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At the time we printed, we still did not know how Alfie Evans’ story would end. But after asking in the office and talking to my friend Carol (see page 21), most of us thought this – since when did the NHS play God? Surely, once that little boy was removed from life support, his parents had the right to take him home or to Italy but, above all, to give him their undivided attention – not to have to keep running to the High Court to fight the state. It’s an emotional issue. But who do you think should have the final say when doctors no longer offer to treat your child? If you think it’s the parents, should the law be changed? Please let me know your thoughts,…

She’s vowed to ‘never diet’, but ‘Domestic Goddess’ Nigella Lawson is looking better than ever, with a dramatically slimmer silhouette. Dressed in a figure-hugging navy jumper and skinny jeans that accentuated her hourglass waist (anyone else thinking Marilyn Monroe?), the 58-year-old showed that, despite having a voice like molten chocolate and a love of ‘slut’s spaghetti’, she’s steadily shed the pounds over the past few years. Dietitian Helen Bond says, ‘I estimate Nigella was originally around 13st, dress size 16, and is now around 11st and a dress size 12. Although she is 5ft 7in, her BMI would have previously classed her as overweight. She has definitely lost inches – particularly from her waist.’ So, what is the secret to her new slimline figure? Well, it seems that yoga could…

Next time you’re on a train and a woman in her late 40s opens a window in the middle of winter, Andrea McLean hopes you will stop and think why for a minute. In fact, Andrea would be happy to wear a badge so you knew why she was doing it. ‘Women wear badges on the train that say “baby on board” and people let them have a seat. So, yes, big “M” badges, or “hot flush”,’ she says. Here, the newly married mum-of-two opens up about her feelings as she nears 50, marrying for the third time, and decides whether she’d ever really bare all… Hi, Andrea. Menopause is something all women go through, but why did you decide to talk about it? Initially, I didn’t want to, because I…

It’s wedding season (and not just the royal wedding!) so, whether you’re a guest or the bride, it’s worth investing in a facial to boost your complexion. Here are my faves… FOR SMOOTHER, FIRMER SKIN Forget pampering – the PRP Facial is more hardcore, although it’s uncomfortable, rather than painful. It uses your own blood, which is taken from your arm, then spun to concentrate the plasma. A micro-needling device then creates microscopic holes all over the skin before the plasma is added. This helps boost cellular regeneration and production, resulting in firmer, revitalised skin. Have this treatment two months before the big day, as it takes four to six weeks for results to show. Expect to pay from £450. TO RESTORE RADIANCE Glycolic peels are popular as they remove…

Absolute jean-ius Don’t be afraid to try white jeans, they’re ideal for this trend. Trend 4 twist Mix florals and fringing for double fashion points. Skirt around Denim and suede fabrics will keep their structure. Cool cover-up A statement jacket will see you through a cold snap. TAP THE APP Shoppylist Pro is perfect for remembering what you need to buy, and can print your list, too.…

HOW IT WORKS 1 How many times have you caved in when it comes to dieting, because belly rumbles get the better of you? It makes slimming a slog and nearly impossible to stick to. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. Regular snacking not only makes dieting easier, but it also helps you slim more successfully. It keeps your energy levels constant and your mood more positive, because low energy is linked to low mood and lack of motivation. 2 Follow the plan (opposite), which includes three small meals and – here comes the best bit – 10 snacks per day! Hurrah. You can have two of the same snack per day, but no more than 10 snacks daily. Include both savoury and sweet…

Summer hols help My boyfriend and I are desperate to take our little girl, who is just one, on her first summer holiday abroad. We really can’t afford anywhere too expensive, but I don’t want to end up somewhere tacky and crowded. Do you have any tips on getting away to the sun without spending loads? Maggie, Glasgow There are great bargains to suit all finances and you have the advantage of being able to travel outside school holidays. I’m a big fan of Tenerife, as sunshine is guaranteed and it’s very reasonable. But, to be honest, I’m not keen on taking babies to hot places – perhaps look somewhere closer to home that could be more affordable. It’s all about creating memories for your new family. I can’t be mum…

BABY BIRD WATCH! At this time of year, baby birds sometimes appear out of the nest and on the ground. Instead of rushing to help, follow these tips from the RSPB to keep them safe. The best advice is to leave the bird alone and let nature take its course. Quite possibly, Mum is watching and most definitely knows best! Removing a very young bird from the wild reduces the chance of long-term survival. Unfortunately, it’s worth remembering that a parent will eject a chick that is ill. You may also find that the bird is just about to take flight. If you find one on a busy road or path, you can pick it up and move it to a safer spot – as long as it is close…

…Toyah’s baby pact storyline When I first read it, I thought it was absolutely bonkers, in the way that a lot of the best soap storylines are. Often, the most interesting drama comes out of characters going against the grain and not making the most rational choices. …if she thinks Toyah would make a good mum Totally, but I wish it could be under more normal circumstances! She has a lot of love to give, and I can see her putting the baby in her papoose and going, ‘Right, we’re going on an adventure.’ A baby would bring out the very best in her. …whether she thinks she’ll get away with it I don’t know if she can… things do have a way of coming out. By accident, she has…

1 STOP MONKEY-ING AROUND! Every parent has those days when your kids just won’t leave you alone – and this daddy gorilla, Richard, looks like he’s had just about enough of his cheeky little chappy, Ajabu! Considering the fact that Richard is 26-year-old western lowland gorilla weighing more than 30st, we wouldn’t like to see him go bananas! 2 Who wowed the crowd It’s definitely one of the braver shades to wear, but yellow seems to be the ‘in’ colour. Take inspiration from Andrea McLean, 48 (right), Kym Marsh, 41 (left) and Alesha Dixon, 39 (below), and inject a touch of sunshine into your spring wardrobe to keep things fresh. With a striking colour, such as yellow, it’s best to complete your look with darker shades 3 MORE ROYAL NAPPY…

‘By the time you read this, we may know the fate of Alfie Evans, the little boy effectively held hostage by the authorities at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. It all sounds a bit familiar, doesn’t it? Terminally ill child, parents wild with grief, help being offered from foreign lands, but still the computer says “no”. Look, I’m sure that everyone truly believes they have Alfie’s best interests at heart. But, when the state has dictated that no further treatment can or will be given and, in Alfie’s case, turns off the life-support system, what possible reason can there be for refusing his parents the chance to take him to Rome – where Alfie has been offered citizenship, a comfortable private jet to take him there, and teams of medics…

TOP TIP Paint on thin layers, using the neck of the bottle to remove excess polish and avoid flooding the cuticles.…

Hitting the dance floor, I lost myself in the beat of the music. I was at an annual charity weekender for the Specialized Project, who raise funds to improve the lives of teens and young adults with cancer. Lots of local bands performed and it was always great fun. Only, two minutes later, I was hot and flustered, convinced everyone was staring at me. I didn’t have the puff to last a whole song! But, at 20st 1lb, a size 24 and only 5ft 4in, it wasn’t surprising. Mortified, I vowed that I would lose weight for the next event. But I hadn’t always been this big… Growing up, my parents, Janet and Ian, had made sure I ate healthily, and I was always active. I was part of the…

For the week 1 - 7 May GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Steer clear of moody people to avoid confrontation. A friend is acting strangely and it’s not easy to understand. You hadn’t expected joint arrangements to be an issue, as normally they are so supportive. Seek the company of others who are more open. CANCER 22 June – 23 July Past hard work will bring its rewards and you probably feel it’s about time, too. New responsibilities are on their way and you’re looking forward to them. You have some great ideas on how to make a job more efficient. Share them with the powers that be. LEO 24 July – 23 August A new friendship is bringing you a lot of pleasure as you have so much…

Stunning Michelle Keegan looked every inch the supermodel as she strutted down the catwalk at the launch of her new clothing range for Very (where best was in the front row). The actress, joined by her sister-in-law, reality TV’s Jessica Wright, was glowing, and it’s a potential move Stateside that’s reportedly got the actress smiling. Michelle has admitted she’s considering a move to Los Angeles for the sake of her marriage to ex-TOWIE star Mark Wright, 31. The pair have been juggling a long-distance relationship since Mark landed a role on showbiz news programme Extra last year, while Michelle was filming Army drama Our Girl. Describing it as a ‘difficult situation’, she says they’ve devised a plan to help make their relationship work. She explains, ‘We speak every day on…

Want to make your lips stand out? This fabulous Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm in Darling will moisturise and its vibrant colour will make a real statement. Worth £8.99, you can choose this as a free gift coming to you courtesy of and Beauty Outlet Direct, the discounted beauty store. You only pay £3.50* towards the cost of postage and packaging. HOW TO ORDER BY MAIL Please complete the order form filling out all the details in block letters and send it with a cheque or Postal Order for £3.50, along with the cost of any additional orders, payable to BEAUTY OUTLET DIRECT. Send to BEAUTY OUTLET DIRECT, PO BOX 5780, INVERNESS IV1 9ET • Please note that payment by card cannot be made for orders less than £5.…

TOP TIP Scared to clash? Try just the shoes or a bag. TOP TIP Try some summer layering, and team dresses over trousers. TOP TIP Dress up track pants with killer heels and sharp tailored jackets.…

HOW TO HARNESS YOUR WILLPOWER Calum: Willpower… where to begin? There are so many levels to this battle. It ranges from addictive personalities like myself, who have to avoid places or people so we’re not tempted into a drinking binge, to the more lighthearted struggle of not to eat that wedge of cake! Today, though, we’ll keep it light. I read once that the strongest willpower needed is to take control of your diet. There has to be truth in that, otherwise people would set themselves the task of following an eating plan and simply stick to it. But, sometimes, temptation creeps in and we have that bag of crisps, and then we feel bad, our plan is derailed and we’re in a downward spiral of negativity. But, as I’ve…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Should we be using older models? After a UK survey revealed that 70 per cent of women aged between 45 and 65 feel ignored by the fashion industry, fashion brand JD Williams has announced the launch of its ‘Midster Model Search’ (a midster is a middle-aged person who isn’t worried about ageing, but still wants to have fun) in association with Models 1. The winners will be selected by a panel of experts, including celebrity photographer Nicky Johnston and supermodel Jan De Villeneuve. While we can’t wait to see the chosen few, do you agree with the majority? JD Williams explained, ‘We want women who are aspirational, but who our customers can still relate to – so we’re open to entries from size 10-32.’ To apply (or…

TOP TIP A bold statement print cushion will transform your room in seconds!…

‘Mum could catch a cold, not get rid of it and die within a month – that’s how bad it is’ She’s never been one for a quiet life but, even by her standards, Katie Price is going through some turbulent times. It’s no wonder Loose Women’s Katie is in turmoil, as she recently revealed the very sad news that her mum, Amy, 64, who was diagnosed with the terminal lung condition idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis late last year, is now in very poor health indeed. Katie said, ‘My mum is dying. They normally diagnose three to five years, but Mum has already had to change her life. She could get a cold now, not get rid of it, and die within a month – that’s how bad it is.’ Katie,…