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Why Cherylee is Corrie’s m

inspiring Coronation Street actress Cherylee Houston, who plays Izzy Armstrong, refuses to be defined by her disability

By Alison James t used to be that on TV – and in film, too – disabled characters were always portrayed by actors who were clearly not disabled.

Think Raymond Burr as the wheelchair-bound detective Robert Ironside, Daniel DayLewis as cerebral palsy sufferer Christy Brown in My Left Foot, and Joan Crawford in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Thankfully, times

I

have changed and these days, if a TV character is disabled, then it’s odds-on that the actor or actress playing the part will be disabled too.

It’s a given that Corrie’s Cherylee Houston, who suffers from the rare connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, is delighted about this, but one of the things she loves most about playing the character of Izzy is that her disability is hardly ever mentioned.

“That was one of the most exciting things about joining the Street for me,” she says. “I was accepted as an actress rather than a disabled actress. It’s always been more about Izzy’s character rather than her disability – Corrie has always been very keen about that, too. As a result, I’ve learned a lot. Before joining Coronation Street, I appeared in quite a few

‘Acting is tough; and for people like me, it’s a very different career path’ medical dramas so it’s brilliant to do meaty, character-led stuff.”

Cherylee’s certainly had a feast of meatiness on the Street this year. She has been immersed in one of the biggest storylines in which Izzy and her partner, Gary, 22

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had a baby boy via surrogate Tina McIntyre. The baby was born prematurely and a heartbreaking tug-of-love struggle commenced between Tina and Izzy with Tina finally agreeing to hand the baby over to his biological parents. So will it be happy families now for Izzy, Gary and baby Jake?

“It won’t always be easy as they get to grips with being parents,” Cherylee smiles. “But at least Izzy and Gary now have the baby they’ve always wanted.

They’re living the life they always dreamed of right now.”

So, it must be said, is Cherylee.

Having seen the musical Annie when she was seven-years-old, there was only ever one thing she wanted to do – act. She went to drama school but a few years after graduating, was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos. She eventually became a wheelchair user but was still just as determined to become an actress. “Acting is a tough profession for anyone to go into,” she says, “and for people like me, it is a very different kind of career path. But I’m a positive, optimistic kind of person and I try to take the good from every situation. I’ve learned a lot about life since being diagnosed and there was no way I would let anything or anyone try to stop me from fulfilling my dreams. I just had to find a different way of doing things.”

Cherylee has such a dewy, line-free complexion, it’s hard to believe that she’s in her late 30s.

She looks even younger than her character Izzy, who’s supposed to be in her mid 20s.

“Maybe it’s because I’ve

All the world’s a stage ities: Like Cherylee, these performers refuse to be defined by their disabil

✢ Actress and model Julie Fernandez, 39, is best known for her role as Brenda in the BBC comedy The Office.

She was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, sometimes known as brittle bone disease. ✢ David Proud, 30, played Adam Best in EastEnders from 2009-2010. Born with spina bifida, Adam has appeared in three independent films and has also written a short film. ✢ Hearing-impaired actress Ali Briggs appeared in Coronation Street in 2005/6 and again in 2009 as Freda Burgess, the deaf niece of Emily Bishop. In 2005 Ali and Coronation Street won a Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR) People Of The Year award for the ‘best portrayal of the lives and viewpoints of disabled people on television’.

✢ Fourteen-year-old comedian Jack Carroll recently became runner up in Britain’s Got Talent. Born with cerebral palsy, Jack impressed Simon Cowell so much, the Bradford lad is now regarded as part of the Simon Cowell family. moisturised since being in my early teens,” she laughs. “I’m also a bit of a food geek – I do a lot of raw foods and juices and things. I started years ago and discovered that it’s good for pain relief. I’ve been doing the 5.2 fasting diet for a while, too: you eat 500 calories a day, two days every week, and this allows your body to replenish its cells and everything. I started it in order to lose a bit of weight

✢ Kitty McGeever, 44, who plays Lizzie Lakely in Emmerdale, is the first blind actress to have been cast in a British soap.

RADA-trained Kitty lost her sight aged 32 after a number of illnesses. “I had been an actress for many years before becoming blind,” she said recently. “It was some time before I could get back into work, but having a disability shouldn’t mean the end of doing the job you love.” ✢ Actress Kelly-Marie Stewart is best known for playing the role of Hayley Ramsey in teen Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks, from 2009-2010. She was the first disabled actress to act as a main character in Hollyoaks and has Guillain-Barré syndrome – an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.

As a result of this, she lost the use of her legs when she was 21.

She left Hollyoaks when she became pregnant and she now has a three-year-old daughter called Daisie.

but it’s helped with my pain, too.

I don’t normally talk about my pain because it’s quite personal, but I think people in my situation should know there are all kinds of different things you can try. I also have a lot more energy since embarking on it. Speaking of the 5:2 diet, there are quite a few of us at Corrie doing it so if any of us look a bit thinner, you now know the reason why!”

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❙ star chat ❙

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Style notes

Meet our experts Celebrity hair stylist, Nicky Clarke, owns many well-known salons. www.nickyclarke.com Richard Ward is an award-winning celebrity hairdresser. www.richardward.com Scott Cornwall is a hair consultant, hair expert and product Innovator who runs the popular Hair Clinic.

1

Safeguard your hair

Whether you’re giving in to grey or want to disguise it, using protective products is vital. “Wear and tear is the biggest ageing factor and avoiding damage isn’t always possible,” explains Nicky.

“Harsh treatments (including perms or bleaching), styling and even the way you brush your hair can all contribute to ageing.” Use a protective spray before styling, condition hair regularly and wear a hat in summer to protect from UV rays. TRY: Phil Smith Hot Stuff Heat Defence Spray (£4.09/125ml).

2Try a little TLC

The cuticles of the hair are naturally flat, but can be damaged over time. Using conditioner flattens cuticles and leaves hair looking glossy.

“Pop on a shower cap and apply a weekly conditioning treatment, then sleep with it on before rinsing out next morning,” says Nicky.

TRY: Nicky Clarke Intensive Moisture Mask. (£22/200ml).

10HAIR

COMMANDMEN T WORTH OBEYING Make your hair look the very best it can with a little help from the experts

Great hair starts with good basics. “To look after your hair you need to condition and cleanse it properly,” says celebrity hairstylist Nicky Clarke. “Use running lukewarm water, not hot water, to wash and rinse – and don’t rinse your hair in the bath!” And should you really lather, rinse, repeat?

It really depends on your hair type and how often you wash it. If you only wash your hair every few days, or use lots of products, then it might be beneficial. Apply conditioner to the lengths and not to the roots as this can weigh hair down.

4 Colour with caution

6Be inspired

Fine and thinning hair can be hard to manage, so a great haircut is the most important change you can make. “Don’t be too precious when it comes to length,” says Nicky. “Chin-length strong shapes visually make the hair appear a lot stronger and thicker, so are a great choice.” Look to celebrities you admire and take a snap along to your hairdresser for inspiration.

7

Love your grey

8Don’t go product crazy!

5

Go back to rollers

››

For maximum volume, lift each section up and roll from the tips down towards the roots.” TRY: Sleep in Rollers (£17.95). For an added boost, try Richard Ward The Chelsea Collection Keratin Bulking Spritz (£5.99/125ml) for weightless volume.

“Mature hair works best if worn with a bit of movement to give vitality and texture, making you look younger,” says Richard. “Velcro rollers are great for giving volume.

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

It’s important to have a regular trim. “Keeping the foundations of a good cut is crucial so have a trim every 6-8 weeks,” says Scott Cornwall, hair consultant.

“This keeps hair looking healthy which, in turn, will help it look younger.”

Grey hair can be gorgeous, so embrace your natural shade. If you already colour your hair, go grey gently; try highlights that can gradually be reduced. Grey hair can look brassy with yellow tones, so use a range specially formulated to your hair’s needs. White Hot hair care range is designed to neutralise yellow, and brighten and moisturise white and grey hair. TRY: White Hot Glorious Shampoo (£12/200ml), White Hot Luminous Conditioner (£12/200ml).

Keep an eye on your hair colour, “Hair naturally Mature hair benefits from lightens as we get older conditioning but don’t overdo and once it’s more than it!

“Over-use of products can 50 per cent grey, it’s a weigh hair down and make it good idea to colour to look thinner,” says Nicky. Lots enhance this lightened of products are formulated so tone” says Richard Ward. they won’t leave a greasy “Consider going for softer residue. TRY: Leo Bancroft blonde tones that fit in well Moroccan Miracle Argan with whiter hair. Colour is a Oil (£4/50ml) for shine great rescue remedy as it can and protection. bulk up finer, lifeless hair and the chemicals can help dry out oily hair.”

N TS

9 Have regular trims

››

10

Work with the hair you have

A good hairdresser will consider not just whether a style will suit you, but if it will work for your hair. As hair thins with age, what suited you in your 30s might not suit you now. “Layering is not always the solution as it removes bulk and weight and your hair may have lost some of its natural volume,” says Scott. “Consider a longer or shorter bob for a fuller look or one longer layer.”

STOCKISTS: Leo Bancroft available at Tesco 0845 722 5533 www.tesco. com; Nicky Clarke www.nickyclarke. com and Nicky Clarke salons nationwide; Phil Smith available at Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262; Richard Ward The Chelsea Collection available at selected Waitrose stores nationwide, 0800 188 884 www.waitrose.com; Sleep-In Rollers www.velcrosleeprollers.com; White Hot 0844 463 3978 www.whitehothair.co.uk Details correct at time of going to press.

Next issue: Anti-ageing skin products to help you look younger YOURS

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PIC: I JONSSON/MASTERFILE; THINKSTOCK

3

Practice good maintenance

Good to KNOW...

43 ways to

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look and feel

years younger

Try these simple ideas to help you look great and feel amazing

by Martine Gallie and Michelle Nightingale

4 STEPS TO

A YOUNGER LOOKING NECK “The skin on our necks is thin, with less fatty tissue and sebaceous glands, which is why it ages at a faster rate,” says Sharon Hilditch (www.CrystalClear.co.uk). This skin also loses elasticity much quicker than facial skin, so tighten and firm with these easy tips from Sharon:

Apply plenty of sunscreen, not just to the face but to the neck and décolletage to help prevent sun damage.

1

Avoid matte Ditch matte make-up in favour of sheer luminous textures that will instantly make your skin look fresher and younger.

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For a nourishing treat massage warm olive oil into the neck and wrap a warm towel around the neck for 30 minutes and then gently wipe away residue.

2

Use a gentle exfoliation product each week to keep the skin on the neck looking fresher.

3

KICK THE HABIT Try not to get stuck on a ‘uniform’ of the same style every day and instead try something new. Whether it’s a new trend, a dress or a bright colour.

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Rub ice cubes over the face and neck each morning.

This really helps stimulate blood flow and tightens the skin – it’s great for eliminating puffy skin.

4

Look in the mirror Stand in front of a mirror and try to see yourself just as you could be, suggests cognitive hypnotherapist Kirsty Hanly (www.kirstyhanly.co.uk).

“Spend some time noticing how you would look if you were as relaxed as you would like to be,” says Kirsty. “Imagine ironing out any tension in the face, back and neck and notice the positive thoughts filling your head.”

Rediscover your childhood

Try 3 wrinkle busters

2-in1 formula If you find exercise dull, why New Olay Antinot revisit the playground games Wrinkle Instant you loved as a child? Hula-hooping is Wrinkle Smoother, wonderful for exercising your leg muscles £12.29/50ml Offers plumping and whittling your waist, while skipping hydration and instant with a rope is great for all-round wrinkle blurring fitness. Meanwhile, a report says technology in one trampolines are 68 per cent more easy step. efficient than jogging for keeping fit. The Reebok mini trampoline folds flat and costs £69.95 Quick fix from John Lewis.

A cheap and painfree way to an instant face-lift: combine two egg whites with some honey and a little milk. Mix to a thick paste and apply to cleansed skin for 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and apply your usual moisturiser.

You’ll be amazed how much firmer and smoother your skin feels!

Sharon Hilditch (www.CrystalClear.co.uk)

Investment buy

Great anti-ageing

Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF30, £37.30/22ml Smoothes, protects and conditions skin as well as balancing skin tone with UVA and UVB protection.

Avon Anew Clinical Pro Line Corrector Hydrating Cream, £24 Boosts collagen production as well as increasing hydration.

YOUNGER LIPS IN 3 EASY STEPS Use a lip liner, it will help your lipstick stay put and will stop it creeping into fine lines.

Choose a nude shade or one close to your lipstick and line and fill your lips.

Apply a coral-toned lip colour straight from the tube over the top, blending well. Steer clear of matte formulas, choose a sheer moisturising formula.

Blot and finish with a dab of a clear gloss in the centre of your bottom lip, which will give the illusion of fuller lips. A touch of highlighter across your cupid’s bow will also help give them shape.

1

2 3

‘Every night I use eye make-

Reader up remover, cleanser, toner

Tip

and moisturiser, then the same in the morning. I’m told my skin is pretty good – I’m 70 next year so it must be paying off!’ Glenys Nock

TRY A DOSE OF DENIM A smart pair of jeans with a simple white shirt is youthful, but still classic, or mix it up with denim separates.

3 STEPS TO

YOUNGER LOOKING HANDS Give your hands a quick youth boost with this easy DIY manicure.

File nails into Apply nail colour Soak fingers for a few minutes in a a modern and using three bowl of warm water practical squared strokes. Most nail to soften cuticles. oval shape. Remove varnishes will need Massage olive oil into any residue with nail a few coats and then your nails and push polish remover and finish with a glossy back cuticles with a apply a protective top coat. Run the cotton bud. Apply a base coat. brush over each nail hand cream over tip to seal for longer the top. lasting results.

1

2

3

3 anti-ageing nail varnish shades One of the quickest ways to youthful hands is with a pretty nail colour: Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Painted Peony, £6 Essie Nail Colour in Mint Candy, £7.99 OPI nail colour in My Paprika Is Hotter Than Yours, £11.50

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FIVE gluten-free puds These delicious recipes aren’t just for coeliacs – they are lower in fat, very tasty and utterly irresistible!

Lemon Cheesecake with Forest Fruits No cooking required for this pud – just a good ol’ refrigerator Preparation time: 50 minutes Chilling time: up to 5 hours ■ 50g (2oz) unsalted butter ■ 25g (1oz) light soft brown sugar ■ 3 tbsp golden syrup ■ 115g (4oz) gluten-free cornflakes ■ 11g (1/4oz) sachet powdered gelatin ■ 225g (8oz) medium-fat soft cheese 84

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■ 150g (5oz) Greek yogurt ■ 150ml (1/4pt) reduced-fat single cream ■ Finely grated rind and juice of 2 lemons ■ 75g (3oz) caster sugar ■ 2 eggs, separated ■ 225g (8oz) mixed, prepared fresh forest fruits ■ Icing sugar, for dusting

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Serves 8

Per serving 297 cals

Fat 15.2g

Sat fat 6.7g

1. Heat the butter, brown sugar and syrup in a pan and stir until blended.

Remove from heat and mix in the cornflakes.

2. Press into the base of a deep, loose-bottomed, cake tin. Chill for 30 minutes.

3. Sprinkle the gelatin into 3 tbsp water and soak for a few minutes, stirring the bowl over a pan of simmering water until dissolved. Beat the cheese, yogurt, cream, lemon rind and juice, caster sugar and

TOP TIP Substitute crisped rice cereal for the cornflakes if preferred

egg yolks together until smooth.

4. Beat the hot gelatin into the cheese and lemon mixture.

5. Whisk the egg mixture until stiff, then fold in.

6. Pour over the base and chill for 4-5 hours until set.

Decorate with mixed fruits, dust lightly with icing sugar and serve.

FOOD

notes

Peach and Raspberry Crumble Give the autumnal favourite a taste of summer and serve cold Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes ■ 75g (3oz) brown rice flour ■ 50g (2oz) soft margarine ■ 25g (1oz) buckwheat flakes ■ 25g (1oz) millet flakes ■ 25g (1oz) hazelnuts, roughly chopped ■ 75g (3oz) soft light (golden) brown sugar ■ 1 tsp ground ginger ■ 3 fresh peaches, stoned

✢ Why gluten-free?

Gluten-free diets cut out the protein gluten, found in grains like wheat, barley and rye.

Some people are allergic to it, or are intolerant, but there are other potential benefits to going gluten-free. Some people find that removing it from their diet means they have more energy, and experience fewer digestive problems such as bloating.

and cut into wedges ■ 225g (8oz) raspberries ■ 4 tbsp fresh orange juice 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.

Grease a 1.2l (2pt) pie dish.

Place the rice flour in a bowl and rub in the margarine until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Stir in the buckwheat flakes, millet flakes, hazelnuts, 50g (2oz) of the sugar, and the ginger. Mix well.

3. Mix the peaches, raspberries, orange juice and remaining sugar together and place in the dish. Sprinkle the crumble over the top, pressing it down lightly. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until the crumble is lightly browned.

Serve warm or cold.

Summer Strawberry Roulade A classic summer flavour, bursting with creaminess with a hint of mint Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus cooling time Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves 8

Per serving 190 cals

Fat 5.7g

Sat fat 2.5g

Serves 4

Per serving 369 cals

Fat 14.4g

Sat fat 2.5g

TOP TIP You'll find the gluten-free products you need for these recipes in most supermarkets

■ 3 eggs ■ 115g (4oz) caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp extra for sprinkling ■ 115g (4oz) gluten-free plain flour ■ 150g (5oz) Greek yogurt ■ 150g (5oz) mascarpone ■ 225g (8oz) strawberries, sliced ■ Strawberries and mint sprigs, to decorate 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.

Place the eggs and caster sugar in a large bowl over a pan of simmering water.

Whisk until pale, creamy, and thick.

2. Remove from the heat and whisk until cool. Sift half the flour over, then fold in.

Sift the remaining flour over and fold in, with 1 tbsp hot water.

3. Pour into a greased and lined Swiss roll tin, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until well risen, goldenbrown and firm. Meanwhile, sprinkle a sheet of baking parchment with 2tbsp of remaining caster sugar.

4. Turn out the hot cake onto the paper, trim any crusty edges and quickly roll up the cake with the paper inside. Leave on a wire rack.

5. Once cool, carefully unroll the cake. Mix the yogurt and mascarpone and spread over. Scatter strawberries over before re-rolling the cake. Garnish with extra berries and mint.

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y knitting y

What a sweetie!

This gorgeous little bolero jacket can be knitted in sizes birth to age six

ABBREVIATIONS Alt – alternate; beg – begin(ning); cm – centimetres; cont – continue(ing); dec – decrease(ing); DK – double knitting; foll – follow(ing); g – grammes; in – inch(es); inc – increase(ing); k – knit; mm – millimetres; 0 – no stitches, times or rows; p – purl; rep – repeat; RS – right side; st(s) – stitch(es); st-st – stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows); tog – together; WS – wrong side.

MATERIALS 1(1:2:2:2:3) 50g balls of Peter Pan DK yarn in shade 918 Daisy.

Pair each of 3.25mm (UK10) and 4mm (UK8) knitting needles.

3.25mm (UK10) circular knitting needle.

1 button.

Yarn quantities are based on average requirements when specified tension and yarn is used. Different yarn may be used but ensure tension of replacement yarn matches that stated in the pattern for the best results.

NOTES Figures in brackets () refer to larger sizes (see measurements chart). Where one set of figures is given this applies to all sizes. If a zero is given, this means you do not need to work these instructions. Circle the size you wish to make before you start.

BACK

TENSION Always check tension carefully and adjust needle sizes throughout if necessary. 22 sts and 31 rows = 10cm/4in square over pattern using 4mm (UK8) needles or the size required to give the correct tension. It is essential to work to the stated tension to ensure success.

Using 4mm (UK8) needles cast on 47(53:59:67:73:79) sts.

Work in st-st throughout as follows: Starting with a knit row st-st 12(14:22:26:30:42) rows.

Shape armholes Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 41(47:53:61:67:73) sts.

3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th sizes only Work (2:6:6:6) rows dec one stitch at each end of

MEASUREMENTS Age 0-3 3-6 6-12 1-2 3-4 5-6 months months months years years years To fit chest 41

46

51

56

61

66 cm

16

18

20

22

24

26

in

Actual measurement 43 17

48

54

61

66

72 cm

19

1

24

26

281/4 in

28

33 cm

21 /4

Length from shoulder (approx) 17

19

1

1

6 /2

7 /2

23

25

9

3

9 /4

11

13

in

2.5 cm

Sleeve length (adjustable) 2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.5

1

1

1

1

1

90

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in

Yours tip

Use a row counter or pen and paper to count rows.

every row. (49:49:55:61) sts.

All sizes Work 4(8:6:6:8:10) rows dec one stitch at each end of next and every foll alt row.

37(39:43:43:47:51) sts.

Cont without shaping until armholes measure 10(11:12:13:14:15)cm/4(41/4:43/4: 51/4:51/2:6)in ending with a WS row.

Shape shoulders Cast off 4(5:5:5:5:6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 29(29:33:33:37:39) sts.

Cast off 5(5:5:5:5:6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 19(19:23:23:27:27) sts.

Cast off.

fOR KNITTERS WITh MORE ExpERIENCE

★★★

hOME

& craft LEfT fRONT Using 4mm (UK8) needles cast on 12(14:14:15:15:16) sts.

Work in st-st throughout as follows: 1st row knit.

2nd row inc in first stitch, purl to end.

Inc at this same front edge for the next 6 rows. 19(21:21:22:22:23) sts.

1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th sizes only Work 3(2:2:6:2) rows, inc one stitch at front edge in every row. 22(23:24:28:25) sts.

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th sizes only Work (3:13:15:13:25) rows, inc one stitch at front edge in next and every foll alt row.

(25:28:32:35:38) sts.

All sizes Work 1(1:1:1:3:7) rows without shaping.

Shape armhole Next row cast off 3 sts, work to end.

19(22:25:29:32:35) sts.

Next row purl.

3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th sizes only Work (2:6:6:6) rows dec one stitch at armhole edge in every row. (23:23:26:29) sts.

All sizes Work 4(8:6:6:8:10) rows dec one stitch at armhole edge in next and every foll alt row. 17(18:20:20:22:24) sts.

Cont without shaping until armhole measures 5(6:7:7:8:9)cm/2(21/2:23/4:23/4: 3:31/2)in, ending with a RS row.

Shape neck Next row cast off 3(3:4:4:5:5) sts, work to end. 14(15:16:16:17:19) sts.

Work one row.

Work 5(5:6:6:7:7) rows dec one stitch at neck edge in every row.

9(10:10:10:10:12) sts.

Cont without shaping until armhole measures 10(11:12:13:14:15) cm/4(41/4:43/4: 51/4:51/2:6)in, ending with a WS row.

Shape shoulder Next row cast off 4(5:5:5:5:6) sts, work to end. 5(5:5:5:5:6) sts.

Work one row.

Cast off.

RIGhT fRONT Using 4mm (UK8) needles cast on 12(14:14:15:15:16) sts.

Work in st-st throughout as follows: 1st row knit.

2nd row purl to last stitch, inc in last stitch.

Inc at this same front edge for the next 6 rows. 19(21:21:22:22:23) sts.

1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th sizes only Work 3(2:2:6:2) rows inc one stitch at front edge in every row. 22(23:24:28:25) sts.

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th sizes only Work (3:13:15:13:25) rows inc one stitch

››

at front edge in next and every foll alt row.

(25:28:32:35:38) sts.

All sizes Work 2(2:2:2:4:8) rows without shaping.

Shape armhole Next row cast off 3 sts, work to end.

19(22:25:29:32:35) sts.

3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th sizes only Work (2:6:6:6) rows dec one stitch at armhole edge in every row. (23:23:26:29) sts.

All sizes Work 4(8:6:6:8:10) rows dec one stitch at armhole edge in next and every foll alt row. 17(18:20:20:22:24) sts.

Cont without shaping until armhole measures 5(6:7:7:8:9)cm/2(21/2:23/4:23/4: 3:31/2)in ending with a WS row.

Shape neck Next row cast off 3(3:4:4:5:5) sts, work to end. 14(15:16:16:17:19) sts.

Work 5(5:6:6:7:7) rows dec one stitch at neck edge in every row. 9(10:10:10:10:12) sts.

Cont without shaping until armhole measures 10(11:12:13:14:15)cm/4(41/4:43/4: 51/4:51/2:6)in, ending with a RS row.

Shape shoulder Next row cast off 4(5:5:5:5:6) sts, work to end. 5(5:5:5:5:6) sts.

Work one row.

Cast off.

SLEEVES (both alike) Using 3.25mm (UK10) needles cast on 62(77:87:87:87:92) sts.

1st row * k2, cast off 2 sts, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. 38(47:53:53:53:56) sts.

2nd row purl to end, dec 0(2:2:2:0:0) sts and inc 1(0:0:0:0:1) sts in centre of row.

39(45:51:51:53:57) sts.

Work in st-st throughout as follows: Starting with a knit row, st-st 4 rows.

Change to 4mm (UK8) needles.

Shape sleeve top Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows.

33(39:45:45:47:51) sts.

1st size only Work 4 rows dec one stitch at each end of 1st row. 31 sts.

3rd size only Work 2 rows dec one stitch at each end of every row. 41 sts.

All sizes Work 13(19:17:17:25:25) rows dec one stitch at each end of next and every foll alt row. 17(19:23:27:21:25) sts.

3rd, 4th and 6th sizes only

Work (2:4:2) rows dec one stitch at each end of every row. (19:19:21) sts.

All sizes Next row * p2tog, rep from * to last st, p1.

9(10:10:10:11:11) sts.

Cast off.

NECKBAND Join shoulder seams.

With RS facing, using 3.25mm (UK10) needles, starting at right front, pick up and knit 16(16:17:20:21:21) sts evenly along right side of neck, 19(19:23:23:27:27) sts evenly along back of neck and 16(16:17:20:21:21) sts evenly along left side of neck.

51(51:57:63:69:69) sts.

Starting with a purl row st-st 5 rows.

Cast off, making picot edge as follows: Cast off 2 sts, * slip remaining st on right hand needle to left hand needle, cast on 2 sts then cast off 5 sts, rep from * to end.

fRONT AND hEM EDGING Join side seams.

With RS facing, using 3.25mm (UK10) circular needle, starting at left front pick up and knit 5 sts evenly along neckband, 14(16:19:23:23:29) sts evenly along straight edge, 12(14:22:28:28:36) sts evenly along shaped edge, 12(14:14:15:15:16) sts evenly along cast on edge at left front, 45(51:57:65:71:77) sts evenly along cast on edge at back, 12(14:14:15:15:16) sts evenly along cast on edge at right front, 12(14:22:28:28:36) sts evenly along shaped edge, 14(16:19:23:23:29) sts evenly along straight edge and 5 sts evenly along neckband. 131(149:177:207:213:249) sts.

1st row purl.

2nd row knit.

3rd row p3, cast off 2 sts, purl to end.

4th row knit to last 3 sts, cast on 2 sts, k3.

5th row purl.

Cast off making picot edge as instructions given for neckband.

MAKE Up Fold sleeves in half lengthways.

Placing folds to shoulder seams, sew sleeves in position. Join sleeve seams.

Sew on button. Pin out garment to the measurements given. Press as instructions given on ball band. Refer to ball band for washing and further care instructions.

Stockists: For help finding Peter Pan stockists and yarns and for pattern help call 01943 872264 or visit www.tbramsden.co.uk ✢ Click online: for loads more patterns ready to download, visit www.yours.co.uk/knitting

Now visit www.yours.co.uk for patterns to try whatever your ability

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Next issue: Knit this cute v-neck YOURS sweater for your little prince

EVERY FORTNIGHT

91

❙ star chat ❙

My lessons from life…

Renowned author Barbara Taylor Bradford chats about what’s influenced her work and writing I started writing feature stories when I was a typist on the Yorkshire Post. One of the first was about a woman known locally as Polly the witch who someone told me was the sister of the richest man in Leeds. So I knocked on her door and wrote a story about her.

The editor was intrigued and that’s how it all started.

I write a book a year and I can’t ever imagine retiring. I always say I’ll die with my boots on. I’m bad at switching off so my husband Bob asks when the latest book will be finished and then books a cruise for the two of us. By the time I’m packing to go, I’m glad he’s made me take a break.

✢ New books are a challenge The best part of my career is the writing itself – I couldn’t live without it. I’m not the sort of woman who likes long lunches or drifting aimlessly around the shops.

A new book is a challenge; it keeps my mind as sharp as a tack.

Barbara with husband Bob and below, with their two adorable Bichon Frisés, Chammi and Beaji

✢ Dogs are a delight I have a Bichon Frisé called Chammi, who’s 17. We got our first dog, Gemmy, at the end of the Seventies; it took me four years to recover when she died aged 12.

I got another Bichon, called Beaji, and then Chammi came quite quickly afterwards so they could be company for each other.

✢ My father was very strict My father, Winston (after Churchill) was a wonderful raconteur so I

WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? My mother, Freda. She was the one who taught me to read before I was four and who instilled in me a lifelong love of Dickens. She took me to stately homes.

She educated me about painting and furniture and the theatre. She sent my first short story to a children’s magazine when I was ten and they bought it for 7s6d.

She’s the one who set me on the road.

YOURS

EVERY FORTNIGHT

must have inherited his storytelling skills. He was very strict. He was disappointed, as was my mother, when I went into journalism. They’d hoped I’d go to Leeds University, but they both lived long enough to see my first book published and they were proud of me for that.

✢ Loyalty and trust are priceless My new book is called Secrets from the Past. I’ve always been someone who can keep a secret because, if I’ve promised, I’d never break a confidence. I know a lot of things about a lot of people but I’d never reveal them. That’s why they confide in me. I’m loyal and I’m trustworthy.

✢ I wish I’d started writing earlier!

If I could speak to my 16-year-old self now, I’d have one piece of advice: start writing novels earlier!

I didn’t start my first, A Woman of Substance, until my late 30s and it wasn’t published until my early 40s.

Even so, I’ve written 28 books and I’m now working on my 29th. ✢ Barbara was talking to Richard Barber. ✢ Her new book, Secrets of the Past, is published by HarperCollins at £14.99.

PICS: EDDIE SANDERSON/SCOPE FEATURES; REX FEATURES

✢ I was born to write

✢ Retirement isn’t for everyone