ISSUE 118
Reviv i n g Romance
The modern surge in wedding vow renewals
Beach f ront Bl iss for Two The Ixian Grand & A ll Suites in R hodes
A Mat Matcch Mad adee in Musi Mus ic The Hit List’s Rochelle and Marvin Humes are are back to host three teams battling it out to become the ultimate music masters and take home the grand prize
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ince 2019, The Hit List has continued to captivate audiences with its blend of nostalgia, competition, and musical excitement. The BBC One show, challenges contestants to name as many hit songs and artists as possible under intense pressure. Presented by fan favourites Rochelle and Marvin Humes, the show features three pairs of contestants who showcase their music knowledge for a chance to win a £10,000 jackpot. How does it feel to be in the seventh series of The Hit List? Rochelle: It’s so weird when you hear that it’s actually seven years, but at the same time, it still feels so fresh, which is a nice place to be in. We say it all the time, but it’s our dream show. It’s
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the show that we’d be watching if we didn’t host it. So we’re just happy that it’s back! What’s your favourite part about hosting the series together? Marvin: Working with my wife, that’s my favourite part. This is the only thing that we do together professionally, and it’s a very unique thing to do because it doesn’t feel like work. We’re doing a show that we love and we know it inside out. Working with Roch is super easy because I’m working with the person I know the best and vice versa. We’re very, very lucky, and very fortunate - and we are still married after seven years!
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The show has both regular episodes and celebrity specials. How do the dynamics differ between these two types of episodes? Rochelle: With the celebrity episodes, the contestants have this confidence that they’re going to perform really well, so sometimes it’s quite amazing to watch how the mighty fall [laughs]. Then in our civilian shows, those contestants are much more tuned into the gameplay. Their knowledge of music is so brilliant, but they’re always a little bit more unassuming. I quite like the difference in the dynamic because it’s the complete opposite. Marvin: The civilian shows record very quickly, because they’re like a human Shazam! Whereas the celebrity ones, although they are a lot of fun, we often run out of songs because the celebrity contestants keep skipping them instead of answering the question. The Hit List has become a staple for Saturday night TV. What do you think makes the show so appealing to viewers? Rochelle:The Hit List has that family value - it’s perfect for parents, for kids, for your granny! It’s a real family viewing experience. That’s always a winner in our home because we always love to have something that our siblings, our friends, our parents, our kids can all sit down and watch together.
Marvin: It’s got that inclusivity built into the rounds - especially the first round where we go from the 2010s back to the 70s. No matter what age you are, you’re going to know at least a couple of the songs. If you could choose any music artist to make a guest appearance on The Hit List, who would it be and why? Marvin: I always say the same person, and that’s Sir Elton John. Obviously he is an absolute music legend, an icon and he’s been making music for decades now! But he’s also so in tune with today’s music. He’s got a radio show on Apple Music and he’s always championing new artists, so he’s really got his finger on the pulse of what’s fresh and what’s trending. I’d love to know if he watches The Hit List! We love having radio DJs as well. They tend to be super competitive because they’re listening to music all day every day. Rochelle:They take it very seriously, especially because in those episodes, they’re playing for money for charity but you can also tell that they’re in it to win for themselves! Marvin: It’s always fun to play with DJ’s too because these are people that know that they should do well, but then they get knocked out in the first round! They are worried that their expertise is going to get challenged. What has been the most surprising or impressive musical knowledge displayed by a contestant? Marvin: This season we have Sally Lindsay and Eddie Kadi as a team. 33
Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine
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With this rin ingg, I tth h ee wed
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Bridal jewellery and your rings are more than just an accessory, writes Jamie McFadden, they are a timeless symbol of love and your unique identity. For in-love couples, these elegant pieces can offer the perfect opportunity to infuse your special day with a personal touch.
Storytelling Designs At UK jewellery designer Boodles, your wedding band presents an opportunity to tell a story. To do just that, they present clients with a suite of options, including some that veer away from the ‘traditional’. One piece that is sure to serve as a constant reminder of this special moment is the brand’s Five Stone Heart Diamond Ring, in 18ct yellow gold, set with five fancy heart shaped diamonds, sweeping around the finger. For the more understated feel, their Waterfall collection features an 18ct yellow gold wedding band with bezel and claw set diamonds, weighing 0.43cts. The gold used in both rings is of ‘Single Mine Origin’, highlighting Boodles’ continued commitment to the traceability of its materials. boodles.com
Classic Five Stone Heart Diamond Ring, £13,500
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Waterfall Semi Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Ring, £5,400
The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style
A Bold Look Cheshire-based designer David M Robinson is a brand not shy when it comes to taking a bold step with their new collections and bridal styles. One new set introduced by the eponymous designer for 2024 is this impactful, contemporary suite of ring jackets which are designed to complement this incredible marquise cut engagement ring. Here, DMR presents two rings, perfectly framing the engagement ring, acting as a wedding ring and subsequent eternity ring proving that in the case of diamond jewellery, three is most certainly not a crowd. If boldness isn’t on your wedding list, but the cool pop of colour appeals, DMR also presents a mixed metal ring that is a match made in diamond heaven. Wrapping gracefully around the finger, this split band draws the eye to two emerald cut diamonds, one a fancy yellow colour and the other a timeless white diamond. Both are set alongside round brilliant cut diamonds in the two stunning hues. davidmrobinson.co.uk
Platinum and Rose Gold White and Pink Diamond Ring, £4,900 each
Yellow and White Gold Emerald and Round Cut Ring, £4,400
A One of a Kind Why not consider a unique design that only you have, working with the expert jewellery designers at Annoushka and discover the epitome of personalised elegance with their bespoke bridal service? Intended for those seeking a truly unique touch, Annoushka’s bespoke service allows you to collaborate directly with Annoushka and her expert design team in their London showroom or remotely from across the world. Whether beginning the process with a cherished stone or reinvigorating a family heirloom, your vision is brought to life through detailed sketches and a final 3D design. Your dream wedding ring will be ready in just five to eight weeks, ensuring a perfect, bespoke symbol of your love story. Book an appointment, annoushka.com
Symphony of Elegance For the bride daring enough to seek something different, historic Parisian Maison Cartier introduces The Cheshire Magazine to two beautiful rings that fuse together 18ct yellow, white and rose gold. Embodying timeless elegance, the Vendôme Louis Cartier wedding ring is a stunning tri-metal masterpiece adorned with a row of 53 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.23 carats. The Cartier Trinity wedding ring, from a collection which celebrates its centenary in 2024, is an equally stylish symbol, featuring intertwined bands of the three golds. Each band, measuring 4.4 mm, represents the harmonious blend of love, fidelity, and friendship. cartier.com
Cartier Trinity Ring, £3,350 Cartier Vendôme Louis Cartier Ring, £4,200
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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel
B ea eacc hfron hfrontt Blii ss ffo Bl o r Two Kathryn Otto and par tner John Coyne visited The Ixian Grand & All Suites for an adults-only, all-inclusive experience in Rhodes
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he Ixian Grand & All Suites is an adults-only resort set on Rhodes’ pebbly Ixia Beach, offering carefree all-inclusive experiences, excellent hospitality, and a plethora of food and beverage options. Being on the beach also means that spontaneous midnight strolls and swims are not a dream. The resort offers 348 rooms and suites and features three freshwater pools, a spa, and modern facilities.
Location The resort offers a sanctuary of elegance, comfort, and unparalleled Mediterranean beauty, complete with private access to a pebbly beach. Guests can immerse themselves in the island’s wonders while enjoying the five-star resort’s luxurious amenities. The resort’s strategic location provides easy access to Rhodes’ most iconic sites, including the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient Acropolis of Lindos.
Culture A mosaic of myths, heritage and history, Rhodes brings a unique blend of culture that takes the architecture of the ancient world and blends it with the warm traditions of family, society and friendship that is at the heart of Greek culture. The famous Archeological Museum of Rhodes (Hospital of Knights) has carefully curated a wonderful display of historical artefacts to inspire and enthuse all that visit. With festivities that take up the whole year, experience the wonders and long-standing traditions of this rich in culture island. Whether it’s folk dancing and parade watching on Ochi Day or the beautiful display of garland flowers and picnics on May Day, the island is always a celebration of life, spirituality and history.
Rooms & Suites Set in ultimate privacy and surrounded by greenery, the resort’s chic contemporary design exudes elegance, providing you and your partner with the perfect ambiance for relaxation and repose. Personalise your stay by choosing from a collection of 10 rooms and suites options with private pools, spa tubs, and seaside views, each intentionally designed to elevate your comfort and harbour your most intimate moments.
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W hy Black is th t h is Seaso Seas on’s Most Popular Colour Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design and Colour Psychologist at Lick, shares her advice on why black is trending right now and how to decorate with this classic colour:
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oodbye Brat Green Summer - home decor is taking a darker turn for Autumn/Winter, with Lick reporting a huge 340% uplift in sales of black paint*. “In the world of interiors, many view black as a colour that requires a level of bravery and boldness to decorate with, but this is changing. Whether used as a dominant colour on your walls or as an accent colour on your woodwork, black is the perfect choice for creating elegant and timeless spaces and it’s clear that decorators are opening up to the potential and versatility of this colour within their homes. This sophisticated colour creates inviting, intimate spaces with a strong design identity.” “As the summer holidays wind down at the end of August and we begin to transition into the cooler months, dark hues are the perfect go-to colours for decorating - and what colour can be darker than black? A classic matt black absorbs all natural light, so if you’ve got a room that lacks sunlight, such as a bedroom or small space, lean into that by colour drenching your space with black to create a calming and cocooning effect. This is especially important as the nights draw in and we start losing access to natural light, making a strong case for embracing your cosy corners and opting for darker colours.” “Black colours with warm, red undertones, such as Lick Black 02, exude elegance, creating spaces that feel empowering and decadent, perfect for a dining room and spaces where you plan to entertain guests. Black 02 has a timeless appeal and a comforting quality which will effortlessly transition your space into the autumn. Another velvety black I recommend is Lick Black 01, which is a bold, graphite black, with
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blue undertones which will inject energy into your space during the sluggish winter months. Lick’s M·A·C Black 40 is the colour that everyone can have in their homes. It’s a rich, true matt hue which is so versatile. This elegant and empowering black pairs seamlessly with Lick White 02 for a high-contrast monochromatic look or Lick White 05 for a softer, neutral scheme.” *stat taken since the Lick x M·A·C collaboration launched on Lick.com on 8/8/24
lick.com/uk
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Home Homes and Interiors
TASH’S TOP METHODS TO INCLUDE BLACK IN YOUR INTERIORS: • Accent colour: “Every room can benefit from an accent of black to bring contrast and depth. The best way to do this is to use black to accentuate a feature, such as a staircase or fireplace, to draw your attention to the architectural highlights of your home.” • 50/50 decorating: “This monochrome effect will help to trick the eye and open up your space, especially if you use black on the bottom 50% of the room and a light neutral on the top 50%. The key thing to remember is to ensure everything in that lower 50% should also be black, including radiators and skirting boards.” • Colour drenching: “Colour drenching with black will help to create a very calm environment. If you have a small, north-facing room, this is a great option as black will absorb the shadows, blur the edges of the space and wrap around you like one big hug.” • Pattern play: “Black pairs with every other colour, so you can have a bit of fun with it. Pattern play helps to open up a room and vertical stripes will elongate your space. Whatever your style, black is a truly versatile colour with lots of potential for creativity.”
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