Indholdsfortegnelse for 22-Sep-2025 i Woman

F or Amy Dowden, getting to stand on the Strictly Come Dancing stage this year comes with a huge array of emotions. In May 2023, the star, then 32, was shockingly diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. She had found a lump just a day before she was going on her honeymoon, and while – after eight rounds of chemotherapy and a mastectomy – she was given the all-clear, 2024 saw her forced to pull out of the hit BBC show after a foot injury. At the time, Amy revealed she was ‘absolutely gutted’ that she had to stop dancing with JLS star JB Gill, but clarified the ‘insufficiency stress fracture’ to her shin had ‘nothing to do’ with her previous health battles. But now, as Amy prepares to take…

ROMAN KEMP: ‘IT WAS DEBILITATING’ Radio DJ and The One Show host Roman Kemp had such severe sleep problems he would sometimes fall asleep while talking to people. ‘My tiredness levels were debilitating. I was mid-conversation and would be snoring and not realising; it was very strange,’ he said. He found he was suffering with sleep apnoea, meaning he could not get enough air into his lungs while asleep and it would cause him to wake up regularly. After diagnosis, Roman, 32, began wearing a CPAP machine, which helps to get a steady flow of air into the body. When he posted a picture of it online, fans were quick to congratulate him for normalising the condition. One wrote, ‘Great you are raising awareness about sleep apnoea.’ MARIAH CAREY’S BIPOLAR DIAGNOSIS She…

High street stalwart Primark has got you covered when it comes to elegant, timeless jewels that look just as chic as their expensive counterparts. Think gold hoops, chunky chains, sculptural bangles and a sleek watch for subtle staples that will add a dose of glamour to any outfit. Polished to perfection. Necklace, £4, watch, £10, earrings, £8 for two sets, bangles, £4 for two, all Primark…

Split-end saviour Fudge Professional Bond Builder Repairing Conditioner, £15, Superdrug Scraggly split ends can only really be fixed by a good chop at the hairdresser’s, but this clever conditioner will buy you time before your next appointment. It repairs the bonds in hair that are broken by things like heat damage, colouring and pollution. Hair feels smoother with impressive shine. Hydration hero Living Proof Leave-In Conditioning Spray, £27, lookfantastic.com Depleting oestrogen levels before and during menopause mean our hair becomes naturally drier as we age. Take extra care of your hair with a leave-in conditioner. This one seals moisture into strands as well as making them more manageable, so you don’t have to worry about frizz or tangles. Banish brassiness Provoke Brighten + Repair Intensive Purple Conditioner, £5.50, Sainsbury’s Blonde…

If you’ve been married for ages or have a steady partner, you’ll know that staying active in the bedroom takes work. ‘Once the “head over heels” feeling wears off, long-term love can be lacking in excitement,’ says relationship therapist Alison Tinsley*. But, for many, positive feelings increase over time. According to Relate, 57% of coupled-up Brits fancy their partner more after 10 years together than when they first met. Wondering whether you need to act? Our quiz will strengthen your bond, in and out of the bedroom. Take the test Tick the answer that best applies to you. 1 How long do you spend together in bed, compared to when you first met? You spend a lot of time in bed, but rarely socialise together. Enough – although you find…

Worried about your pension? Do you run your own business, are you a contractor, freelancer or sole trader? Then you’ll recognise the symptoms of the permanent pensions headache of the self-employed: the rollercoaster of irregular income, the anxiety of competing financial priorities, and a lack of employer contributions. According to a new report by Interactive Investor*, 43% of self-employed women have no pension at all (compared to 35% of men). At 55-56, the average pension pot for self-employed people is just £16k (compared to £91K for employed peers). ‘Self-employed people can be hesitant to save into a pension because of their variable income and the fact they can’t access their money until at least the age of 55,’ says Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown. ‘This is…

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ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr As the season changes, so too does your routine and outlook. What comes to an end now has served its purpose. Have no regrets. Set your compass to new horizons. For your reading ☎09058 172557 TAURUS 21 Apr – 21 May Feel confident about any changes you make. Even if it inconveniences others, you have to look after yourself. And vice versa, that’s why others may upset the applecart. For your reading ☎09058 172558 GEMINI 22 May – 22 Jun Sunday’s solar eclipse sends you a message: nothing stays the same for ever. Whether you’re done with something or someone, or you’re in the firing line, be philosophical. For your reading ☎09058 172559 CANCER 23 Jun – 23 Jul As in the weather, so…

Jo Joyner returns as hairdresser turned sleuth Luella ‘Lu’ Shakespeare in a new series of crime drama Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. Once again, Lu joins ex-cop Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton) to solve more mysteries in the picturesque surroundings of Stratford-upon-Avon. Here, the former EastEnders star talks about drama, disguises and ‘dopamine’ style… What’s it like to be back for a fifth series? I’m thrilled because it’s a show that’s really close to my heart. I’m really fond of Luella – I think she’s such a great character and she’s always got a smiley, positive take on things. I also really love the relationships in the show, so it’s lovely for us to come back and revisit them. Where do we find the characters at the beginning of the series?…

EAMONN AND KATIE’S ‘ROCKY PATCH’ It’s been just over a year since Eamonn Holmes went public with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander following his split from Ruth Langsford after 14 years of marriage. But the couple have now reportedly hit a bump in their relationship, with the GB News presenter desperately lavishing Katie with pricey gifts in a bid to save their romance. Last month Eamonn, 65, treated the mum of three with VIP tickets to watch his team, Manchester United, before whisking her off for a romantic weekend in his native Belfast. The couple watched the match from the club’s hospitality stand – where tickets cost up to £12,000 each – and enjoyed a Michelin-star meal. It comes just weeks after he flew Katie and her children to Greece…

ANOTHER SURPRISING FALL-OUT FOR HARRY? First, it was the bombshell news that Prince Harry had resigned from his position within Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to help the ‘forgotten children’ of Lesotho. But now it’s been reported that tensions are growing within his other pet project, the Invictus Games. According to one newspaper article, an insider took a major swipe at Harry, anonymously suggesting he stay down. They reportedly said, ‘The duke has become an increasingly divisive figure, particularly in the armed forces. And that is not good for Invictus. We are all about bringing people together and inspiring those who have suffered hardship. Now, Invictus is firmly established, it might be better if the duke took a step back.’ There has been no response as of yet from Harry,…

RELAXED-SLEEVE TOP A simple way to elevate your look is with an interesting sleeve. Fluted and puff designs cover your arms without restriction and add an element of ease. Team with everything from jeans and tailored trousers to skirts. SINGLE-BREASTED BLAZERS This timeless staple will add polish to everything from denim to occasion wear. For a streamlined silhouette, avoid double-breasted styles and choose a size that fits well across the shoulders so you can move your arms comfortably. SATIN SKIRTS This versatile piece is a hard-working addition to any wardrobe and can be effortlessly dressed up or down. Fabrics with a sheen are best paired with seamless underwear or shapewear to create a smooth base. Satin, particularly in a bias-cut, drapes beautifully over curves, offering a sleek, elegant silhouette.…

1 Maximise sleep We’re all familiar with the term ‘body clock’, but did you know that skin has its own internal timer? When we sleep, our skin cells repair the damage inflicted during the day. Research by No7 has found there’s a ‘rush hour’ of activity between 2am and 4am for repairing sun-exposed skin. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Serum, £39.95, Boots, seeks to harness this window, using powerful peptide technology that works to reverse visible signs of damage, such as lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. 2 Overnight treat As you sleep, your skin temperature rises as your skin cells’ protective barrier weakens, so ingredients can penetrate more deeply. This combination makes skin more receptive to the rich textures of an overnight mask. Delhicious Dream Drench Sleep Mask,…

How to tell if you’re eating too much sugar If your diet contains a high percentage of sugar-heavy and ultra-processed foods (UPF), then you’re likely to find it difficult to become full. Your appetite may rarely be totally satisfied and you’ll always be on the lookout for the next snack. (Notice how I’ve dived straight in here – no preamble, I’m giving it to you head on!) You might also find your mood is erratic and you feel impatient at small things. Yes, that could become swallowed up in the myriad of menopause symptoms, but changes to your diet can help ease both. Perhaps you have also noticed increased skin issues, such as spots or a rash. I had a client who had a nasty rash develop underneath her breasts,…

As autumn begins, now’s the perfect time to refocus on you and feel lighter and energised. We’ve teamed up with Slimming World to show you how you can enjoy real foods while seeing real results. What’s more, you could lose up to 7lb in just two weeks!* How it works 1 Follow the menu. Feel free to repeat any days you enjoy! 2 Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of energy density (the calories per gram in food), of satiety (how filling a food is) and how easy a food is to overeat. It’s a simple way to cut calories without counting them and lose weight without going hungry. 3 Free Food is at the heart of the plan. These are the foods you can…

How back-to-school can affect your pets September marks the start of a new year for anyone with children at home. However, it’s not just you and the family it can affect, but your pets too. Big changes in routine can unsettle them, what with school runs, less time spent working from home and the kids not being around as much. I find this is a good time to set goals and get things in order, such as reassessing your daycare requirements. After the more relaxed summer holidays, you’ll be back into a fixed daily routine. Doggy daycare needs to reflect that, while remaining practical and affordable. It’s also a good idea to revisit your budget, checking your monthly outgoings on everything from dog food and vet bills to walking services…

Lamb and feta meatballs Swapping some of the meat for lentils lowers the saturated fat and increases the fibre for a tasty dinner with benefits. SERVES 6 PREP 10 MINS COOK 20 MINS ✱ 400g lamb mince ✱250g pack mixed grains ✱2tsp preserved lemon paste, or zest and juice 1 lemon ✱ 75g feta cheese ✱Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus extra leaves to serve ✱ 1tsp dried mint ✱1tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying the meatballs ✱2 garlic cloves, crushed ✱400g tin chopped tomatoes ✱50g pitted green olives, sliced if large ✱Houmous and lettuce, to serve (optional) 1 In a bowl, mix together the lamb mince, mixed grains, lemon, 50g of the feta cheese, the parsley, mint and 1tsp fine sea salt. Divide the mixture and roll it into…

2018 The Strictly curse The show’s infamous curse has led to numerous contestants’ relationships crumbling, following weeks of rehearsing raunchy rumbas and sexy sambas with their partners. Who can forget when comedian Seann Walsh, then 32, was caught kissing Katya Jones, 29, during a night out? The pair locked lips while he was in a relationship with actor Rebecca Humphries, then 30, and Katya was married to fellow dancer Neil Jones, 36. The duo made an apology on live TV and, despite calls for them to be disqualified, they continued in the competition before being eliminated in week five. Despite blaming alcohol, Katya and Neil announced their split after six years of marriage, followed by Seann and Rebecca who also separated. 2024 Wynne Evans’ sex slur Welsh opera singer Wynne,…

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly planning to make his own documentary about his late mother as part of his multimillion-pound deal with Netflix. Details of exactly what this might look like have yet to be released, but the idea of such a project comes as no surprise to me. The prince has had to sit back while dozens of documentaries have been made about the parent he lost in August 1997 when he was just 12 years old. ‘It could be a cathartic exercise for the prince’ Feelings of frustration In 2008, Harry told me how he wished he could write about his own take on his mother’s life, because he understandably hated the way that other people were profiting from her life and tragic death. He even went…

We all know that parenting is a rollercoaster. No matter how prepared you think you are, those newborn days can hit you like a freight train. But after longing for your little one to get to the point where they can move about and communicate with you to make things that little bit easier, you realise that an infant on the move is 10 times harder work than a newborn. Then come the toddler years that, while they bring cute moments, can also be savage. And once children hit their teens, we have to find a way to look after them while allowing them their independence – a scary thought in today’s world. It seems as if every new stage of parenting brings new challenges. So, when Jeff Brazier recently…

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Don’t ditch the sun lotion just yet Not only can it stop premature ageing, but protecting your skin also reduces your risk of cancer, whatever the season… After years as a GP, very few health beliefs send a shiver down my spine, but one that will never stop doing so is the belief that suncream is harmful. You’d be forgiven for buying into this theory, what with the social media attention it has gained recently. But I’m here to tell you that skipping sun protection altogether is risky. Without it, the sun can be harmful for all of us, even in the cloudy British weather. READ THE LABELS There are two types of suncream – physical blockers or chemical blockers. Physical (mineral) blockers work by reflecting the UV rays and…

Taking one long, last look at myself in the mirror, I held my breath and stepped through the fitting room curtain, to be greeted with a gasp and hug from my mum, Gail. Looking at Mum, I thought I detected a tear in her eye as she saw my wedding gown for the first time. ‘I can’t imagine ever considering a dress like this before now,’ I said happily, as I twirled around to show the plunging open back. To be honest, that was a bit of an understatement – just a few months earlier, wearing anything remotely backless would have been unthinkable. ‘It is absolutely beautiful and you look gorgeous,’ Mum told me. ‘Dan will feel he’s a very lucky man.’ ‘I was relying on ready meals and takeaways’…

IF YOU LOVE TO WIN PRIZES THEN VISIT comps.womanmagazine.co.uk What does fashion magazine legend Anna Wintour hope is the one thing people learn from her? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the seven-word answer. ACROSS DOWN ANSWERS ACROSS: 11 Cowell, 12 Aristotle, 13 Ogre, 14 Demanded, 15 Eager, 16 Nevada, 17 Evening, 18 Netherlands, 20 Bride, 22 Matt Smith, 24 Fetch, 28 Babysat, 29 Giraffe, 32 Invite, 34 Troubles, 36 Baldrick, 37 Earned, 39 Atlanta, 40 Gallery, 45 Belly, 47 Geography, 48 Scowl, 51 Embarrassed, 53 Freeman, 55 Octave, 56 Rebel, 58 Irritate, 59 Up to, 60 Toadstool, 61 Tavern. DOWN: 1 Jolene, 2 Lena Headey, 3 Aladdin, 4 Mardi Gras, 5 Hibernate, 6 Stag, 7 Starve, 8 Kennels, 9 Convince, 10…

COULD YOU LIVE IN A SEXLESS MARRIAGE? Bravo to Davina McCall. She has declared she could be happy in a ‘sexless marriage’, and I applaud her. But it did set me pondering: could I be so noble? If my husband were incapacitated (God forbid) – then yes, I’ve made vows of ‘in sickness and in health’ and would stand by him, praying we’d find happiness in other forms. But could I ever choose a sexless marriage? I’m not entirely convinced. Like all couples who have clocked up a few years, we’ve been distracted by careers, children and domestic chores. Inevitably, passion ebbs and flows. Sometimes there’s fireworks, sometimes there’s TV in bed instead! We’ve even been away with friends, heard them ‘at it’ in the room next door, and exchanged…