ml (11fl oz) carton of double cream To decorate • 75g (3oz) dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa solids min), melted • 8 lime slices • 50g (2oz) icing sugar, optional 1 In a large saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the crushed biscuits. then press into the base and sides of a 23cm (9in) loose-bottomed cake tin.

Place in the fridge to chill.

2 In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until thick and creamy. spoon over the biscuit base and chill for at least 1 hour.

3 remove the pie from the tin and place on a serving plate. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and leave to chill for a further 1⁄2 hour. Just before serving, decorate with the lime slices.

eVerY fOrtNIGHt

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