Yours magazine issue 237

By Richard Barber hen Len Goodman was originally chosen to be head judge of BBC1’s runaway hit, Strictly Come Dancing, back in 2004, he admitted to the producer that he was nervous. “I was concerned,” he says now, “that I might come across a bit wooden. But she gave me the best advice possible – ‘Be yourself and be honest’ – and that’s just what I’ve tried to do. When it comes to TV, if you try to be what you’re not, you’ll be found out.”

He needn’t have worried. Meet Len, 71, today and he’s indivisible from the guy off the telly – a complete natural who doesn’t mind calling a spade a shovel. He’s also clear-eyed enough to know that, if he were eaten by a crocodile tomorrow, someone else would swiftly climb into his shoes.

“The real star is the show itself.

If all four judges perished, they’d be replaced straight away and Strictly would carry on. I remember when Barbara Windsor left EastEnders.

My dear old mum said it would never be the same again. But, two months down the line, she’d moved on with the story and the new characters.”

Nonetheless, he was saddened when Bruce Forsyth decided to retire although he was realistic about it, too. “He was 86. He’d earned a break. It’s much easier being a judge.

But as main presenter, he worked all the hours. Now he can put his feet up. But I do miss him.”

Not that he’s got anything against Tess and Claudia. “They’ve done such a brilliant job. They’re both so natural, which is what I like.

Claudia’s really funny and most of it’s off-the-cuff. Tess comes out looking lovely and she’s very professional.

Also, she’s not trying to be like Bruce, much as I liked him.”

So, when is it time for Len to ride into the sunset...? “What I’m hoping is that my wife, Sue, who I trust implicitly, will tell me when I start losing my sharpness. I’d take it

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‘Life on the road with Len’ As head judge Len Goodman prepares for the Strictly tour, he chats to Yours about early days, new challenges and when he’ll say no more Strictly...

❙ star chat ❙

Claudia and Tess took over the reins from Brucie

EXTRA

FOR YOU

“They’re all original tracks from the likes of Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Rosemary Clooney – you name them.

The memories came flooding back.

Every time I listen to Shirley Bassey singing Kiss Me Honey Honey, it reminds me of how often I must have practised the cha-cha-cha to it.”

Now he’s also looking forward to the upcoming Strictly UK theatre tour

‘I don’t ever want to stay on beyond my sell-by date’ with fellow judges Craig and Bruno and a new presenter in the shape of the very funny Mel Giedroyc, best known these days from Bake Off. It starts in Birmingham on January 22, finishing at London’s O2 Centre on February 14.

Among the celebrity dancers already confirmed are Ainsley Harriott, Anita Rani, the hugely talented Georgia May Foote and Frankie Bridge from 2014’s Strictly.

“Being on the road together gives us much more time to socialise compared with the pressures of the TV show. It’s a lot of fun.”

No need to ask if Len enjoys this late flowering of his career. “It’s changed my life,” he says. “A car picks me up and takes me to the studio. I say a few things like, ‘Keep your head up’, they pay me and then they drive me home again. What a job! It certainly beats working on the docks, which is what I was doing when I was 17.

“Aren’t I lucky? You won’t tell the BBC, will you?” ✢ Len Goodman’s Ballroom Bonanza (on CD or download) is out now from Sony Music Entertainment.

For more information on the Strictly tour call 0844 875 8758 or visit www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

Len CDs up for grabs We have 10 CDs of Len’s Ballroom Bonanza dance tracks to give away. To stand a chance of winning send a postcard marked Len Goodman CD to PO Box 57, Coates, PE7 2FF by February 5, 2016. ✢ If you don’t wish to receive further information from Yours Yours, write No Further Contact on your card YOURS

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PICS: CAMERA PRESS, REX SHUTTERSTOCK

Dancer Erin Boag gave Len his Strictly break

from her. I don’t ever want to stay on beyond my sell-by date. I’ll continue being a judge for as long as they ask me. Once I start dribbling and dozing off, though, Sue will have a quiet word in my ear.”

It’s all a far cry from that day 11 years ago when Len, then 60, was contemplating winding down to retirement. “I’d cut down to two days a week at my dance school in Dartford. I was gradually easing off. Sue and my son, James, were effectively running it. And then Erin Boag, who I knew from the world of dance, recommended me and I was chosen as head judge of Strictly.”

In the meantime, judges have come and gone. “But I honestly believe the judging panel at the moment is the best ever. I was a bit concerned about Darcey Bussell at first; I wondered if she was going to be a bit of a prima ballerina, if you know what I mean. Too posh. But she’s charming – just lovely – and she certainly knows what she’s talking about.

“Between the four of us, you get a rounded set of critiques. I’ve come from the world of ballroom so I’m looking at the footwork. Darcey comes from ballet so she’s looking at the fluidity of the dancers. Bruno’s looking at the performance level.

Craig’s main influence is theatrical although he does have a bit of a hang-up about thumbs!”

The demands of the TV studio apart, Len’s been busy although always on Strictly business. Such is the success of the show that Sony invited him to pick 100 tracks that covered everything from the foxtrot and waltz to the tango and rumba for a 3-CD music set, now on sale.

“We’ve ended up with 57,” he says.

Style

THREE LOOKS FOR PEAR SHAPES

notes

L a y e rs he lp slim y our mid dle 1

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Try fit and flare and A-line style dre sse s and skirts to cle ve rly skim hips and thighs.

Lace top, £34, 10-22, Next; navy flippy skirt, £35, 8-20, M&S Collection; navy tights, £5, xs-xl, Tesco; necklace, £18, Autograph at M&S Grey blazer, £36, 10-22, Next; stripe shirt, £29.50, 6-18, Limited Edition at M&S; black bootcut trousers, £25, 8-22, Bhs

3 Disguise

pro ble m ar eas in a patt e rn

FIGURE FIXING

fashion Look stylish and slimmer – whatever your shape or size

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

Print dress, £39.50, 8-20, M&S Collection; tights, £4, xs-xl, Tesco; earrings, £8, Debenhams YOURS

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PEAR SHAPE

Patterned dress, £20, 8-24, George at Asda

Blue dress, £39, 8-22, M&Co

Embellished top, £14, 8-24, George at Asda

Belted A-line skirt, £25, 8-22, Bhs

APPLE SHAPE Choose styles that skim your middle and help disguise a rounder tummy.

Asymmetric, empire line and tunic choices, styles are good users tro while slim-leg legs. er nd sle f of show

BOYISH With some clever styling straight up and down shapes can cheat some curves. Try a fitted blazer, embellished skirts, tops and A-line florals or s rn while patte e touch. in in m fe a d will ad

DISGUISE YOUR TUMMY White shirt, £35, 1423, Evans

Dress, £55, 14-32, Evans

Waterfall cardigan, £26, 8-22, M&Co

Tunic-style top, £28, 8-22, Bhs

FASHION EDITOR LOVES

Bootcut jeans, £15, 8-22, Bhs

Blue knot top, £29, 10-22, JD Williams

Belted shirt dress, £14, 8-24, George at Asda

Grey trousers, £59, 10-18, Phase Eight

Floral tie-detail dress, £39, 8-22, M&Co

HOURGLASS Lucky you!

Wrap tops and dresses are perfect for showing of f your waist – belted styles Fitted work well too. s will et ck ja d tops an st and ai w nip in at the users tro e yl st ut boot-c g. rin te are most flat

Slim-leg jeans, £18, 8-24, George at Asda

GREAT PRICE

STOCKISTS: Bhs 0344 411 6000 www.bhs.co.uk; Debenhams 0344 561 6161 www.debenhams.com; Evans 0344 984 0262 www.evans.co.uk; F&F at Tesco 0800 323 4050 www.clothingattesco.com; George at Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com/ George; JD Williams 0871 231 2000 www.jdwilliams.co.uk; M&Co 0800 031 7200 www.mandco.com; Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com; Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk; Phase Eight 0207 471 4422 www.phase-eight.com.

Details correct at time of going to print. Unfortunately we can’t guarantee availability during sale time

PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN

Balance your upper half and draw attention away from problem areas with V-neck and es scoop necklin ed sh lli be or em details.

Blazer, £65, 6-22, Next Floral wrap dress, £29, 8-22, M&Co

✢ NEXT ISSUE Save some pennies with our top budget fashion buys YOURS

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HEALTH &

vitality

Get more ENERGY all year!

Follow our vitality calendar for handy tips to keep you feeling fantastic all year through

Meet our expert

Robert Hobson is Head of Nutrition at vitamin company Healthspan

By Charlotte Haigh MacNeil

Professor Sir Cary Cooper is a leading international stress expert

Act jolly and chatty

JAN

Even if you don’t feel like it, projecting an upbeat mood actually helps you feel better. “If you’re chatty and friendly, others will respond and you’ll feel lifted,” says Cary. So say hello to your neighbours and make small talk with shop assistants.

FEB

Boost your iron intake

Getting enough iron is vital for your energy levels because it’s needed for the production of red blood cells which transport oxygen around your body. “Foods with the highest iron content include lean red meat, poultry, oily fish and eggs,” says Rob. Iron is often lacking in your diet, especially if you don’t eat meat, but it’s possible to up your iron in other ways. “Include pulses or dark green vegetables in cooked dishes and salads, add dried fruit as a breakfast topping and have pulse-based dips (like houmous) as snacks,” he suggests. “Iron is also found in dried herbs and spices – just a couple of teaspoons of dried thyme, marjoram, cumin seeds or turmeric can add up to 2g of iron.”

Eat your by MAR breakfast the window A shot of early morning daylight helps to boost your alertness by sending your body clock the message that it’s time to wake up. Ideally, you should head outside for a brisk walk, but if it’s too cold first thing, any exposure to light will help so get into the habit of eating your breakfast by a window.

There’s an added bonus – by priming yourself to be wakeful in the morning you lead your body clock to naturally wind down by the evening, meaning you will sleep better.

Wake yourself up with APR essential oils

Start the morning with an energising peppermint shower. A US study found that peppermint essential oil can make you feel more alert.

Try adding a few drops to 10ml of plain oil, such as grapeseed oil, and massaging it over your body before showering.

The steam will help to release the vapour.

Or simply sprinkle a couple of drops on a tissue and inhale for an instant zing.

Have a MAY spring clean

Make spring cleaning an ongoing process

Being surrounded by clutter has a powerful negative effect on your brain, according to research

by American neuroscientists.

Mess makes it harder to focus and saps your vitality, making you less productive. The answer is to tidy your house, but you don’t necessarily need to do it all in one go. Regard decluttering as an ongoing process and concentrate on one area at a time.

JUN

Get on your bike

Make the most of the lighter, warmer days by hopping on your bike to get to work or the shops. A study has revealed that cycling helps to clear your mind and ease stress, as well as boosting your fitness. Any burst of exercise sends more oxygen to all your body’s tissues, helping you feel instantly livelier.

JUL

Try CoQ10

CoQ10 is a nutrient found in the part of our cells that makes energy. It declines with age and some medicines lower levels. “If you’re one of the seven million people in the UK taking statins to manage your cholesterol it’s a good idea to take a CoQ10 supplement as well to keep your energy levels up,” says Rob. Not all supplements are effective, so check the ingredients for the preprocessed form of CoQ10, ubiquinol, which is absorbed more efficiently.

Try Healthspan Co-enzyme Q10, £17.95/60 caps, www.healthspan.co.uk

Dress to go

AUG from ‘zzz’ to zinging

When you’re feeling lacklustre, you may be tempted to reach for your most comfortable, sofafriendly clothes. In fact, this is the very time you need to put on the things in your wardrobe that make you feel great. “Wearing your favourite clothes in vivid colours, even if you feel tired, will help you feel brighter and more energised quickly,” says Professor Sir Turn Cary Cooper. the page for more month-bymonth tips

Mess makes it harder to focus and saps your vitality, making you less productive. Tidy your house, but you don’t necessarily need to do it all in one go YOURS

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Good to KNOW...

How to...

be a savvy su p Shop smart with our tips

O

ur supermarket shopping habits have changed in recent years, with many of us abandoning the traditional weekly shop at the same store in favour of following the bargains. But how do you know you’re getting a good deal? Use our top tips to get the most for your money

Get the best bargains

✢ “Use offers, points and discounts on everything, whether it’s money off, free delivery or in-house deals including Sainsbury’s brand match, Asda’s Price Guarantee or Tesco’s Clubcard,” says Anita Naik of VoucherCodes.co.uk. Take advantage of supermarkets’ double-up points events, too. ✢ Check weekly deals.

Budget supermarkets run weekly savers

by Sarah Jagger

on meat and veg. Aldi and Lidl also offer themed special-buys. Check their websites to see what’s on offer. ✢ Check receipts for money off your next shop, or for discount vouchers. ✢ Sign up free to MyWaitrose.

Cardholders (www.waitrose.com) save 20 per cent on ten items with Pick Your Own Offers in store and online. ✢ Sign up free to Marks & Spencer’s Sparks card to unlock food savings once you’ve collected enough points (www.marksand spencer.com). ✢ Check Lidl’s in-store newsletter for money-off coupons. ✢ Check out frozenfood stores such as Iceland, Heron and Farm Foods for lower prices.

6 SUPERMARKET TRICKS TO WATCH OUT FOR “Supermarkets use clever tactics to make you part with cash but they’re easy to avoid once you know which offers will benefit you – and which will leave you worse off,” says Darren Williams from PromotionalCodes.org.uk.

Confusing multi-buys On three-for-two type offers, sometimes it is cheaper to wait til the offer ends, then just buy one.

Supermarkets sometimes raise the price of one while the offer is on so they don’t lose out.

Twin packs These often work out more expensive than just buying two or a larger version of the same item.

You’re paying for the additional packaging half the time.

If a well-known brand is onsale, still buy the supermarket own-brand Don’t be tempted by the ‘snob value’ of brands. The own-brand will be just as good and cheaper, but watch out for multi-buys on brands.

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PICS: ALAMY, GETTY IMAGES, REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

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Pre-bagged vs loose When packaged fruit and vegetables are on offer, beware! Loose fruit and veg is often a lot cheaper.

‘Only £1’ stickers If it’s screaming out that it’s a great deal, then it probably isn’t. Check the alternatives and that you’re getting good value by comparing weights and package sizes.

BOGOF This is a great deal if you’re going to use the items, so stock up on shampoo, canned goods and toothpaste. But watch out for ‘buy-two-get-the-third free’ - that’s only a 33 per cent saving.

Also watch for items with a short shelf-life. Buying a huge multipack of yogurts and one free is not a bargain if they’ll go out of date before you can eat them!

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Don’t be tempted by not-so-cheap offers

u permarket shopper | IT’S A FACT | of us impulse-buy in-store, typically buying 11 things a month just because they’re on sale Source: Quidco

52%

When and where to find marked-down bargains Check the discounted section. Most supermarkets have an area with damaged or close to sell-by date items that get heavily discounted. This should be your first point of call.

Time your shop.

“Smaller convenience stores start marking stock down daily between 5pm and 6pm. The 24-hour superstores differ, so ask staff,” says Hannah Hannah Maundrell at Money.co.uk.

Some supermarkets don’t like to reveal when they’re discounting, so visit at different times to find out your local store’s routine.

Late Sunday afternoon is usually a good bet.

Don’t forge t...

. those bags for life 5p doesn’t seem bag, much for a plastic it but over the years will add up.

4 APPS TO SAVE YOU CASH

Online shopping tricks Follow online Sign up to supermarkets’ newsletters to get information on sales ✢ Sign up to social media “Follow supermarkets on Facebook and Twitter, as many use their pages to promote offers,” says Hannah Maundrell at Money.co.uk. ✢ Sign up to cashback sites TopCashBack. co.uk and Quidco.com earn you money while you shop online. ✢ Time your delivery Booking an early or late slot should save money. Click and collect serves as a cheap alternative if you’re passing, too. ✢ Don’t spend to get free delivery Watch out for this trap, if you’ve only come on to buy one thing for less than the delivery, you’ll be tricked into buying more for the free delivery which works out more expensive than the original charge!

| DID YOU KNOW? | Aldi was named best supermarket in 2015 by Which? for high-quality products at everyday low prices

mySupermarket Compares prices at all the major supermarkets.

Vouchercodes Use this app in the supermarket to check for deals.

Snap n Save Take a picture of your receipt and send it to TopCashBack to get cash back on your shopping. Also try Quidco’s ClickSnap.

Basket buddy from Hot UK Uses the latest live information to get you up-to-the-minute grocery deals.

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✢ NEXT ISSUE How to deal with difficult nuisance neighbours YOURS

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HOME

& craft Add a splash of colour to your home with this project Compiled by Stacey Carter

Materials

Handy

doorstop

Fabric ✢ Thick striped cotton material 20cm (8in) long and 90cm (35in) wide ✢ Scraps of felt in red, blue and mustard yellow ✢ Red, white, blue, and yellow round beads 3mm wide Thread ✢ Red, blue, mustard yellow and white sewing threads Ribbon ✢ Woven ribbon/bright ribbon 20x2.5cm (8x1in) Other ✢ Templates ✢ Dried beans/rice 200g (7oz) ✢ Polyester toy filling ✢ Wooden spoon ✢ Basic kit

DIFFICULTY RATING

★★★

Instructions Cut out five 17cm (6¼in) squares of striped cotton fabric, making sure the stripes line up when you put them all together.

1

Draw a triangle on the back of four of the squares (leaving one square for the base) so the point of the triangle meets the middle of the top edge and has a distance of exactly 8.5cm (33/8in) from each side. Using pinking shears, cut out all of the four triangles.

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