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44
Explore the city
of Orlando
WELCOME!
Doing something out CELEBRITY
of your comfort zone 4 ON THE COVER Meghan and
can be a little scary, Harry betrayed: Shock royal twist
but Celia’s story on 7 ON THE COVER Phil: Time to
p58, about taking up divorce: Is the star looking for
ballroom dancing in her a fresh start?
50s, really made me 8 ON THE COVER Stacey’s latest
smile. I love that she chanced hacks! DIY queen
doing something new – and that 52 Celeb oversharers
she fell in love with it. It’s a good
reminder that life can be full of FEATURES
surprises, in the very best way. 12 ON THE COVER Trapped in
On p8 we’ve got Stacey Solomon’s a cult: 27 years of hell
crafty garden hacks – it’s more 18 From the heart: My fiancé was
30
Know how to
spot a scam
22 10 steps to your 10,000 steps:
Smart ways to reach your goal
26 Breathe yourself healthier:
Techniques to give you a boost
28 ON THE COVER Seven steps to
fancy feet, plus five nail trends
40 Let’s shop! Our pick of the
latest homes looks

COVER PHOTOS: EMILY WHITMORE, FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK

than just mowing the lawn – killed as I fought for my life 44 Travel: Top things to do in Orlando,
and on p32 we’ve got easy (and 30 Behind the headlines: Could you from theme parks to relaxation
drool-worthy) pudding recipes. spot a scam?
Each week I love reading the 38 You’ll never believe it: Diet wars! YOUR FAVOURITES
Woman’s Own Book Club (p50) Are men better at dieting? 14 Our columnist Dawn Neesom
– if you’re looking for some 43 Debate: Are you ever too old 24 Ask the doctor: Dawn Harper
inspiration, it’s full of great for tattoos? 25 Agony aunt Anita Naik
recommendations. All you need 58 In my experience: One woman’s 32 ON THE COVER Store-cupboard
now is a sunny beach to be story of learning to dance puds, from just 200 calories
reading them on – and an 35 Supermarket savers, including,
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Woman’s Own 3
 Get the
Your round-up of this week’s
biggest showbiz stories
Harry & Meghan
WERE THEY BETRAYED?
Relations between the Duke and
Duchess of Sussex and the rest
of the royals seem as tense as
ever, but now it’s perhaps the
Sussexes’ turn to feel betrayed.
Despite deciding to ditch the
UK for America and publicly air
WORDS: ARIANA LONGSON, ANNA MATHESON. PHOTOS: GETTY, INSTAGRAM @OFFICIALSUECLEAVER, @DAVIDBECKHAM, SHUTTERSTOCK
their grievances towards the
Firm, the couple have remained
close to Princesses Eugenie and
Beatrice. Eugenie, 33, is thought to
have visited the couple in their
home in California and appeared
in footage in their bombshell
Netflix documentary. But is that
relationship about to sour too?
Prince Andrew’s daughters
appear to have been rubbing
shoulders with one of the couple’s
enemies as they were spotted in
a pub laughing with Piers Morgan,
58. Beatrice was seen leaning in
The Birds back
in the 80s (left),
and Linda today
4 Woman’s Own
to give the presenter a hug, while
the unlikely pals were joined by
singer James Blunt. Piers’ disdain
for Meghan is well documented.
He even walked out of his role
on Good Morning Britain after
refusing to apologise for on-air
comments he made about her.
A source revealed, ‘After
everything Piers has said about
them as a couple – especially
Meghan, who he has called so
many names – Harry and
Meghan are astonished they’ve
gone behind their backs.’
Rumours are swirling that
Piers may be hoping to secure
Eugenie – currently pregnant
with her second child – and
Beatrice for an interview on his Another royal rift?
TalkTV show. But what will the The Sussexes, Piers
Sussexes make of the alliance? and the princesses
ENVIOUS LINDA
Over the years there have been her friend, 63. She said, ‘I think I
countless reports of a feud used to be envious of all the roles
between former Birds of a Feather she got in all the dramas.’
co-stars Linda Robson Linda, who previously denied
and Pauline Quirke. any falling out between the pair,
And now Loose continued, ‘I was delighted that she
Women panellist was so successful but I just wanted
Linda, 65, has a little bit of it as well.’ She added,
admitted to ‘But now I am doing drama roles so
feeling green I don’t have to be envious any more.’
eyed towards We’re glad to hear it, Linda!
 Celeb news

Judy SLEEPING IN Pics

THE SPARE ROOM
TV veteran Richard Madeley revealed that
of the week
his wife Judy Finnigan, 75, has moved out of
their marital bedroom. But fear not, it isn’t
out of choice. The 67-year-old shared, ‘Judy
is now sleeping in the spare room because
we have got this mouse in the bedroom.’
Richard continued, ‘I’ve set traps and
I have put poison boxes out and a lot of
people are saying peanut butter. But I have
tried peanut butter and it stinks, and it
has not drawn it out.’ Who’s the man and Coronation
who’s the mouse, Richard? Street and
former I’m a
Celebrity… star
Sue Cleaver
wowed in
NO WEDDING pink as she
showed off
BELLS FOR CHARLENE her impressive
weight loss.
Tell us your
She may be loved up with her partner of secrets, Sue!
seven years but Charlene White revealed
she has no plans to walk down the aisle,
despite pleas from her pals at Loose Women.
The 42-year-old admitted, ‘They’re obsessed
with me getting married, but I’m happy with
the way that we are.’ Charlene, who shares
children Alfie, five, and three-year-old
Florence with partner Andy, went on to
explain, ‘I know that a lot of the married
Loose Women find that strange, but it
works for us. And to be honest, we’re
too busy raising two very young
kids.’ Don’t rush out to buy Charlene
doesn’t need
a hat, Loose ladies! a ring on it They may be royals but it’s not always
oysters and caviar for the Waleses. By
the looks of it they love takeaway pizza
just as much as the rest of us!

Bev goes bust

Things aren’t looking great for actor Beverley Callard.
It’s been revealed that the star’s personal company,
JMBJ Limited, has gone into voluntary liquidation
after owing HMRC £101,654 in outstanding tax and
VAT, with liquidators revealing the debt is unlikely
to be repaid. The star, who was previously
declared bankrupt in 2012, set up the company
after stepping down from her iconic role as Two stunning
Coronation Street’s Liz McDonald in 2020 works of art, both
after 36 years on the show. Despite her worth millions,
in one picture.
financial troubles the I’m a Celebrity… 2020 David Beckham
contestant, 66, has turned down big-money and the Mona Lisa
offers from ITV to return to the soap. Let’s are more similar
than you’d think.
hope she gets back on her feet.

Woman’s Own 5

IS IT TIME
FOR PHIL TO
The This Morning presenter could
be contemplating making his split
from Steph Lowe official
I
t’s been more than three years since
This Morning presenter Phillip
Schofield came out as gay, after being
married to wife Stephanie Lowe for 27
years. The couple have yet to formally
divorce, but could now be the moment?
A source close to the ITV star tells
Woman’s Own that ‘we might see Phil start
proceedings sooner rather than later’,
adding, ‘Initially, they wanted to keep the
status quo and be there for the girls. But
now, they’ve proved they’re doing fine
separately. Drawing a line under his
marriage to Steph would offer Phil the
chance to have a fresh start after a tricky
few months for him.’
NO SHOWDOWN
However, the couple – who remain a big
part of each other’s lives – are likely to
divorce quietly. Our source reveals, ‘They
will do it on the down-low. There will be
no big courtroom showdown, it will be as
friendly as their
initial separation.
They’ll take their
time making
arrangements.
It will be a
formality, but a
significant one
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK
that brings them
closure and
signals that it’s the
end of that chapter
of their lives.’
It was an
emotional
February
morning when Phillip, 61, sat alongside his
This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby,
42, to share the news he had spent the past
few years ‘coming to terms with the fact
that I am gay’. Phil praised Steph’s
support, as well as lauding their two girls
– Molly, 29, and Ruby, 27 – for being
amazing. ‘Steph has been incredible – I
love her so very much,’ he revealed. ‘She is
the kindest soul I have ever
met. My girls have been
astonishing in their love,
‘GETTING
hugs and encouraging words THEIR AFFAIRS
of comfort. Both mine and
Steph’s families have stunned
IN ORDER
me with their love, instant MAKES SENSE’
acceptance and support. Of
course, they are worried about Steph, but
I know they will scoop us both up.’
While Phil remained in the family home
during lockdown, he
purchased his own bachelor
pad later that year. During his
chat with Holly, he insisted
that there was no one else on
the scene. He explained, ‘No,
I don’t think so. No, I’m not
thinking there. I’m doing
each day at a time now and
this has always been a slow
process.’ In the years since,
Phil’s remained tight-lipped
Devoted dad:
with daughters about his relationship status,
Ruby and Molly
Cover story
despite fellow TV host Graham Norton
joking he believes Phil ‘has a secret
boyfriend squirrelled away somewhere’.
Later in 2020, Phil told Chris Evans
during a podcast interview that he and
Steph hadn’t yet discussed making things
formal. ‘I’m still married. With divorce...
that has not been discussed. We are
picking our way through and however that
works, and it’s a work in progress.’
But according to our
source, Phil and Steph may
well have quietly moved on.
They explain, ‘It’s likely
that they’ll have met new
partners, or will in the
future, and may want to
get married to new
partners down the line so getting their
affairs in order makes sense.’
BROTHER JAILED
It’s been a testing few months for the star,
who has seen his brother jailed for sexual
offences against a child, prompting Phil to
declare he ‘no longer has a brother’. And
Phil’s popularity on This Morning has also
come into question.
With so many things going on, a fresh
start might be just the ticket to turn Phil’s
luck around – so could 2023 be the year
Phil and Steph decide to start divorce
proceedings? They do say when one door
closes, another opens.
Woman’s Own 7
 Setting the
benchmark for
GO GREEK
spring cleaning Ahead of her wedding
last summer, Stacey
WORDS: ANNA MATHESON. PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM @STACEYSOLOMON, SHUTTERSTOCK

gave her pergola area

a makeover by painting
Before it white and bringing in
swathes of bright pink
flowers. ‘A little pergola
REJUVENATE WOODEN wedding glow up,’ Stacey
FURNITURE explained, adding that
Transform a grubby old garden it was inspired by her
bench into the perfect perch Greek hen do where
with Stacey’s nifty method of she ‘fell in love with the
getting garden furniture shining. bougainvillea and all of
The star couldn’t ‘believe the the white walls and
difference’ after taking her beautiful surroundings’.
Kärcher pressure washer to one Teamed with a cosy-
of her wooden benches. A quick looking lounge set,
pressure wash, some stain and cushions and candles,
seal, and your tatty old wooden it made for a stylish
furniture will look as good as new. outdoor space.

She’s the queen of DIY when it comes to doing up Pickle Cottage, so with
it makes sense that Stacey Solomon, 33, has a few tricks up her sleeve
EMBRACE PICNICS GROW
Whether you’ve got a YOUR OWN
sprawling back garden like Not just a place
Stacey or a tiny yard, setting to sit back and
up a picnic spot is one of the relax, why not
easiest – and cheapest – ways take a tip from
to embrace the outdoors in Stacey and try
summer. Invest in some growing veg in
colourful blankets and your garden too? The
cushions to create the star admits that she’s
perfect al fresco no expert, but she still
dining space. enjoys attempting to
grow veggies in her
greenhouse. She
revealed, ‘I’ve just been
watering them every day
thinking eventually I will
kill them because I am
Having a cuppa
with friend Sophie rubbish at plants – but
Hinchliffe, aka they’re actually growing!’
Mrs Hinch
 Celeb photo fun
SEASONAL
DISPLAYS
Stacey loves to
embrace a floral door
display each season.
Past designs have
incorporated items
she already owned Before
– so unpack those
old wellies or dust
off the wheelbarrow SPRUCE
and fill them with UP YOUR
flowers for a fresh- POTS
looking front door If you want
scene this summer. to save on
patio pots, make like Stacey
and try this genius idea. She
bought a couple of cheap
terracotta-coloured pots and
sprayed them with concrete-
look paint. She explained,
‘It’s got really good coverage
so one can would probably
do four or five of these.’
A topcoat of stone-effect
paint added texture. ‘Now
they look perfect for around
the pool,’ she said. ‘I love

Stacey
them for a fiver.’

WENDY HOUSE MAKEOVER

Before you think about getting
rid of any old structures in your
garden, why not see if you can give
them an upcycle instead? Stacey
did just that for the old Wendy
house at Pickle Cottage. While she
got professional help to replace
some of the rotten wood, she
painted it herself in smart grey
and white tones.

DIY PLANT STAND

Plant stands are all the rage right now. Stacey made
hers by giving an old shelving unit a lick of white paint
and planting herbs in old containers she found around
the house. She wrote, ‘My new herb garden made
From old junk from old junk. I love it so, so much.’
to practical
herb garden
Woman’s Own 9
 All the best fashion, beauty and home buys
we have our eye on this week

LIP SERVICE
Leaves lips looking dewy.
Makeup Revolution Pout Balm
in Rose Shine, £4.99, Boots

HANGOVER-FREE
THINK PINK Bursting with fruity aromas.
Go up a size and wear as an oversized shacket. Clean G Rhubarb gin
Shirt, £20, sizes xxs-xl, Primark alternative, £16, clean.co
COMPILED BY: BECKY JOINER-O’RIORDAN

HOT HAMPER GO LARGE PRINT PERFECT LOVELY LILAC

Fill up with your favourite Make a statement with Live life in full colour Bring a bit of fun to
sandwiches and sweet treats. these oversized resin gems. in this gorgeous midi. your floral display.
Picnic basket, £16, Habitat Rings, £15.99 for two, Zara Dress, £23, sizes 8-20, Matalan Vase, £16, Habitat

10 Woman’s Own
 Treat yourself

IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS

Set a simple yet sumptuous table with candles and gorgeous outdoor tableware. DENIM DELIGHT
Plain plates, £5 for pack of four, fruit-print plates, £1.50 each, strawberry-shaped Grab one before they go!
plate, £2.50, wine glasses, £2 each, black four-candle holder, £4, all B&M Jumpsuit, £26, sizes 4-20,
Primark

T
T REAELF
YOURS

CREDIT SCORE CALMING CLEANSE CLEANSE AND BRIGHTEN

A cute caddy for your cards. Melts your make-up away. Revitalise a dull complexion.
Card purse, £21, Camomile Cleansing Butter, Vitamin C Fix Clay Mask 3%,
estellabartlett.com £12, The Body Shop £12.95, nipandfab.com

TIE THE KNOT SOFT GLOW WHAT’S THE SCOOP? ARM CANDY
Treat your feet to some Just add a tea light to create Dish up salads in high style. Wear over your shoulder
super-colourful sandals. a cosy atmosphere. Serving spoons, £14.99, or across your body.
Sandals, £29, Next Lantern, £3, Ikea H&M Home Bag, £22.99, parfois.com

Woman’s Own 11
 Jemima (right)
with her mum and
a younger brother

Pre-teen: But she

was kept away from
mainstream school

Jemima Farris, 50, was born and raised in a shocking Tribulation’ – the end of the world, which
Berg claimed was just around the corner.

sect which encouraged adults to have sex with children SENT ABROAD

S
tanding outside a tent in the dark,
waiting to have my fortune told, I
began to shake. I knew that inside,
the woman would look into her
crystal ball and tell me the name of a man
I’d have to have sex with, as apparently it
was God’s will. I was just 12 years old – and
trapped in an abusive cult.
In 1972, while she was
pregnant with me, my mother
‘WE WERE
Deborah, now 73, fled her TRAINED FOR
unhappy marriage and joined
a newly-formed Christian
THE END OF
missionary group called the
Children of God, convinced by
THE WORLD’
their promise to change the world. It was
WORDS: KATE GRAHAM
shack on the beach with no walls. Though
we stayed together, it was drilled into us
that family didn’t matter, and our love and
loyalty was to be to the Children of God
before each other. Our lives were controlled
by the cult leader, self-proclaimed prophet
David Berg, who was in his 50s, though we
never saw him – he was in
hiding and in photos his
face was covered.
Berg wrote and distributed
books to thousands of cult
members worldwide, telling
us what to think and do. He
declared that the outside world,
and everyone in it, was evil. We were cut off
Berg was also obsessed with sex. According
to his ‘Law of Love’, anyone in the cult could
have sex with anyone else – including
children. In 1984, when I was about to turn
12, a leader suddenly told me I was being
sent abroad to a camp with other teens
from the cult. I wasn’t upset at being away
from Mum for so long, as we had no bond
due to the way the cult forced us to live,
but flying to Mexico, I had no idea my life
was about to become even worse.
Outside the US, cult followers lived in
large compounds behind high walls, far
from prying eyes. Teenagers shared rooms
that were open to any adult who wanted
to enter. All I could do when an ‘uncle’

the same cult celebrities Rose McGowan
and Joaquin Phoenix were raised in.
Mum remarried and had my five
younger siblings. We moved constantly,
sometimes to a dirty, cold garage, or to a
completely. Television, films, books and
music were all forbidden, and we only mixed
with others in the cult. Instead of attending
mainstream school, we were trained by
parents and the cult’s school for the ‘Great
came in during the night was desperately
hope it would soon be over. It was
terrifying, but I’d been taught that any
doubt, however small, went against God.
Physical punishments were also

12 Woman’s Own

rampant. Leaders would make us strip
and stand in front of a crowd while they
beat us with a huge cricket bat for
something as minor as laughing. During
my teens, I constantly moved from one
commune to the next, mainly across Asia
– I lived in 21 countries in 27 years.
When I was 15, a boy I liked wrote me a
love note, but the leaders discovered it and
he was put in solitary confinement for
three months. For years I’d been terrified
of getting pregnant, as contraception was
banned and I’d seen girls as young as 14
become mothers. But in 1996, aged 23 and
living in a commune in
Russia, I felt an
overwhelming
desire to have
someone to
love and who
would truly
love me back.
After a
month of
trying, I
Jemima lived
in 21 different
countries
became pregnant by a man in the
cult. I asked the leaders’ permission
to return to live with my mum in the
US to give birth, but although I hadn’t
seen her in 13 years, our reunion
was emotionless. My daughter
Mikayla was born in December
1997, and holding her in my arms
I felt a fierce love. It was the first
chink in the cult’s indoctrination.
Mikayla was a helpless baby and
she deserved protection – as had I.
Still, I couldn’t seem to break away.
Berg had died in 1994, aged 75, but
the cult endured, and it was all I’d
ever known. Instead, I rebelled – I
drank, smoked marijuana and had
sex with outsiders. In 2000, when
the leaders found out, they banished
me for six months. I was angry and scared,
wondering how I was going to live in a
world I’d been told was evil.
Thankfully, an ex-member helped me
get on my feet, finding me a place to live in
Seattle and a job as a housekeeper. As I met
more ex-members and learned how Berg
had lived in luxury, while his followers
suffered in poverty, I realised we’d been
exploited. The entire cult had been a lie. By
the time my six-month banishment was
over, I knew that I was never going back.
With daughter
Mikayla and
husband Tim
Real life shock read
Life ‘outside’ was terrifying. After decades
of indoctrination, I had no education and
didn’t understand the world at all. I was
constantly surprised by everyday things,
like how much people would spend on
clothes and furniture. I’d never had
anything new in my life and the first
few years were a daze. Without Mikayla
by my side, I wouldn’t have made it, but
I kept going for her.
A year after leaving, in June 2001, I was
28 and working in a new job as a waitress.
One night a co-worker invited me to a party
and there I met Tim – and immediately we
had a connection. We took things slowly
before marrying in 2006.
I had a loving husband and daughter, and
was rebuilding my relationship with Mum,
who’d left the cult. But in 2011, everything
collapsed. Tim, now 57, became disabled
after an accident at the restaurant where
he worked, a friend died, and Mum was
diagnosed with cancer. Self-medicating
with drugs, I wanted my life to be over.
I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital,
and at my first therapy session I finally
came to accept that I’d been sexually
abused from age 12.
PAINFUL CONVERSATIONS
I began to process what had happened with
the help of therapy and support from friends
and family. I knew I had to fight – if I
relapsed or killed myself, it would be like
the cult had won. It’s what led me to set up
the Butterflies And Bravery podcast in 2021,
with a former Children of God member.
By then, the cult – which has changed
its name multiple times and is now known
as The Family International – was facing
investigations and charges of child abuse. In
recent years, I’ve had tentative conversations
with Mum about the past. It’s been
extremely painful for us, but I now
know she was also a victim.
I work as a chef, though I still have
my struggles. I’ve lost childhood
friends by suicide, including the
sweet boy who tried to pass me the
love note, and it breaks my heart.
But I refuse to feel helpless. I’m
telling my story for myself and
all those who didn’t make it. For
years I didn’t have a voice. Now
I’ll never be silent again.
✣ For more information, visit
butterfliesandbravery.com
Woman’s Own 13

The Woman’s Own columnist has her say on work, loneliness and bad-for-you foods
UNHEALTHY
BREAKFAST
The husband always likes to include
orange juice with his full English
breakfast to be ‘healthy’. He’s
semi-joking (I think) but now he
might have to consider his sense of
humour as former Chancellor
George Osborne thinks the sugar
tax on fizzy drinks should apply to
fruit juices. Because evidently
there’s nearly as much sugar in a
glass of shop-bought orange juice as
there is in a can of full-fat cola. Gulp.
Not that I can be too smug
because as a huge fan of oat milk
I’m in trouble too. It seems that,
unlike cow’s milk, it has way more
other ingredients and spikes blood
sugar. Double gulp.
And you can stop feeling smug if
you’ve swapped your sliced white
bread for sourdough.
Four out of five
shop-bought loaves
aren’t even
sourdough at all
and do as little for
your gut as they do
for your wallet.
Shop-bought salads are
another no-no. Granola?
PHOTOS: GETTY, ALAMY
Nope. Better off having
dark chocolate when it
comes to sugar. So, we seem
to have narrowed it down to
a nice glass of water. Er, yum.
14 Woman’s Own
DAWN NEESOM
SEX SELLS – AND
GWYNETH IS
CASHING IN
But are we talking about our bedroom
antics a bit too much?
N
ot too long ago, if an actor
made a video extolling the
virtues of inserting a lump of
jade or quartz into your
vagina, you’d know exactly what kind of
films she made. And it wouldn’t be
Hollywood blockbusters. Fast forward to
now and that’s just one of the very graphic
sex tips Hollywood A-lister and Oscar-
winner Gwyneth Paltrow has
offered us via her insanely
popular Goop website.
‘IT CAN
You know the one, it’s the LEAVE YOU
site that’s famous for
flogging candles scented FEELING
like her orgasms and
vagina. She’s also
INADEQUATE’
advocated steam cleaning your inner
lady bits by squatting over something
suspiciously like a steam iron. It’s not
by the way, so don’t try this at home.
Not content with the millions Goop
already makes her, though, Gwynie
has also recently launched an
Instagram page all about her passions
for baking and gardening.
Nah, just kidding. It’s all about sex of
course. It’s called
Goopsex and is
dedicated to those ‘in
pursuit of pleasure’.
Seriously I’m no
prude but some of the
stuff on there is eye
popping to say the
least. Just in case you
weren’t quite sure
how to use Paltrow’s own brand £76
double-sided wand vibrator,
Goopsex comes with
illustrated instructions.
It also tells you more about
her female libido-boosting
supplement called DTF. And
what the DTF stands for.
Which is evidently Down To,
er, very rude word beginning with F, often
gets autocorrected to duck.
And this is the girl who made
Shakespeare in Love? It’s brilliant we can
all talk about sex more easily now, but
have we gone too far with the oversharing?
Have we crossed the very fine line
between making love and making porn?
What category would you put footage of
a semi-naked woman masturbating in? In
 Columnist
STARTING
WEEKENDS
EARLY
We all knew that
co-worker who viewed
lunchtime on Friday as
the time to start their
weekend early. And it
was blooming annoying,
especially if you were
left to cover.
Now, though, big companies like
L’Oréal, Asos and Nike are making
lunchtime finishes on Friday official
during the summer months. Without
staff losing any pay. Er, sorry, but isn’t
this giving in to the skivers?
All very well if you’re running a huge
company with loads of staff and profit
but not if you’re a small business trying
to recover from the pandemic.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s TV
series includes a look
at women’s pleasure
Paltrow’s Netflix docuseries The Goop
Lab a woman sat down with sex
educators Betty Dodson and Carlin
Ross and did just this.
On the upside, unlike porn, Gwyneth
uses real women to demonstrate and
talk about her products and services.
They have stretch marks, real boobs
and even, gasp, body hair.
The downside, though, is it can still
leave you feeling inadequate. What if
you’re too knackered with work, the
kids, caring for elderly relatives, ill
health to even wonder how another
woman’s partner can bring you to
orgasm by simply waving his
hands over your body? (Yes,
there’s a video for this too).
Let alone wonder what shooting
pure oxygen up your bottom would
do. Of course, she’s done that too.
Where there’s muck there’s brass
though and Gwyneth now earns more
from Goop, love eggs, vibrators and
sex dust (don’t ask!) than her acting.
A cool £200 million to be precise.
Laughing all the way to the bonk
as it were.
WOKE UNI
The University of
the Arts London has
joined many modern-
day companies and
realised how important
menopausal and
pregnant women are to
the workforce, and the
kind of problems they
face. Great, right? Not quite. Because to be so
achingly trendy they’ve managed to write
women out of the whole shooting match.
Instead, we are ‘individuals’ and
‘people’. Sigh. The word ‘women’
isn’t a swear word. Yet.

THE LONELY TRUTH

Incredibly, in a world where inclusivity
and #BeKind have become some kind of
new religion, we are facing a pandemic
of loneliness. Loneliness is on the rise in
the UK, so much so that the government
appointed a minister for it.
Social isolation
is bad for health ‘Scientists have long known how toxic
social isolation can be and as far back as
1979 it was found that people with the
fewest social ties were three times more
likely to die prematurely than those
with the most,’ says Dr Rangan
Chatterjee, GP and author of The Stress
Solution. Sad, isn’t it, that the more we
talk the talk about being kind, the less
we seem to be walking the walk.

What’s your opinion? Tell Dawn on Twitter @DawnNeesom

Woman’s Own 15
 fashion expert
Accessory
update
PAULA MOORE
Group fashion
director

From the practical to the pretty, our fashion team pick

out the perfect finishing touches to your look
Sporty spice
Comfort is key, so tap into the sports-
luxe trend with chunky flats and a
HANNAH HUGHES practical cross-body bag. This Uniqlo
Group fashion design comes in heaps of colours
editor
Practical pieces
and is a lot roomier than it looks.
I love these cute pastel sandals, too
Never underestimate the power of a good pair – perfect with jeans and dresses.
of sunglasses or a stylish floppy hat to transform Shoes, £29.99, Deichmann; bag,
your look in an instant. Not only that, but both £14.90, Uniqlo Becky
pieces are incredibly practical too, protecting your
face from the sun’s harmful rays. Keep it classic in
some universally flattering cat-eye sunglasses and
a woven hat, guaranteed to go with everything.
Sunglasses, £3.50, Primark; hat, £17.99,
Stradivarius Becky

CHARLIE BELL
Deputy fashion 70s style
editor If you, like me, have been obsessed with
Daisy Jones & the Six, then you may be looking
to steal some of that 70s bohemian style,
and an accessory is a good place to
start. Crochet bags, chunky platforms
and clogs will give any look a retro
spin. I’m wearing mine with some

Catwalk copies
wide-leg jeans and a floaty blouse.
Shoes, £29.99, New Look;
High street stalwarts H&M are fulfilling all bag, £29.99, Zara Charlie
my designer needs with their chic accessory
collection that looks like it’s stepped straight off
the catwalk. This tweed bag and sandal combo
BECKY JOINER has an uncanny resemblance to more pricey
O’RIORDAN designs and I’m in love. Embrace that ladylike
Senior fashion stylist style and pair with a sweet spring frock.
and writer Shoes, £29.99, and bag, £19.99, both H&M Charlie

16 Woman’s Own
 Fashion how to
Dress, £45,

BRANDS TO
sizes 6-20,
shoes, £29,
green bag, £45,
BOOKMARK
1
and lilac bag,
£25, all Anyday
at John Lewis
& Partners

BEST FOR…
Luxe for less
An online hotspot to satisfy
designer cravings, Ego has
heaps of catwalk-inspired
shoes and bags that look like
the real deal at purse-friendly
prices. Think showstopping
heels and glitzy clutches, ideal
for summer parties. ego.co.uk

2
BEST FOR…
Colourful trainers
Playsuit, £25, Swap box-fresh white trainers
sizes 8-20,
for Gola’s colourful collection
and bag, £10,
for an instant outfit boost.
both Matalan
From poppy prints to vibrant
hues, they’re sure to put a
spring in your step. gola.co.uk

3
ACCESSORIES
ARE AN EASY
WAY TO TRY A BEST FOR…
NEW TREND On-trend sunglasses
You can always rely on the
Aussies to deliver stylish
Colourful gems sunnies, and Quay is bursting
with fancy frames to suit all,
Add a bit of oomph to an outfit with
whether you’re after oversized
some statement jewellery. I’m obsessed
aviators or classic cat-eyes.
with all the vibrant resin pieces available
quayaustralia.co.uk

4
just now. They have a high-end quality
without the hefty price tag. Stack two
or three bracelets together for a more
dramatic look or keep it subtle with

Fancy occasions
some earrings and a simple tank top.
Bracelet, £5.99, and BEST FOR…
Let’s face it, we can’t afford a new outfit earrings, £9.99, both Wide-fit shoes
for every special event, so if you buy just parfois.com Hannah Treat your feet to serious
COMPILED BY: CHARLIE BELL

one thing, make it an accessory. I’ve got comfort with M&S’ wide-
my eye on this beaded bag, a dead ringer fit shoe range, specially
for a Shrimps one, and these lime green crafted to give you extra
mules will elevate a plain dress in no time. room and plenty of support.
Shoes, £16, Primark; bag, £45, marksandspencer.com
Accessorize Paula

Woman’s Own 17
 When Kate Byrne, 49, was diagnosed with cancer,
she thought the worst had already happened
S
wishing around in a gorgeous silk
wedding gown, I looked in the
mirror and smiled. It was 2005,
and as I took in the flowing skirt
and beautiful bodice, I knew it was perfect.
‘This is the one,’ I said to my bridesmaids-
to-be as they nodded approvingly.
My fiance Andy Herron, then 30, and
I were getting married at a vineyard in
South Africa the following year. I pictured
us exchanging vows with the sun setting
over the mountains, promising to love each
other ‘until death do us part’. I couldn’t
wait for our future together.
I’d met Andy three years earlier, in
RACE PHOTO: STUART MARTIN/CANCER RESEARCH UK
August 2002, at a mutual
friend’s wedding in
Dunstable, where
we’d both grown
WORDS: FRANCESCA WOODSTOCK.
up. Andy was
such a loveable
character and
attracted
attention for Kate, her son
all the right Alfie and dog
Rosie are all
reasons. running the
Kind, funny Race for Life
18 Woman’s Own
and always up for a good time, when he
flashed me a cheeky smile and his eyes
locked with mine, I was smitten. ‘Fancy
a drink?’ he said, pouring me a glass of
champagne. We spent the night laughing
and dancing, so it didn’t come as much of
a surprise to any of our friends when we
became a couple.
We quickly moved in together, found
a flat in Crouch End, north London, and
started planning our lives together. We
went on holidays, talked about marriage
and children, and our families became
intertwined. ‘You’re like a son to us,’ my
mum Rita and dad Ken said to Andy
whenever we visited.
After Andy proposed in
May 2004, we dreamt
of getting married
at a South African
winery, and
booked it for 17
November 2006.
‘It’s going to
be stunning,’
Andy said. My
bridesmaids,
On holiday
with Andy
in Menorca
Tracey, Jo, and my sister Sara, helped me
pick out my wedding dress and choose the
flowers. Everything was going brilliantly.
SECRET ANXIETY
But in December 2005, as I lay in the bath,
I felt a small, hard lump in my right breast.
Fear struck me. It was the size of a mint
imperial, and although it wasn’t painful,
I knew it needed checking. I made an
appointment with my GP, but not wanting
Andy to worry, I kept my concerns to myself.
Over the following few days, Andy and
I spent Christmas with our families. ‘This
time next year, we’ll be married,’ he said
in a speech after dinner. Raising his glass,

Andy looked at me lovingly. ‘To my future
wife,’ he said, and I felt like the luckiest
woman alive.
But in January 2006, when I was 32, the
results of my biopsy came back, and it was
bad news. ‘You have grade 4 breast cancer,’
the consultant told me over the phone at
work. Devastated, I rushed home and
sobbed into Andy’s arms.
Already at an advanced
stage, the prognosis wasn’t
‘I COULDN’T
good. I needed an immediate STOP CRYING.
lumpectomy, followed by
chemo and radiotherapy.
WAS THIS
‘What if I die?’ I cried, but
Andy was adamant. ‘We’ll get
REAL?’
through this,’ he said.
With our wedding to look forward to,
I focussed on planning our big day. I
flicked through bridal magazines during
treatment, and after two rounds of chemo,
I was feeling more positive. ‘You can beat
this,’ Andy told me, and even as my hair
fell out in clumps, the thought of marrying
The couple
were planning
their wedding
him was enough to keep me smiling.
But in April 2006, I was visiting my
parents for a few days when I was woken
at 9.30am to a phone call that changed my
life forever. ‘Andy has been in an accident,’
a police officer said, explaining he’d been
on his way to work in London when a car
hit his moped.
Rushing to the Royal Free Hospital in
London, for three days I sat
by his bedside, but Andy’s
brain injuries were so
catastrophic, it was clear
he wasn’t going to pull
through. Friends and
family came to say goodbye,
and on 17 April 2006, he
passed away, aged 31.
I couldn’t stop crying. Was this real?
Instead of planning our wedding, I’d be
planning Andy’s funeral. It felt as though
I was living a nightmare.
As family and friends rallied round, I
was still undergoing treatment, fighting
for my own life. My future with Andy had
Real life from the heart
been the one thing to keep me going. Now
he was gone, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted
to continue living.
Somehow, I made it from one day to the
next. At his funeral the following month,
more than 600 people turned up. ‘It’s just
not fair,’ I told mourners through my tears.
As the days and months passed, doctors
deemed my treatment a success. I was
cancer-free, just in time for what would
have been my wedding day, so in November
2006, I boarded a plane to South Africa
alone. Although I’d cancelled the ceremony,
I still wanted to go, and as I arrived in
South Africa, I cried at what should have
been the start of a wonderful future.
NEVER FORGETTING
A few days later, friends and family joined
me, and we marked our special day with
a meal, paying tribute to the man we all
loved. It was tragic, but it gave me a small
sense of closure.
In May 2007, a court found Andy had
been killed as a result of careless driving,
when a car sped through a red light at
twice the speed limit, ploughing into Andy
on his moped and throwing him to the
ground. Despite Andy losing his life, the
driver was fined just £2,000 and banned
from driving for three years. It wasn’t
enough, but I knew I had to move on.
I came to realise that Andy would have
wanted me to be happy. I had to live for
both of us. I went on to have my wonderful
son Alfie, now 12, and he is my world. But
I’ve never forgotten Andy. I still have the
wedding dress I should have worn, and on
the anniversary of his death, I always shed
a tear because the reality is, I’m still
mourning the future we never had.
I can’t help but think Andy took my
place. I was the one who was handed a
death sentence, yet Andy lost his life.
Meanwhile, I’m living cancer-free.
Desperate to remember him, since Andy’s
death I’ve raised £25,000 for cancer
research, doing 24 hours of back-to-back
Pilates with colleagues at The Pilates
Workshop in Dunstable and St Albans.
This year, I’ll be running the Race for Life
in Andy’s name, and I know he’ll be with
me, every step of the way.
✣ Kate is supporting Cancer Research
UK’s Race for Life 2023, in partnership
with Standard Life. To sign up to your
local event, go to raceforlife.org
Woman’s Own 19
 Reader promotion

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20 Woman’s Own
 GOOD Health live well

FOR
YOU!he
s
choice
Helpi ar t alth
ng you make sm

Have you
heard about?
EATING LATE MIGHT NOT
How to…
MEAN WEIGHT GAIN
Sitting down for dinner
at 9pm? It’s not as
bad for you as you’re
led to believe, says quit smoking
new research*. The Navin Khosla, pharmacist at Now Patient, shares his tips for stubbing
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CHECK WITH YOUR GP OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE TAKING

key is having a late out cigarettes – for good!

breakfast the following
NEW SUPPLEMENTS. *KING’S COLLEGE LONDON. **HAIR GAIN. WORDS: ROSE GOODMAN. MAIN PHOTO AND CLOCK: GETTY

day, ideally 11.30am or later. This is
to create a 14-hour fasting window,
which helps keep your metabolism
healthy. Researchers also recommend
waiting for two hours before going
to bed to support digestion.
It worked for me
Davina Redvers, 47,
from Sussex
‘I was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis (MS)
TELL LOVED ONES
‘The support can boost motivation
and you’ll have people to talk to if
you’re having strong cravings, which
can often help keep them at bay.’
UNDERSTAND THE
POSITIVES
‘If you’re struggling to motivate
yourself, create a list of all the health
and financial benefits that you’ll
enjoy once you are no longer a
smoker. This could include the
amount of money you’ll save or how
much healthier you’ll feel.’
MAKE USE OF RESOURCES
‘Utilise online help and support
groups, as you will be able to speak
to people in similar situations to you
who will sympathise and help, at all
times of day and night.’

%
in 2005. I started
experiencing chronic fatigue and
extreme pain. I now take Well.Actually
Vitamin D3+K2 Liposomal Liquid (£19 for
150ml, well-actually.co.uk)
every morning. It has

Buy of the week OF UK WOMEN SAY

helped me regain my
energy, and I can work
into the afternoon Don’t let an upset tummy ruin your STRESS AND ANXIETY
without any pain. As a
liquid, it’s easy to take
travels. Imodium Instants (£3.65
for six tablets, Superdrug)
ARE THE CAUSE OF
and the nutrients are
absorbed quickly into
dissolve on the tongue for THEIR THINNING
the bloodstream.’
diarrhoea relief.
HAIR OR HAIR LOSS**
Woman’s Own 21
 10 STEPS TO YOUR
Work smarter – not harder – to reach your recommended daily step count
W
e all know we need to
get those steps in, but do
you know why? ‘Walking
10,000 steps daily – around
four to five miles – could help you live
longer, according to research,’ says personal
trainer Chris Ruxton, advisor to Deep Heat
and Deep Freeze*. For every 2,000 you log,
up to 10,000 a day, your risk of early death
drops by between 8-11%, one study found.
But when life gets busy, it’s far easier said
than done, so here are some ideas to help
you fit those extra steps into your day,
every day. They’ll rack up in no time!
1 EMBRACE DETOURS
Heading out? Rather than taking the
shortcut, opt for the scenic route. And this
goes for shorter trips, too. For example,
use the bathroom on a different floor.
2 SET A REMINDER
More often than not, we simply forget
to cram in our 10k steps. Work, family,
friends... We’ve always got a lot to think
about, right? So set a few alarms on
your phone each day to remind yourself
to get up and stretch your legs.
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
3 HOP OFF EARLY
If you often take the bus, train or Tube
to get from A to B, get off one stop early
and walk the last leg of your journey.
PHOTOS: GETTY. *MENTHOLATUM.CO.UK
Or start by walking to a stop further
from home.
4 SHOP OFFLINE
Instead of doing an online shop, get
walking through the supermarket.
Mix up your shopping list so you’re
spending a little more time hunting
for what you need.
22 Woman’s Own
5 WAIT AND WALK
head outside and give the car a good
Whether it’s the kettle boiling or an wash – surprisingly, it can really
appointment, don’t just stand boost your steps.
there – have a wander!
9 WALK IN AD BREAKS
6 TAKE Make the most of breaks during
THE STAIRS your favourite TV show by
We know, you’ve getting moving. The same goes
heard it a million for computer screen breaks, too.
times, but think Aim to move every half an hour.
how many steps
you could rack up by 10 GOSSIP ON THE GO
ditching the lift. Take your weekly catch-up with
a friend to the next level by getting
7 BE SOCIABLE up off the sofa, plugging in some
Instead of meeting up with your friends earphones and pacing around the
in a cafe, get a coffee to take away and go house while you’re at it.
for a stroll together. Or you could even
Better equipped
offer to walk a friend or neighbour’s dog
to really ramp up the step count.
8 GET THE JOB DONE Exercising in ill-fitting trainers can
It might not be great fun, but get the ruin your feet. Use these expert
vacuum out! And while you’re at it, tips to pick the right pair...
SUBSTANCE OVER STYLE
Many high-street shops put
‘sport’ in the name of their
shoes, when they just mean
‘sport-themed’ – and so
they’re not actually suitable
for regular exercise, especially
running, which is high impact
and requires a specialised shoe.
A well-designed pair of trainers
will help you to move more
efficiently and reduce the
impact on joints. They’ll also
keep your foot stable, avoiding
painful ankle twists – so don’t
choose a pair by looks alone.
 Health smart

How fast?
‘If you’re reaching 10,000
steps a day, it doesn’t matter
how quickly you walk,’ says Chris.
But remember to also add
movements, such as squats,
lunges, bridges and calf
stretches, that support muscle
strength and flexibility
throughout your week.

COMFORT IS KEY SECURE YOUR SHOE Are your trainers

Wearing the wrong pair not only leads How you lace up can also cause up to it?
to sore spots and blistering, but can unnecessary aggravation. ‘You don’t Are they...
cause injuries to your whole body, want there to be any pinch points on TOO SMALL – do your YES
says podiatrist Matthew Fitzpatrick, your foot when lacing your shoes,’ toes feel cramped? NO
former chair of the Royal College of says Molly Renfer, a running shoe
Podiatry. If you can, shop for new expert at New Balance. Ensure the TOO BIG – is your foot YES
trainers in the late afternoon. This laces lay flat against the tongue, moving about? NO
is because feet swell throughout the so there are no twists, which may
day, so you’ll get a true indication of cause discomfort. CAUSING YOU BLISTERS YES
whether they’ll be comfortable. – new shoes may rub NO
‘There should be at least a thumb’s SPOT WARNING SIGNS your heel, but are you
width between your big toe and ‘Always be aware of how your getting sore spots on
the top of your trainer,’ says ankles and lower legs feel during your toes, too?
Joe Wells, head of technical exercise, too,’ says Matthew.
representatives at On Running. ‘If you experience aches FLEXING TOO MUCH – YES
Not sure about yours? or pains that are when you bend them NO
‘If you’re blistering disproportionate to the down do they refuse to
around the forefoot, intensity or distance you bounce back?
it’s a sign your shoes are doing, your trainers
are too small.’ might not be right.’ If you answer ‘yes’ to any of
the above, it might be time to
switch pairs.
Woman’s Own 23
 DAWN
HARPER

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

IS THE OP SAFE?
Do I have to
Q I have been on a
waiting list for a
hysterectomy for take my meds?
a couple of years. Twice I
have been to the hospital
for the operation and it
has been cancelled. I have
Q At a recent health check, I was
told that my cholesterol was
raised and that I had a one in five
chance of having a heart attack or that you understand the implications
just received a new date stroke in the next 10 years. My GP wants of not following their advice. If you were
and I have worked out that me to start taking statins, but I’d rather to have a heart attack or a stroke, it
I will be on day two of my risk the chance of ‘falling off my perch’ wouldn’t necessarily be fatal and could
period. I’m having the than take drugs every day. Can I refuse? leave you severely incapacitated, which
operation because I have
large fibroids, which are
causing very heavy periods,
so I know I will be bleeding
heavily then. I am desperate
A Of course you can. As doctors,
we can’t force you to take
medicines, but it is important
may influence your decision. Talk to your
GP about your concerns – they may be
able to offer alternatives.

to get this sorted. Do I need HER SKIN IS home, I dab her dry
to postpone? SO SORE regularly, but they don’t

A No. Women often

worry about this, but
your gynaecologist will
be quite happy to operate
Q My
teenage
daughter
has cerebral
have enough staff at the
school to do this during
the day. Do you have any
suggestions to help her?
while you are on your period
– and if your periods are
very heavy, I’m sure you
would rather get this done
sooner rather than later.
palsy and is
wheelchair
bound. She
communicates
through an
A Speak to your
pharmacist about
a barrier cream that
you could apply to her chin
and neck first thing in the
iPad and has morning when the skin is dry.
a fulfilled life, but she Your GP could also prescribe
CONTACT DR DAWN Send your questions to dribbles constantly, and medication that dries up
drdawn@futurenet.com, follow her on Twitter this is causing her chin and secretions so will reduce
@DrDawnHarper, or go to drdawn.com neck to become very red the amount of saliva your
and sore. When she is at daughter produces.

24 Woman’s Own
 Health ask us

ANITA NAIK
A PROBLEM
SHARED
Mum-of-two Anita Naik has been an agony aunt for 31 years
He’s very 3 ways to...
demanding WIND DOWN

Q My husband is
six years older
than me, and
at 64, he has become
1 TAKE A POWER NAP.
A short nap of between
20 and 30 minutes can
help to boost your energy
very demanding levels and reduce stress.
since he retired.
I work full time as a
teacher, yet he expects me to cook, shop, do
all the laundry and look after him. I always feel
stressed and find it hard to sleep, which is
2 TAKE A DEEP BREATH
TO HELP YOU RELAX.
Breathe in slowly and
deeply through your nose,
hold your breath for a few
making it worse. He says I am always angry but seconds and then exhale
doesn’t attempt to help. slowly through your mouth.

Afraid to ask?
TESTOSTERONE FEARS
A You need to be clear with your husband about
how his behaviour impacts you by talking to
him honestly and setting clear boundaries.
Doing this means standing your ground about what
3 DOWNLOAD PORTAL
– IMMERSIVE
ESCAPES. This brilliant
free-to-download app

Q About a year ago, my

daughter told my
husband and me that
she wanted to transition
and she has been referred
DR HARPER PHOTO: NICKY JOHNSTON. OTHER PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY,
SHUTTERSTOCK. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
you are and are not willing to do. Start delegating
tasks and setting up a new schedule that divides the
workload. At the same time, you need to look after
yourself, which means carving out time for yourself,
transports you around
the world, helping you
to relax and chill out in
some amazing locations.
so life is not just about work and more work.

to a gender identity clinic.

We’re told there is a long

wait and have discovered
that in her frustration, she’s
been buying testosterone
online. Is this safe?
A
I HATE HER PARTNER You may well be
Q My daughter is 26
years old and lives
with a man I do
right about your gut
feeling but if you
have no specific examples

A Please ask that

they stop doing
this immediately.
I understand the frustration,
but not only do they not
know exactly what they’re
buying, there may also be
long-term consequences.
Such prescribing should
be closely monitored by
specialists with regular blood
tests when the time comes.
not like. I always feel like
he’s looking down his
nose at me and thinks
he’s better than us. My
husband says I imagine
this and my daughter
disagreed to the point
that she got angry, which
upsets me. I hate that this
man is coming between
us. Please help!
to back it up, then your
daughter and husband will
not side with you. All you
can do is grit your teeth
or risk damaging your CONTACT ANITA
relationship with your Send your questions to
daughter. It will help to askanita@futurenet.com,
speak to a counsellor. They follow her on Twitter
can provide an objective @AnitaNaik, or go to
perspective and help you anitanaik.com
deal with your feelings.

Woman’s Own 25
 Are you making the most of your inhales and exhales?
Try these techniques to give yourself a boost

F
orget spending a fortune to stay well. We already have the
most effective (and free!) piece of equipment to help us feel
better – our lungs. ‘Changing the way you breathe can
improve your physical and mental health, plus your
emotional wellbeing, affecting the way you feel, think, act, operate
and perform,’ says breathing expert Stuart Sandeman, founder of
Breathpod*. Here’s how to harness the power of your breath.
Feeling
light-headed?
Are you doing it right? ‘You may be breathing too
fast, so slow down,’
‘It’s impossible to feel good, warns Stuart.
think straight or sleep well
if your breathing is out of
whack,’ says Stuart. And
despite the fact that we
inhale and exhale over
20,000 times a day, most
of us do it incorrectly.
Try these simple tweaks chest, rather than taking deep, full
to create better habits. breaths using the diaphragm – our
primary breathing muscle. ‘Chest
breathing arises when you’re anxious,
DO stressed or startled,’ says Stuart. Check

✔BEYOUR
AWARE OF
BREATH
Is your breathing pattern fast, slow,
irregular? ‘You’ll notice variations in
depth, speed, length and location in the
body,’ says Stuart. Having awareness is
the first step to controlling it.
CLOSE YOUR MOUTH
✔ It’s a quick way to fix your
breathing, says Stuart. ‘Breathing
through the nose naturally slows down
your breathing so that your in-breaths
and out-breaths are of equal lengths,
balancing out the nervous system.’
DON’T
✘ BREATHE FROM THE CHEST
Many of us breathe from the upper
your diaphragm is engaged by placing
your hands on your belly. It should rise
and fall with each inhale and exhale.
✘ HOLD YOUR BREATH
Unconsciously restricting or
pausing your breath is common in times
of stress, explains Stuart. ‘Check that
you’re not “forgetting” to breathe,
maybe when sending an important
email or text.’

26 Woman’s Own

3
APPS
TO HELP
✣ Breathwrk (free,
App Store and Google Play)
Master techniques to ease
pain, stress, low energy and
more. You can track your
progress, too.
✣ iBreathe (free, App Store)
Easy guided exercises, plus
you can create reminders
to breathe better throughout
the day.
✣ Breathe Easy (free, App
Store and Google Play)
Learn ‘paced breathing’ by
inhaling and exhaling in time
to the shape on your screen.
Easy techniques to try
The beauty of the following
health-boosting breathing
exercises is that they can be
practised almost anywhere, at
any time. ‘Some can be done
on the go, while others require
more stillness,’ says Stuart.
Just take your time. ‘Changes
may take a month or two of
daily practice.’
EASE ANXIETY
‘Box-breathing can take you
out of flight-or-fight mode,’
says Stuart. ‘This helps you
to calm down.’
1 Inhale through
your nose for
four seconds.
2 Hold your
breath for a
count of four.
3 Exhale
through your
nose for a
count of four.
4 Hold your
breath for a
count of four.
5 Repeat four times.
BEAT THE HEAT
‘Coherent breathing is a really
effective way to manage
menopausal hot flushes,’
explains Stuart.
1 Breathe in for four seconds.
2 Breathe out for six – gently.
3 Repeat for 10 minutes twice
a day and at the start of a
hot flush.
LOWER BLOOD
PRESSURE
‘This one involves simply
doubling the length of the
exhale to the inhale length,’
says Stuart.
1 Inhale through your nose
for a count of four.
2 Exhale through pursed lips
for a count of eight.
Health wellbeing
3 Inhale through your nose for
a count of five.
4 Exhale through pursed lips for
a count of 10.
5 Inhale through your nose for
a count of six.
6 Exhale for a count of 12.
SHIFT LOW MOOD
‘This can induce gamma waves
in the brain and feelings of calm
and happiness,’ says Stuart.
1 Sit up straight with your eyes
closed and gently smile.
2 Place your index fingers in
your ears.
3 Inhale deeply and
steadily through
your nose.
4 Exhale in
a slow and
controlled
way, making
PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK. *BREATHPOD.ME. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
a humming
sound
(‘mmm’).
5 Repeat
five times.
SORT INSOMNIA
‘Here, we want to slow the mind
in order to nod off,’ says Stuart.
1 Inhale through your nose for
a count of four.
2 Hold your breath for a count
of six.
3 Exhale through pursed lips for
a count of eight.
4 Repeat four times.
EASE JOINT PAIN
‘Short, shallow breaths activate
stress receptors, which heighten
heart rate and spike insulin
levels,’ says Stuart. ‘This
increases muscle and joint
tension, increasing pain. But
deep breaths allow more oxygen
to the muscles to relax them.’
1 Breath in for five.
2 Hold for five.
3 Breathe out slowly for 10.
Woman’s Own 27
 Get your feet ready for sandal season
with these easy at-home steps
Soak & soften
Start by soaking your feet in either Refresh
a bath or bowl of warm water filled
with a generous sprinkling of Westlab
& rehydrate
Recover Bath Salts, £7.50, Boots. Once Invest in a deodorising
dissolved in the water, they work to cream to keep your feet
exfoliate and soften the rough skin on feeling fresh. Green People
your soles. Leave to soak for 10 to 15 Prebiotic Foot Cream, £15,
minutes to revive your feet. Ocado, works to cool and
deodorise your soles thanks to
peppermint and eucalyptus

Buff & file

extracts. It also prevents
sweat and bad odours,
Next, dry your feet thoroughly, then using the pumice from while deeply nourishing
PS.. Pedicure Set, £6, Primark, begin to buff into your soles and around thirsty feet.
your ankles, making sure to not forget the underside of your toes too.
Keep massaging with the pumice until all the stubborn hard skin has
been removed and your soles are silky smooth.

Treat &
Cut & transform
shape Rehydrate brittle and
Making your toenails damaged toenails with the
look their best is a top help of JASON Tea Tree
priority for a pedicure. Pure Natural Nail Saver,
Using Brushworks Nail £6.99, Sephora, which
Pamper Set, £14.99, is packed with
lookfantastic.com, cut potent tea tree oil.
your toenails straight The antibacterial
across with clippers ingredient helps to
or scissors. File to your keep nails strong
desired shape – square and healthy and
looks best for toenails, reduces breakage.
and push your cuticles Massage into nails
back if you wish. once a week for
ultimate nail health.

28 Woman’s Own
 Beauty how to

Exfoliate & smooth

It’s also
important to
keep your lower
legs and ankles
hydrated and
smooth.
Achieve this
by using a foot
scrub once a
week like Ragdale
Hall Foot Therapy Exfoliating Foot
Scrub, £7.50, M&S, which is packed with
refreshing peppermint and lavender.
Work into skin with circular motions
and buff skin from the knee all the way
down to your toes then rinse off.

Revitalise
& renew
An overnight foot
treatment is a must
for achieving a
salon-worthy
pedicure. Slather
some rich foot balm
onto your feet like
Neal’s Yard Comfrey
& Mallow Foot Balm, £15, Ocado,
and pop on some socks. Thanks to
the blend of organic oils you’ll wake
up in the morning to soft soles
and energised feet.

Pretty pastel paints

Decorate your toes with these
spring-approved shades

1 Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail

2
Paint in Pistachio, £3.99, Boots
Makeup Revolution Ultimate
Shine Gel Nail Polish in
I’m Soft Delicate Yellow, £5,

3
revolutionbeauty.com
WORDS: ANNIE MILROY. IMAGES: GETTY

H&M Nail Polish in Piece

4
of Stillness, £5.99, H&M
Lottie London Plant Based
Gel Effect Polish in It’s Lit,

5
£3.95, lottie.london
Essie Nail Polish Original
High Shine Nail Polish in
Lilacism, £8.99, Boots

Woman’s Own 29
 The number of people falling victim to fraud is on the rise
W
hether it’s a phone call
from your ‘bank’ asking
you to transfer funds, or
an email from a ‘friend’
asking for money, we’ve all become a lot
savvier about identifying a scam.
But in June last year, Citizens Advice
warned that more than three quarters
of UK adults had been targeted by a scam
in 2022 – a 14% increase compared with
2021. And in the first half of 2022 alone,
criminals stole a total of £609.8 million.
With scammers seemingly upping their
game, coming up with even more
convincing ways to deceive us, we
speak to two women about their
experiences with fraudsters…

‘We felt so foolish’ Master Builders and they were registered

with Companies House. They provided us
asked all of the right questions.
Meanwhile, Trading Standards began
Angie Brigden, 58, with third party liability insurance policy investigating – later handing the
WORDS: TRACY GAYTON. MAIN PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY, THE SUN/NEWS LICENSING

lives in Kent with
her husband Gary.
As my husband Gary
and I looked out
into the garden, we
discussed our big
plans. ‘We can extend right the way
along here,’ Gary said. It was 2017 and
we had lived in our three-bedroom
semi for 32 years. Our sons, 27 and 18,
had grown up so Gary and I wanted
to treat ourselves to a bigger kitchen
and dining room. We found a builder
on a website called Rated People.
Contemporary Home Improvements
(CHI), seemed like a legitimate business
and Gary and I were impressed by
the pictures on their website. Their
head office address was in Camden,
they belonged to the Federation Of
details too, at my request. Their salesman,
Scott, gave us a quote for just under
£30,000. It was expensive but we gave
CHI an £8,000 deposit. Scott advised us
to pay £200 on our credit card to protect
ourselves, and the rest of the £8,000 by
bank transfer. CHI were due
to work in September but ‘I COULDN’T
from late August, I couldn’t
get hold of them. Then we
GET HOLD
received a phone call from OF THEM’
CHI’s architect, stating that the
company had gone bust, and was in the
hands of an insolvency practitioner. As
a creditor, we could register a claim, but
might not get any of our cash back.
Gary and I felt so foolish and ashamed.
‘How have we been so stupid?’ I cried.
But we hadn’t. We’d done all of the
right checks on the company and had
investigation to the Met Police.
Eventually, in October 2021, Brian
Tutton, 62, and Scott Baker, 49, were
convicted of conspiracy to defraud
and jailed for seven years and four
years respectively. It turns out that
customers across
London, including
disabled people needing
their homes adapted,
handed over sizeable
deposits for building work. But there
was no intention to lay a single brick.
Fortunately Gary and I were able to
claim the full £8,000 back from our
credit card company, but there are
many customers still out of pocket.
The conmen might be behind bars,
but it doesn’t make up for what
they’ve put their victims through.

30 Woman’s Own
 Real life behind the headlines

Know
the signs
It might be a scam if:
✣ It seems too good to be true.
✣ Someone you don’t know contacts
you unexpectedly to sell you something.
✣ You’ve been asked to transfer money quickly.
✣ You’ve been asked for personal
information such as passwords.
✣ You are emailed a link by an email
address you don’t recognise.
For more information, go to
ncsc.gov.uk/collection/
phishing-scams

‘It can happen to anyone’
Pauline Padden, 59,
lives in Merseyside
In 2013, my 50th birthday
was approaching, and
I had never felt more
stressed. I worked full
time as a nurse, and I
still had two teenagers at home. Then
my parents became ill – Mum with
terminal heart failure, while Dad was
developing Alzheimer’s. So when a text
pinged onto my phone offering a cash
bonus to transfer my pension pots into
a high-return investment, it seemed the
answer to a lot of problems. The instant
cash would enable me to take time off
from work to support Mum, and the
high return promised could benefit
me in my retirement, I thought.
I spoke to a salesman for the
investment and, convinced by his pitch, I
moved funds from one of my workplace
pensions into the scheme. My £2,500
cash reward was received as promised,
and I was so happy, I later transferred a
second pension pot. But in 2014, around
the time Mum died, I got a letter from
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) telling me
it was suspected that I’d been a victim
of a ‘pensions liberation’ scam. For me, it
meant I’d lost £45,000 in pension savings.
I felt sick. Telling my three sons I’d been
ripped off was the worst experience of
my life. ‘I can’t believe I fell for it,’ I cried.
FRAUD PROSECUTIONS
In 2018, my dad passed away and the
same year, TPR began a civil prosecution
against the scammers. As a result, Alan
Barratt, 62, was ordered to repay £7.7
million to victims, and Susan Dalton, 66,
was ordered to repay £5.9 million.
But after independent trustees were
appointed by TPR to review the crooked
scheme, it looked very unlikely that any
pension funds would be restored.
In 2022, Barratt and Dalton admitted
charges of fraud by abuse of position
arising from their roles as trustees of
pension schemes. Barratt received a
sentence of five years and seven months,
while Dalton was sentenced to four
years and eight months in prison.
I always thought I was too smart to
fall for a scam, but if it can happen to
me, it can happen to anyone.
Other scams to
beware of
MUM AND DAD SCAM
This scam involves an unknown
number contacting people on
WhatsApp, pretending to be their
child who has lost their phone, is
in trouble and in need of money or
for a bill to be paid. The message
always starts with ‘Hi Mum’ or ‘Hi
Dad’ and several other messages
are exchanged to build up a
convincing rapport – but it’s all a lie.
POST OFFICE SCAM
People receive a text message from
what appears to be Royal Mail,
claiming that a parcel couldn’t be
delivered and has returned to the
depot. It then encourages people
to click a link in order to
reschedule delivery.
IMPERSONATION SCAMS
There’s been a rise in fraudsters
impersonating banks to con people
out of their savings. It usually
involves a phone call, asking you
to move money to a ‘safe account’.
Scammers use clever techniques
to convince you and may even
know some of your personal
banking details.

Woman’s Own 31
 Rustle up these fruity treats from the store cupboard
FROM
200
CALS

TIP IF YOU DON’T HAVE GROUND ALMONDS

USE 75G EXTRA OF PLAIN FLOUR INSTEAD,
OR WHIZZ PISTACHIOS OR HAZELNUTS.
 Tasty recipes
Pear and chocolate
self-saucing pudding
SERVES 6
For a no-fuss sweet, this fruity
chocolate dessert does the job.
Pour the sauce before baking and
let the pud do the work, magic!

YOU WILL NEED

200g butter, melted, plus extra
for greasing
300g golden caster sugar
4 medium eggs, beaten
½tsp almond extract
50g plain flour
25g ground almonds
50g cocoa powder
410g can pear halves in juice, drained
and chopped into large chunks
30g roasted almonds,
roughly chopped PREP TIME: 30 MINS
For the sauce: COOK TIME: 50 MINS,
100g light brown soft sugar PLUS CHILLING
200ml boiling water CALS: 400 FAT: 28G
25g cocoa powder, sifted SAT FAT: 12G CARBS: 28G
Ice cream to serve, optional
You will need:

Apricot and almond tart

Roughly 20x30cm shallow ovenproof
dish, greased

HOW TO DO IT
SERVES 16
Using a tin of apricot halves turns 2 Meanwhile, cream the butter and
sugar until light and fluffy, add in the

1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. In

a large bowl mix together the butter
and sugar until fully combined and
fluffy. Gradually whisk in the eggs,
beating well between each addition.
Add the almond extract then sift over
the flour, almonds and cocoa powder.
Beat until just incorporated. Stir
through the chopped pears then pour
the batter into the prepared dish.
this favourite into a year-round
dessert showstopper.
eggs, one at a time and mix well after
each one. Add in the ground nuts and
flour and mix until smooth.
YOU WILL NEED
320g ready rolled shortcrust pastry
250g unsalted butter
3 Remove the tart from the oven and
carefully remove the baking beans.
Spread two-thirds of the jam on the
250g caster sugar base and top with the pistachio
4 medium eggs frangipane. Put the apricot halves on
100g ground almonds top and bake for a further 35 mins.

2 Whisk the sauce ingredients,

ensuring there are no lumps and
pour over the batter.
150g pistachio kernels, finely blitzed
70g plain flour
70g apricot jam
4 Heat the remaining jam in a small
saucepan and brush over the tart,
hot from the oven. Enjoy.
410g tin apricots in juice, drained

3 Bake in the centre of the oven for 45

mins until a crust forms on the top
and there is a slight wobble. Scatter the
You will need:
20x28cm rectangular tart tin, greased,
and baking beans
TIP WHEN IN
SEASON, SWAP
roasted almonds on top and serve
warm with cream or ice cream. HOW TO DO IT APRICOTS FOR
PREP TIME: 30 MINS 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6.
Unroll the pastry and line the tart
tin. Prick the base with a fork and chill
FRESH PLUMS,
RHUBARB,
COOK TIME: 45 MINS
CALS: 699 FAT: 37.6G for 30 mins. Line the pastry with baking
paper and baking beans and blind bake
RASPBERRIES OR
SAT FAT: 19.5G CARBS: 78.3G
for 15-20 mins, until golden. STRAWBERRIES!
Woman’s Own 33
 Tasty recipes

TIP IF YOU HAVE ANY BLACKBERRY JELLY

Berry trifle slice
SERVES 12
Whip up a classic pud with layers of
delicious sponge, custard, jelly and
cream – this one ticks all the boxes.
COMPILED BY: AMANDA JAMES. RECIPES AND IMAGES: FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
BLOCKS IN THE CUPBOARD, FEEL FREE TO
USE INSTEAD. JUST ADD 25% LESS WATER
THAN ADVISED FOR A FIRMER SET.
100g blackberries stirring regularly until the apples have
4 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water softened. Set aside.
for 5 mins
You will need:
25cm square loose-bottomed tin,
4 Gently warm the custard with the
apple mixture. Squeeze the water
from the soaked gelatin and stir into

YOU WILL NEED greased and lined with baking paper, the custard until dissolved. Pour on top
cling film or something similar of the sponge and chill in the fridge.

5
For the sponge:
2 medium eggs Heat the apple juice in a medium
100g caster sugar HOW TO DO IT saucepan with the blackberries
100g plain flour
15g butter, melted
For the apple custard:
1 Heat the oven to 170C Fan/Gas 5.
Whisk the eggs and sugar until tripled
in size. Gently fold in the flour, then the
until it boils, remove from heat.
Squeeze the excess water from the
gelatine and add into the juice, stirring
60g caster sugar butter and mix to combine. Pour into to dissolve. Cool to room temp before
15g unsalted butter the prepared tin, smooth and bake for pouring over the custard. Leave to set
2 Bramley apples, peeled, cored 10-15 mins, or until golden. Leave to cool. in the fridge for 4 hrs, or overnight
and diced
½tsp vanilla extract
¼tsp ground cinnamon
2 Remove the cake from the tin
and line with several layers of
cling film, to avoid leaks.
before removing from the tin and
cutting into slices.

2 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water

for 5 mins
500g carton custard
3 For the custard, melt the sugar in
a large pan over a medium heat
until you get caramel. Mix in the
PREP TIME: 35 MINS, PLUS
CHILLING COOK TIME: 40 MINS
CALS: 200 FAT: 4G
For the jelly: butter. Add in the apples, vanilla and SAT FAT: 2G CARBS: 37G
500ml apple juice cinnamon and cook for 15-20 mins,

34 Woman’s Own
 Supermark e t Savvy shopping
3 great deals
for your trolley!

S
Our round-up
best deals
SAVER of the
this week SAVE
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Next time you fancy a Chinese,
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PORRIDGE
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TOPPER
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CRISPY DUCK PANCAKES Drizzler,
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broccoli,
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Ditch the diet Use it up! Bargain

booze
Making the apricot and almond tart on
Iceland’s 3 for £10 Mix and page 33? To use up the ground almonds,
Match deal can help you
R E AT save up to £5! From try one of these tasty ideas…
T F
YOURSEL burgers and fried
ADD them to cakes as a gluten free If you like
alternative to flour. Merlot, you’ll
chicken, to mash and STIR into curries to make them extra creamy love this fruity
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TIP DID YOU KNOW, Carmenere, 75cl.
GROUND ALMONDS CAN WAS £8.25
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FOR UP TO 18 MONTHS?
Woman’s Own 35
MO N EY
m atters ecc a Gamble helps
Our expert Reb
make your cash go further

READER
QUESTION
Q I’ve got loads of books that
I would like to get rid of.
How can I sell them?

A You’ll find websites online, like

ziffit.com, that buy books. To use it,
just enter the book’s barcode and
you’ll be told if they’ll accept it and how
much you’ll get. The amounts offered 3 easy ways to...
save on the weekly food shop
vary. When I tried it I was offered 20p for
an old paperback and £1.40 for a newish
hardback. You’ll need to successfully As the cost-of-living crisis continues, it’s vital to do everything we
add at least 10 items (or have a basket

1 2
PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY, ALAMY. *RESEARCH COMMISSIONED BY THE NATWEST THRIVE PROGRAMME.

can to cut the cost of groceries. Here’s how to do it…

total of at least £5) to use the service
and there’s no fee to send the books. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER COMPARE LIKE
Before using any book-buying website, When you’re at the supermarket, WITH LIKE
always read reviews and T&Cs first. get in the habit of checking the When you’re comparing

Go green
prices of your usual products so that products, working out which is the
you’ll get to know how much they best deal can be tricky if they come in
**ALWAYS CHECK THE ACCOMMODATION’S CANCELLATION POLICY BEFORE BOOKING

normally cost – it’ll make it easier to different-sized packs. Always check

for less spot any price increases and also

make it easier to spot any good deals
the unit price on the shelf, such as the
price per 100g, to help work it out.

If you’ve got old clothes that
are damaged beyond repair,
you can turn them into reusable
rags and use them to clean
your home, polish furniture
or mop up spillages – it’s a more
environmentally-friendly alternative
to paper towels or disposable
cloths, says environmental charity
Hubbub (hubbub.org.uk).
too. But beware when it comes to
offers, especially if it’s on fresh
produce and will mean buying
a bigger pack than you had planned.
Ask yourself if you’ll eat the items in
time or if you can freeze them to
avoid the risk of them going to waste.
And for a quick way to compare
prices at different supermarkets, try
using Trolley.co.uk’s supermarket
comparison app that compares
prices of 200,000+ products across
many supermarkets including Asda,
Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons,
Waitrose & Partners and Aldi.
3
ADD UP THE £££
When you are at the
supermarket, keep track of how
much you’re spending by adding up
the cost of items as you put them in
your trolley, such as by using your
phone’s calculator. It means you’ll
avoid a shock at the checkout and
if the amount is higher than you’d
planned, you have a chance to put
back any items you can do without or
swap them for a cheaper alternative.
And always remember to check your
receipt before leaving the store too.

36 Woman’s Own

48% OF THOSE AGED
16-21 ADMIT LACKING
KNOWLEDGE WHEN IT
COMES TO SAVING
MONEY*
Top tip!
When you’re using your washing
machine, it’s a good idea to put
delicate items like underwear
and tights in laundry bags to
protect them from snagging
– if you don’t have a laundry bag,
use a pillowcase!
IF YOU LOVE TO WIN PRIZES THEN VISIT...
comps.womansownmagazine.co.uk
NEED TO KNOW
How to save as
a wedding guest
GET IN EARLY
If you’re planning to stay over, book
your accommodation ASAP – you
may get a cheaper rate** but you’ll
also get more choice so there’ll be
less risk of being stuck with the
most expensive options. If there’s
a group of you, renting a house might
be cheaper. But always check how
far your accommodation is from the
wedding venue, especially if you’re
going to use taxis. If it’s a long way,
it could add to your bill.
BE SAVVY WITH TRAVEL
If you’re planning to travel by train,
always book in advance. You can set
up ticket alerts on websites like
thetrainline.com, which will inform
Deal of
the week
Snap up this Naturally European Plum
Violet Candle (200g), which has a
delicate fragrance and 40 hours’ burn
time, for less at Beauty Naturals. Was
£13.95, now £7.95, until 31 May 2023 at
beautynaturals.com/magoffer or call
0116 318 3773. Subject to availability.
UK only. P&P £1.95, free P&P on orders
over £20. Offer correct at time of
going to press.
Your money
you when advance train tickets
for your journey go on sale, which
are usually the cheapest fares. For
more tips visit themoneyedit.com/
travel/save-on-train-tickets. And
if you’re driving, can you offer any
other guests a lift and split the cost
of the petrol?
CUT OUTFIT COSTS
Before buying a new outfit, can
you swap with any friends who are
the same size as you? Or consider
renting an outfit via a website like
hurrcollective.com, but make sure
you read the T&Cs carefully first.
If you do one
thing...
BEWARE OF
TIKTOK HACKS
Admiral Home
Insurance is
warning Brits
to watch out
for cleaning
‘hacks’ on
TikTok that may
look simple and
cost-effective but
could result in costly
damage to the home, and some
people could risk having their
insurance claim rejected if they need
to make a claim as a result. One
example it highlights is the ‘hack’ of
speeding up cleaning your bathroom
by fixing a scrubbing brush to a power
drill. It warns that the speed of the
scrubbing could damage bathroom
fixtures and fittings or risk injury to
yourself if the brush becomes loose.
Woman’s Own 37
 Men are better at dieting
than women, according
to a study. Writer Clare
O’Reilly challenged her
husband to see just how
true that is
I
’m not saying my
husband of 16
years and I are
competitive but
when he tells me he
loves me, I always say, ‘I
love you more,’ so that I win.
Jon and I learnt early on after a couple of
board games and sharing a few desserts
that we were both competitive – each
having to ‘win’ even when nothing is at
stake, and since then we’ve done our best
to keep the combative side of us well away
from one another. We know we both like
to compete, so we choose different areas
to try and excel rather than end up in Clare and Jon
square up over
direct competition with one another. the scales
But a recent study from Australia pitted
women against men in weight loss – an

DAY 1 DAY 2
incredibly incendiary topic in even the
most harmonious relationship – and found
men, yes them, fare better in almost every Both working from home, we tend to I head out for a six-mile run the second
way when it comes to losing weight. It was share mealtimes but I purposefully our three kids leave to get the school bus.
WORDS: CLARE O’REILLY. PHOTO (INSET): NICKY JOHNSTON

only using weight-loss jabs where women
lost more weight than men.
While neither of us is gigantic, we’d both
be happy to lose a few pounds ahead of the
warm weather and shorts season, and
when I throw down the gauntlet, Jon’s
more than happy to square up. We opt
for exercise and mindful eating for our
week-long challenge and while I’ve always
prided myself on having a bigger appetite
than Jon – often finishing his meal for him
when we’re out – I head into the challenge
confident of success.
wait until Jon’s had his porridge before
opting for a banana and a coffee
instead. Lunch is homemade soup and
where I’d normal ly finish off what he
leaves, I don’t finish mine either.
I come unstuck when he takes the
dogs out for a walk and doesn’t see me
scarf four chocolate digestives, but I
reckon I’ve still won considering his
eight cups of tea today all with sugar.
We weigh in before bed and,
unsurprisingly after 10 hours, are
both the same as we started.
When I get back Jon refuses to tell me what
he had for breakfast and the sneak has
cleaned up after himself, so I’m left
guessing. I opt for peanut butter on a
wholemeal bagel and a coffee and wait
until he’s had his ham, cheese and
coleslaw sandwich for lunch before doing
myself scrambled eggs on toast.
We eye each other distrustfully over
chicken risotto for dinner and there’s an
audible sigh of relief from both of us when
our 12-year-old daughter Annie takes the
last slice of garlic bread.

38 Woman’s Own
 Real life you’ll never believe it

DAY 4
Rather than breakfast and lunch, mid-morning I have
smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toast. It’s normally
a ‘treat’ brunch we share while the kids are at school
but battle lines being what they are, I hide the rest of
the salmon at the back of the fridge so he can’t copy me.
Knowing he’s going to pick up the youngest from
after-school netball club, I switch the nuts in the car for
Bourbon biscuits and sure enough, they’ve been opened
when I get in later to take the middle one to football club.
A weigh-in before bed and while Jon’s plateaued at
1lb, I’m 1lb 5oz lighter, so have the edge by 5oz.

DAY 5 DAY 6
When we both reach
While I’m basking in the glow
for the Weetabix first
of victory just 24 hours away,
thing, we call a
I’ve already had breakfast by
temporary truce and
the time I realise Jon’s skipped
eat together. I even offer
‘I HEAD to make tuna melt for
it. He heads out on an early dog
walk and is back out of breath
INTO THE us both for lunch but
Jon declines in favour
having run – yes run- the big
hill. He smugly makes his tea,
BATTLE of egg mayonnaise.
We both lace up – him
ignoring the sugar bowl, and

CONFIDENT to walk, me to run at

I frantica lly search the fridge
and freezer for the smallest
OF SUCCESS’ the same time, and a
weigh-in before bed
lunch I can find.
I load up his dinner plate
shows I’m gaining
with pasta and meatba lls, but
momentum having lost
he leaves around a third of it
another 1lb while his
WHY ARE MEN weight has only
while I finish mine. Sure

BETTER AT LOSING WEIGHT? crept down to

enough, at tonight’s weigh-in
we’re neck and neck at 2lb 6oz
Men produce more testosterone, a total loss
weight loss each.
which builds muscle mass, while women of 1lb 6oz.
produce more oestrogen, which causes more

DAY 3
fat to be deposited. This means that men can
eat more food than women without it DAY 7
affecting their waistline. Muscles are the We decide to do our final weigh-in before
The tables turn and I
largest calorie burners in our body, so men lunch, and I plan a full English brunch for us
eat my fruit and yogurt
are at a clear advantage. Their higher both afterwards. Despite the fact I haven’t had
breakfast while he’s out
muscle mass means that they burn more coffee or water, I remain at 2lb 6oz and Jon takes
with the dogs. He’s gone for
calories and also have a higher me by 2lb 10oz, winning the week.
longer than normal and I can
metabolic rate, up to 10% I’m livid but remind him the study results
see by tracking his phone he’s
higher than that of predicted he should win. In retaliation, I take a rasher
doing a longer loop that takes in a
women. of bacon off his plate and finish the last piece of toast
big hill. I take the opportunity to make
I can see he was eyeing up.
a Cobb salad in his absence, which I eat
in my office far from his prying eyes.
I can see he opted for beans on toast WHAT’S THE VERDICT?
for lunch but the empty digestives
Jon’s delighted with his triumph and admits he’d have rather starved than
packet in the bin tells me he ate at least
lost, especially given the study results that predicted he should win. While
six while I was on a three-m ile run.
I’m not that bothered by the number on the scales, I’m seething at the fact
We weigh in before bed and the scales
I didn’t win. I ask if he fancies a game of chess that evening, desperate to
smugly give him a 1lb head start. I change
recoup my loss, but he reminds me we should put the competitive ‘us’ to
the batteries and make us both weigh in
bed for a while, so instead we share a tub of ice cream in front of the TV.
again before admitting my first defeat.

Woman’s Own 39
 Our pick of the latest trends from your favourite stores
Oswald taupe velvet bed, from £449,
Dorma bedding sets, from £70 each,
Charlbury continental pillows, £25
each, bedspread, from £180, cushion,
£25, Dorma Persian Ivy matt emulsion, Lynton bedside
Riverbank bedding
£32 for 2.5ltrs, all Dunelm table, £99
set, from £32

Flora table
Vase, £6
lamp, £69

Velour rope
embroidered floral
cushion, £16

Artificial
olive tree in
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Dunelm
COUNTRY CALM
Give this classic look a contemporary twist
with grassy greens and clean whites
Jakarta
throw, £28

Greenery
canvases, £16 Wooden
for three clock, £35

40 Woman’s Own
 Homes how to

Habitat Block print

GLOBAL WARMTH seat cushion,

£22 for two

Bring vibrant terracottas and sunny

yellows into your home for summer
Fringed mirror, £22; Jericho dining table,
£395; Jericho sideboard, £550; bubble
wine glasses, £4.25 for four; salt &
pepper grinders £18; enamel oven tray,
£11; block print 12-piece dinner set, £42;
block print pasta bowls, £4.25 each;
mugs, £4 each; cast iron casserole dish,
£45; mango carved bowl, £20; mango
Artificial snake wood vase, £16, all Habitat
plant, £10

Oil
pourer, £8
Block print oven
glove and tea
towels, £12.50

Enamel
dish, £5.50
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Rattan
tablet
stand,
£18
Floral ripple
mug, £18 for four

Kew ceramic
cake stand, £18

Woman’s Own 41
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 Real life debate

After Stacey Solomon

questioned whether she
was having a midlife crisis
as she planned to get inked
for the first time, we ask…
Are you ever
too old for
tattoos?
NO
‘They are
symbols of
self-expression’
Abigail Rebecca, 48, is a
human design visibility
coach and lives in Brighton
with her partner Kev.
too
When I chose to have a tat
on my inner forearm at the
The
age of 45 I was so excited.
with
tattoo artist and I came up
WORDS: FIONA FORD. PHOTOS (MAIN POSED BY MODELS): GETTY, SARAH ALICE LEE
YES
‘It’s terrifyingly
permanent’
Flic Everett, 52, is an author
and lives in Argyll with her
husband Andy.
I wouldn’t have a tattoo for
the same reason I wouldn’t
spray-paint graffiti on to
e I loo k my house. I might think it’s time in their lives and they
body. Now, every tim
ind ed of edgy and fun now, but will don’t regret it, but I have
at my tat too I’m rem
ty. I still want it there, sending memories and photos. I don’t
my strength and tenaci
a message to the world
Tattoos are symbols of feel the need to scribble a
sio n. An d it rea lly about who I am in five, permanent note on my left

ses self-exp res

a lotus flower wit h the pha tte r wh at age you 10 or 20 years’ time? thigh to remind me of good
doesn’t ma
of the moon ent wined – a nt on e, you I’ve always felt tattoos times. As for my loved ones’
ent are – if you wa
beautiful design to repres In fac t, I were terrifyingly names, I already know them!
should go for it.
the power of leadership and be be tte r perman ent. I don’t know Some people show off
believe it can even
visibility in women. old er an d how I’ll feel next week, beautif ul, meaningful designs
e to wa it until you are
It meant a lot to me becaus tat too . never
wiser before get ting a mind when I’m but I can’t help thinking tattoos
I grew up as a Jehova h’s s, we can be a bit 85 and explain ing to a are always of their time, and
be In ou r 20
Wit ness, wh ich I found to e an d cou ld en d up baffled doctor why I once I don’t want someth ing I loved
. impu lsiv
controlling and restrictive too we reg ret . Bu t as had a barn owl wearing at 18 or even 40 forever
with a tat
I was told what to wear and mo re lik ely to sunglas ses etched into imprinted on my body. I’d like
we age, we are
who to be friends wit h. My nk ing ab ou t my arm. As I aged, a to be free to adapt, without a
spend time thi
father even chose my GCSE nt. tattoo would look sadder constant reminder of who I
what we rea lly wa
subjects for me. ier wi th and saggier – I’d rather used to be drawn on my skin.
I couldn’t be happ
I left home when I was 16 I’m no t aff ect ed if wrinkle with dignity. ✣ Murder in the Blitz by F.L.
to mi ne an d
but it took me a long time it or
firs t other people don’t like Tattoo lovers claim Everett (Bookouture, ebook,
hea l. So get ting my too old to ha ve on e. their body art is a £1.99) is out in September.
p think I’m
tat too at 45 was a huge ste al to me an d I lov e it. memen to of a particu lar Visit amazon.co.uk
and It’s person
for me – it was my choice ecc a.c om
n ✣ abigailreb
me tak ing control of my ow

Woman’s Own 43
 Travel escapes

7 THINGS
TO DO IN...
Whether you’re looking for theme parks, adventure
or relaxation, this is the holiday for you

O
rlando often means one a great activity
thing to the world and it suitable for all
starts with a D (you know the ages and
rest!). But there’s so much abilities. The
From sport to
more to this impressive city… tour guides will shopping, there’s
also take plenty something

1WATCH A BASKETBALL GAME

AT THE AMWAY CENTER
Enjoy a delicious meal at Jernigan’s and
of pictures, so
there’s no need
to worry about
for everyone
WORDS: GEORGIA SPARKS. PHOTOS: GETTY, ALAMY, UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING

watch the teams warm up while soaking your phone. Once

in the atmosphere. After your pre-game
dinner, watch Orlando’s most famous
sports team, Orlando Magic, take on their
opponents. Even if you don’t consider
yourself a basketball fan, seeing the
fast-paced, action-packed game live is a
great way to spend an evening. Jam-packed
with entertainment from start to finish,
the remarkable atmosphere will leave you
wanting to go again.
you’ve worked up an
appetite, take a short walk
to the Hall on the Yard. This space hosts
a collection of nine different eateries
and three cocktail bars within one
modern space, so everyone can enjoy
something different.
4 FANCY A BEER?
Visit Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company,
3 A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE
Go and see a show in Steinmetz Hall at
the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing
an independent craft brewery located
in the Ivanhoe District of Orlando.
Previously an amusement and recreational

2PADDLE AWAY
Learn to master paddle boarding and
take on Lake Ivanhoe with Epic Paddle
Arts. This impressive hall opened its doors
in early 2022 and is one of a handful of
theatres in the world that can transform
park, they’ve taken this as inspiration
for many of their beers and ales. Enjoy a
selection and learn a bit more about your
Adventures. You’ll be its shape, seating and drink. Tours can be booked in advance.
taught by the sound. The hall has also
professionals how to
master the sport (it’s
easier than it looks!).
been engineered to
achieve an N1 sound
rating, the lowest level
5SHOP TILL
YOU DROP
From designer to high-
Enjoy the
thrills of an
exhilarating ride
Once you’re at which humans can street brands, the huge
comfortable, take a detect sound. Within Orlando International
guided tour around this spectacular space, Premium Outlet is where
one of Orlando’s most you can watch incredible to go on a shopping spree.
beautiful (and critter- performances, from Get designer clothes at a
free!) waterways. The ballet to theatre, stand-up fraction of the cost to
calm waters make this to musicals. many of the UK prices.

Watch a show in
Steinmetz Hall
44 Woman’s Own
 Book it
Direct flights from London
Gatwick to Orlando MCO,
travelling 23 January 2024 with
accommodation at Universal’s
Endless Summer Surfside for
7 nights, from £759 per person.
Or travel in February

6 VISIT UNIVERSAL
It wouldn’t be a trip to Orlando
without visiting the theme parks –
half-term, from £1,019
per person.

whether an adrenaline junkie or

not, there’s more to it than you
think. Immerse yourself in the
land of make-believe as you
meander through the magical
sets. Explore the Wizarding World
of Harry Potter or go on some of
the thrilling rollercoasters. There
are also plenty of restaurants
and bars to choose from.
Orlando, you’ll find a peaceful oasis
called Wekiwa Springs, and you can
book a guided tour with Adventures
in Florida. This picturesque spring
hosts crystal-clear emerald waters
that go on for miles, surrounded by
tropical swamps. Kayak down the
spring while observing the abundant
wildlife. Turtles, terrapins, herons
and alligators all frequent the lake,

7FROM THEME PARK TO

STATE PARK
Just a 25-minute drive
and it’s likely you’ll see them.

Kayak crystal-
from downtown clear waters at
Wekiwa Springs

✣ Always check the latest travel advice

before booking a trip

Woman’s Own 45
 Sudoku
CLUES & ARROWS
Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows
To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column
and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Wordsearch
What drink does Marilyn Monroe’s Sugar Kane
serve from a hot-water bottle in Some Like it
Hot? The answer is missing from the grid below.

Puzzle solutions
Answer: Manhattan
WORDSEARCH

CLUES & ARROWS CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

ABSINTHE RUM
ALE SANGRIA
CIDER SHERRY
GIN TEQUILA
HIGHBALL VERMOUTH
MANHATTAN VODKA
Answer: HOLLYHOCK. MEAD WINE
WORDWISE Choky, cloy, coho, colly, cook, cool, coolly, hock, hollo, holly, holy, hook, kohl, loch, lock, loco, look, yolk. PORT

46 Woman’s Own
 And… relax

Your
16-22 May 2023

STARS
Discover your destiny with Sally
Trotman, our expert astrologer
ARIES LIBRA
21 Mar – 20 Apr 23 Sep – 23 Oct
The moon is in your With the Sun in a
sign on the 16th, helping you fellow air sign, this brings
realise what you really want. fresh energy to friendships
Take the lead. Others will and romance. Say yes to all
follow in time, so step up social invitations and be open
to the challenge. to making new connections.

TAURUS SCORPIO
21 Apr – 20 May 24 Oct – 22 Nov
On 18 May, thanks Now the full moon
to the moon in Taurus, you in your sign has passed, make

CROSSWORD
will find the courage to stand the most of this calm energy.
your ground on an important You may have let go of
matter. Be clear about your something important, but
ACROSS 2
3
Japanese religion (6)
Construction worker (10)
boundaries, and don’t waiver. made space for the new.
6 Dog lead (5)
7 Very hot (8) 4 _ Busey, Oscar-nominee GEMINI SAGITTARIUS
10 Ill-fated ship (7) for the 1978 biopic The 21 May – 20 Jun 23 Nov – 22 Dec
11 Christmas dessert (4,3) Buddy Holly Story (4) As the Sun moves With the full moon
12 Mexican salamander (7) 5 Branched horn (6)
into Gemini on 20 May, this moving into Sagittarius early
13 Concealment of 6 & 18 Down 1987 action film
ushers in a new beginning next month, luck’s on your
a crime (5-2) starring 14 Across, 4 Down
& 20 Down (6,6) for you. Your energy will side. Take a leap of faith.
14 Actor whose films include increase over the next few Start a new project, have that
Predator 2 , Angels in the 8 City in Western Israel (3,4)
9 With the mouth wide days, opening new doors. conversation. It’ll be worth it!
Outfield and Jumanji: The
open (5)
19
Next Level (5,6)
Joker (7) 13 Deliberately planned (10) CANCER CAPRICORN
21 Raise to a higher standard 15 Short letter (7) 21 Jun – 22 Jul 23 Dec – 20 Jan
or rank (7) 16 Driver’s fury (4,4) This week, take time Grounded and
23 Like a table in form (7) 17 Type of quartz (5) out to reflect on the year so practical, others rely on you,
25 Delivery by parachute (3-4) 18 See 6 Down far. Venus is in your sign now, maybe a bit too much. So, find
26 Proceed or persist (8) 20 Mel _, actor who played helping you to focus on work some breathing space this
27 _ details, way into an Santa Claus in the 2020 goals and improving your week and then do something
online account (5) action comedy film closest relationships. fun with someone you love.
Fatman (6)
DOWN 22 Use mouthwash (6) LEO AQUARIUS
1 Quick meal (4,4) 24 Tirade (4) 23 Jul – 22 Aug 21 Jan – 19 Feb
When Mars arrives Take your time with

Wordwise
You have 15 minutes to
find as many words as
possible using the letters in
on 21 May, it makes for a very an important decision. Once
positive and energetic time. you’ve looked at all options,
So, take a deep breath, be try to find a balance between

L C L
the grid. Each word must
contain four or more letters,
one of which must be the
bold and be brave. Let your your heart and head. When
light shine brightly! you’re ready, take action.
VIRGO PISCES

HOK
central square. No proper
nouns, plurals or foreign
words. There is one nine-
letter word, for which the
23 Aug – 22 Sep 20 Feb – 20 Mar
This is a quieter time Always the dreamer,
for you. Spend a while doing it is now time to get serious
what relaxes you. You’re a about your goals. Make a

Y HO
clue is: tall garden flower.
Average = 8, more than 16 = well done
loyal and supportive friend. practical plan and then take
There may be someone in a big step towards fulfilling
need who asks for your help. your most cherished dream!

Woman’s Own 47
Puzzle
HALF & HALF
Sudoku
To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each
row and each column must contain the
What type of bourbon-enriched sponge cake is the official dessert numbers 1 to 9.
of the American state of Alabama? Cross out a letter in each
square to get a grid filled with words. The uncrossed out letters in
the shaded squares will complete the puzzle answer.

Bitesize
Fit the words into the grid, using the
clues given across and down. The
shaded squares spell out the answer.

Puzzle solutions
Answer: Boas
BITESIZE
Answer: Shindig
CROSSFIT
Answer: Lane
HALF & HALF

SUDOKU

ACROSS DOWN
1 Injure with a knife (4) 1 Unsolicited emails (4)
5 Posh sport (4) 2 Ripped (4)
6 Military land force (4) 3 Gifts to the poor (4)
7 Untidy state (4) 4 Lads (4)

48 Woman’s Own
 And… relax

This week’s
HOT LIST
Things we’re loving – and you will too!
Film
ARE YOU
THERE, GOD?
IT’S ME,
MARGARET
Out in cinemas
19 May
Judy Blume’s
iconic novel gets
the big screen
treatment as

CROSSFIT
awkward tween
Margaret struggles with puberty and her family
(Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates) in the suburbs of 70s New
York. All together now, ‘We must increase our bust!’
Fill in the grid using the words listed here. The

Music
highlighted letters will spell out the answer.

3 LETTERS 5 letters 7 LETTERS LEWIS CAPALDI

North Broken by Desire to Be
Aid Canteen
Nudge Heavenly Sent (Capitol),
Ash Dustbin
out 19 May
Ate Sticker
Rod South After the unprecedented success
Rug
6 LETTERS 8 LETTERS of his 2019 debut album Divinely
Airtight Uninspired to a Hellish Extent,
4 LETTERS Abacus
Ambush
Apparent this follow-up from Scottish
East Bacteria singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi
Envy Baboon Broccoli has been hugely anticipated
Tuna Beauty – and it doesn’t disappoint.
West Behave Though be warned, it may leave you teary eyed.
Wrap Bishop
Nausea
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Days out
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© Future plc, 2023. Published by Future plc, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR. Distributed by
19-20 May, Business Design Centre, London. From £23
WORDS: ARIANA LONGSON.

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Woman’s Own 49
 la x with one of these great reads…
Take some time out to re
BETWEEN US
by Mhairi McFarlane
(£8.99, HarperCollins, PB)
On a weekend getaway,
Roisin can’t wait to reunite
with the group of friends
she met a decade before.
Her husband Joe is less
excited. He considers it a
distraction from his career
– his new crime drama has
just launched on TV. As
they settle down to watch
the first episode, Roisin is
unsettled by the male
lead, who lies and cheats
in situations which are
uncannily familiar. When
Roisin realises her deepest
family secrets are woven
into the plot, she begins
to see her husband for FUNNY
what he is. Returning AND
home to reconnect with WARM
her roots, an old
friendship blooms into
something deeper… An
uplifting romance.

TIME A LADY’S GUIDE

THE CASSANDRA COMPLEX TO SCANDAL
by Holly Smale (£14.99, Cornerstone, HB) WARP by Sophie Irwin
What would you do if you could reverse TALE (£14.99, HarperCollins, HB)
your mistakes? Cassandra Penelope
Dankworth has always struggled to fit in. But REGENCY Eliza Balfour is finally free.
Ten years ago she married
today has been particularly disastrous, even by her ROMP the austere, wealthy Earl of
standards. First she is dumped by her boyfriend of four Somerset, who was 20 years
months, Will. Then her questionable people skills get her her senior. Now a widow, she
fired from her job in PR. But when she wakes up the next can live life on her own
day to the exact same events, she realises she can travel terms. The countess heads to
WORDS: ANNABEL KEMP

in time. Could this gift be her chance to finally get lucky Bath with her friend
in love and her career? Or will it just provide infinite Margaret. But when her
opportunities to mess things up? A hilarious, behaviour sparks gossip, her
heartwarming read. bright future could be in
danger. A sparkling delight.

50 Woman’s Own
 And… relax
NON-
FICTION

SAVING TIME
by Jenny Odell
(£20, Vintage, HB)
Jenny Odell is on a mission
to change how we view
time. In our efficiency-
obsessed modern society,
we live on a corporate clock
that goes against our nature.
By rethinking this profit-
driven pace of life, we
create hope for a better
future. Taking inspiration
from the natural rhythms of
the world, Jenny Odell
explores the possibility of a
fairer, more humane way of
living – one where time is
most certainly not money.

SO PRETTY
by Ronnie Turner
(£9.99, Orenda, PB)
The townspeople of Rye fear
the Berry & Vincent Curiosity
Shop. A darkness lurks there,
seeping into those who stay too
long. Ignoring all warnings, Teddy
Colone takes a job in the shop.
There he meets Ada, a single
mother. Both running from the
past, the pair grow close. But
strange forces are at play and
their friendship grows into a
DID YOU toxic obsession. A sinister tale
MISS? packed with chilling twists.

Woman’s Own 51
 AMANDA HOLDEN
In a discussion with her
Heart Radio co-host Jamie
Theakston about Brits’
preferences for which way
they face in the shower,
Amanda let slip that she
and hubby Chris enjoy
steamy shower romps. The
star, 52, said, ‘When I first
get in, I might go, “Oh yes,
here it comes,” but then
I think I turn around.’ Jamie
clarified, ‘So, you’re facing
towards the shower to
begin with?’ and Amanda
replied, ‘But only for sex.’
When it comes to making personal confessions,
these stars certainly aren’t holding back…
RYLAN CLARK
Celebs can have the
same kind of random
pet peeves as we
do, something TV
presenter Rylan knows
only too well. The
star, 34, who recently
stepped down from
hosting Strictly’s It
Takes Two, had an
aversion to Monster
Munch crisps after
scoffing too many as
a child. He admitted,
‘I was obsessed. I ate so
many that I couldn’t
look at them for years.’
52 Woman’s Own
TESS DALY
Her blonde locks are part
of her signature style, so
it’s surprising that Strictly’s
Tess has a habit of eating
her own hair. Over the
years, the notoriously
private star, 54, who shares
two daughters with her
husband, fellow TV
presenter Vernon Kay, has
revealed few snippets
about her personal life.
But she has confessed,
‘I bite my split ends off.
I’ve probably got a fur
ball in my stomach.’
LINDA ROBSON
Loose Women’s Linda,
65, avoids showers as
she thinks you can’t
wash properly in them.
Her hatred for showers
goes so far that she
chooses hotels based
on the bathrooms.
She says, ‘I won’t stay
in a hotel unless I have
a bathroom, I hate
showers. I can’t see
the point in them, you
can’t wash underneath
or anything in a shower.’
Who doesn’t love
a bubble bath?

FRANKIE BRIDGE
Loose Women’s Frankie takes ‘being happy
in your own skin’ to a whole new level, as
she’s said she walks around nude at home.
The singer, 34, said she doesn’t see ‘an issue’
with it and can’t see a time when she’ll start
covering up in front of her two boys, unless
they feel uncomfortable. She admitted,
‘We’re quite a naked family, I would say.’
LORRAINE KELLY
ITV’s Lorraine shocked viewers
by admitting she never takes her
bra off, even wearing one in bed,
as she feels weird without it. The
star, 63, credited the underwear
for keeping her breasts perky, as
she thinks they’re ‘not bad for
a lady of my age’. Lorraine said,
‘I keep my bra on all the time.
I even sleep with it. I didn’t
realise that was weird.’
Celeb news
RICHARD MADELEY
Sparing no details for shocked GMB
viewers, presenter Richard confessed
on the show that he prefers to go
commando instead of wearing
underwear. The star, 66, made his
revelation during a chat about
women’s shapewear, saying he had
‘not worn boxer shorts for decades’
as ‘it’s just much more comfortable’.
He later admitted he can’t remember
the last time he wore pants.
CAROL VORDERMAN
Countdown legend Carol
is on a mission to become
the first person to have
sex in space, because why
not? The 62-year-old made
the saucy revelation on
WORDS: TIFFANY WALLIS. PHOTOS: GETTY,
Loose Women, confessing,
‘I would like to go to space
KEN MCKAY/ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK
and do naughty things in
space.’ Nadia Sawalha then
cut to the chase, adding,
‘She wants to be the first
person to have sex in space!’
and Carol cheekily replied,
‘Not by myself!’
KIM KARDASHIAN
Kim horrified skincare fans when she
admitted going to bed in her make-up.
The reality star, 42, called it a ‘talent’
to be able to sleep without ruining
her look – but acknowledged it was
bad advice for others. She revealed,
‘If I have to get up really early in the
morning, I’ll do my make-up the
night before… sleep, not move,
and wear it the whole next day.’
Woman’s Own 53
Your TV
Because life’s too short
for bad telly!
Suranne Jones
‘SHE’S VERY DIFFERENT TO
MY OTHER CHARACTERS’
The star of Gentleman Jack thought they knew, old
and Vigil on her latest role… wounds are reopened. Will
In ITV1’s drama Maryland, they find a way back to how
Suranne Jones plays down-to- they were before their lives
earth mum-of-two Becca went in different directions?
alongside Nurse Jackie star ‘It becomes a love story
Eve Best as her career- about them,’ says Suranne.
focused sister Rosaline. ‘They love each other and it’s
Having grown apart while sweet to see these two sisters
leading very different lives, trying to find that bond
they are reunited by the news again. It makes me cry!’
that their mother The cast of
Mary has been ‘I LOVED the three-parter
found dead on
the Isle of Man.
PLAYING HER!’ includes Happy
Valley’s George
But when they go to bring Costigan as Richard, Rosaline
their mum’s body home, and Becca’s father, and Grease
there’s a further shock in store legend Stockard Channing as
when they discover Mary was Mary’s friend Cathy. Sister act: Becca
and Rosaline get to
leading a double life. ‘We actually manifested
WORDS: MICHAEL DARLING. PHOTOS: BBC, GETTY, ITV, PRIME VIDEO, UKTV

know Cathy (right)

‘Everything Becca knows Stockard!’ says Suranne, who
about her mother and herself created the series. ‘Every day

Soap moment
has been blown apart,’ Suranne while we were writing it, we
says. ‘She feels very different would say “Stockard Channing

of the week
to the other characters I’ve is going to play Cathy.” And
played recently, but I loved then she did! We still can’t
playing her.’ quite believe that, but she was
As the sisters unravel the
secrets of a woman they
brilliant and we loved her!’
✣ Maryland is on ITV1
EMMERDALE
After finding out that Liam

6 ISSUES FOR £1*

has secretly published
some novels under the
Subscribe online at womansownsubs.co.uk/A98B name of Anna Le Monde,
or call 0330 333 1113 and quote code A98B Wendy helps him celebrate
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nominated for a writing

56 Woman’s Own

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A night spent with mates Carol
Vorderman and Sally Lindsay
meant a dusty morning after, but
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with my pals. Sally’s delighted
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The Madame Blanc Mysteries,
although she hasn’t got a clue in
real life when it comes to solving crimes. ‘I can’t sleuth
for toffee,’ she tells me. ‘I leave it to the experts!’

IT’S THE SWEENEY!

THE NUN Ex-Brookside star Claire
Sweeney is flying high in her
DETECTIVE new Corrie role as Tyrone’s
RETURNS biological mum, Cassie. ‘She’s
had problems over the years.
SISTER BONIFACE
MYSTERIES, DRAMA Tyrone was told his mum was
The Father Brown dead, then I turn up,’ reveals
spin-off is back, Claire, who hits our screens
starring Lorna Watson in June after auditioning
as the sleuthing with Alan Halsall, who plays
Catholic nun who happens to have a PhD in Tyrone. ‘He’s wonderful.
forensic science. As this second series kicks off, Fabulously written dramatic
Sister Boniface uses her scientific knowledge to scenes. And it’s going to
track down the killer of a local housemaid. Father be a masterclass watching
Brown himself, Mark Williams, appears later in the Maureen Lipman.’
series, while other guest stars include Benidorm’s
Josh Bolt, former Call The Midwife actor
Jack Ashton and Endeavour’s Abigail Thaw.
OFF-ROADING…
I first met Gino D’Acampo and
his wife Jess in 2009, when he
was crowned King of the
award. But as the champagne Jungle, and their sons Rocco
flows, it’s not just the bubbly and Luciano were just nippers
that’s fizzing – the chemistry playing by the pool. ‘They are
between them fizzes too, and SO tall now,’ the top telly
things soon take a passionate chef tells me. As for quitting
turn! The next day, Wendy his Road Trip series with Fred
feels guilty for cheating on Sirieix and Gordon Ramsay?
Will Bob (above) boyfriend Bob, but that doesn’t
find out about ‘When I have to change
Wendy and Liam? stop her from going back for things with my family it
seconds with Liam! Meanwhile, is very complicated,’ he
Bob’s got an amorous secret of his own after says. So there’s no bad
sharing a flirty moment with Bernice… blood – just bad dates.

Woman’s Own 57
 Real life in my experience
Celia and John
take to the
dance floor
Celia Gaze, 53, wasn’t about to let two left feet get in the way of her Strictly dream
M
y brow furrowed as
I concentrated on moving
my feet. ‘One, two, step,’ I
muttered to myself. ‘Excuse
me,’ a voice suddenly said, interrupting
me. As I looked up, the woman in front of
me with her trolley was grinning. ‘Can
I just squeeze past you?’ Blushing, I gave
her a smile, then stepped to
one side. I’d done it again
– found myself dancing ‘THE GRAND
down the aisles in
the supermarket!
FINALE WAS
It was February 2023 IN FRONT OF
and I’d signed up to Bolton
Hospice’s Strictly Learn to 750 PEOPLE’
Dance competition. Now I
was in the midst of lessons and it was taking
over my life – in the best possible way.
NEW INSPIRATION
Like most little girls, I’d gone to ballet and
tap lessons but quit when it became obvious
that I had two left feet. It was only when
WORDS: SARAH WHITELEY
I fell in love with Strictly Come Dancing
as an adult, with its glittery costumes
and impressive routines, that my interest
was piqued again. And when I watched
Dragons’ Den’s Sara Davies, a curvy
entrepreneur like me, I was inspired.
58 Woman’s Own
‘I’m going to learn to dance,’
I told my partner, Stephen, 55.
The hospice’s fundraising
event – 12 weeks of lessons,
finishing with a grand finale
in front of a live audience of 750
people – was well known in our
local area, so I signed up. In my 50s,
and not having danced
since I was a kid, it was
a huge step outside my
comfort zone, but I wanted
to challenge myself.
There was no way I could
persuade Stephen to join
me, so in January this year,
I went to my first lesson
to meet my partner. I was paired with a
Liverpudlian man called John. ‘I’m Celia,’
I introduced myself. ‘And I have to warn
you, I can’t dance at all.’
‘Neither can I,’ he replied. ‘Sounds like
we’ll be perfect partners!’ Over the next
few weeks, we laughed our way through
lessons. We had four dances to learn – the
opening number, the social foxtrot, the
quickstep and a rock ’n’ roll number. I’d
thought initially it would be simple, but
it was anything but. I couldn’t get the
rhythm, or coordinate my hips.
As the grand finale grew
closer and Stephen, along
with other friends and family,
bought tickets to see the
live competition, I started
practising more - even
during my weekly food shop!
I bought myself a beautiful
royal blue evening gown for the ballroom
numbers, plus a vintage 1950s dress,
complete with full netting under the skirt,
and a pair of Converse for the rock ’n’ roll.
THE BIG DAY
When the night arrived, as I stood waiting
to go on stage, I felt full of nerves. But
within seconds, we were off – onto the
dance floor, whirling and twirling, kicking
and flicking. By the end, I felt exhilarated!
John and I didn’t win, but by that point
I didn’t care. They say it’s the taking part
that counts, and that was certainly the
case for me. Together with my fellow
contestants, we raised nearly £57,000 for
the hospice and had the best time doing it.
I’m so proud that I pushed myself outside
of my comfort zone and I’m proof that
you’re never too old to try something new.
✣ For info about Celia’s wedding and
events business, visit wellbeingfarm.co.uk
9000 9001