Tabla de contenidos para October 2023 en Prima UK

It was during a recent visit to my health centre that the nurse and I got chatting – she mentioned how low the take-up for smear tests was in my local area and how it was older women, too, who missed having it done. Perhaps that’s not surprising as it’s an appointment none of us look forward to, but it’s something Prima’s own Dr Sarah Brewer also confirmed, revealing that there are more than 600,000 women in the UK who need to have a cervical cancer screening. Her research also found that more than 1m women missed a mammogram between 2021 and 2022. With it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it seemed a good time for Dr Sarah to focus on the benefits of screening (page 54) and…

It’s midnight, April 1939. Vienna train station is dark. Huge swastika flags are snapping in the wind, the platform crawling with jackbooted Nazis. Twelve-year-old Gabriele holds tight to her grandmother’s hand, trying to be brave, but inside she is terrified. Train doors start to slam and a whistle sounds. ‘Now, my darling, you must promise to write,’ says her grandmother, ushering her on board the crowded train. Gabriele longs to cling to the safety of her grandmother. Instead, she grips her teddy bear and one tiny suitcase – all she has in the world – and boards, feeling like her little heart might explode. ALL ALONE As the train pulls out of the station and her grandmother’s face fades into the clouds of smoke, Gabriele knows that this is it…

Dear Graeme, As I write this letter, it’s nearing the third anniversary of your passing. I once read there’s no greater grief than when a parent loses a child, no matter what their age. It’s true. There is one small irreplaceable piece of me missing, and that’s you. You were my middle child, a comic from the start, with a cheeky smile, always wanting to make people laugh. I used to say that your perfect job would be compiling Christmas cracker jokes. We were a close family, but while your older brother, Stuart, bought a flat when he started work and your younger sister, Mhairi, went to university, you never left home, working in various jobs from department stores to the bingo. And though you had your share of girlfriends,…

HIDDEN TREASURES Q I’ve inherited some antique chairs. How can I find out what they’re worth? A ‘Many auction houses and dealers offer valuations, so have a look online to see what’s available,’ says Alexandra Whittaker from Fellows (fellows.co.uk). ‘We offer free valuations, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item and give an estimate of what it could achieve at auction. You can fill in an online form and add some photos, book to visit our offices in Birmingham or London in person, or sign up for a virtual valuation. You’ll be able to see our valuers on your screen and show them the items you’d like valued. You’ll then talk to one of our specialists, who will explain the valuation process, as well…

We all get anxious sometimes – it’s a natural part of life. There are even times when anxiety can help us do better, such as during a job interview, because adrenaline can boost performance. But what if your anxiety begins to control your life? Typically a feeling of fear, worry or dread, its symptoms range from manageable to extreme. Some people might avoid social situations or suffer panic attacks, while others might fixate on a worst-case scenario. For anyone who feels overwhelmed with anxiety, it can seem like you’re trapped in an endless loop of doom and stress. But Dr Kirren Schnack, a psychologist who has treated thousands of people with a range of mental health issues, says there is hope. ‘A lot of the people I see believe their problems…

THE WINNER Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo, £23 Our winner impressed across the board, with all panellists reporting that their scalp felt cleaner, softer and flake-free. Both a clarifying shampoo and scrub, it works to unclog follicles and remove built-up residue, with added apple cider vinegar. BEST FOR COLOUR-TREATED HAIR Fable & Mane SahaScalp Wild Ginger Purifying Scrub, £30 This purifying scalp scrub lathers like a shampoo, making it easy to apply. A little went a long way, with most testers finding their hair felt softer and scalp less irritated post-treatment. It’s sulphate- and silicone-free, and packed with nourishing natural ingredients. BEST FOR SENSITIVE SCALPS R+Co Crown Scalp Scrub, £36 The fine texture and fresh, citrussy scent of this scrub proved popular with our panellists, who found the treatment…

LEAFY GARLAND Make a charming seasonal decoration out of fabric leaves. You will need ✽ Felt in autumnal colours ✽ Fabric scissors ✽ Yarn (we used DMC Natura) ✽ Yarn needle ✽ Red jute twine To make ❶ Cut simple leaf shapes from the felt in two different colours. ❷ Take a contrasting colour of yarn and use a chain stitch to embroider the stem of the leaf. Afterward, use a simple running stitch to create the veins of the leaf. ❸ Stitch a loop of red jute twine to the base of each leaf shape. Once the loops are secure, thread a length of red jute twine through the loops and hang on a mantelpiece. ACORN PIN CUSHIONS A useful and pretty addition to a home sewing kit. You…

There is nothing more pitiful than a teddy bear that has been cast aside. Some are dispatched to the loft, never to be seen again, or lost without trace, and some take that final journey to the local recycling centre. Unloved, they sit and await their fate. Yet for me, those lost and unwanted teddies mean so much. They are a way of helping others and I’ve made it my mission to save them… In 2015, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Within two weeks, my kidney had been removed and I immediately felt better, but a few months after my operation, a close family member was also diagnosed with cancer. It was a devastating blow. GETTING CRAFTY I fell apart at the news and wondered why this was happening…

Meet the maker Hannah Kilby is the self-taught artist behind The Handmade Florist, creating vibrant felt flowers. She shares her craft through kits and workshops. What inspired you to start The Handmade Florist? I fell in love with making felt flowers when on maternity leave 11 years ago. After honing my skills, I started sharing what I’d learned through kits and online tutorials. Two years ago, I went full-time, having previously balanced it with work in charity fundraising and marketing. How did you develop your style and techniques? My designs are based on real flowers but I play with different colours, shapes and sizes. My style has evolved with practice and experimenting with different tools and methods – I’m still learning all the time. How do you come up with ideas…

GET THE CHRISTMAS BUNDLE FOR JUST £29.99 ✽ A one-year subscription to Country Living, worth £102 ✽ Country Living 2024 diary and 2024 calendar, worth £22 ✽ The inspiring Christmas issue when you subscribe by 31 October ✽ Our Christmas supplement delivered with your December issue ✽ FREE UK delivery direct to your door ✽ Access the digital edition, including seven years of back issues OR GET A SIX-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION FOR JUST £9.99 EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE Visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/cl-mag Call 01858 438423‡ and quote 1CL12415 Scan the QR code on the right TERMS & CONDITIONS Subscription offers promoted are available to UK customers only. After your first six issues, your subscription will continue at £29.99 every six issues, saving 41%. Cover will vary from final product. If Christmas bundle stock runs out, you…

Cookbook of the month If our stir-fries feature on page 94 has you in the mood for more Asian culinary explorations, then this is the book for you. Focused on recipes inspired by nine different countries in East and Southeast Asia, you’ll find familiar favourites and exciting new ideas aplenty. Whip up something quick for supper or go all-out and make one of the full-on feasts for a flavour of your chosen country. I personally can’t wait to try the Singaporean Steamed Fish and Crispy Cream Cracker Pork (pictured left). School Of Wok: Jeremy Pang’s Simple Family Feasts (Hamlyn) is out now SNACK ATTACK For a little taste of Spanish heaven, you can’t beat these croquetas from Unearthed. A few minutes in the oven and they honestly taste like home-made…

On a Prima Holiday, you’ll get the chance to discover new destinations on handpicked tours and cruises that won’t break the bank. With accommodation and fascinating excursions all taken care of, you’ll be all set to explore and relax in the company of new friends. Whether you desire history and culture, epic mountain vistas or a spot of lakeside rest and relaxation, read on for this month’s selection. Or for the latest availability and offers on our full collection, visit primaholidays.co.uk and start planning your next great escape. Spring is the perfect time to visit The Netherlands, as the country’s internationally renowned flower fields burst into vibrant colour. On this April 2024 cruise, you’ll spend five days sailing the Dutch waterways, with Adam joining you for part of the time.…

My book of the month Swimming For Beginners by Nicola Gill (Bedford Square, £8.99) Loretta likes her life to be under control, and has her career and relationship organised and mapped out with no room for change. Children definitely aren’t on the cards, but then a stranger asks her to watch her six-year-old daughter at an airport and doesn’t return. I fell into this book from the first page; it’s a story full of heart and depth. I highly recommend this uplifting and funny read. 14 September Sheep’s Clothing by Celia Dale (Daunt Books Publishing, £9.99) Author Celia Dale was first published in 1943 and passed away in 2011. This is the second book by her that has been republished and I hope we see more. Grace meets Janice in…

STAR OF THE MONTH LIBRA 24 September to 23 October It’s time to change the way others see you. This could be as literal as getting a makeover – be it hair, makeup or wardrobe – or it could be how you come across in the world. If you’ve been thinking about changing something, go for it! SCORPIO 24 October to 22 November The October Full Moon eclipse is coming into your Love Zone, which means all bets are off when it comes to romance. Expect the unexpected and move on from the past. Open your heart if you’re looking for love. Truly, anything could happen for you! SAGITTARIUS 23 November to 21 December Get out under the dark night skies on 14 October and make a wish. The New…

ALL £25 & UNDER…

Prima OFFER FOR YOU! WE ALL DESERVE A LITTLE TREAT Despite the varying skin concerns on Prima’s beauty desk – that’s dryness, oiliness and everything in between – there’s one common theme: we want our products to deliver. Hardworking formulas at excellent prices aren’t always easy to come by, which is why Indeed Labs is a brand that we’ve leant on collectively for years. For a hit of hydration… Don’t miss the Hydraluron Moisture Serum, £24.99. We know some hydrators fall flat and leave skin feeling dry by lunchtime, but this uses a low molecular weight of hyaluronic acid to penetrate deeper, for increased levels of hydration. In short? This keeps skin feeling – and looking – bouncier for longer. Lock it all in with the Hydraluron Moisture Jelly, £24.99. The…

Wild camping in the Hebrides might not be every couple’s dream holiday, but for my husband, Richard*, and me, it was pretty much perfect. At least, that’s what I thought at the time. Now, it seems extraordinary to think of us two years ago, chatting companionably on long walks or kayaking side by side. Both teachers, we had so much in common: books, theatre, fitness, the great outdoors. I’d always found him attractive and he would fall about laughing at my dry sense of humour. Our two children had recently left home, we were planning semiretirement and I felt we were heading towards a happy, comfortable old age together. How could I get that so terribly wrong? DROPPING A BOMBSHELL Last summer, at home on a day that had started…

Standing back to look at the latest wedding cake I’ve finished can make me feel a bit tearful. It’s not just about the beautiful cake, but also how much I’ve learned, the sacrifices I’ve made and the choices I’ve taken since I started my second career. I’ve always loved baking and, while working as a primary school teacher, would often come into the staff room laden with a home-made sponge or a tin of flapjacks. But following a difficult spell as a headteacher that coincided with my 10-year marriage coming to an end, I started to dread Monday mornings. I was in my mid-40s with two daughters, Heather, now 22, and Eleanore, 19, and knew it was the right time to make a change. After a bout of very bad…

♥ APPROVED 2023 BEST TRAVEL MUGS Perfect for enjoying hot or cold drinks on the go, these are our best-in-test travel mugs. WINNER Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Cup 295ml (£25.99, Amazon) Thanks to its watertight lid and push-to-open button, this mug didn’t leak a drop in our test, making it hand bag friendly. Our drinks stayed warm, and it comes in an array of cheery colours. BEST DESIGN Chilly’s Series 2 Coffee Cup 340ml (£30, Amazon) This stylish mug has a clever rotating lid that keeps spillages at bay, and its outer casing was cool to touch throughout our testing. It didn’t keep drinks hot for hours, but after 30 minutes they were still warm. BEST BUDGET Lifeventure Thermal Mug 300ml (£15.99, Amazon) If you don’t want a pricey mug, this…

Few women look forward to their mammograms or cervical screenings and unfortunately, this shows in the take-up figures. According to Dr Liz O’Riordan, author of Under The Knife: Life Lessons From The Operating Theatre, less than half (49%) of all women attended their first screening mammogram between 2021 and 2022 and, charities believe that, overall in this period, more than 1m women missed a mammogram. Meanwhile, it’s said there are more than 600,000 women in the UK who need to have a cervical cancer screening. There’s no getting around the fact these screenings are off-putting. There are plenty of reasons why you might avoid going; they have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable and painful, they might feel embarrassing, and they can be hard to fit in around our hectic…

BEAUTY SEASON 2023 Medium length hair is the safest, suits-all option in the styling world but unless you give it the attention it deserves, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Sure, it’s neat, it’s easy to tie up, it’s a fuss-free trim every three months… and it’s the same nice-but-samey hairstyle you’ve had for the past five years. So, how can you stop mid-length from being middle of the road? All it needs is a tiny bit of reinvention. ‘A bob or lob shouldn’t be boring,’ says Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional global hair ambassador. ‘It’s such a versatile look that can suit anyone at any age, and there are lots of ways to keep it fresh. The bob only becomes boring when it’s just an afterthought and not…

MAKING LIFE SIMPLE FOR THE MODERN WOMAN Subscribe to the digital edition of Prima magazine for instant access to advice on how to look and feel your best, time and money saving solutions, quick and easy food, beautiful homes and gardens, and above all everything you need to get the most out of life. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL EDITION Get instant access to the latest issue even when you’re on the move. Choose from the options below and enjoy a 30-day free trial of Prima for your iPad or iPhone. Your digital subscription starts with the most recent issue. GO DIGITAL AVAILABLE ON THESE DEVICES HEARSTMAGAZINES.CO.UK…

These charming twine placemats are a perfect beginner-friendly project because they’re so simple to craft! And they’re such an easy way to bring a touch of rustic beauty to your home decor. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, why not experiment by using different coloured twine and patterns to make your own custom creations? You will need ✽ Glue gun ✽ Dinner plate ✽ Sheet of card ✽ Pencil ✽ Scissors ✽ Roll of twine ✽ Sheet of self-adhesive cork To create ❶ First, plug in your glue gun and let it heat up for a few minutes. ❷ Place the dinner plate on the sheet of card, draw around it and cut out the circle. ❸ Once the glue gun has heated, dot a small amount of glue in the…

Sweater To fit: newborn(0-3 months: 3-6 months: 6-12 months). Actual chest: 44(50:58:66)cm. Full length: 24(25:27:29)cm. Sleeve length: 13(15:17:18)cm. Hat To fit: newborn(0-3 months: 3-6 months: 6-12 months). Circumference: 29(33:36:40)cm. Materials ● 1 x 100g balls each Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Oatmeal (A), Red (B) and Forest Green (C). ● Pair each 3.5mm and 4mm knitting needles. ● 6 stitch markers. ● 1 stitch holder. ● 4 small buttons. Tension 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm square over reverse stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Abbreviations cm centimetre; cont continue; g gram; k knit; p purl; rem remaining; rep repeat; rev st st reverse stocking stitch; RS right side; ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise; st(s) stitch(es); st st stocking stitch; tbl through back loop; tog together; WS wrong side; yo…

Cornflake brownies A cornflake brownie is one of those bakes that just makes my jaw drop. A wonderfully thick and super-chocolatey brownie mix, topped with an incredibly easy-to-make, cake-like cornflake layer. Honestly, the cornflake layer of these Cornflake Brownies is the sort of thing I make, and before even getting to putting it on the brownies, I just want to devour the entire bowl. The mix of butter, syrup, chocolate and cornflakes is otherworldly, so adding it to a brownie is a simple way to elevate it just by using a storecupboard staple. MAKES 16 PREP 30min, plus cooling and setting COOK about 30min • 200g dark chocolate• 200g unsalted butter• 4 eggs• 275g caster sugar• 50g cocoa powder• 100g plain flour• 250g milk chocolate chips FOR THE CORNFLAKE LAYER…

SAPPHIRE + AQUA These watery tones can create a calm environment ideal for relaxation. Make darker shades of blue the base for your walls and upholstered furniture, so that lighter and brighter accessories will seem to ‘pop’ and uplift the space. For everything else, choose white (rather than moody greys or blacks) as your go-to neutral as the colour tends to look cool and clean. SAGE + ROSE For a pretty space, add pastel colours. Make them feel sophisticated (rather than nursery-like) by balancing them with brighter or deeper versions of the same shade – the vibrant pink used above the picture rail here adds a sense of drama to the delicately hued armchair, while the dark green used on the woodwork gives the paler tone an edge. OCEAN +…

Cosy up for the season Snuggle up under layers of gorgeous bedding, all new at M&S this autumn. Spotlight on… NEXT Always a go-to for fab furniture and accessories. AUTUMN UPLIFT Warm tones will bring instant seasonal cheer to your home. 3 of the BEST TUMBLERS Add a splash of colour to your dining table. Genius idea We love everyday furniture that’s combined with smart storage. STYLE IT FOR £10 & UNDER Stylish, good-value buys.…

TRENDING NOW According to British Airways Holidays, 63% of us say that holidays are the main way we treat ourselves. Popular destinations include the Maldives and Antalya, Turkey. AUTUMN BREAKS… …at home Treat yourself to a stay at The Scrumpling (thescrumpling.co.uk), a stylishly renovated vintage caravan tucked away in Somerset. From £85 a night. …and overseas Izza (izza.com) is a funky new boutique hotel in Marrakech’s medina, inspired by creative souls who visited the city in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, including Marianne Faithfull. Doubles from £170. Pastures new North Iceland is now more accessible, thanks to a new easyJet direct flight to Akureyri from London Gatwick starting on 31 October. Discover the World (discover-the-world.com) has new winter adventure holidays to the region, exploring rugged coastlines, fjords, volcanic formations, legends…

My ideal night in begins with… A hot bath to calm me down. I’ll invite along… My partner, Oli. We spend a lot of time away on tour, so quietly doing our own thing feels like perfection. I’ll be wearing… Something very low-key. We live in the mountains in Spain and when we’re there, we tend to go a bit feral. It’s only when we pick up friends and family at the airport that we realise we may have gone a bit too far! I’ll be eating… Fresh sardines, which we buy locally. We’ll cook them on the barbecue and serve with lemon, salt and salad. Heaven! And drinking… A glass of ice-cold rosé. My worst dinner-party disaster was… When I tried to make use of leftover duck that we…

How are you? I know we all get asked that all the time and just answer, ‘Okay, thanks,’ but I wanted to start with a quick check-in. If all is good, then I’m thrilled for you, and if you answered that you don’t feel too great, well done for being honest with yourself. And if you’re coping with something big, I wish you well and send hugs. If you just have a little creak here and there, please can I suggest some exercise? No, don’t hide under the duvet or run for the hills (although that is actually exercise, of course!). Why not read this and then decide… A couple of months ago, I hurt my shoulder – not seriously, but I had to step away from the gym and…

Julia, 53, lives in London with her partner, Gerard, and their three children, son Zephyr, 12, and twins Xanthe and Zena, eight. In August 2021, Julia was diagnosed with breast cancer and in October that year, she underwent surgery to remove the tumour and reconstruct her breast. This September, she’s releasing a new book, Walk Yourself Happy, about the link between our health and the natural world. THE C WORD There’s no question that a cancer diagnosis changes your life. It doesn’t define you, but it shapes you. It certainly revolutionised my approach to health, life and death. It brought gratitude to the forefront of my mind, it made me overhaul every aspect of my lifestyle and it increased my love of mother nature. I also think it made me…

‘We’re independent, but help out when we need to’ VIVIEN SHEEHAN, 78, lives in a women-only housing development in London. I was visiting a friend in Barnet, northwest London, back in 2015, when I noticed a building site on the other side of her road. When I asked her what was going on, she explained it was a new, modern, architect-designed development solely for women over 50. I was intrigued and decided to find out more. I learned that New Ground was an innovative co-housing development for women, managed by women, which had been in the planning since 1998. I made enquiries and decided I’d like to get involved. It was only half an hour away on the bus from my home in Palmers Green, north London, so I put…

Stretching out on the sunbed, I let out a contented sigh. ‘This is the life,’ I thought. My boyfriend, David, and I had been together for 18 months and were on our first holiday, in Hong Kong, relaxing by the pool. Glancing down at myself, I spotted a lump just above the line of my swimsuit on my left breast. I wasn’t alarmed. I’d noticed it at home a while earlier so, saying nothing about it, I just made a mental note to get it checked out the next time I saw the doctor. Back home, in my GP’s surgery, I said: ‘I’ve been noticing this fatty lump.’ She asked me to take off my top and bra and raise my arms above my head, We both saw how my…

After a long day, you’ve got a throbbing headache. You turn the house upside down and finally find some long-forgotten paracetamol at the back of a drawer. But then you notice the expiration date passed two years ago. Should you take them? This isn’t an unusual scenario. A OnePoll survey* found that one in three of us keep medicines past their expiry dates as they ‘might still be useful’. And as the price of medicine continues to rise, more of us are holding on to both prescription and over-the-counter medicines for longer to save money. But is it wise to be a healthcare hoarder? DO MEDICINES REALLY GO OFF? According to surveys, more than four out of 10 of us don’t check the expiration date on items we get from…

Choose from a rollneck or softly scooped neckline, in either our oversized tee shape or the knee-length cocoon dress with full or three-quarter-length sleeves. Try the top with your favourite jeans or the dress with tights and chunky boots. Jacquard knits, ponte and medium-heavy weight jerseys are perfect for creating the silhouette that this style works best in. FREE* FOR PRIMA READERS NORMAL PRICE £2.99 Need to know SIZES 6-24 Sew a gently shaped cocoon dress or oversized top with optional rollneck. Choose from either full or three-quarter-length sleeves. FABRICS We used Mind The Maker About a Dot jacquard and quilted chevron jersey for the dresses and houndstooth jacquard for the top – all from minerva.com. EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER Order your free* pattern online and only pay £1 for postage…

Large pumpkin Approximately 24cm in diameter and 13cm in height. Small pumpkin Approximately 11cm in diameter and 7cm in height. Materials ● 2 x 100g balls Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Orange (A) and 1 x 100g ball Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Forest Green. ● 5.5mm crochet hook. Tension Tension not required. Abbreviations cm centimetre; ch chain; dc double crochet; g gram; mm millimetre; rep repeat; RS right side; sl st slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es); tog together; [] repeat instructions within the brackets as directed. Special abbreviations fpdc front post double crochet. Notes Pattern is worked double stranded throughout, where 2 strands of yarn are worked at the same time. Pumpkins are worked using amigurumi method, worked in the round. Small pumpkin Using 5.5mm hook and 2 strands of…

Spiced seafood egg fried rice Here, the iconic egg fried rice gets a shellfish makeover – the addition of scallops and squid makes for a more luxurious rendition. We added some garam masala to flavour the rice and bring it to another level of deliciousness. Using rice from a pouch is a foolproof way to ensure the perfect texture for this dish. SERVES 4 PREP 25min COOK about 15min • 2tbsp vegetable oil• 200g raw peeled king prawns• 150g squid tubes, defrosted if frozen, scored and cut into 5cm strips• 150g scallops• 2 eggs, beaten• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped• 1 green pepper, deseeded and finely chopped• 2 large tomatoes, deseeded and chopped• 2 x 250g pouches microwave brown basmati rice• 200g fresh or frozen edamame beans• 2tbsp garam…

Cook’s tip Wild berries are smaller, tarter and more intensely flavoured than shop-bought varieties, which are cultivated for sweetness and longevity. Wild brambles don’t keep for more than a couple of hours, so eat, preserve or cook them soon after picking. Chocolate & blackberry meringue roulade Use good-quality cocoa for a chocolatey flavour. Don’t worry about cracks – they give a roulade its distinctive appearance. SERVES 8 PREP 30min, plus cooling COOK about 20min FOR THE MERINGUE • 5 large egg whites• 250g caster sugar• 2tsp cornflour• 1tsp white wine vinegar• 25g cocoa powder, sifted, plus extra to dust FOR THE FILLING • 300ml double cream• 3tbsp icing sugar• 350g blackberries or brambles, plus extra, optional, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. Line a shallow…

If you’re a new plant parent, then an unkillable plant will be music to your ears – after all, once you’ve found a beautiful house plant that’s perfect for a specific space in your home, there’s nothing more discouraging than when it starts to droop or brown and dry out. Tending an unkillable plant is the perfect way to start learning about the care needs of different plants, allowing you to build up your confidence and grow your collection. Before you know it, you’ll be a seasoned pro buying a calathea – if you haven’t yet heard about their diva-like reputation, it’s best not to ask! Here’s our round-up of the top five house plants for beginners. DEVIL’S IVY If you’re looking for a plant that will give you the…

A familiar face on our screens since the 1990s, when she starred in award-winning sitcom Men Behaving Badly and quirky crime drama Jonathan Creek, Caroline Quentin has won us over with her skills as a comedian, theatre performer, TV presenter and, of course, Strictly contestant. Now she’s starring in the Sky Max sci-fi series The Lazarus Project as Elizabeth ‘Wes’ Wesley, a leading figure in a secret organisation that has the power to reset time to avoid human extinction. My favourite childhood TV show was… Andy Pandy. It was my absolute go-to when I got home after school. We had one of the first televisions in the street. It was in black and white, the characters – Andy Pandy, Looby Loo, and Teddy – were puppets, and it’s basic when you…