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‘Laughter

is such a great tonic’ Much-loved actress Brenda Blethyn, star of ITV’s popular detective series Vera, reveals the family legacy that has kept her strong

By Alison James ou start giggling pretty much as soon as you’re in the company of awardwinning actress Brenda Blethyn. You can’t help it.

She doesn’t crack endless jokes, but she has an innate sense of selfdeprecating humour.

“Laughter has always been a life saver for me,” she says. “It’s my mum and dad’s legacy to me.

They overcame such hardships bringing up nine of us in what can only be described as poverty and they did it with real humour.

There was a lot of shouting in our house when I was growing up but lots and lots of laughter, too.

“If you can laugh, you can deal with any situation. I mean, look at me this morning.

When I first woke up, I just couldn’t open my left eye. I seem to have some kind of infection in it. I wanted to look really nice today – I laid out my clothes last night

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in readiness and everything!

My husband Michael and I were really laughing about it before I left home.”

However, it has to be said that the TV series Vera isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs. “But she has a great sense of humour,” Brenda (68) says in her character’s defence. “I love Vera. She’s a one-off. She’s a loner, but she’s not lonely. I’m a bit like that, although I have family and she doesn’t.

When she’s working on a case, that’s all she thinks about. She’s totally focused. I think the same goes for me. Michael says my head always comes home a week after my body when I’ve been away working.

“It’s also wonderful playing a character with no ego and no vanity. She’s not quite as ‘bag-lady’ as she used to be, but she’s still not bothered what she looks like.

And, of course, she’s still wearing her distinctive green hat. She’s rarely seen without that.”

Although series Brenda with husband Michael four has only

recently started, Brenda is very much hoping there will be a series five. “We don’t know yet, but fingers crossed,” she says. “I think each series is better than the last. We’re like a family and filming in the North East is an absolute privilege. I love it. It’s beautiful up there. The location is like another character. And the people are so very friendly.

They like watching us film.

Sometimes it becomes a bit of a party when we’re filming in

Brenda as Vera wearing her trademark green hat

‘My parents overcame such hardships bringing up nine of us in what can only be described as poverty and they did it with real humour’ the evenings. They’ll bring their tables and chairs out on to the street and gather round with a bottle of wine.

“I’ll say, ‘I’m afraid we can’t join you because we’re working, but you go right ahead!’ And sometimes we attract a gang of kids who shout, ‘Vera, Vera, Vera – we love you, Vera!’ It’s so cute.”

Next up for Brenda is the release this summer of the film Two Men in Town. Filmed in New Mexico, it’s a movie about

a recently released prisoner who’s trying to turn his life around. Brenda plays his parole officer.

“I’m blonde in it but not at all glamorous,” she laughs. “The casting director said, ‘Brenda, I want you in my movie because you are so very, very ordinary’. I knew what he meant and rather than be offended, I was Her recent co-star Forest Whitaker flattered. Maybe I’m more

normal and ordinary because I didn’t start to act until I was in my 30s. You learn such a lot going out and working in other jobs, and I would hate not to have had that.

Without it, I wouldn’t have had much life experience and not so much to bring to my roles.

“I went to a correctional facility in Albuquerque before we started filming to see what it was like and those few days were an eye-opener, I can tell you. You would not believe the lengths people go to to escape urine tests.”

Brenda’s co-star in Two Men in Town is Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker. “I was a bit star struck about working with him at first,” she says. “But he’s adorable and we got on like a house on fire. He complimented me on some of my past work and I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, you’ve seen what I’ve done!’ He’s a megastar!

“I remember I was at a party once and Sidney Poitier walked in. He walked straight up to me and said, ‘Hello Brenda, lovely to meet you!’ I couldn’t believe it.

I don’t see myself in that league at all. I’m from Ramsgate, for heaven’s sake! Just because I’m a household name doesn’t mean I’m any different to anyone else.

The big Hollywood stars aren’t any different either, but we put people on pedestals, don’t we? I do it myself.”

Brenda is often recognised when she’s out and about.

“People come up to me and say things like, ‘Oooh, look at you doing your shopping!’. It’s fine but there are days when I think, ‘Oh God, I wish I’d combed my hair’!” ✢ Vera is on ITV1 on Sunday evenings.

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❙ star chat ❙

Style

FIND YOUR P

notes

NUDE

LIP COLOURS

Great for day wear, nude shades are effortless. Be careful to avoid true flat nudes, which can wash out some fairer skin tones

ROSE PINK

LIP COLOURS

Find your

perfect lipstick Younger-looking lips are within your reach with this handy guide to the perfect pout – whatever your age!

RED

By Beauty Editor, Michelle Nightingale

LIP COLOURS

RUBY’S LIPSTICK RULES

Meet the expert

Ruby Hammer is an international make-up artist and founder of www.ruby hammer.com

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✢ Texture is important. Unless you’re blessed with very full lips, avoid matt formulas which are tricky to wear and can highlight lip lines. ✢ Avoid very dark shades which can make lips look smaller and also look harsh against fairer skin tones. ✢ Never go for full gloss which can look tacky, but a little bit of sheen can be flattering. Add to the lower lip and it will cleverly give the illusion of fuller lips. ✢ Lip plumping products are a great investment so it’s worth finding one EVERY FORTNIGHT

Universally flattering, rose pink lipstick shades suit almost all skin tones. Great for mature skin, the right shade will give you a natural flush of colour

you like. A colourless lip liner is a must for outlining your lips before applying lipstick. Try Champneys Spa Facial Plumping Lip Gloss (£8/4ml) and Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner (£3.99). ✢ As you age, you need a bit of colour to avoid looking washed out and creamy textures are easy to wear. Choose something that’s moisturising, with a hint of sheen. Luckily, lots of makeup brands offer affordable lipsticks that do all of these things!

A classic choice for evening wear. Be adventurous and go for a bolder shade, just keep the rest of your makeup look simple

R PERFECT MATCH

FAIR SKIN

MEDIUM SKIN

DARK SKIN

‘Look for wearable pink-based nude shades’

‘Try nudes with coral or peach undertones’

‘Rich brown and tawny shades look gorgeous’

We like… Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Let’s Get Naked (£6.49)

We like… L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Collection Privée Lipstick in Eva (£8.16)

We like… Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Chocolate Rose (£19.50)

Ruby says...

‘Chubby lip crayons are amazing. Most make-up brands have a version and you can easily outline, fill and touch up throughout the day.’ Ruby

Top tip

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No7 High Shine Lip Crayon, Delicate Pink (£9)

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Custom made with a hint of gold to give medium skin tones a radiant complexion.

‘A soft rose shade is ultra versatile’

‘Warmer pinks are easy to wear’

‘Try bold pinks and purple-based shades’

We like… L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Collection Privée Lipstick in Julianne (£8.16)

We like… Lavera Natural Lipstick in Rosewood Dream (£11.90)

We like… Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wild Orchid (£7.49)

Long lasting lip colour Apply your lip liner following your natural lip line. If you’re a bit unsteady, apply with small strokes rather than a continuous line. Fill in the whole lip with your lip liner.

1

Using a translucent powder, lightly dust over your lips. This helps set the lip colour and will make it last longer.

2

Ruby says... ‘If you’re fair, try true,

Infused with vitamins for a silky soft and longlasting finish.

classic reds’

‘Be bold with orangebased reds’

Dark skin tones suit most strong reds with impact.’

We like… Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday (£7.99)

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STOCKISTS: Avon 0333 234 5678 www.avonshop.co.uk; Boots No7 0845 609 0055 www.boots.com; Clarins 0800 036 3558 www.clarins.com; Lavera 01557 870266 www.pravera.co.uk; L’Oréal Paris and Max Factor available nationwide; Revlon available at Boots; Rimmel available natiowide.

Details correct at time of going to press

Looking great for less

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Apply your lipstick over the top, either straight from the tube if you’re short of time, or with a lip brush for more precise application. Blot, then apply a final coat.

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A delicate rose pink shade perfect for paler skin tones.

A wearable pinky peach shade that’s made from natural and organic nourishing ingredients.

Good to KNOW...

How to...

Everyone loves a bargain – so here’s how to bag one!

HAGGLE

By Lizzy Dening

Meet our expert Dr Sandi Mann is Senior Psychology Lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire and an expert haggler – find out more at www.mindtrainingclinic.co.uk

A

sking for a discount might seem daunting, embarrassing or even downright rude, but when you discover you could save an average of £1,000 per year, it suddenly seems more tempting.

Topping up your income with £5 saved here and £20 saved there can make a big difference over time. There’s no shame in asking for a fairer deal, and it’s perfectly legal to challenge the price of any product in a shop in the

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UK. Having the confidence to haggle is the best way to make your money go further so we’ve put together some simple rules for bagging a bargain.

1Don’t be embarrassed

Try not to let the fear of being told ‘no’ put you off asking for a better price. “There’s no need to feel embarrassed,” says psychologist Sandi Mann. “And don’t worry about being seen as ‘cheap’ if you ask for a discount – getting the most for your money is just common sense. You can make great savings, so try to get used to the possibility of being turned down, and don’t be afraid to ask. It’s amazing what you can get.”

the right time and place 2 Pick

You’re likely to have a better chance of bagging a bargain at a shop that

is independently owned, but some chain stores will negotiate on prices, too. “The end of the month is the best time to haggle,” says Sandi. “Most shops work to monthly targets and will be keener to close a deal at the end of the month than at other times.

“Look out for sales, too, which imply the shop wants to clear its shelves for new stock, and suggest an extra discount or throwing in a freebie as an incentive for you to buy.” It’s reasonable to ask for a discount of between ten and 15 per cent.

If you find out you’ve missed out on an offer that has now been withdrawn – for example, £20 off an electronic item or 20 per cent off a fitted bathroom – ask if they’d be willing to do the same deal with you now. “It’s obviously a discount they can afford to offer so it’s always worth trying your luck,” says Sandi.

LIKE YOU 3 LOOK MEAN BUSINESS Practise your poker face because getting a bargain is all about staying in control of your feelings and body language. It’s hard not to get emotionally attached to bigger items, such as cars, when you find one you really love. But if the sales person picks up on how keen you are it’ll be harder to strike a good deal. “Use body language to help you appear confident and in control of the situation,” says Sandi. “Keep eye contact, lean forward and nod when you’re discussing prices. Avoid things such as tapping your feet or jiggling your hands which might make you look anxious to buy.”

Get the person you’re dealing with on your side by subtly mirroring their body language. “Try crossing your legs in the same direction or

Get the person you’re dealing with on your side by subtly mirroring their body language putting your arms in a similar position,” says Sandi. “It helps them think that you’re on the same wavelength.”

The end of the month is the best time to haggle

4Be confident

MoT your relationship

s Taking time to focu on your relationpship you now could kee yea rs for py hap both to come By Elaine

5Bring support

It’s always helpful to take someone with you if you plan to haggle – especially over something big such as a car or house. Ask them to flag up the cons while you talk about the pros. “This encourages the seller to lower the cost, while still making it clear you’re ultimately interested in buying,” says Sandi.

“Watch out for sellers using the same technique on you, and saying things like ‘I’d love to give you a discount, but my manager won’t let me’.”

Missed our feature on... better relationships?

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6Walk away

You need to be willing to walk away if you don’t get the deal you want – you never know, the sight of you turning to leave might be enough to prompt a better offer. Decide how much you want to pay for something, start lower and if they can’t match want you want to pay, walk away. ✢ NEXT ISSUE Don’t keep putting it off! How to enjoy yourself – today!

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There’s no reason why getting a bargain can’t be fun, and you may find a little charm goes a long way when it comes to discounts. “Subtly compliment them,” suggests Sandi.

“Even if they see straight through it they’ll still warm to you for trying.

Find out their name early on in the conversation, and try to use it at least once.”

Avoid using hesitant language and phrases such as ‘Don’t you think?’ or ‘You know?’ and try not to ‘um’. Ask for the deal you’d like confidently, then wait. “Silence is golden,” says Sandi.

“Leave them with something like: ‘Can you do anything for me…?’ Then try to wait, even if it’s uncomfortable, for them to fill the silence with a wonderful offer.”

Pretty summer

PINAFORE This simple project uses just one piece of material and can be cut to any size Compiled by Alex Frisby

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_ _ _ Fits up to age_7 _

DIFFICULTY RATING

★★★

You will need

✢ Sewing machine ✢ Iron ✢ Approx 100 x 50cm (39¼ x 19¾in) fabric (measure the child from chest to knee to determine depth of fabric – width should be twice this) ✢ 2m (79in) bias binding ✢ Shirring elastic ✢ 1m (1yd) ribbon ✢ 4 small buttons

Cut binding in half (lengthways), place flush to long edge of fabric, right sides together. Sew together, using crease as marker.

Fold over to other side of fabric, removing excess bulk if necessary.

Slipstitch into place. Repeat with the other long edge.

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Bias binding

For the smocking top: Thread bobbin with shirring elastic. Do this by hand so as not to stretch the thread.

2

Set sewing machine to large zigzag stitch and high tension. Place sewing machine foot flush with edge of binding at one end of fabric. Start with a backstitch to anchor the elastic, then sew entire length of fabric.

Repeat the reverse stitch at the end to secure.

3

HOME

& craft Sew another 15 rows exactly the same, keeping the foot flush to the previous line. Keep your fabric taut as the shirring elastic will draw it together. To help it gather once finished, iron the stitched area on a hot, steam setting.

4

Smocking: the finished appearance

Place the dress around your child and carefully pin raw edges together for the correct fit. Cut away any excess.

5

Place wrong sides together, then sew your French seam. Trim the allowance to remove excess seam bulk, fold the fabric so you have right sides together and sew again. This French seam is ideal for clothing as it prevents fraying.

6

French seam: the finished appearance

✢ From Abbygale Sews: 20 Simple Sewing Projects by Emma Curtis and Elizabeth Parnell. Published by Search Press, rrp £9.99. To order with free p&p call 01892 510850 and quote Yours magazine. www.searchpress.com

Cut the ribbon into four 25cm (9¾in) pieces for shoulder ties.

Pin two at the front and two at the back, then sew to secure.

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Tie each pair in a bow and finish by attaching buttons at the base of each.

8

Sakura Box Bag ired A Japanese-insp toiletries bag or weekends

om Ideal for the bathro is easy to make with away,this little bagload templates our free-to -down

For a quick project you’ll use time and again…

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0 1 BEST... of the

Places just for two that you won’t want to leave!

British boltholes

✢ Chapel Lodge OXBURGH HALL, NORFOLK In the grounds of Oxburgh Hall you’ll find a stunning 19th century country cottage. From just inside the park wall, you can admire the view across to the chapel and explore the hidden gems of the Estate.

The bed can be made into two twins on request – so why not bring a good friend along? ✢ Three nights in May from £341. Call 0844 3351297 or visit www.national trustcottages.co.uk

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Abbey Store dates back to the 18th century but was rebuilt in the Thirties and was a shop until only 20 years ago. When you grow weary of the Cistercian Abbey, Georgian water garden and Deer Park, you can return to this stone cottage with its vaulted ceilings and cosy wood-burning stove .

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Village green life awaits you in Brill, close to the Cotswolds. Just across the green is the pub, and Brill windmill is a lovely spot.

Time for an evening soak? Biddy’s standalone bath has a skylight directly above it – perfect for comfortable stargazing.

✢ Three nights in May from £399. Call 0844 3351297 or visit www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk

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✢ From £455 for a three-night weekend stay, plus an additional charge for one well-behaved dog.

Call 01637 881183 or visit www. biddycottage. uniquehome stays.com

✢ Popty Pennant CHIRK CASTLE ESTATE, LLANGOLLEN, NORTH WALES Who wouldn’t love a property called Popty Pennant?

With wingback chairs in front of a Victorian cooking range, there’s nowhere better to get your nose into a book. You might try a garden walk or venturing out to nearby heritage towns, but you will be equally content to remain in this converted bakehouse. ✢ Short breaks from £241, one week from £394.

Call 0844 500 5101 or visit www.underthethatch.co.uk/popty

✢ Peel Bothy

✢ Argoed Mill

NR HEXHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND

NR PADSTOW, CORNWALL This renovated shepherd’s hut is surrounded by countryside and friendly, inquisitive animals. Coastal walks and sandy beaches are nearby. The kitchen, dining room and bedroom are in one, open-plan space, providing cosy comfort at its best. ✢ Three nights in May from £322. Call 0844 3351297 or visit www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk

UPPER WYE VALLEY, MID WALES With kingfishers and otters to spot from the balcony, nature lovers simply must visit Argoed.

The owners grow veggies for you to pick if you wish, as well as enjoying fresh eggs from their hens. The pool table downstairs is an added bonus in this converted Victorian mill.

SLEEPS 2, PLUS 2 DOGS! Bring two furry friends for frolics near the Scottish border. This singlestorey cottage is next to Hadrian’s Wall footpath with open moorland views and the Twice Brewed Inn close by.

✢ Short breaks from £243, one week from £496. Call 0844 500 5101 or visit www.underthethatch. co.uk/argoed

✢ Three nights in May from £417.

Call 0844 3351297 or visit www.nationaltrust cottages.co.uk

✢ Little Barn

✢ Little Otterling TAMAR VALLEY, CORNWALL The area where the River Tamar makes its way along the Devon/Cornwall border has been designated one of Outstanding Natural

Beauty. Be aware that this little cottage is sheltered by the valley and therefore on a fairly steep bank. ✢ From £545 for a three-night

weekend stay, plus an additional charge for one well-behaved dog. Call 01637 881183 or visit www.little otterling.uniquehomestays.com

✢ Ty’r Gof RHYDLEWIS, LLANGRANNOG, WEST WALES DOGA short drive from FRIENDLY Cardigan and Penbryn’s National Trust beach, this traditional ‘croglofft’ has a living space downstairs and bedroom in the loftspace. Just a five-minute walk from the village, its two acres of private woodland offer beautiful valley views. ✢ Short breaks from £300, one week stays from £51 0. Call 0844 500 5101 or visit www. underthethatch.co.uk/tyrgof

Historical church tours

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NR NEWPORT, PEMBROKESHIRE You’ll see why this place was once popular with artists. A converted studio with its own pond, Little Barn has spectacular views of Carningli mountain. Meet local ducks and geese, spy a swallow, and push the boat out as there’s one there for your use! ✢ Short breaks from £427.

Call 0844 500 5101 or visit www.underthethatch. co.uk/little

✢ NEXT ISSUE Memorial events for 2014

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✢ Skipper’s Cabin

❙ star chat ❙

mfrom y lessons life…

With the Eurovision Song Contest just around the corner, Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker (60) chats about winning in1981 and how life changed

✢ We can’t blame politics for not winning If you disregard the competition element Eurovision is simply the biggest, most spectacular musical extravaganza of the year. When the voting comes on, just turn over.

We can’t always blame politics when we don’t win; if we had a stonking song and a great singer we’d stand a better chance.

With Engelbert Humperdinck, what were we thinking? If a song isn’t instantly catchy, you need something people will remember... like ripping skirts.

PICS: REX FEATURES; BBC; LFI

✢ Ripping that skirt made my career I took part in the contest twice, once in 1978 with Co-Co when we came 11th, which wasn’t a good experience, and then winning with Bucks Fizz in 1981, which was joyous. I’d just discovered my new best friend in Mike Nolan –he still is – and all his family were in Dublin where it was filmed, so there was a real party atmosphere. I don’t think we realised how important those three minutes and pieces of Velcro were (when they ‘ripped’ their skirts off). Without the Velcro we wouldn’t have won, and I honestly believe it’s 130

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✢ You can’t deny your age, but you can defy it

Above: Cheryl with Roy Castle in Record Breakers and right with Bucks Fizz in the1980s

the reason I’m still working now.

We still rip our skirts off – on stage, you’re ageless. It brings the house down.

✢ We never missed Top of the Pops It was written into our contracts that wherever in the world we were, whatever gig we had planned, if we got invited onto Top of the Pops we’d have to fly back.

✢ I still suffer stage fright I sometimes write the first word of the next song on my hand in case I forget it. I love performing in Happy Days – the musical I’m touring in at the moment – but when I do a gig to Bucks Fizz fans, the cheers don’t compare.

There I’m doing what I was born to do. I never thought in my 20s I’d still be here now singing Making Your Mind Up.

So many people tell me I don’t look my age – and I don’t act it either! I started running when I was 41, after I’d had children and wanted to lose weight and get fit. I got the bug for it and have run a couple of marathons. Activity prolongs your youth, as long as you look after yourself and get any joint problems checked out.

✢ My job has been full of challenges When I was on Record Breakers, the producers asked me to break a wing-walking record.

After 15 minutes, standing on top of a bumpy plane, I thought: ‘What am I doing? I don’t even like being in a plane.’ So I said ‘No, not on your life.’ Roy Castle did it instead. ✢ Cheryl is supporting the BMI Active for Life campaign. Visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk ✢ For information about the Happy Days musical visit www.happydaysthemusical.co.uk ✢ Cheryl was talking to Lizzy Dening. ✢ Eurovision 2014 is on Saturday May14.

WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? My mum. There were five of us kids and she sang to us constantly. She would laugh until she cried, which is something I do, and she was kind, compassionate and reasoned with people.