Yours 207

2 2 ‘My wish for heart to heart

Christmas’ Julie Walters, star of this year’s big Christmas film release, Paddington, talks bears, festive floods – and what she’d really love for Christmas

By Alison James “

armalade sandwich?”

It’s not every day one of Britain’s best-loved actresses offers you a triangle of brown bread and orange breakfast preserve.

The staple diet of Paddington Bear, Julie Walters, who plays housekeeper and nanny Mrs Bird in new film, Paddington, is not too fussed about the sandwiches, preferring to stick with a cup of tea. She’s clearly excited about the release of the film in good time for Christmas – and indeed Christmas itself.

“I do love Christmas,” she smiles, “Lazing in front of the fire with the family, everyone talking at once and so loudly you think your ears will burst, eating too much – all the usual stuff. I just hope there isn’t a repeat performance of last Christmas where we got completely flooded out. There was more than 3ft of water in the cellar and we had no electricity.

PICS: REX; LANDMARK MEDIA

M

Merry Christmas from YOURS

The Aga was still going but we didn’t have turkey and just ate all the rubbishy snacks instead.

“Actually, it wasn’t too bad – we had candles everywhere so it felt quite romantic, but I wouldn’t like to experience it again, so one of my Christmas wishes is not to get flooded out this year.”

What might Julie’s other Christmas wishes be?

“My ultimate wish is a big one and probably the same as many other people’s,” she replies. “I wish the Middle East and all that could be sorted out. I wish the dangers could be taken away for all and that everyone would start to get on.

Actually, Paddington has this message very much at its heart.”

Paddington Bear political? Really?

Julie nods.

❙ star chat ❙ “In a way – although it’s really more about kindness and understanding. The story is about a bear from Peru who arrives in Britain not knowing anyone. He’s a refugee and an outsider who struggles to fit in. Everyone is saying, “What is this thing? Where has it come from? It can’t stay here!’ Paddington creates chaos at first and almost splits the Brown family – who adopt him – down the middle. But they give him a chance and eventually there’s harmony as the family accept Paddington for what he is and vice versa. So, in addition to being exciting and funny and very entertaining, the film is all about acceptance, inclusion and

understanding our differences. It’s a great message for Christmas.”

Julie didn’t read the Paddington Bear books as a child, but husband Grant did and he really remembered Mrs Bird, Julie’s character.

“I asked what she was like and he said she was really strict, but

Tedland, who’s quite small and 64 years old like me. He also looks like me with his grey, curly hair and tiny eyes. Tedland has a withered arm, which my mother always said was due to me being sick on him when I was a child!

“Then there’s Big Ted, who I got when I was two, so he’s 62. His paws have been chewed off by the dog but he’s a bit like me, too. Lie him on his back and he groans! Big Ted wears a Rasta hat and a string of pearls – I don’t know why. He’s just rather eccentric. Both teddies hang out on an old chaise longue that’s falling to bits.”

In addition to Paddington, Julie lovely, and very kind beneath it all. has another film, Brooklyn, set for She’s Scottish and her late husband release next year, and she recently was a sea captain so I really play up finished filming Indian Summers, an the nautical references. She blows a epic ten-part BBC1 drama set in 1932 whistle like a captain on deck when as the British cling to power in India. she wants the Brown children to Sounds like she has no plans to slow behave and she’s constantly coming down, then. out with nautical sayings. She’s “When I reached 60 I thought eccentric – more so than she is in the about retiring. Becoming 50 didn’t books, I think – but really quite wise. bother me but 60 felt different. I’d Paddington exasperates her at first but shaved my head to play Mo Mowlam she becomes very protective of him.” and it grew back white. I looked in the Speaking of which, does Julie have mirror and saw an assortment of my any teddy bears of her own? late mother’s relatives staring back at “Two. And I’ve had them since I me and realised I’d reached the age was very small,” she reveals. “There’s when many people retire.

I wanted to take some time off and think about what I was doing. I didn’t do anything for about a year and then a play came along. I read it and realised I really, really wanted to do it. I don’t think I will properly retire – I don’t know many actors who ✢ Paddington have. I’m choosier is out on about what I do, but I November 28 certainly still like Please look after this bear!

Paddington, left, and Julie, a challenge.”

‘One of my Christmas wishes is not to get flooded out this year’

right, as Nanny Mrs Bird

Psst…

Julie shares a secret She was terrified of watching her Who Do You Think You Are? episode, which was screened earlier this year.

“I genuinely had no idea how it would turn out because they’re filming it while you’re seeing things for the first time. I’d told myself I wouldn’t cry but I just couldn’t help it. It was just so immensely moving and I genuinely loved these people they were telling me about. It was an amazing, amazing experience.”

Merry Christmas from YOURS

‘We’ve never h Every girl deserves a big brother like Kevin, says little sister and fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton

By Alison James oanne Clifton and her big brother Kevin are unique. They are of course the only pair of siblings strutting their stuff on Saturday night TV, but here’s the really unusual thing – according to Joanne, they’ve never argued.

“We’ve honestly never had a row,” says Joanne, who was World Professional Ballroom Champion in 2013. “Not even when we were little.

There’s only a year and 11 days between us, and we’ve always been very close.

“We’d stick up for each other when our parents told us off. I was always on Kevin’s side even when I knew he’d been naughty – and he was naughtier than me. He was a bit of a rebel whereas I was quite good because I’d learnt from his mistakes.

“I’ve always looked up to him and been inspired by him. He’s my big brother who’s always looked after me, looked out for me and I love him loads.

All big brothers should be like Kevin – he makes me laugh more than anyone else and I can talk to him about anything.”

Kevin (32) and Joanne (31) started dancing together when he was just five and she was four.

“Our parents have always been involved in the dancing world – they’re former European Latin champions and run the Clifton’s Dance Academy in Grimsby – so it all seemed very natural to us,” Joanne goes on.

“I remember our first competition very well – I was dressed like Alice in Wonderland while Kevin looked very smart in trousers, shirt and a bow tie. We competed for about ten years and won a number of national

J

‘We’d stick up for each other when our parents told us off.

I was always on Kevin’s side even when I knew he’d been naughty!’

26

Merry Christmas from YOURS

❙ star chat ❙

h ad an argument!’

Early years: Kevin and Joanne show off some trophies

first series of Strictly.

“I couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty when Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute were knocked out in week five – yet Scott Miles and I were still in,” she explains. “Kevin told me not to worry about that. He reminded me that Strictly’s not a straight dance competition; it relies on the public vote. He and his fiancée, Karen (Strictly pro Karen Hauer) have given me loads of encouragement, too.

“I can’t tell you how much I love being on the show. I knew it would be good but it’s surpassed everything I’d hoped for. Everyone is so nice – the pros, the celebs, the production team.

The only thing I haven’t particularly

My big brother…

Joanne larks around with Kevin

‘Our parents always drummed the importance of family into us – that’s always mattered more than dance competitions’ enjoyed is the results show. When you hear that music, your stomach turns over and your legs give way. It’s worse than being judged in a professional competition.”

So what’s harder? Being in Strictly or competing professionally?

“The most challenging part of Strictly is taking an absolute beginner – like my partner Scott – and teaching them enough in just four days to dance a proper waltz, Samba or whatever for a minute-and-a-half before an audience of millions.

“Taking this into consideration, I’m so proud of Scott, and so proud he and I made it through to week six of my very first Strictly. We’ve become very good friends.”

It’s Christmas in a few weeks, of course. Will all the Cliftons be

celebrating together in Grimsby?

“I’ll be at home with mum and dad, but Kevin and Karen are going to New York to spend it with Karen’s parents as Karen doesn’t get to see her family very often,” Joanne replies. “Kevin and I see our parents every weekend when they come down for Strictly. They’re really proud of Kevin and me.”

We bet they are! ✢ Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC1 on Saturday and Sundays. The final will be on December 20.

Merry Christmas from YOURS

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PICS: BBC PICTURE PUBLICITY, TESSA HALLMANN

junior and juvenile titles together. I was the one who decided we should split. It felt weird doing romantic dances with my brother plus I wasn’t sure that I wanted to carry on dancing – I was into singing and music as well as dance, still am as a matter of fact.

But then when I saw Kevin with a new partner I was a bit jealous and decided it was what I wanted to do after all.”

The dancing world is very competitive, so surely there must have been some sibling rivalry between them as they both competed with their respective partners?

“Not really,” Joanne replies. “I went in for Ballroom dancing, you see, whereas Kevin specialised in Latin. We weren’t competing against each other.

Even if we had been, our mum and dad drummed the importance of family into us – that’s always mattered more than any dance competition.

“We’ve always been really supportive of each other. I remember filling up when I saw Kevin dance on stage for the first time after he’d stopped dancing competitively.

He looked so happy and I found it very emotional.

“Then once when I was dancing in a competition in our home town of Grimsby, Kevin turned up as a surprise and he started crying during my waltz.

I was so touched by that – I mean he’s a bloke and doesn’t cry easily.”

Naturally it’s Kevin that Joanne’s turned to for advice during this, her

❙ star chat ❙

‘West End debut

is such a thrill’ TV presenter and singer Aled Jones chats to Yours about his role in a new production of a classic Christmas musical

By Alison James f ever there was a musical to get you in the festive spirit it’s White Christmas, the iconic 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby. The film’s a festive favourite of Aled Jones so it’s something of a dream come true for the performer and TV presenter to be making his West End debut in a truly magical theatrical production of White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre in London.

What’s more, he’s playing Bing’s character, Bob Wallace.

“There’s only one Bing Crosby and his are pretty big shoes to fill, but it’s wonderful and I’m loving every minute of it,” explains Aled. “It’s a story that everyone

I

loves at Christmas and is part, I feel, of all our Christmases. Even if you haven’t seen the film, you’ll know the song.

“The biggest thrill for me is getting to sing some of the most beautiful, best-loved songs to ever feature in a musical. Classic Irving Berlin songs such as White Christmas, of course, but also numbers like How Deep Is The Ocean? and Count Your Blessings.

We have a proper band playing in the orchestra pit, too. Most productions these days usually have just a few instrumentalists but we have about 20. The Big Band sound of it really hits you – it’s gorgeous and powerful.”

Aled made his name as a singer, of course, but he’s not really known as a dancer – and White Christmas has umpteen dance scenes scripted into it. So how’s he coping? “I’ve got aches and pains in places I never knew existed,” he laughs. “There’s a period of nine minutes in the show that’s full-on, non-stop song and dance. It’s tough but I’m doing all right – the dancing’s good for weight loss and keeps me fit. I’m not a total dance novice, anyway. I did Strictly

‘There’s only one Bing Crosby and his are pretty big shoes to fill, but it’s wonderful and I’m loving it’

White Christmas – fun facts ✢ The song White Christmas originally featured in the 1942 film Holiday Inn, which starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. It was intended that the legendary hoofer should play the Danny Kaye role in the film White Christmas, but he declined. ✢ According to the Guinness World Records, the version of White Christmas sung by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales in excess of 50 million copies worldwide.

Other versions of the song, along with Bing’s, have sold more than 100 million copies. ✢ Bing was extremely modest about his vocal performance on the recording, saying, ‘A jackdaw with a cleft palate could have sung it successfully.’

✢ Bing starred in three Christmas-time movie musicals before White Christmas was released in 1954 – the aforementioned Holiday Inn, Going My Way (1944) and The Bells of St Mary’s (1945). ✢ Released in 1954, White Christmas was enormously popular with audiences, taking in $12 million at the box office, making it the top moneymaker for that year.

performing is my job but they don’t get impressed.

My son would rather have me play Lego with him than watch me perform, which is just how it should be.”

What with White Christmas and the release of a new album, The Heart of It All, on November 24, Aled would seem to be wearing his musical rather than his TV presenting hat at the moment. “True but next Spring my Saturday and Sunday morning shows on ITV return so I get the

best of both worlds,” he says. “I like the variety.”

We can’t help but wonder how he looks back on his yearand-a-half presenting Daybreak, axed last April due to dwindling viewing figures, and which he cohosted with Lorraine Kelly.

“It was a valuable experience.

If you can do daily TV live, you can do anything. Lorraine and I still meet up regularly for coffee.

We were great mates before Daybreak and maybe even better friends now. I always wanted my own show so that’s been another dream come true. Two years was long enough to be getting up so early, anyway!”

For more details on the show visit www.dominion theatre.com/ theatre/white-christmas/ Merry Christmas from YOURS

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PICS: ROWAN GRIFFITHS/MIRRORPIX; ANDY BARNES/FAMEFLYNET.COM; BBC PICTURES; REX FEATURES; ALAMY

back in 2004 – as did my White Christmas co-star Tom Chambers in 2008. He did one better than me, though, and won the year he took part while I reached the semifinals. In comparison to Strictly, anything is easy!”

Remaining faithful to the film, Aled (43) and the rest of the White Christmas cast adopt American accents for the production.

“That’s going OK,” he continues. “I’ve had a few sessions with a dialect coach, although probably a bit of my native Welsh accent sneaks in. I’m not too concerned about that – the singing and dancing are my priorities. You’re always quite apprehensive when you embark on something like this. I know I can sing songs but I have to work hard on all the other aspects – it’s a challenge but a great experience.”

White Christmas runs until January 3. There are eight shows a week and Christmas Day is the only day off. “The show will be part of our family Christmas,” says Aled, who has a son Lucas (9) and daughter Emelia (12), with his wife, Claire. “It’s the ultimate show to be performing at Christmas and it’s really getting me in the mood. Only having Christmas Day off doesn’t sound like much but we don’t have an evening show on Christmas Eve so it’s fine.”

No doubt the family will be coming to see him? “The last time they came Above: Aled with to see me, Lucas wife Claire and fell asleep!” Aled son Lucas. Right: laughs. “They on Strictly Come don’t really care Dancing in 2004 what I do – I’m just with partner Lilia Kopylova dad. They realise

Style

Your

Ultimate part

Prepare An anti-ageing primer will disguise blemishes, even out your skin tone and smooth wrinkles. It will also help your foundation go on smoothly and last longer. Just use a small drop – no bigger than a pea – and smooth it over your skin as you would a face cream.

Apply your foundation with a brush or your fingers and blend, blend, blend, particularly around your jaw, hairline and nose.

Look for a foundation that promises radiance or has extra moisturisers.

A few simple tips and tricks could help you look your very best this Christmas! All you need is six key products to achieve a youthful glow and make your eyes sparkle…

By Charlotte Haigh MacNeil

All you need to sparkle! ▼

M&S Autograph Time Defy AntiAgeing Primer, £12/12ml

Get a natural glow ▼

Lightly-flushed cheeks are youthful, so give yours a boost with a cream blush in a soft apricot shade. Press it into the apples of your cheeks – smile to find the right spot – the apples are the fullest parts of your cheeks.

Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation, £27/30ml

▼

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Nude 03, £16.50/2g

▼ Bourjois Smoky Stories quad in Good Nude, £7.99/5g

▼

L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes, £10.99/27g Rimmel Vinyl Lip Gloss in Be Famous, £4.99/4.4g

▼

notes

Look glamorous in glasses Glasses draw attention to your eyes but also hide a lot of your eye socket, so knowing where to apply your eye make-up is really important.

1 Make sure your brows are neat – brows show just above the rim of most specs so keep yours tidy and well defined.

48

Merry Christmas from YOURS

2 Glasses can make dark circles and bags more obvious so lightly dab on concealer to brighten and hide under-eye circles and bags.

3 Focus less on the lid of your eye, which is often hidden by the frame of your glasses, and more on lining and defining it.

4 Sweep over a natural base colour, then use a dark shadow to define eyes. Add mascara just on your top lashes to stop your eyes looking too dark.

rty make-up kit Make more of your eyes

A defined smoky eye really takes your make-up from day to night. You don’t need lots of products, just one eyeshadow palette and some mascara will give you the perfect party look.

STEP 1

Step one Apply the lightest shade all over your lid to prime your lid and keep the darker colours in place.

Step two Brush the medium-brown colour into the socket of your eye, lifting it a little at the outer STEP 2 edges to create an almond shape – be careful not to take the colour too close to your brows as this can close up your eyes and make them look smaller. Blend thoroughly. Then use STEP a small brush to line 3 your eyes with the darkest shade, pushing the powder as close to your lashes as you can for a subtle look.

Blend again.

STOCKISTS: Bourjois www.bourjois.co.uk; Clarins 020 7307 6700 www.clarins.co.uk; Liz Earle UK 01983 813913 lizearle.com; L’Oreal 0800 0304 033 www.loreal-paris.co.uk; Marks and Spencer Autograph 0333 014 8555 www.marksandspencer.com; Rimmel London www.rimmellondon.com Details correct at time of going to press

✢ NEXT ISSUE Last-minute beauty gift ideas you won’t be able to resist For a chance to win this party make-up kit, visit www.yours.co.uk/beauty

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PICS: RUTH JENKINSON; GETTY IMAGES & REX FEATURES

Step three Dab your finger in the glittery shade and press it into the centre of your lid. This is a really clever trick that adds a light touch of shimmer to open up and brighten your eyes – without glitter collecting in the outer corner of your eye.

Finish with lashings of mascara.

HOME

notes

IDEAS • KNITTING • CRAFT

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EVERY FORTNIGHT

❙ your stars ❙

horoscopes ght

Astrologer Lynne Ewart predicts what’s in store for you

this fortni

Between November 25 and December 8 This lunar phase favours getting things up and running, as does the very purposeful mood of Mars!

We’ll be hearing of outworn structures being replaced and renewed. The world of aviation and of space initiatives could also make the news.

If it’s your birthday this fortnight…

SAGITTARIUS

ARIES

LEO

Nov 23-Dec 21 Now is the time to point yourself at a goal and push forwards, as the Sun energises you with will power, while Mars boosts determination!

Thought for the fortnight: An obstacle could turn into an opportunity. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705708

Mar 21-Apr 20 The cosmic mood shifts from December 4, energising friendships and team goals and replacing an uncertain phase with a strong sense of possibilities and purpose.

Thought for the fortnight: Work on making that dream come true! ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705700

July 23-Aug 23 You’re heading into a dynamic phase from the 4th, when partnerships and team activities feature. There could be a round of applause ahead.

Thought for the fortnight: It’s amazing what a united effort can achieve. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705704

CAPRICORN Dec 22-Jan 20 Mars keeps you busy with what needs to be tended before the year is out, but factor in some recharging time now and then, too.

Thought for the fortnight: What’s meant for you won’t slip past you. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705709

PIC: REX FEATURES

AQUARIUS

…you are Sagittarius like Tina Turner, born November 26, 1939. Sagittarians have ‘simply the best’ smiles!

They’re philosophical and forward looking, always finding the bright side of a situation. They like to travel and to learn, and are highly independent. Tina is turning 75 but only last year married her soul mate, and is on a happier new life path, proving that with that adventurous Sagittarian spirit, anything can happen!

Jan 21-Feb 18 There’s a sense of urgency around certain plans that need to be settled in readiness for a new phase, but pace yourself and it’ll all come together.

Thought for the fortnight: December 4-6 could see a wish being granted. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705710

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 Career, ambitions and responsibilities are highlighted, and there may be a touch of self-doubt, but be prepared to surprise yourself by the full Moon on the 6th.

Thought for the fortnight: There’s a whirl of excitement around a youngster. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705711

TAURUS

VIRGO

Apr 21-May 21 It’s a time of turnarounds and transformation as you move from an intense phase into one where things change from being ‘stuck’ to ‘possible’.

Thought for the fortnight: You’ll have reason to cheer in early December! ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705701

Aug 24-Sept 22 The Moon will be over your ambitions and status sector

by December 6, making this a good time to nudge a project forward. A modernisation process could be afoot.

Thought for the fortnight: Family connections hold excitement around the 4-6th. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705705

GEMINI

LIBRA

May 22-June 21 With the solar light on partnerships, there are changes afoot that may bring a new ‘zing’ into your love life, or a new sense of delight in your independence.

Thought for the fortnight: New resolutions will be made. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705702

CANCER June 22-July 22 Things can change when you least expect them, and there could be a rather unexpected and welcome development that lifts a concern.

Thought for the fortnight: News arriving around the 8th shines a green light. ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705703

Sept 23-Oct 23 It’s your time to circulate and connect with people who broaden your horizons and stir your enthusiasm for new chapters. Look out for a repeated invitation.

Thought for the fortnight: Things are moving at last! ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705706

SCORPIO Oct 24-Nov 22 The Sun’s in your money sector with a push around something you want to launch or upgrade. There’s extra planetary power around plans in the first week of December.

Thought for the fortnight: Seize the day! ✢ For a weekly update call 09044 705707

Calls cost 66p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other operators and mobiles may vary. Weekly readings last approx five minutes, monthly readings approx nine minutes, year ahead readings approx 13 minutes.

For entertainment purposes only. Users must be over 18. Service provider: Spoke. Customer services helpline: 0845 270 8302 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). www.lynneewart.com Merry Christmas from YOURS

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