❙ star chat ❙
‘Being a
70s child
was the best!’ Comedian and actor Harry Hill, back on TV as Professor Branestawm, tells us why the Seventies were a great time to grow up By Alison James t’s something of a surreal experience sitting across from Harry Hill wearing his Professor Branestawm costume. Although the tweedclad Professor is bulkier than Harry, boasts mutton-chop sideburns and balances three pairs of specs on his head, he and the real-life Harry are definitely cut from the same cloth. “Playing The Professor isn’t a huge stretch for me,” Harry smiles, eyes a-twinkling. “I was a huge fan of the Professor Branestawm books when I was growing up so when the producers first asked me to play him, although I wasn’t actively looking for an acting role I said yes. I didn’t want anyone else to be him.” Like the Professor, Harry is certainly no stranger to carrying out weird experiments and inventing crazy contraptions – he spent his childhood years doing just that.
I
Harry and the professor have a surprising amount in common!
“I was a scientist as a kid and very interested in experiments and inventions,” he says. “I had a massive chemistry set that probably wouldn’t be allowed now. These days, kids sit in front of a computer or swipe an iPad to discover how things work, but youngsters of my generation got out there and found out for ourselves. It was a physical thing and sparked the kind of fascination I just don’t know if kids necessarily experience these days – and that’s a shame. “Growing up in the Seventies meant you were free to experiment yourself, which was brilliant. Back then, everything could be solved with string, pullies and electric motors!” So what kind of experiments and inventions did Harry Hill – or rather Matthew Hall as he’s really called – attempt as a youth? “A friend and I tried to make a potter’s wheel one time,” he recalls. “I don’t know why, as we didn’t have access to clay or a kiln, but that’s what we decided to do. We took this Flymo mower that belonged to my friend’s grandad, broke it down and took the engine out. We used a circular piece of wood as an axle and put it inside a washing-up bowl. When we turned it on, it went at about a million revs and was completely impractical but we loved doing it. “When we were about 13
Harry stars as the Professor in a Christmas special
or 14 we started making home-made wine from blackberries and potatoes. We felt we were being refined, young gentlemen with a nose for wine! I don’t really remember my parents objecting but maybe they didn’t know much about it. Back then you were left to get on with stuff. Anyway, the wine was horrible and undrinkable so we made a still in which to distill it. That was like a big old-fashioned urn in which nappies used to be boiled. We also made fireworks which we used to sell at school!” It all sounds rather dangerous! “It probably was,” agrees Harry, “but it was also very good fun. Messing about in sheds, making stuff and experimenting... that was our social life. “It was incredible what we got up to, looking back. The aunt of one friend was a chemistry teacher and she used to send us the potassium nitrate for our home-made fireworks through the post.” If he could make or invent anything now, what would it be? Harry doesn’t hesitate. “A machine to help you learn lines. That’s the hardest thing
‘I’d love to do a guest spot in Holby City’
about acting. On ‘TV Burp’, for instance, I read the lines off an autocue but they were also my own words, which always makes it easier.” Harry has a number of new projects on the go in 2016, including developing a new panel show for ITV. “They haven’t had one in while,” he says. “I’m working on ideas for it at the moment, and will be trying out formats in pubs and clubs in the New Year.” Having trained and worked as a doctor before coming to comedy, Harry’s also desperate to appear in Holby! “I really am,” he enthuses. “I’ve said so a few times but they never get back to me! I wouldn’t want to be in it for months on end, but it would be great to do a guest spot as a visiting consultant for a few weeks. Perhaps the kind of consultant who specialises in finishing off his patients. A kind of Dr Death!” Before taking on any new projects, though, Harry (51) will be enjoying Christmas and the New Year at home with wife Magda and their three daughters, Kitty (18), Winnie (17) and Frederica (11). “My mother will be there, too,” he reveals. “She starts planning Christmas about March! Hopefully we’ll get to watch a bit of Christmas telly, preferably while eating cold cuts, turkey sandwiches and crisps!” One last question we must ask Harry before he’s due back on set. At home, does he answer to Matthew or Harry? “That’s an odd one because I do now think of myself as Harry and so do most people,” he says, “but at home, I am Matthew. ✢ The Further My wife only calls Adventures Of me Harry Professor Branestawm when she’s is on BBC1 on taking the Christmas Eve at mickey!” 5.20pm
PICS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, BBC, FLYNET
‘These days kids use a computer to discover how things work, but my generation found out for ourselves’
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Style Cold weather style buys notes
Stay warm and cosy with these gorgeous and practical wardrobe staples
By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale
The coatigan A coat and cardigan in one, we love the latest trend for big cardigans. Layer with a vest and a dress and create curves by adding a belt at the waist. Cardigan, £59, 8-34, JD Williams; colour-block dress, £28, 8-22, Bhs; tights, £5, s-xl, F&F at Tesco; shoe boots, £35, 3-8, Bhs; bracelet £12, Mood by Jon Richard at Debenhams
The coat A classic coat doesn’t have to be black. This gorgeous berry shade is an easy way to add a splash of colour to your look. Berry bouclé collarless coat, £65, 8-22, Bhs; jeans, £20, 8-22, M&Co; snood, £22, Betty Jackson.Black at Debenhams; leather gloves, £12, s-l, F&F at Tesco; shoe boots, £35, 3-8, M&Co
✢ Leather gloves, £18, s-l, M&S Collection
£18 FASHION EDITOR LOVES
STOCKISTS: Bhs 0344 411 6000 www.bhs.co.uk; Debenhams 0344 561 6161 www.debenhams.com; F&F at Tesco 0800 323 4050 www.clothingattesco.com; JD Williams 0871 231 2000 www.jdwilliams.co.uk; M&Co 0800 031 7200 www.mandco.com; Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com; Matalan 0333 004 4444 www.matalan.co.uk; Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk. Details correct at time of going to print
The wrap scarf This trend is everywhere this winter and looks effortlessly elegant! Team with tailored slim-fitting trousers so the volume of the scarf doesn’t make you look bulky. Paisley jacquard wrap, £32, M&Co; camel cowl neck jumper, £18, 8-22, Bhs; brown trousers, £25, 8-22, Bhs; shoe boots, £25, 3-8, Bhs; earrings, £8, Mood by Jon Richard at Debenhams
The gilet A gilet is great for taking you through the seasons – wear it now with a chunky knit or with lighter layers in spring. Choose a padded waterresistant style (great for dog-walking) or a stylish faux fur gilet like this one. Faux fur gilet, £38, 6-22, Next; pussybow blouse, £16, 8-22, F&F at Tesco; bootcut jeans, £20, 8-22, M&Co
£8
GREAT BUY!
✢ Black gloves, £8, one size, M&Co
Go for a simple classic style that won’t date, plus a low heel means they’ll be more comfy, too. Boots, £49.50, 3-8 (including half sizes), M&S Collection Poncho knit, £45, xs-xl, Next; white top (just seen), £8, 8-24, M&S Collection; bootcut jeans, £20, 8-22, M&Co
✢ Cable knit hat, £18, Star by Julien Macdonald for Debenhams
£10 PICS: PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN
The knee-high boot
£5
✢ Mulberry cable knit scarf £10 and beanie £5, both Matalan
£18 ✢ NEXT ISSUE New Year fashion resolutions for your most stylish year yet! YOURS
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Good to KNOW... Save money and stay safe on the roads this winter By Lizzy Dening
Meet our expert Sarah Lewis is the Content Marketing Executive at car search network www.motors.co.uk
s the nights draw in and the weather turns frosty, it’s more important than ever to make sure your car is running as efficiently as possible. Learning to carry out some basic checks will not only give you peace of mind on wintry drives, but could save you money too. While, of course, you’ll still need to book your car for a full, professional service and MoT, checking certain things beforehand and rectifying them if necessary could make the difference between your car passing or failing. “The thought of tinkering with your engine can be offputting,” says Sarah Lewis, Content Marketing Executive at car search network www.motors.co.uk. “You don’t have to know the ins and outs of an engine to ensure your car is safe and MoT ready. Around 1.5 million cars fail their MoT because of simple issues, such as low tyre tread, broken lights or empty windscreen washer fluid. It’s safe to say you can make serious time and money savings with some quick checks.”
A
50
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A quick guid
basic c
✔ OIL
“Reviewing your engine’s oil level is one of the most important checks you can do,” says Sarah. “Too little oil could cause serious engine problems.” To test how much oil is left, make sure your engine is cool and open your bonnet (your car manual will have instructions on how to do this if you’ve never done it before). Locate your dipstick, which is a narrow piece of metal with a handle that’s often yellow or orange, or may have the image of an oil can next to it – again, your manual will help you find this. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with an old rag, then pop it back where it Checking came from to get a reading. When you your oil will next pull it out you’ll be able to see the help protect your engine oil level – if it doesn’t appear between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ lines on the stick, you’ll need to top up the engine with a dash of oil (there will be a screw cap for this next to the dipstick). Once done, take The sign of a well-oiled engine another reading to check the level is fine. Make sure not to go over the ‘max’ line indicated on the Ooops... time for a top-up! dipstick and wear gloves because it can get messy.
✔ COOLANT
Coolant or anti-freeze mixes with water to stop it freezing in your engine. “While you’re under the bonnet, check the coolant/anti-freeze level (often the blue or pink liquid in an opaque reservoir in the radiator), again making sure the engine has cooled first,” says Sarah. “Check to see it falls between the min and max gauges on the outside of the coolant reservoir and contact your garage if there’s any rust in the water.” If it needs topping up, check your manual to see which brand is recommended by your car manufacturer. You can buy anti-freeze/coolant from shops such as Halfords, 0345 504 5353 or visit www.halfords.com
CAR BOOT CHECKLIST
c car checks ✔ LIGHTS
“In low light conditions, check to see that your headlights, indicators and brake lights are all working,” says Sarah. “Ask a friend to walk around the car to check, or if there’s no one available, reverse towards a wall and look in the rear view mirror to see if your brake lights and rear lights are illuminating the wall properly.” If one of your lights is faulty you can replace the bulb following the instructions in your manual. You can buy new bulbs from Halfords, which also offers a bulb-fitting service that costs between £5-£7 depending on the bulb. No appointment is needed, just pop in.
✔ WINDSCREEN WASH
“Checking you have windscreen wash is particularly important during bad weather, because mucky or rain-smeared windows limit your vision,” says Sarah. “To check it, locate your screen wash bottle under the bonnet – look for a windscreen symbol, or check your manual. Top it up with a mixture of water and screenwash (available from supermarkets and petrol stations) which should contain anti-freeze for the winter.” Buying concentrated screenwash and adding water is better value for money than diluted versions, but you could keep a bottle of ready-to use screenwash in the car for emergency top-ups when you’re out and about. “Check your levels regularly – set yourself a regular time of week when you check, especially if you’re going to be driving long distances,” advises Sarah.
The three most common problems picked up on MoTs, which could be easily fixed beforehand, are damage to tyres, windscreen wipers in need of replacement and defective headlights
If the worst should happen it pays to be prepared. Keep these items in the boot for added peace of mind:
Torch Portable phone charger Blanket Bottle of water Ice scraper
Snacks Ready-mixed screenwash High visibility jacket First aid kit Breakdown cover details
✔ TYRES
“Having the correct tread on your tyres is a legal requirement,” says Sarah. The minimum depth is 1.6mm. Test tyres with a 20 pence piece; simply slot the coin into the tyre grooves and check that the outer band of the coin is hidden by the tyre tread – if not, it should be replaced. Check two or three spots around each tyre, as they may have worn unevenly – if any part of the tread is worn down, the whole tyre will need to be replaced. “Look out for bulges, abnormal wear or other damage as you go as this can help avoid a burst tyre.” Your local garage will be able to replace tyres or call KwikFit on 0800 222 111, www. kwik-fit.com your tyres.
1.6mm tread is the legal minimum
PICS: SHUTTERSTOCK
ide to
✢ NEXT ISSUE What to consider when buying a home computer
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3 Who stars in the film, Woman in Gold,
MARC H JANUARY stunning performance as a witch, alongside James Corden and Emily Blunt in which Disney film? 2 Eddie Redmayne wins a Golden Globe for which film, based on a famous physicist? 3 A new series of Birds of a Feather begins on ITV, but which character does Pauline’s real son Charlie play? 4 Coronation Street sadly loses which long-standing character? 5 Which famous American singer would have been 80 on January 8?
FEBRUARY 1 Call the Midwife starts its fourth series, but in the first episode, who proposes to Trixie? 2 Julia McKenzie stars with Michael Gambon in The Casual Vacancy, written by which famous author? 3 Which popular TV soap celebrates its 30-year anniversary? 4 Yours favourite Julie Walters stars in which Channel 4 series, set in the closing years of the British Raj?
host an hour-long show on cooking the nation’s favourite food. Who do they co-host the programme with? 2 The UK experiences an incredibly rare solar phenomenon. What was it? 3 Which English king from the Wars of the Roses was re-buried in Leicester Cathedral?
APRIL 1 Yours VIP is held at which beautiful setting in Cheshire? 2 A remake of a famous Seventies drama, detailing brooding love and loss in 18th Century Cornwall, hits our screen this month, but what is it called?
MAY 1 Name the very special 70th anniversary commemorated this month. 2 Which new drama, starring Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond, tells the tale of the role of the Women’s Institute in the Second World War? 3 On which day was the Royal Baby, Princess Charlotte, born? 4 Which famous song contest celebrates its 60th birthday this month?
2015
r a e y e h t f o iz Qu
What a year 2015 has been! How many of these events from the past12 months can you remember? March February
May April
January OCTOBER 1. 80; 2. 75 at 75; 3. 5p for plastic carrier bags NOVEMBER 1. Dermot O’Leary; 2. Alan Bennett; 3. Duncan Bannatyne; 4. Downton Abbey DECEMBER 1. Cathy Brown; 2. Yours Live ; 3. The Railway Children
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JULY 1. Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland; 2. Yours Live; 3. 8 million; 4. Sandringham estate; 5. 70 on July 26 AUGUST 1. CIlla Black; 2. Flora Shedden; 3. Edinburgh Fringe SEPTEMBER 1. The Women’s Institute; 2. Longest-reigning British monarch, 63 years; 3. ITV; 4. The Battle of Britain; 5. Carol Kirkwood
PICS: REX SHUTTERSTOCK, ITV, BBC, DAVID MCHUGH/UNP, SVEN ARNSTEIN/STAYSTILL, MASTERFILE ; REX FEATURES; BOAF GROUP
1 Actress Meryl Streep gives a
1 Yours regulars, The Hairy Bikers,
about Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish survivor of the Second World War? 4 Which lovely pooch, featured in Yours, won the Pets as Therapy Dog of the Year 2015?
❙ puzzles & prizes ❙ JUNE
SEPTEMBE R
NOVEMBE R
1 This month is the 200th anniversary of which very famous battle? 2 Yours favourite Paul O’Grady reaches which milestone birthday on June 14? 3 Which food celebrity and former Yours cookery writer died this month?
1 Which well-known institute and British tradition celebrates its centenary with a Centennial Fair on Sept 3-6 in Harrogate? 2 This is a special month for her Majesty – but what is she celebrating? 3 Which TV channel turns 60 this month? 4 What famous Second World War battle celebrates its 75th anniversary? 5 Which BBC weather presenter teams up with Pasha Kovalev in series 13 of Strictly Come Dancing?
1 Who steps in for Sir Terry Wogan to host this year’s Children in Need show when Sir Terry falls ill? 2 Dame Maggie Smith stars as an eccentric old lady in the film, The Lady in the Van, inspired by the book by which writer? 3 Which former dragon went into the jungle this month in I’m a Celebrity? 4 This month sees the last in the series of which popular period TV drama?
JULY 1 Which famous children’s book, featuring a white rabbit, celebrates 150 years of publication? 2 Name the special summer party held at Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire on July 3-6? 3 How many people tuned-in to ITV see the funeral of Corrie’s Deidre Barlow? 4 Princess Charlotte is christened in a private ceremony, but where is it held? 5 Helen Mirren hits which landmark birthday this month?
AUGUST
r
1 Which much-loved Sixties singer and entertainer dies at her home in Spain? 2 The new series of the Great British Bake Off features the youngest-ever contestant. Can you name her? 3 Which famous arts and entertainment festival takes place throughout the month of August?
OCTOBE R 1 Dame Julie Andrews celebrates which special birthday on the first of this month? 2 Cliff Richard marks his special birthday with a new album. Can you name it? 3 A new charge comes in at supermarkets and shops across England – how much is it and what is it for?
DEC EMBE R 1 Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special hits our screens again, but which character is his real-life wife? 2 Which special Christmas party is held at Gunton Hall, Lowestoft from December 14-18? 3 This issue’s cover star, Jenny Agutter, plays a mother and daughter in two versions of the same film – can you name it?
November
July October
September
August December June ANSWERS JANUARY 1. Into the Woods; 2. The Theory of Everything; 3. Travis, Tracey’s son; 4. Deidre Barlow – Anne Kirkbride; 5. Elvis FEBRUARY 1. The Curate, Tom Hereward; 2. JK Rowling; 3. EastEnders; 4. Indian Summers YOURS
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MARCH 1. Lorraine Pascale; 2. A partial eclipse; 3. Richard III APRIL 1. Alvaston Hall; 2. Poldark; 3. Helen Mirren; 4. Golden Retriever Marnee MAY 1. VE Day; 2. Home Fires; 3. May 5, 2015; 4. Eurovision Song Contest JUNE 1. Waterloo; 2. 60; 3. Marguerite Patten
❙ star chat ❙
mfrom y lessons life… TV chef Rick Stein, 68, tells us what it’s like to work with your family, the importance of relaxing, and his passion for food
PICS: JONES/REX SHUTTERSTOCK, CLIFF KENT/REX SHUTTERSTOCK
✢ I’ve learnt to relax I do think it’s important to learn to relax. If I could give my 18-yearold self some advice, I would say, ‘for goodness sake relax’. Cooking is a great way of switching off and I find swimming relaxing. I try to go every morning. I don’t go for very long Above: Padstow harbour. Rick with second wife, Sarah. in the winter months but during the summer I go for longer and longer. I feel like I have let myself down if I don’t go. ✢ Food is my passion My drive and passion for food will ✢ Working with your family never leave me. I feel very happy can be a success when I eat something I enjoy. I Two of my sons are involved in don’t have to make it up because the running of my business and that is how I feel. Equally, I am my third and youngest son sells not afraid to show how I feel if it is us most of the wine we buy. I did disgusting – I’ll say something like, actually tell them they should ‘well that was interesting!’ do something very different to me! But at the end of the day, ✢ Delegation is a delight they are good at it and they Bossing people around is a thing have been involved with our of the past. I am in a great and business for most of their lives. lucky position where I can let They have similar views as to how my managers run the business restaurants should be run and for me. It’s so nice that I am not they are responsible. The great in a boss situation with the chefs thing about family businesses anymore. I will go into the kitchen is that everyone feels equally occasionally and say things like, responsible. So far, touch wood ‘I don’t think you are doing this with us... there isn’t family fallinghow I want you to’ and show them out with things; we all get on how it is done. I have a really good very well! relationship where I am just ‘Rick’. 114
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✢ Work is my hobby I love my job so much. In fact, I can’t actually sit still! I always want to be working. Other people have sports but my sport and leisure time is work. I enjoy the fact it is working with the same people. My work is my hobby.
✢ Being famous can be fun I don’t mind the fame that comes with my job. I quite like it when people stop me abroad and ask me what I am doing. Mind you, I am only famous really in the UK, Australia and New Zealand! In my hometown of Padstow, I can get away with walking around with a cap and sunglasses on and nobody notices me! ✢ Rick’s latest book, From Venice to Istanbul, is published by BBC Books, priced £25. ✢ He was talking to Christine Smith.
WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? My ex-wife, Jill Stein (right), was equally as responsible as me for building up our business. These days, my second wife, Sarah, has been very influential on what I do and don’t do. It’s not necessarily my personal decision, it’s what people close to me think as well.