Yours issue 170

‘The regret t Why Yours favourite and much-loved actress Alison Steadman wishes she could turn the clock back

By Alison James ight now, there’s only one place to be at 9pm on a Wednesday evening – watching Alison Steadman put in a sublime performance as the very human Pauline Paradise, in Love and Marriage, ITV’s heart-warming comedy drama about family life.

Fed-up with being taken for granted by her husband and grown-up children, Pauline has upped and left the family home to embark on a new life on her own, but she could now be regretting her decision...

Does Alison (66) have any regrets in her own life?

“I try not to have too many but those I do have are mostly about my mum, who passed away in 1996,” she says. “I loved her and my dad dearly, but I often think back to the odd times when she’d be telling me something and I remember kind of brushing over it, being too busy and not really listening to her. My biggest regret of all has to be after dad died; I bought Mum a radio because I

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❙ star chat ❙

thought it would be company for her to listen to in bed at night. It was – and she loved it. But one night when I was sleeping in the room next to hers, a song came on the radio that my dad, who was very musical, used to love. Mum started to cry and then she was howling. I could hear her pain and kept thinking I should go to her, but I didn’t know if I could face it. I’ll always, always regret that.

Neither of us ever mentioned it – and I regret that, too.”

Family is clearly very important to Alison who lives in north London with her partner, actor Michael Elwyn. She has two sons, Toby (35) and Leo (32), from her marriage to director Mike Leigh, whom she divorced in 2001.

“My two boys mean more to me than anything. The happiest period in my life was when they were growing up. I’d love to have grandchildren; I want to have them while I’m young enough to enjoy them. But I don’t say that to my sons because they’re getting on with their own lives, focusing on their careers, and it will happen if and when it happens.

I’m just glad the boys didn’t come home with pregnant girlfriends when they were 18!

Not so happy: Alison with TV hubby Ken (Duncan Preston) in Love and Marriage

Alison and her real life partner Michael

“One of the joys of being in a production like Love and Marriage is I get to be a grandma to all of Pauline’s grandchildren and I get to do it on the telly.”

With Love and Marriage, does Alison think more women should ‘do a Pauline’ and start a new life for themselves if they’re fed-up of being taken for granted – especially by their husbands?

“I’m not hoping it will inspire women to walk out on their families and their marriages!” she replies. “What I do hope it does is to make a lot of husbands out there think, ‘Heck, I’d better start telling my wife she’s important to me and how much I appreciate her’. I think a lot of women can relate to Pauline – some men, like her husband Ken, are reliant on the female in the family to do absolutely everything.”

Alison’s having a fantastic year career-wise; she starred in the The Syndicate, the very popular BBC drama series about lottery winners, which was screened earlier this year, and now there’s Love and Marriage.

“I finished The Syndicate and started work on Love and Marriage the next day. I knew I’d be knackered afterwards but

I so wanted to do it. I gave myself a talking to and a little push – I do tend to get a bit anxious and nervous about things – but I knew I’d be inspired by the people around me. I always am.

“We are beginning to turn a corner with TV drama; at last there are good parts – leading roles – being written for actresses like me. Last year we had the fantastic Last Tango in Halifax where the story was all about an older couple, and now Love and Marriage. We’re not just getting ‘token’ granny roles any more; production companies have realised it’s not all about younger people and they’re commissioning more work to reflect this.”

Sitting opposite Alison, I can’t stop staring at her flawless, younglooking complexion. What’s her secret? “Oh it must be my genes,” she laughs. “I’ve always had good skin. I never had spots or acne as a teenager, and I never used to moisturise until I was about 40.

I’m not showing off – it’s just that I never needed it. I once spent a fortune – and I mean like a week’s wages – on a tube of moisturiser, because I thought, I’m in my 60s so I’m going to treat myself. I put it on and a couple of days later I got spots. Now I use Nivea, which costs £3.99, and my skin is fine. “ I am also very fussy about what I eat and I think that helps.

I’m not faddy but I do try to eat well. I love raw vegetables and fresh fruit, and only eat meat about twice a week. We all have health fears as we get older and, who knows, I might get diagnosed with something tomorrow, but I’m doing my best to be healthy although occasionally I’ll have some chips. And I do like a glass or two of wine!” ✢ Love and Marriage is on ITV1 at 9pm, Wednesday evenings.

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PIC: PHIL FISK/CAMERA PRESS; GETTY IMAGES; ITV

t that haunts me’

Style

CELLULITE B

notes

Dread stepping out in your swimsuit this summer? Banish wobbly thighs with our readertested cellulite solutions

By Beauty editor Michelle Nightingale

The Yours Beauty Ambassadors

Diana O’Neill, 56, Sutton Coldfield

Linda Sherwood, 61, Chatham

Barbara Hinde, 62, Sheffield

Jane Woodage, Maureen Calvey, 61, 56, West Romford Yorkshire

Diana tested…

Boots No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment, £22/150ml The claim: A roller applicator for a unique massaging action combined with active ingredients for firmer and less dimpled looking skin.

Diana’s verdict: It was a bit awkward doing the backs of my legs, but got easier with practice!

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EASY

My skin felt OPTION moisturised and toned – like it had done a mini workout. I think the massaging action contributed to my skin looking toned, but I wonder if diet, exercise and regular massaging alone might work just as well.

Value: A little goes a long way and I can see improvement.

PICS: ISTOCKPHOTO

Barbara tested…

Nivea Firming Goodbye Cellulite Serum, £11.18/75ml The claim: Results in just ten days. Contains Q10 Plus, a powerful antioxidant that supports cell regeneration.

Barbara’s verdict: I applied the serum as instructed and it absorbed quickly, was nongreasy and smelt pleasant.

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was a visible change to my dimples, which appeared reduced and my skin looked and felt smoother, too. After a few more weeks I saw a continuing improvement in the look and feel of my legs. I really liked this product!

Value: Looks a bargain but it’s half the size of the others we tested.

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BUSTERS Linda tested…

Nip+Fab Cellulite Fix Body Sculpting Gel, £18.25/150ml The claim: A fresh, non-sticky gel formulated with active ingredients to sculpt, firm and eliminate fat cells.

Linda’s verdict: I used this product twice daily, massaging into my upper arms and the tops of my legs. It felt smooth and creamy with a nice smell and left a slight film on the skin, which wasn’t at all unpleasant. Straight after application my skin felt smoother and I didn’t have to wait for it to dry before getting dressed, which was a bonus. Long term it did reduce some cellulite on my upper arms and tops of the legs and my skin texture improved after just two weeks. It even inspired me to go out and buy a new swimsuit! I’d certainly buy this product a few weeks before going on holiday.

Value: Good value for money and it lasts long enough to see results.

Jane tested…

ON TEST Maureen tested…

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BEAUTY

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control, EDITOR LOVES! £36/200ml The claim: The first body-care product to target both early and stubborn cellulite, firming and refining contours.

Jane’s verdict: The application instructions seemed very complicated, but I quickly got that hang of the self-massage method.

I used it twice daily and it’s very refreshing, with a lovely cooling sensation that wears off quickly and a nice minty scent. It absorbed well without being sticky. On the second day of the test my skin felt softer and after using a whole bottle my skin is much softer and smoother. I do still have some cellulite, but it’s not as noticeable as it was before.

Value: It works brilliantly – I just wish it was a bit cheaper.

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

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CELLULITE BANISHING TIPS Exercise, even light exercise, is the best way to help keep cellulite at bay.

Eat the right foods.

Soy, flax seeds, olive oil and goji berries are all good choices.

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Dr Ceuticals Sculpting Cellulite Treatment, £14.99/150ml The claim: A targeted, refreshing gel, infused with a powerful tightening actives for smoother, tighter and firmed skin.

Maureen’s verdict: This cream was nice to use and had a lovely soothing feel. I didn’t notice any instant results, but after a few weeks my skin did feel smoother and tighter and looked a little less dimpled. It also felt nice and supple. You need a lot of commitment with this cream as its recommended that it should be applied twice daily for three months to see best results.

I just don’t have the time to fit this into my busy life, so I don’t think I’d buy it in the future.

Value: A little goes a long way so great value.

Body brush every day, concentrating on cellulite-prone areas.

Drink water to help your body get rid of stored fat and strengthen your skins collagen.

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Stockists: Boots 0845 609 0055; Clarins 01279 774215 www.clarins.co.uk; Dr Ceuticals available from Boots; Nip+Fab available from Boots; Nivea available nationwide.

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Next issue: Ten hair commandments you should obey! Tips and advice from the experts

Style Fashion to notes

Make the most of your shape with our clever tips and gorgeous looks

FLATTER your figure

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

Hour glass Lucky you! Make the most of your lovely waist with fitted styles.

Fashion Ed’s tips ✢ A peplum top will accentuate a tiny waist ✢ Pencil skirts are perfect for you ✢ Opt for shift dresses to show off your shape Joan wears: Peplum top, £26, 6-18, Next; skirt, £28, 8-18, Red Herring at Debenhams; shoes, £25, 3-8, Marks & Spencer; earrings, £6, M&Co

Apple

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

A more defined waist can be created by shape-enhancing outfits.

Fashion Ed’s tips ✢ Belts and clever panels will help to make you look slimmer ✢ Make the most of slim legs with straight and boot-cut trousers ✢ Try wrap dresses, which help conceal a rounder tummy while flattering a bigger bust

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FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE

Gill wears: Geometric print dress, £65, 6-22, Autograph at Marks & Spencer; shoes, £25, 3-8, Marks & Spencer

Pear

Boyish

Petite

Tall

Balance out your proportions and disguise problem areas.

Fashion Ed’s tips ✢ A-line skirts and dresses are perfect for hiding a big bum and thighs ✢ Wrap-style dresses are also really flattering and will show off your small waist

If you’re straight up and down, create curves with clever styling.

Fashion Ed’s tips ✢ A fitted blazer will create the illusion of a defined waist and hips ✢ A floral patterned blouse or top will add a feminine touch

Smaller frames need clever dressing to avoid looking swamped.

Fashion Ed’s tips ✢ Patterns on top and block colours on your bottom half will elongate your frame ✢ Avoid very girly styles and shades as they can look a bit twee on petites

Mix and match layers to flatter a long torso and legs.

Fashion Ed’s tips ✢ Try horizontal stripes on your top half to help shorten your body ✢ Pair longer tops with fitted short jackets to break up your proportions

JEANS ONLY £12.50!

Joan wears: Shrug, £30, s-l, John Rocha at Debenhams; dress (ribbon added by stylist), £70, 8-20, Betty Jackson.Black at Debenhams; shoes, £79, 3-8, Jones Bootmaker

Gill wears: Cotton blazer, £45, 6-22, Next; blouse, £28, 8-22, Bhs; jeans, £12.50, 8-24 short-long, Marks & Spencer; shoes, £25, 3-8, Marks & Spencer; bag, £16, Next

Joan wears: Top, £35, 8-18, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams; trousers, £26, 6-22, Next; shoes, £25, 3-8, Bhs; earrings, £8, Betty Jackson.Black at Debenhams

STOCKISTS: Bhs 0844 411 6000; Debenhams 0844 561 6161; Jones Bootmaker 0800 163 519; M&Co 0800 031 7200; Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234; Next 0844 844 8939; Phase Eight 0207 471 4422

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

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Next issue: Summer styles you’ll want to wear today!

Gill wears: Stripe jersey jacket, £34, 6-22, Next; asymmetric hem top, £55, 8-18, Phase Eight; trousers, £45, 8-20, Autograph at Marks & Spencer; shoes stylist’s own; necklace, £12, M&Co

Good to KNOW...

7 ways to

keep your hubby healthy Help your other half stay fighting fit – without him even knowing!

Meet our expert Sara Richards is an experienced practice nurse and a trustee of the Men’s Health Forum

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t’s a well-known fact that men go to the doctor less than women.

And if they do go, they tend to go much later, when problems are more serious.

There are lots of reasons for this.

Firstly, men tend to be more reluctant to seek help in life generally. They also tend to hold the belief that, as long as they are more or less able to get on with life, they are ‘healthy’.

Then there’s the fact that men simply don’t care about being healthy in the same way as women: in one poll, for example, 42 per cent of men said that being overweight ‘wouldn’t bother them at all’ compared with 27 per cent of women.

Given what we are up against, how on earth can partners and wives help our other halves to stay healthy?

Here are a few suggestions from practice nurse and men’s health expert Sara Richards.

A problem shared is a problem halved as they say, and it’s much easier to change unhealthy habits if you do it with the support and encouragement of someone else. Perhaps you could take up an active hobby together, such as walking, cycling or dancing.

Asking your partner for their help in keeping you healthy may motivate him, too. “Sometimes it’s easier to say, ‘I’m putting on weight – let’s get out and walk’,” says practice nurse Sara Richards.

“Doing something pleasurable, such as getting out with the grandchildren for a walk, is just as good as going to the gym, so try to encourage that sort of thing.”

going to the doctor easier 2Make

Research shows that men are more Have you noticed lately that your likely to see their GP if the surgery husband is always too tired for sex has flexible opening hours. Perhaps or that he never seems to be in the stick your surgery opening hours mood any more? Or maybe he is on your kitchen noticeboard drinking more in the evenings then and make sure your husband is blaming his failure in the bedroom aware of them. on the drink. Recent research by Studies also show that men Lloydspharmacy revealed that as are more likely to ask for health many as one in ten men suffer with advice in non-medical settings, erectile dysfunction, and that they so do take advantage of any often make excuses to hide the fact health advice offered at from their partners.

“Erectile dysfunction is a taboo community events or your subject – couples simply don’t talk local supermarket. And, about it,” says Sara. “It needs to be finally, research shows taken seriously because the real that, although men don’t problem could be furring of the like to ‘bother’ their arteries,” says Sara. doctors, they are One way to encourage more likely Men visit their GP your partner to open up to accept about problems is to talk specific about any difficulties invitations you may be having to attend the surgery. yourself: “If women are less frequently than Look out for invitations open about their own women in the post for health issues, maybe their husband checks – including the will open up a bit, too.” new Over-40s Health Check.

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in the kitchen 4Experiment 5Monitor his mood The key to a healthy diet – for both you and your man – is variety. “It’s no good just cutting things out,” says Sara. “It’s all about experimenting and eating small quantities of good food rather than large quantities of poor food.”

Slow-cooking cheaper cuts of meat can make a tasty dinner, or why not try some vegetarian meal ideas? If your husband is retired, why not let him get involved in planning meals and cooking too. “It’s something you can do together,” says Sara.

are things in the bedroom?

3How

6Look out for changes

Another area men find it very If your hubby doesn’t go to the doctor, difficult to talk about is their mental then you are probably the only person who health. You know your husband sees him undressed. “When your husband is better than anyone, so you are undressing it’s an ideal opportunity to look for best placed to spot any changes in things that have changed,” says Sara. “If any mood. “It’s changes in habit you are warts, moles or spots have become larger or looking for,” says Sara. “Everyone changed shape or colour, he should go and has low moods but if he finds it have them examined.” hard to get up in the morning or You may notice other changes. Has he taken is unusually snappy over several to spending a long time in the bathroom, for weeks, then he may need example? Struggling to get a stream of urine to see a doctor.” going can be a If depression is sign of prostate a difficult topic problems and, Get him online to raise, again, needs to suggest he The Men’s Health be checked out. goes for “Getting up to Forum has launched a heart have a wee two a website especially health or three times a for men called manMOT check night could also where they can log on and be an early sign and speak to a GP. “It’s mention of both diabetes totally anonymous, the and prostate and men can do it in their own time, so if symptoms. problems,” says Sara. your husband is online, encourage him to have a look,” says Sara.

Go to www.manmot.

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PICS: MASTERFILE; SHUTTERSTOCK

healthy together 1Get

Five fab ways with

new potatoes

Try these inspiring ideas for the season’s best new spuds Chicken drumsticks with New Potatoes, Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes New potatoes roasted in their skins make a healthy and tasty option in this all-in-one dish Serves 4

Per serving 577 cals

Fat 31g

Sat fat 6g

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus 2 hours to marinate Cooking time: 1 hour 25 minutes ■ 8 tbsp olive oil ■ 6 sprigs rosemary, ■ 2 tsp Dijon mustard lightly crushed ■ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar ■ 8-10 cherry tomatoes ■ Juice of 1/2 lemon ■ 12-16 asparagus spears ■ Salt and pepper ■ 8 chicken drumsticks 1. Whisk together the oil, ■ 900g (2lb) new mustard, vinegar and lemon potatoes, halved juice, and season to taste.

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Put the chicken drumsticks in a shallow dish and pour over the marinade. Cover and leave to stand for at least two hours.

2. Heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.

3. Drain the marinade into a roasting tin or large baking dish. Add the potatoes and toss to coat. Cook for 20 minutes.

4. Add the chicken to the tin and season with salt. Tuck in the rosemary and cook for a further 30 minutes.

5. Add the tomatoes and asparagus, coating well in the juice. Continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, and the chicken is golden and crisp with clear juices when skewered.

FOOD

notes

New Potatoes and Quark with Lime and Mint

Serves 4

Per serving 102 cals

Fat 0.5g

Sat fat 0.2g

Quark is extra-healthy, and extremely refreshing on a warm day – perfect for lunch or an evening side dish Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes ■ 16 new potatoes ■ Salt ■ 200g (7oz) quark ■ Juice of 1/2 lime ■ Black peppercorns, coarsely crushed ■ Mint

TOP TIP Why not branch out from lemons, and try drizzling lime juice over your salmon?

Serves 4

Per serving 585 cals

TOP TIP Not a fan of quark?

Try this dish using cottage cheese instead

Fat 32g

Sat fat 5g

Salmon with New Potatoes, Spinach and Mustard Sauce New potatoes and salmon – a classic combination given a fresh twist with mustard sauce Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes ■ ■ ■ ■

1kg (35oz) new potatoes Salt 1 tbsp olive oil 500g (18oz) salmon fillets ■ 4 handfuls spinach ■ Freshly ground black pepper ■ Juice of 1 lemon For the mustard sauce: ■ 3-4 tbsp coarse grain mustard ■ 6 tbsp hot fish stock ■ 5 tbsp olive oil ■ 1 tbsp honey 1. Boil the potatoes in a pan of salted water for 10-15

minutes until tender.

Drain well.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Keep salmon warm.

3. Put the spinach in a pan with a few drops of water over a low heat until it wilts, then season to taste.

4. Slice the salmon with a sharp knife and drizzle over lemon juice.

5. Now make the sauce, by beating together the mustard, stock, oil and honey.

6. Arrange the potatoes on four serving plates with the spinach and salmon on top.

Drizzle over mustard sauce before serving.

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Recipes and images © Stockfood, www.stockfood.co.uk

1. Boil the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for roughly 15 minutes until cooked. Drain well.

2. Mix together the quark and lime.

3. Cut the potatoes in half and place on serving plates, cutting some into small pieces as shown. Add a spoonful of quark to each plate and sprinkle with crushed peppercorns.

Garnish with mint.

TRAVEL

n test o Mekong river

Vietnam and Cambodia Reader Monica Dyson, 70, and husband Pete, 67, went on a voyage of discovery!

Boats on the Mekong.

Below: statues at the main gate, Angkor Wat temples, Siem Reap

FACT FILE

We’d love to hear about your travels

Where is the Mekong?

The Mekong River CHINA runs south through MEKONG RIVER Asia, from China LAOS to Laos and Thailand, before THAILAND reaching Vietnam VIETNAM CAMBODIA and Cambodia.

Best time to go: It’s hot all year and the rainy season is OctoberNovember but it never rains for long. Spring is beautiful and less humid. ✢ Monica booked with Riviera Travel. For further information, call 0844 826 2122 or visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk An alternative Mekong trip, with Voyages Jules Verne: Saigon to Siem Reap (5 nights B&B hotels, 7 nights’ full-board Pandaw cruise), from £2,549pp (September 2013). Includes flights and transfers. Call 0845 166 7035 or visit www.vjv.com How to get there: Monica flew Manchester to Ho Chi Minh City – a 12-hour flight.

Disabled access: Not available on board, but good in hotels.

✢ Send your holiday review (300 words with pictures – send one with you in it), with your name, age and address to: Alex Frisby at the Yours address on the Letters page or email alex.frisby@bauermedia. co.uk with ‘Readers’ Travels’ in the subject line. We pay £50 for each story we publish.

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WORDS: ALEX FRISBY; PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING PIC: GETTY

Why go cruising in Asia?

We had always wanted to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. This trip seemed the perfect combination of sightseeing, river travelling, and hotel stays. We were on our boat, the Rv Jayavaman for a total of TOP TIP seven nights. However Take US dollars – a the itinerary also gave couple of pounds What did you discover on us two nights in Ho Chi worth of local your river journey?

Minh City (which used currency would fill Twice a day we got off the boat, to to be Saigon). a carrier bag! visit the surrounding villages. The Tell us about Ho Chi people were so friendly, despite being Minh City! eager to show us what they were selling.

It was the most exciting place; One place had mats and bags made sights, sounds and smells everywhere, from water hyacinths, another had just with a strange mixture of designer about everything you could get out of a shops and roadside food stalls. The coconut – sweets, milk, fuel…

Reunification Palace, built in 1966, is Did you like the food? beautiful and is in a real time warp – it We really enjoyed local delicacies, such hasn’t changed since the Communist as Cambodian fish amok – fish cooked tanks crashed through its gates in 1975. in coconut milk with bamboo – and Vietnamese pho – a soup or stew eaten at all times of day, even breakfast. It was lovely trying these in restaurants once we reached Siem Reap city, for the final three days of the trip.

What surprised you the most?

Seeing the happy children at Kampong Monica bought Cham orphanage; the facilities were artwork created by the oprhans good, and we bought some very skilled paintings done by the older children.