Yours Magazine issue 243

The

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Would you rather have a pet than a partner?

Many widowed, divorced or single people over 55 would prefer to get a new pet rather than find a partner. The report from consumer analyst Mintel found that only six per cent of single middle-aged people wanted to start another relationship while 14 per cent were planning to get a pet when they retire.

❤ It must

be love

These two prairie dogs were snapped having a tender moment at Rotterdam Zoo in Holland. The herbivorous burrowing rodents are native to the grasslands of North America.

ON THIS FORTNIGHT IN 1964…

On April 21, little tots across the nation were introduced to a new TV programme called Play School. The Radio Times announced it ‘will use all the advantages of television to do the job of a nursery school in its own exciting way’. And it 4

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did! We sat on the edge of our play mats wondering eagerly what would appear through the square, round or arched windows! Initially on BBC2, the show’s longest-serving presenter for 22 years was Carol Chell. Others included Brian Cant, Toni Arthur,

Julie Stevens, Floella Benjamin and Johnny Ball.

They were joined by the toys Humpty, Jemima, Hamble, Big Ted and Little Ted. Hamble was replaced

by Poppy in the last two years of the programme, which ended in 1988 after more than 5000 episodes.

❤

Confused by the latest jargon or headlines? Let Yours shed some light…

... this Waddling Ducks Peg Bag from Anorak. Help keep your pegs tidy with this 100 per cent cotton bag, which comes with a handy clip to attach to your washing line. Measuring 29cm (11in) x 28cm (10in), it costs £10 and comes in a variety of colours. For more details, or to order, call 020 8299 2416 or visit www.anorakonline.co.uk

What’s all the fuss about…

?

Tennis balls

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The

What’s your favourite roast dinner?

56% Beef 1% Pork 43% Chicken

✢ Give us your view on the next question at www.yours.co.uk

WISE WORDS ‘I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I se e you are unarmed’ William Shakespeare Watch out for a new Mary Poppins!

Emily (right) could be following in Julie’s iconic footsteps

British actress Emily Blunt (33) is rumoured to have landed the iconic role of Mary Poppins in a keenly awaited sequel to the film classic.

The original 1964 film is set for a Disney remake with filming starting later this year. The sequel, set in Thirties London, moves the story on 20 years, following the now grown-up Jane and Michael Banks, the mischievous children who were cared for by Mary Poppins.

Emily will be following in the footsteps of legendary actress and singer Julie Andrews, who won an Oscar for the role.

✢ Did you know that women have lighter balls? No, we’re not having a Benny Hill moment.

It appears that in tennis tournaments, women and men play with differently made balls.

Men’s tennis balls use heavy-duty felt which slows them down, while the lighter version for women flies off their rackets more quickly. They are the same size and pressure, but have a different logo.

This fascinating fact came to light at the Miami Open in March when our own Andy Murray spotted he had been playing with a ball of the wrong gender. Andy was not best pleased as it might have caused him to miss a shot. Puts a whole new spin on a bad workman blaming his tools. What a carry on!

Hooray - comfy low he e ls are back in style!

Block heels

✢ We have always called it a court shoe – but the ‘in’ crowd of the fashion world are calling it a low-heeled ballet pump and claiming it is the latest must-have for footwear. Yes, sensible block-heels are back in style, meaning that you, me and, of course, the Queen are now trendsetters.

And not for the first time, because we first wore block-heels in the Sixties when square toes and two-tones also came into fashion. ‘They’re so wearable and comfortable’ cry the young fashion editors. Bless. What will they discover next – elasticated waists?

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PICS: JAN VAN DEN BEUKEL_CATERS; BBC; CLARKS; ALAMY; REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

WE LOVE

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Suranne’s back in action A baby, acting awards and now the return of ITV’s hit drama Scott & Bailey – is this actress Suranne Jones’ best year ever?

By Alison James ery few actresses make the transition from soap star to successful dramatic actress. Even fewer of them manage to collect a couple of awards in the process.

But Suranne Jones, who played Karen McDonald in Corrie from 2000 to 2004, has achieved this and more. Since her departure from the Street her star has been rising slowly but steadily with lead roles in such critically well-received dramas as Vincent, Strictly Confidential and Unforgiven.

And as detective Rachel Bailey, Suranne (37) has four series of Scott & Bailey under her belt.

Earlier this year, she received a National Television Award for her portrayal of a betrayed wife in the BBC drama Doctor Foster. She also picked up the Broadcasting Press Guild Best Actress Award and has also

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recently been nominated for a BAFTA for Doctor Foster.

In her personal life, Suranne has achieved even greater things.

Happily married for almost two years to journalist Laurence Akers, last month she gave birth to their first child, a baby boy.

A very private person, Suranne has chosen not to release the name of her son, but it’s clear she has long wanted to be a mum. In

2013, she said: “I look at friends with babies and think, ‘Hopefully that will be me sooner rather than later’.”

When she met and married her Mr Right and soon became pregnant, her joy was plain to see.

“My husband and I are so thrilled,” she said at the National Television Awards when she was seven months pregnant. ‘We’ve been married nearly a year-and-

‘Sally and I wanted a drama with two women in the lead with highpowered jobs’ Crime busters: Suranne with Scott & Bailey co-star Lesley Sharp

a-half now and what a wonderful way to move our marriage on – we’re delighted.”

The icing on the cake for millions of Scott & Bailey fans is that she and the rest of the team have reprised the crime drama in a three-part special in which, for the first time, a single case is investigated across the episodes.

“It’s a very dark and sinister case opening up a disturbing world hidden online,” she says.

“The team is under a lot of time pressure to try and unfold a very complex case, which has serious and life-threatening consequences – they have got to get to the killer before they strike again so there’s a real sense of urgency for everyone involved.

“It’s very unlike any other investigation and it throws up so many challenges for Rachel, who is back as Acting Detective Inspector.”

How do the rest of the team react to her promotion? “There is a resistance among some of her colleagues who are reluctant to take Rachel seriously in this new role, and a sense from her she needs to prove herself Suranne in her even though she much acclaimed has just spent a year role as Dr Foster with the Vice team,”

Suranne explains. “The lads are still trying to be pally with her and, while there’s some light banter, she does have to pull rank which can make her feel as though she’s turning into the new Godzilla!

“She’s throwing everything she can into her work. It’s a massive investigation so there’s a lot at stake for Rachel. She’s leading a team, delegating responsibilities and trying to maintain her professionalism throughout.

“Since she’s been away Syndicate 9 has a new recruit, Anna Ram, to whom Rachel takes an instant dislike. Everything about Anna gets her back up and she doesn’t take kindly to her inappropriate banter in front of their work colleagues.”

Suranne has also had a promotion of her own as she is

Showing off her National Television Award with husband Laurence Akers

now an executive producer on Scott & Bailey.

When asked what new responsibilities come with this position, she says: “I have always worked closely with the producers and script writers on the show from the beginning and now I am very proud to be executive producer on the current series.

“In this capacity I’ve been involved in key creative decisions from selecting a director, deciding upon casting, watching the rushes and working on the edits.”

It was of course Suranne, along with co-star Sally Lindsay (who plays Rachel’s sister Alison in the programme) who originally came up with the idea for Scott & Bailey.

“Sally and I wanted a drama with two women in the lead with high-powered jobs, and not playing either a wife or a mistress, partner, or sidekick,” says Suranne.

“People identify with Rachel and her colleagues because they’re fallible, and it’s also empowering to see women doing a good job in a position of authority.

“I’m so pleased that from our early ideas five years ago, it is still running. That’s a long time in television these days!”

So what’s next for Suranne after Scott & Bailey?

“Later this year I’ll be returning to Doctor Foster to reprise the role of Gemma, and taking on the role of associate producer on the second series for the production company Drama Republic/ BBC,” Suranne reveals. “I’m also working on script development with some companies and there’s a theatre project in the pipeline, as well.”

What with her baby boy, a happy marriage, a mantelpiece full of awards and a successful returning television series, Suranne Jones really is having the time of her life. ✢ The three-part special of Scott & Bailey starts on ITV on April 13.

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PICS: ITV; GUARDIAN NEWS & MEDIA LTD; DRAMAREPUBLIC.COM; REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

❙ star chat ❙

HEALTH &

vitality

Is it normal...

If you’re not sure whether you should go to the doctor with that health niggle, or if it’s just something you should manage yourself, we have the answers...

Meet our experts Willie Hamilton is professor of primary care diagnostics at the University of Exeter Medical School and spokesperson for Beating Bowel Cancer, bowel canceruk.org.uk Dr Uchenna Okoye is a leading cosmetic dentist, www. londonsmiling.com

Dr Fayyaz Ahmed is a consultant neurologist and trustee of The Migraine Trust, migrainetrust.org Francesca Marchetti is an optometrist and advisor to WINK, an independent eye-care panel supported by Bausch+Lomb, www.bausch.com

✢ Frequent headaches “Fewer than one per cent of headaches have a serious cause,” says Dr Fayyaz Ahmed, consultant neurologist. “Mild, frequent headaches can be a sign you need new glasses, are under stress or have a sinus problem.”

It’s more common for migraines to improve after menopause but for some, they start or even worsen.

Help yourself: “Drink plenty of water and eat regularly, as dehydration and low blood sugar cause headaches,” says Fayyaz. “Get enough

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sleep and take painkillers occasionally if you need to, but don’t rely on them.

Avoid anything containing codeine as it’s addictive.”

Seek medical help if…

You’ve been taking painkillers regularly, which can lead to medicationoveruse headaches. If headaches suddenly become more frequent or severe and/or you feel generally unwell, your GP can rule out serious causes and treat you. “If you experience a sudden, very severe headache, go straight to A&E – these ‘thunderclap’ headaches can indicate a brain haemorrhage,” says Dr Ahmed.

❙ feel good ❙

..

?? ? ✢ Blood in your poo “Around 60 per cent of the population suffer rectal bleeding at some time in their lives, but thankfully, 60 per cent don’t get bowel cancer,” says Willie Hamilton, professor of primary care diagnostics. The usual cause is piles, which can follow constipation.

With piles, the blood is bright red and usually lasts only a day or two, although it can return – especially if you’re prone to constipation.”

Help yourself: To ease constipation, drink 1.5 litres of fluid daily and increase the amount of fibre in your diet, from sources such as oats, lentils and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Seek medical help if… The blood in your stool is dark – this may be a sign it comes from deeper in the bowel – or if bleeding continues. “Book to see your GP, but cancel the appointment if the bleeding goes away after a day or two,” advises Professor Hamilton.

✢ Floaters in your eyes If you look up at the sky and suddenly notice a small shape drifting across your field of vision, it could be a floater. Floaters are usually caused by debris in the jelly-like substance in your eye casting shadows onto the retina at the back of your eye. They’re usually completely harmless.

Help yourself: “See your optometrist once every two years for a general check, or more often if you’re

advised to,” says optometrist Francesca Marchetti. “Having regular check-ups and a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best ways to look after your eyes.”

Seek medical help if… You suddenly have a lot more floaters, or you notice white flashes or any loss of vision.

This could indicate a detached retina.

Your GP or optician will refer you to an ophthalmologist.

✢ Sudden weight loss If you’ve been dieting but have lost more weight than expected – or have lost weight but haven’t been trying at all – this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. There are often lifestyle factors for weight loss, such as being very busy or stressed so you’ve been eating less than you realise. Anything that makes you lose your appetite – such as ’flu or a tummy bug – can also lead to rapid loss of lbs.

Occasionally, there can be a more serious cause.

Cancer can lead to weight loss because it can speed up your metabolism and cause the release of chemicals that break down fat and protein faster. “But only around one person in ten with unexplained weight

loss has cancer,” says Dr Hamilton.

Help yourself: Monitor your diet for a couple of weeks, writing down everything you eat and the amounts. This can help reassure you about the reasons behind your weight loss.

Seek medical help if…

“It’s unintentional, unusual or you haven’t had an obvious illness. We don’t yet know how much weight needs to be lost to say cancer is likely, but check it out,” says Dr Hamilton.

✢ Bleeding gums Spitting blood when you brush your teeth shouldn’t be seen as normal, says Dr Uchenna Okoye, cosmetic dentist. “Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, where plaque that isn’t removed by brushing and flossing starts to infect and irritate the gums,” she says. “They’ll also look red and swollen, rather than pink and healthy.”

Gums may be particularly vulnerable after menopause, she says. “The drop in oestrogen leads to changes which can raise your risk of gum disease.”

Help yourself: Get on top of your oral hygiene. Dr Okoye recommends brushing for two minutes twice daily, ideally with an electric toothbrush, and flossing once a day – or every other day, if you can’t manage more often. Also, go for your regular dentist and hygienist appointments.

Seek medical help if… Bleeding doesn’t stop, you notice your gums have receded, or any teeth feel loose.

You may need treatment from your dentist to deal with infection and help prevent tooth loss.

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Turn the page for more expert advice

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Style notes

THE

Sp ri n g

COMFY SHOE vie w We all want happy feet, so we’ve put these gorgeous styles to the test to help you find the perfect footwear – offering comfort as well as style

re

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

NEXT Leathe r loafe rs Our verdict: Comfy doesn’t have to mean frumpy, as these smart loafers prove. Stylish and classic with a padded insole, leather uppers and lining, the block heel felt stable and helped distribute my weight evenly, making for a comfortable fit. I even wore them on a shopping trip and £45 avoided blisters! Good 3-8 (half sizes available) price for the quality. 5/5

HOTTER White Abbe yville moccasins

NEXT Pink leathe r balle rinas

Our verdict: A stylish and comfy lightweight shoe that’s perfect to wear with skirts or trousers. The cushioned underfoot makes them ultra-comfortable with a snug, secure fit. Recently I’ve been suffering with painful knees and compared to all my other shoes these moccasins are like £65 walking 3-9 (including half sizes on air! 5/5 and two width fittings)

Our verdict: These shoes look great and don’t say ‘comfort over style’. However, despite hidden extra padding they don’t feel supportive enough to walk far.

I found them too wide at the heel and not roomy enough at the toe, so are better suited to those who don’t require a supportive shoe. £32 3/5 3-9 (including half sizes)

F&F AT TESCO C oral pumps

CLARKS Hamble Oak brogue s

Our verdict: So comfy you barely feel like you have them on, plus they didn’t need much breaking in! Unfortunately, they offer little support and my foot did slip about when I wore them with socks. Even so, they’re a good holiday shoe at a good price £12 tag. 3/ 3-8 5

Our verdict: I decided to go all guns blazing and wear these brogues without socks from the outset. Thankfully, the underfoot cushioning and soft lining meant they didn’t rub once! Available in half sizes and three different width fittings – I think they’re worth every penny.

Comfort and style – what more could a girl want?

FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE

Our verdict: They hold feet securely, with no slipping or gripping of toes – my usual complaint with pumpstyle shoes. The insole is cushioned in all the right places and the sole flexes with your foot. I did get a blister, but that was only after a threemile walk, – which was over£65 ambitious!

3-9 (including half sizes 3/5 and three width fittings)

TU AT SAINSBURY’S White moccasins Our verdict: These comfy maccasins would be better suited to a wider foot (even though they’re not specifically a wide-fitting), but I suspect with constant wear they’ll be inclined to gape at the sides.

However, they’re good value for £18 money. 3/5 3-8

BHS TLC loafers

£60 2-9 (including half sizes and three width fittings)

BHS Red balle t pumps Our verdict: For £12 these ballet pumps are a bargain and even feel supportive under the arch of my foot. The backs are a bit hard to start with, but softened with wear and didn’t rub. I wouldn’t walk miles in them because they aren’t supportive enough – but for a casual evening out they’d be perfect.

£12

4/5

3-8

M&S Stain-away suede pumps with Insolia Flex Our verdict: These shoes are a bit fiddly to get on! The space you need to get your foot into isn’t very big and the buckle would be tricky to do up with stiff fingers. My foot felt supported, but I wouldn’t want to walk too far in them.

They look amazing with jeans or a skirt and £45 are a real treat 3-8 (including for feet! half sizes) 4/5 STOCKISTS: Bhs 0344 411 6000 www.bhs.co.uk; Clarks 01458 899904 www.clarks.co.uk; F&F at Tesco 0800 323 4050 www.clothingattesco.com; Hotter 0800 083 8490 www.hotter.com; Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com; Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk; Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262 www.sainsburys.co.uk.

£35

Details correct at time of going to press

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

HOTTER Bronze Natasha pumps

Our verdict: These loafers feel more like wearing slippers! They have lots of cushioning, which makes them very supportive, and they didn’t rub. I’m on my feet all day, so they’re perfect! 5/5

5/5

Something for everyone in…

Santiago

Explore Chile’s capital for stunning scenery and fascinating sights

By Lizzy Dening

Travelling solo…

✢ Soak up the local colour in the Plaza de Armas square, where you’ll find street performers, musicians and stalls alongside some of the area’s most beautiful buildings. Pop into the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (look out for the pillar inside the doorway, which has a permanent groove from where thousands of weary pilgrims have laid their hands to rest) that was built over the tomb of St James and was completed in 1211. ✢ For more information on the cathedral, or to book a guided tour, visit the website www.catedraldesantiago.es/en

✢ Foodies will be in heaven on a trip to the Mercado Central (central market) – a beautiful building that’s packed to the rafters with stalls and restaurants.

It’s renowned for its fresh seafood, but you’ll also find meats, spices, alcohol, dried fruits and more.

Take a big shopping bag – and an even bigger appetite!

Visit the bustling heart of the city, Mercado Central

✢ For more information visit www.mercadocentral.cl

✢ Have a wander in Santiago’s free Sculpture Park (Parque de las Esculturas), pictured right, which features work from Chilean and international artists. It’s an excellent way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, and a lovely spot for taking photos. Find it by the Pedro de Valdivia metro station.

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✢ It’s not an easy experience, but your eyes will certainly be opened by a visit to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. Here you’ll learn about the horrendous human rights violations committed by the Chilean state between 1973-1990 during the Pinochet regime, in stories told through objects, documents and archives. Learning about the 40,000 victims is a chilling experience, but it’s an important way to find out more of the country’s (shockingly recent) history and will leave you feeling humbled. There are changing exhibitions as well as permanent galleries and a auditorium that’s used for film festivals and as a theatre. ✢ Pick up an audioguide from $2,000. Open Tues-Sun,10am-6pm. For more information visit www.museodelamemoria.cl

✢ Art fans will love a trip to La Chascona Casa Museo – a museum dedicated to the world-famous poet Pablo Neruda.

He originally had the house built in 1953 for his secret mistress Matilde Urrutia to live in, and later joined her after leaving his wife. Now it houses an art gallery of Chilean and foreign art, an African carved wood collection and numerous items belonging to the poet. ✢ Admission $5,000, open Tues-Sun. For more information call 227 7787 41 or visit www. fundacionneruda.org/en/la-chascona

With friends

✢ Enjoy a little slice of Cuba at Havana Salsa Restaurant, where you’ll experience live cabaret including salsa dancing and music with your dinner. You’ll be treated to an all-you-can-eat buffet before a 40-minute show and dancing. Dance lessons are also available. ✢ $11,900 for dinner and a show, $6,000 for the show and dancing. Call 227 3717 37 or visit www.havanasalsa.cl

✢ Feeling energetic? Take to the slopes!

Just an hour or so outside the city are various skiing resorts suitable for all abilities.

One of the best for beginners is the intimate Centro de Ski Lagunillas, which offers skiing, snowboarding, trekking, mountain biking and camping across almost 500 acres.

The skiing season runs from mid-June to mid-September, so sporty-types should plan to visit then. ✢ Visit www.skilagunillas.cl

✢ For a spot of shopping, take a day trip to the small town of Pomaire, which is about 37 miles south of Santiago. It’s famous for its pottery shops and is the perfect place to pick up pretty ornaments – we’re especially taken with their round clay pigs! But there are also more traditional items from nativity scenes to bowls or candleholders. Avoid visiting on a Monday as many of the shops are closed. Find a bus to Pomaire from Estación Central.

With the grandchildren

Children will love the zoo and the funicular

✢ Little ones will love riding the funicular that carries you between different sections of the Parque Metropolitano (also known as Cerro San Cristóbal) – the city’s largest green space. It’s almost 2,000 acres and packs in all sorts of attractions, including two huge swimming pools, playgrounds, a botanical garden and the National Zoo. That’s without mentioning the incredible views from the Parque’s numerous peaks and viewpoints.

PICS: ALAMY, GETTY IMAGES

With a partner

✢ A round-trip on the furnicular costs $2000. Open Tues-Sun,10am-7pm, and Monday, 2pm-7pm. For more information visit hwww.parquemet.cl

We’ve included local phone numbers to use once in Chile, but if you want to call from the UK just add 0056 to the start of each number. International call rates will be higher.

Exchange rate at time of printing, just under $1,000 Chilean pesos = £1 sterling.

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Good to KNOW... | DID YOU KNOW? | It’s now possible to request a State Pension statement based on the New State Pension once you’re 50. It was formerly age 55. Call 0345 3000 168 or visit www.Gov.UK to calculate yours ✢ Get the New State Pension lowdown at yours.co.uk/money-advice

Cash saver

Peugeot iOn

electric, says GoUltraLow. com. Plus, pure electric cars have fewer component parts, meaning a typical maintenance bill of just £94 compared to £306 a year.

Renault Zoe

| IT’S A FACT | Fancy country life?

Then head to South Oxfordshire which came out on top for health, happiness and life-expectancy for rural residents.

Chiltern in Buckinghamshire came second, while Rutland was third Source: Halifax

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Don’t play with the most-drawn numbers – historically they’d only have won you £1,685 Overdue numbers mean nothing! They would only have won you £640 Be a politician – if David Cameron and five historical PMs played with their birth dates, they’d have won more than £3 million.

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