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❤❤H eart ❤ ❤ to Heart

‘Why my emotions can cause problems‘ TV presenter and author Fern Britton on life, love and her next big challenge

By Christine Smith ern Britton looks and sounds in great spirits as she settles down to chat to Yours over a glass of wine about her newly published third novel. “I’m not always happy,” she admits with a smile. “I do let emotions get in the way of all sorts of things and they tangle things up. Sometimes

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my emotions stop me from seeing things clearly. But I do enjoy writing. Yes, it is scary but exciting too – I’m on book number four.

“I don’t know if it is a case of more confidence now I am older; not so long ago, I thought I would never be able to write 100,000 words and now I have done it three times. A few years ago, I thought I would never be able to cycle 20 miles and I can now cycle

120 miles. It’s not just me, though.

I want to get the message out there to other women. If you think you can’t, well why not just give it a go? You can. It is extraordinary.”

‘Giving it a go’ has certainly paid off for Fern – her previous two novels were best-sellers and this one, The Holiday Home, set in her beloved Cornwall where Fern and family have a cottage, has already got good reviews. It’s

at the time. I have spent so many happy holidays there.”

Fern certainly seems to be up for any number of new challenges these days – earlier this year she took part in the gruelling Strictly tour. At 55, she may have been the eldest contestant but she had one of the most exhilarating and best times of her life performing in front of thousands of spectators at huge auditoriums, including London’s O2.

“I absolutely loved every minute of it,” she says

Family first: Fern describes TV chef husband Phil as ‘gorgeous’. And looking gorgeous herself in Strictly with Artem Chigvintsev (below)

a family drama about warring sisters with enough twists and turns to keep you glued right to the end.

Fern says Cornwall has a special place in her heart and her earliest childhood memory is of life by the sea. “I can remember paddling in the water on the beach in Looe in Cornwall,” she says. “I had my fishing net and I was so happy. I was about three

‘Phil is the one person I want to spend time with apart from my kids’ enthusiastically. “It felt as if I was being treated like a rock star! It was quite unbelievable and the fans were wonderful. I remember the choreographer telling us to treat the stage as if we were having a party and to let everyone around us join in. I kept thinking wow, this is incredible. And although it was physically hugely demanding, I actually found it alright.”

It was returning home after the Strictly tour, that Fern says she looked around and realised she felt really happy. “That weekend, my daughter and a couple of her friends came around,” she reveals. “They are 16 and were sitting at the kitchen table laughing and making birthday invitations. They were listening to a CD I had put on for them. It was the Jackie magazine CD of Seventies pop songs and they loved them. We were all in the kitchen dancing around.”

Psst…

And of course home also contains her husband, the TV chef Phil Vickery. “He’s the one person I want to spend time with, apart from the kids. He always makes me laugh and he is emotionally intelligent. He’s gorgeous!”

Family life is central for Fern, which is why it’s no surprise when she reveals, when asked, that her biggest regret in life was the breakdown of her first marriage to TV executive Clive Jones, the father of her three eldest children. “One never gets married expecting to have a failure. I really regret that we couldn’t make it work. However beyond that, we have both found a lot of happiness with the children. You don’t want to ever fail but I am lucky that I have got a very happy second marriage. Phil is so kind and thoughtful.”

It’s a busy time for Fern – she has just finished filming an ITV documentary, Secrets of the Workhouse, that focuses on celebrities tracing their poorer ancestors and has another BBC interview series in the pipeline.

But Fern is meeting every new challenge with renewed energy.

She’s in great shape and very fit these days, owing to a regular gym habit and those epic cycling journeys. This July she cycles for charity from Tallinn, Estonia to St Petersburg in Russia and plans a summer cycle trip with her daughter Winnie later on in the year. “My 50s really have been a great decade for me,” she smiles.

“I feel fearless now…” ✢ Fern Britton’s The Holiday Home, published by HarperFiction, is available in shops priced £12.99.

Fern shares a secret

“My way of relaxing is definitely having a pedicure. I have one every two weeks. A pedicure is the most wonderful thing. It really helps me unwind.”

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PICS: REX; MASTERFILE; CAMERAPRESS

❙ star chat ❙

DRESS TO

IMPRESS Make a lasting impression with these gorgeous looks – whatever the occasion

PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP HANAN TOUHAMI

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

✢ JOAN WEARS: Peach dress, £95, 8-20, Laura Ashley; fascinator, £27, Isme; shoes, £45, 3-8, Autograph at Marks & Spencer; necklace, £12, M&Co

✢ JOAN WEARS: Peach frock coat, £45, 6-20 and skirt, £22, 6-22, both Limited Edition at F&F at Tesco (online exclusive); lace peplum top, £32, 8-22, M&Co; shoes, £25, 3-8, Marks & Spencer; bag, £20, Next; bracelet, £8, M&Co; earrings model’s own

FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE

✢ GIL WEARS: Long sleeve tunic dress, £139, 8-22, Monsoon; silver kitten heel sandals, £26, 3-8, Bhs; earrings model’s own

ats!

3 must-have h

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✢ £75, Hat Box at De

✢ £89, Phase Eight

✢ £99, Phase Eight

✢ JOAN WEARS: Cream lace top, £38, 8-18, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams; trousers, £14, 6-20, F&F at Tesco; sling-back shoes, £32, 3-8, Bhs; bag, £20, BHS; earrings, £12, Next

Style notes

YOURS TIPS

✢ A shrug is a more relaxed way to cover arms and shoulders without having to wear a jacket or cardigan. ✢ Shop around for occasion wear. Asda and Tesco are brilliant for bargain buys that don’t look cheap. ✢ Look for smart, straight or boot-cut style trousers and team with tailored jackets for a classic look.

✢ GIL WEARS: Floral dress, £45, 8-22, Bhs; fascinator, £22.50, Bhs; strappy sandal, £28, 3-8 (wide fit), Bhs; bag, £35, comes with matching fascinator (not shown), Isme; earrings model’s own ✢ GIL WEARS: Shrug, £35, s-xl and maxi dress, £119, 8-22, both Monsoon; fascinator, £9.50, Bhs; shoes, £26, 3-8, Bhs; bag, £15, Next; necklace, £8, George at Asda

✢ Mix and match neutral separates with patterned and bold coloured items to maximise impact and wear.

✢ JOAN WEARS: Print jacket; £125, 8-18, Phase Eight; top, £26, 6-18, Next; cropped trousers, £26, 8-18, Next; sandals, £45, 3-8, Marks & Spencer; necklace, £8, M&Co

✢ Florals needn’t be twee. Opt for big, bold prints in gorgeous colours to keep your look grown-up and stylish. ✢ Delicate heels are great for slim legs, but choose a more covered peep toe or chunkier heel if you have curvy pins.

STOCKISTS: Bhs 0844 411 6000; Debenhams 0844 561 6161; F&F at Tesco 0800 505 555; George at Asda 0800 952 0101; Isme 0844 811 8112; Laura Ashley 0871 983 5999; M&Co 0800 031 7200; Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234; Monsoon 0844 811 0069; Next 0844 844 8939; Phase Eight 0207 471 4422.

Details correct at time of going to press

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for more great fashion advice

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Next issue: Gorgeous fashion whatever your shape!

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Style

Your sum m body beaut i

notes

If you’re worried about baring all now summer’s finally here, fear no more.

We’ll have you buffed, glowing and beach ready in no time!

By Beauty Editor, Michelle Nightingale

Meet our experts

Lynn Gray is an expert at global hand and nail specialist company Mavala (www.mavala.co.uk)

Dr Howard Murad of Murad skincare is author of The Cellulite Solution (£9.99, www.murad.co.uk)

Buff to perfection Exfoliating dead skin cells is the quickest way to get an instant glow and younger-looking skin, but don’t overdo it. “Be careful not to over-exfoliate with body scrub, especially if you have dry, sensitive skin,” warns Dr Murad.

Signs of over-exfoliation include itchy dry patches, taut skin, redness and increased sensitivity. If you spot this, reduce how often you scrub and apply a body moisturiser daily. We love Sanctuary Spa 4 Day Moisture Oil Scrub (£9.99/250g) with olive oil and shea butter which exfoliates and moisturises.

Tackle cellulite

PIC: URBAN LIP

Although cellulite is a skin problem, some lifestyle tweaks will help, “Eating foods rich in certain nutrients will help reduce cellular inflammation, squeeze out excess fluids and increase circulation, which prevents fat cells from creating cellulite,” says Dr Murad.

“Stick to a diet high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, plenty of healthy proteins as well as omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids. Try salmon, nuts, citrus fruits, eggs and soy. Also regular body brushing helps remove dead skin and stimulate the lymphatic system. Brush daily towards the heart, starting at the feet and avoiding varicose veins.”

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m mer t iful plan Read, get set, glow!

Fake a holiday glow with our top tanning dos and don’ts from the experts at St Tropez ✢ Don’t exfoliate or shave immediately before tanning. Apply body lotion 24 hours beforehand to give it time to absorb, otherwise it will act as a barrier against your tan. ✢ Do add a light layer of moisturiser to dry areas such as knees, ankles and feet beforehand to stop too much tan sinking into tricky areas. ✢ Do always use a tanning mitt which will give even, streak-free results and protect your hands. Keep a pack of tan correcting wipes handy for a quick solution to any ‘oops’ moments . ✢ Do apply tan sparingly to your feet and the backs of your hands. Blend a little moisturiser from legs to ankles and palms to forearms for a seamless finish. ✢ Don’t wash your tan off too early – leave it to develop overnight before washing it off.

Wait for it to dry fully before getting dresed, and wipe orange palms quickly! ✢ Do try a gradual tanning moisturiser for a daily glow boost. It’s a great time saver and easy to apply for natural results.

St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse, £20.43/120ml. Conditioning, tinted for easy application and no awful fake tan smell.

Tackle tired legs Travelling and the summer heat can leave legs hot and puffy. There are some great products to help alleviate heavy legs and swollen ankles, try Comfort Zone Vital Leg Spray (£27/125ml); it’s pricey, but lasts ages and feels great. And for a quick leg makeover try Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs (£9.95/75ml), which is a handy leg make-up that covers imperfections.

Treat your feet

ANTIAGEING

Get feet sandal-ready in five easy steps with Mavala expert Lynn Gray.

1) Cut your nails straight across with nail clippers using little snips rather than one big cut as this can break the nail.

2) Buff toenails to remove unsightly ridges and improve nail condition – buffing stimulates the blood supply bringing oxygen and nutrients to the nail plate.

3) Avoid metal foot files. Instead, exfoliate your feet with a softening foot scrub. Try Mavala Smoothing Scrub Cream, £13/75ml. Pay attention to problem areas such as the heels, balls of feet and edges of toes.

4) Massage feet with a hydrating foot lotion. Look for creams containing urea, which penetrates thick skin and helps cells absorb and retain moisture.

Mavala Hydro-Repairing Foot Care (£12/50ml) contains 25 per cent urea and is diabetic friendly.

5) Complete your look with a bright nail colour, sizzling red, orange and bright pink look fab with a tan. Mavala Chilli & Spice collection, £4.50 each.

Vitamin E Palmer’s Natural Bronze Body Lotion, £5.29/250ml

MUST HAVE

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Yours Beauty testers needed!

STOCKISTS: Comfort Zone 0203 3010496, www.comfortzone.it; Mavala 01732 459412; Palmers available from Boots; Sally Hansen available nationwide; Sanctuary Spa nationwide 0845 521 4567; St Tropez nationwide 0207 845 6330; Superdrug 0845 671 0709.

Details correct at time of going to press

St. Tropez Tan Correcting Wipes, £5.11 per pack

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

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If you love skincare and makeup why not apply to be one of our Beauty Awards testers for 2013, and help us put beauty products to the test.

Send your details (including phone number and email address, if you have one) and a photograph to the address on p3.

Next issue: Cellulite creams tested by you – find out which ones do the best job!

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Good to KNOW...

How to retire abroad More of us are planning to retire overseas, with Spain, France and Australia top retirement hotspots. Here are five key finance issues to consider before you put the ‘For Sale’ sign out: Do your homework on the cost of living in the country you want to move to.

Check what reciprocal agreements are in place with the destination country regarding your UK state pension (for example there’s no agreement in place in Australia and Canada, so your state pension

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Greenwatch

The Bar Keepers Friend Stain Remover Powder (250g, rrp £2.79) owes its existence to rhubarb! In 1882, BKF’s founder cooked rhubarb and discovered it made his tarnished pot shine. BKF is a good-value cleaner for sinks, will be frozen and cookers and golf clubs. BKF Power Spray and won’t increase).

YOURS BFK Power Cream (£2.99 each) are Check the cost EXCLUSIVE new to the range and available from of healthcare in Robert Dyas, Lakeland, John Lewis, the country you are thinking of moving to. and www.barkeepersfriend.co.uk Ask HM Revenue ✢ We have five Bar Keepers Friend boxes, each packed with £50 of and Customs for information about any goodies, to give away. For a chance to win, send a postcard marked UK tax liability you Bar Keepers Friend/Yours to may have even though PO Box 57, Coates, you are living overseas.

Peterborough, PE7 2FF, Seek independent

by June 21, 2013. financial advice.

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If you do not want to be contacted in the future by Yours magazine please write ‘No Further * MGM Advantage has Contact’ clearly on the a useful guide for those postcard. considering retiring abroad at www.mgmadvantage.co.uk

THE

WATCHING PICS: MASTERFILE; MILLERSONLINE. WORDS: SARAH JAGGER

PENNIES | IT’S A FACT | Tesco has said

DID YOU KNOW?

The number of over 55s taking on extra work to boost their monthly incomes rose by 158 per cent over the last 12 months, and is a reflection of the current economic situation.

it will launch a pension annuity service to help people shop around for best retirement incomes. Yours has been campaigning for years for a more active shopping around market at retirement, so more high profile participants can only be a good thing. For annuity advice now, contact Yours Retirement Services on 0800 915 4714.

Ask Michael Cash in the attic The Tremaen pottery was founded by Peter

Meet our expert Michael is a consumer champion and runs the Insurance Complaints Bureau. He can be contacted on mjw@ insurance-complaints.co.uk

Ellery in 1965 in Cornwall. Ellery was inspired by the Cornish landscape and ancient runic symbols, and used beach pebbles for vase and lamp-base moulds. The pottery was successful in the Seventies but closed in 1988. Pieces resembling pebbles are the most sought-after and size affects value. The market for Tremaen will continue to grow as interest widens.

This ‘Gwarra’ moulded lamp base c1968-72 8.5in (22cm) high is valued at £80-£120.

More at www.tremaen.com

Q I heard about a couple who paid for a holiday villa online and fraudsters hacked into the website and the money was stolen. The couple were unable to recover their money. How can this be avoided?

Michael says: The safest way is to pay the holiday company or travel agent using a credit card. This should be enough to ensure you receive what is known as Section 75 Protection.

If the company fails to deliver the holiday, or it goes bust, you should be able to claim a refund through your credit card.

Take care though, using a debit card provides less protection. If the total cost is between £100 and £30,000 try to charge at least some of this to a credit card, and then the balance to a debit card.

If you pay the owner direct, it’s very difficult to obtain protection. Some individuals are able to receive your payment through one of the payment companies, such as PayPal, but even using your credit card for this does not guarantee you will benefit from Section 75 Protection. Buying a holiday from an individual will always be risky and there have been stories of people turning up on holiday only to discover the person they were dealing with has disappeared. I’d advise against paying individuals online direct to their account. If you want to be sure, book and pay for your holiday with the holiday company, and at least pay the deposit by credit card.

| IT’S A FACT | 75 per cent of UK shoppers regularly buy clothes and accessories from supermarkets, with competitive prices and convenience being key factors.

Budget beaters Barclaycard Bespoke is a new free offers smartphone app available to all shoppers. Current deals include 25 per cent off at Strada restaurants and a £10 Starbucks Card for £5.

You can also have offers emailed to you once a week.

See www.bespokeoffers.co.uk

Cheaper thrills

Enjoy Staffordshire is giving Yours readers the chance to win Thrill Hopper tickets which allow entry to four of the UK’s top attractions: Alton Towers Resort, Drayton Manor Theme Park, The Snow Dome and Water World. Buying a family ticket from www.enjoystaffordshire.com saves £248 on gate prices.

We have a family ticket plus a

runner-up prize of two single tickets to give away (valid until November 30, 2013). For your chance to win send a postcard marked Theme Park Tickets/ Yours to PO Box 57, Coates, Peterborough, PE7 2FF, by June 21, 2013.

E SAV !

8 4 2 £

If you do not want to be contacted in the future

by Yours magazine please write ‘No Further Contact’ clearly on the postcard.

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Playtime for little bunnies!

A simple sewing project that will entertain tots for hours Compiled by Alex Frisby

You will need: For the big bunny cube ✢ Six 11cm (4½in) squares of assorted fabric, plus seam allowance ✢ White fabric, 11cm (4½in) square ✢ Scraps of pink floral, red and white striped, and red and white checked fabric ✢ Pink and blue gingham ribbon ✢ Deep pink stitch edge ribbon For the sweetheart cube ✢ Six 8.5cm (3¼in) squares of pink and cream fabric, plus seam allowance 92

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DIFFICULTY RATING

✢ White fabric, 6cm ★ (3¼in) square ✢ Three pink and white ribbon scraps For the little bunny cube ✢ Six 6cm (23/8in) squares of coloured fabric, plus seam allowance ✢ White fabric, 5cm (2in) square ✢ Four assorted scraps of colourful ribbons For all three cubes ✢ Iron-on interfacing (Bondaweb) ✢ White, black and blue thread ✢ Matching embroidery cotton ✢ Polyester toy filling

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Only use age-appropriate materials and keep an eye on what your little ones are up to!

HOME

& craft Sewing the big bunny cube Apply the interfacing to the white fabric, a scrap of pink floral fabric, and a scrap of red and white check fabric.

Trace the big bunny template onto the white fabric and draw two 3cm (1¼in) diameter circles onto the back of the red patterned fabric.

Cut these out, as well as a floral motif.

Iron the big bunny onto a square, then sew around it using white blanket stitch. Add an eye with black embroidery cotton. Iron on the floral patch and sew around that too.

Iron one circle onto the bottomleft corner of another square.

Sew around it with blue running stitch. Repeat with the final circle on a third square.

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Hand or machine sew the cube squares together, remembering your seam allowance. Stitch ribbon loops into the seams, and leave the last side open for turning and stuffing.

Turn the cube right sides out, pushing out corners. Stuff firmly with filling and hand stitch the final gap closed.

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Templates need to be enlarged by 200% on a copier

Sewing the sweetheart cube Trace and cut out the heart template from white fabric.

Sew onto an 8.5cm (3½in) square using white blanket stitch. Follow steps 5-6 as before.

Sewing the tiny bunny cube Trace and cut out the tiny bunny template from white fabric. Sew onto a 6cm (23/8in) square with white blanket stitch. Add an eye with black embroidery cotton.

Follow steps 5-6 as before.

Project taken from Helen Philipps’ Pretty Patchwork Gifts, published by David & Charles. Yours readers can order a copy for the special price of £12.73 (rrp £14.99) with free UK p&p. Call Stitch Craft Create on 0844 880 5851 and quote R11952, or visit www. stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/pretty-patchwork-gifts and enter same code upon checkout.

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Now visit www.yours.co.uk for our past projects plus great new ideas

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Next issue: This Aztec-inspired box would make a lovely gift

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y talking point y

Should we all be TESTEdfor

dEmENTIa?

Even if we’re not showing any of the symptoms, pressure is building to introduce nationwide screening

By Lizzy Dening ould you want to know if you were likely to develop dementia – even if you had no symptoms? That’s the question being raised as health experts debate compulsory testing for people aged 75 and over.

Designed to pick up signs before symptoms appear, the tests would include a general physical examination, memory, and blood tests as early warning for those who may suffer from the condition in years to come.

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Tom Dening, professor of dementia research at University of Nottingham, says: “It all depends what we mean by testing – whether we really mean screening or early diagnosis, which is different. The latter is being aware of the early symptoms of the condition and having a high level of alertness that someone with memory complaints/ problems may be at risk of developing dementia. Screening, however, would involve testing the general population, so this includes people who have not raised any concerns, resulting in ethical and consent issues.”

B An early warning gives those being diagnosed and their families time to make preparations for the future, while for others it could reassure them that there’s nothing to worry about.

B Early diagnosis could mean better treatment in the long-run. Certain drugs could help stave off the condition for several years. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said although some believe that without effective cure there’s no point putting people through the anxiety of a memory test, this is ‘grim fatalism that needs to be shaken off.’

B Anything that raises awareness of dementia can only lead to better understanding of the condition and better overall care of people affected.

B Figures from the Alzheimer’s Society say fewer than half of those with the condition get a diagnosis, so many miss out on the care and support they need.

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Professor Dening adds that the earlier you try to diagnose dementia, the more difficult it is. “There is a state that falls short of dementia, known as mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, but this does not equate to dementia. It includes people who are somewhat forgetful but have no other problems.

This wouldn’t necessarily lead to them getting dementia. The boundaries between MCI, What do you dementia, and normal think? Write and ageing are not as clear as let us know at people may think.” the address on So what are the pros and cons of early testing? page 3.

B “Patients are sure to worry more, while there is no prospect of an imminent breakthrough in treatment,” says dr Chris Fox of the University of East anglia, adding that the risk of misdiagnosis is high, as there is no precise method of diagnosis.

B Screening may shift the focus away from managing the condition. The British medical association says: “It would make eminent sense to improve these services and reduce the waiting time before increasing the number of people who are referred to them.”

B The time required to assess a patient would be around 30 minutes or longer, which would have a serious impact on the time available for the care of other patients, in an already stretched health service.

B Routine screening may put people off visiting their doctor, even if there’s something wrong.