❙ star chat ❙
‘You have to be brave’ As Janet Ellis, former Blue Peter presenter, releases her first novel, she shares the pain behind her own story
By Katharine Wootton e loved her as the bubbly face of Blue Peter and later, as mum to singer superstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Now Janet Ellis is about to launch a brand-new chapter of her life at 60 as her debut novel, The Butcher’s Hook, hits the shelves this spring. A surprisingly dark tale of misguided love that takes place among the sprawling streets of Georgian London, it’s already tipped to be one of the year’s bestsellers. And Janet couldn’t be happier with what she’s achieved. “I’ve always wanted to write since I was little. But the last book I wrote to the end was when I was nine and I thought finishing a book was easy. “For a long time I kept putting up a lot of barriers to writing because I was really scared of it and worried I’d have to change so much of my lifestyle to become an author. I think especially as you get older it’s really comforting to gather everything that’s familiar around you and go I’m really
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‘At the time I chose not to talk about my miscarriages’
happy now. But actually I found that if you do something that makes you afraid, there’s something great and really liberating about that,” she says. So, just at the age when most of us might be thinking about retiring, Janet, who initially trained as an actress, decided to pursue a writing course with the literary talent agency, Curtis Brown. A few months later, and the first chapter written, Janet got a book deal. As a young mum with Sophie, Interestingly, she submitted the Jackson and Martha first draft of her work to publishers under a pseudonym, borrowing her grandmother’s name to temporarily because I didn’t want my three young become Jo Winter. children to have their childhood “What I love about writing is that lost to the fact I was trying to have no matter who you are, you can a fourth baby. Particularly for my be absolutely anyone on the page. daughters, Sophie and Martha, I didn’t Through writing the book, I also want them to associate prospective learned that you have to write bravely. motherhood with difficulty in You can’t imagine loads of people families. And I didn’t want to be staring over your shoulder going defined by it. ‘urgh, what’s that? Don’t write that!’ “You know, if I’d chosen to be a And that’s hard, especially if you read mother of three, I would have had no a lot like I do and have the voices of problem with describing myself as other writers constantly going round someone who was fertile and carried in your head.” But Janet knows all too well about being brave. After all, this is the Blue Peter presenter who used to throw herself out of RAF planes – despite her fear of heights – and launch into all kinds of bizarre challenges for the sake of our children’s education. It wasn’t all just ‘here’s one I made earlier’ for this lady, who presented her babies easily. But I’m aware I kind the show with Peter Duncan, Simon of inherited somebody else’s notes in a Groom and Mark Curry – all of whom way after that. With miscarriages that she still sees regularly today – as well are unexplained, like so many are, as the late Caron Keating, from 1983there’s this overwhelming idea that it 1987. “Gosh it was such fun,” she says was meant to happen. It was Nature’s of those days. “I’m so proud to have way. And people think it’s also been part of the show.” Nature’s way to try to forget about it However, there’s another reason and move on. But that can be so hard. Janet understands perfectly what “Knowing I had my other children bravery means. For in the middid help me. And although I’d lost Nineties, she suffered 10 miscarriages my mum by then, I still knew how as she and her husband decided to she’d be about it – always erring on try for a fourth child. Each of her lost the side of the practical – and that babies were never explained and was comforting. Janet chose to hold her silence about “Every now and then the memory what had happened for more than of it will catch me out unexpectedly a decade. “At the time I chose not to when I meet someone who was talk about my miscarriages, mainly pregnant at the same time I was
‘It’s so important that women can talk about miscarriage if they want to’
Janet with Simon Groom and Peter Duncan in her Blue Peter days
having the miscarriages and they’ll now have what I notice is quite a proper adult as their child. And I think oh that would have been different for our family. But we managed and I know I’m lucky for what I have.” Janet hopes one day to write a book that talks in some way about miscarriage after being touched by the number of women who came to thank her for speaking up about the subject when she finally revealed her experiences publicly. “Although it’s a very personal thing, it’s also shared by a lot of women and it’s important that women can talk about it if they want to,” she says. But for now, she’s focusing on finding her feet in fiction – she’ll be starting on her second book, set in the Seventies, soon – as well as making the most of her role as grandma to her daughter Sophie’s four boys. “At the moment, all my grandchildren think I’m all right, although the eldest, Sonny, who’s 11, refuses to dance with me any more which is sad. My grandchildren really are the best possible people in the world and they’ve also deepened my relationship with Sophie, who’s a brilliant mum,” she says. And with such a wonderful career both behind and now in front of her, we reckon Janet’s family have plenty to be proud of her for, too. ✢ The Butcher’s Hook by Janet Ellis is out now. ✢ For help and support if you’ve been through a miscarriage, or have a loved one who has, call the Miscarriage Association on 01924 200 799 or visit www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
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By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale STOCKISTS: Bon Prix 0871 275 6232 www.bonprix.co.uk; Debenhams 0344 561 6161 www.debenhams.com; F&F at Tesco 0800 323 4050 www.clothingattesco.com; George at Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com/George; La Redoute 0844 842 2222 www.laredoute.co.uk; Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com; Simply Be 0871 231 5000 www.simplybe.co.uk; ✢ NEXT ISSUE Your big Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262 www.sainsburys.co.uk spring wardrobe refresh Details correct at time of going to press
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PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN
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Good to KNOW...
What happens to my pension AFTER DIVORCE? If your relationship ends your retirement income might be the last thing on your mind – but a plan will make the process much easier reaking up is never easy. It can be a confusing, overwhelming and distressing time for everyone involved. Working out how you will afford to live apart can be a huge challenge and it’s important that you include pensions when you work out how to separate your lives.
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Pensions and divorce Divorce law says that pensions can be shared along with other assets if you and your partner decide to go your separate ways. You must never assume that you will be entitled to some of your partner’s pension pot if you divorce, so it’s very important that you talk these things through if you can. If the end of your relationship is less than civil, you might want to get a mediator to help you negotiate your way through everything. A mediator remains impartial and is there to help you reach an agreement outside of court, to save you time and money. They can’t advise you on the legal side though, so it’s important that each of you get independent advice. ✢ Find a mediator through the Family Mediation Council call 0844 556 7215 or visit www.familymediationcouncil. org.uk/
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Dividing up pension You and your partner will need to tell the divorce court the value of your pension pots. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you need to know the value of your pension at the date your divorce. If you live in Scotland, it’s the
increase in the value of your pension over the course of your marriage that is counted. You can get these from your pension provider but be prepared to pay for the information you need. Pensions are usually the biggest asset after the matrimonial home, so, given what’s at stake, it’s vital you get advice from a pension adviser. Essentially, pension pots can be split three ways, as Mary Banham-Hall – lawyer, mediator and author of Love Lose Live: Divorce is a Rollercoaster – explains (right).
HOW TO...
GET YOUR FINANCES ON TRACK changing your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) arrangements. Yours Retirement Services will write your Will for free if you arrange both a Health & Welfare and a Financial & Property Affairs LPA with them. Call 0800 915 4714. ✢ Review the amount of life and health insurance you have. ✢ Check to see if you are now entitled to any state benefits as a single person ✢ If there is a maintenance
1 “Pensions sharing – the pensions will be split at the time of divorce so that you each get a separate pension pot. This will allow you to continue building on your pension for the future if you need to. 2 “Pensions offsetting – you each keep your own pension, but you adjust the amount of other assets you get. So for example if one person has a large pension pot the other might get to keep the family home if it is of a similar value. 3 “Pensions earmarking – an agreement that states that when one person’s pension starts to be drawn down, the other person is paid part of it.”
I didn’t work – does it matter? If your husband was always the breadwinner and you stayed at home to bring up a family you won’t be penalised for not working. The law sees both working and raising a family or supporting your husband as an equal contribution. If you husband has a pension pot and you have none then it’s likely that you will need to share his pension pot.
What about my state pension? This is where it gets very complicated! “Much depends upon your own National Insurance history and whether the State Pension is being paid or not. If one spouse has an incomplete
order or alimony in place, ensure your exspouse has sufficient life insurance to cover these payments should he die before you. ✢ If in doubt take advice from a financial planner who will be able to help you get back on track. Find an independent financial adviser in your area by calling 0800 112 3405 or visit www. financialadvisorbureau. co.uk
| DID YOU KNOW? | Money matters typically take 11½ months to settle following a break-up Source: Aviva
In happier times, it's important that both partners understand financial circumstances including their pensions National Insurance Contributions (NICs) history to receive the full State Pension, because of time out of work to bring up children for example, they can ‘substitute’ their divorced spouse’s record to get a full State Pension at no cost,” says Danny Cox at financial adviser Hargreaves Lansdown (hl.co.uk). “Any Additional State Pension (once called SERPs) is also shared.” The rules change from April though where everyone builds their own entitlement to the State Pension. You need at least ten years of National Insurance contributions to qualify for any State Pension, to get the full amount you need to 35 years of contributions. However, it may be possible to share in you ex-partner’s State Pension.
What if we’re already drawing down our pensions? If you are already retired and are drawing down on your pension when you divorce it doesn’t matter. “The same principles apply,” says Danny. “The pension is an asset, or it’s an income stream which is taken into consideration in the division.” So you may still end up sharing your pension pots.
I’m worried I won’t have enough to live on If you are still working you could try topping up your pension, though there are limits to how much you can pay into it and receive tax relief. If you are close to retirement age it’s quite difficult to top-up your pension, so you may want to consider continuing to work or going back to work. If you are worried, your local Citizen Advice Bureau could help with practical advice. Call 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Stay safe and know your finances Having full knowledge of your own pension and other finances is vital. “Some unscrupulous individuals may be tempted to strip out their pension pot and spend it before the divorce settlement to avoid sharing it with their ex-partner. To avoid this, it’s important that, in happier times, couples understand what pension both parties have built up,” says financial expert Kate Smith from Aegon. ✢ NEXT ISSUE Relationships – relight that fire! YOURS
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✢ Review your budget and spending needs to ensure you spend less than you receive and save the difference. ✢ A divorce nullifies a Will so you need to make a new one – March 2016 is Free Wills Month which allows you to make or change a Will free of charge through a number of charities if you are 55 or over. Find out more at http:// freewillsmonth.org.uk ✢ It’s also a good time to consider organising or
Bunny basket This cute crocheted bag is ideal for Easter egg hunts and all your little one’s bits and pieces!
This baske t Top tip is made by working rounds, increasing on the bottom to ensure it stays flat
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If you’re experienced at crochet this project should be no problem – if not, begin with an easy pattern, to build your skills. Visit www.yours.co.uk for ideas
✢ 100g (3½oz) of Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran Cream (MC) ✢ 50g (2oz) of Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran Blush (CC) ✢ Black yarn for eyes ✢ 4.5mm and 6mm crochet hooks ✢ Yarn sewing up needle ✢ Toy stuffing
ABBREVIATIONS: CH – chain; st(s) - stitch(es) ; SK – skip; SS – slip stitch; DC – double crochet; HTR – half treble; DC2tog – double crochet two together; cm – centimetre(s); cont continue(ing); mm – milimetre(s); g – grams; in – inch(es); rep-repeat(s)(ing)
Main basket Round 1: Using 2 strands (MC) with 6mm hook - slip knot then 2 CH st(s). In 2nd CH work 6xHTRs then SS into 1st to join a ring. 6 st(s) Round 2: CH 2 DC. 2xDCs into following st(s). SS join 1st. 12 st(s) Round 3: CH 2 DC. 2xDCs into following st(s) SS join 1st st. 24 st(s) Round 4: CH 2. 2xDCs into next st, *then a single DC. 2xDCs into next st* rep * to * all the way round. End on 2xDC. 36 st(s). Round 5: CH 2 then single DC next st. 2xDC’s, *then a single DC into the next 2 st(s), followed by 2xDCs into the next * rep * to * round. 48 st(s) Round 6-16: Work 11 rows in straight rounds without increasing. 48 st(s). CH 2 SS each row.
The ears Row 1: Choose st off the centre front. Using the front loops pull through a (CC) strand. With 4.5mm hook DC 4 st(s) (front loops only). Turn. Row 2: CH 2 DC next 3 st(s). 4 st(s) Row 3: As Row 2. Row 4: CH 2. DC into 1st st to increase. Rep 3 st(s). 5 st(s) Row 5: CH 2. DC into 4 st(s). 5 st(s) Row 6: As Row 5. Row 7: CH 2. DC into 1st st. Rep 4. 6 st(s) Row 8: CH 2. DC 5 st(s). 6 st(s) Rows 9-15: As Row 8. Row 16: CH 2, SK 1. DC 3 st(s). 4st(s) Row 17: CH 2, SK 1. DC next st. 3st(s) Break off yarn. Work a row DCs around the ear using (MC) and 4.5mm hook. Finish at rim. Leave 9 unworked st(s) between the ears then rep.
Strap Row 1: Pull ear forward. Work back loops. Use 2 strands (MC) and 6mm hook. Pull through CH 2. HTR into 3 st(s). Turn. Row 2: CH 2. HTR and rep for 3 st(s). 4 st(s). Rows 3-50: CH 2. Work a HTR into the next 3 st(s). 4 st(s). Break off. Leaving 8 st(s)at the sides sew between frontback strap. Rep behind other ear. Tack with (CC).
The nose Round 1: Use 1 strand of (CC) and 4.5mm crochet hook, CH 2. Work 6xDCs into 2nd CH from the hook,
SS first to join. 6 st(s) Round 2: CH 2 DC each. SS. 6 st(s) Stuff. Round 3: CH 2 DC 2tog x3 SS. 3 st(s) Break off and sew. Sew nose on centre.
Cheeks Round 1: Using 1 strand of (MC) and 4.5mm hook, CH 2. Work 6xDCs into 2nd CH from hook, SS into first st. 6 st(s) Round 2: CH 2, then DC. 2xDCs following st(s), SS to join first. 12 st(s) Round 3: CH 2 DC each. SS to join. 12 st(s) Round 4: As round 3. 12 st(s) Round 5: CH 2 then DC2tog 6 times. SS to join. 6 st(s) Stuff. Round 6: CH 2 then DC2tog 3 times. SS to join. 3 st(s) Break off and sew up. Sew cheeks under the nose.
Eyes Embroider eyes using black wool. STOCKIST: Sidar Yarns can be ordered online. Visit www.sirdar. co.uk/storelocator ✢ Project from Hobbycraft blog
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mfrom y lessons life… Seventies heart-throb David Essex, 68, talks to us about his long career and why being an older dad is so magical ✢ Early fame was all so bewildering
a little boy, Sonny, in June 2014. I’m 68 so late fatherhood has been a bit of an eye-opener. He wakes up at 5am each morning ready to start the day. Actually, sometimes we have a lie-in until 5.40am! Overall, though, it’s been magical. And I say that, hand on heart. He’s a great little fellow, truly a real blessing.
I wish I’d been a bit more at ease with being a pop star. I’d like to have enjoyed it more. I found it all a bit bewildering. I just couldn’t believe the hysteria.
✢ I was admired for my looks
✢ Challenges are good I enjoyed playing Eddie Moon in EastEnders but they work you incredibly hard. There’s virtually no time for rehearsing so you have to know what you’re doing. I remember one occasion when I had to film 28 pages of dialogue in a day with another actor. If you’re making a film, you probably cover about two pages of script a day. But, like anything I agree to do, I saw it as an adventure. I certainly like a challenge. It’s why I accepted the role of The Voice of Humanity in the current West 138
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✢ Health is so important I’ve been very lucky and always enjoyed good health. Obviously, Left, heartthrob David I’m going to pop off before my in1975 and above, in 2011 as EastEnders’ wife, (actress Susan HallamEddie Moon Wright) but at least she’ll have a little man to protect her after I’ve gone. I End production of Jeff Wayne’s know he’ll only be just into his teens when I hit musical, The War of the Worlds. 80 but that’s just the way it is. You have to be philosophical about it.
✢ Always do your best
The longer I do this job the better I have to be. It’s like being a gunslinger with a reputation. You walk into a bar and people expect you to live up to that reputation. It was a bit like that on EastEnders. I turned up on the first day and I could sense that the existing cast, some of whom had been there for 20 years, were checking me out to see if I could walk and talk at the same time. Slowly I got accepted.
✢ Being an older dad is magical I’ve got four grown-up kids from my first two marriages and then my third wife, Susan, gave birth to
WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? My late manager, Derek Bowman. I was a drummer in a band and, when that fell apart, he suggested I become a solo singer. He encouraged me to write songs like Gonna Make You A Star and Rock On which went to Number One around the world. Derek’s belief in me was extraordinary. He got me to sing and act – and to discover that I could.
✢ The War of the Worlds runs at the Dominion Theatre until April 30. Call 0845 200 7982 for tickets or visit www.dominiontheatre.com ✢ David was speaking to Richard Barber
PICS: BBC, REX SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY IMAGES
My ears used to ring for about two hours after a concert from all the highpitched screaming. I suppose what I minded was that I was being appreciated at a very superficial level for the way I looked. I’m not really complaining; let’s just say it took me by surprise.