NUMBER 1841

• 27 MAY 2024 • £3.25

EXCLUSIVE

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ON LETTING HER
HAIR DOWN AS
HER KIDS GROW
UP PLUS HER
SECRETS TO
LOOKING RED
HOT AT 50

‘Worrying too
much about
what people
think is only
going to give
you wrinkles’

4
18
24
38
42
46
48
50

54 RED-LETTER DAY

52
54
58
64
66
70
52 IN THE PINK

74
76
78
82

42 NEW LOVE

84

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

SERVANE GIOL opens the doors to her family’s
stunning palazzo on Venice’s Grand Canal
LORRAINE KELLY
Y and her pregnant daughter
ROSIE SMITH share some exclusive news
JASMINE JOBSON is on winning form alongside
a host of stars at the glittering Bafta TV Awards
KATE and LILA MOSS join other fashionistas in
London for the Gucci Cruise catwalk show
PETER PHILLIPS introduces his new girlfriend to
the family at Badminton Horse Trials as he
watches sister ZARA TINDALL compete
… and her husband MIKE assembles famous
friends to enjoy his annual charity golf day
THE KING hands over a prestigious army role to
his heir THE PRINCE OF WALES after 32 years
… as a striking new portrait captures his recent
metamorphosis from Prince to monarch
… and HELLO! is thrilled to meet HIS MAJESTY
at a garden party at Buckingham Palace
HEIDI KLUM reveals why husband TOM KAULITZ
is the perfect partner as she waltzes into midlife
A-listers thrill fashion fans as they bring glitz and
glamour to the CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
… where HELLO!’s team goes behind the scenes
to reveal the secrets of the famous Croisette
ELIF SHAFAK
AK The author on the power of
storytelling and teaming up with THE QUEEN
THE DUKE and DUCHESS OF SUSSEX win fans
in Nigeria on their return to the world stage
BROOKE SHIELDS tells us why she’s thrilled to be
playing a romantic lead in later life
MICA PARIS The singer chats about how her
intimate gigs are giving nightlife its soul back
NICOLA COUGHLAN promises fireworks as
Bridgerton returns with a long-awaited romance
RUBY WAX shares how her family have helped
manage her mental health in challenging times
DAISY LOWE The model marks daughter IVY’s
first birthday with a family trip to Indonesia

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STYLE & LIVING

24 TOP GIRL

84 LIFE’S A BEACH

38 CRUISE CONTROL

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ince the dawn of the
S
Renaissance, Giovanni and
Servane Giol’s palazzo has stood

4

V

on the banks of Venice’s Grand
Canal, its fabulous location
reflecting the importance of the
Falier family, who built it.
By 1400, when the first brick was
laid, three Faliers had already held
office as Doge of Venice. Often
caught up in the turbulent currents
of history, they had seen the last of
these, Marin Falier, beheaded as
punishment for an attempted
coup against the city’s patriarchs.
Thankfully, recent times have
been much more peaceful, and
the palazzo’s modern-day owners,
financier Giovanni and author
Servane, welcome us into a home
where the gentle sound of water
mingles with music and laughter.
Inviting as the palazzo is today,
the couple – who married in 2019
and moved in that same year – tell
us that the property had not been
inhabited for over a century when
they acquired it.
Their first step was to turn

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

AT HOME WITH HUSBAND GIOVANNI
IN PALAZZO FALIER

SERVANE GIOL
TELLS US ABOUT THEIR
RENAISSANCE JEWEL ON
VENICE’S GRAND CANAL

‘I love
entertaining
and Venice
is the perfect
place for it’

6

V

and their four children: Ambra, 24, Leonardo,
22, Amerigo, 19, and 15-year-old Gregorio.
Then they set about creating a suite of elegant
living and dining rooms, in which they love to
entertain guests. The results are both stunning
and unique.
In fact, for Paris-born Servane, Venice has
become an endless source of inspiration. In her
books, Soul of Venice
enice and Venice: A Private
Invitation,, she shares her delight in this magical
Invitation
city, where she has now spent two decades, with
readers all over the world.
Servane, what can you tell us about the history
and architecture of your home?
“Like all the palazzos along the Grand Canal, it
was originally the home and showroom of
merchants. This is one of the smallest and
oldest such places. It has evolved a little over
time – for example, it would once have had two
open terraces, which were glassed in during the
18th century.
“My husband’s family bought the palazzo
after the First World War, when Giovanni’s
great-grandfather returned from Argentina,
where he owned the Giol Winery in Mendoza.”
How did you renovate the property?
“The piano nobile, which had been used as

‘Like all palazzos on
the Grand Canal, this
was originally the
home and showroom
of merchants’

Servane in her office with a copy
of her book Venice: A Private
Invitation. Orientalism has
influenced Venetian interiors
since the days of Marco Polo,
and the library (above left)
features pieces from her years
living in Asia, including pagodas
and an antique opium table. The
informal dining room (left),
which also faces the Grand
Canal, boasts glassware by
Giberto Arrivabene and ceramic
plates by Adele Stefanelli

7

The sofa and armchairs
were made to measure by
a family friend, French
interior designer Jacques
Grange, whom Servane
“totally trusted” to realise
her vision. Each of the
palazzo’s windows (below)
is made of leaded glass

8

V

was a large open area. Our first step was to
create bathrooms – there were none – plus a
kitchen and family rooms.
“We chose a Venetian architect, Alberto
Torsello. For the decor, only one name came
to mind: Jacques Grange. We chose him
because he’s a friend of ours but above all,
because he mixes French elegance with a
wonderful contemporary touch. He’s also
familiar with Venice and its interiors. I
totally trusted him.”

‘When we began the renovation, our first step
was to create bathrooms — there were none’

Servane poses with her 15-yearold son Gregorio and their
spaniel Ulysses in one of the
living rooms. All of the house’s 9
chandeliers, including this one
made of Murano glass, were
there when the family moved in

10

Servane in the stunning dining
room, which was completely
redecorated by Jacques.
Antique Murano mirrors hang
on the walls and the furniture
includes Asian lacquered
cabinets (detail second right)
and 18th-century Venetian
chairs. The table is set with
exquisite Oriental-style handpainted plates by Cabana Capri
and hand-painted vintage
Murano glasses (right), while
flowers – both real and painted
– adorn two of the bedrooms
(top right and far right)

‘Many Venetian
interiors show the
influence of
orientalism’

V

As a Parisian who spent much of
her youth in South-East Asia, what
does Venice mean to you?
“My time in Asia helped me
understand life here – the humid
climate and being on an island.
And many Venetian interiors show
the influence of orientalism,
which goes back to Marco Polo’s
travels in China and the Far East.”
You and your husband are heavily
involved in the arts – in fact, you
created your own theatre company,
Laboratorio Falier…
“Yes. One of my children was a bit
shy, so I started looking for a
theatre school for youngsters in
Venice. I found to my surprise that
there wasn’t one, so I created it.
“We started by offering private
lessons, but then the group and
the school grew and started to
meet at the entrance of the
palazzo, so we decided to call it
Laboratorio Falier.
“Later I created the Compagnia
Falier, a group of adult actors who
gave fundraising performances all
over Italy. It was great fun, and
thanks to them and Carlo Goldoni’s
18th-century comedies, I learnt to
speak the Venetian dialect.”
Then there’s music – as the longtime president of the Venice
Conser vator y, Giovanni has
helped the city’s musicians
overcome recent challenges…
“The conservatory occupies one
of the largest palazzos in Venice,
second only to the Doge’s Palace,
and can accommodate 600
students from around the globe.
“When the city was hit by
flooding in November 2019 and
then by the Covid-19
pandemic just months later,

11

‘It was Venice that
made me an
expert in table
decoration. I
learnt about the
beauty of
glassware here’

The main entrance
hall contains a
Steinway piano
that Servane
brought from Paris;
Giovanni is the
long-time president
of the Venice
Conservatory and
the family all play
the piano

12

everything came to a halt. Many
students couldn’t rehearse or play
because they had no instruments of
their own, or their neighbours
objected; some even had to leave
the city. So those were crucial years

for my husband and the
conservatory as they worked to keep
Venice’s music alive.”
How did you meet Giovanni?
“In Venice, of course!”
You are an expert in table decoration.

Did you perfect the art here?
“I think it was Venice that made me
an expert. It was here that I learnt
about the beauty of glassware. Often,
if you look at a table, you’ll see plain
glasses sitting alongside beautiful

porcelain and silver, but that doesn’t
happen in Venice. My starting point
for decorating a table is thinking
about the glassware I will use. The
rest follows from that.”
You’re a noted hostess…

“I love entertaining, and Venice is
the perfect place for it.”
Among your books, you’ve written
two about the city you love…
“Soul of Venice
enice is a compilation of 30
unique experiences here – the

kind of recommendations I would
make to visiting friends about
where to eat, where to stay and
where to drink the best Bellini. It
has been translated into seven
languages and even won an

A marble staircase and
(above) a dramatically lit 13
reception room are
among other eye-catching
features of the house

‘My book
describes all the
beauty I have seen
in Venice — it took
20 years to write’

The palazzo’s garden (also seen
below) once served as a
rehearsal space for Servane’s
theatre groups: Laboratorio
Falier, for children, and
Compagnia Falier, for adults.
Making a statement in the
kitchen are two huge oriental
vases (far right), also seen
perched on a table (top right)

14

Independent Publisher Book Award in 2021.
“Venice: A Private Invitation is what I call a
historical coffee table book. I gained access to
more than 45 private palazzos, some of which
hadn’t been shown for 70 years and were like
time capsules.
“In the book, I describe all the beauty I have
seen in Venice and everything I’ve learnt about
its art, craftsmen and local culture. It took me
20 years to write.”
Do you have any new projects under way?
“Yes – more books. My next big one will be

about the chic Italian mountain resort of
Cortina d’Ampezzo and will be launched
before the Winter Olympics take place there in
2026. Again, I will focus on houses,
H
interiors and the art of living.”
PRODUCTION & INTERVIEW: CRISTINA LORA ALARCON
AND ANA FERNANDEZ DE CORDOBA CENDRA
PHOTOS: PALOMA ROJAS/MARCOS AND FERNANDA
NAVARRO (COUCHE STUDIO)
HAIR & MAKE-UP: STEFANO HAIR ARTS STUDIO
CLOTHES: LA DOUBLE J. MAROUA. PIEDATERRE VENICE.
SALONI. YVES SAINT LAURENT

15

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

PREPARING TO WELCOME A
NEW BABY TO THE FAMILY

LORRAINE KELLY
AND ROSIE SMITH
REVEAL THEIR JOY —
AND GIVE US A WOOF
IDEA OF THE GENDER

W

of grins on their faces as the pink
cake is revealed.
Rosie adds: “I was convinced it
was going to be a boy because
Steve’s whole family are boys, so
when we found out it was a girl, I
was so shocked and happy. I asked
them to check the scan again.”
A REAL KICK
Lorraine, who has been married to
Rosie’s dad Steve Smith since 1992,
is equally thrilled to be welcoming a
new addition to the family at the
beginning of September.
“This is the most exciting thing
to happen to our family, well, since
Rosie was born,” she says. “Last
night, I felt the baby kick for the
first time, which was extraordinary.
It made it feel real.”
Rosie, who lives in the
London borough of Islington

V

hen hello! arrives at the
Buckinghamshire home of
Lorraine Kelly, we are greeted with
the pitter-patter of tiny paws and
some friendly barks.
Ruby, a miniature wire-haired
dachshund, is the pride and joy of
Lorraine’s daughter Rosie Smith –
and will soon become a big “sister”,
as Rosie is expecting her first child
with partner Steve White. So it’s
only fitting she steals the show on
our exclusive photoshoot, in which
Rosie and Lorraine share an
exciting announcement with us.
“Will Ruby be having a little
brother or sister?” says the doyenne
of morning TV, joining Rosie
around a pet-friendly cake made
especially for Ruby to enjoy – and
reveal their special news.
“It’s a girl!” Lorraine and her
daughter announce, the brightest

‘This is the most
exciting thing to
happen to our family
since Rosie was
born. I cried when I
found out’ Lorraine

19

LORRAINE’S JUMPSUIT: VARLEY AT ANTHROPOLOGIE. ROSIE’S TOP: FRENCH CONNECTION. TROUSERS: MARC CAIN

‘I’ll be the granny
that spoils her
rotten — I’ll have
to be reined in’

20

with her partner, found out she was pregnant on
New Year’s Eve, “right after buying loads of
alcohol and a cold-meat platter, which I then
couldn’t touch”, she says with a laugh.
By mother’s intuition, Lorraine already had an
inkling that something was different. “I thought
she was looking a wee bit peaky, but I had no idea
it was that, so it was the best possible surprise. Of
course, I cried when I found out – and Rosie’s
dad Steve is thrilled to bits, too.”

NO ONE QUITE LIKE GRANDMA
Being a grandparent is something Lorraine
“really wanted one day” but, she says: “I never
wanted to put Rosie under any pressure.” Now
her wish is about to become true, she couldn’t be
more excited. “My married name is Smith so I’ll
be known as Granny Smith, like the apple!
“I’m very happy with being called Granny. I
know some people don’t like that, but I think
it’s a badge of honour,” she adds. “I will be
the granny that spoils her rotten – I’ll have
to be reined in. I’ll be available any time to
help out; whatever I’m doing, I’ll drop it.
“I can’t wait to take the wee one out
for walks in a pram, to read books with
her, go on adventures and be silly.”
Lorraine has also made a start on her
granddaughter’s wardrobe. “When
Rosie was born, a lot of my viewers
knitted lovely wee cardigans for her. I
kept them and I’ve been washing them all
for the baby – they’re getting another run.”
Rosie is equally excited to see her parents
become grandparents.
“We’ve said that the baby is going to be a
mascot for Dundee United, like I was as a

V

BABY DREAMS
Starting a family is something Rosie and Steve,
who met last spring on dating app Hinge, have
been wishing for.
“We’d talked about it a lot and both wanted to
become parents quite young, so that our parents
can be around for as much as possible,” she says.
“I had a cyst on my ovary taken out a few years
ago, so I was thinking: ‘This might take a while;
let’s get going now,’ but it happened immediately.
We feel so lucky.
“I had so many plans that I wanted to do –
career things, holidays, buying a proper house.
But as soon as I saw the test, I was like: ‘It doesn’t
matter.’ I felt very calm.”
After suffering with constant nausea for
months two, three and four of her pregnancy,
Rosie is now feeling good – and thinking of
names. “I really wanted to have a Scottish
connection and we had a Scottish boy name
sorted, but girls are hard. I’d like to have options
so we can see what feels right when she’s here.”
Talking for the first time about her whirlwind
love story, the freelance PR and writer tells us:
“Our first date was quite awkward – I thought he
definitely didn’t like me and he had gone away
thinking the same thing!
“Our second date was when things clicked,”
she adds, smiling. “He is so sweet and I can be
completely myself with him. It’s lovely. Steve will
be so good as a dad. He’s read more [baby]
books than I have.”
He’s certainly got the approval of Lorraine.
“Steve is a wee lamb,” she says. “I’m so glad that
Rosie’s found ‘The Person’.
“I was staying with them recently and Rosie
had a craving for some cookie-dough ice cream,

but she’d finished it all. Without being asked,
Steve put his coat on and walked to the shops
and bought her some ice cream. I thought:
‘That’s it. He’s fantastic.’”
When it comes to the birth, the best advice she
has is to “go with the flow” – with a helpful tip
from a very reliable source: “I once interviewed
the [late] Queen’s gynaecologist and she told
me: ‘Keep your shoulders down,’ during the
birth. I understood what she meant when I had
Rosie. It forces you to be less tense.”
Lorraine will be “hovering” nearby when the
big day comes. “The plan is that Mum will come
the day after the birth and take one of the baby’s
blankets home to Ruby so that she can get used
to the smell,” says Rosie.
“We keep calling her a ‘little big sister’,” she
adds. “I think Ruby is going to be really chilled
with the baby, although she’s obsessed with Steve
so hopefully she doesn’t get protective of him
when he’s holding the baby.”

Rosie was not expecting
to have a pink (petfriendly) cake on the
menu, telling us: “I was
convinced it was going to
be a boy because Steve’s
whole family are boys, so
when we found out it was
a girl, I was so shocked”

21

‘The baby’s going to have
a great-granny. We’ve got
to get that photo of my
mum, me, Rosie and the
baby. The four generations’

JOY FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Rosie’s baby news has also been a tonic for
Lorraine’s mum Anne, who has been suffering
with a kidney disease. “This has really cheered
my mum up,” Lorraine says. “She’s stable now,
but she’s not been too well, so this is going to lift
her spirits.
“The baby’s going to have a great-granny and
a great-granda, which is amazing. We’ve got to
get that photo of my mum, me, Rosie and the
baby. The four generations.”
Rosie has another big milestone coming up
– she turns 30 on 8 June, when she will celebrate
with an intimate dinner with family and friends,
and Ruby as the guest of honour. That’s followed
by a holiday to Spain to coincide with Steve’s
30th a couple of weeks later.
The pair see marriage and more children in
their future, but “we’re not in any rush”, Rosie
says. “Steve definitely wants more kids and I
would love a big family, but I’ll have a break
after this one!”
For now, they are soaking in the excitement
of the impending bundle of joy. “A baby brings
everybody together – it’s a joyful, wonderful
thing,” Lorraine says. “Everyone’s just
H
looking forward to the big day.”
INTERVIEW: EMILY HORAN
PHOTOS: NICKY JOHNSTON
STYLING: KATE BARBOUR
HAIR & MAKE-UP: HELEN HAND

For behind-the-scenes video and other exclusive
content, visit hellomagazine.com.

Rosie and Steve (right) met
via a dating app last year,
but knew they both wanted
22 to become parents quickly.
He’s already got Lorraine’s
approval, with the presenter
calling him “a wee lamb”

ADDITIONAL PHOTO: ROSIE SMITH. CAKE: @PETCAKEANDBAKE. (LEFT) DRESS: ANTHROPOLOGIE. SHOES: MONSOON.
(RIGHT) ROSIE’S OUTFIT: RIVER ISLAND. SHOES: DUNE. LORRAINE’S OUTFIT: RIVER ISLAND. SHOES: COAST

baby. My dad’s already got the football strip
for her.”
She wants to replicate her own happy
upbringing with her little girl. “I remember at
school parents’ evenings, Mum and Dad would
always ask if I was happy, not about my grades,
and I want to be like that too.”
“Rosie will be an amazing mum,” Lorraine
adds. “She’s calm and sensible enough to ask
someone if she needs help. She’s got Dr Hilary
and Dr Amir [ITV Daytime’s resident GPs
Hilary Jones and Amir Khan] for advice, too.”

23

t is one of the most significant
Icalendar,
celebrations in the British T V
so when the Bafta Television

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
Tess, who described the win as “the best
birthday present” for Strictly
Strictly,, chose a
one-shouldered gown by Rachel Gilbert,
while her fellow presenter donned a
trouser suit from The Kooples.
It was also all white on the night for
two former Strictlyy contestants – singer
and radio DJ Mollie King and former
Paralympic swimming champion
Ellie Simmonds.

V

Awards took place at the Royal Festival
Hall, hello! was on the red carpet to
greet stars including Tess Daly, Claudia
Winkleman, Hannah Waddingham,
Helena Bonham Carter and Alex Scott.
And it wasn’t just TV royalty on the
guest list – Bafta also welcomed its
president, the Prince of Wales, who
surprised guests by speaking in a moving
video message during the ceremony.
Arriving in all their finery, stars from
the worlds of acting and entertainment
upped the ante on the fashion front.

Strictly Come Dancing co-hosts Tess and
Claudia, who collected the award for Best
Entertainment Programme in the show’s
20th year, doubled up in pristine white.

Soaking up the
atmosphere are
(clockwise from
top left) Baroness
Benjamin,
Lorraine Kelly,
Ashley James,
Alex Scott, Mollie
King and Ellie
Simmonds

25

Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham,
who scooped the gong for Best Live Event
Coverage as the host of last year’s
Eurovision Song Contest, channelled oldschool Hollywood glamour in a long black
dress with plenty of sparkle.

26

GOLDEN GIRL
Poldark’s
Poldark
’s Eleanor Tomlinson, The Crown
star Elizabeth Debicki and presenter
Davina McCall also sported dark gowns.
Lorraine Kelly’s gold dress was a fitting
choice as the broadcaster was honoured
with one of Bafta’s famous golden masks
for Outstanding Contribution to the
Television Industry.
Comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh

Ranganathan, who hosted the event, kept
the audience entertained with plenty of
one-liners, although the ceremony also
had its emotional moments, featuring
poignant speeches and tears.

V

SPECIAL NIGHT
Other guests enjoying the occasion were
award winners Sarah Lancashire and
Jasmine Jobson, plus Nolly star Helena
Bonham Carter and Baby Reindeer actress
Jessica Gunning, who received a rapturous
reception when she appeared on stage
with co-star Richard Gadd to present the
Limited Drama award.
Sarah, wearing a green velvet dress, won
for her portrayal of Sergeant Catherine
Cawood in the BBC’s Happy Valley
alley and was
overcome with emotion on stage.
“I will forever be grateful to [writer]
Sally Wainwright for this opportunity,” she
said, before going on to thank her
“formidable” fellow cast and crew.
The actress spoke to hello! backstage,
where she continued to sing Sally’s praises.
“Her writing is symphonic and
extraordinary. She’s so attuned to dialogue
and character. From an actor’s perspective,
it’s everything you hope for,” she said.
Top Boy star Jasmine also shone on the
night. Turning heads in a Louis Vuitton
gown, the 29-year-old collected the Best
Supporting Actress award for her portrayal
of Jaq Lawrence in the gritty Netflix drama.
“I just want to say I am the woman who
has been standing in a group full of men
– you have shown me what it is to be
strong and independent,” she said,
adding: “Netflix, Top Boy,
Boy , you
changed my life.”

27

Jasmine accepts her
award for Netflix’s
Top Boy, while Sarah
Lancashire (right)
makes an emotional
speech after winning
Best Actress for her
star turn in the
BBC’s Happy Valley

28

Ellie Simmonds accepts the
Best Single Documentary
gong alongside (from left)
director Jasleen Sethi,
producer Colleen Flynn and
Flicker Productions’ Kathryn
Jein and Nick Underhill

‘I will forever
be grateful for
this opportunity’
Sarah Lancashire

Another moving moment came in a video
message when Prince William congratulated
Baroness Benjamin, recipient of the prestigious
Bafta Fellowship. He praised Floella’s “tireless
support” for children and young people,
adding: “In a career spanning more than five
decades, she has touched the lives of millions.”
In one of Queen Elizabeth II’s last wishes, the
former TV presenter, 74, was chosen by the
monarch to receive the Order of Merit, and
backstage, she told us that she had explained to
Elizabeth how she and her family overcame
discrimination after arriving in the UK.
“I spoke about forgiveness to her. She was so
open with me and I thought I’d be open about
my life,” Floella said.
“Two days before she died, she was reading
my autobiography and told her private secretary:
‘I want to appoint Floella Benjamin to the Order
of Merit.’ Only 24 living people are in that
Order, and she wanted me to be one of them.”

V

FAMILY PRIDE
Five-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie,
meanwhile, won Best Single Documentary for
her powerful documentary Finding My Secret
Family.. Visibly emotional, the athlete paid
Family
tribute to her parents and birth mother.

Lorraine (above) is thrilled to receive a special Bafta for Outstanding Contribution to the
Television Industry. Comedian Joe Lycett (above left), who dressed as Elizabeth I “after losing
a bet”, shows off his award for Best Entertainment Performance, while Hannah (below) leads
the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest team on stage to be honoured for Best Live Event Coverage

29

‘Floella has touched the lives
of millions’ The Prince of Wales
Tess and Claudia (above) celebrate after Strictly wins Best Entertainment
Programme. Dame Floella (above right), recipient of the Bafta Fellowship, is
congratulated in a video message by the Prince of Wales (right). Gbemisola Ikumelo
(below left), winner of Best Female Performance in a Comedy for Black Ops, poses
with Meera Syal, who presented her award, after Susan hands the Best Male
Performance in a Comedy gong to Mawaan Rizwan for Juice (together below right)

30

MILESTONE MOMENT
Meanwhile, Timothy Spall was awarded his first
ever Bafta when he won Best Actor for his
performance as retired teacher Peter Farquhar
in the BBC’s powerful true-crime drama The
Sixth Commandment
Commandment..
In the Best Supporting Actor category, an
absent Matthew Macfadyen won for his portrayal
of Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s Succession
Succession..
Matthew’s co-star Brian Cox was there to
present fellow Scot, Lorraine, with her award.
Although she was delighted to be recognised for
her contribution to broadcasting, it is her
forthcoming role as a grandmother that is giving
Lorraine, 64, a spring in her step.
Her 29-year-old daughter Rosie, who is five
months pregnant, is expecting her first child,
and Lorraine told us: “I may have mentioned
once or twice that I’m going to be a granny.
“I’m so thrilled and I am so proud of my
wee girl. There’s no better title in the world.” H
REPORT: FRANCESCA SHILLCOCK

PHOTOS: BBC. GETTY IMAGES. REX FEATURES

The list of winners also provided a few
surprises. In the Best International Series
category, Class Act beat off competition from big
hits including Succession and The Bear
Bear,, while Top
Boy came out ahead of Happy Valley
alley and Slow
Horses to win Best Drama Series.

Thanks for a night of
Memorable Moments
Congratulations to all the winners of the
BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises

BAFTA/Scott Garfitt

The Inside Story
RENEE ZELLWEGER

ROLE RETURN IS A WALK IN THE PARK

stages in her life.”
Mad About the Boyy will team her once
again with Hugh Grant, who appeared in
the first two movies as Bridget’s cheating
love interest Daniel Cleaver.
“I love Renée, she’s one of the few
actresses I haven’t fallen out with,” the
Paddington 2 star once joked. “We get on
so well together.”

KATIE HOLMES

DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY AT BALLET GALA

D

ance fan Katie Holmes was in good
company at the American Ballet
Theatre’s Spring Gala in New York, where
she was joined by her own corps: her
mother Kathleen and father Martin.
The Rare Objects star could not have
looked happier as she posed for photos at
the event, which she called “a very special
night with my mom and dad”.
We a r i n g a f l o o r- s w e e p i n g a n d
sequinned black Emilio Pucci dress (left),
Katie, 45, was among the guests enjoying
highlights from the ballet company’s
forthcoming season – as well as dinner – at
Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan.
A regular supporter of the organisation,
she has been attending its galas since 2017
and was on the guest list for last June’s
summer season opening-night
performance of Like Water
ater for Chocolate.
Chocolate
Also helping guests pay tribute to Oscarwinning film-maker Chai Vasarhelyi was
Melanie Hamrick (right). She has a special
connection with the company, for which
she danced for 15 years before retiring in
2019 – and it seems her seven-year-old son
Devi is also setting the barre high.
With a former professional ballerina as
a mother and a rock star dad in Sir Mick
Jagger, the youngster is already showing
promise as a dancer. “He’s a really good fit
for ballet,” Melanie revealed to hello!.
“He’s got the rhythm. He has the instincts.”

REPORTS: KATHRYN WILSON. HANNA FILLINGHAM. PHOTOS: DEAN/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA/SPLASH NEWS. GETTY IMAGES. GOFF PHOTOS. REX FEATURES. SPLASH NEWS

F

lawed but
relatable,
Bridget Jones is
someone fans like
very much – just the
way she is. And for
those counting the
days until the jinxed
journal keeper’s
latest adventures,
there was a welcome
entry when Renée
Zellweger was
spotted on location
for Bridget Jones:
Mad About the Boy.
Renée, 55, who is
playing Bridget for
the fourth time, was
spotted filming
night-time and
(left) day scenes
in London and
smiled and waved
at onlookers
between takes.
The film comes more than 20 years
after the double Oscar winner first starred
in Bridget Jones’s Diary (above) and it’s
clear Renée still finds her hapless heroine
“so much fun”.
Discussing Bridget in 2022, she said: “I
love being in her shoes. I find her so
endearing. And I think it’s really rare to
follow a character through different

F

ollowing her West End triumph in
Plaza Suite alongside husband Matthew
Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker has
checked out of the UK capital, And Just
Like That is back in New York.
Not that there was any rest: the actress
has already returned to work, filming the
third series of the Sex and the City sequel.
She was spotted on set (right and above
right) in an updated take on her character
Carrie Bradshaw’s famous tutu skirt – this
time a tiered pastel pink design paired
with a mint-green silk shirt and a crystalstudded Jackie handbag from Gucci.
Sharing a photo on Instagram, Sarah
told fans: “Day 1.”
Joining her in New York’s Lincoln

Center Plaza were two of the show’s
younger stars, Cathy Ang and Alexa
Swinton (above left), who play Lily and
Rose Goldenblatt.
Being back on the show was something
of a homecoming for 59-year-old SJP, a
New York native who shares her screen
alter ego’s love of fashion – but not her
chequered love life.
Speaking about her role last week, the
a c t r e s s f o r g a v e h e r c h a r a c t e r ’s
shortcomings, saying: “Carrie is a decent
person in a lot of ways. At least I think so.
“I’m fond of her. She’s been interesting
to watch. It would be far less interesting
if she was constantly reliable and a
good person.”

REESE WITHERSPOON

LAYING DOWN THE LAW AS
‘LEGALLY BLONDE’ RETURNS

N

ews that Reese
Witherspoon will be
bringing Legally Blonde’s Elle
Woods to the small screen
in a prequel series met with
no objections when it was
revealed last week.
Reese, 48, announced the
return of one of her bestloved movie characters at an
event organised by Amazon,
her partner for the series.
Dressed in hot pink and
accompanied by a 2024
version of Elle’s dog Bruiser
(right), she said: “I had this
crazy idea the world might
want to know the origin
story of Elle Woods.”
She also kept fans in
the loop, uploading a reel
to Instagram that
promised: “Something
pink is coming… and it’s
scented.”

Reese played the lead in the
2001 romantic comedy (left),
along with its 2003 sequel
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White &
Blonde, and has described the
Blonde
process of making the films
“my own private campaign
against a lot of stereotypes”.
The Walk the Line star will
be the executive producer of
the new series, which is called
Elle and will cover the teenage
years of the lawyer-to-be.
Reese, who co-founded
production company Hello
Sunshine in 2016, told her
followers on social media:
“Before she became the most
famous Gemini vegetarian to
graduate from Harvard Law,
she was just a regular ’90s
high school girl.
“And all of you are going to
get to know her, next year. I’M
SO EXCITED!”

THE KING AND QUEEN

ROSE FOR THE OCCASION AS THEY
ATTEND O.B.E. SERVICE

T

he service of dedication for the
Order of the British Empire
takes place every four years, but this
occasion marked a first as the King
and Queen made their formal
debuts as Sovereign and Grand
Master of the Order respectively.
Wearing pink satin robes decorated
with gold (left) and walking side by
side up the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral
in London, the royal couple smiled
broadly in the spring sunshine.
After being greeted by a trumpet
fanfare, they took their places in the
cathedral, which was packed with a
congregation made up of almost
2,000 holders of honours such as
OBEs, MBEs, CBEs, knighthoods
and damehoods, who had travelled
from across the UK and the
Commonwealth to be there.
Among them were Bafta Awardwinning film director Sir Ridley Scott
and former England rugby union
captain Sir Bill Beaumont,
both of whom

walked in the procession ahead of
the King and Queen.
Sir Bill, who retired from the game
in 1982 and is now chairman of
World Rugby, was knighted in 2019.
Earlier this month, in recognition of
his services to sport and charity, he
was appointed Knight Grand Cross of
the Order of the British Empire by
the Prince of Wales, in an investiture
ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Sharing a photo of him wearing his
mantle and posing proudly with wife
Lady Beaumont, the former Question
of Sportt star wrote on X (formerly
Twitter) that he was “honoured” to
have attended the service and called
it “a very special day”.
For Camilla, the occasion provided
another opportunity to show off the
diamond clip-on earrings she wore to
the coronation. She wore a floral
Fiona Clare dress beneath her mantle,
the collar of which once belonged to
Queen Elizabeth the
Queen Mother.

REPORTS: KATHRYN WILSON. PHOTOS: DAVE BENETT/GETTY IMAGES FOR V&A MUSEUM. GETTY IMAGES

The Inside Story

SIR ELTON JOHN

FRIENDS SNAP UP EXHBITION INVITATIONS
eveloped over seven decades, Sir Elton John
a n d D a v i d F u r n i s h’s c o l l e c t i o n o f
photographs is the focal point of a new exhibition
at the V&A, and the singer says he is “absolutely
blown away” by the results.
More than 300 prints from the 1950s to the
present day, by more than 140 photographers,
went on display at the London museum last
week, with Sir Elton and husband

David hosting a private view to give friends their
own first look – and there was not a single negative.
Star guest Sir Paul, 81, enjoyed the chance to
Get Back with his fellow Beatles (above right),
admiring a quartet of portraits of the Fab Four
taken before the band split in 1970.
He was at the event with wife Nancy and his
daughters Stella and

Mary – all of whom happily posed for their own
close-up with the host couple (above left).
Calling it a “brilliant evening”, Sir Elton – who is
now 77 and began collecting photographs in the
1990s – posted the starry shot on Instagram, with
the caption: “Witnessing our collection come to life
within those walls was truly humbling.
Each piece, lovingly sourced and
collected over many years,
now displayed for all
to see.”s like I was

The Inside Story
DAME JILLY COOPER

NOVEL APPROACH TO KING’S HONOUR

T

here was an unexpected plot twist
for Jilly Cooper after being made
a dame in the New Year’s Honours list:
the author received her honour from
the King himself (left), presiding over
his first investiture since revealing his
cancer diagnosis in February.
Calling it “just terribly exciting and
nice”, Dame Jilly – now 87 and as
colourful a character as any of those in
her bestsellers – added: “I never
dreamt in a million years it would
happen, and it just has, so it’s lovely.”
So far, 2024 has proved an exciting
chapter for the writer, who has 18
novels, numerous non-fiction titles
and a children’s series to her name.
Not only does she have a new title of
her own, but one of her older ones –
1988’s Rivals – is being adapted for
the screen by Disney+. Currently in
production, the eight-part blockbuster
has a starry cast list, with Alex Hassell,
David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Emily
Atack and Danny Dyer all featuring,
with Dame Jilly an executive producer.
The author (right, with her honour)
was not the only one celebrating at
Windsor Castle, where the Archbishop
of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Sir Justin
Welby, also received his Knight Grand
Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, in
recognition of his role in last year’s
coronation. Recalling the historic day,
during which he conducted the service
and played a pivotal role in anointing
and crowning both Charles and
Camilla, the archbishop said it had
been “deeply moving”. He revealed:
“[It was] surreal. You sort of keep
thinking you’re going to wake up.”

DAME JUDI DENCH

GRANDSON SAM WILLIAMS OPENS UP ABOUT THEIR CLOSE BOND

H

36

er performances have won her multiple awards, including an
Oscar and a record eight Oliviers. But for her grandson Sam
Williams, Dame Judi Dench is the ultimate Bond Girl.
The TikTok star (left, with Dame Judi) shared his memories of his
grandmother’s time as MI5 boss M, a role she played for ten years,
when he and his actress mum Finty joined her at Claridge’s hotel in
London for An Evening with Dame Judi Dench, hosted by author and
photographer Gemma Levine.
“At school everyone would say: ‘Your grandmother’s awesome,’”
he said, when Finty asked what it had been like growing up with a
Bond star. He wasn’t the only one happy with Dame Judi’s role. The
actress recalled her late
husband Michael Williams’s
reaction when she was
offered the part for 1995’s
GoldenEye, telling Finty:
“Your father said: ‘You can’t
possibly turn it down. I want
to live with a Bond woman.’”
Joining Judi and her
family were Dame Joanna
Lumley (right) and Simon
Callow, helping raise
£40,000 for the
Lymphoedema Research
F u n d a t S t G e o r g e ’s
Hospital Charity.

THE SPENCER SISTERS

BEST-DRESSED GUESTS AT VENICE BOUTIQUE LAUNCH

REPORTS: KATHRYN WILSON. SALLY MORGAN. PHOTOS: DAVE BENETT. GETTY FOR BRUNELLO CUCINELLI. JOHNNY GREEN. PA IMAGES. SAM PEARCE

I

f there’s one thing Italians know
how to do, it is celebrate in style.
They also know a thing or two
about family. And the opening of
the latest Brunello Cucinelli
boutique, in Venice’s Palazza della
Borsa e della Cameroa di
Commercio, combined both, with
a guest list featuring all three
Spencer sisters.
Twins Eliza and Amelia, both 31,
were joined by their elder sister
Kitty, 33 (all left), plus Eliza’s partner
Channing Millerd and Amelia’s
husband Greg Mallett. In outfits by
the Italian fashion label, they had
what Eliza called a “beautiful night”.
Each of the siblings uploaded
photos from the event to social
media – and for Amelia and Greg
the magical surroundings were
particularly resonant. The couple
married in South Africa last year
and being immersed in La
Serenissima coincided with a special
date. “Celebrating our 15 years
together in the most romantic place
in the world,” Lady Amelia wrote in
one Instagram post.
Their hosts really pushed the
boat out, with guests transported
by water taxi and treated to a lavish
dinner at the Palazzo Pisani.
Items from the designer’s latest
collection were not the only
masterpieces on display, as there
was also the opportunity to visit
Venice’s Pegg y Guggenheim
Collection – one of the biggest
draws for Lady Amelia Windsor
(right). The model granddaughter
of the Duke and Duchess of Kent is
an art lover who studied Italian at
university. Sharing photos on
Instagram, she explained to her
followers: “The trip included a
spoiling evening tour around the
Guggenheim Venice, filled with
surrealist and neo-impressionist
pieces from the 20th century.”

GARY NEVILLE

TAILOR-MADE TIE-IN HELPS FOOTBALL
LEGEND KEEPY UPPY APPEARANCES

F

ormer Manchester United and
England star Gary Neville knows
all about swapping shirts – but after
joining forces with top-of-the-table
suiting brand Hawes & Curtis he has
no desire to trade. The footballer
turned pundit has created his own
edit of shirts and tailoring, and
modelled the results at a launch
party in the Hawes & Curtis flagship
store in London’s Mayfair.
He was joined by the brand’s
chairman, Dragons’ Den regular
Touker Suleyman – with whom Gary
went head to head during his guest
appearance on the reality TV series

last year – and fellow dragon Sara
Davies (both pictured, right, with
Gary) and comedian Iain Stirling.
Known for being on the ball when
it comes to business, Gary balances
his Sky Sports football commentating
commitments with ventures
including co-ownership of Salford
City FC, and an investment portfolio
featuring hotels and restaurants.
“Being at the start of something,
trying something new, that’s the
exciting bit for me,” he explains in a
promotional video for the edit,
uploaded to Instagram. “If you’re
not passionate about it, don’t do it.”

37

HONOURING LONDON STYLE

GUCCI CRUISE SHOW
KATE AND LILA MOSS LEAD
THE A-LIST FROWERS
ashion, music and Hollywood
F
collided when famous
fashionistas including Kate Moss,

FASHION ROYALTY
Fellow frower Alia Bhatt, the label’s
first Indian global ambassador, kept
it simple in a chic strapless gown
and patent black court shoes, while
actress Salma Hayek, joined by
husband François-Henri Pinault,
chief executive of Gucci’s parent
company Kering, was elegant in a
one-shouldered black gown and
a bold red lip.
Enjoying a date night, model
and singer Pixie Geldof sparkled
in a jewelled two-piece as she
arrived with husband George
Barnett. Also embracing the
sparkle was Maria-Olympia of
Greece, who wore a longer version
of Pixie’s skirt.
The only daughter of Greece’s
former royals Pavlos and MarieChantal took advantage of the
night to catch up with fellow model
Poppy Delevingne, who embraced
the sheer trend in a mesh top
worn under a pinafore-style

V

Blondie star Debbie Harry
puts her best (Gucci-clad)
foot forward to see the
show, alongside style stars
including (above right,
from left) footballer Leah
38 Williamson, actor Andrew
Scott and actresses Park
Gyu-young, Alia Bhatt
and Demi Moore

Debbie Harry, Demi Moore and
Salma Hayek flew into London for
the Gucci Cruise 2025 catwalk show.
Stylish stars took to the front row
at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall,
transformed into a leafy botanical
haven, to see the label pay tribute
to the Swinging Sixties with an array
of textures, Mod-style jackets and
clean-cut shoes.
Wearing a lingerie-inspired slip
dress from creative director Sabato
De Sarno, catwalk queen Kate led
the British style fans, accompanied
by her partner Nikolai von Bismarck
and her daughter Lila.
The show won high praise from
the young model, who also helps
her mum run her talent agency.
“Congratulations on a stunning
resort collection @sabatods,”
21-year-old Lila wrote on Instagram,
together with a photo of her butteryellow shorts suit. “It was so
beautiful to watch your works of art
come to life at The Tate!”
Sitting next to Kate and Lila,
Blondie frontwoman Debbie went
for classic tailoring in black trousers
and jacket, adding a white T-shirt
for a hint of rock chick, all paired
with Gucci platforms.
And while she was front row, the
singer also featured on the catwalk
with models carrying new takes on

the Gucci Blondie bag and a version
of her band’s 1979 hit Heart of Glass
forming part of the soundtrack that
filled the room.
Upping the fashion ante with a
floor-length lace cutout gown,
C h a r l i e’s A n ge l s s t a r D e m i
accessorised her look with her
beloved chihuahua Pilaf and was
spotted chatting to Debbie as they
waited for the show to start.

‘It was so
beautiful to
watch your works
of art come to
life’ Lila Moss

Kate and Lila are
model guests on the
front row of the Gucci
Cruise 2025 catwalk
show at London’s Tate
Modern and clearly
enjoyed Sabato De 39
Sarno “stunning”
tribute to London’s
Swinging Sixties

‘I owe a lot to London. I wanted to show how the city, and
people who live here, have influenced me’ Sabato De Sarno

40

Maria-Olympia of
Greece catches up
with Poppy
Delevingne, joining
famous fashionistas
including Demi (right)

THE LONDON LOOK
Actress Daisy Edgar-Jones,
meanwhile, enjoyed a Normal
People
eople reunion with her co-star
Paul Mescal, who was sitting a
few seats away. Looking fresh
out of Swinging London in a
camel mini trench, the actress
caught his attention and the two
shared a smile and a laugh.
Speaking to Vogue
ogue the next
day, Daisy said her outfit had felt
“really chic and edg y and
perfect for the event”, adding:
“I saw it on the hanger and I was
like: ‘This is so cool.’”
On the catwalk, creative
director Sabato sent out a
collection featuring denim,
gorgeous fabrics and pussy-bow
blouses, together with shoes –
mostly flat – that furthered the
theme of chic comfort.
Discussing his location for
t h e s h o w, t h e d e s i g n e r
highlighted the history he has
with London, saying: “I owe a
lot to this city. It has welcomed
and listened to me. I wanted to
show how the city, and people
who live here, have influenced
me over time.” He added that
the ties go back even further,
with label founder Guccio
Gucci being inspired for
his creations while
working in The Savoy as a
young man.
Sabato said: “More than
a specific style, what fascinates
me about this city is the
ability to bring opposites
together, to make them
coexist in a unique way
made of conversations and
e x c h a n g e s . To m e ,
[London] is a place where
people are sharing
energies and ideas, no
matter where they
are coming from.” H
REPORT: FRANCESCA
SHILLCOCK

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

dress. The two women were all
smiles as they posed for the
cameras.
Adding to the aristocratic
tone, hello!
hello!’s
’s new society
editor the Marchioness of Bath
stepped out in a chic pencil
skirt and blazer, paired with a
cropped top from the label.
Gucci’s modern muses also
gave their support, with rapper
Little Simz taking her seat fresh
from being the face of the
label’s new campaign released
ahead of the show, joining
fellow musicians Dua Lipa and
Grammy Award winner Solange
Knowles. The younger sister of
Beyoncé – and mother to upand-coming catwalk star Julez
Smith – stood out in an ethereal
green sequinned skirt and
matching patent boots.

Models pick a
path through the
leafy setting at
the Tate, where
(far right) HELLO!’s
society editor the
Marchioness of
Bath joins (right)
Dua Lipa to take
in the show

Salma Hayek and
husband FrançoisHenri Pinault are
among the VIP
guests, as are
(left) Kate Moss’s
partner Nikolai
von Bismarck and
Pixie Geldof

41

‘They’re spending time together,
but it’s very early days’

ON WINNING FORM
AT BADMINTON

PETER
PHILLIPS
THE KING’S NEPHEW
BRINGS NEW LOVE
HARRIET SPERLING
TO MEET THE FAMILY

42

Harriet greets the Queen, joined by Peter and
his daughters Savannah, 13, and Isla, 12, in the
grandstand (above) as the family give their
support to Zara Tindall, who takes to the
Badminton field for the first time since 2016 on
her horse Class Action (left)

trolling hand in hand in the
S
sunshine and looking very
happy together, Peter Phillips and
his new girlfriend went public at
the Badminton Horse Trials.
The King’s 46-year-old nephew
was in Gloucester with paediatric
specialist nurse and freelance
writer Harriet Sperling, whom he
is understood to have met at a
sporting event their children
were attending.
A friend tells hello! the couple
had met “recently” and are
“spending time together, but it’s
very early days”. A spokesman for
Peter declined to comment, saying
it was a “private matter”.
Details of his new romance
come a month after it emerged
the Princess Royal’s son had split
from Lindsay Steven, with friends
citing his “non-stop” travelling
and business commitments as the
reason for the end of their fouryear relationship.

V

HORSING AROUND
Harriet looked relaxed as she and
Peter walked around the grounds
o f t h e D u k e o f B e a u f o r t ’s
Badminton estate over the four-day
competition, which is celebrating
its 75th anniversary.
And it was a family affair, with
his daughters Savannah, 13, and
Isla, 12, and his sister Zara Tindall
joining them.
Zara, competing on her horse
Class Action, was also seen kissing
and cuddling her son Lucas, three,
who cheekily poked out his tongue
at her.
Husband Mike and their
daughters Mia, ten, and Lena, five,
were there to cheer her on,
together with her parents Mark
Phillips and Princess Anne, who
was accompanied by husband Vice
Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
The Queen was also in
a t t e n d a n c e a n d Pe t e r
appeared to point Harriet

Peter and Harriet
enjoy the action at
the Badminton
Horse Trials, their43
affection for each
other clear to see
(above left)

44

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. JAMES WHATLING. KELVIN BRUCE. NUNN SYNDICATION

As well as
competing, Zara
Tindall was the
devoted mum,
hugging son Lucas
out to her when they met in
the grandstand.
Her Majesty, who is patron of
British Equestrian, presented the
trophies in the arena and was
introduced to past winners,
volunteers and officials, as well as
guests associated with the event.
Among them was beauty
entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury
and the Marchioness of
Cholmondeley, while the Queen
sat alongside the Duke of Beaufort
to watch the showjumping. She
took home a book about the event
and a model horse, which were
presented to her by a member of
the Beaufort Pony Club.
The horse trials are one of seven
five-star three-day events in the
world, in which riders compete in
dressage, cross-country and
H
showjumping.
REPORT: EMILY NASH

Three-year-old
Lucas shows he has
inherited his parents’
sense of fun, but his
proud mum still
gives him a kiss and
a cuddle (left)

45

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

WITH WIFE ZARA BY HIS SIDE

MIKE TINDALL

TEES OFF WITH HIS FAMOUS
FRIENDS FOR CHARITY
M

ike and Zara Tindall were in the pink as they
cuddled up at the former England rugby
union captain’s annual golf charity day.
Wearing Barbie-hued golfing attire, which
appeared to be the colour theme of the event,
Olympic equestrian Zara was right by her husband’s
side as they joined her brother Peter Phillips and
his former wife Autumn among the sporty guests.
Competing alongside them were stars including
Strictly Come Dancing’s
Dancing’s Anton Du Beke, former
athlete Dame Denise Lewis, retired rugby union
player Thom Evans, jockey AP McCoy, ex-cricketer
Darren Gough, and presenters Kirsty Gallacher
and Denise Van Outen.
hello! caught up with Mike for an exclusive
chat at the Belfry Hotel’s course in Sutton
Coldfield, during which he told us the secret of the
event’s success – it has raised an estimated £1.7m
for charity since it began in 2013.
“I think it’s because it’s such a great mix of golf,
which I love, and a brilliant group of people who
all come to have such a great time. Together, we
raise money for two such important causes,” he
says. “And now, in the 11th year, we have managed
to fund some really life-changing projects, which
makes it all so worthwhile. It’s an absolute highlight
of the year for me.”
Mike has also enjoyed working alongside his wife
to help raise funds. “She isn’t playing – she does a
fantastic job raising money through selling drinks
and mulligans [a second chance at a shot]. It’s not
a coincidence we do the selling of both of those
things together,” he says.
Proceeds from the day went to two charities
close to Mike’s heart: Cure Parkinson’s – his father
Philip has had Parkinson’s disease for more than
20 years – and the Matt Hampson Foundation,
which helps young people who have been injured
while playing sport.
Mike is patron of the foundation, which was
launched by England under-21 rugby union player
Matt after he suffered a serious injury during
training in 2005, leaving him requiring a ventilator
to breathe. “I first met Matt nearly 18 years ago and

46

‘We’ve managed to fund
some really life-changing
projects, which makes it
all worthwhile. It’s an
absolute highlight of
the year for me’

PHOTOS: DAVID HARTLEY

he has been an inspiration to me ever since,” Mike
tells us, explaining why the two causes are so special
to him. “It’s not just about what he has done to
help people physically with their injuries, but the
way he chooses to live his life and how that rubs off
on all those around him.
“I have talked a lot about my dad and his
Parkinson’s battle, but it remains as important an
issue for me and so many others as much now as
when he was first diagnosed.
“The need for a cure is something that I will
never give up on, so it keeps me pushing on with
helping fund critical research and trials.”
SPORTING FAMILY
While Zara was supporting her husband at the
fundraiser, the tables had been turned a few days
before, when Mike took their three children – Mia,
ten, Lena, five, and Lucas, three – to cheer her on
at the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire.
“We really enjoy going to watch Zara compete –
and Badminton was a lovely weekend,” he says. “I
think they all really got a sense of what she does
this year and it’s always great to be able to support
her as a family.”
They’ll be planning their summer around her
competitions, too. “[We will be] hopefully getting
some time away, but Zara’s season is in full swing so
will just be a juggle around that and spending time
watching her as well,” Mike says.
“It’s very hard to sum up a typical day – with
horses, dogs, kids and work, I think I’d say no day is
the same. But that keeps things really fun and
interesting.”
One thing Mike would like to remain constant is
raising money through his annual golf day. “I think
after 11 years, it’s safe to say it’s a permanent
fixture. As long as it stays this much fun and we
continue to raise money for charity, we will
H
keep doing it.”
INTERVIEW: LAURA BENJAMIN

To find out more and to donate, visit cureparkinsons.org.uk
and matthampsonfoundation.org.

Denise Van Outen
and (left, from left)
Zara’s brother Peter
Phillips, Dolly and
singer Brian
McFadden are
ready to tee off

Zara has fun with her former sisterin-law Autumn Kelly and best
friend Dolly Maude as they raise
funds alongside retired Scottish
rugby union player Thom Evans
(right) and Olympic heptathlete
Dame Denise Lewis (below)

47

IN A RARE JOINT OUTING FOR
MONARCH AND HIS HEIR

THE KING AND
PRINCE OF WALES
HIS MAJESTY HANDS OVER
PRESTIGIOUS ARMY ROLE TO
WILLIAM AFTER 32 YEARS
he King and the Prince of
T
Wales stepped out together
last week as His Majesty handed

48

SHARING STORIES
The King, who trained with the
RAF while studying at the
University of Cambridge and
gained his wings in 1971, had been
welcomed to the base by a guard
of honour and local schoolchildren
waving Union flags before heading
into the Army Flying Museum.
There, he met veteran Aaron
Mapplebeck, who told how he
underwent nine weeks of intensive
chemotherapy for testicular
cancer last year. His Majesty, who is
himself receiving treatment for
cancer, commented on the “loss of
taste” he had experienced.
The Army Air Corps is the unit
in which the Duke of Sussex, who
stepped down from royal duties in
2020, ser ved as an Apache
helicopter commander and copilot gunner during his second
tour to Afghanistan from
H
2012 to 2013.
REPORT: TRACY SCHAVERIEN

PHOTOS: ANDREW PARSONS/KENSINGTON PALACE. GETTY IMAGES

over one of his key military titles to
his son and heir.
In a rare joint official
engagement, Prince William took
over from his father as Colonel-inChief of the Army Air Corps, a title
the 75-year-old monarch had held
for 32 years.
“I do hope you’ll go from
strength to strength in the future
with the Prince of Wales as your new
Colonel-in-Chief,” the King told
veterans, families and staff at Middle
Wallop air base in Hampshire.
“The great thing is that he’s a
very good pilot indeed – so that’s
encouraging.”
He added that it was “a great
joy” to meet them, but said the
handover was “tinged with great
sadness after 32 years of knowing
you all and admiring your many
activities and your achievements”.
William, who served in the army
with the Blues and Royals, and also
as an RAF search and rescue pilot,
changed into army fatigues to chat
to soldiers and inspect aircraft,
before being whisked away in an
Apache helicopter.

‘The great thing is
that William is a
very good pilot
indeed — so that’s
encouraging’ The King
William takes his seat in an Apache helicopter (above) after changing into army fatigues to
meet soldiers (right) at Middle Wallop air base in Hampshire (below), where his father the
King (together top left) bestowed on him the title of the Army Air Corps’ Colonel-in-Chief

49

‘It was the Queen’s reaction
I was looking for and that
seemed to go very well’
Artist Jonathan Yeo

With artist
Jonathan Yeo (left)
and his family
looking on, the King
unveils his portrait,
to a warm smile
from the Queen

UNVEILING HIS FIRST COMPLETED PORTRAIT SINCE THE CORONATION

IS A STUDY IN SCARLET AS NEW PAINTING CAPTURES
HIS METAMORPHOSIS FROM PRINCE TO MONARCH
R

50

eaching a new milestone in his reign, the
King unveiled the first completed official
portrait of himself since the coronation.
His Majesty revealed the painting in the Blue
Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace in front of
his wife the Queen and stepdaughter Laura Lopes
and her husband Harry, both of whom work in art,
and was clearly impressed.
“It is remarkable, actually, how it has turned
out,” he told artist Jonathan Yeo.
The painting was commissioned in 2020 by the
Drapers’ Company, two years ahead of the then
Prince of Wales’s 50 years as a member of the
ancient guild. It shows the King in military
uniform, holding a sword and smiling softly,
bathed in a striking crimson hue, inspired by the
uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which His Majesty
was made Regimental Colonel in 1975.
Jonathan asked the King if he thought the

painting had changed much from when he’d last
seen it.
“A little bit,” he replied, before pointing at his
head and saying: “You have fiddled away up here,
haven’t you?” prompting laughter from the room.
FLYING HIGH
In a tender detail, a butterfly hovers above His
Majesty’s shoulder, a piece of artistic licence
thought of by the King himself in discussions
about how to reflect his passion for nature.
Jonathan settled on a monarch butterfly, a
choice made even more apt after his sitter went
from Prince to King Charles during the four
sessions for the painting, which started in June
2021 and ended last November.
“I would love to take full credit for that, but it
was actually the subject’s idea,” said the artist.
“When he changed jobs halfway through the

process, it added resonance because in art history
terms, you have the metamorphosis.”
“It was nice to know I was a chrysalis when you
first met me,” joked the King. “Well, thank you
and congratulations. Fantastic.”
While Jonathan said the unveiling was “more
nerve-racking than normal”, he needn’t have
worried. The Queen said the portrait was
“fantastic” and kissed him warmly on each cheek.
“It’s always hard to tell,” the artist said later. “It
was the Queen’s reaction I was looking for, as
someone who knows him well, and that seemed to
go very well. [His Majesty] was smiling a lot and
seemed to be happy.”
The portrait is on public display at the Philip
Mould Gallery in London until 14 June and
will move to Drapers’ Hall later this summer. H
REPORT: AINHOA BARCELONA

PHOTOS: ‘HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III’ BY JONATHAN YEO 2024. PA IMAGES

THE KING

51

YOUR EXCLUSIVE INVITE TO A

ROYAL GARDEN PARTY
JOIN HELLO! AS WE MEET THE
KING AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

A

52

ourselves sporting stylish Feather & Bloom hats
and joining the great and the good from the
worlds of film, theatre, TV and fashion at the
invitation of His Majesty.
MUSIC, MARQUEES AND MAGIC MOMENTS
With music from a brass band filling the air, we
made our way towards the manicured lawn that
stretches from the palace back doors down to the
lake and was flanked by marquees set up to serve
afternoon tea to 4,000 guests.
And what good company we were in! Kate
Moss mingled with artist Tracey Emin and UK
Vogue’s
Vogue
’s global creative and cultural adviser
Edward Enninful, while comedian Sir Lenny
Henry, film-maker Sir Ridley Scott, Love Island
presenter Maya Jama and documentary-maker
Louis Theroux (who’d thought the invitation
was a joke) expertly worked the lawn, as Strictly

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

t hello!
hello!,, we’re lucky enough to receive
many invites to glamorous, star-studded
events. But when an envelope arrives from
Buckingham Palace, containing a request from
His Majesty the King for you to attend a garden
party in celebration of the creative industries,
you know it’s going to be a special occasion.
However, it’s not until you walk through
those iconic, wrought-iron gates, across the
red-gravelled driveway and through the
pillared archway into the back garden that
you realise quite how spectacular a tea party
at the palace will be.
And it’s not until you shake the hand of
the King himself that you appreciate quite
how memorable it is.
It was a gloriously sunny Wednesday afternoon
when hello!
hello!’s
’s chief revenue officer Tamsyn
Spires and I (together, inset above) found

(Clockwise from
above) The Queen
chats to Sir Lenny
Henry (as well as
Roman Kemp, left)
at The Sovereign’s
Creative Industries
Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace;
Tess Daly and her
h u s b a n d Ve r n o n
Kay; model Rosie
Huntington-Whiteley
waits to meet His
Majesty; Love Island
presenter Maya
Jama; and Their
Majesties coordinate in soft pink
Come Dancing
Dancing’s
’s Tess Daly and husband Vernon
Kay rubbed shoulders with DJ Roman Kemp.
Top tip at a royal garden party: leave the
stilettos at home! My red heels sank into the lawn,
so I tip-toed to the tea tent. But it was a small price
to pay for a plateful of regal delicacies. Traditional
cucumber and egg sandwiches were served along
with more modern additions such as carrot,
houmous and mini bagels, while the sweet
options were plentiful. From Victoria sponges
and fruit cakes to chocolate treats embossed with
golden crowns, it was a feast for the senses.
Guests speculated about which member of the
royal household might be about to join us. Then
the national anthem rang out, silencing the
hubbub, and everyone took to their feet as the
doors of the palace opened and Their Majesties
walked down the stone steps onto the lawn.
They were beautifully colour co-ordinated in
matching pink – the King with his waistcoat and
the Queen in a fringed coat dress by Anna
Valentine, teamed with a Philip Treacy hat.
The choreography of the next half-hour was
remarkable. Guests were gently guided into two
meandering receiving lines, while VIPs were
placed in the middle section.
I was quite overwhelmed by the kindness and
hospitality shown by both the King and Queen as
they slowly made their way towards the royal tea
tent, stopping to talk to everyone they passed and
criss-crossing from side to side to ensure everyone
felt included and noticed.
While the King seems used to selfies, I was told

Her Majesty will choose her path based on the
absence of recording devices. I placed my mobile
phone in my handbag, but sadly, she was
engrossed in conversation on the opposite
receiving line and walked on by.
ROYAL ENCOUNTER
Moments later, though, I was thrilled to shake
hands with the King himself. I was touched by
the intensity of his focus as he welcomed and
thanked us all for coming.
As he spoke, his eyes a little red and his face
slightly paler than I’d expected, it was clear he
was very human, a gentleman being treated for
cancer, whose desire to connect with people went
beyond duty. His ability to make everyone feel
special would be impressive at the best of times,
but during this particularly challenging time for
him and his wife, it felt all the more moving.
The following day, the Queen commented on
how her husband is “getting better”, then joked
in regard to his determination to be busy: “Well,
he would be if he behaved himself.”
After sheltering from the sun in the royal tea
tent, Their Majesties made their way back across
the lawn, again stopping to meet, greet and enjoy
a quick chat with guests who approached them.
Among the pomp and pageantry of parading
yeomen and brass bands, it is these touching,
personal moments that his guests will
H
treasure for a lifetime.
REPORT: SOPHIE VOKES-DUDGEON

53

EXCLUSIVE REPORT

AS SHE STEALS THE SHOW
ON THE CANNES RED CARPET

HEIDI KLUM

ON EMBRACING GROWING
OLDER AS SHE SHOWS HOW TO
HAVE A MODEL SECOND ACT

54

‘Live a happy life
without worrying
what people think
because worrying
will only give you
more wrinkles’

S

weeping down the red carpet in a
voluminous crimson gown, Heidi Klum
made a showstopping entrance at the Cannes
Film Festival.
With her glowing complexion and toned,
t a n n e d l e g s , t h e 5 0 - y e a r- o l d G e r m a n
supermodel is in her prime and certainly turned
heads as she arrived at a screening of the aptly
named comedy Le Deuxième Acte
Acte..
Indeed, Heidi appears to be embracing her
own “Second Act” with gusto and, far from
slowing down and taking it easy, is making the
most of the fact her four children are now
adults and teenagers.
And she’s not only rediscovered a passion
for clubbing, but has reinvented herself as a
pop star.
“I feel lucky to be 50,” she has said. “We’re
lucky to get old. When I was younger, I would
think: ‘Fifty! That’s like a grandma already.’ Now
that I am 50, I don’t feel like a grandma, even
though I could be one very soon. Who knows?”

V

DANCING INTO MIDLIFE
Heidi certainly didn’t appear like a stereotypical
grandma joining the stars on the French
Riviera, where her fiery, off-shoulder gown by
Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy stole the show.
Her youthful looks are as much a testament
to the contentment and joie de vivre she has
found in midlife as they are to her healthy and
active lifestyle.
“Every Saturday, my husband and I do dance
lessons. It’s amazing. I love it,” says the star, who
had ambitions to be a dancer before she won a
modelling competition in 1992.
Mum to daughters Leni, 20, and Lou, 14, and
sons Henry, 18, and Johan, 17, Heidi says that
now her children are growing up, she can once
again enjoy letting her hair down with husband
Tom Kaulitz, 34, whom she married in 2019.
“Now they’re older, the days of me going to
bed at 9.30 are over,” she has said. “So, I feel like
with them all being older now – maybe it
also has to do with my younger husband, I

Her natural smile
showing the world
how much she’s
enjoying life at 50,
Heidi hits the Cannes
Film Festival in an
exuberant Saiid
Kobeisy couture gown

55

Heidi with
musician husband
Tom Kaulitz and
(below left) with
elder daughter
Leni. (Below) Sons
Henry and Johan

don’t know – but it’s just fun. It’s fun to go to a
club. I enjoy music most of the time.
“I’m going to the club and I look around and
I’m like: ‘Am I the oldest person here? I think I
am,’” she adds.
HAPPY EVER AFTER
Heidi’s second marriage, to British singer Seal,
broke down in 2012 after almost seven years, but
she has found contentment with Tom.
“He is absolutely wonderful,” she has said.
“Maybe it’s because he is German and we
understand each other in a different way…
“I’m just a much happier person. For the first

56

Going from red to black, the model steps out for
a gala dinner at the Casino Le Palm Beach
celebrating the festival’s opening ceremony

time, I have a partner who I can discuss everything
with. Someone who shares duties that we all have
in our life. I used to be on my own with everything.
For the first time, I get to experience what it is
actually like to have a partner.”
As for their 16-year age gap, she says she only
thinks about it when other people mention it.
“You have to just live a happy life without worrying
too much about what people think because
worrying is only going to give you more wrinkles.”
Heidi’s busy career has included being a judge
on America’s Got Talent
alent and making cameo
appearances in Sex and the City,
City, Zoolander and The
Devil Wears Prada,
Prada, not to mention appearing on

‘People make fun of
the fact I still dress
sexy. I’m 50, but
I’m far from dead’

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: FRANCESCA SHILLCOCK. INTERVIEW: SALLY JAMES/FEATSPRESS. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. REX FEATURES

countless glossy magazine covers
and fashion campaigns.
Meanwhile, after her debut
single in 2006, she has released a
cover of Corey Hart’s 1984 hit
Sunglasses at Night in collaboration
with Snoop Dogg and produced
by Dutch DJ Tiësto, which has
earnt her some status points with
her children.
“They all know Snoop Dogg and
they think he’s pretty cool,” she
says. “Whether that makes me
pretty cool, I don’t know. I hope so.
“I did actually check a while
back to make sure I wasn’t
embarrassing them, because I
would never want to do that.
They’re all good with it.
“It’s so funny because I have
a really annoying voice – it’s like
really high and super fast,” she
adds with a laugh. “So, when I was
doing this, I was like: ‘Okay, I’m
going to get my sexy voice on!’
That’s what you do when you don’t
have a great voice.
“You also need a really good
producer to tweak your thing and
make you sound so much better.”
NEXT GENERATION
In turn, Heidi says she is “so
proud” that Leni has followed in
her footsteps and launched her
own successful modelling career.
“Leni is doing great. It’s exciting
to see her doing something she
loves and achieving so much. She
doesn’t need my advice and if she
does, she only has to ask. She’s
amazing. All my kids are.”
Heidi, who celebrates her 51st
birthday on 1 June, maintains her
youthful looks and figure with
healthy eating and regular,
moderate exercise, starting the
day with a smoothie full of greens,
fruit and vitamins, avoiding pasta
and bread, drinking plenty of
water and getting enough sleep.
“Your metabolism definitely
changes,” she has said of getting
older. “I always thought: ‘That’s
not going to happen to me.’ But it
is happening to me.
“If I indulge more, I have to
exercise more. I’ve figured out
what works for me.”
Clearly something is working –
including that hot red dress.
Speaking last year, she hit back at
critics who suggested she doesn’t
dress appropriately for her age.
“People make fun of the fact I
still dress sexy at 50. It’s not nice,”
she said. “Yes, I’m 50, but I’m far
from dead!
“I love colourful, loud things.
Maybe that will change at some
point – but ultimately it will
H
be my decision.”
REPORT: TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Heidi turns the
streets of Cannes
into her own
personal catwalk,
making her entrance
in a black minidress
complete with mesh
side panel in a nod
to this season’s
sheer trend

57

A-listers
wore their
most
dramatically
beautiful
gowns

58

LIGHTING UP THE FAMOUS CROISETTE

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
STARS THRILL FILM AND FASHION
FANS WITH GLITZ AND GLAMOUR

This year’s president
Greta Gerwig (fourth
right), wearing Maison
Margiela Haute Couture,
poses with jury
members (from left)
Juan Antonio Bayona,
Hirokazu Kore-eda,
Ebru Ceylan, Nadine
Labaki, Pierfrancesco
Favino, Eva Green in
Vivienne Westwood, Lily
Gladstone wearing
Gucci and Omar Sy

t’s the most glamorous film festival in the
world, so A-list actresses and supermodels
dressed in their most dramatically beautiful
gowns to sashay down the famous Croisette
at Cannes last week.
Leading the stylish pack on the opening
night of the Cannes Film Festival was Helena
Christensen, who looked spectacular on the
red carpet in a white Grecian floor-length
Vivienne Westwood gown that came
complete with a billowing cape.
The Danish catwalk star, 55, wore her
hair in a simple style adorned only by a
white satin bow from Jennifer Behr, letting
her glittering Pomellato diamond necklace,
earring and rings take centre stage as she
posed for photographers at the openingnight premiere of Le Deuxième Acte
Acte..
Following in her fashion footsteps was
the comedy film’s star, French actress Léa
Seydoux, who wore a glittering silver
sequin gown by Louis Vuitton.
Former Bond girl Léa, 38, posed
alongside her co-stars before heading
inside to a screening of the movie, which
won a standing ovation from the audience
at the Palais des Festivals.

V

POIGNANT MOMENT
At the opening ceremony, French actress
Juliette Binoche, 60 – striking in a fiery red
Dior Haute Couture gown – presented
triple Academy Award winner Meryl
Streep, 74, with an honorary Palme d’Or.
Fighting back tears as she accepted the
honour amid another standing ovation,
Meryl, chic in a white Dior Haute Couture
wrap dress, told guests she remembered the
last time she had attended the festival, while
promoting her 1988 movie Evil Angels.
Angels.
“I was already a mother of three, I was
about to turn 40 and I thought that my
career was over,” she said.
The Mamma Mia star, who had
posed in a stylish Michael Kors
trouser suit and matching hat
earlier that day, added that she
was touched to have received
such a warm reception.
“I felt a wave of feeling
coming from the audience,
and it’s so much bigger than
I thought – so many
tiers of people, all the

Léa Seydoux (left) glitters in Louis Vuitton at the
premiere of Le Deuxième Acte, alongside Lily in
Gucci (above left). Jane Fonda’s leopard print
(above right) is a foil for border collie Messi (below)

60

way up to the top,” she said. “I live
a very quiet life, and really I don’t
get any respect at home, so it’s
amazing to come into this arena
and have that big tidal wave.”
The red carpet also provided an
apt setting for a team photo of
some of the jur y members,
including French actress Eva
Green, wearing Giorgio Armani
Privé, Killers of the Flower Moon star
Lily Gladstone and the president
of this year’s festival, Barbie
director Greta Gerwig.
ANIMAL MAGIC
Elsewhere, actress Jane Fonda, 86,
was stylish in a black beaded Elie
S a a b j u m p s u i t , Po m e l l a t o
diamonds and a leopard-print
jacket by Forte Forte, which
thrilled her fans.
And proving he was very much
top dog, border collie Messi
became the star of the show when
he made a red-carpet appearance
on the steps of the Palais.
The canine star of French
murder mystery Anatomy of a Fall,
Fall
all,

which won Best Original
Screenplay at this year’s Oscars,
became the first dog to walk the
famous strip at the festival.
He also showed off his
technological expertise, carrying
a selfie stick and camera between
his teeth so he could film videos
for TikTok.

V

READY FOR ACTION
The stars of action film Furiosa: A
Mad Max Saga
a were the focus of
the festival’s second night. Actress
Anya Taylor-Joy, 28, got the
glamour memo before walking
the red carpet in a shimmering
nude ballgown by Dior Haute
Couture, accessorised with
sparkling Tiffany jewels.
She was accompanied by her costar Chris Hemsworth, who was
stylish in a suit by Tom Ford, and
his wife Elsa Pataky, elegant in
Giorgio Armani Privé.
Anya and Chris later looked
emotional when the screening of
their film was followed by a
six-minute standing ovation.

61

Chris Hemsworth
and Anya TaylorJoy looked
emotional after a
standing ovation

Chris Hemsworth, Australian star of Furiosa: A
Mad Max Saga, wears Tom Ford to attend the
film’s premiere with his wife Elsa Pataky
(together left) – who, like Greta (above with
Eva), is elegant in Giorgio Armani Privé

V

“We worked very hard on this film, and it’ll
be very interesting to see what you make of it,”
director George Miller said afterwards. “Thank
you for having us.”
Meanwhile, supermodel Naomi Campbell
won plenty of attention in a black beaded fulllength gown from Chanel that she first wore on
the catwalk 28 years ago.
Accompanied by her stylist Law Roach, Naomi,
who turns 54 this week, sparkled in the
spotlight as she posed for photographs.
REPORT: LAURA BENJAMIN

62

Furiosa co-star
Anya poses at
the premiere in
Dior Haute
Couture, while
Naomi Campbell
(left) recycles a
black beaded
1996 Chanel
Haute Couture
dress

Naomi Campbell
won attention in
a Chanel gown
she last wore
28 years ago

63

CANNES CONFIDENTIAL
What’s it like to go
behind the scenes at
Cannes? HELLO!’s online
team sent film and TV
editor Emmy Griffiths
and reporter Isabelle
Casey to find out…

‘

you saw Meryl Streep on your
way out of the bathroom or
sipped champagne from a yacht
that costs £150,000 a week to
charter, but that is the magic of
Cannes Film Festival.
Our time at the starstudded event was certainly a
baptism of fire – and
champagne – from the A-list
chats to the glittering parties
to the… wait, did we mention
the yacht?
After packing our suitcases
full of ridiculous dresses, we
c o u l d n’t w a i t t o t h r o w
ourselves into the glitz and
glamour of Europe’s most
enchanting film festival.
From catching up with Anya
Taylor-Joy on the red carpet to
telling off film composer Hans
Zimmer for taking too long
having a turn in Naomi
Campbell’s purple sequinned
BMW, our experience at Cannes
was unforgettable.
To kick things off, we headed to the famous
Croisette, where we were immediately plunged
into the resplendent world that welcomes
Hollywood royalty every year.
A-listers swarm in and
out of premieres and
press conferences,
which was where we
managed to catch a
moment with Anya and
her Furiosa: A Mad Max
Saga co-star Chris
Hemsworth.
Asked what she had most been looking forward
to in Cannes, Anya told hello!
hello!:: “The excitement
of everyone being here together.” As for her costar? Thor actor Chris flashed us a Hollywood
smile along with the peace sign. We’ll take it.
Former Bond girl Léa Seydoux, promoting her
new movie Le Deuxième Acte
Acte,, was another famous

HELLO!’s intrepid
reporters Emmy (left)
and Isabelle take on
the tough task of
assessing the RH
Three luxury yacht

face who stopped to chat. “I’m here to present a
film. I would love to stay and be able to watch
some films, but unfortunately, I can’t,” she said.
The luxurious Hôtel Martinez and the Carlton
Cannes, A Regent Hotel quickly became our
favourite places to relax with a cocktail and do
some celebrity spotting.
We w e r e s o o n
rewarded with a sighting
of Killers of the Flower
Moon actress Lily
Gladstone crossing the
lobby. You never know
who you’re going to see
next, especially when it comes to the event’s
many parties.
Graced by the presence of supermodel Naomi
at BMW’s exclusive bash, we danced the night
away alongside celebrity stylist Law Roach and
actress Nathalie Emmanuel, who dropped a hint
about her forthcoming star turn in Francis Ford
Coppola’s new movie.

Chris Hemsworth
flashed us a Hollywood
smile. We’ll take it

Sporting the ultimate
in strappy dresses,
Naomi unveils the
BMW XM Mystique
Allure – a car
64 covered in velvet and
sequins, and created
in the model’s
favourite colour

Emmy grabs a
selfie with Saltburn
star Barry Keoghan,
with Isabelle (right)
not to be left out

She told us: “It was amazing to act alongside
Adam Driver – he is brilliant. Megalopolis
alopolis is
unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”
And as for her red-carpet look? “Oh, it’s
good,” she said with a smile.
The Nespresso x Brut party attracted
Euphoria star Hunter Schafer and man of the
moment Barry Keoghan, who greeted each
other with a hug in the VIP area – but not
before we snagged a selfie with Saltburn
sensation Barry, who couldn’t have been
friendlier when we went to say hello.
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE
Despite some summer showers, our spirits were
lifted when we were welcomed on to the ultraluxurious RH Three Yacht for a spot of caviar
and a taste of how the other half lives.
With a glass of champagne in hand, our
inner Jennifer Anistons couldn’t have felt more
at ease unwinding on the top deck, watching
the official celebrity photocalls from the
comfort of a supremely glamorous vessel. Talk
about living the dream…
We can’t imagine what else is in store for the
rest of our visit, but so far, it’s been an
experience we’ll never forget.

‘

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. MAX CISOTTI. PA IMAGES. REX FEATURES. RH THREE BOAT

Wearing Jil Sander,
Anya poses for a team
photo at the Furiosa
premiere with (from left)
co-stars Tom Burke and
Chris, director George
Miller and co-producer
Doug Mitchell

REPORT: EMMY GRIFFITHS & ISABELLE CASEY

Nathalie Emmanuel
(right) turns heads in pink
at the BMW bash, while
Greta (above) enjoys the
Furiosa premiere and
Léa, elegant in a navy
Louis Vuitton blazer, joins
co-star Raphaël Quenard
(together left) at the
photocall for Le
Deuxième Acte

65

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

ELIF SHAFAK

ON WORKING WITH THE QUEEN TO
SHARE THE JOY OF READING

66

lif Shafak is reflecting on the lonely life of
a novelist.
“It’s a very solitary task,” says the awardwinning Turkish-British author. “You are in a
tiny room for hours, days, weeks, months, so
to go out into this public space to meet
readers, talk to them and learn that the story
written in your solitude has maybe touched
their hearts – that’s incredibly inspiring for
us.” She smiles, adding: “And then you go
back into your cocoon.”
Elif has swapped her cocoon today for the
expansive grounds of Hampton Court
Palace, where she will join a host of celebrated
authors – among them Sir Ian Rankin, Lee
Child and Kate Mosse – as well as actresses
Miriam Margolyes, Helena Bonham Carter
and Dame Harriet Walter for the Queen’s
Reading Room Festival next month.
It follows the success of last year’s inaugural
festival, which attracted more than 8,000
visitors from around the globe.
“The Queen genuinely loves literature
and the art of storytelling,” says Elif, 52,
whose novel The Architect’s Apprentice
entice was one
of the first books chosen by the then Duchess
of Cornwall for the online book club she
established in 2021.
“She loves supporting poets and writers

‘It’s so good to have a champion like
the Queen, someone who understands
the power of literature’

and the art of storytelling.”
Described as Turkey’s most famous female
writer, Elif has made London her home for
the past 14 years, living with her Turkishborn husband, who works in film and TV,
and their two teenage children.
She has met the Queen on several
occasions – most recently at Windsor Castle
in January, when she was among a group of
writers to create a tiny book for the library in
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
“It was so difficult and my handwriting is
quite messy,” she says of the Lilliputian
challenge. “I really struggled.”
Their paths have also crossed at Booker
Prize meetings and literacy campaigns and
Elif considers Her Majesty’s support to be
“massively important”.
“It’s so good to have a champion like her,
someone who understands the power of
literature and is a reader herself.
“It’s not an easy world for writers and
poets,” she adds. “We are living in an age of
hyper-information and very short attention
spans. The culture surrounding us tells us to
consume everything very fast. Books do the
exact opposite. You need to slow down and
go inwards and connect with the story of

someone else. And you realise their dreams
are very similar; their joys are very similar.
Literature helps us go beyond the boxes we
are put into in this life.”
MUSIC TO WRITE BY
At the festival, she will be discussing her
latest novel, There are Rivers in the Sky,
Sky, which
follows the journey of a single droplet of
water connecting three characters across
continents, cultures and centuries.
As with her other novels, she wrote it
while playing heavy metal music at full
volume. “I’ve moved towards sub-genres so I
listen more to Scandinavian, Viking and
Nordic heavy or industrial metal that has a
lot of fire in it,” she says, grinning. “People
tell me that I have a calming energy in my
daily life, but the kind of music I listen to
isn’t calm at all. I love the contrast.”
She also writes in English. “As you can hear
in my accent, I am an immigrant not only in
this country, which I now consider my home,
but also in this language, which I also consider
my home. I love writing in English, and
thinking in English is easy for me. What I
have found is an additional sense of freedom.”
It is not a freedom she has always
found in her native country, which she

V

(LEFT) JACKET: ZARA. TOP & SHOES: PHASE EIGHT. TROUSERS: RESERVED. (ABOVE RIGHT)
BLOUSE & TROUSERS: M&S. WAISTCOAT: RIVER ISLAND. SHOES: PHASE EIGHT. RING: SORU

Leaving her writer’s room
behind, Elif gets to know
Hampton Court Palace (also
left), where she’ll once more
join the Queen (together below
right, in 2019) to celebrate the
world of literature

67

hasn’t visited in more than eight
years. “It’s not an easy place for
writers, poets or anyone who deals
with words and can easily offend
with their writing.
“If you write about history, you
can offend the authorities. But
also, when you write about
sexuality, gender, women’s rights,
child brides, which is a big issue in
Turkey, you can get a lot of
reaction.”
In fact, when her book The
Bastard of Istanbul was published,
she was put on trial for “insulting
Turkishness”, but was acquitted.
“Now maybe I can smile [about
it], but at the time, it felt incredibly
hurtful,” she says. As well as
terrifying. “Why should writers
need bodyguards? However, I
don’t want to paint a completely
dark picture. Turkey is a very
complex country and there are so
many people who are global souls
who want a proper democracy.”
A PAGE-TURNING LIFE
Born in France, Elif was raised in
Ankara by her “modern, welleducated, rational” mother and
her “superstitious, more irrational
and perhaps more Eastern”
grandmother. Her mother worked
for the foreign ministry and Elif
travelled the world with her.
But she began writing as a child
from boredom. “When we came to
An k ar a , w e l i ved i n a v er y
conservative neighbourhood and I
always felt as though we were the
odd ones out, Mum and I. And
because I was raised by a single
working mum, I was alone for long
stretches of time. Books showed
me there were other possibilities,
other worlds. Books can save us – it
happened to me.”
Her schedule over the next few
months is packed with literary
events, book signings and festivals,
thrusting her into the world as her
next novel forms.
“I always have stories in my
mind, but right now, I’m reading
and trying to listen to what the
universe is telling me so I don’t
rush immediately to the next book.
“ As w r it ers , w e’r e a lwa ys
miserable when we’re writing. But
we’re always more miserable when
we are between books,” she
H
adds with a knowing smile.
INTERVIEW: ROSALIND POWELL
PHOTOS: TREVOR LEIGHTON
STYLING: KATE BARBOUR
HAIR & MAKE-UP: ALICE THEOBALD USING
MD LONDON HAIR & DELILAH COSMETICS

The Queen’s Reading Room Festival is at
Hampton Court Palace on 8 June. To
book, visit hrp.org.uk.

(RIGHT) TOP: BRORA. TROUSERS: RESERVED. SHOES: PHASE EIGHT. RING: SORU. LOCATION: HAMPTON COURT PALACE BY KIND PERMISSION OF HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES. ADDITIONAL PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

‘I love writing in
English — it gives
me an additional
sense of freedom’

‘Books showed me
there were other
possibilities, other
worlds. Books can save
us — it happened to me’

69

Meghan and Harry are greeted at
Lagos Airport on the third day of their
trip to Nigeria. The Duke meets a young
wheelchair basketball player (below) at
Ilupeju Senior Grammar School and the
couple (together far right) attend a
reception at State Governor House,
Meghan looking radiant in a Carolina
Herrera silk gown

WINNING FANS IN NIGERIA ON
FIRST MAJOR TRIP IN FIVE YEARS

THE DUKE AND
DUCHESS OF SUSSEX

CHAMPION GOOD CAUSES ON
A RETURN TO WORLD STAGE
HELLO!’s royal editor EMILY

70

NASH looks at Harry and
Meghan’s African journey
and gives her view of its
importance and impact
Our royal editor Emily with Prince Harry
(together left), whom she has accompanied
on royal tours all over the world

‘The Invictus Games
gives hope to the
soldiers. It
encourages them to
walk towards a goal’
heir three-day stay in Nigeria
T
marked a return to the world
stage for the Duke and Duchess of
Sussex.
Nearly five years on from their
last major royal overseas visit, their
trip had plenty of echoes of royal
tours past and present.
Spanning three locations and
featuring diplomatic dressing –
including at least eight outfit
changes – lively local dancing and
plenty of good causes, it certainly
seemed to follow a familiar format.
Over the years I’ve travelled
with Harry to Oman, Abu Dhabi,
the US, Australia, New Zealand,
South Africa and Lesotho and with
him and Meghan to Morocco,
Ireland, South Africa, Australia,
Fiji and Tonga.
But this time was different, not
least in the way the trip was covered,
with a single print reporter and
agency photographer sending copy
and pictures around the world and
a TV crew doing the same for
broadcasters in the UK and US.

V

TIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
Given the couple’s well-publicised
issues with some sections of the
media, it came as no surprise that
they chose to control the coverage.
They also took a personal
photographer, the couple’s friend
Misan Harriman – not unlike the
Prince and Princess of Wales, who
took Matt Porteous with them on
their 2022 visit to the Caribbean.
The broad themes – the power
of sport to change lives, female
empowerment and mental health
– were ones Harry and Meghan
have championed for years, but
this time they were doing so
outside the royal fold.
They may have stood to
attention for a rendition of God
Save the King as they joined General
Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s chief
of defence staff, at a reception for
military families in Abuja, but
there were none of the formal
elements of an official royal visit.
And although the programme
was designed with the help of a
former Buckingham Palace aide –
Clara Loughran, who has
continued to work for the Sussexes
since they left the UK – there were
no courtesy calls with heads of
state, photo opportunities at major
landmarks or walkabouts with
members of the public.
Most of the engagements took
place at locations that were not
made public beforehand –
probably for security reasons,

71

but also because this was a personal visit, not a
trip undertaken on behalf of King and country.
One royal insider observing from afar described
it to me as a “very royal non-royal week”.
But those close to the Sussexes don’t see it like
that. As far as they are concerned, this was very
much not a royal tour, but about supporting
Harry’s Invictus Games and associated charities.
They were there after receiving an invitation
during last year’s tournament in Düsseldorf, where
Nigeria became the first African nation to compete.
The trip certainly appeared personal for Harry,
particularly when he sat and held the hands of

72

Wearing a cream suit
with a gold collar
necklace similar to
one worn by Diana,
Princess of Wales on
her trip to Nigeria in
1990, Meghan joins
Harry (top) to meet
staff at the Defence
Headquarters in
Abuja. The couple
arrive for a volleyball
match in the capital
city (left) and Harry
gently holds the
hand of a wounded
soldier in the
Reference Hospital
in Kaduna (right)

seriously wounded soldiers in the Reference
Hospital, a military medical centre in Kaduna.
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON
In images that brought to mind his mother Diana,
Princess of Wales visiting HIV and Aids patients
and, more recently, the King on a trip to a cancer
ward, the Duke showed the human touch that
means so much not just to those he met, but
others facing similar plights elsewhere.
Harry and his friend, the former Invictus
competitor David Wiseman, toured six wards to
meet around 50 soldiers recovering from injuries.

‘I’ve gotten the memo
that I need to wear more
colour so I can fit in with
all of you’ Meghan

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. MISAN HARRIMAN. REUTERS

They were there to boost morale, encouraging
the soldiers to believe, in Harry’s words, that they
“would not be defined by the injuries of the past”.
As the aptly named 2nd Lt Princess Owowoh,
23, a graduate of Sandhurst, said: “The Invictus
Games gives hope to the soldiers. It encourages
them to walk towards a goal, to achieve
something new.”
It was clearly personal for Meghan, too, who
has spoken with pride about being 43% Nigerian,
discovering her heritage through genetic testing.
The Duchess, dubbed “Auntie Meghan” by
nine-year-old Tiwa Akanbi, was enveloped in
hugs by supporters and charmed her hosts by
describing Nigeria as “my country”.
FORGING BONDS
During a Women in Leadership panel discussion
with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the
World Trade Organisation, Meghan shared that
“being a mom has always been a dream of mine”.
Referring to the couple’s children Prince
Archie, five, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet,
she added: “I’m so fortunate that we have two
beautiful, healthy, very chatty, sweet children.”
Wearing a striking red dress from Lagosbased designer Oríré, she told 50 leading
Nigerian women: “I’ve very quickly gotten the
memo that I need to wear more colour so I can
fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion.”
So as far as returning to the international stage
went, Nigeria provided a soft landing for the pair.
A source who was on the ground tells us:
“Their team were pleased with how the Duke
and Duchess were received. They were grateful
to be there in person to support these initiatives
and the public were really appreciative that they
were shining a light on these good causes.”
I understand there is a lot more activity lined
up for the Sussexes this year and I’d be surprised
if we don’t see more overseas travel in a similar
style. They hinted as much on their website,
writing that they wanted “to extend their deepest
gratitude… to the whole Nigerian community
for the first of many memorable trips”.
Whatever your opinion of the couple, they
never go short of attention, so if it helps highlight
a good cause that would otherwise be
overlooked, who can begrudge them that? H
REPORT: EMILY NASH

Meghan wears an
elegant printed
halterneck dress by
Johanna Ortiz as the
couple attend a match
at Lagos Polo Club
organised by Nigeria
Unconquered, which
helps injured and sick
service personnel and
will put together the
country’s team for next
year’s Invictus Games.
Harry also enjoys a 73
sitting volleyball match
arranged by the
charity in Abuja (left)

AS SHE STARS IN A
NEW ROMCOM

BROOKE
SHIELDS

ON PLAYING A
MUM AT THE
CENTRE OF A LOVE
TRIANGLE AT 58

Brooke with her co-stars past and present: (above) iCarly actress
Miranda Cosgrove, who plays her daughter in the new Netflix film
Mother of the Bride, and (below) Christopher Atkins in The Blue
Lagoon, the 1980 film that made the model – then 14 – a movie star

74

s one of the most famous
A
models to grace the silver
screen, Brooke Shields became
accustomed to being at the centre
of romantic plots in her films.
However, as she grew older, she
grew used to not being at the heart
of any love stories – until now.
The former Calvin Klein model
is the star of the new Netflix film
Mother of the Bride, in which she’s
pursued by not one, but two men –
played by Benjamin Bratt and Chad
Michael Murray.
It was, she says, a refreshing
change. “Right from when I first
read the script, I loved the fact this
was an opportunity to play an
interesting character of my own age.
“I’m 58 and obviously at the
same stage of life as my character,
but I love that she is allowed to be
sexy in this and the object of
attention from not just one, but two
guys. It’s not something you often
see in a movie with a female
character of this age.”
Brooke plays Lana, the single
mother of Emma – portrayed by
Miranda Cosgrove – who is
preparing to marry the son of a
man who once broke Lana’s heart.
Filming took place in Thailand
and brought back memories of
making The Blue Lagoon,
Lagoon, the 1980
romance that established Brooke as

a film star. “We were there for three
months and it was the most
unbelievable experience. It actually
reminded me a little of filming The
Blue Lagoon
oon in Fiji all those years
ago in the way we were all working
together. It really was like being
part of a family. It was a lot of fun.”
LIKE MOTHER…
She also she loves the positive
message the film sends out – “that it
is never too late for a second chance
at love”, she says. “I think it also has
a lot to say about the complexity of a
mother-daughter relationship and
how that is often very nuanced
and even difficult.”
Thankfully, Brooke’s relationship
with her own children is a close
one. She and husband Chris
Henchy have daughters Rowan, 21,
and Grier, 18, and the girls are so
close to their mother that they have
matching tattoos.
“I started calling Rowan ‘Bug’
when she was tiny because she was
all eyes and cheeks and it stuck,”
says Brooke. “When she graduated
from high school, she suggested we
both get a bug tattoo. I love it.
“Then, when Grier graduated,
she had the idea of us both having a
tattoo of her little baby feet in my
shoes because that’s how she used
to walk around – all high heels and

‘I really do feel
in my prime
creatively and
I’m excited
about now and
the future’

PHOTOS: PIERRE TOUSSAINT/HEADPRESS/EYEVINE. PLANET PHOTOS

diapers,” she adds with a laugh.
“It’s so cute.”
Working with Miranda on the
film was also another reminder of
her daughters’ childhood – they
watched her hit show iCarly when
they were growing up.
“I loved working with Miranda.
She is so talented, lovely and sweet.
I watched her so much with my
daughters when they were growing
up and it’s wonderful to see her in
this role and playing this young
woman so beautifully.
“Miranda and the whole cast
were amazing to work with. I felt so
lucky to be surrounded by so
much talent.”
EMPTY NEST
Mother of the Bride also tackles
topics – such as children leaving
home – that felt particularly
personal to Brooke. Both her girls
are aspiring models, with Rowan
having moved out of the family
home to attend university.
“I did identify with [Lana] as
someone who is not prepared at
all for both my daughters having
left the nest.
“But we are also different at the
same time. I don’t know if I could
be as generous a mother in the
way Lana is if it was my daughter
getting married. I do hope I
handle my daughter getting
married as well as Lana does when
it eventually happens.”
With all Brooke has achieved –
not least roles on Broadway and in
films and TV shows including
Friends – she would be forgiven for
wanting to rest on her laurels. But
she is not slowing down.
“I still love to act and make
movies and I also have my own
multimedia platform, Beginning
Is Now. I really do feel in my prime
creatively and I’m excited about
now and the future,” she says.
“I feel as though a lot of women
my age have that empty-nest thing,
where they don’t know what to do,
but it doesn’t have to be like that.
You can do what you want
and be who you want to be.” H
INTERVIEW: KATIE ELLIS/FEATSPRESS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

GETTING UP CLOSE
AND INTIMATE WITH

MICA PARIS
THE SINGER ON
GIVING NIGHTLIFE
ITS SOUL BACK

76

‘I’m falling in love
with being on
stage again. When
I’m up there, I’m
on another planet’
he has been a famous singer
S
for more than two-thirds of her
life, travelling the world to thrill
audiences with her soulful voice.
But Mica Paris is never happier
than when she is performing in
front of intimate audiences in her
home city of London.
And this month, she is doing
just that, putting on two shows at
u p m a rk e t c l u b U p s t a i r s a t
Langan’s in Mayfair.
“I like doing stuff that makes it
feel as though you’re in my living
room,” Mica tells hello! in this
exclusive interview.
The idea came about when she
was trying to find the perfect
venue for a live night to introduce
new artists to her audience,
following the success of her BBC
Radio 2 show Soul Solutions.
Solutions.
“I wanted to bring it all back,”
she says. “I felt as though London
had lost that impromptu thing
where you just walk into anywhere
and hear some great vibe.”
HOME FROM HOME
When someone suggested the
private members’ bar upstairs at
famous restaurant Langan’s
Brasserie – once owned by Sir
Michael Caine – she recalled
meeting her great friend Natasha,
daughter of the Alfie actor, at the
venue for regular lunches when
they were younger.
“When I saw the room, I was
like: ‘Oh my gosh – upstairs is
banging for a little private event,’”
she says. “I thought: ‘I can do my
little thing here’ – just have
normal people come in for a great
night of music and chat.
“And it could create a vibe
where I then bring in new talent,
plus friends who are well known;
whoever’s in town, like Chaka
[Khan] or Macy Gray.”
The first night – when Mica
sang “everything: soul, jazz, funk,
gospel” – was a roaring success.
“It was insane. Everyone was up.
I didn’t have to work the audience;
they were going for it. It made me
realise that people miss that vibe.
“I prefer intimate venues
because I like to engage with the
audience. There’s something
magical that happens when
people are right in front of
you. I’m the kind of artist
who is about being in
the room, because
then energy happens
and I can feel what
you need, believe
it or not.”
Mica is
working on

Mica is thrilled to be
performing in the
intimate surroundings of
upmarket club Upstairs
at Langan’s, where her
fans can chat to the
singer after the show

including Gary Barlow and Cher
producer Brian Rawling, and will
appear alongside her mentor Chaka
Khan at next month’s Meltdown
festival at London’s Southbank Centre.
“We’ve been friends for a very long
time – 35 years – and she’s godmother
to my eldest daughter. We are family.
She’s wonderful,” the star says.
Mica celebrated her 55th birthday
at the end of April and says that a
healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining
her best form on stage.
“I work out regularly, and it is work
– don’t let anyone tell you any
different,” she says. “I put on around

a stone and a half when I was 48, so I
got into doing Pilates twice a week
and going on a treadmill for 40
minutes, five days a week.
“I gave up the drink four and a half
years ago, and ten years ago I stopped
smoking. I am also vegetarian. You
have to have that discipline if you’re
going to be on stage for two and a half
hours a night.”
Given her youthful looks, it’s hard
to believe she has two beloved
grandchildren, whose mother is her
daughter Monet. “I’m the one who’s
always giving them presents, annoying
my daughter and son-in-law, but I can’t
help it. They are gorgeous,” she says.

Despite having appeared in
EastEnders and starred in West End
musicals such as Fame
ame and Chicago
Chicago,, her
own music is where Mica’s heart lies.
“I feel fortunate that I’m working on
album number nine. I’ve done lots of
other things and that’s been fun, but
I’m really coming home to the music
now,” she says. “If the time comes, I will
maybe look at other things. But right
now, I’m falling in love with being on
stage again. When I’m up there,
H
I’m on another planet.”
INTERVIEW: LAURA BENJAMIN

For dates and tickets at Upstairs at Langans,
visit langansbrasserie.com/upstairs.

77

Luke Newton matches costar Nicola in Versace as their
characters Colin Bridgerton
and Penelope Featherington
(together above) finally
embark on a romance

AS ‘BRIDGERTON’ RETURNS

NICOLA COUGHLAN

PROMISES STEAMY
SCENES FOR PENELOPE
T

heir “will they, won’t they?” onscreen relationship in the
popular period drama Bridgerton
has sent the rumour mill into
overdrive in the past, especially
when they were spotted holding
hands at a recent launch event.
But 37-year-old Irish actress
Nicola Coughlan, who plays
wallflower Penelope Featherington,
insists she is just good friends with
co-star Luke Newton, 31, who
portrays Colin Bridgerton, her
character’s secret crush.
L u c k i l y, i t w a s t h e i r f i r m
friendship that helped them when
they were filming a steamy romantic
scene for the show’s recently
launched third season.
Describing it as “terrifying”,
Nicola says: “When Luke and I read
the books at the beginning of
season one, it was funny to us to

imagine what it would be like if we
had to kiss.
“Then season three comes
around and we were like: ‘This is it. I
have to kiss my friend!’ And we really
had to kiss. It’s a spicy one, but Luke
made me feel taken care of. We had
each other’s backs and worked hard
to make it sexy and feel real.
“Then, when it was done, we had
a good laugh about it,” she adds.
“There was one day when we had to
do a romantic scene and we were
just wetting ourselves with laughter.”
LOVE AT LAST
Viewers will be delighted when the
long-awaited romance between
Penelope and Colin – known to fans
as “Polin” – finally blossoms, but she
does have to kiss a few frogs first.
“She goes on a big journey this
season,” says the Galway-born

‘It was funny to
imagine what it
would be like if Luke
and I had to kiss.
Then, in season
three, we really had
to — it’s a spicy one’

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. NETFLIX

actress, who first made her name
as Clare Devlin in comedy series
Derry Girls.
Girls. “She has decided that
she has got to get away from the
Featheringtons and find a husband.
“Colin is like: ‘I’ll help you.’
She’s fine with that because she has
convinced herself that she doesn’t
love him and that they’re just
friends.
“I can say that she does find
some suitors, some more successful
than others, and one who is very,
very fond of her.”
Describing the highly anticipated
new season of the Regency-set
drama as “wild, romantic – it’s got
everything”, Nicola says it has a
formula that can’t fail.
“I think it’s one of the best
tropes in romcoms. It’s like When
Harry Met Sally or Ross and Rachel
in Friends
Friends.. The beautiful thing
about this season is that they
finally have their guards down
with one another.
“They have known each other
since they were kids and they have
always enjoyed each other’s
company so much. As they have
grown older, they’ve become a
little more self-conscious, but it’s
different this season.”
STAR TREATMENT
And Nicola’s own life has changed
substantially since she took up her
role in the Netflix show, with a part
in this year’s Doctor Who Christmas
special as just one highlight.
“I went to Brazil and I have
never felt more like Beyoncé,” she
says. “Before, I could just hop
around, no problem. Now they’re
like: ‘It’s fine, we have security.’
I’m like: ‘I am so fancy!’
“Then I get back to London
and I’m trying to buy pants and
I’m like: ‘Oh yeah, that’s not my
life.’ It’s only in Brazil.”
What does she hope audiences
will take away from this latest series?
“I hope this season will make
everyone realise how deserving and
worthy they are of love,” she says.
“I didn’t expect this season to
be as emotional as it is, so I hope
all the fans feel that and enjoy the
phenomenal story.
“It’s so brilliant and I really
feel it does the books
H
justice.”
INTERVIEW: SALLY JAMES/FEATSPRESS

Part one of series three of Bridgerton
ton is
available on Netf lix now. Part two
follows on 13 June.

Nicola poses at a photocall
for series three of
Bridgerton at the Bulgari
Hotel in Milan earlier this 79
month, wearing a white
Versace shift minidress
with a bow-adorned blouse

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80

7 DAYS

A ROUND-UP OF NEWS REPORTS

RORY McILROY

THE QUEEN

Files for divorce a day after latest golfing win
Golfer Rory McIlroy, 35, has
filed for divorce from his wife
Erica Stoll, 36, after seven
years of marriage.
Documents were submitted
to a court in Florida, where
the couple live with their
three-year-old daughter
Poppy, the day after the
former world No. 1 won the
Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina for
the fourth time.
A statement read: “Rory’s team confirmed
today that a divorce has been filed. They stressed
Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as
respectful and amicable as possible.”
The Northern Irish player – a four-time Major
champion – asked the court to enforce the
couple’s prenuptial agreement and implement a
plan for shared parenting of their daughter.

DOLLY PARTON

Story of
the Week

MICHELLE DOCKERY

Explores her Welsh roots for new TV show
Dolly Parton is heading to
Wales to explore her heritage
for a new documentary.
The country music star, 78,
who was born and bred in
Tennessee and has sold more
than 100 million records
worldwide, has traced her
ancestry via her mother’s
family to the Welsh valleys. A
TV programme about the Jolene singer and her
background will be broadcast next year.
Confirming the news to The Sun, her niece Jada
Star also revealed what the star is like as a relative.
“Dolly is releasing a four-part docuseries about
our roots and where we come from. There’ll be
lots of footage from over there,” Jada said.
“She’s exactly as you would imagine her as an
aunt,” she added. “I have never seen her
unglammed in my life.”

COMPILED BY FRANCESCA SHILLCOCK. PHOTOS: ANT McPARTLIN. GETTY IMAGES. REX FEATURES

Praised after promising not to acquire new fur
The Queen has been praised
after pledging not to acquire
any new fur garments.
People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals (Peta)
welcomed Her Majesty’s
commitment, which was sett
out in a letter sent to the
animal rights group with “the
Queen’s warmest wishes”.
The King’s consort, 76, is following in the
footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, who made a
similar pledge in 2019.
Peta said: “We are toasting Queen Camilla with
a glass of the finest claret. It’s right and proper for
the monarchy to reflect British values by
recognising that fur has no place in our society.”
The Humane Society International also backed
the move, saying: “The Queen’s decision to ‘go faux’
reflects the morals and mood of the British public.”
Reunites with Downton Abbey cast for latest film
A third Downton Abbey film is in
production, it has been
confirmed. The news was
announced on the show’s
Instagram page, in a video that
showed the cast reuniting for
an initial reading of the script.
“It feels amazing and
emotional,” said actress
Michelle Dockery, who plays
Lady Mary Crawley. “It’s wonderful all to be back
together again – you feel as though no time has
passed at all.”
The period drama, which was created by Julian
Fellowes, made its debut on ITV in 2010 and ran
for six seasons until 2015.
The latest film will welcome back cast regulars
including Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth
McGovern, while Joely Richardson joins as a new
character. A release date is yet to be confirmed.

Quote of the week
‘Taylor was an absolute hero to me this year. She provided my
children and me with a home. She really has a heart of gold’
Sophie Turner pays tribute to Taylor Swift for helping her through her divorce

DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Leaves £20.5m fortune to family and charities
It has been reported that
Dame Vivienne Westwood left
£20.5m in her will, with her
estate to be split between her
family and various charities.
The fashion designer, who
was known as the “godmother
of punk” and died in
December 2022, aged 81, is
said to have split her fortune
between her third husband, Andreas Kronthaler,
58, and her two sons from previous relationships
– photographer Ben Westwood, 60, and Joseph
Corre, 56, co-founder of the lingerie brand
Agent Provocateur.
The designer also left money to various
charities, details of which have not been disclosed.
After she died, Andreas, who is the creative
director of her label, said: “I will continue with
Vivienne in my heart.”

PATSY KENSIT
Ends engagement for second time
Patsy Kensit has split from her
fiancé Patric Cassidy for the
second time. The former
EastEnders actress, 56, first got
engaged to the 59-year-old
property tycoon in September
2022 when he went down on
one knee to propose at a
restaurant in Mayfair.
They made the engagement
official in February 2023 with a romantic proposal
abroad but split in July that year.
By December, the couple were back together,
but according to reports last weekend, the
romance is over for good.
Patsy’s four previous husbands are all musicians
and include Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr, with
whom she has son James, 30, and Oasis frontman
Liam Gallagher, the father of her youngest child,
24-year-old Lennon.

Joy for Ant McPartlin as
he welcomes his first child
nt McPartlin
A
has become a
father for the
first time after
welcoming a son
with his wife AnneMarie Corbett. The
Britain’s Got
Talent star, 48,
shared the news
on Instagram with
a black-and-white
photo (above right) of him holding
the baby. The presenter also revealed the
newborn’s name, writing: “Welcome to the
family Wilder Patrick Mcpartlin. Born,
14/05/24 at 8.54am… Baby is beautiful,
Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the
moon. Dad’s a mess!”
Also visible in the image is a tattoo on his
shoulder – a tree incorporating the names
of his wife and her teenage daughters from
a previous marriage, Poppy and Daisy, as
well as their dogs, Milo and Bumble.
The star – one-half of award-winning TV
duo Ant and Dec – was inundated with good
wishes. Presenter Holly Willoughby wrote:
“Congratulations… welcome to the world
Wilder… such beautiful news.”
Britain’s Got Talent
alent co-star Alesha Dixon
wrote: “Awwwww darling I’m so happy for
you both! Can’t wait to meet buba and to
celebrate soon! Love you both.”
Following his divorce from make-up
artist Lisa Armstrong, the former Saturday
Night Takeaway
akeaway host married Anne-Marie,
46, in August 2021. She had been working
for Ant and his former wife as a personal
assistant before their romance began.
For the latest celebrity news,
visit hellomagazine.com

81

BACK ON TOUR WITH A NEW PLAY AND BOOK

RUBY WAX

REVEALS THE MENTAL HEALTH RELAPSE THAT TOOK HER
INTO A CLINIC AND HOW SHE’S NOW HELPING OTHERS
uby Wax has made a career out of being funny,
R
but behind the smiles and jokes, her life hasn’t
always been a bundle of laughs.

82

R u b y ’s f a m i l y –
including daughters
Maddy and Marina
Bye (above, with the
comedienne) – know
how to cope with her
illness. “They know
what to do and they
know the signs,” the
star says. Her
struggles led Ruby
to set up Frazzled
Café (left), where
“people have a
chance to talk about
what’s going on in
their mind. There’s a
lot of compassion”

THE POWER OF TALKING
Ruby’s struggles led her to establish the charity
Frazzled Café, an online community where people
who feel overwhelmed by the stresses of modern
life can share their thoughts and feelings.
“People have a chance to talk about what’s going
on in their mind,” says Ruby. “I think we’re the
only charity that catches people before they might
get ill. Maybe we alleviate the early symptoms
because to be heard is half the cure.”
It is one of the mental-health charities benefiting
from the Kind2Mind campaign being run by Big
Give, the UK’s most successful match-funding
platform, which will match every donation pound
for pound, until 28 May.
Ruby’s family with her producer-director
husband Ed Bye – son Max, who works in tech, and
daughters Maddy and Marina, who return to this
year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe with their comedy
act Siblingss – know how to cope with her illness.
“I think they’re really wounded because they
don’t want Mummy being that ill. But they
H
understand it. They know I’ll get better.”
INTERVIEW: TRACY SCHAVERIEN

To have your charity donation doubled via Big Give’s
Kind2Mind campaign, visit biggive.org and search for
Frazzled Cafe or your chosen charity.

PHOTOS: ANDREW CROWLEY. RUBY WAX

For decades, the comedienne has battled
depression and bipolar disorder – something she
successfully managed with medication for 12 years
until an unexpected relapse two years ago, when
she was staying in a monastery in Yorkshire.
“I thought I was possessed by the devil, so it
wasn’t the most appropriate place for it to happen,”
Ruby, 71, tells hello! in this exclusive interview.
“I said: ‘I’ve got to get out of here,’ and then I
admitted myself to a psychiatric clinic.
“If you have depression, you go dead, but you’re
awake,” she adds. “It’s not just being sad. It’s like
somebody took your brain and it hurts to move.”
A regular on British TV since the 1980s, Ruby is
now back on the road with a new play and book,
both called I’m Not as Well as I Thought I Was,
Was,
inspired by her time in the clinic, where she stayed
for five weeks after travelling around the world in
search of the meaning of life.
The US star’s globetrotting adventures took her
from helping refugees in Afghanistan to joining
migrating whales in the Dominican Republic and a
30-day silent retreat in California.
“You have to get up at 5.30 in the morning and
then you meditate until ten at night and then you
have to volunteer to clean the place,” she says.
“There were gongs all the time and they were so
loud, my cervix vibrated.
“In the beginning, you go crazy. They take away
your phone, there’s no reading, no distraction,
and your thoughts are really giving you hell. But
eventually, the thoughts give up, so you’ve got this
open space. Food started to be delicious and I could
watch nature for hours without getting bored.
“But then, when I got back out again, I went
back to my normal routine of being egotistical and
doing an ad for potato crisps.”

‘I thought I was
possessed by the
devil and then I
admitted myself to
a psychiatric clinic’

83

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

MARKING 12 MONTHS OF PARENTHOOD WITH FIANCE JORDAN SAUL

DAISY LOWE

ON CELEBRATING DAUGHTER IVY’S FIRST BIRTHDAY
WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE ASIAN ADVENTURE

‘Being a mum has taught me so
much. I can’t believe it’s been
an entire year already’

gainst a backdrop of golden sands and the
A
sun sparkling on an aquamarine ocean,
Daisy Lowe couldn’t be more content as she

V

cuddles her baby girl on her hip.
The 35-year-old model was in Indonesia with
her fiancé Jordan Saul, 30, and their daughter
Ivy at the end of a special trip to Asia to mark
the couple’s first year of parenting.
And despite navigating long-haul flights with
a young child, the family enjoyed every moment
of their far-flung adventure.
“We have loved travelling as a little family
unit,” says Daisy, the daughter of designer Pearl
Lowe and Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale.
“Being immersed in completely new
landscapes, weather and cultures has been such
a joy together.” Though, she adds: “The jet lag
was wild.”
Ivy has adapted well to the travelling, which
included visiting Singapore and other
destinations in the East.
“An adventure we have talked about

Proud dad Jordan Saul – Daisy’s fiancé of
almost two years – joins the model and
their baby girl Ivy on the beach in
Indonesia as they mark 12 months of
parenthood with an idyllic Asian adventure

‘Watching Ivy grow and develop as
the little firecracker she is has been
my life’s greatest pleasure’
doing since the day we met and
now we are actually doing it… with
our hilarious little baby girl,”
former Strictly Come Dancing star
Daisy wrote on Instagram at the
start of their travels in March.
HORSING AROUND
The family ended their adventures
at rustic luxury resort Nihi Sumba
in Indonesia, where they celebrated
their daughter’s first birthday.
“Ivy is a brilliant traveller; she
loves meeting new people and
seeing new things,” Daisy says. “She
is happiest on the go, so moving
around has really suited her. We
managed to get her into her routine
easily once the jet lag settled.”
Close to Komodo National Park,
Nihi Sumba offers guests private
villas with their own infinity pools
and a wide range of outdoor
activities, letting the family indulge
in surfing and horse riding while
spending time with Daisy’s “dear
friend” Phoebe Oliver, the equine
experiences manager at the resort.
“She told me about the new
equine connection programs and
how amazing they are,” the model
says. “Jordan is obsessed with
surfing so he was over the moon
when I mentioned wanting to go
there, as it seemed such a good fit.
“It is such a unique place. The
people in Sumba and the incredible
work of the Sumba Foundation are
the heart and backbone of it. We
fell in love with it there and hope to
make it back soon.”
Spending time with their new
equine friends was a real highlight,

she says. “Being with all the horses
on the beach as a family felt like a
once-in-a-lifetime moment. One
horse decided to hang back and
walk alongside us, which made
Ivy chuckle.
“I just find horses so fascinating
and so deeply calming. I’ve always
been a highly frenetic person, but
I’m learning to chill out more as I
get older.
“I was very grateful for my time
with the horses at Nihi for helping
me calm down and be very present.
“Ivy absolutely loved being
around them so I’m sure she will be
delighted to go horse riding when
she is old enough.”
MOTHER’S PRIDE
It’s clear that Daisy – who got
engaged to property developer
Jordan in September 2022, after
two years of dating – is relishing the
adventures of motherhood, calling
the past 12 months “the best year of
my life”.
“It’s definitely been the most
challenging and sleep deprived,
but Ivy is worth every challenge and
sleepless night a million-fold.
Watching her grow and develop as
the little firecracker she is has been
my life’s greatest pleasure.
“Being a mum has taught me so
much. I can’t believe it’s been an
entire year already.”
Ivy is a “very happy little cheeky
monkey”, she proudly adds. “She is
really sociable and very headstrong
– she knows exactly what she wants.”
Daisy does, too, saying that now
Ivy has officially reached the toddler

stage, she is going back to work and
has several projects on the go.
“Now Ivy is one, I’m really
looking forward to getting back to
work properly. I’m working on
some really exciting projects, which
I’ll be sharing later this spring. This
trip has really inspired me to travel
and see the world more with Ivy, so
I will definitely be going on more
adventures and documenting them

on my socials. I’m also getting very
excited to do some more TV and
broadcast work this year.
“I loved being on the TV every
week when I was on Strictly and I’m
exploring doing my own travel
H
and wellness shows.”
INTERVIEW: LAURA BENJAMIN
PHOTOS: @CHILDSPHOTOS

Visit nihi.com.

FA S H I O N [

B E AU T Y

[

WELLBEING

Daisy London You Give Me Light
layering necklace set,
set, £165.60.
Visit daisyjewellery.com

COMPILED BY MEGAN CONWAY. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES. ALL PRICES AND STOCKIST DETAILS IN STYLE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS

Sisley belt
with oval
buckle,,
buckle
£29.95. Visit
gb.sisley.com

Missoma
articulated beaded
drop stud earrings,
earrings,
£85. Visit
missoma.com
Banana Republic
Aria denim
waistcoat,, £95.
waistcoat
From gap.co.uk

Alighieri Il Leone 24ct goldplated medallion,
medallion, £225.
Visit alighieri.com

Tommy
ommy Hilfiger Nala
pleated wide-leg
jeans,, £70. From
jeans
houseoffraser.co.uk

Geox Marsilea leather loafers,
loafers,
£110. Visit geox.com

Katie Holmes

GET THE LOOK
It’s official: double denim is back – and this
spring it’s taking an elevated twist. Take your
cue from Katie Holmes, who gives a
masterclass in denim-on-denim style in a
1970s-inspired uniform in New York. The
Logan
an Lucky actress seamlessly modernises the
Canadian tuxedo in her tailored waistcoat and
wide-leg jeans from Banana Republic, paired
with her favourite Acne Studios square-toe
loafers. She completes the look with a butteryellow belt and layers of gold jewellery.

89

Vivetta
Gucci

Lucy Williams x
Missoma malachite
necklace,, £105.
necklace
Visit missoma.com

New Look palm tree
trousers,, £29.99.
trousers
Visit newlook.com

Spring
GREENS
Verdant, leafy shades can inject colour
and life to your wardrobe – think of it as

& Other Stories polarised
oval sunglasses,
sunglasses, £65.
Visit stories.com

Kitri Cressida
jacket,, £215. Visit
jacket
kitristudio.com

M&S Per Una knitted
vest,, £29.50. Visit
vest
marksandspencer.com

Edge of Ember x
Charlotte Collins
malachite ring,
ring, £128.
Visit edgeofember.com

Charles & Keith
woven mules,
mules, £69.
Visit charleskeith.co.uk

90

Zara oversized
shirt,, £35.99.
shirt
Visit zara.com

Fiorelli Aaliyah
shoulder bag,
bag, £75.
Visit fiorelli.com

COMPILED BY RACHEL STORY. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

Monsoon Erin
dress,, £150.
dress
From next.co.uk

Emilia Wickstead

H&M drawstringwaist dress,
dress, £27.99.
Visit hm.com

Agyness
Deyn (left) in
Molly Goddard
and Karlie Kloss
(right) wearing
Wardrobe.
NYC

Tip: Pair green
with white accents
for a fresh take
on the trend, as
seen on Zendaya,
in chequerboard
Louis Vuitton

Phoebe
Philo suits
Kendall Jenner
(above), while
Olivia Palermo
(right) dons Elie
Saab

91

BEAUTY

W

Emily, what’s your favourite way to take a
moment for yourself?
“I don’t know if it’s hitting your 30s when the
hangovers are worse, but I’ve been trying to
look at my health and wellbeing more seriously
and respect my body more. Obviously in my
current situation, I’m way better with self-care
than I ever was because I’m caring for
something else – what better reason is there to
really look after yourself?
“My ritual every single night is having a bath
– and I’m not talking about a quick in and out:
candles, aromatherapy and pregnancy-friendly
products. I sit in there for ages with calming
music and put a hot flannel on my face.
“I used to look at the clock and think:
‘When’s the appropriate time for my first little
cocktail?’ Now it’s: ‘What time is appropriate to
get in the bath?’ And it’s getting earlier every
night. I really want to continue that when I
have a baby, but people laugh at me and say:
‘Yeah, we’ll see if you have that time.’”

92

Has your skincare routine changed during
your pregnancy?
“Since being pregnant and a bit older, I think
it’s important to be more responsible for your
body, skin and wellbeing. It’s all linked.
“Pregnant or not, it helps to find a routine
of sorts. Morning and evening rituals bookend
your days nicely; they set you up for the day
and you feel fresh. After my shower, I use an
Elemis cleanser on my face, then a Rituals
serum, followed by an Elemis under-eye cream
and moisturiser. It took me a while to get what
order to do everything in – I went on TikTok
and copied what the influencers do.
“Doing that every single day is not only

Actress and
YouTuber Emily
Atack tells
HELLO! how
pregnancy has
given her pause
to reconsider
her approach
to self-care
– and shares
her high street
beauty picks

INTERVIEW: KATE LOCKETT. PHOTOS: GETTY
IMAGES. NO7 BEAUTY COMPANY

hen we catch up with
Emily Atack, the 34-year-old
Celebrity Juice star is
preparing to welcome
her first child with
scientist Dr Alistair Garner – and her due
date is fast approaching.
“To be honest,” she tells us on the call, “on
the topic of self-care, I’m in bed right now. I’m
the size of a house and I’m craving cinnamon
buns, which I’ve got on tap, so that’s great.”
Emily is celebrating her second year as a
Soap & Glory ambassador, but for a long
while she didn’t have a skin or bodycare
routine, saying: “I was never very good with
self-care, but in the last couple of years it’s
something that I’ve really looked at”
With her YouTube series Soaking up Life…
With Emily Atack returning for a second series
this month, Emily tells us about her daily
rituals and what she’s been using on her
baby bump...

‘Since being pregnant, and a
bit older, I think it’s important
to be more responsible for
your body, skin and wellbeing’
good for my mental health, I can’t believe
the difference it’s made to my skin. It’s so
important in the evening to do the same
thing with night-time products as well.”
Are you as diligent with your body care?
“Yes. I’ve got really sensitive skin so I have to
be picky about my products. Soap & Glory is
so nice on my skin and you smell like a really
cute, sexy girl. I love that.
“The Fresh As Fig exfoliator gets off
every single bit of your fake tan, make-up,
everything. I use the exfoliator and then lather
myself and my bump in the Body Butter
afterwards and I smell like a fruity dream. It’s
just gorgeous. That’s my vibe at the moment.”

Soap & Glory
Spectacu-Lips
pH Lip & Cheek
Glow Oil,
Oil,
£12.99. From
boots.com

When it comes to haircare, what are your washday heroes?
“I’m a sucker for things that smell nice. My
hair is quite thick, especially now, so unless I’m
working, I’m trying to let it dry naturally and
keep heat away from it. I shampoo with
L’Oréal Professionel Metal Detox when I’m
being a bit fancy, or Herbal Essences, as I love
the high street. Then I let it dry naturally. It’s
my ‘pregnant girl, thick hair’ era.”
What are your make-up must-haves?
“When I was younger, I wouldn’t have been
able to live without my foundation, but I love
my lip stuff now. I’m very proud of my plump
lips. I don’t get them done, although there’s
nothing wrong with that at all.
“I still live in the 1990s a bit so I like a
heavier lip liner. I love MAC Spice lip pencil
and then I put Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk
lipstick in the middle, followed by a cheek
highlighter and, finally, I use the new Soap &
Glory Spectacu-Lips pH Lip Oil, which brings
out your natural lip colour. There’s actually
quite a lot of work that goes into the lips.
“Also, I love mascara. I don’t use eyelash
curlers, I just go for it. I use Soap & Glory
Thick & Fast mascara. I’ve been wearing makeup since I was really young, so I’ve had so
much time to experiment and the best ones
out there are on the high street.”
What are your early make-up memories?
“When I was little, I used to go into my
mum’s [actress and comedian Kate Robbins]
handbag and I’d steal her make-up because
I wasn’t allowed to wear it until a certain age.
The smell of Elizabeth Arden is so nostalgic
because it smells like my mum.
“Obviously, I’ve got very pale, freckly skin
and she used this really dark Elizabeth Arden
Toasty Beige foundation. I’d cover my face in
that so I had a bright orange face and white
body, but I thought I looked hot. That was my
first experience with make-up.”
Do you have a signature scent?
“I’ve got one for when I’m being ‘bougie
Emily’ and one for ‘fun, cheapo Emily’.
To treat myself, I wear Le Labo Thé Noir 29.
But I like nostalgic, old-school smells at the
moment so I’m using Next Just Pink.
“People are going to laugh at me because
I don’t keep up with trends really. Just Pink
reminds me of my teenage years and I love
smelling it.”
Who do you want to interview next on your
Soaking up Life… series?
“I’d love to get Ruby Wax on. I did a job in
Colorado with her last year and it was an
absolute hoot. She would give us a great time. I
might be a bit nervous interviewing her, but the
switch-around would be really interesting and
we could take the p**s out of each other a bit.”
The second series of Soap & Glory’s Soaking up
Life… With
ith Emily Atack launches in May.

Herbal Essences
Rose Scent Petal
Soft Shampoo,
Shampoo, £6.
From boots.com

MAC Lip Pencil in Spice,
Spice, £20.
Visit maccosmetics.co.uk

EMILY’S
BATHROOM BUYS

Soap & Glory limited-edition
Fresh As Fig Body Scrub,
Scrub,
£7.99. From boots.com
Elemis Pro-Collagen
Hydrating Cleansing Balm,
Balm,
£49. Visit elemis.com

Soap & Glory Thick &
Fast Tubing Mascara,
Mascara,
£11.99. From boots.com

Next Just Pink
perfume,, £16
perfume
for 100ml.
Visit next.co.uk

93

H E R E A R E A F E W O F O U R FAV O U R I T E T H I N G S

Golden age
Australian beauty brand Eco
by Sonya Driver creates
products that care for your
skin without using synthetic
ingredients. Formulated
with organic aloe vera, rose
geranium oil and hyaluronic
acid, the multipurpose Face
Tan Water will hydrate,
reduce redness and help
calm your skin while
building a golden glow.

94

Eco by Sonya Driver Face Tan
Water,, £24.95. Visit
Water
ecobysonyadriver.co.uk

Eco by Sonya Driver Glory
Glor Oil,
Oil, £31.95.
Visit ecobysonyadriver.co.uk
ecobysonyadriver

Curél Oil Control Weightless
eightless Gel Moisturiser
Moisturiser,,
£17.50. From boots.com

Miller Harris Soufflot
flot eau de parfum
par
,
£180. Visit millerharris.com

device,, £499.
Déesse Pro Sculpta device
Visit deessepro.com

Eco by Sonya Driver Super Citr
Citrus Cleanser,
£21.95. Visit ecobysonyadriver.co.uk
ecobysonyadriver

MZ Skin Calming Rescue Serum
Ser , £120.
Visit mzskin.com

Malin + Goetz Rum Bar Soap
Soap,, £14. Visit malinandgoetz.co.uk

et al 3-in-1 Face Mist,
Mist, £35.
Visit etalbeautycollective.co.uk

e.l.f. Cosmetics Squeeze Me Lip Balm in Vanilla
V
Frosting, £4. From superdrug.com

Eco by Sonya Driver Super Acai Exfoliator,
Exfoliator,
£24.95. Visit ecobysonyadriver.co.uk

POWERED BY ECO BY SONYA DRIVER

95

96

WELLBEING

BALANCING ACT

I

t has been a whirlwind year for Emily
English, and we aren’t even halfway
through it yet. As well as managing her
growing popularity on Instagram, where
she has gained more than a million
followers, she has written her first cookbook,
So Good
Good, and launched a gut health supplement
brand, Epetome. She is also planning a
wedding to her partner and “chief recipe
taster”, brand consultant Aaron McFeely.
Emily, 28, worked in the fashion industry as
a model, but after developing a toxic
relationship with food, she trained as a
nutritionist and began to share healthy,
delicious recipes on social media.
“Nutrition is all about health, habits and
happiness,” she tells hello!. “They are the
pillars I base everything around.”
Here, Emily tells us why she doesn’t believe
in fad diets and what she would serve if we
were invited round for dinner.
Emily, how did you get into cooking?
“My first job was in my granny’s restaurant –
she was a chef. My family are proper food
lovers, so every time there was a birthday or
celebration, it would always revolve around
food. I’ve always been in love with good food
and the connection it gives.”

INTERVIEW: LYDIA MORMEN. PHOTO: CLARE WINFIELD

What’s your favourite recipe from your new
book, So Good
Good?
“I love my chicken lasagne. I tend to make that
whenever I’m hosting. There’s also spinach
and ricotta malfatti. It’s like a giant stuffed
gnocchi dumpling thing. They’re low-effort
with maximum reward.”
Can you tell us how your eating habits have
changed over the years?
“I went from having a normal relationship with
food that didn’t revolve around dieting, to
modelling in an industry where I was exposed
to toxic food norms. I was absorbing negative
information and lost my love for food.
“That’s why I called my book So Good
Good,
because I believe that even if it’s healthy and
good for you, it should still bring joy and make
you say: ‘This is so good!’”
How can we avoid getting caught up in
contemporary diet culture?
“We need to understand that we are all
unique. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Set
yourself challenges that are really going to
work for you.
“We only get one life. You don’t need to do
anything just because someone is telling you
to – it must come from your own desire to
make a change.”

Influencer and
nutritionist Emily English
shares her healthy eating
habits and reveals the
piece of advice she gives
to all brides-to-be
Do you have any advice for people who are
struggling with their relationship with food?
“Look at what you’re digesting on social media;
that will make a massive difference to how you
feel. You can pick and choose what you see.
When we take back our lives and our choices,
that’s when the biggest change happens.”
Does your partner ever cook?
“He’s such a good cook. When we met, he made
me a mushroom risotto that was one of the best
things. Anything in one pot, he’s great at.
“We definitely connect and express our love
for each other through food, which I think is
really nice.”
How are the plans going for your big day?
“I want it to be a really happy memory and I
don’t want to put too much pressure on myself.
There can be so much pressure for the

wedding day to be perfect and I’d like to try to
shift away from that. The most important
things to me are the food and the dress.”
What food have you chosen for the occasion?
“Our lunch is at Daphne’s restaurant in Chelsea
and I’m looking forward to the crab pasta,
tiramisu and limoncello. I want it to feel like a
lovely lunch with all our family and friends.”
What advice do you have for brides who feel
under pressure to diet before the big day?
“This is when I go back to saying: ‘Do things
for yourself.’ If you feel it would make you
happier, then go for it, but do it in a positive
way, not an extreme or restrictive way.
“Focus on small things like the colour and
diversity of your meals, or adding more fibre to
your food. If you chase the core fundamentals
rather than just saying: ‘I can’t eat any
chocolate,’ you’ll feel so much better and
probably get better results.”
How do you look after your mental health?
“I try to see my therapist every other week to
make sure I’m doing some housekeeping
with any anxiety and stress. I go for multiple
walks each day and my favourite class is
reformer Pilates.
“I make sure to nourish my body. Mind,
movement and nutrition are my core pillars
every day. It’s not just a one-off spa day – it’s all
the small things that make a difference.”

EMILY’S ESSENTIALS

1. Epetome Synbiotic Duo Cap,
Cap, from £54.99. Visit epetome.com 2. Nike Vaporfly
V
fly 3
running shoes,
shoes, £239.99. Visit nike.com 3. FP Movement Righteous Runsie,
Runsie, £88. Visit
freepeople.com 4. So Good: Food You Want To
o Eat, Designed by a Nutritionist by Emily
English,, published by Orion Books, £25. From waterstones.com 5. Neom Magnesium
English
Body Butter,
Butter, £38. Visit neomwellbeing.com

97

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FOOD [

HOME

[

C U LT U R E

[

T R AV E L

GET THE
PARTY
STARTED

Joe Wicks’s SPRING VEGETABLE PASTA
This recipe is from
Joe’s cookbook
Feel Good in 15.
He says: “The crisp asparagus, the
sweet burst of peas, the super-soft
broccoli that coats the pasta almost
like a pesto – this dish is banging.
“The trick is to cut the broccoli
quite small, as you’re going to
intentionally overcook it.”
INGREDIENTS
• 1 head of broccoli, finely

chopped, stalk discarded
• 300g/11oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 200g/7oz asparagus, cut
into 2-3cm/¾-1¼in chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
and finely chopped
• 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary,
finely chopped
• 150g/5oz frozen peas
• Zest and juice of 1 large or
2 small lemons
• 50g/2oz Parmesan, finely

Serves 4 Takes 15 minutes

grated, plus extra to serve
• Salt and freshly ground
black pepper
1. Pour boiling water into a large

pot. Add the chopped broccoli
and penne, then boil for around
9 minutes until the pasta is al
dente and the broccoli is very soft.
2. In the meantime, in a large
frying pan, heat the oil and fry the
asparagus until golden and slightly
crisp. Add the garlic and rosemary

and fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Once the pasta and broccoli are
cooked, use a slotted spoon to
transfer them into the asparagus
pan and toss vigorously with a bit
of the pasta water to combine.
Add the frozen peas, lemon zest
and juice and Parmesan, then
continue to toss vigorously until a
glossy sauce clings to the pasta.
Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Plate up with plenty of extra
Parmesan for sprinkling.
W

RECIPE FROM ‘FEEL GOOD IN 15’ BY JOE WICKS, WITH PHOTOGRAPHY
BY DAVID LOFTUS, OUT NOW, PUBLISHED BY HQ, PRICED £22

If you enjoyed
The Big Jubilee
Lunch and The
Coronation Big
Lunch, there’s
good news: The
Big Lunch is
back in June,
and everyone’s
invited. Here, three
celebrity chefs
share delicious
recipes to make it
a great weekend

99

FOOD
Eloise Head’s SCHOOL CAKE
Serves cuts into 16 squares Takes 1 hour 15 minutes, plus cooling
For the glaze
• 175g/6oz icing sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tbsp boiling water
(or warm milk)
• Around 4 tbsp sprinkles

INGREDIENTS
For the cake
• 175g/6oz margarine, at
room temperature
• 175g/6oz caster sugar
• 175g/6oz self-raising flour
• 3 large eggs, at room
temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C, fan

150°C, gas 3 and line a 20cm/8in
square baking tin with non-stick
baking paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using
an electric hand mixer, beat
together the margarine and
sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the flour, eggs and

vanilla extract until just
combined. Try not to overmix as
this can knock the air out and
create a dense cake, rather than
a light and fluffy one.
4. Scoop the batter into the tin
and smooth it out evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven
for 30-40 minutes until the top is
lightly golden and a toothpick
inserted in the middle comes out
clean. Leave the cake to cool for
20 minutes, then transfer to a
wire rack to cool completely
before making the glaze.

6. For the glaze, in a small/

medium mixing bowl, mix
together the sifted icing sugar
and boiling water until thick and
smooth. If it’s too runny, add
more icing sugar until you reach
your desired consistency.
7. Pour the glaze over the cake
and smooth it out evenly. Top
with sprinkles and leave to set at
room temperature before serving.
Cut into 16 squares and enjoy.
8. If desired, store in an airtight
container at room temperature
for up to 4 days.

RECIPE FROM ‘FITWAFFLE’S BAKED IN ONE’ BY ELOISE HEAD, WITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY FAITH MASON, OUT NOW, PUBLISHED BY EBURY, PRICED £22

Eloise, known online
as Fitwaffle, has amassed more
than ten million followers across
her social media platforms with her
fun, simple and indulgent bakes.

‘This will steal
the show. It’s light,
soft and just sweet
enough to balance
the sharp berries’

EVERYBODY’S
WELCOME

RECIPE FROM ‘ET VOILA! A SIMPLE FRENCH BAKING LOVE STORY’ BY MANON
LAGREVE, WITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY NASSIMA ROTHACKER, OUT NOW, PUBLISHED
BY OH EDITIONS, PRICED £25. CO-ORDINATED BY SARAH HAMILTON-WALKER

Since 2015, when the Eden
Project had the idea for
communities to come together
to share a Big Lunch, organisers
of related events have raised
£87m for causes that matter
to them. Supported by The
National Lottery, The Big Lunch
is back from 1 to 2 June, giving
you a chance to join millions of
people across the UK sharing
friendship, food and fun.
• For details and free resources,
visit thebiglunch.com.

Manon Lagreve’s
gr
COURONNE COCO AUX FRUITS ROUGES ET
NECTARINES (COCONUT SAVARIN WITH RED BERRIES & NECTARINES)
Serves 8 Takes 1 hour 30 minutes, plus overnight setting
The Great British Bake Off quarterfinalist serves up a gluten-free
delight from her book Et Voilà!. She
says: “This will definitely steal the
show. It’s light, soft and just sweet
enough to balance the sharp
berries and nectarines on top.
“This is a gluten-free entremet
[decorated cake] that you make
the day before, then top with fresh
fruits before serving.”
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 large eggs
• 100g/4oz caster sugar
• 250g/9oz Greek yoghurt

• 200ml/7fl oz coconut milk
• 200g/7oz desiccated coconut
For the topping
• 300g/11oz fresh berries
(strawberries, raspberries, currants
– you can also use good-quality
frozen ones)
• 3 ripe yellow nectarines
1. The day before you want to

serve the cake, preheat the oven
to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas 6. Butter
a silicon or non-stick savarin
mould and place it inside a large,
deep baking tray.
2. Separate the eggs between 2
mixing bowls. Whisk the sugar

with the egg yolks, then add
the yoghurt, coconut milk
and desiccated coconut.
3. In the other bowl, whisk the
egg whites to stiff peaks, then
gently fold this into the coconut
batter using a spatula.
4. Pour the batter into the mould
and spread evenly. Add some
boiling water to the tray, halfway
up the side of the mould, and
bake in the preheated oven for 55
minutes to 1 hour. You can check
if it wobbles to make sure it is set.
5. Once cooked, leave to cool in
the tin at room temperature.
Cover and transfer to the fridge

overnight to set.
6. Gently use a knife to go

around the sides of the mould,
then place the serving plate on
top and turn it upside down on
to the plate to release. If you
struggle to get the savarin out of
the mould, dip it in a tray filled
with boiling water for 5 minutes,
then use a spatula to unstick the
sides and scrape whatever is left
in the mould to shape it again. It
is very easy to make it round
again and seal it back together.
7. Wash and slice the berries and
nectarines and place them on
top or serve them alongside.

101

Esther and María
Fábrega, the
sisters behind
artisanal jewellery
brand Cashfana,
open the doors to
Mas Ferrer, their
childhood home in
Spain’s Catalonia

102

isters Esther and María Fábrega
love to return to Catalonia and
Mas Ferrer – the house in Pla de
l’Estany where they grew up. Not
only is the peaceful farmstead near
Girona full of happy memories,
but it also helped inspire their artisan jewellery
brand Cashfana, a favourite with Queen Letizia
of Spain and a host of fashion influencers.
“This is where we first experienced the beauty
of forests and flowers and where our interest in
the native fauna was awakened,” Esther tells us.
“It is from magical places like this that most of
the ideas for our collections have come.”
As children at Mas Ferrer, the sisters also
learnt respect for local craftsmanship. And when
they travelled, their parents “insisted we get to
know the artisan traditions of each culture”.
This became a passion for the pair and they
launched Cashfana while still at university. Since
then, both have spent time living in new

INTERVIEW: ESTEFANIA ASENJO. PHOTOS: JONATHAN FERNANDEZ (ALMANEGRA). CLOTHES: ESTHER’S TOP: MUS&BOMBON.
SKIRT: BABBAKI. SHOES: AUGUSTA. MARIA’S OUTFIT: MARIA DE LA ORDEN. SHOES: AUGUSTA. ALL JEWELLERY: CASHFANA

ARTISAN
HOME

HOME
Tropez
ropez mint patterned
patter
tile,, £66.69/sq m. From
tile
porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Good & Mojo Iguazu
jute pendant light,
light,
£205. From
lightingcompany.co.uk

SHOP
THE
LOOK

Zara round jute rug,
rug
ug,
£229.99. Visit
zarahome.com

Clarissa Hulse
Artist’s stripe
cushion,, £55. From
cushion
johnlewis.com

‘It is from magical places like this
that most of the ideas for our
collections have come’ Esther

GraphicGaff Frida
GraphicGaf
Kahlo geometric
print,, from £20.99.
print
From etsy.com

Ib Laursen
Karaf,,
Karaf
£37.99. From
trouva.com

countries, with María now based in California.
But Mas Ferrer is where they head whenever
they need to reconnect and let their creativity
roam free…
María, tell us the history of the farmhouse…
“It dates from 1640, when the farmer’s family
would live on the upper floors, above the
livestock. The current owner, Debbie, a close
friend of our family, has updated it, but it still
has original features like the big fireplace
where they used to cook.
“This house and Cashfana have a lot in
common. Mas Ferrer is a typical local building
that has adapted to the times. Cashfana has
the same spirit; it was born from tradition,
craftsmanship and our childhood memories,
but we’ve added something modern to create

pieces that are timeless and have a soul of
their own.”
Esther, how did your brand come about?
“We were both studying law at university and
after a summer internship in Bangladesh, we
wanted to visit Nepal. We couldn’t return home
without a bunch of cashmere scarves for our
family and friends. Everyone loved them so we
decided to create our own brand.
“We kept Cashfana as a hobby until 2020,
when we went professional, keeping the name
but changing our focus to jewellery. We’d
recently spent time in Italy, where we’d met
a local craftswoman who made gorgeous
things. We contacted her and produced our
first designs – and the reception they got
was incredible.”

Fernleaf Faringdon
hanging chair,
chair,
£389.99. From
wayfair.co.uk

The Forest & Co angled
floor lamp,
lamp, £210. From
notonthehighstreet.com

103

CULTURE

LUCY BENJAMIN

KEEPIN
KEEPING
MUM
The ex-EastEn
EastEnders star on how she
drew on tough
ough moments as a parent
p ent
for her new film
ilm – and how her tteenage
daughters might react to the role

104

or her starring role in new film Look to the
Light, actress Lucy Benjamin had to dig deep
Light
and delve into the “dark side of being a mum”.
The cautionary tale follows wannabe
influencer Eddie Reynolds – played by Charlie
Goddard, previously seen as a dancer in Barbie
– as he attempts to make it big as a reality star, with
devastating consequences for his mental health.
Here, former EastEnders star Lucy, 53, tells hello! how
she channelled her short temper and getting it wrong as a
mother into her role, and the dynamics of living with her
teenage daughters Bessie, 17, and 13-year-old Rosie.
Lucy, you play Eddie’s loving
but pushy mother Elaine. What
is she like?
“She’s so desperate for fame
herself that she’s living
vicariously through her son.
They’re the kind of family who
think fame tops everything.
“Elaine comes across as a bit
of a tyrant, but she thinks she’s
doing the best thing for her
son. She wants to get him out
there and be seen by the world.”
As a mum, was it challenging
playing a mother whose child is
going through a tough time?
“Yes – I went to the dark side of
being a mum. I dug deep to
access the side of me that gets it
‘I went to the dark side wrong sometimes, like when I
short-tempered.
of being a mum – the get“There
were times when
side of me that gets it I pushed my eldest daughter
too much; I was sending
wrong, like when I get Bessie
her to swimming clubs, piano
short-tempered’ lessons… I don’t know how she
had enough hours in the day.
“I was a victim of listening to other parents at the school
gates and thinking: ‘I suppose my child should do that too.’
My character Elaine is like that, but she’s never taken her
foot off the gas, whereas I learnt along the way with Bess.
“It was nice to be able to walk away from the set at the

DON’T MISS
THIS WEEK…
FILM THE PRESENT

When a young boy discovers
that he can use an enchanted
grandfather clock to travel back
in time, he teams up with his
siblings on a mission to bring
their separated parents back
together. Greg Kinnear and Isla
Fisher (together right) star in
this heartwarming comedy.
Screening in UK and Irish cinemas
from Friday.

FESTIVAL CARFEST

CarFest, founded by radio DJ Chris
Evans, revs up the fun at
Hampshire’s Laverstoke Park Farm
over the August Bank Holiday
weekend. Music stars such as
Beverley Knight (left), UB40, Sam
Ryder and Scouting for Girls are
joined by guests from the worlds of
comedy, wellness and food; there’s
track action for petrolheads, too.

REPORTS: EMILY HORAN & FRANCESCA SHILLCOCK. PHOTOS: BBC. MATT CROCKETT. MIKE TAING. REX FEATURES

In Look to the Light
Light, Lucy plays Elaine Reynolds, mum of young
reality TV wannabe Eddie and his brother Wesley (Cole Dilley,
above with Lucy and Mark Moraghan, who plays dad Martin).
She also played a mother in EastEnders
EastEnders, portraying troubled
Lisa Fowler (far left with James Bye as brother-in-law Martin)

end of the day and go: ‘Thank God I’m not that person.’”
Love on the Rocks
Rocks, the reality show that features in the film,
seems to be based on Love Island…
“I’m aware of the terrible things that have occurred with
people who have taken part in these types of shows. In our
film, this young lad’s mental health really suffers as a result
of how he’s treated by the production company of the
reality show. I hope it makes people step back and think.”
You have two teenage daughters, with your youngest child
Rosie having recently turned 13...
“Thirteen going on 53! She’s learnt from her older sister.
We’ve got three girls and a female cat – it’s an all-girls unit.
“We have moments when we don’t get on – there’s lots of
door-slamming – but things are forgotten as quickly as
they’re said. I like that; there’s no dwelling on things.”
Have your daughters watched Look to the Light yet?
“They’re coming to a premiere screening with me and I’m
fascinated – and nervous – to see what they take from it.
They’ll be supportive, but it’s out of the mouths of babes…”
Do you see yourself in them?
“My youngest is more like me. She’s a bit fiery, and Bessie is
more of a peacemaker, but she can slam a door or two! We
get on really well, which is lovely.”
Did you experience the negative side of fame when you
played Lisa Fowler in EastEnders?
EastEnders
“Sometimes I think: ‘Thank God social media and camera
phones weren’t around at the height of when I was on.’
“But we had the other dark side, when you pick up the
newspaper on a Sunday morning, in fear of what stories
might have run. You’ve got to be made of pretty strong stuff
to cope with that level of scrutiny.”
Your most recent appearance in the soap came last summer
– do you enjoy returning to Albert Square?
“I’ve got the best of both worlds because I go in, make a
kerfuffle, then leave and go to do other things. It’s lovely to
catch up with people; it feels like putting on comfy slippers.”
What else are you working on at the moment?
“I’ve just finished Curfew,
few a crime drama that will be on
Paramount Plus in the autumn. Sarah Parish plays the lead,
and I’m a detective chief inspector, her boss. I’ve never
played a copper before; I loved barking orders at people.”
INTERVIEW: EMILY HORAN

Look to the Light is on UK digital platforms from 27 May.

From 23 to 25 August. To book, visit
carfest.org.

TV INSOMNIA

Vicky McClure (right) stars in this
eerie psychological thriller based on
Sarah Pinborough’s novel of the
same name. In the lead-up to her
40th birthday, Emma stops sleeping,
just as her mother did before she had
a psychotic breakdown on the night
of her own milestone. Can Emma
prevent tragedy from striking for a
second time?
On Paramount Plus from Friday.

BOOK NOW BABIES

This new coming-of-age musical
focuses on nine teenagers (left) who,
after an increase in pregnancies
among students, take on an
important task: keeping a fake baby
alive for a week. The pupils soon
learn big life lessons about juggling
teen angst with parenting.
Heartstopper’s
tstopper Bradley Riches stars.
From 31 May to 14 July at The Other
Palace, London. Book now at
babiesmusical.com.

BOOK THE MINIATURE
LIBRARY OF QUEEN MARY’S
DOLLS’ HOUSE

To celebrate the centenary of Queen Mary’s
Dolls’ House, the Royal Collection Trust (RCT)
has published a book dedicated to its astonishing
library, which holds nearly 600 miniature books.
By RCT curator Elizabeth Clark Ashby, available
from RCT shops and rct.uk/shop, priced £16.95.

105

DREAM ESCAPES
There’s a cool, creative side to the volcanic isle of Lanzarote
and this charming, arty village is a great place to start

STAY

Encircled by fragrant citrus trees,
La Casa de los Naranjos (3
(3)
stands just a gentle stroll
from the heart of Haría
village. All beamed ceilings,
gilt-edged mirrors and
sizeable chandeliers (2
(2), it’s
impressive, yet with just eight
light-filled suites, the feel is more
home-from-home than hotel.
It’s well placed for many of the
island’s cultural attractions, though
you want to fritter away late
you’ll
afternoons on the roof terrace,
soaking up what’s left of the day’s
rays and calling upon owner José
Antonio, who’ll
who throw together a
gin and tonic at a moment’s notice.

TASTE

Model Barbara
Palvin has spent
time in the
Canary Islands

106

Make your way to the highperched Mirador del Río lookout
first thing in the morning and sip
a cortado while gazing out over
the Chinijo Archipelago.
In Haría, easy-going day-to-night
spot Bar Folelé is just right for
flavour-packed tapas with an icecold beer, and back at La Casa de
los Naranjos, candlelit suppers
take cues from the seasons: current
standouts include Lanzarote
octopus with potato and lime.

INDULGE

Saturday mornings can be
spent pottering around
Haría’s market. Expect stalls
piled high with oranges,
pastries and flowers, along
with colourful earthenware.
Those keen to continue their
ceramics crawl can drive out to
Teseguite, where Eguzkine Zerain
sculpts one-of-a-kind plates, mugs
and vases in her sun-drenched
studio; it’s by appointment only, so
be sure to email her beforehand.

EXPLORE

With its volcanic landscapes,
charming villages and flourishing
design scene, Lanzarote (1
(1) is
drawing a dialled-in creative
crowd – and sleepy, oh-so-pretty
Haría is a superb place to start.
Nearby are the César
Manrique House Museum,
where the artist lived and
worked, and his Jardín
Daughters of India
de Cactus, which houses
Poet minidress,
minidress,
fascinating succulents.
£190. Visit uk.
Meanwhile, those
keen for beach time away daughtersofindia.net
from the crowds can take
the 20-minute ferry to the
tiny isle of La Graciosa, with
its wild, near-deserted
near
shores.

iRooms
Rooms at La Casa de los Naranjos begin at €180 (around £155)
per night, including breakfast; visit lacasadelosnaranjos.com to book.
Jet2 flies from London to Lanzarote from £79 one way; visit jet2.com.
To
o find out more about the island, visit turismolanzarote.com.

Little Liffner mini
basket,, €275
basket
(around £235).
Visit littleliffner.com
London Grace Millie
Nail Polish,
Polish, £12. Visit
londongracepolish.com

COMPILED BY HARRIET CHARNOCK-BATES. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Haría

BRAIN TEASERS

TIME TO TAKE A BREAK AND GIVE YOUR MIND A WORKOUT

PUZZLE TIME

SEE HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN SOLVE OUR FOUR JUST-FOR-FUN PUZZLES. THERE ARE NO
PRIZES, BUT GIVE YOURSELF A PAT ON THE BACK IF YOU FINISH THEM! ANSWERS NEXT WEEK

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Solve the clues and write their answers into the grid. Some of the letters
have a code number, which is the same for that letter throughout the
puzzle – so this gives you extra clues to other answers. The highlighted
column will spell out another word.
1 By chance (12)
2 Book of road rules (7,4)
3 Italian appetisers (9)
4 Slow down (10)
5 Disc-flipping game (11)
6 January 1st (3,5,3)
7 Slovenliness (10)
8 Futile (9)
9 Thoughtful (11)
10 Carrying as cargo (12)
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Cross ‘n’ Down

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Just like a regular crossword, but the clues are arranged by
row and column, in order of the answers.

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ACROSS

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1 Clip • Couch potato 2 Brave deeds • Saltwater solution
3 Intelligence operative • Type of bread 4 Plaster of Paris
mineral • Head covering 5 Coach • Salesperson (abbr.)
6 Animal hair • 18th-century art style 7 Famous siege in Texas
• More mature 8 Snow house • Place of learning 9 Take a
break • Racecourse town

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DOWN

1 Cleaner (colloq.) • Exhibition 2 Relay stage • Lump 3 Exist
• Russian mountains 4 Melodies • Vehicle test 5 Mercy • A A
Milne marsupial 6 Expert 7 Applications • ___ Chanel, fashion
icon 8 Alien craft 9 Tempo (inits.) • Sweet carbonated drink
10 ___ Lanka, country • Buns 11 Supple • Final month of
the year (abbr.) 12 Readily available (2,3) • Self-importance
13 Strike repeatedly • Worry incessantly

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Last week’s answers
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A L M E N T

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Puzzles brought to you by PuzzleLife — Britain’s
best puzzle magazines!

Sudoku

Easy

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