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‘Darcey’s under pressure, but she’ll be fine’ Who better than Strictly veteran Anton du Beke to give his views on the tenth series, Brucie, judging and his hopes of winning…

By Laura Bradder f anyone personifies Strictly Come Dancing, it’s Anton du Beke. With a sparkling wit to match the sequins, he has been one of our favourite dancers since the show began an amazing decade ago.

But this year, things are going to be different. As well as a brand new set of celebrities, there are new producers and a new judge – ballet star Darcey Bussell.

There has been much speculation over whether Darcey (43) can live up to the role. Although her performance as a guest judge in 2009 received mixed reactions, Anton believes she’ll slot in well this time round.

“I think Darcey will be fine. The critique might get more technical, but it really depends on what she feels comfortable talking about.

It’s quite difficult when you have 14 couples coming out and you have to make

I Change partners: new girl Darcey poses with fellow judges, Craig, Len and Bruno

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a comment about all of them, because sometimes there isn’t anything to say other than ‘It was alright’!”

In fact, Anton thinks it’s long-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood who might be too technical. “Craig has all these technical terms that are actually completely irrelevant, bless him,” laughs Anton. “I love him, but the terminology has nothing to do with what we’re doing sometimes.

The viewers love it, though.”

Last year’s Strictly was arguably the best ever, with 12 million viewers tuning in to see pop star Harry Judd waltz off with the glitterball trophy.

However, with changes already made, including the controversial decision not to screen an episode from Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom, will this year match up?

“The last two series have been amazing, so we’ll have to go some to better it,” Anton admits, “but the new producers are great guys and they’ve got to do what they’ve got to do.”

The producers interviewed every professional dancer before deciding if they would stay in the line-up.

Was Anton worried that his time may be up? “You never know whether you’ll be coming back,” he says. “I always want to, because I love it, but it’s not my decision. You have to try not to worry about the things you have no control over in life, I think.”

In fact, Anton need not have worried, as he is more of a fixture on the dancefloor than ever.

There have even been suggestions that he could take over from host Bruce Forsyth, but he is aghast

Psst…

at the thought. “I think if Bruce stopped, Strictly would stop!” he says. “Nobody could replace him!

He’s our leader, we all love him.”

And Anton has plenty to keep him occupied. In addition to Strictly, he is preparing for his latest tour with his professional partner, Erin Boag, and releasing his second book, B is for Ballroom.

The book is a guide for wannabe armchair experts, covering

‘I think if Bruce stopped, Strictly would stop!’ everything from the quickstep to the paso doble, and finally shedding some light on just what constitutes an illegal lift!

“We’ve all become more familiar with dancing and I get asked about it quite a lot,” Anton says. “People ask how you do this spin or that lift – not so much that they want to do it themselves, but they want to know how it works.

That’s what this book answers.”

The Strictly dancefloor, though, is where he is most at home, and there’s only one thing left for him to do – win!

“It would be nice to win – it seems like everybody else in the world has won it apart from me!” he laughs. “Even making the final would be fun. But I’ve always maintained that if I want to dance well, I dance with Erin. Strictly is more about doing a number, putting on a show for everyone.”

And that is something Anton certainly knows how to do. ✤ Who is your favourite Strictly celebrity dancer this year?

Drop us a line at the address on page 3.

Anton shares a secret

The master of ballroom does have one dance that he admits he knows nothing about – freestyle. “I’m only really fabulous when I’m dancing with a woman!” he says. “If I’m anywhere where there’s a dancefloor, everyone stops and expects me to do something, but if I have to freestyle on my own, I have nothing to offer.”

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❙ star chat ❙

, 10 -18, r jacket, £85 Faux leathe , £18, s-l, bow blouse Isme; pussy , £8, Next Bhs; bangle

Wide-fit trousers Knitted top, £14, sxl; scarf, £12, both Next; belt, £1 5, Marks & Spencer

The pencil skirt

PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKEUP SARAH JANE GREEN.

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This neutral pencil skirt works well with most colours. Keep your proportions right by either tucking in blouses, or if you wear a loose top use a belt to cinch in your waist.

Susan wears: Skirt, £39, 10-20, Marks & Spencer; blouse, £32, 10-20, M&Co; necklace, £15, Marks & Spencer; shoes, £49, 3-8, Jones Bootmaker

These charcoal trousers are easy to dress up or down, and they’re a great alternative to jeans.

Avoid teaming charcoal with black as it can be ageing. Opt for colours that lift your skin tone instead.

Susan wears: Trousers, £28, 10-18, Tu at Sainsburys; Tunic top, £22, 10-20, Next; bangle, £5, Tesco; shoes, £35, 3-7, Next

3 classic pieces

9 NEW LOOKS Don’t spend a fortune on the new season’s look, simply update the classics in your wardrobe By Jo Winch 36

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Style notes

xl, shirt, £20, sStud detail t0, 2 £ , g a b , gs, £7 Next; earrin both M&Co

orge 8, 10 -18, Ge Jumpsuit, £1 klace, £15, at Asda; nec ncer Marks & Spe

Waterfall front jack et, £45, 8-16, Holly Willoughby at Very; v-neck top, £45, 8-18, Pe r Una at Marks & Spencer

Sequin dress, £55, 10 -28, Berkertex at Isme (comes with tie-front shrug); ea rrings, £10, Jon Richard at De benhams

The single-breasted jacket A single-breasted jacket is so versatile, it’s a wardrobe must-have and will always flatter. Cream is a great colour choice too as it will work through all the seasons. It will smarten up a casual skirt and looks great worn over a sparkly party frock.

Susan wears: Jacket, £20, 8-22, Bhs; cream top, £22, 8-20, M&Co; skirt, £25, s-l, Bhs; necklace, £10, Next; shoes, £39, 3-8, Jones Bootmaker

STOCKISTS: Bhs 0845 1960000; Debenhams 08445 616161; George at Asda www. asda.com; Jones Bootmaker 0800 163519; M&Co 0141 812 9000; Marks & Spencer 0845 6090200; Next 0844 8448939; Tesco clothing 0800 505555; Tu Sainsburys 0800 636 262; Very www. very.co.uk Isme 0844 811 8112 ✤ Details are correct at time of going to press.

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more fashion advice and style tips

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Next issue: Step into autumn with our pick of the best boots

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How to...

Prepare for a hospital stay Going into hospital can be a worrying prospect, but our essential guide will help to take some of the stress out of the experience

By Jill Robinson

here are so many things to think about in the run-up to going into hospital, it can feel overwhelming. “If you have any burning questions, it’s always best to ask them beforehand,” says Dr Trisha, the Yours doctor.

“Don’t be afraid to ask if you are unsure – there’s no such thing as a stupid question if it puts your mind at ease.”

Follow this simple advice and you and your family can feel a little more relaxed about your hospital stay.

T

What to expect when you arrive Everybody’s hospital stay is different, but there are certain things you can expect to happen.

When you arrive, a staff member will check your details and take some additional information, such as your religion and any dietary preferences.

Once you’ve been admitted, one of the doctors on the team 44

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DON’T FORGET TO PACK

looking after you will examine you and ask you some questions about your health.

Bring your appointment card or admission letter with you when you go into hospital. If you are staying in hospital you may also need the following: • Two nightdresses or pairs of pyjamas (depending on the length of your stay).

• Dressing gown and slippers.

• Day clothes as you may not need to wear your

What to ask “One of the best times to ask questions is at your pre-hospital appointment, which most people have these days,” says Dr Trisha.

“It’s a good idea to ask about the practical things, such as what the visiting hours are, as these can vary from hospital to hospital, and which ward or department you are in.

“It’s amazing how many people go into hospital and don’t really know what they are having done or what’s going to happen,

so make sure you know why you are going in, what the procedure involves and how long you can expect to be there.”

books (and reading glasses!)

• A small amount of money to buy things from the hospital shop or ward trolley.

• Some coins to pay for the use of a bedside TV, the internet or to make phone calls.

• A notebook and pen to write down any questions you need to ask when the doctor is available.

• If you wish, you can bring healthy snacks to eat.

You will have your own small locker for your personal

What not to take

• Valuable items, such as jewellery or credit cards.

• Unnecessary clothing.

• Alcohol or cigarettes.

• Electrical appliances. If you do bring an electrical appliance, such as a hairdryer, inform the nurse in charge.

Hospitals may refuse to let you use electrical equipment if they think it could be unsafe.

“It’s best to check with your hospital what the policy is for things such as flowers,” says Dr Trisha. “A large number of hospitals now discourage people from bringing them in to help prevent viruses.”

It’s advisable not to take any of the following: • Large amounts of money.

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for lots more wise advice and tips

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belongings. Avoid using it to store kindly meant gifts. Do not leave any valuables or money by your bed when it is unattended.

Limit clutter: keeping your bed area tidy makes cleaning easier.

Where possible, it is advisable to mark all items of personal property with your name.

“It’s also extremely important to bring all the medication you are on with you including complementary therapies and herbal tablets,” says Dr Trisha.

MRSA In recent years, MRSA has been one of the top worries for people going into hospital so what can you do to reduce the risks?

“You will be tested for MRSA at a pre-surgery scan,” says Dr Trisha. “If the result comes back positive, you will be given treatment.

“To help minimise the risks, just make sure you report any symptoms. Even if you have a cold before you go in, let your consultant know. Otherwise, just follow the advice you are given at the pre-hospital appointment.”

Next issue: Expert ideas on how to make useful everyday savings

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PICS: THINKSTOCK; ISTOCKPHOTO; MASTERFILE

night clothes for your entire stay in hospital. Hospital wards are often kept warm, so bear this in mind when choosing clothes.

• Clean underwear.

• Earplugs.

• A small hand towel.

• Toiletries, including soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, razor and shaving materials and comb or hairbrush.

• Things to occupy you, such as books, magazines or puzzle

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looking skin at

ANY AGE

Whether you’d like to disguise first wrinkles, fade age spots, prevent deeper wrinkles or make thinning skin appear more youthful, we’ve asked the experts how to treat or conceal these age-related flaws CONCEAL DEEPER LINES

PR EVENT FINE LINES Fine lines around the eyes and mouth are caused by our facial expressions, sun damage and smoking Prevent: “If you’re a smoker, stop! Smoking damages the skin’s support structure of collagen and elastin. It also makes you screw up your eyes and that leads to crow’s feet and lines round your mouth,” says Dr Nick Lowe, consultant dermatologist at London’s Cranley Clinic.

To treat: ✤ Garnier UltraLift Day Cream (£9.18/50ml) ✤ Dr Darren McKeown Active Peptide Day Cream (£20.99/50ml)

To conceal: ✤ Daniel Sandler Invisible Radiance Foundation & Concealer (£28/30ml)

Deeper lines such as those going from nose to mouth are the result of changes going on under the skin Prevent: “Rapid weight loss or yo-yo dieting can speed up the appearance of deeper lines, so try to stay at a healthy weight,” says Dr McKeown.

“Sun damage is a major cause of deeper lines, so always protect your skin,” advises Dr Lowe.

To treat: ✤ Avon Anew Clinical Pro Line Corrector Treatment with A-F33 (£30/30ml) ✤ L’Oréal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler (£16.32/30ml) To conceal: ✤ Une Intuitive Touch BB Cream Foundation (£14.49/6g)

Stockists Avon 0845 601 4040, www.avonshop.co.uk; Body Shop 0800 0929090, www.thebodyshop.co.uk; Clinique 0870 034 2566, www.clinique.co.uk; Daniel Sandler 01923 845370, www.danielsandler.com; Dr Darren McKeown 0208 684 7000, www.superdrug.com; Dr Nick Lowe 0207 499 3223, www.drnicklowe.com; Garnier 0800 085 4376, www. garnier.co.uk; L’Oréal 0800 072 6699, www.lorealparis.co.uk; La Roche Posay www.laroche-posay.co.uk; No7 0845 070 8090, www.boots.com; Olay 0800 917 7197, www.olay. co.uk; Revlon 0800 085 2716, www.revlon.co.uk; Une 0800 269836, www.unebeauty.com; Vichy 0800 169 6193, www.vichyconsult.co.uk. Details correct at time of going to press

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HIDE AGE SPOTS

A main cause of sagging skin along the jawline and on eyelids is loss of volume in the fat layer under the skin Prevent: “Avoiding yo-yo dieting will help prevent a sagging jaw line, but there’s little you can do to stop eyelids drooping,” says Dr McKeown.

Wearing sunglasses will help to prevent sun damage speeding up collagen destruction.

These normally only appear on sun-exposed areas of skin Prevent: “Always use sunscreen on your face – you’ll be wasting your money on lightening products if you don’t protect your skin,” says Dr Lowe.

You

To treat: ✤ Dr Nick Lowe Super Light Skin Tone Perfector Cream (£18.99/50ml)

To treat: ✤ Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum (£21.95/15ml)

To conceal: ✤ Vichy Dermablend Ultra Corrective Stick (£19/12g)

To conceal: ✤ Revlon Bronzer Powder (£7.99/5g)

MINIMISE THREAD VEINS

PROTECT THINNING SKIN Thinning skin is caused by the loss of collagen production and is accelerated by sun damage Prevent: Keep your face protected with moisturiser with SPF15+ and UVA protection; in summer use a SPF30+ sunscreen for face.

Thread veins are often inherited and are more noticeable on fairer skin types Prevent: “Identify what reddens your skin – cold wind, alcohol or changes in temperature – and by avoiding these or protecting skin from them you can prevent any worsening,” says Dr Lowe.

To treat: ✤ La Roche Posay Rosaliac Fortifying Anti-Redness moisturiser (£16.50/40ml). ✤ Dr Nick Lowe Redness Relief Calming Cream (£15.31/50ml) To conceal: ✤ The Body Shop Concealer (£9/3.9ml)

WORDS: JO WINCH; PICS: ALAMY

To treat: ✤ No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum (£23/30ml). ✤ Clinique Youth Surge SPF15 Age Decelerating Moisturiser (£30/30ml) To conceal: ✤ No7 Restore & Renew Foundation (£16.50/30ml)

TURN THE PAGE FOR PRACTICAL ANTI-AGEING DIET SUGGESTIONS YOURS

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❙ stylish stars ❙

WE DID IT FIRST… the pixie haircut The iconic cut is top of the crops once more, but it was the likes of Twiggy who were a-head of the game in the Sixties... t was the hairdo of the decade. Now, it seems, today’s celebrities are daring to sport the Sixties’ pixie crop.

Most recognisable for the hairstyle was, of course, Twiggy, who is still influencing fashion.

Teen popstar Miley Cyrus has become the latest star to swap her long, feminine mane for a much shorter style in a bid to look like the supermodel who, she says, inspired her new ‘do’.

At the beginning of the Sixties, the hairstyles of the previous decade were still dominant, with beehives and bouffants getting higher and stronger. Then in 1966 they were knocked flat by up-and-coming model Twiggy, who had her hair chopped into a

I

short, slick pixie cut at renowned hair salon, House of Leonard.

Then unknown, her promotional shots for the salon were noticed by fashion journalists.

The Daily Express named her The Face of 1966, and the popularity of her crop suddenly soared.

Even high-profile actress Mia Farrow flew Vidal Sassoon to the set of her film Rosemary’s Baby to get her previously lengthy locks snipped into style.

The cut was short around the back and sides, and only marginally longer on top, making it a far cry from the ‘bigger is better’ ethos people were accustomed to. Emerging in the midst of the Mod era, AND NOW… Actresses Anne Hathaway (middle) and Michelle Williams join Dannii Minogue in adopting today’s chic pixie style

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THEN… Twiggy and Mia Farrow, left, were among the first fashionistas to try the daring elfin look

when fashion became more daring, it was a perfect fit for the times. There was something empowering and feminist (if not scary) about cutting your hair off, and women soon made it one of the biggest fashion statements of the decade, whether it was by storming into the nearest hair salon and requesting the ‘Twiggy’, or getting Mum to do the deed.

In the Seventies the short look was replaced by long hair. But it is edging its way back, with stars such as Dannii Minogue, The Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway and My Week With Marilyn actress Michelle Williams sporting the chop.

So, is short hair a timeless look, or an edgy statement that suits only the most beautiful faces?

Write to the address on page 3.

PICS: GETTY IMAGES; REX FEATURES

By Charli McEachran