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‘My be As Louise Jameson prepares for her new role in Doc Martin, she tells Yours why life has never been better

By Daphne Lockyer

hose who still remember Louise Jameson as Leela – the young leather leotard and kinky bootswearing warrior in an early Dr Who series – might be surprised to learn that she recently turned 60.

Meeting her for tea and a chat at the Hotel Du Vin in her home town of Tunbridge Wells, she is the kind of woman who others approaching the big 6-0 might look to for inspiration. Still a stunning, forthright redhead, she is curvier than her younger self and there are laughter lines now around her beautiful aquamarine eyes. “But, you know… I look how I look and these days I don’t beat myself up about it,” she says.

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Louise – a lady of many parts: From left, as Leela in Doctor Who, Blanche Simmons in Tenko, Susan Young in Bergerac and EastEnders’ Rosa Di Marco

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y star chat y

best present ever’

‘My character Eleanor is a bit of a hippy. Needless to say she and the Doc dislike each other on sight. She will come in and cook and leave the place looking like a bomb site’ On the plus side, she says, it was good money. “It meant that, as a single mother, I could get my kids through further education – my priority at the time.”

Louise is proud of her sons Harry (29) and Tom (26), who are both personal trainers. “You’d think I get the occasional free session! But their excuse is that personal training only works if you fancy your trainer, or are terrified of them. And neither would be the truth in this case!”

Louise describes herself as a serial monogamist. Harry and Tom were the product of different relationships. She married neither father, but did wed artist Martin Bedford. “None of my important relationships lasted. They ran their course and then we let go at the appropriate time – they didn’t fail they just finished. And we had wonderful times along the way.”

Currently single, Louise would like a man in her life, although she says she doesn’t need one. “I have my sons, my friends and family, my work, my dog, my theatre school, my home and my health.

What more could you want?”

D Doc Martin is on ITV1 on Monday nights.

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PIC: BBC; ITV; IAN FRASER

Di Marco

Five years ago she was set to have a facelift. “My selfesteem was low. I was in the middle of the menopause with its weight gain and lack of energy. No lover on the scene either, and I thought, ‘If I have a facelift everything will be fine’.

“So I was booked in for May, but then a job took me through that month and June, too. I said I’d rearrange when Mother-in-law from hell!

Louise as Eleanor, stirring I could next afford to take up trouble for the Doc the six-week recovery period away from work, but I never did. Life simply got better. I loved

by Caroline Catz) gives birth to the job, the bills got paid, my kids grumpy Doc Martin’s baby. got through the ’orrible phase, my “Eleanor is a bit of hippie, hormones settled down… although, sadly, there are no men “Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t on the scene. Worryingly, if she’s go ahead. A facelift will never fix left in charge of the baby she’s your life and the reality is that liable to slip alcohol into the milk.

I feel I actually look better now She chain smokes, too, whenever than I did five years ago, although her daughter leaves the room. surgery has nothing to do with it.”

“Needless to say, she and the Instead, Louise’s glow comes Doc (played by Martin Clunes) from inner contentment. She’s dislike one another on sight. turned her near-miss with Eleanor will come in and cook cosmetic surgery into a oneand leave the place looking like a woman show called Pulling Faces, bomb site. He likes everything to embarked on a course in standlook like an operating theatre. up comedy, set up a rewarding Despite a few one-off TV jobs, theatre school for teenagers and Doc Martin is Louise’s first regular started writing a novel. role in a top TV show since she “Then, just before my 60th stopped playing Rosa Di Marco in birthday, I got the best present ever. EastEnders ten years ago.

I was offered a role in Doc Martin She still has mixed feelings and the next thing I was down in about her time on the show and Cornwall for the summer living in a how she was written out in 2002. beautiful cottage by the sea.

“I found it very ‘us and them’.

“The whole production felt like Management on the top floor, being in the bosom of a lovely workers on the coalface. We family and I was welcomed with worked long hours, yet there was open arms. I got to play a role that very little respect for the craft of I loved and when I wasn’t working acting. I found that very difficult I did lots of walking and writing.” to handle and when contracts Louise plays Eleanor – the were terminated it was pretty mother-in-law from hell after brutal, too. But then it’s ten years her daughter, Louisa (played ago now and you do move on!”

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AgElEss trends for autumn Embrace this season’s fashion trends with these easy-to-wear looks that will knock years off you

By Michelle Nightingale

Elegant neutrals

PHOTOGRaPHY RUTH JENkINSON; STYlIST DaNIEllE ElmES; HaIR aND makE-UP SaRaH JaNE GREEN aND HaNaN TOUHamI.

Nude tones are everywhere right now and look lovely when teamed with a classic pair of jeans.

Winter florals Wear this flattering dress with heels and a bolero or team with flat boots and a blazer-style jacket for a versatile day or evening look.

D Silk beaded vest top, £45, 6-22, autograph at marks & Spencer; batwing cardigan, £33, s-l, Wallis; bootcut jeans, £45, 8-18, Jasper Conran at Debenhams; brown suede courts, £19.50, 3-8, limited Collection at marks & Spencer; belt, £10, accessorize; gold bangle, £8, F&F at Tesco; beaded bag, £12, Tu at Sainsbury’s.

D Floral print dress, £40, 8-20, Wallis; pink bolero, £19.50, 8-22, marks & Spencer; heels, £25, 3-8, also marks & Spencer; bow clutch bag, £29, Hotter.

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Check out our favourite shoes to keep your toes toasty this autumn online at www.yours.co.uk

Daring red Don’t be afraid to step out in top-totoe colour for that special occasion.

Keep accessories simple and let your dress do the talking.

Classic monochrome For a chic, grown-up look you can’t beat classic black and white.

D One-piece trouser suit, £50, 8-20, Principles by Ben de lisi at Debenhams; bolero, £22, s-l, Wallis; patent heels, £28, 3-8, Next; monochrome necklace, £15, Wallis.

Style notes

D Wrap frill dress, £95, 8-18, Coast; patent heels, £28, 3-8, Next; necklace, £16.50, Wallis.

Perfect pleats Pleats don’t have to be fuddy-duddy – team with elegant wardrobe pieces for a timeless look.

White pleat skirt, £45, 8-20, Betty Jackson.Black at Debenhams; white vest, £14 and print jacket, £39.50, both 8-22, marks & Spencer; grey heel sandals, £18, 3-8, George at asda; jewel necklace, £12.50, Wallis; skinny belt (pack of two), £2.50, s-l, F&F at Tesco.

NEXT ISSUE The best figure-friendly coats STOCKISTS: Accessorize 0844 811 0068; Coast 0845 899 1119; Debenhams 0844 800 8877; F&F at Tesco 0800 505 555; George at Asda 0800 952 0101; Hotter 0800 083 3083; Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234; Next 0844 844 8939; Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262; Wallis 0844 243 4320.

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Top 3 anti-ageing serums ▼ Highly Commended Highly Commended WINNER Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Serum (£31.99/50ml) “I absolutely loved this product and will be treating myself in future. It wasn’t greasy, firmed up my skin and my wrinkles appear finer and less noticeable.” Linda

Avon Anew Clinical Lift & Firm Pro Brightening Serum (£29/30ml) Formulated to boost elastin production for youngerlooking skin, this serum is great for targeting sagging.

Aldi Lacura Wrinkle Stop (£4.99/10ml) “This serum is such amazing value! It felt light and quite hydrating, which is unusual for a serum.” Carolle

TOP TIP

Serums are not always designed to be hydrating, but are superefficient at delivering key anti-ageing ingredients.

Apply before your moisturiser.

Top 3 foundations ▼

Trisha Chandler from Makeup Works says:

“Avoid matte foundation and instead opt for a dewy formula that will flatter mature skin.”

Avon Anew Beauty Age Transforming WINNER Foundation (£15/30ml) “I’ve tried many foundations, but none gave the coverage I need to smooth out my complexion. This left my complexion flawless with a lovely glow.”

Carolle

Highly Commended

Highly Commended

Highly Commended

Highly Commended

Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum (£12.99/30ml) “I was pleasantly surprised by this foundation.

It gave great coverage and a little went a long way.” Susan

Boots No7 Restore & Renew Foundation (£15.50/30ml) Formulated to nourish and revitalise mature skin for a smooth and even complexion.

Top 3 concealers ▼ Rimmel London Match Perfection Skin Adapting Concealer (£5.99/7ml) “I was impressed with this product’s staying power. It acted as a concealer, hiding blemishes, and was also great for highlighting under my eyes, leaving my skin looking fresh WINNER and youthful.” Lynda

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Trisha says:

“Apply your concealer with a brush and then pat into the skin until fully blended.”

L’Oréal True Match Touche Magique (£8.16) This illuminating concealer disguises dark circles for a smooth, radiant finish. Available in a range of shades, so you can find your perfect match.

Yves Saint Laurent Multi Action Concealer (£19.50/2g) ‘Not only was this concealer easy to apply, but it looked lovely and natural – it’s one I’ll purchase in the future.’ Linda

Top 3 mascaras▼ Highly Commended WINNER

L’Oréal Lash Architect 4D Mascara (£10.99/10.5ml) A clever false lash effect mascara that works to lengthen, volumise and define lashes in one easy step.

Maybelline Volum’ Express One by One Mascara (£8.49/9.4ml) “This gave a clump-free finish and my lashes were nicely defined with just one coat, plus it stayed put all day.” Deborah

Highly Commended Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara (£11.99/13.1ml) “My lashes look long and lustrous all day and it was really easy to apply. I’ll be buying this in the future.” Linda

TOP TIP

To make the most of thinning lashes, curl them with an eyelash curler before applying a thickening or lengthening mascara.

Top 3 blushers▼ TOP TIP

Peach and rose shades flatter mature skin. Apply using a large brush in a swirling motion over the apples of your cheeks contouring up towards your temples.

Bobbi Brown Blusher (£17/3.7g) “I don’t usually use a powder blusher as I don’t think they are always flattering on mature skin, but this powder was different. It felt smooth on my skin, gave a long lasting rosy glow and wasn’t drying at all.”

WINNER Lynda

Highly Commended Highly Commended Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush (£7.49/2.5g) “This blusher stayed on even during warm weather – it’s a firm favourite.” Susan

Avon Colour and Contour Blush Duo (£7/8g) A shimmering blusher and highlighter compact to give a youthful glow and help define cheekbones.

Top 3 lipsticks▼ Trisha says:

“Choose a moisturising and creamy lipstick formula with skin conditioning ingredients such as Vitamin E.”

Highly Commended

Highly Commended

Avon Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick (£8.50) “Although I had to reapply this lipstick regularly it felt very rich and moisturising and was easy apply.”

Lynda

Boots No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick (£10.50/3g) Containing a built-in SPF 15, we love this moisturising lip colour.

Available in a range of easy-to-wear and grown-up shades.

PIC:

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick (£7.99) “I love this lipstick and a little goes a long way. It glides on easily, stays on and WINNER has a lovely rich creamy texture. It made my lips look plumper, too!” Deborah

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Recharge your

health

ecoming forgetful isn’t an inevitable part of getting older. But, like other parts of the body, the brain does start to slow down. According to mental health charity Mind, around 40 per cent of over 65s will have difficulties with memory.

The good news is that staying healthy and active could reduce your risk of serious memory problems by 20 per cent. And learning a few memory tricks could help you to recall where you left your specs or the name of that friendly woman down the street!

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10 ways to i m your memory

✤Exercise your mind

“Challenge your brain by doing everyday activities in a different way,” suggests world memory champion Dominic O’Brien. Give this a go by brushing your teeth with the other hand or swap over your knife and fork when eating.

✤Get herbal help

A Ginkgo Biloba supplement can boost circulation and is thought to increase blood flow to your brain, which means extra nutrients and oxygen to nourish your grey matter. Studies have shown it could significantly improve memory and concentration. Available from Boots, £15.65/30 tablets, or www. naturalhealthylife.co.uk

PICS: GETTY IMAGES; ISTOCK PHOTO.

✤Get grumpy

If you really want to remember something do it when you’re in a bad mood!

Feeling happy can make you more forgetful according to US researchers – a positive frame of mind could reduce your brain’s storage capacity. If you’d rather not be grumpy try looking at a striking image as a memory aid.

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Sharpen your mental skills and stave off senior moments with these simple tricks

By Rebecca Speechley

improve ry - fast!

flower power ✤Use

Pop a few drops of the Bach Original Flower Remedy Clematis (£6.69/20ml) in a glass of water and sip it throughout the day. Clematis flower essence is thought to improve concentration and attention to detail. Available from health food stores. Call 0208 780 4200 or visit www.bachremedies.co.uk

✤Eat eggs

Breakfast on eggs a few days a week to bolster your brain power. “They’re a great source of lecithin – a fatty acid needed by your brain,” says Naturopath Soliman Laurence of www.revital. co.uk. “And they also contain choline – another essential nutrient for brain health.” Choline is an important part of the neurotransmitters that help to pass information around your brain and keep your memory sharp.

Breakfast on eggs a few days a week to bolster your brain power

✤Get an early night

Forgetfulness can be a symptom of sleep deprivation according to Alison Cullen, nutritional therapist for A.Vogel Herbal Remedies. “Research from the London Sleep Centre shows that people who have less than four hours sleep a night for more than six days have memory issues similar to those who have been drinking,” says Alison. Going to bed at the same time each night could really help improve your sleep patterns, as could keeping your bedroom cool and dark.

For sleep tips visit www.yours.co.uk/sleep ✤ See your GP before taking supplements or herbal remedies, particularly if you take prescribed medicines. Always speak to your GP before stopping any medication or before starting any diet or exercise regime. Never stop taking medication unless advised by your GP.

✤Lose pounds – gain cells

Shedding any excess pounds could help to improve your memory, concentration and problem solving. Many of the problems associated with being overweight such as high blood pressure, type two diabetes and sleep apnea can also have an negative effect on your memory. US scientists found that losing weight helps to reverse the impact of these conditions on your brain. For a diet plan visit www.yoursdietclub.co.uk

✤Train your brain

The jury is still out on whether braintraining games actually help to improve your memory or just help you to get better at doing that particular type of game. If you enjoy crosswords, Sudoku or other puzzles they certainly won’t do you any harm. If you struggle with mind games don’t panic, spend time chatting with your friends instead.

Scientists from the University of Zurich found that specific brain training regimes aren’t any better at improving your memory than a simple conversation.

✤Get organised

Hunting for keys or wondering if you’ve taken your tablets today can be so frustrating, but getting organised could really help. Create a routine place for your things such as a hook for keys or a basket for glasses and get into the habit of putting them there when you’re finished with NEXT ISSUE them. Try to do daily tasks Age proof such as taking your tablets at your body the same time each day.

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LOVE your age at 50, 60 & 70+

Think there’s nothing good about getting older? Think again – here’s how to celebrate your age and live life to the full! By Kate Corr e live in a ✤ Life is still busy, but the kids have left home so you’ve probably got society more time to yourself than you’ve had for decades! Best of all, you’re IN YOUR obsessed still young enough to really make the most of it… with youth, so it’s no wonder The menopause is Take care of your body well worth the wait! that greying hair and A healthy diet and exercise are wrinkles make many of us While the side effects can be awful, the more important than ever if you’re feel down. But it’s not as difficult menopause also marks the beginning of a to keep your mood balanced, as you may think to change the very exciting time in your life. “The hormone your mind focused and your way you feel about your age, oestrogen has controlled you since you weight stable in the second half says Jill Shaw Ruddock (55), were a teenager – that’s what gave you the of your life. “Eat plenty of fresh author of The Second Half of Your ‘mummy brain’, making you devote yourself fruit and vegetables, and exercise Life (£12.99, Vermilion). “With to others,” explains Jill. “But oestrogen five or six times a week,” says Jill. a few small adjustments to your levels drop during the menopause, leaving But only do something you really attitude and lifestyle, it’s quite many women with new drive and energy. I enjoy. If nothing else seems to easy to ensure that the best years know this myself from own experience and, appeal, try the Jane Fonda: Prime are still to come!” believe me, it was worth the wait!”

Time Walk Out DVD (£10.99).

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✤ Your time is largely your own, and you know yourself well enough to be able to make the most of every moment.

Find your ‘young brain’

While you will probably never stop giving to others, now is the time to start giving to yourself as well. “Allow yourself to be a priority,” says retirement coach Jackie Fletcher (52), www. transitionslifecoaching.co.uk Make a long list of affordable treats that will bring you pleasure – a bar of scented soap, a bunch of flowers, a favourite nail polish – and make sure you buy yourself something as often as possible.

Think of someone in your age group whom you really admire, not because of how they look but because of what they’ve achieved.

Stick a picture of them in your kitchen to inspire you and remind you regularly what’s really important.

“This will also teach you about your own personal value system,” says Jackie Fletcher, who admits to having a photograph of Tina Turner on her fridge door.

What is your passion?

See yourself differently

Treat yourself regularly

60s

When you look in the mirror, train yourself to focus on the bits that really matter – such as your eyes (not the lines around them) and your smile. “We may have to kiss goodbye to our young skin and accept our wrinkles, but another kind of beauty is accessible to us,” says Marie de Hennezel (64), in her book, The Warmth of the Heart Prevents your Body from Rusting (£12.99, Rodale).

“We can have emotional youth. We can still be radiant with joy.”

Have you always wanted to learn calligraphy or quilt-making? Or would you like to become a mentor to a young person. And what about that childhood dream of owning a pet or riding a bike? Now is the perfect time to find your passion or reignite it. “The ‘old brain’ withdraws and becomes lazy,” says Tim Drake. “It says, ‘that’s too much hassle’ or ‘I can’t be bothered’.” Instead, ask yourself: do I want an easy life or an exciting life?

Wise words: Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many – author unknown

Keep moaning to a minimum You’re far too young to become a grumpy old woman! Limit the time you spend moaning about the same old thing and instead open your mind to something new and exciting. An invigorating Zumba class or an inspiring book, such as Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler (£7.99, Thorsons), will do you far more good than a moan about soaring food prices and the weather.

Find your passion and ignite it, whether it’s riding a bike or owning a pet

And what about the 70s? Turn the page to find out YOURS

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PIcS: MASTERFILE; GETTY IMAGES

Wise words: By the time we hit 50, we have found that only a few things are really important.

We’ve learnt to take life seriously, but never ourselves – Marie Dressler

“You may not want to be 25 again, but thinking like a 25-year-old could be really good for you,” says Tim Drake, author of You can be as Young as you Think (£10.99, Prentice Hall Life). “Young people have a zest for life and a willingness to try new things that are really invigorating,” says Tim. “Many of us lose this ‘young brain’ attitude over the years, but retirement is a great opportunity to rediscover it. You can still have a young brain and be drawing a pension!”

Find a role model to inspire you

IN YOUR

❙ star chat ❙

from life…

can be content without being ✤You very well-off

I was the youngest of six and grew up in a council house with no bathroom and wore hand-medown clothes. We may not have had much, but we were always content because all our friends were like us. There were no computer games or mobile phones and we never felt deprived because we didn’t have the latest thing.

– and learn from – your past ✤Use experience to help your children

I tried to instill in my sons William (29) and James (27) the same values that my parents taught me, but with the added confidence-builder of a good education so that they were never limited by the feeling that they weren’t good enough or in some way didn’t measure up, as I often felt. I never let them take anything for granted.

Take advantage of ✤ opportunities as you don’t know where they will lead you Joining the WRAF as a plotter at 18 opened up a life I could never have imagined. I discovered theatre and took advantage of the RAF’s education opportunities to gain more GCEs and met an elderly creative writing tutor who inspired and encouraged me.

Don’t be ✤ afraid to fight your demons I was homesick when I was posted to Singapore and suffered terrible stage fright and crippling migraines but I didn’t let them stop me.

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Pam overcame terrible stage fright to achieve her ambitions

going until you find ✤Keep your niche in life

I was hopeless in most of my jobs; being in the civil service bored me to tears but I think I made a pretty good job of being Pam Ayres. The way I wrote things, the way I said them, made people laugh. It wasn’t that difficult. It took me a while to find my necessary aptitude. But I’m glad I got there in the end.

be scared to take a ✤Never new direction

My new book is a huge change from my usual verse, but it is a project that has been burning away for some time. I felt it was time to write about more substantial things but it has taken a ‘ full-on year’.

It’s a bit like Cider with Rosie but set in the Fifties.

I hope people will read it and think ‘yes, that’s a bit like it was for me, too.’

I tend to look forward and not live in the past, but I had a compulsion to record it, to capture a way of life that has largely gone but is one that many of us still remember. ✤ The Necessary Aptitude is available now (Ebury Press, £20) ✤ Pam was talking to Joy Harris

WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? Appearing on Radio Oxford reading my poems was a turning point. It led to Opportunity Knocks and I finally discovered what I wanted to do with my life.

PIC: TREVOR LEIGHTON; REX FEATURES

My lessons

In her memoir, poet Pam Ayres (64) remembers a childhood in which love and family came before possessions