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‘Why family is s With a new series of Birds of a Feather back on TV, we chat to Pauline Quirke and her co-stars about what really counts

By Christine Smith he may be one of the country’s most popular actresses but Pauline Quirke reveals she would never dream of letting work take over her life.

Very much putting her family first, the 55-year-old star says she sees herself as a wife and mum rather than a famous TV star. As soon as the front door is shut, it’s a case of cooking up some delicious family meals and spending time with her husband, Steve, and two children, Emily and Charlie, who are now grown up.

“Acting is my job but it’s not my life,” explains Pauline. “It really is a lovely job and I am very lucky but my family is the most important thing to me – first and foremost.”

And what makes working on Birds of a Feather so special, is the fact both hubby Steve and son Charlie work on the show. Steve is an executive producer working behind the scenes putting the hit comedy together, while Charlie plays Travis, Tracey’s son. “I’m lucky because I do work with them,” chuckles Pauline.

“I just need to get the dog on next!”

But isn’t it tough being bossed around by her husband? Do they argue on set? Definitely not, says Pauline. Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson, who are sitting having coffee with Pauline as she chats, agree. “If anyone is telling anyone off it’s usually Charlie telling me and Linda off,” says Pauline, roaring with laughter as she does. “He knows the

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Forever friends!

Pauline, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph

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heart to heart

❙ star chat ❙

so precious’ lines. His brain is only 20 years old and so of course he should know!

Our old brains are full of years of Spritzers!”

As she chats Pauline is brimming with happiness. Relaxed, full of life and a joy to be with, she is loving being reunited with her two best friends, Linda and Lesley, as they film a new series of Birds of a Feather.

All three of them have been through births, marriages and deaths together. Money can’t buy the history they have shared together, explains Pauline.

“We have been friends for years,” says the actress. “You can’t analyse it. We are good friends who work on a TV series together and that is how it is. It’s our history; our children were little when we first met and we are all so supportive of each other.

Generosity and warmth in life is such a lovely thing. We are three mums who are having a ball.”

The new series of Birds of a Feather will pick up from where viewers left off. Dorien has agreed to stay in the house and the three women go about their chaotic lives.

The new series will see one of the characters hit by a huge health scare – an idea suggested by the three

actresses. “I don’t want to say too much, but there is a health scare,” says Pauline. “Then there is a huge revelation with Dorien. She has a secret that she’s kept from us for many years. We like to throw things out there. Without getting heavy with it, we want to deal with issues that happen to women of our age – or any age.”

All three stars were blown away by the amazing reaction from the public when Birds of a Feather returned to ITV last year. “All we can do is what we do,” says Pauline. “But we knew that people loved it when they came on the tour.

“It’s been great to do Birds, and Broadchurch which returns this year. I’ve also managed to be cheeky and get a holiday in between to

Croatia and I’m off to Barbados soon, too!”

Given that she is so successful, you wonder if Pauline would ever contemplate retiring. She says she would like to one day. “I was talking about this the other night,” she muses. “I am coming up to retirement now and I would like to one day.”

The death of our Yours columnist Lynda Bellingham last year is a timely reminder that every day should be lived to the full, adds Lesley. “I’d known Lynda for 45 years. Cancer hits a lot of people so you have to relish each day.”

And fellow Birds’ co-star Linda adds she always makes sure she spends quality time with her granddaughter, Lyla, whenever she isn’t working. “It’s nice she is getting older and I love spending time with my husband and the children. I just love it,” adds Linda.

So what’s next for the three actresses? Would they like Birds of a Feather to return for another series after this one? Definitely, reply all three in unison, sounding incredibly happy! “If it comes along, it comes along,” says Pauline of a new series.

“But if it doesn’t – well my house will be very clean!”

And with that parting shot, she roars with laughter and together with her two close friends, dashes off to put the finishing touches to what will ✢ Birds of a undoubtedly be a Feather is brilliant new series of on ITV1 on Birds of a Feather.

Thursday evenings PICS: REX FEATURES; ALAMY; CAMERA PRESS

Clockwise, from left, with son Charlie, with hubby Steve and as Susan in Broadchurch

Psst… Pauline shares a secret

Pauline has also been busy filming a new series of Broadchurch. She can’t give anything away but says writer Chris Chibnall has been incredibly clever in the way he has developed the second series. “I just can’t wait for it to return,” she adds. “The writer is a genius!”

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Style notes

When your hair and body need deep nourishing in the colder months, gorgeous antiageing oils are the answer!

Youth-boosting

beauty

Meet our expert

Elaine Robinson is head of aesthetics and training at natural beauty company Dr Hauschka

f you’ve never considered putting oils on your face, body and hair, it’s not surprising.

Most of us imagine oils to be gloopy or slippery, creating mess in the bathroom (and on clothes).

Or perhaps you worry that oil would just sit on your skin and hair, leaving greasy patches, without sinking in properly.

But the latest crop of beauty oils aren’t like that – the modern ones are designed to penetrate deeply, leaving your skin and hair soft, silky and nourished from the inside out. And oils can be particularly beneficial for older women. “With age, the rhythms of the

WORDS: CHARLOTTE HAIGH MACNEIL. PICS: SHUTTERSTOCK; JUMPFOTO

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skin slow down and the production of your natural oils tend to decrease,” says Elaine Robinson, head of aesthetics and training at natural beauty company Dr Hauschka.

“Oils encourage the skin to be more active, produce more of its own oil and moisture and renew more efficiently. They also help make your skin feel soft, supple and more protected.”

There are certain points to look for when buying beauty oils. “Avoid synthetic and mineral oils. Although these are protective, they will block pores and interfere with the skin’s own detoxification processes,” says Elaine.

Instead, look for gorgeous plant oils that will heal and soothe. “Oils suited to older women include jojoba oil, apricot kernel, avocado oils and argan oil,” says Elaine.

Massage oil into your skin to help boost circulation.

Our pick of the best…

Superdrug Conditioning Cuticle Oil Pen with Vitamin E £2.99/7ml Keeping your cuticles nourished is the best way to feed your nails from the base and make them strong and healthy, but it’s not always easy to remember to moisturise them. This convenient pen is perfect for your handbag and contains almond and Vitamin E oils to feed cuticles and fortify nails.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil £12/28ml Designed to deeply replenish overnight and deliver a high dose of anti-ageing Vitamin E straight to skin to help restore firmness and tackle dryness while you sleep.

Burt’s Bees Lemon and Vitamin E Bath and Body Oil £9.99/115ml This fragrant dual-purpose oil can be used as a refreshing bath oil and a nourishing body oil to help tackle dry skin. Crammed with Vitamin E and almond oil, both renowned for their soothing, moisturising properties.

STOCKISTS Burt’s Bees 0808 234 1423, from John Lewis and www.burtsbees. co.uk; The Body Shop 0800 092 9090, www.thebodyshop.co.uk; Clarins: www.clarins.co.uk, 0207 307 6700; Dr Hauschka 0800 055 6604, drhauschka. com/en_gb; L’Oreal 0800 0304 033, www.loreal-paris.co.uk; Moroccanoil from high street salons and www.moroccanoil.com; Superdrug 0345 671 0709, www.superdrug.com; Weleda 0115 944 8200, www.weleda.co.uk Details correct at time of going to press

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil, £19.95/100ml Smells gorgeous and will transform your skin.

It’s packed with organic musk rose oil, which helps boost elasticity, plus almond and jojoba oils to deeply nourish. Quickly absorbed, it’s best smoothed onto damp skin after a shower or bath to help lock in moisture.

Dr Hauschka Neem Hair Oil £24/100ml Perfect for keeping greying hair soft and manageable. With neem leaf extract, it renews and strengthens hair follicles and helps nourish a dry scalp. You can use it as a treatment by massaging into hair and wrapping a warm towel around your head for 20 minutes, to allow the oil to penetrate before shampooing, or simply smooth through the ends and leave.

L’Oreal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil £7.99/150ml This gentle oil instantly dissolves makeup, giving you perfectly clean skin without the tightness you can get from soap or foam cleansers. It’s perfect for tackling stubborn eye make-up too.

Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment £24.85/45ml Crammed with skin-nourishing argan oil. Use before shampooing as an intensive treatment for a dry, scaly scalp. It will moisturise your scalp and help fortify hair follicles from the root, promoting strong, glossy locks.

For a chance to win all the beauty oils mentioned enter at visit www.yours.co.uk/beauty

PIC: XXXX

y oils

Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil £32/30ml Contains a blend of plant oils, including lavender and cardamom to boost skin suppleness and soothe dryness, so it’s perfect for mature skin. You only need a few drops – simply massage into your face at night after cleansing.

Style What’s your notes

FASHION RESOLUTION The New Year is the perfect time to update your look and embrace new, colourful and fashionable trends DO YOU WANT TO...

be more on-trend Looking fashionable doesn’t mean you have to dress like your daughter or granddaughter. Look at the trends for particular colours or fabrics (leather and faux-fur are both big this season!), but it’s essential to only choose clothes that really flatter your figure. Carol our model is wearing a fashionable leather-look skirt, that’s not too short, with opaque tights, flat pumps and a cashmere knit. It’s grown-up fashion.

LUXURY FABRICS

CAROL WEARS: Faux fur stole, £28, Jasper Conran at Debenhams; cashmere knit, £45, 8-20, F&F at Tesco; leather-look skirt, £77, 10-20, Isme; tights, £5, Tesco snake-print pumps; £10, 3-8, Bhs

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Are you stuck in a fashion rut? Changing your look couldn’t be easier and it could give you a confidence boost.

Make a start by going through your wardrobe; get rid of pieces that you haven’t worn for more than a year or that don’t fit or flatter you. Ask a friend to help you decide what works and what doesn’t, then have a look at these ideas for revamping your wardrobe!

DEBBIE WEARS: Check wrap, £29, one size, M&Co; roll-neck jumper, £16, and velour trousers, £29.50, both 10-20, M&S; wedge boots, £59, 3-8, Bhs; bag, £55, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

DO YOU WANT TO...

look stylish as well as practical It’s easy just to throw on your favourite fleece and old jeans when you’re walking your dog or running errands. If you’re fed up with feeling scruffy in bulky coats and fleeces try layering for a more puttogether look. Oversized wraps and roll-neck jumpers look very chic but also keep you warm. Choose colours that tone together and footwear that’s comfy and stylish like these wedge boots.

DO YOU WANT TO...

wear more colour Ease yourself into colour by choosing one bright piece. Choose a tone that will work with other basics in your wardrobe so you don’t have to spend too much. Hold the colour up and see if it brightens your skin tone and makes you look healthy – if it doesn’t it’s not your colour. If you’re not feeling brave bring colour in with accessories instead.

CAROL WEARS; stripe top, M&Co, £16, 10-20; jeans, £20, 6-22, Next; shoes, £30, 3-7, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams; red bag, £28, Bhs; necklace, £12, pearl bracelet, £8, both Jon Richard at Debenhams

DEBBIE WEARS: Orange top, £25, M&S, 10-20; necklace, £18.50, Allusions at Bhs; Bracelet, £8, Jon Richard at Debenhams; trousers, £30, 10-18, Wallis

look smart but casual Good quality fabrics in classic colours don’t date but the right fit is crucial, so go up a size if you need to. You can be elegant without being too dressy. This nautical look is timeless – with a good quality pair of jeans and a classic stripe top.

Finish the look with eyecatching accessories too.

✢ Nude underwear is a better option to white because it disappears under clothes.

UPDATE YOUR UNDERWEAR! Your clothes will look a lot better if they’re worn over properly fitting underwear. Get fitted regularly and replace your underwear when it starts to lose it’s elasticity and shape.

A good bra and knickers could ✢ Great fitting and help you look comfortable briefs are a must. slimmer and Leopard print knickers, define your £4, 10-22, Bhs waist by lifting your bust.

DO YOU WANT TO...

✢ Navy underwear makes a nice change from black.

Navy non-wired bra, £6, 34B-44DD, matching lace-trim briefs, £4, 8-26, Bonmarché

✢ A nude camisole will work under blouses and knits and helps prevent clinging.

Nude bra, £18, 32C-40DD, matching briefs, £9.50, 8-22, M&S

Nude camisole, £20, s-l, F&F at Tesco

STOCKISTS: Bhs 0845 196 0000 www.bhs.co.uk; Bonmarché 0330 0262728 www.bonmarche.co.uk; Debenhams 0844 561 6161 www.debenhams.com; F&F at Tesco 0800 505 555 www.clothingattesco.com; George at Asda 0800 952 3003 www.direct.asda.com; Isme 0844 8118112 www.isme.com; M&Co 0800 031 7200 www.mandco.com; Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200 www.marksandspencer.com; Next 0844 844 8000 www.next.co.uk; Wallis 0344 984 0266 wallis.co.uk Details correct at time of going to press

To find out which shades suit you best, take our online colour quiz at www.yours.co.uk/tags/quiz YOURS EVERY FORTNIGHT

PICS: RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST; JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP: HANNAN TOUHAMI

FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE

Good to KNOW...

You can...

start your

own business If you dream of being your own boss, we’ve asked the experts for everything you need to know to get started

By Lizzy Dening

Meet our experts Nicky Templeton is the Director of Partnerships for The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise a charity which helps the over 50s get started in business, www.prime.org.uk Bobbi Johal, Chief Training Facilitator at The Confidence Centre, which ofers confidence training to people in their late forties onwards www. theconfidencecentre.co.uk

ou may be surprised to learn that starting your own business later in life puts you at an advantage! Businesses set up by people in their 50s or older have a 70 per cent chance of surviving their first five years, compared to just 28 per cent of those owned by younger people. So if you’ve always fancied running a business, now could be the best time to take the leap.

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Why should I do it?

For most people the main appeal of being your own boss is that you can make money while having flexibility and freedom. You might worry that people won’t take you seriously – but actually you’re likely to be more responsible, professional, and a better communicator than a younger business owner.

“Your maturity will make you attractive to customers and will ensure they keep on coming back,” says Nicky Templeton, from PRIME.

survey people in the high street or consider building an online survey and circulating it through social media – it’s free with websites such as www.surveymonkey.co.uk. Don’t forget to research your competitors too. The British Library’s Business Centre can help, visit www.bl.uk/bipc.

Make a business plan To get funding you will first need a clear idea of what your aims are.

Your business plan should include information about how you will start the business and what your long-term goals are. You will need to mention any equipment you already have, what you need to buy and, of course, how you hope to pay for it.

How to get started “To be successful, first find your passion,” says Bobbi Johal, of The Confidence Centre. “Think about what would get you out of bed in the morning. Then check that it’s a product or service that people will happily (and regularly) pay for.”

Having a new business idea can be exciting, but don’t let your passion take over – do some market research. If your business is local, grab a clipboard and 56

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If you have a business, being online is a given these days

TOP TIP! Spending too much in the early days of a business is a common mistake, so don’t risk your life savings

Also be sure to explain who your customers and competitors are; what help you’ll need; how much you think it will cost and what profit you expect to make. Don’t forget! It can take six months or more for a business to become established. Make sure you have money set aside to keep you secure during that time.

Funding and legal advice

a checklist of everything you need to register your business, find it at www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/startinga-new-business.

Support and mentoring Being your own boss doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. There’s lots of support and advice available. Many banks run free mentoring schemes to help you with financial decisions or visit www.mentorsme.co.uk

Marilyn Mountford (62) opened an online cushion boutique (www. cushionsbydesign. co.uk) in 2013.

“I’ve always loved the idea of being self employed, so a year ago I decided to sell handmade cushions online.

It brings together everything I love – beautiful products, craftsmanship and people.

“It’s daunting and exciting to be taking on a new challenge at a time when many people my age start to slow down. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but I have a brilliant business mentor who encourages me during hard times.

“I take great pride in what I do, and it makes me feel involved in the modern world. I like having something to offer, it keeps me young.”

Happily there are lots of ways to fund a business – from bank loans to grants. To find out what’s available, visit www.betterbusinessfinance.

What next? co.uk. You also need to make sure It’s a good idea to set everything is legal and above board. up a website and social media An accountant can help you sort out accounts such as Twitter and the basics, such as whether you are Facebook so that people can find a sole trader and whether there you easily. If you’re not confident with are any tax schemes you may be a computer your local library can help or eligible for. ✢ Marilyn runs #Grandtrepreneurs Barclays have developed a free IT skills “Before you start trading you Hour on Twitter – a support programme – pop into your local branch will need to make sure you have all network for business owners aged to find out about their ‘Tea and Tech’ the legal boxes ticked,” says Nicky.

50-plus, each Monday (noon-1pm). sessions or visit www.barclays.

Including registering your company co.uk/digitaleagles ✢ NEXT ISSUE with HMRC and with Companies Rethink your morning routine!

House. The Government has created For more information on financing a new business visit www.yours.co.uk/money-advice

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PICS: ALAMY

Businesses set up by people in their 50s or older have a 70 per cent chance of surviving their first five years, compared to just 28 per cent of those owned by younger people

“I love being Story my own boss” Your

Handy

tablet holder Support your tablet in style with this pretty, lightweight stand Compiled by Claire Williams

DIFFICULTY RATING

★★

l

l

l Pe rf e ct for follo w ing a re cipe or e k it chen! online tutorial in th 96

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his homemade rest is ideal for holding your tablet in a horizontal or vertical position.

The pattern is to make one for a 17.7cm (7in) wide tablet, so if you need it to be larger, simply increase the measurements.

T

Materials:

✢ Rectangle of fabric measuring 45.7x27.9cm (18x11in) ✢ Two buttons, one a little smaller than the other ✢ A large handful of toy stuffing ✢ Calico pouch measuring 15.2x7.5cm (6x3in), filled with rice ✢ Air erasable pen ✢ 13mm (½in) dowelling ✢ Secateurs

HOME

& craft

1

Fold your rectangle of fabric in half from the shorter sides, right sides facing. Using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, sew across one end and down the side (as shown by dotted lines, right).

Once sewn, turn right sides out. Pinch the two sides of the sewn end and pull them open to form a square, as shown. The seam should be underneath.

2

Sew the buttons, one on top of the other, over this point, but make sure you only attach them to the top layer of fabric so the pillow still opens up.

4

Take the top point of the square and fold it over to the centre.

Pin in place.

3

Start to fill with toy stuffing and push the pouch of rice firmly into the base of the pillow.

5

Measure 6.3cm (2½in) from the still-open seam, pin it as shown and mark a line with an air erasable pen. Stitch across this line.

6 Fold the end of the opening in by 0.5cm (¼in) and press, then top stitch across the opening.

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✢ Extract from Half Yard Home, by Debbie Shore, Published by Search Press, £9.99

Cut the dowelling to about 2.5cm (1in) shorter than the length of the opening. Dowelling is quite soft and can be cut with garden secateurs!

8

Place the dowelling on top of the flap and fold over. Hand sew the fabric into a tube with slip stitch, then close each end with ladder stitch.

9

For more crafty home ideas, visit www.yours.co.uk/knitting-and-craft

✢ NEXT ISSUE Make a huggable owl toy or cushion!

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mfrom y lessons life…

Fern Britton, 57, talks kindness, getting on her bike and the new series of the Big Allotment Challenge ✢ What I value most

times I am not a very good churchgoer.

Kindness is one of the most important qualities in life, I think. It’s the thing I value most in people and that includes Phil, my husband. A kind word, deed, or hug goes such a long way. All that matters in life is love, kindness and being with people who feed your soul.

✢ Giving is good for us Doing bike rides for charity really enriches my life. When I started these rides to give something back, I didn’t realise they were going to give me so much, too. They’ve made me feel like I can do pretty much anything. This year I am cycling from John O’ Groats to Land’s End to raise money for research into miscarriage.

The Big Allotment Challenge is a bit different this year. Instead of teams of two, as we had in the first series, this time we have individuals working their own allotments instead.

This certainly adds to the hard work and their exhaustion!

It also means they become great friends and rivals.

The contestants are a wonderful mixed bunch this year – I can promise that the final is a nail biter!

✢ Gardening is so therapeutic It’s definitely good for mind, body and soul. The food is full of nutrition, the air is good for the lungs and the soil on your fingers is good for the spirit. My gardening 138

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Fern with allotment presenters Jim Buttress, Jonathan Moseley and Thane Prince. Left: Fern’s hubby, Phil Vickery

has definitely improved since I started presenting The Big Allotment Challenge. Last year I invested in a poly tunnel and brought on some giant aubergines. I was very proud of them!

✢ Faith is very important to me I have a strong faith and always have had. No blinding lights in the night. No rolls of thunder and trumpets. Just a quiet belief that there is someone looking over us. I am a Christian, but at

✢ Getting older has some benefits!

Age can bring a new contentment. It has to me, anyway. I’ve started to like myself much more and care much less about what others think. If I want to wear a short skirt, then I’m going to! ✢ The Big Allotment Challenge is on BBC2 on Friday evenings. ✢ To find out more about the charity Fern is supporting on the bike ride, visit www.genesisresearchtrust.com ✢ She was talking to Alison James.

WHAT MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? I think it’s the knowledge that no one can live our lives for us.

We have to do it ourselves.

PICS: STEVE MEDDLER/REX FEATURES; JANINE WARWICK/BBC PICTURES

✢ Change is good