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ISSUE 186

yours.co.uk

expert health advice!

protect your heart 3 simple steps to a long & healthy life

Look younger beauty secrets Wise buys that really work!

Hairy Bikers

‘Why we will never split up’

Kate and Will

Why their love is stronger than ever Knit this ballerina FREE bear PATTERN

Miracle Jeans

What works for your shape

from £18

Feb 4-17 2014 £1.40

❤❤H eart ❤ ❤ to H eart

‘Why we’l l

Hairy Bikers Dave Myers and Si King chat to Yours about their latest TV adventure in Asia, their passion for food and their unbreakable bond

By Alison James hat you see is what you get with the Hairy Bikers. On introducing yourself, you’re immediately swept up into a big ‘hairy’ bear hug from Si and then Dave.

Dave, of course, took to the dance floor on Strictly last year while Si is, well, the other one!

Life-long foodies, they’ve known each other for more than 20 years – both were working behind the scenes in film and TV before they joined forces. It’s now their eighth year on TV and while Dave did Strictly, the thought of either of them pursuing a food project alone is simply unthinkable.

“It just wouldn’t be the same if either of us branched out on our own,” says Si (46). “We fill in the gaps for each other and it just

W

Dave dancing on Strictly and the boys (right), enjoying their Asian adventure

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works. We’ll look at a recipe together or decide what we’re going to cook and it never takes us very long to work out who’ll do what. We just kind of know what we’re going to do and who’s going to make which part of the dish. We both like bikes and food, so it works. That’s all you need.”

“It wouldn’t be nearly so much fun on your own,” adds Dave (56).

“The good times – like getting to ride elephants in Asia and experiencing Japan – are made so much better because we’re doing it together. But when the going’s tough, we go for a pint and have that tough day together.”

The two had an extremely tough day while they were filming The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure. So tough that, for some minutes, neither thought they’d survive!

“We’d gone fishing early in the morning with local fishermen from a small island off Phuket in southern Thailand,” Si recalls.

“It was monsoon season and a storm came in. Then our small boat began to fill with water.

The fishermen were shouting, trying to haul the nets in and the boat started to tilt in a very frightening manner. I could hardly move as

Best mates: Si and Dave have known each other for more than 20 years

the boat was so small but tried to help the fishermen. Meanwhile Dave was yelling at me to sit still.

We both looked at each other and thought, ‘This is it...’ but thankfully it wasn’t. The storm died down and we realised there was a large boat quite close to us on standby – we hadn’t been able to see it before.”

A rather less traumatic venture during the series was visiting a Sumo Wrestlers’ abode in Japan – known as a ‘Sumo Stable’.

“The wrestlers are absolutely massive – around 35 stone – and

❙ star chat ❙

telling us they couldn’t afford it!” says Si. “It’s not just the food that makes the series fascinating, although that was amazing, but the cultural exchanges and the diversity of the different places we visited is also a real eye-opener. We reckon cultural exchanges can often be very well represented through food – particularly when it’s done in a light-hearted way.”

Although Dave did Strictly, don’t expect to see Si on a reality TV show any time soon.

“I’d rather eat my own foot!

That kind of thing is just not me.

I was so proud of Dave, though.

He did so well and we were all routing for him in the North East.”

On hearing this, Dave gives his cooking partner a fond, if slightly embarrassed, look. Such is the chemistry between them it comes as no surprise to learn ✢ The Hairy Bikers they’ve only had one major Asian Adventure falling out in all the years is due to start they’ve worked together. And on BBC2 on that was over mayonnaise!

February 13 We reckon this pair is the tastiest TV twosome ever!

consume 20,000 calories a day.

Imagine the exact opposite of a diet – that’s what they eat,” Dave explains. “When Si and I got ‘into the ring’ with them, they’d been training for four hours and were very sweaty. I got into a hold with a 35-stone lad and it was like hitting a brick wall. I had to put my hands under his armpits and it was like feeling my way through a jelly duvet! Si and I then had a little wrestle but it felt very unnatural – it’s not something northern British lads do, is it!”

Other highlights from the

series include helping a Chinese granny cook a banquet in her tiny Hong-Kong tenement flat, going to a squid festival in Korea, making jungle curry on the Burmese border and sampling street food in Bangkok. For Dave, who lives in Barrow-in-Furness with his wife Lili and two step-children, and Si, who lives with wife Jane and their three children in nearby Tyne and Wear, The Hairy Bikers Asian Adventure is the culmination of a long-held ambition.

“It was a trip we wanted to make for years but the BBC kept

WIN

the latest Hairy Bikers book…

We have five copies of The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure to give away, featuring more than 100 recipes from the kitchens of Asia to cook at home.

Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, £20 hardback, (eBook £10.99). To enter send a postcard marked ‘Hairy Bikers’ Book’ to PO Box 57, Coates, PE7 2FF by Feb 21. ✢ If you don’t want to be contacted in the future

by Yours magazine please write ‘no further contact’ clearly on the postcard.

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PICS: ANDREW HAYES-WATKINS; BBC PICTURES

l l never split up’

Purrfect place Retired nurse Liz Dyas felt destined to care for people or animals. After opening the country’s first therapeutic cats’ café, she’s doing both

By Carole Richardson f everybody really wants to be a cat, we’d all happily swap places with the six resident felines at the UK’s first cats’ café in Totnes, Devon.

New aristocats Rolo, Lilac, Glee, Jet, Felix and Mango share one main purr-pose in life – to be adored by animal lovers who, for various reasons, can’t keep pets at home.

Former midwife Liz Dyas (75) opened the town centre café in May last year after reading about the Japanese trend for feline therapy lounges, where customers living in homes too cramped for animals go to stroke away their stress.

“I thought it was a marvellous idea,” says Liz, who has worked with animals since retiring from nursing at 55.

“Cats are very relaxing creatures to be around; they bring so much joy and are hugely therapeutic.”

Brought up around animals – including living on a farm for three years – Liz sees her own life without animals as unthinkable.

“I feel sorry for people who can’t have pets. My own three children grew up with pets but some of my ten grandchildren live in London and it just isn’t practical.

“There are all sorts of reasons people can’t keep animals – whether allergies, age, or a lack of space or time to care for them properly.”

I

A cuppa and a cuddle please! Liz’s cats help people unwind and relax

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✢ The Totnes cats’ café can be found at 51C Fore Street, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5NJ. For more details visit www.totnescatscafe. org.uk

❙ real life ❙

ce for a cuppa!

‘They’re all cats who love people and company. Just like people, they all have their own personalities’ heating, music and sun loungers, they were able to fund the Devon Wildlife Hospital until 2012.

“It was a hard decision to give up the hospital but working with wild birds can cause respiratory problems and Bill was affected.

We had no choice,” she adds.

Left with just the cattery to run, and used to working round the clock, she decided to start her new venture.

“Over the years, many people had said they’d love a cat but couldn’t have one so when I read about the Japanese trend, I decided to open one here.”

Sinking their savings into the project, it took 18 months of organisation – including environmental health checks – before the café opened.

The cats were all specially selected by Liz to live in the café from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. “These cats love people and company. Just like people, they all have their own personalities. It wouldn’t suit all cats to do this,” she says.

Customers have to be over 16 but children often view the cats’ antics through the café window.

Admission is free but customers are expected to buy a drink or a pre-wrapped snack to keep the not-for-profit service afloat.

Apart from one paid-for helper, the café runs on volunteers – and Liz. “We restrict numbers so it doesn’t get too crowded and spoils the whole relaxing environment.

Visitors come from all walks of life, but they soon get chatting as if they’ve known each other for years. It’s really strange but lovely at the same time.”

Close to nearby universities, it is proving popular with homesick local students living away from home for the first time. “They may not always miss their parents but they miss their cats!” laughs Liz. Part of the service, Liz also offers free bereavement counselling. “It really is helping people in so many ways,” she adds.

The busier the café becomes, the less chance Liz has of putting her feet up and relaxing, but that

From top, the café cats greet customers, Mango pawses for a photo and Glee has a little play

doesn’t worry her – even with an occasionally troublesome hip.

Unlike her cats, she’s aware that she doesn’t have nine lives.

“You’ve only got one life; it’s sad not to make the most of your opportunities,” she maintains.

When first opened, the nearest cats café to Totnes was in Vienna, but the idea has since been copied elsewhere, including London – and Liz approves, “There should be one in every town!”

Land of the rising pet cafés!

Cat cafés are hugely popular in Japan – Tokyo is home to at least 39. Their popularity is attributed to many apartments forbidding pets, and to cats providing relaxing companionship in what may otherwise be a stressful and lonesome urban life. Some feature specific categories of cat, but all must comply with strict rules ensuring cleanliness and animal welfare. Many also seek to raise awareness of cat welfare issues, such as abandoned and stray cats. But it’s not just moggies – there’s also rabbit-themed cafés and one with a goat!

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PICS: POLARIS/EYEVINE; THEO MOYE/UNP

Destined for a career caring for animals or people, Liz has managed to combine both. She trained to be a nurse in her teens, and enjoyed a long career as a midwife and health visitor before opening a hedgehog hospital – Prickly Ball Farm – in 1990.

Open to the public and attracting 100,000 visitors a year, admission fees helped to finance their work caring for sick and abandoned wildlife.

In 2005 Liz and her husband Bill (77) sold the farm to concentrate on wildlife work. By opening a posh cattery – Cool For Cats – complete with central

JEANS

Style notes

Save yourself some legwork with our guide to the best flattering, figure-fixing jeans

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

QUALITY FEEL

Lighter denim wash Wizard Straight-Leg Jeans, sizes 6-20, £95, Wizard Michelle’s verdict: The lighter wash makes a change but it isn’t very flattering – other shades are available, however. The jeans themselves felt fairly basic and the material was quite thin but they are nicely cut and fit well. Perhaps more suited to a younger buyer.

Expensive for the results they 1 gave, we prefer a stiffer denim 5 for a bit more support.

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Universally flattering shape Magisculpt Flat Tummy Jeans, sizes 12-32, £45, Marisota Michelle’s verdict: These have a built-in support panel to the front and control waistband to help flatten the tummy, although this support is light. They do have an unusual seam detail that runs down the back of each leg which might not be to everyone’s taste, but it was quite subtle and flattering. They fitted our model Gill beautifully and looked smart and stylish. Not the cheapest but felt great 4 quality. Leg lengths 28, 31 5 and 34 inch are available.

Skinny fit Slim & Shape Darkwash StraightLeg Jeans, sizes 8-20, £26, Bhs Michelle’s verdict: For a straight leg jean, these were actually more of a skinny style, but if you like a close fit, they’re a good choice. The higher waistline gives you a builtin tummy smoothing panel and even though they sit high, they don’t look extreme. Clever seam details on the back pockets help streamline everything. Tight on the leg so be cautious 3 if you’re curvy. Available in different leg 5 lengths and in black shade, too.

STOCKISTS: Bhs 0844 411 6000; George at Asda 0800 952 0101; Marisota 0871 984 6000; Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200; Wizard Jeans 0800 083 7472 ALL DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. UNFORTUNATELY WE CANNOT GUARANTEE AVAILABILITY, PARTICULARLY DURING SALE TIME.

on test BARGAIN PRICE

How to find your perfect pair

✢ Dark denim is the most flattering TOP shade whatever your shape or size, but black and dark colours can look good.

Be careful in summer as lots of the lighter washes and whites are really unflattering. ✢ Decide whether you want to wear them with flats or heels and take shoes to try them on with. ✢ Take a friend who will be honest and patient!

You may have to try quite a few pairs to find your perfect match. ✢ While a bootcut style is universally flattering, don’t be afraid to try straight-leg, flared and even skinny – you might be surprised! ✢ Try sitting in them to check whether they gape or feel uncomfortable.

TIPS

Great alternative to blue or black Truly Wow Coloured Slim-leg Jeans, sizes 12-32, £42, Marisota Michelle’s verdict: Slim-leg fit, with angled pockets to create the illusion of a perkier bottom. They are true to size and have cleverly concealed elastic on the back waistband to help prevent that annoying gape. Most of all we love the gorgeous wine shade, which makes a nice change and is actually really flattering. They also come in dark green. Leg 4 lengths 27, 30 and 33 inch 5 are available.

››

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

Super value The Great Bum and Tum Bootcut Jeans, sizes 8-24, £18, George at Asda Michelle’s verdict: Not for the faint hearted these are very high waisted, but are great if you want to hide a wobbly tummy and hate a muffin top. The dark denim shade is smart and flattering and they feel comfortable. They don’t have belt loops, so if the denim gives you might find you have to keep pulling them up, which is a bit annoying.

3 Available in short, 5 regular and long leg lengths but even the short comes up very long so make sure you try them on first! They are a great price though.

OVERALL WINNER Super stretchy feel

››

Next issue: Gorgeous luxurious looks that won’t break the bank

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PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN; PIC ALAMY

Sculpt & Lift Slim Bootleg Jeans, sizes 6-24, £35, Marks & Spencer Michelle’s verdict: Super stretchy, this pair fitted Gill snugly, but without feeling tight. The jean material didn’t feel stiff at all and they feature clever shaperetention fabric, so should keep their shape. Of all the styles we tested, this pair fitted the best and felt the comfiest. They’re smart, come in three different leg lengths – short, medium and long – and all for a great price. They were our 5 favourite by a mile!

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hEalth &

vitality Play some music

1

Listening to music has been shown to have a calming effect – but now researchers have found that it could give you energy as well.

German researchers have discovered that music helps to make physical tasks seem easier and actually helps your muscles save energy so you get less tired.

7 ways to...

get more

energy We all want a bit more get up and go.

Try these simple steps to feeling more energetic today By health Editor, Rebecca Speechley Spice things up

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Be mindful

2

Taking time out to practice mindfulness meditation every day could help you to beat fatigue. Meditation encourages you to focus on the here and now, instead of worrying about the past and the future. Swiss researchers have found that people who meditate regularly feel less stressed and appear to have more energy than those who don’t. Find out more at www.bemindful.co.uk

Eating chilli peppers could help speed up your metabolism and help your body use the energy from your food instead of storing it. If you don’t like chillies or spicy foods you can still get the benefits by taking a supplement such as Chiliburn (£21.98/60 tablets). As well as chilli extract it contains green tea and other micro-nutrients which have been found to improve energy levels.

Available from good health stores. Find out more at www.newnordic.co.uk

See the sun

4

Tiredness is more common in winter as dark days make your body produce more of the sleepy hormone melatonin. Try to get outside as much as you can – especially on sunny days. A lunchtime walk could really improve your energy.

B See your GP before taking vitamin supplements or herbal remedies, particularly if you take prescribed medicines. always speak to your GP before stopping medication or before starting any diet or exercise regime.

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Eating chilli peppers could help to speed up your metabolism Chew more

5

The more you chew your food, the easier it is for your body to absorb the energy from it. A study found that people who chewed each mouthful of food between 25 and 40 times absorbed more usable energy than those who chew their food fewer than ten times. Take time over your meals for a fast energy boost.

y yours promotion y

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A cup of sugary tea, a chocolate bar or a biscuit might feel like the ideal pick-me-up but your energy boost won’t last long. A sugar hit will lead to an energy slump so instead, choose a proteinbased snack such as low-fat natural yogurt and fruit, or some nuts such as almonds.

These will give you sustained energy that should keep you going until your next meal.

See red

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When you’re feeling tired have a look at something red. Scientists have found that seeing the colour red gives you an energy boost, making your reactions faster and more forceful. The researchers think that red triggers your ‘fight or flight’ response and encourages your body to release energy because red is associated with danger.

When you’re feeling tired, have a look at something red

Get more energy Encourage your body to use energy more efficiently with New Nordic Chili Burn (£21.98/60 tablets). Each Chili Burn tablet contains an advanced blend of chilli extract, green tea and micronutrients to help your body burn calories and provide you with more energy.

Chili Burn uses only the very best stomach-friendly chilli extract and a highly potent green tea extract very rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate – the active compound in green tea). These, combined with chromium piccolinate, B vitamins and magnesium, could help to maintain the normal metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and proteins from your meals and help to convert these ‘body fuels’ into energy efficiently. The chromium in Chili Burn is also important for maintaining normal blood glucose levels, helping you avoid energy slumps and food cravings.

Chili Burn is easy to take – one tablet with lunch and one with dinner should keep your metabolism working efficiently all day long.

B Find out more at www.newnordic.co.uk Food supplements are intended to supplement the diet, and should not be a substitute for a varied diet or healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated dose. Caution: Do not use if you have a liver disorder or symptoms such as dark urine or jaundice. Seek professional advice before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Warning: Not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Keep out of reach of children.

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pICS: jUMp FOTO AND SHUTTERSTOCK

Skip sugar

Good to KNOW...

How to...

find friendship (and love)

You’re never too old to find happiness

By Lizzy Dening

Meet our expert Corinne Sweet is a leading relationship psychologist. For more information on Corinne Sweet, visit www.corinnesweet.com

W

e all long to be loved – whether romantically or by friends who accept us for who we are, but life can take cruel twists, leaving us widowed or divorced or simply feeling alone. Even if you’re not looking for romance, most of us would like more friends, particularly when retirement or an empty nest means we may have more time and freedom but are less likely to meet people in day to day situations.

Whether it’s love or friendship you’re looking for, you can’t just sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. However, don’t make your search for a relationship the centre of your life. Concentrate instead on keeping busy, meeting a range of new people and, of course, making sure you continue to nurture existing relationships with your old friends or family.

“Strong friendships are important as they help us through all the ups and downs in life: relationship breakup, birth, death, new jobs, weight loss, and new love,” says relationship psychologist

You’ll instinctively know when the time is right for a new relationship 58

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Why not start a lunch group and ask everyone to bring one friend?

Corinne Sweet. “Friendship is the glue that bonds us together.”

Life after divorce Searching for romance after a marriage break up can be tough.

Whether you initiated the divorce, or it was your partner’s choice, it can be tricky to let go of old habits and resentments. Even if the divorce was your decision, it’s important to allow yourself time to grieve for your marriage – after all, life as you knew it has ended and whatever follows is unknown and daunting.

Use this period to really get to know

yourself, as it’s almost certain your married life will have been spent learning to compromise and trying to please others. Now’s you chance to explore hobbies you might not have had time for, travel to new places, make time for friends, get fit, and allow yourself to unravel the bitterness and emotional baggage that a divorce can sometimes bring.

Take your time If you’ve been bereaved, looking for a new love initially will be the last thing on your mind, but given time it may be something you wish to pursue.

A great way to find love or make new pals is to sign up to Yours Friendship & Romance online. A simpleto-use service tailored to men and women over 50, there are specialist sections for those seeking love post-divorce or after a bereavement, so you can meet others in a similar situation. For more information or to sign up, visit www.yoursfriendshipandromance.co.uk We’re here to help every step of the way. If you have any concerns, or just don’t know where to start, call our helpline on 0800 033 4053 or email your question to support@globalpersonals.co.uk

“Widows and widowers need honest and thoughtful, but also will tell specific expectations or a shopping plenty of time to grieve and recover,” you the truth when you need to hear list of desired traits,” adds Corinne. says Corinne. “Take the time to it,” says Corinne.

“This can lead to disappointment and get used to your own company.

“When it comes to a potential you could miss out on someone right It’s important to have time to learn partner, It’s best not to have too many under your nose.” who you are alone before throwing While you might dream of someone yourself into something new.” tall, dark and handsome, a more You’ll instinctively know when reasonable approach would be the time is right for a new to think about the attributes relationship; don’t let wellthat you can’t do without – Learning something new is a great place to meaning friends pressure a shared sense of humour, start: you’ll grow in confidence and never be you to ‘find a new mate’. or similar morals, for short of something to talk about, with the bonus that you example – and try to might just make friends for life (and possibly find What do be flexible about you want? love) while you’re at it. other details.

“The best way to meet someone new is to take up new Once you’ve “Try to make activities,” says Corinne. “Community gardening, singing, decided to take the friends with people photography, travel, fitness classes – anything that gives you the plunge, the first of both sexes, opportunity to meet new people. Why not start a lunch group with sensible step is to have fun and enjoy your existing friends and ask everyone to bring along one friend of the really think about their company. opposite sex?” suggests Corinne. “And if you do meet someone you the qualities you’d Keep an open like, don’t be afraid to ask them out – it’s fine for women to take the like in a partner mind, and if it’s right, lead. At first, make it a small, low-key outing, such as a coffee in a or friend. romance will grow cafe or trip to the cinema, not a full-blown date.”

“A good friend is naturally,” If it still all feels a bit daunting you could always start adds Corinne. with an appeal in our Friends of Yours section to find penpals – it’s a free service so you’ve got nothing to lose.

Turn to page 75 to find out how to apply.

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PICS: SHUTTERSTOCK; MASTERFILE

A NEW START

❙ star chat ❙

My lessons from life…

Tenor Alfie Boe, soon to appear on ITV’s hit drama Mr Selfridge, talks family, fate and fatherhood…

I loved working on Mr Selfridge and made some really good friends.

I was nervous because I hadn’t done much screen acting, but everybody supported me and gave me encouragement. I play a singer who has fallen on hard times, so I can relate to that to an extent as there were many years when I struggled.

You have to immerse yourself in the character.

✢ Believe in fate You have to trust in chance, fate and opportunity. I was working as a mechanic in Blackpool when a customer overheard me singing and gave me his card. It turned out he had connections in the music industry, and here I am today. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t, but if you have a positive frame of mind

and really visualise yourself in the situation you want to be in, nine times out of ten it turns out for the best.

✢ Surround yourself with family I’m the youngest of nine, so when I was a kid the house was always buzzing with lots of people inviting friends round. When my older siblings started leaving home it was a difficult process because I missed the energy and the company. But they came back to visit, and even now when we get together the vibrancy is still there.

✢ Do it your way Starring in Les Misérables changed my life without a doubt, and it’s very special to me. I always get jokes about Hugh Jackman being chosen for the film version, but he’s a very credible actor who really deserved it. To keep that show alive it has to have different flavours. I played it my way, he played it his.

✢ Never forget your roots My wife, Sarah, is American and we split our time between our two countries, but England is always Superstar singer: Alfie Boe with wife Sarah who has helped him be the man he is today

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going to be home. It’s where things started for me, and the fans here are incredible. I’m so proud of my northern roots (Alfie was raised in Fleetwood, Lancashire). And I love the Royal Family, who represent England so well. I’ve been lucky enough to meet them on a few occasions, and they are loving, caring people who deserve every happiness in the world.

✢ There’s nothing better than parenthood Being a dad is incredible for me (Alfie has two children - Gracie, 5, and Alfred Robert, 2). I’m singing every song for my children now, and it’s great to have them to drive you forward. I would give everything for them. They are already showing love and compassion to each other and their friends, which makes me really proud. After all, the only lesson you really need in life is love.

✢ Alfie was talking to Laura Bradder ✢ Watch out for his guest appearance on Mr Selfridge, due to be screened on February 23, ITV1, 9pm. ✢ His album, Trust, is out now, priced from £6.99

WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? My parents gave me a grounding that helped me deal with life’s challenges and my wife helps me a lot with worries and concerns. And, of course, once you have children it’s difficult to explain the connection you have with them. There is nobody else around me who makes me who I am now like they do.

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PICS: ALAN OLLEY /SCOPEFEATURES.COM;, REX FEATURES, GETTY IMAGES

✢ Try something new