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The role that broke her heart Dame Judi chats to Yours about a challenging new role, why she’ll never retire and getting a new knee!

By Alison James n an illustrious career spanning 55 years, actress Dame Judi Dench has taken on many highly emotional roles, but her current one in the movie Philomena has really tugged at her heartstrings. “Philomena is based on the true story of Philomena Lee, an Irishwoman who became pregnant as a teenager in 1952,” Judi recounts.

“She was sent, in shame, to work in the laundry of a convent and when her son was three, the nuns took him from her to sell to an American family for adoption.

Philomena spent the next 50 years trying to find him.

“Having a daughter and a grandson myself, I could certainly relate to the horror and heartbreak of imagining your child being taken away from you. While we were actually filming it was a case of me getting on with the job, portraying Philomena as truthfully as I could and taking on the responsibility that always comes with portraying a real person, but there was one moment that did

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❙ star chat ❙

Judi in the film with Steve Coogan, and right, with the real Philomena

‘Philomena is possibly the most forgiving person I’ve ever met – and forgiveness is really what the film is about’

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make me feel very emotional.”

This was actually at the wrap party at the end of filming rather than during the making of the movie itself. “We were all sitting round and I was talking to Philomena,” Judi goes on.

“Suddenly they showed some footage from the film – when Philomena’s little boy first appears on screen. ‘Ah God love him, will you look at him!’ Philomena murmured and I was very, very conscious of her hand tightly squeezing my shoulder.”

The real Philomena has become a good friend. “I hope we never lose touch,” says Judi. “She’s a most remarkable, compassionate woman, and she made me laugh a lot. She’s very, very funny. She wears her tragedy incredibly lightly and also continues to have a strong, deep faith, which is extraordinary given what happened. She’s also possibly the most forgiving person I’ve ever met – and forgiveness is really what the film is about. I’d like to say I’d be as forgiving as she if I found myself in her position but I know I wouldn’t.”

Dame Judi has made another close friend through Philomena – her co-star, comedian and actor Steve Coogan, who also produced the film and co-wrote the screenplay. Steve plays journalist Martin Sixsmith who heard about Philomena, helped the search for her son and wrote a book about her story. Steve read the book and thought it would make an incredible film – which it does. Now a much-loved, classical

anything,” she goes on. “I only had to hear Philomena’s story to want to play her.”

Judi’s been complimented on the authenticity of her Irish accent in the film. “My mother was from Dublin, all my relations are in Dublin and my accent is entirely down to that,” she says. “I’ve also had a dresser for 40 years who’s from Ireland. She’s called Annie Hoe and, like Philomena, she’s very funny – as was my ma.”

Next up for Judi is a BBC adaptation of Roald Dahl’s muchloved children’s book, Esio Trot actress in her late 70s and a, at with Dustin Hoffman. She’s 79 next times, controversial comedian month, does she not fancy slowing of 48 are not the most obvious down a bit? “Not at all. The words candidates for a close friendship ‘old’ and ‘retired’ are totally banned but these two bonded immediately. in my house. As actors, we are in “I’ll tell you what I’ve learnt the minority of people who are about Steve,’” says Judi. “He does doing a job we chose to do and can stand up and comedy and I do make a living at,” she says. serious acting. I think he should Judi, who’s been in a stick to comedy because he seemed relationship with wildlife to seamlessly pass over into serious conservationist David Mills for acting, when I could no more get three years, recently had surgery up and tell a joke in a room than I on her right knee. She had the could actually fly on my own to the operation at the beginning of moon. He made me laugh every September but set herself the goal day and, of course, when you’re of walking up the red carpet at the playing something that requires premiere of Philomena unaided – something she managed with aplomb and no walking stick in sight. “I have a completely new knee and it’s brilliant,” she beams.

“I’m not feeling my age at all. I feel I am about 43 – a willowy blonde 43-year-old with long legs!”

Typically Dame Judi also downplays the fact that her eye sight has been badly affected by macular degeneration, although quite a lot of tension, it’s glorious she admits learning lines has to be able to just have a laugh become difficult. “Scripts are read suddenly. He’s also terribly clever. to me and that’s the way I like it, I asked him to take off Bruce regardless of whether I can see or Forsyth, which he did, and he does not,” she says. “It is much better Sean Connery young and old. He having the story told to you, never stopped. He just made me because ultimately that’s what howl. We also discovered we share the job is – telling an audience a passion for fast cars.” the story. I used to paint and sew Dame Judi was Steve’s first a lot, and it’s irritating as I ✢ Philomena can’t do that any more. But I choice to play Philomena. “He is out now at long for people to print the came and read the script to me, cinemas across crossword larger because I and I immediately wanted to do it the country before there were any tweaks or love doing them.”

❙ real life health ❙

By Laura Bradder racey Stear looks back on 2007 as one of the lowest times of her life.

“It had been a really difficult year,” she says.

“I lost my mum in really difficult circumstances, and my dad later on in the year, so I was feeling under a lot of stress.”

On top of that, Tracey (51) had been battling problems with her own health: “I had a sore throat and a really stiff neck, and when I swallowed it felt like there was always something there. But my parents had been poorly for some time, and I just didn’t have the chance to do anything about it.”

When Tracey did eventually see her doctor, he diagnosed her with tonsillitis. But she continued to feel tired and in pain, and the prescribed antibiotics didn’t appear to have a noticeable effect: “By the time I went for my routine check-up with my dentist, my tonsils were really enlarged. But he agreed with the diagnosis, so I felt I had no choice but to carry on.”

Feeling emotionally and physically drained, Tracey decided to book her dream family holiday in the Maldives. She returned feeling refreshed, but the niggling doubts about her health just wouldn’t leave her mind. She just

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Tracey at a 2008 Race for Life with daughter Amy

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‘The gut instinct that saved my life’ Tracey Stear’s fight for a correct diagnosis turned out to be crucial in her battle against mouth cancer… had a feeling something wasn’t right. “I knew my body, and I knew something wasn’t quite right. My cousin, who is a sister at A&E, encouraged me to go back and get a second opinion, and I just knew that I should take her advice.”

Tracey returned to her GP and insisted on being examined further. This time the doctor listened, and Tracey was given the news she had dreaded – that the inflammation on her tonsils could in fact be oral cancer. She was referred to hospital for a biopsy in November 2007, and spent the next few weeks with her family (husband Mark, daughter Amy and sons Bradley and James) anxiously awaiting the results.

It was while they were enjoying Christmas together that Tracey received a devastating call: “I got the news the day after Boxing Day that I definitely had cancer of the tonsil, and that it had already spread to my lymph glands. They

didn’t know whether it would be possible to cure it. I was really confused and angry. I never smoked, and only drank socially as my mum was an alcoholic, so I couldn’t help thinking, ‘Why me?’ ” But Tracey was determined to fight, and gathered her family for a huge New Year celebration. Just days later, she underwent eight hours of surgery to remove the cancerous lumps from her throat.

To stop the disease spreading, this was followed by six months of further treatment, including both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

For Tracey, this was the biggest challenge: “I spent 24 hours a day, six days a week hooked up to those machines. I was so sick that I struggled to eat or drink, I lost my voice, my hair fell out, and it really messed with my head. You know you have to go through it to try and get better, but nobody prepares you for how aggressive the treatment is.”

If there’s one word that sums up Tracey’s attitude, though it’s determined: “I had to accept it and get on with it, but I’m a really stubborn person, and I wasn’t going to let cancer beat me.”

So much so that just four days after completing therapy, she took part in a Race for Life. And when her wheelchair lost a wheel she mustered the energy to walk across the finishing line.

With the help of her loyal family, Tracey thankfully went on to make a full recovery and, five years later, is enjoying life as a grandmother!

“The greatest joy is that I’m around to see my granddaughter, Skye (3), and grandson, Paul (2). I’m just so grateful to be here. Now, when people are stood in a queue moaning that it’s not moving quick enough, I’m quite happy just to be standing there.”

And Tracey is keen to tell anyone in the same position to trust their gut feeling, and get checked out: “If I’d left it two weeks longer I wouldn’t be here now. Don’t put it to the back of your mind, and never give in – I didn’t, and it saved my life.”

MOUTH CANCER… THE FACTS

✢ Cancer of the mouth can occur on the surface of the tongue, mouth, lips or gums.

Less commonly, tumours can develop in the salivary glands, tonsils and pharynx. ✢ About 60,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with mouth cancer over the next decade. ✢ Symptoms include mouth ulcers that do not heal, red and white patches on the lining of your mouth or tongue, and swelling in the mouth that lasts more than three weeks.

November is… ✢ Tobacco is still seen as Mouth Cancer the main cause of mouth Action Month cancer, with excessive For more information, visit drinking and poor diet also www.mouthcancer.org major risk factors. ✢ People over 40 are or call the British Dental most likely to be diagnosed Health Foundation on with the disease.

01788 546365 YOURS

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PICS: UNP

‘If I’d left it two weeks longer I wouldn’t be here now’

Style notes

Stay warm and stylish Who says you can’t be wrapped up and still look fabulous? Embrace the winter chill with these gorgeous accessories By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

Stay stylish tips

✢ A snood is your style staple this winter!

Some act as a simple neckwarmer while others double as a headscarf… so cosy on a really cold day. ✢ A fun pair of wellies can be a fashion accessory – they’re not just for muddy walks! Team bright colours with tights and a plain skirt. ✢ Treat yourself to some woolly kneehigh socks to wear under your knee length boots – toasty! ✢ Use winter accessories to add colour to your look. A vibrant scarf, hat or gloves will easily liven up a plain coat. ✢ For laidback weekend wear woolly gloves are great, but smarten up your look with a leather pair and you’ll instantly look more chic.

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

✢ A belt added to the waist over your layers will help get rid of any bulk and look more slimming.

Gill wears: Cloche hat, £25, s-l, Marks & Spencer; poncho, £39, s-l; dress, £40, 12-32, both Marisota; tights, £5, s-l, Tesco; boots, £129, 3-8, Hotter; bobble scarf (comes with matching bobble hat) £18, Next; suede gloves, £12, s-l, M&Co

✢ Wear summer dresses throughout the year. Simply add a long-sleeve top underneath, thick black tights and boots.

STOCKISTS: Accessorize and Monsoon 0844 811 0069; BHS 0845 196 0000; Hotter shoes 0800 083 8490; M&Co 0800 031 7200; Marisota 0871 984 6000; Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200; Next 0844 844 8939; Shoe Zone 0116 222 3113; Tesco 0800 505 555; Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 636 262

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✢ Floral print wellies, £18, 3-8, Tu at Sainsburys ✢ Pink wellies, £14.99, 3-9 wide fit, Shoe Zone

✢ Chunky multi colour scarf, £14, M&Co ✢ Teal scarf, £7, Bhs ✢ Pink scarf, £15, Marks & Spencer

WIDE FIT AVAILABLE

✢ Black laced boot, £19.99, 3-9, Shoe Zone ✢ Stud detail boot, £25, 3-8, Tu at Sainsbury’s

✢ Plum snood, £18, M&Co

✢ Faux fur snood, £14, Next

✢ Cream scarf, £18, Next ✢ Quilted boot, £24.99, 3-9, Shoe Zone ✢ Faux fur-lined mid-calf boots, £99, 3-9, Hotter

✢ Teal beret, £5, BHS ✢ Cable knit bobble hat, £8, M&Co ✢ Red hat, £14, Next ✢ Red with fur bobble, £15, Accessorize

✢ Cream mittens, £12, Next ✢ Blue waffle capped gloves, £12, Accessorize ✢ Teal gloves, £5, Bhs ✢ Pink leather gloves, £18, M&Co ✢ Black leather look gloves, £12, M&Co

››

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

✢ Cream crochet scarf, £9.50, Bhs ✢ Chunky knit scarf, £16, M&Co ✢ Blue baroque inspired scarf, £20, Accessorize ✢ Waffle button scarf, £22, Accessorize

››

Next issue: We’re feeling festive with party outfits to suit every style, shape and pocket!

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Style notes

Winter-pr o

your skin t

Let your cheeks glow, whatever the weather brings By Beauty Editor, Michelle Nightingale Meet the expert Facial therapist Amanda Elias founded skincare brand Bravura London (www. bravuralondon.com), with a vision to create efective yet simple treatments and products that are accessible to everyone.

inter can be tough on your skin.

Changeable weather conditions and central heating can zap moisture levels leaving skin dry, dull and prone to sensitivity. It can even make wrinkles look worse than they actually are. It’s not all doom and gloom though, as keeping your skin at its best is about making a few simple changes to your usual routine.

A little extra TLC can make a big difference.

W

Be kind to sensitive skin Colder weather and dry, centrally heated environments are key triggers for sensitive skin conditions such as eczema. There are many ranges formulated specifically for very sensitive skin, but we like Eau Thermale Avène TriXéra+ Selectiose Emollient Cream (£11.50/200ml). It harnesses the power of natural spring water to soothe and nourish dry skin reducing irritation and improving suppleness and elasticity.

Choose specialised products In winter, skin craves moisture more than ever.

Moisturisers containing humectants are the best choice, “Look out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, lactic acid, aloe vera and urea for binding moisture to skin,” says Amanda Elias, founder of Bravura London. Try Eucerin Intensive 10% Urea Treatment Lotion (£13.16/250ml).

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Be mindful of hardworking hands Our hands tend to bear the worst of whatever winter brings as they’re constantly exposed to the elements and in and out of water.

Applying hand cream is really important, but do it after every hand wash – not just once a day.

Keep one by the sink and one in your handbag, so it becomes habit. Wear rubber gloves to wash up or do housework and gloves when outside. We like deeply nourishing Dove Winter Care Hand Cream (£3.49/75ml). A little goes a long way.

Give your skin a little extra TLC “If you don’t already use a weekly face mask, winter is definitely the time to introduce one,” says Amanda. “To give yourself a nourishing facial, start by cleansing and gently exfoliating the skin. Then, using a face oil (or even olive oil), massage the skin for at least five minutes. Finish with a nourishing mask on top of the oil, wash off after the recommended time, then moisturise. Do this weekly and you’ll soon see a difference in your skin.” Try Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask (£19.99/110g), which contains clary sage to help retain moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Adapt your skincare routine While lightweight summer formulas might not be hardy enough to take on the fierce winter elements, this doesn’t mean you have to bin all your favourite skincare products. “If you’re not keen on changing your moisturiser, try using a nourishing serum under your moisturiser twice a day,” says Amanda. Think of it as wearing a vest under your jumper!

Gently does it Say no to dulllooking skin Who doesn’t feel a tiny bit grey at this time of year?

Treat your skin to a muchneeded radiance boost with this great little product.

The new Simple Kind To Skin+ Illuminating Radiance Cream SPF 15 (£8.99/50ml) contains skin-boosting vitamins that hydrate, as well as light reflecting minerals for instantly brighter skin.

››

We all like the satisfaction of a good face scrub, but it can leave skin feeling aggravated and exacerbate redness.

Amanda Elias recommends using Alpha Hydroxy Acids instead, which are used in higher doses in chemical peels. “Use AHAs such as glycolic acid or lactic acid to exfoliate your skin rather than a scrub, and they won’t have the same drying effect.

AHAs help by dissolving the ‘glue’ that holds on the dead skin cells, leaving skin instantly fresher and healthier without having to scrub.”

Try Bravura London Hot Cloth Volcanic Mud Cleanser/Masque (£9/100ml)

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

››

✢ Leaving a dish of water near your radiator will act as a humidifier and help replace lost moisture. Add a few drops of aromatherapy oils to fragrance your room at the same time. ✢ You may be craving hot baths or showers, but hot water dries out the skin and can leave it itchy. Stick to warm water instead. ✢ For dry skin, add a cupful of soothing oats to your bath. To reduce the mess, pop them into an old pair of clean tights and tie the ends. ✢ Don’t forget those hidden bits and regularly apply body lotion all over, not forgetting your feet.

Use SPF all year round Yes, we know the sun is not shining and when it does it’s only a glimpse, but even in winter SPF is a must according to Amanda.

“During the colder months UVA is still present in the atmosphere and it’s this UVA that causes premature ageing. Just because the sun isn’t shining brightly, that’s not to say your skin doesn’t need protection.” Choose skincare with SPF 15 and don’t forget to apply to the backs of your hands, too, – really important for protecting against age spots.

Next issue: 29 quick and easy ways to a glamorous party look YOURS

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n today!

Amanda’s winter skincare tips

g n ! i e h t on e m ery o S ev for

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Christmas gifts

GIFTS FOR

Chocolate Vodka

£13.99

WOMEN

M&S

Bath Fizzes

£6

BOOTS

La Petite Rose Flask

£12.95

DOTCOMGIFTSHOP

Heathcote and Ivory Cracker

£9

AMAZON

ALL UNDER £15!

We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up with this fabulous gift guide – and 48 are under a fiver!

Measuring cups

£9

SAINSBURY’S

For more great gift ideas visit www.yours.co.uk Compiled by Alex Frisby, Michelle Nightingale, Sharon Reid and Rebecca Speechley

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STOCKISTS: Amazon amazon.co.uk; Dotcomgiftshop 0208 746 2473 www.dotcomgiftshop.com; Gibsons 0208 661 8866 www.gibsonsgames.co.uk; The Oak Room 01992 501040 www.oakroom

sh

❙ christmas wrapped up ❙ Perfume bottle

£5

£5

£8 NEXT

Hot water bottle

Love canvas • WILKO

Sewing tin • TESCO

£10

Cookie cutter THE OAK ROOM

Slippers

Rural recipes mug (in tin)

NATIONWIDE

JOHN LEWIS

£5

6 month subscription to Yours for just £14!

Call 0844 848 8872 quote X302 or visit www.great magazines.co.uk/yours

Earrings • BHS

Ferrero Rocher Mini Gift Box

£3 . ac 50 h

DOTCOM GIFTSHOP

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F&F AT TESCO

12 UNDER £5

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£2 .99

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Gardening set

£5

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TESCO

Penguin Socks • BOOTS

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Notebooks • THE OAK ROOM

Cake Tins

£12.95

price!

Sweetie shop measuring spoons • TESCO

£5

<- Half

Mug • SAINSBURY’S

£5

DOTCOM GIFTSHOP

A Year with Yours

£4.99 YOURS SHOPPING

m; om

shop.co.uk; Yours shopping 01634 832789 www.yours.co.uk/shopping

The Garden Collection Candle Kit • BOOTS

Extracts Cocoa Butter Mini Mix set • BOOTS YOURS

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FOOD

notes

News, tips, recipes…

Compiled by Alex Frisby

WATCH

Tesco’s latest healthy cheese has less than 7g fat and ½g salt per 30g! We think it tastes like a good Gouda or Edam.

Use grated and no-one will know the difference! Rrp £2/250g

Regency recipes We love this recipe collection by Pen Vogler, inspired by the novels of Jane Austen. If you fancy trying your cooking skills on some really traditional ingredients, this is just for you.

Published by CICO books, rrp £16.99.

EXTRA FOR YOU Win a copy of Dinner With Mr Darcy; there are five up for grabs! Send your name and address to Yours, PO Box 57, Coates, Peterborough, PE7 2FF marked ‘Darcy Giveaway’ by November 29, 2013. ✢ If you do not want to be contacted in the future by Yours magazine please write ‘No Further Contact’ clearly on the postcard.

Pudsey-themed ideas from Lakeland with a donation to Children in Need, November 15.

✢ Mug £2.99/£1 donation

'Tis the season...

for SWEDE Why not opt for swede this fortnight, instead of the usual potato? Don't worry if you're buying for one or two, as a swede will keep well in the fridge for up to a couple of weeks. We suggest roasting to bring out the flavour (rather than boiling, which will dilute it). They're low in saturated fats and contain vitamins A and C – so a handy health kick, too.

Food for

thought

Make it Roasted swede with Parmesan Preheat oven to 200°C/400°C/Gas Mark 7. Peel and cut a large swede into chips. Tip into a shallow roasting tin with 1 tbsp olive oil, 40g (1¾oz) grated Parmesan and 1 tbsp rosemary leaves. Season to taste, toss well, arrange into one layer then sprinkle over 6g (¼oz) more Parmesan. Dot with butter, add 2 peeled garlic cloves and roast for 30-35 minutes until golden.

Legend has it that Italian traveller Marco Polo brought pasta to his native country from China in the 13th century, where it was originally invented.

Buy it

Try it

These new split pots from Rachel’s Organic yogurts combine delicious natural Greek yogurt with a raspberry compôte, red berry granola and mango and passionfruit compôte. £1.69 for two, from Sainsbury’s.

This beautiful Limited Edition Christmas bottle of Codorníu Cava is a steal at just £8.99 from Sainsbury’s.

Take one to your next festive dinner party for guaranteed seconds (or even thirds)!

❤

WE LOVE… ✢ Pudsey sweetie bags, £1.79 for 50/50p donation

✢ Pudsey cake sprinkles £1.59 for 55g/25p donation YOURS

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HEALTH