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DOWNTON is just like coming home

❙ strap strap ❙

Why stepping into a British period drama is a perfect move for Hollywood legend Shirley MacLaine

By Richard Barber t’s the most keenly anticipated TV duel of the year – when Shirley MacLaine rides into Downton and squares up to Dame Maggie Smith’s dowager countess. And judging by a teaser released by ITV, we’re in for a treat.

The excerpt shows the rival characters in the midst of a terse cultural confrontation that puts the talents of both Academy Award-winning actresses on display.

Shirley will be seen in the first two episodes as Martha Levinson, mother of Lady Cora (played by Elizabeth McGovern).

In character, Dame Maggie tells Shirley: ‘You Americans

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Dressed to kill: Maggie and Shirley make a deadly duo YOURS

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never understand the importance of tradition.” Shirley replies: “Yes we do. We just don’t give it power over us. Maybe you should think about letting go of its hand!” Wonderful stuff!

Shirley (78) reveals she has been taken aback by the huge interest in the show. When she was offered the role, she mentioned at the hairdresser’s in California that she would be joining Downton.

“Suddenly, all the women there had these theories about what Martha would be like. I thought: ‘The whole world’s obsessed with this show’. And that’s how it started.”

So what is Martha like? “She’s extremely outspoken,” says Shirley. “Martha’s basic role is to plead with the dowager countess to wrest herself, if possible, away from tradition. That’s what caused the war in the first place, in her opinion.”

But the scenes between the two screen veterans are more subtle than people might expect.

“It’s not the Gunfight at the OK Corral. We do a little sparring, yes,

but it’s more sophisticated than that. Martha’s not a crass, cranky American coming in calling a spade a spade. She’s smart and sensitive and realises that the dowager countess is a human being with a painful past that she can understand.”

There was only one drawback to what she describes as ‘a once-in-a-lifetime experience’.

The costumes weren’t to her liking. “I’m more of a jogging pants and tennis shoes type of a girl,” says Shirley. “But I knew the costumes were half of my character so I did as I was told.”

We shall see for ourselves whether she measures up to the role when Downton Abbey returns to ITV1 later this month.

Initially there was chuntering in certain circles that there was a risk that Shirley’s Martha would be more Shirley than Martha, but that’s something she is quick to refute.

“While I may have been the leading lady in all my pictures, I’ve nonetheless always been a character actress,” she says.

And what an amazing character! Shirley first came to attention, aged 20, in a Broadway production of The Pajama Game. Talent scouts working for Alfred Hitchcock

❙ star chat ❙ Downton titbit

Shirley talking recently about her first meeting with Da me Maggie: “We actually met 40 years ago backstage at the Oscars next to the catering table. I was [nominated] for some thing and there was this big chocolate cake on the catering table.

And whatever I was up for , I lost. Somebody else won. And Maggie says: “Do you know what you did? You tucked right int o that chocolate cake and said, ‘Damn it. I don’t care if I’m thin ever again’.’’ She remembers more than me, but then she is younger tha n me. She’s one year younger.”

it Downton htiNtb eame:

brought her to LA to star in The Trouble with Harry. “I was only 21 by then, but not in the least intimidated in front of the camera because I worked out quite quickly that we could always do it again.”

She’s no fan of watching herself on screen. “If I’m surfing TV channels and come across one of my old films, I move on.

But I did like my performance in Terms of Endearment, for which I won an Oscar.”

It’s all a far cry from her upbringing in Virginia, where her mother taught drama and

her father dreamed of being a professional musician.

She has one younger brother who just happens to be another Hollywood A-lister, Warren Beatty. “I know it’s unusual, to say the least, that two kids from the same family should become film stars. But, to me, Warren was no more than a mischievous little nuisance, forever getting on the nerves of his bossy older sister.

“He thinks the stuff I write is plain crazy. He’s never been interested in spirituality or reincarnation or UFOs. I don’t

mind and I’m used to having my leg pulled about it. The writers on the Johnny Carson Show used to ring and tell me Johnny wanted to do some Shirley MacLaine gags on that evening’s show. So I’d supply them. Jokes against me are fine – just as long as they’re funny.”

Married and divorced from the late impresario, Steve Parker, Shirley lives on her own on a ranch in New Mexico, in a house in Santa Fe, or by the ocean in Malibu. “I can’t imagine being one half of a couple again. I’ve grown to like my own company.

I have a pillow with a message on it: ‘The more I know of men, the more I love my dog’. That pretty much sums it up for me.” ✤ I’m Over All That, the paperback of Shirley’s bestseller, is available now.

Published by Simon & Schuster, it’s the actress at her zany best.

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PIC:LICKERISH;ITV

et Producer Gar grandfather te la y m , “In 1966 y in the film, directed Shirle as a particular Gambit, so it w me that she’s beco delight for me a is a th ar on. M a part of Downt to nt ta ba wonderful com dowager ’s ith m S e Maggi countess.”

Helping out at Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival

Diary special

It’s full steam ahead for Lynda on the Watercress Line

On the road with Lynda From tackling DIY to riding a camel, our columnist Lynda Bellingham reports exclusively for Yours on the challenges of her new TV show ✤ Well, if I’ve learned anything from filming these past six weeks it is that I am not Nigella!

I have yet to master the art of drooling at the camera while whipping up the perfect Victoria sponge or steak and ale pie.

What I have discovered, though, is that it’s good to make mistakes. Being a bit of a perfectionist where acting is concerned, I always like to do my very best on stage and TV, but if I’m doing something completely new and different – and there have been lots of opportunities 22

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with this series – I don’t mind making a fool of myself.

I’ve learned to let the real professionals show off their impressive skills while I ask the questions everybody watching at home wants to ask.

So if my DIY attempts, which admittedly have been hopeless on occasion, highlight how much dedication and experience is required to perfect a skill, so be it.

The real joy for me has been learning so much while being entertaining. It has been a hoot!

❙ travels with Lynda ❙ Lynda’s cake won few votes from the ladies of Albury WI

How else would Lynda travel in Cornwall than by camel?

✤ I’m sure you’ve heard of Cornish cream – but Cornish camels?

They are hired by daring brides who want to make a dramatic entrance. I found myself clambering up one to park myself precariously on its back – not clad in a white dress, though. As camels have wool rather than fur, I was relieved that the bumpy ride didn’t set off my hay fever. ✤ Called upon by The Pudding Club of Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire, to produce enough trifle for 70 people, I was eternally grateful for my old mum’s recipe.

It comprised layers of sherrysoaked sponge, summer fruits, proper egg custard and cream with toasted almonds on top.

After I resisted preposterous

suggestions that I should add lavender to my proper egg custard, my effort won third place.

The organisers told me that sticky toffee pudding (which beat my effort ) nearly always wins.

Mum would have been proud! ✤ All I can say after attempting to cook steak and ale pie in a coal-fired oven that took all day to heat up is that I’m glad I wasn’t a Victorian.

There’s an art to pastry making and I’ve never mastered it. However, I did get lots of compliments about my gravy.

‘Nothing new there!’ you might quip, but I’d have to tell you no Oxo cube went near it. My secret ingredient was a dollop of onion chutney that gave it a lovely sweetness. ✤ As I’m a former Calendar Girl, there was much at stake when the ladies of Albury WI in Hampshire challenged me to bake a Victoria sponge better than theirs.

It was a total flop but, in my defence, my efforts were not helped by the impatient director who, against all advice, opened the oven door as it was rising!

ham, is on ITV1 at ✤ Tasty Travels with Lynda Belling ks. Travelling around wee 4pm, Monday to Friday, for four llenge in every cha fun a in a camper van, Lynda tackles journey through ary culin a on episode as she takes viewers summer eats. t bes the out k the British countryside to see YOURS

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PICS: ITV/PAUL VANEZIS; ALAMY

Hard to say what I’ve enjoyed most on my Tasty Travels, but driving a steam train along the beautiful Watercress Line at Alresford, Hampshire, has to come high on the list.

For the first time in my life, I understood why train drivers love their locomotives. I felt as if I was in control of a great roaring beast.

Magnificent.

Style

Your new m

notes

MUST H Make-up artist Claire Hanson reveals how you can hide the signs of ageing BROW LIFT “If you emphasise your brows you’ll lift your whole face, taking years off. You can either get brows tinted if they’ve faded, or fill in. I use powder instead of pencil as it’s more natural looking,” says Claire.

THE RIGHT FOUNDATION “As you age, skin can become drier, so a good routine is crucial. Use a moisturiser that suits your skin type. Primer can dry your skin, but it’s good for oily and combination types as it helps your base stay put for longer,” says Claire. “Too much foundation can accentuate lines. Apply concealer first. Put a little foundation on the back of your hand, then use a brush to apply it, but only where it’s needed.” For dry skin, pick an oil-based foundation and for oily or combination skin, a matte fluid.

TRY: No7 Restore and Renew Foundation (£15.50/30ml); Terre d’Oc Natural Liquid Foundation (£24.95/30ml); Dr. Hauschka Translucent Foundation (£19.95/30ml).

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TRY: Eylure Shape and

Shade Brow Palette (£10.99); The Body Shop Brow and Liner Kit (£10/3g).

CREASE-FREE EYES “Use a little dab of concealer on your lids first to even out tone and stop eye shadow creasing in folds. Then apply a layer of nude toned shadow and follow this with your chosen shade – cream shadows are a good choice for older skin,” says Claire.

“Blend the cream shadow with a finger tip, but don’t go too far into Clinique Lid TRY: Smoothie the socket line. Then (£17/7ml) – in Born Freesia use a lighter or Salt and Pepper; No7 shadow Stay Perfect Eye Mousse on brows.” (£9/5ml) in Pewter or Plum.

make-up

T HAVES Focus on your best features

“You don’t need to stop wearing any kind of make-up as you get older. It’s a question of how you apply and wear it that matters. The key thing is not to worry about the lines or sagging skin, but instead to accentuate your best features”

PLUMPER LIPS Lipstick has a habit of feathering into skin as lips lose their definition.

“Using a lip liner will stop this happening. You can also use it to fill in lips first to help lipstick last longer,” says Claire.

TRY: MAC Lip Liner in Spice (£11.50/1.45g); Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stain (£7.99/2.7g) in Lovesick; Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick (£6.29/4g) in Vintage Pink or Heather Shimmer.

CLEVER CONCEALER Apply before foundation. “Using concealer under and around your eye area will make you look younger and more radiant,” says Claire.

Dot under eyes and in outer and inner corners and blend well with a brush or finger tip.

TRY: Liz Earle Light Reflecting Concealer (£15.50/1.5ml); Barbara Daly Light Effect Concealer Pen (£5.75/1.5ml).

A YOUTHFUL BLUSH “If your skin is dry, choose a cream blusher as it’ll go on easier and look more natural.

Use your thumb to blend it in. Soft pinks and corals are the most flattering shades for older skin,” says Claire.

TRY: Liz Earle Healthy

Glow Cream Blush (£16.50/2g); No7 Blush Tint Cream Blush (£10/3g).

STOCKISTS: Barbara Daly 0845 600 4411, www.tesco.com; Body Shop 0800 092 9090, www.thebodyshop.co.uk Clinique 0870 034 2566, www.clinique.co.uk; Dr Haushka 01386 791 022, www.drhaushka.co.uk; Eylure 020 8573 9907, www.eylure.com; Liz Earle 01983 813913, www.lizearle. com; MAC www.maccosmetics.co.uk; No7 0845 070 8090, www.boots.com; Terre d’Oc 01557 870266, www.terredoc.co.uk; Revlon 0800 085 2716, www.revlon.co.uk; Rimmel www.rimmellondon.com (Boots stores) Details correct at time of going to press

››

Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more beauty tips from our experts

››

✤ Make-up artist Claire Hanson would like to offer one lucky reader the prize of a two hour one-to-one make-up tutorial and afternoon tea at her studio in Oxfordshire. To enter, simply tell us in a few lines why you think you deserve to win this offer, and post it to Yours at the address on page 3.

If you don’t wish to be contacted in the future by Yours write clearly on the postcard ‘no further contact’

Next issue: Top tips from the experts on how you can get younger-looking YOURS skin atEVERY any age FORTNIGHT

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PICS: MASTERFILE; THINKSTOCK; CORBIS

READER OFFER

Just the

JACKET 25 must-have gorgeous styles to ease you into autumn By Jo Winch

✤ Susan wears: Floral print jacket, £32, 8-18, Bhs; top, £18, M&Co; bracelet, £8, Wallis. (Jeans are model’s own) ✤ Red wool jacket, £159, 8-18, Petite at CC

✤ Striped jacket, £39, 10-18, M&Co STOCKISTS: Bhs 0845 196 0000; CC 01845 573120; Debenhams 08445 616161; George at Asda 0800 952 6060; Isme 0844 8118112; La Redoute 0844 842 2222; Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999; Mint Velvet 0845 456 2200; M&Co 0800 031 7200; M&S 0845 609 0200; Next 0844 844 8939; Phase Eight 0207 471 4422; Tesco 0800 505 555; Tu clothing at Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262.

Details correct at time of going to press

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✤ Grey jacket, £45, s-l, H by Henry Holland at Debenhams

Style notess

✤ Blazer, £28, 10-18, F&F at Tesco

✤ Polka dot jacket, £49, 10-18, La Redoute

✤ Velvet jacket, £49, 10-18, La Redoute

✤ Zip detail jacket, £39, 10-18, M&Co

✤ Paisley print jacket, £75, 10-20, Per Una at M&S

BARGAIN BUY

✤ Animal print jacket, £16, 8-18, George at Asda

MUST HAVE

UP TO SIZE 22

✤ Tux style jacket, £49, 10-20, Isme

✤ Floral jacket, £39, 10-18 M&Co

✤ Tweed jacket, £30, 8-22, Tu at Sainsbury’s

✤ Sleeveless jacket, £65, s-xl, Laura Ashley

✤ Diamond pattern jacket, £49.50, 8-20, M&S

✤ Draped jacket, £49.50, 10-20, M&S YOURS

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Recharge your

health

If chronic pain is getting you down, perhaps it’s time to explore other options

By Martine Gallie t’s not easy living with constant pain. Because it’s invisible, it’s sometimes difficult for friends, family and even your doctor to understand just how low it can make you feel.

Many of us find ourselves going back to the GP time and again for painkillers that don’t seem to work.

And how many of us have heard

I

A different treatment could help

Who can h

when your G

those words, ‘you’ve got to expect a bit of wear and tear at your age’?

Yet there is a whole range of specialists and services available for people living with chronic pain – you’ll find a round-up below. If you think there’s anything you may find helpful, it could be time for a visit to your doctor to explore some new treatments.

Expert Patients Programme

If you live in England you may want to think about joining an Expert Patients Programme (EPP) course. These free six-week courses are run by people who have chronic conditions themselves and are designed to give anyone affected by a long-term illness the skills to manage their condition better. In some areas there are Persistent Pain Programme (PPP) courses available specifically for people who have chronic pain.

Pain clinics Physiotherapy People who attend the courses find it helps them to tackle Most hospitals hold clinics where Physiotherapists can offer lots depression and a specialist can explore ways to of different techniques for managing anxiety related manage the symptoms. They can pain, including help with posture, group to their pain also refer patients for further tests. classes and therapeutic exercises. Some as well as the Some clinics have large teams of of them specialise in pain management pain itself. experts. “We look at the knock-on and can help you to manage and pace You don’t effects of pain. This often includes your days better. Others are qualified need a referral losing the activities that they in complementary therapies, such as from your GP, value most,” says Sarah Priddle, acupuncture. Physiotherapy services are but you may like a specialist pain practitioner with also becoming more widely available at to chat through the Somerset Community Pain Service. doctors’ surgeries, so it’s well worth idea with them first. To “We are able to support them to cope talking to your GP about whether find out if there’s a course better with life and with their pain.” physiotherapy could near you, phone free on Your GP can refer to your local pain clinic help you.

0800 988 5550 (select option 1). or community pain service.

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❙ health advice ❙

help

Ask Julie

NEW!

The Yours fitness expert Julie Robinson is here to answer your questions every fortnight

r GP can’t Complementary therapists

you find them helpful and can afford it, give them a go,” says Sarah. “Check that the therapist is affiliated to a professional body and remember that they often provide only short-term relief. If you go back over and over again without significant change, ask yourself if you’re getting your money’s worth.”

Pain management programmes Pain management programmes are usually run by NHS pain clinics, so you will need a referral from your GP. “Some are residential, while others run one day a week for six to eight weeks, and there is strong evidence to show that they work,” says Sarah. The aim of these programmes is to improve your quality of life despite your pain, rather than reducing your pain. They may be suitable if you find that medical and physical treatments are no longer offering you any relief.

Talking to your GP If you want to discuss new ways of managing your pain with your GP, it pays to be prepared.

You may want to take a leaflet from a website with you,” says Sarah.

“Sometimes it feels easier to hand something over.

“If your GP feels they have tried everything, they will probably be pleased that you are open to a different approach.”

››

Who else can help?

✤ British Pain Society Helpful leaflets and booklets about all aspects of pain – call 020 7269 7840 or visit www.britishpainsociety.org ✤ Pain Concern Run by people who have chronic pain themselves, it offers information and support to other pain sufferers, their families and carers. Call freephone 0300 123 0789 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm) or visit www.painconcern.org.uk

For some simple memory boosters visit www.yours.co.uk

››

My hips are often stiff and quite painful. Arthritis runs in my family, but I’m only 56. Will exercising help?

Q

Julie says: Exercise is an essential tool in managing arthritis. That said, I would recommend you get a definite diagnosis from your doctor before you start any new exercise programme.

Your natural reaction when you’re in pain is not to move, but this could lead to stiffer joints and weaker muscles. Try a combination of strengthening, stretching and fitness exercises, even if you can manage only ten minutes at first.

Exercising in water is a great way to improve your fitness. Try water walking. Water provides 12 times the resistance of air, so you can get a really good workout.

Improve the muscle strength around your hips – reducing pain and stiffness – with this exercise: Lie on your side (on your bed or floor) with ankles touching and legs straight and slowly lift and lower your uppermost leg.

Gradually repeat ten times on each leg.

Next do it standing up, holding a chair for support, lifting one leg slowly out to the side (keep your feet facing forward).

There are lots more helpful tips at www.arthritisresearchuk.org Julie Robinson is a fully qualified exercise professional and a partner in The Centre of Excellence for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research. To find out more, call 0800 612 0450 or visit www.moveitorloseit.co.uk ✤ Send questions to Julie at the address on p3 or email yours@ bauermedia.co.uk

Next issue: Experts lift the lid on the secrets of a long and healthy life

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PICS: THINKSTOCK; GETTY IMAGES; MASTERFILE

Some people who have chronic pain swear by complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic and hypnotherapy. One disadvantage is that they aren’t usually available on the NHS. In addition, there isn’t much evidence to show that they definitely work. “If

7 ways to ...

SAVE at the SUPERMARKET Plan your shopping list with care, and you’ll be sure to see those till totals tumble by Alex Frisby suggests dropping one brand level on everything for a week to see if you can tell the difference.

If you can’t, stick with the cheaper option.

“The point of this system is to ensure you’re not spending

If you’re struggling to budget for the weekly shop, downshifting is a great place to start. Moneysaving expert Martin Lewis

‘If you can’t tell the difference between lower-level goods and your usual brands, why pay more?’

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis

IF YOU CURRENTLY BUY...

BUY THIS INSTEAD...

PREMIUM BRANDED Fudges or Duchy Originals, for example.

PREMIUM OWN BRAND Labelled with words such as ‘Finest’ or ‘Extra Special’ to imply it’s a treat.

FUDGES Stem ginger biscuits

£1.99 130 g

.54 £1ER100G P

BRANDED Famous names such as McVitie’s or Kellogg’s.

MARYLAND Chocolate chip cookies

£1.39 230 g

p 60R100G

TESCO FINEST Stem ginger cookies

£1.69 200 g

p 85R100G PE

TESCO OWN BRAND Chocolate chip Similar packaging cookies to branded goods, but with the supermarket’s own name on it.

PE

OWN BRAND Similar packaging to branded goods, but with the supermarket’s own label.

TESCO Custard cream

65p

400 g

p 16R100G

PE

69p

250 g

p 28R100G PE

VALUE Labelled ‘basic’ or ‘savers’, the packaging is deliberately stark to convey that it is cut price.

TESCO Everyday value custard creams

31p

400 g

8p100G

R PE

money for no reason,” says Martin. “If you can’t tell the difference between lower-level goods and your usual brands, why pay more?”

Potentially, this simple strategy can save a massive 30 per cent on your bill – which could add up to hundreds of pounds each year! For more information visit www. moneysavingexpert.com, which also has a really useful tool to help you work out your possible savings.

2Go compare!

Although downshifting is a useful tool, don’t follow it slavishly.

Check the shelves each time you shop, because if high-end goods are on offer they may work out cheaper than the budget brands. Likewise, just because an offer is accompanied by a brightly coloured sign, that doesn’t necessarily make it the best value. Earlier this year, Which? investigated 700,000 items in the five big supermarkets and found some ‘special offers’ were more expensive than the original items.

Always check the savings yourself (take a calculator if you have to!).

3Never assume

Once you’ve got the habit of comparing prices, here’s another useful tip. When you YOURS

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PICS: MEDIA BLITZ; REX FEATURES; SUPERSTOCK

doing the downshift-shuffle 1Try