Fabulous 04 14 2024

APRIL 14, 2024
BIRTHDAY
SPICE
The fashion, the beauty,
the marriage secrets – we
celebrate half a century of
VICTORIA BECKHAM
PHOTOGRAPHED
F O R FA B U L O U S B Y
M A R K H AY M A N
“UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE “EWAN Mc GREGOR IS EXCEPTIONAL “A M E S M E R I C P E R F O R M A N C E
ON TELEVISION” I N T H I S C A P T I VAT I N G A D A P TAT I O N ” FROM EWAN Mc GREGOR”
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E V E N I N G STA N DA R D
E W A N M c G R E G O R
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CONTENTS
14-04-24
F
4 LUST LIST
20
Our fave things online and in-store rom pop star to WAG to bona
5 FABOMETER fide fashion superstar, Victoria
What’s fabulous and fabuless, plus 5 Mins With Beckham has pulled off the
MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace mother of all transformations
6 FABULIST – and now, with her 50th birthday just
Your week of entertainment sorted
a few days away, the icon formally
7 LIFE STORY
“I was the UK’s top Posh lookalike” known as Posh Spice is officially
8 COVER STORY hotter than ever.
As Victoria Beckham prepares to turn 50, In our cover story on p8, showbiz
showbiz expert Nicole Lampert reveals how expert Nicole Lampert reveals how
she’ll be celebrating the big day – and why she’s VB is planning to celebrate her big day
finally hitting her stride (spoiler alert: it’s a lot more low-key
12 VICTORIA’S BEST MOMENTS
than you might imagine), the secret to
From pioneering girl power to building a
business empire, we chronicle VB’s her almost-25-year marriage to David,
extraordinary life through a lens and why she’s more confident than
16 REAL LIFE ever as she enters her sixth decade.
After being brutally attacked by her husband, It’s a fascinating insight into a woman
one woman recounts how it wasn’t until he took who has weathered scandals and
his own life that she was able to feel safe again silenced her critics with style, sheer
18 COLUMN
grit and that famously wicked sense
Kate Wills on the joy of TMI
19 THE EDIT of humour. On p12, we also take a
This lamp will give any room a serious glow-up look back at some of her defining
20 THE FASHION DIRECTOR’S EDIT moments – from Spice World to the
Tracey Lea Sayer shows us how
WAT launch of her fashion label – and
monochrome looks and slick tailoring Get e CH IT! on p7, we speak to a woman who
are this month’s must-buys ven
Fabulo more made thousands of pounds and
25 BEAUTY YouT us on
ube travelled the world as the UK’s top
Beauty Editor Tara Ledden reveals which
Instag and Posh Spice lookalike.
hard-working products survived her spring clean ram
26 THE LOOK Video Plus, there can’t be many mums
.
We uncover Victoria’s beauty secrets – and out there who haven’t felt frazzled
they’re not all super-Posh! from time to time (even mother of
28 HEALTH four Victoria herself!). If you find that
Do you have mum burnout? Learn how to you’re putting yourself under pressure
spot the signs and overcome it
to “do it all”, then turn to p28 for
30 ADVICE
expert tips on how to identify and
31
Karren Brady solves your work dilemmas,
plus our tips to save cash on concert tickets beat parental burnout for good.
GET
31 HOMES Enjoy!
Turn the tables with this season’s most stylish
SOCIAL!
place mats and coasters
32 TRAVEL
Go west and unleash your inner cowgirl
in Arizona
34 FOOD
Level up your dinners with these inventive FA B U L O U S M A G . C O . U K
takes on the humble lasagne
36 STARS & PUZZLES FA C E B O O K
Mystic Meg’s stars with Maggie Innes, @ FA B U L O U S
plus tricky puzzles
Cover photography: Shutterstock Editorial
38 RESILIENCE …AND ME X
Author Marian Keyes’ experience
@ FA B U L O U S M A G
GO GREEN This symbol shows EDITOR IN CHIEF
which items have eco credentials I N S TA G R A M SINEAD M c INTYRE
@ FA B U L O U S M A G @MCINTYRE2
FA B U L O U S M A G . C O . U K 3
SHOPPING
Candleholders, £32.98 for three, Shoes, £29.99,

MCM Crush, £55 for 30ml EDP Glasseam at Amazon.co.uk Pull & Bear
Get a glow-up this week

with a radiant sunscreen,
plumping face mask
and chic ballet flats
Laneige Bouncy & Firm Necklace, £8,
MCM (Uk.mcmworldwide.com), Milk Makeup (Spacenk.com), Next (Next.co.uk), Olivia Burton (Oliviaburton.com), Primark (Primark.com), Pull & Bear (Pullandbear.com), Sol De Janeiro (Spacenk.com)
Sleeping Mask , £32 Prettylittlething.com
Compiled by: Catherine Bennion-Pedley, Emily Regan & Mia Lyndon Photography: Wilfried Haubenberger Stockists: Cotton Traders (Cottontraders.com), Laneige (Cultbeauty.co.uk),
Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF50
Cushion, £20, Next Watch, £149, Olivia Burton Body Lotion Illuminating Sunscreen, £40
Shirt, £34, Cotton Traders Milk Makeup Cloud Glow Primer, £25 Noodle bowl, £5, Primark
CELEBRITY
5 mins with... GREEN

FABULOUS
ENERGY
Stop drinking
green juices
that taste like
grass when DOGGY STYLE
you can have Forget Glasto – this year’s
this Mango festival season is all about BYOP
& Pineapple (bring your own pooch), à la
Supergreens the New Forest’s Dogstival,
beverage from Shreddy complete with dog bingo and
instead. Your five a day just stepped up! doggy sports day. Paw-fect.
THE ONLY WAY IS AN

ESSEX WEDDING
The Cotswolds must be well
jel, because a new study has
found that Essex is the best
place in the UK to get married,
as it has over 15,700 wedding
MasterChef presenter venues rated four stars or
more.* Totally reem!
GREGG WALLACE, 59
BURN- GEORGIA
When are you at your happiest? AWAY MAY JAGGER
At home with my family, reading history books, CAKES She’s rock royalty
cooking and wearing my jogging bottoms. There’s Birthday and now she’s
nothing I like more than cooking when I’m not divas and bringing her effortless
working, especially at the weekend. I’ll make gender- style to Tommy
some fish or fresh pasta, and if I don’t have reveal Hilfiger as its new
anywhere else to be later there will be beer and planners will watch and jewellery
wine involved. be ecstatic to ambassador. The
Is there anything you’d change about yourself? hear the day can be #lit with the brand collaborated
I’m really happy with my body, but my belly still sticks latest TikTok craze. A burn-away with The Rolling
out. I visited a nutritionist who said I’d have to restrict cake sees the top image set alight Stones in 1999, so
food groups to see what is causing it. I said: “You do to reveal a secret second pic. she really is a chip
realise what I do for work?!” Imagine me turning Who needs candles anyway? off the old block.
up to MasterChef saying: “I can’t eat that!”
Fabometer
What’s your biggest life achievement?
My children – four-year-old Sid [with fourth wife
Anne-Marie, 37], and raising Tom [30] and Libby
W.Morgan, Neil Genower, Scott Trindle, TikTok/Claudynqaqh Source: *StoryBoards Stockist: Shreddy (Shreddy.com)
[27], as a single parent. I got custody of them when
they were 10 and eight. I wasn’t very good at it and
Words: Vicki Power & Anna Clarke Photography: A Billion Clicks Photography, Getty Images, AP, M.Slivka,
I made lots of mistakes, but we muddled through. I
have a really strong relationship with both of them.
What’s fabulous and what’s
Who is the most famous person in your phone? fabuless this week
John Torode [MasterChef co-host, 58]. We’re closer
than people realise – we’ve worked together for DAY GETAWAYS BAG BEHAVIOUR
at least six months of the year for nearly 20 years, How much can you cram into a day? French fashion designer Hermès has
and for 10 years before that he bought fruit and Travel influencers are putting it to the found itself in hot water, after being
veg off me. We confide in each other. test with their #extremedaytrips, flying sued by two US shoppers claiming
What do you never leave the house without? to another country for a 12-hour jaunt that only
A book – at the minute I’m reading Amor Towles’ and flying “worthy”
A Gentleman In Moscow, but usually it’s a lot of home the customers
historical reference books. I love reading and try same day. had been
to make time to pick up a book every day. We’re allowed
Who would play you in a movie of your life? tired just to buy a
The Rock. We both have that lovely, clean-shaven thinking Birkin bag.
look and we’re both into health and fitness. about it… Rude!
Gregg’s podcast, A Piece Of Cake With Gregg
Wallace, is available on Global Player. FABULESS
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Goodbye Birdie Greenwing The Book Of Clarence

by Ericka Waller Picture the scene: it’s 33AD and cheeky
Birdie doesn’t have much to live for until wannabe 13th apostle Clarence (Selma’s
she gets the worst news, Polish Ada is LaKeith Stanfield) is down on his luck
trying to become a better doctor, while and on the lookout for a new side
Jane and daughter Frankie are in search hustle. As a mysterious new messiah
of a better life. They’re all struggling, but called Jesus is hogging the spotlight,
when chance brings them together, their Clarence decides to try his hand at this
lives are transformed. Joyous, funny and miracle business in a bid to make some
so emotional. To win, visit Fabulousmag. quick cash. He soon realises doing good
co.uk.* Out Thursday (£16.99, Doubleday) for others is actually a worthy pursuit,
but Roman governor Pontius Pilate
(James McAvoy) doesn’t seem to agree.
WIN! Fans of Monty Python’s Life Of Brian will
love this fun swords-and-sandals movie.
In cinemas Friday
Blue Lights
One of the biggest dramas on iPlayer when
it launched last year, we’re thrilled the
Northern-Ireland-set police show is back for
season two. Probationers Grace, Annie and
Tommy may not be newbies any more, but
there’s still plenty to test them in the Belfast
criminal community. Then, when Constable
Shane Bradley is brought in, the trio aren’t
convinced by his motivations. Plus, watch
out for Casualty‘s Charlie (Derek Thompson)
joining the cast. Tomorrow, 9pm, BBC1
Blue Lights are flashing,

Naomi is back in fashion
and Spencer Matthews WIN!
Words: Anna Clarke & Claire Frost Photography: Christopher Barr/BBC, Dave Benett/Getty Images for the V&A, Moris Puccio *Enter by 11.59pm on April 27, 2024
brightens up our day
Big Fish With Spencer Matthews

What does success look like to you?
Spencer Matthews’ brilliant pod
shows it’s different for everyone. And
luckily for him – and us – he gets the The Four by Ellie Keel
chance to discover what it means Naomi: In Fashion Sixth-formers Rose, Marta, Lloyd and
to entertainment’s biggest names, She’s been the queen of the catwalk for Sami each win a scholarship to posh High
which this season include Amy Dowden, more than 40 years and has rarely been Realms. While they may be academically
Romesh Ranganathan and Richard out of the headlines, but who is the real talented, the four have lots to learn about
Hammond. From battling imposter Naomi Campbell? Now, thanks to the V&A’s the cut-throat world of boarding school,
syndrome to changing careers, this is new exhibition, we’ve got the inside scoop and dark events soon bind them together
an inspiring listen that will brighten up on all things Naomi, from her arrival on the forever. Intense, unflinching and gripping,
any day, but especially the tough ones! modelling scene to that iconic walk. Do. Not. this is brilliant. To win, visit Fabulousmag.
On all podcast providers now Miss. June 22, 2024-April 1, 2025, Vam.ac.uk co.uk.* Out now (£16.99, HQ)
LIFE STORY SLUG
‘I was the
UK’s top
Camilla still does
occasional Posh
appearances; with
Ben, Brandon and
Posh
Bella; as VB; with
David lookalike
Andy Harmer
lookalike’
CAMILLA ELDRIDGE, 42, LIVES IN EAST
SUSSEX WITH HER HUSBAND BEN, 40,
A PE TEACHER, AND HER CHILDREN
BRANDON, 21, AND BELLA, 13.
“Walking through the department store in Tokyo, I

could feel all eyes on us. Then the whispering started:
‘It’s them – it’s Victoria and David Beckham!’ Within
minutes, hundreds of people were screaming and
shoving their cameras in mine and my friend Andy’s
faces. It was so overwhelming, I started to panic –
how were we going to get out of there? Then a shop
manager ushered us into a back room until the crowd
eventually dispersed. They didn’t realise I wasn’t the
real VB – I was just an ordinary 20 year old from
East Sussex who worked as her lookalike.
I’d always been a fan of the Spice Girls, and Victoria
especially, so I was flattered when my classmates at
secondary school said I looked like her. When I was 18,
I dated a guy called Andy Harmer, who happened to
look like David Beckham, and people remarked on the
resemblance. We decided to capitalise on it, and in
1997 we signed up to a lookalike agency, doing guest
appearances at VIP nightclubs and photo shoots for Later that year, I got to meet Victoria again when I
magazines and newspapers. Andy and I broke up a starred as her double in a Tesco advert, wiggling my bum
year later, but remained good friends and carried BTW to the camera. She and the other Spice Girls were all lovely,
on impersonating the Beckhams. Beckham was and seeing the ad on TV was another pinch-me moment.
In 2001, I was Victoria’s body double in a Walkers the UK’s Of course, it took a lot of work to look like Posh. I had
Crisps ad, earning around £500. I was so nervous and most-watched to copy every style evolution, including her hair, make-up,
excited, because the real VB was there too, and I got Netflix show clothes and poses, making sure every detail was just so.
to meet her for the first time. I had my baby son in 2023. Luckily, I am naturally thin, so I didn’t have to work too
Brandon with me and she made a fuss of him, telling hard to maintain her slim figure.
Words: Donna Smiley Photography: Shutterstock Editorial Source: *The Sunday Times Rich List 2023
me she loved his name. She was so warm and even Posh and Becks’ I stopped being her lookalike in 2011, when work began
prettier in real life. collective net to dry up. The same year, I gave birth to my daughter
Over the next decade, Andy and I travelled worth is around Bella, with my husband Ben, who I’d met in 2005. I also
the world as Posh and Becks, visiting 30 countries, £425million.* retrained as a nursery practitioner – a job I love.
including Japan in 2003, where we were mobbed Watching last year’s Netflix hit Beckham, I thought
in the department store, and snapped by renowned how well the couple had handled the furore following
lookalike photographer Alison Jackson. David’s red card in the 1998 World Cup. Back then, I received death threats
In early 2007, we were hired by the production and Andy’s car was set on fire, which was crazy. It also made me remember
company behind Sky1’s documentary The Beckhams the time I met Rebecca Loos on a German chat show in 2004. I put her in
Go To Hollywood to visit Los Angeles to see how the her place backstage and she was speechless.
public would react to the famous pair. Like in Tokyo, Looking back, I can’t believe I got to be Posh Spice for all those years. I’d
we were mobbed wherever we went. We were never have had the same opportunities with an ordinary job. Now, my life
ushered into the VIP area of a nightclub, test-drove a is much less glamorous, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Some people still
Lamborghini and the owner of a fancy shop tried to say I look like her, which is flattering and, although I have no plans to return
give me a black pearl necklace worth £9,000, which I to my old career, I still enjoy making the occasional appearance as Posh.
refused. But there was also a dark side. The paparazzi It’s hard to believe Victoria is turning 50 – she still looks fabulous. I’ll be
relentlessly chased us, dangerously overtaking traffic thinking about her on her special day, remembering when I had a taste of
and shouting at us, which was very intimidating. what it was like to be one of the most famous women in the world.”
SLUG
VICTORIA BECKHAM SPECIAL
‘Victoria has hit her stride –

she’s really come into her own’
As VB prepares to turns 50, showbiz expert NICOLE LAMPERT reveals
how the icon formerly known as Posh Spice silenced the haters
and became more confident in her skin than ever before
S
he reaches her half-century on Wednesday, and it is At school, Victoria was bullied for having bad skin and it has
little wonder Victoria Beckham’s famous pout has been taken a long time for her to embrace her imperfections. But now,
replaced by an increasingly large grin. Yes, she may now she’s got there. “Do I think of myself as beautiful? No, absolutely
officially be in her middle years, but life is more fabulous not. But I make the best of what I have,” she said a couple of years
than ever for the icon endearingly known as “Posh”. ago. “I see my imperfections and flaws and I smile; it’s who I am
The big showbiz party will take place this summer to celebrate and I’m not going to try to change that. It has taken a long time to
the upcoming milestones of her 25-year wedding anniversary recognise that actually, I’m alright. I work hard, I look OK, I’ve got
on July 4 with husband David, plus their daughter Harper’s 13th four children who I’m incredibly proud of, a wonderful husband
birthday on July 10. There is talk of it being the “godmother of all and I feel content.”
parties,” which will rival the multimillion-pound extravaganza they
helped throw for son Brooklyn’s wedding to heiress Nicola Peltz ‘She’s more confident now, and she’s not
(only this time, they won’t need to run ideas past the in-laws).
Meanwhile, this month, the celebration for her 50th will be afraid to show her humour’
a quieter, classy affair with a lot of laughter and family – just the
T
way she likes it. She will also hopefully be celebrating being able he popularity of her beauty line, Victoria Beckham Beauty,
to dance again, after an accident in the gym left her on crutches. in which she is front and centre of the marketing with her
In typical style, she’s been braving out the injury resplendently, Instagram and TikTok videos, proves that she has a look
accessorising with a single signature high heel in public and joking that many people want to emulate. The confidence she gains
on social media about the knee scooter David gave her. “Think from that is clear to those around her. “A lot of women talk about
how much wine I can fit in the basket… The best present my really hitting their stride when they reach 50, and that is certainly
husband ever bought me!” she said. Victoria,” says the family friend. “Her business is going well, her
But being unable to live life at her usual pace has been a family is happy and she has really come into her own. She’s more
struggle. “She can’t wait to get the medical boot off,” says one confident. You see that not only in her smiles – something she
family friend. “And she is determined to make up for lost time.” was afraid to show in the past because she didn’t like the way
Victoria has never been one for big drama. The broken foot she looked – but also in her not being afraid to show her humour.
may have been a small reminder of mortality and that age is “Her friends and family have always known her to be the
creeping up on her, but she’s taken her latest metamorphosis opposite of the cold and obsessively ambitious person she’s often
– that of Menopause Spice – in her stride. “Honestly, I’m not portrayed as. She’s the lynchpin of her family, has a close set of
obsessed with looking young,” she said recently, when talking friends, and is really enjoying life.”
about her milestone birthday. While she has always played with fashion – from that purple
wedding dress to the tiny shorts and vests of the WAG years – the
‘Do I think of myself as beautiful? Absolutely not.
But I make the best of what I have’
A
s her inner circle knows only too well, when Victoria
sets her mind to something she will succeed, and that
includes turning herself into one of the greatest style icons
of the decade. Her daily diet of steamed fish and vegetables, as
well as a punishing fitness routine, might see other mortals edging
away in horror, but she’s always known that while she might not
be the best singer, the most beautiful or the greatest talent, hard
work can get you a long, long way. And that includes the effort
she puts into her appearance.
Her beauty routine is a little more relaxed than the efforts she
goes to stay in shape, but she takes it just as seriously, with facial
peels, daily use of an LED lamp to stimulate collagen production,
dermaplaning (a cosmetic procedure that exfoliates the skin),
plus face masks specially created by celebrity beautician Melanie
Grant. Then, of course, there are the serum and moisturiser from
her own beauty range. With David and some of the clan: Cruz, Harper, Brooklyn and his wife Nicola
From above, L-R:
Brooklyn, Cruz,
Harper and David
support Victoria
at Paris Fashion
Week; with David;
launching her
beauty brand in
NYC; the family
celebrate Easter
together; poking
fun at herself in
that T-shirt; on
crutches but still
rocking a high heel
simplicity of her own beautifully tailored suits and dresses shows

a different kind of confidence.
“Her brand has changed a lot since the days of the short, spiky
and bob hair styles, full-leather ensembles and bodycon dresses,”
says stylist Chantelle Znideric. “No doubt, at the time, there was £7m into the business last year – but for Victoria it feels like the
an expectation for her to dress a certain way to sell records. tide has turned. That it also rides mainly on her phenomenally
Now, she portrays elegance in a much more pared-down way. popular make-up business and her accessories line (including a
She no longer has to prove anything. She’s had an amazing £850 chain pouch clutch bag), rather than the clothes she pours
career as a global pop star, demonstrated she’s a super-successful the most attention into, is perhaps a niggle. For now, though, she
businesswoman in fashion and beauty, and is a caring mum to her can celebrate finally being in the black. Her new fragrance range,
wonderful brood. I really see her as a role model,” adds Chantelle. meanwhile, looks to be just as successful as the beauty line.
It is telling, too, that at this point, she has said goodbye to
‘Victoria has retired from the music industry her pop career for good.
“The Spice Girls were asked to perform at Glastonbury and
– why would she want to go back there?’ Victoria was the only one who said no – as far as she’s concerned,
she’s retired from the music industry,” says the family friend.
P
art of that is down to the success, finally, of her brand after 15 “She was never the best pop star – she was laughed at for her
years of hard slog, which has seen her face ridicule, snobbery weak voice. Why would she want to go back there?”
and the embarrassment of having to ask her husband for The decision to turn her back on the Spice Girls has been
loans. Accounts released at the end of last year showed her compounded by a falling out with Geri Halliwell.
company made a profit of £200k when sales rose 44%. The “Geri wanted them all to publicly stand up and show their
success, which came after years of losses racking up £66m, may support for her husband Christian Horner over his recent work
be precarious – shareholders felt the need to inject a further scandal. Geri was furious when they all refused to, and it might
take some time for her to make up with Victoria.” which is cheeky and sassy
It is exactly 20 years since Victoria – around the time of her and utterly her,” adds Jojo.
30th birthday – was in a similar position to Geri, facing her own “She is brave, too, going
husband’s scandal. Back then, she celebrated her birthday in into fashion from the world of
London while David, now 48, was playing for Real Madrid, where pop was a bold move. But she
he was alleged to have had an affair with his PA Rebecca Loos. has infused her brand with this
personal element and huge
‘She and David work hard to find time confidence. That passes on
the sense of empowerment
to spend together’ to her customers – she’s done
something really special with her brand.”
W
hile it was skirted over in Netflix’s recent Beckham The documentary also shone a light on the Beckham
documentary – Rebecca’s name was never mentioned marriage, which has been a source of fascination for more than
and it was spun as something the newspapers covered half of Victoria’s life, and illustrated their shared values, including
– the scandal was catapulted back into the limelight. But this time, working hard and hands-on parenting. But, with David spending
thanks to a reassessment of Noughties culture, Victoria was no hours obsessively cleaning, it was also clear that they have
longer cast as the baddie. different lives.
In fact, Victoria – and what she has had to put up with – came “David is in Miami during football season while Victoria is in the
across in a whole new light. It became clear that David was UK, where Harper is still at school,” says the family friend. “I would
obsessed mainly with his football career, and his wife and their say they are happy, but not in a conventional sense. They have to
growing family had to follow him around the world. For each work hard to find time in their diaries to make sure their schedules
move, she had to find new houses, new schools and frame her match. But when they are together, they get on very well.”
work around his passions.
While his relentless work obsession and OCD surprised fans, ‘Victoria knows Brooklyn has found
her sense of humour won them over. In one clip, which went viral
and is now up for a TV BAFTA Memorable Moment Award next someone he really loves’
month, he joked about her saying that her family were working
T
class, forcing the admission that her dad drove a Rolls-Royce. he problems Victoria had with daughter-in-law Nicola,
Photography: Backgrid, Eroteme, Getty Images, Instagram/Victoria Beckham, Mega
In typical VB style, however, she had the last laugh, launching who married Brooklyn, 25, in May 2022, are now also
a sellout range of £120 T-shirts sporting the slogans: “My dad mended. “They fell out because of the huge stress around
had a Rolls-Royce” and “David’s wife”. the wedding, but are fine now,” insists the family friend. “Nicola’s
“I think we all saw a different side of Victoria through that family have the same values of working hard and she knows
documentary,” says brand expert Jojo Smith of CreativSAS. Brooklyn has found someone he really loves.”
“We all fell a bit in love with her and realised she’s had such As happy as she is with the success of her business, Victoria
a bad rap for all these years. David had this angel persona, while is most proud of her children, Brooklyn, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and
she was seen as the ambitious wife pushing him. But she really Harper. It’s a joy she and David share. They know they could
came into her own, and we saw how honest and loyal she is. have turned out to be spoilt and entitled, but all the children
“I’m a few months younger than Victoria and was a massive are respectful and want to succeed on their own terms.
Spice Girls fan. Watching that documentary made me realise That’s why, when she turns 50 this week, Victoria won’t
how misunderstood she has been, partly because she was always need the big party and showbiz pizazz that accompanies so
surrounded by much bigger characters. Her sense of humour came much of her life. She has everything she wants and needs – no
through massively and we see the impact of that on her brand, wonder she’s grinning.
GETTING SPICY
After responding to an ad in The Stage newspaper in 1993 that sought
“streetwise, outgoing, ambitious and dedicated” auditionees for an
all-female pop act, Victoria couldn’t have predicted how much of a global
phenomenon the Spice Girls would become. Baby, Sporty, Scary, Ginger
and Posh brought girl power to a generation of ’90s teens via chart-
topping hits such as Wannabe. The band’s debut album Spice became the
bestselling girl group album of all time, with 31m copies sold worldwide.
2 BECOME 1
Even though the pair grew up just 15 minutes from one
another, it wasn’t until 1997 that Victoria Adams and
David Beckham first locked eyes in the Manchester
United players’ lounge and the footballer got her digits.
She described it as “love at first sight”, although also
admitted she was a little drunk so “exact details are
hazy”. A year later, they were engaged and Posh and
VB
Becks became front-page news. They may have had
their ups and downs during their 24-year marriage, but
they remain one of the longest-standing, most-loved-up
celeb couples. And David is clearly still smitten, admitting
that he’s kept the original ticket stub on which Victoria
scribbled down her number all those years ago. Cute!
forever
From zig-a-zig-ah-ing with her
Spice Girls to joining fashion’s inner WEDDED BLISS
sanctum, Victoria Beckham’s life has Four months after son Brooklyn was born, the
couple wed in July 1999 in a star-studded £750k
been anything but dull. We look back ceremony at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland. As the
at the moments that made her pair said “I do”, a white dove was released, and the
happy couple sat on red velvet thrones and cut their
BY ANNA CLARKE
wedding cake with an actual sword. V low-key.
MOVIE MANIA
Victoria and the girls showed off their acting skills as they romped around
London in their double-decker Spice Bus for their film Spice World. While it
was a financial hit, grossing £80m worldwide, not everyone agreed on its
cinematic excellence, as all five band members won the Golden Raspberry
Award for Worst Actress. But although they missed out on an Oscar
nomination, everyone wanted a cameo in the movie. You can even spot
a 17-year-old Peter Crouch if you look hard enough.
HIS ’N’ HERS

Who can forget the couple’s matching leather outfits at the opening of a Versace store
in June 1999? It was one of many iconic looks the power couple rocked after their
fashion debut during the 1998 World Cup in France, when Becks sent us into a frenzy
by wearing a skirt over a pair of trousers. This pair never disappoint on the style front.
SOLO SPICE
She might have been one
of the last Spice Girls to go
it alone, but in 2000 Posh
showed us what she was made
of when she featured on True
Steppers’ Out Of Your Mind
with Dane Bowers, and was
pipped to No.1 by Spiller and
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Groovejet
(If This Ain’t Love). But the critics
weren’t kind to VB, and when
her eponymous solo album
SPLITSVILLE dropped the following year,
When Geri Halliwell announced the pitiful sales left the singer
she was leaving the Spice Girls searching for a back-up career.
in May 1998, fans the world over
were blindsided, as was the band,
who were in the middle of their IF YOU WANNABE MY LOVER
Spiceworld tour. Writing in her 2001 The world was shocked by claims that Becks
book, Learning To Fly, Victoria had cheated on VB with his PA Rebecca Loos
said: “[Geri] was one of my best in 2004. The alleged four-month fling took
friends. And now she had walked place while David was playing for Real Madrid.
out without a word.” In 2000, the At the time, they denied the claims, but in
band went on permanent hiatus the recent Beckham doc, David said it was
after releasing their third and the “first time” they had been “put under
final studio album, Forever. that kind of pressure in our marriage”.
QUEEN OF THE WAGS
She might be at ease on the fashion circuit these days, but once upon a time Victoria looked
much more at home in the football stands sporting the tried-and-tested WAG wardrobe of
hot pants, hefty hair extensions, an England tank top, a trucker-style cap and, of course, a
Birkin handbag. Deemed Queen Wag, she was surrounded by the likes of Coleen Rooney
and Cheryl Cole at the 2004 Euros, and later at the 2006 World Cup in Germany’s Baden-
Baden, when they dominated headlines nationwide.
IT’S A GIRL!
After having three boys, Victoria finally got her wish for
a daughter in July 2011, with the arrival of Harper Seven
at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA. The couple named
her after Victoria’s favourite author Harper Lee, and seven
is a reference to David’s shirt number at Manchester United
as well as “symbolising spiritual perfection”. Victoria later
gushed in an interview that motherhood has been her
greatest achievement, even though sometimes she feels
she’s “being pulled in four different directions”.
LONDON CALLING
As Olympic fever took hold of
London in 2012, so did girl power,
with the return of the Spice Girls.
Arriving on top of black cabs to
perform at the Games’ closing
ceremony, they sang Wannabe
and Spice Up Your Life. A show
worthy of a gold medal.
WELCOME TO
HOLLYWOOD
After David signed
a five-year deal with
soccer club LA
Galaxy, the family
moved Stateside
– and every famous
face wanted to
become besties with
the first family of
showbiz. Jennifer
Love Hewitt, Eva
Longoria and Arnold
Schwarzenegger
all turned out to
watch Becks’ first PASSION FOR FASHION
Galaxy game, When Victoria announced she was launching
while Hollywood a womenswear label in 2008, the fashion elite
heavyweights Tom dismissed it, expecting it to fail spectacularly. But
Cruise and Will never one to be beaten, Victoria put everything
Smith threw Posh into her new design career. Though it failed to
and Becks a glitzy, turn a profit for more than a decade, VB’s finally
star-studded bash to found her stride. As she said earlier this year: “This
welcome the couple is just the beginning, I have lots of ambitions.”
to La La Land.
Photography: Alamy, Getty Images, Netflix, Shutterstock Editorial, Splash News, Instagram/David Beckham
POSH IT
She isn’t called Posh Spice for nothing, as
fans of Netflix’s 2023 Beckham documentary
discovered, when a clip of Victoria proclaiming
MODERN FAMILY her family were “very working class” while
Imagine having Victoria as your mother-in-law! Well, model Nicola Peltz, growing up went viral. In the clip, an incredulous
29, gets to experience it IRL, after tying the knot with Brooklyn in 2022. David sticks his head round the door and
The two women reportedly got off on the wrong foot after Nicola chose demands that his wife “be honest” with the
a custom Valentino gown for her big day, rather than a VB design – but interviewer. After having to rethink her claim,
thankfully, they have put their differences aside and are now playing happy the truth is revealed – her dad’s school taxi was
families. Brooklyn said: “We love Sunday roasts. Me and my dad will share more Rolls-Royce than Fiat 500. As it turns out,
a bottle of wine. My mum and Nicola share vodka Snapple. My wife Posh by name…
introduced my family to this game called Fish Bowl.”
‘After my
ex’s suicide,
I finally feel
safe again’
Brutally attacked by her husband, Abigail
Blake, 47, was left fearing for her life when
he was released from prison after just six
months. She reveals how she spent every
day in terror – until he took his own life
BY DONNA SMILEY & LOUISA GREGSON
L
ying on the bathroom floor,
beaten black and blue, I drifted
in and out of consciousness,
thinking about my baby asleep
in the next room and wondering
if this was the end.
It was July 2017, and I was at the home
I shared with my husband Sebastian Swamy,
then 40, our 13-month-old son Finn*, and
my seven-year-old son Alfie* from a
previous relationship. It was the one place I
should have felt safe, but I didn’t, because
Sebastian was a violent bully who made
me think I couldn’t live without him.
When we were introduced through
friends in February 2014, he seemed
perfect. A telecoms manager, he was
handsome, charming and patient with
Alfie, and when he moved in with us
after three months, I thought I’d found my
soulmate. My family and friends expressed
doubts, as he’d occasionally disappear for
days at a time, returning home drunk. But
I was in love. Though I had a successful job
as an operations manager at Manchester
Airport, I’d been so lonely – now, Sebastian
made me feel special and cared for.
But just weeks after he moved in, the
violence started. One night when I got
home, I found traces of white powder, which
looked like cocaine, on a table. When I
confronted Sebastian, he exploded, slapping
me and shouting at me to shut up. I was in
shock as I ran to the bedroom shaking. The
REAL LIFE
next morning he apologised, promising write, pick up my children or do basic tasks

he’d never do it again. I desperately wanted like fastening the buttons on their clothes, so
to believe him. This was supposed to be my Mum moved in to help. Ashamed, depressed
happy ending – surely it was just a one-off? and angry, I barely recognised myself. How
Eight months after we met, we married had my life come to this? If I didn’t press
at the local register office. I told Sebastian charges, I knew Sebastian would end up
– and myself – it was the happiest day of killing me, so I gave a statement to police.
my life, although deep down I had doubts. After five days on the run, Sebastian
Sure enough, the violence escalated once handed himself in. He was put on remand
we were married, usually when he was for two weeks, then bailed with a tag for 19
hungover. He slapped me, dangled me months, and issued with a restraining order.
over the stair bannister, put pillows over It was months before I was able to walk,
my face and ripped my hair out. Each time, brush my teeth, swallow, bathe and care
he promised it was the last – and I’d believe for the kids. Meanwhile, the case against
him. In between these moments, he was still Swamy served just six months in jail Sebastian kept being adjourned, as he didn’t
the loving, charismatic man I’d fallen for, so I turn up to the hearing. I was so stressed that
stayed, telling myself things would get better. I ended up collapsing in court. My children
were the only thing that got me through.
‘Mum said if I didn’t leave him, Finally, in January 2019, Sebastian was
jailed for three years and four months after
I would end up in a body bag’ admitting causing grievous bodily harm,
claiming he’d been drinking heavily after
I
n 2015, I became pregnant and losing £100,000 in a scam, which I was sure
Sebastian began drinking more. He was an excuse. It was such a relief.
stopped being violent, but continued However, he was released just six
to be verbally abusive, putting me down months later, after the time he’d been on bail
and telling me I was stupid. By now, was taken into account. I felt failed by the
my self-esteem was so low, I believed system and was so terrified he was going to
everything he said. I was also worried how attack me again, I developed sleep paralysis.
I’d cope with a second baby on my own, I’d lie there unable to move, with sweat
so I felt I had to keep our family together. running down my body. I was in such a
Once I had Finn in June 2016, the state of hypervigilance, even a knock at
violence resumed. I tried to cover up my Abigail sustained life-changing injuries the door would make me jump.
bruises and, when I was really scared, I’d
call the police, who’d take Sebastian away. ‘I still have bad days, but I’m
But I always refused to press charges, as I
was too terrified. He had me totally under determined not to let this define me’
his control, so I’d always let him come back.
A
By then, I’d confided in my mum, who lthough he didn’t try to contact
begged me to leave, telling me that if I me directly, he did apply through
didn’t, I’d end up in a body bag. But I knew the family courts for contact with
Sebastian would never let me go willingly Finn, which was denied. The stress of it all
– and part of me still hoped he’d change. triggered a nervous breakdown, and it’s
Then came the attack that changed taken intense trauma therapy and
everything. That day, after a 12-hour shift, medication to piece myself back together.
I collected Finn from nursery and headed Then, last summer, the Home Office
*Names have been changed Photography: Cavendish Press Follow Abigail on Instagram @stay_strong_abi
home. Alfie was staying over at his dad’s phoned and told me Sebastian had taken
and I waited for Sebastian to get back from his own life. On one hand, I was sad for
a night out. I’d begged him not to get drunk Finn. I’d hoped that one day, maybe
and he’d promised he wouldn’t, but he Sebastian would be rehabilitated enough
rolled in at 11pm, staggered upstairs and She thought Swamy was her soulmate to have a relationship with his son. But
was sick in the toilet. When he’d finished, there was enormous relief, too – at last
he suddenly punched me in the neck. I fell everything went black and when I came we were safe. I could breathe.
to the floor and he stamped on my back, to I was in a hospital bed attached to so I finally feel like myself again. I’ve
then my chest, shouting: ‘’I’ve had enough many wires, with Mum holding my hand. retrained as a children’s trauma coach and
of you. You need to shut up.’’ I was told my neck was broken and had get great satisfaction from helping people.
Taking my mobile phone to stop me caused a bleed on my spinal cord. I kept I still have bad days, but I’m determined
calling 999, he left me on the floor. I was in wetting myself, couldn’t speak properly not to let what happened define me. It
agony, but I somehow staggered out into or use my hands, I had a hole in my lung, upsets me to think how I stayed with
the street, where I told a couple of strangers: broken ribs and a broken cheekbone. I Sebastian, but that’s how abusers work
“My husband’s trying to kill me.” They needed a 4 1/2-hour operation to repair – they wear you down so much, you can’t
dialled 999 and an ambulance arrived as damaged vertebrae. Doctors told Mum I imagine breaking free. I want to urge others
Sebastian sped off in his car. Bleeding and might not wake up and, if I did, I could be to look out for early warning signs and if
covered head to toe in footprints, I was paralysed. Thankfully, I wasn’t, but I was left in doubt, get out – before it’s too late.
taken to hospital with Finn. Suddenly, disabled, with life-changing injuries. I couldn’t For support, visit Womensaid.org.uk.
OPINION
Our columnist on why no topic is TMI for her
I
saw a cartoon once that brilliantly
captured my approach to meeting
‘I’ve built my a baby singing class who, out of nowhere,
told me that her husband has a massive
new people. It showed two women
sitting on the floor at a playgroup,
whole life on penis. Now, it’s all I can think about when
I pass him in the park.
with one of them saying to the other:
“Yeah, so basically, third-degree tears and
oversharing’ The key to oversharing – both giving
and receiving – is to find your tribe. When
we haven’t had sex in a year and, sorry, I go swimming, I try to swerve the woman
what was your name again?” who wants to talk about her menopausal
It probably won’t surprise anyone, symptoms. I’m sure there’s an audience who
given I write about everything from my would love to hear intimate details about her
masturbation routine to my piles, but sleep, steps or blood sugar – but I’m not it.
I am an oversharer. There is no topic Similarly, I recently heard about
too TMI, and I would much rather hear “sad-fishing”, which is where you overshare
something overly intimate and a bit on social media to get sympathy, which
shocking than inane, impersonal small talk. sounds a bit joyless, too. Instead, I make
But apparently not everyone feels this a beeline for those like me. The ones who
way. According to research, one in five Brits have zero filter when it comes to sex,
Photography: Mark Hayman, Instagram/Colorful Standard Source: *Indeed Stockists: Colorful Standard (Colorfulstandard.com), Dunelm (Dunelm.com) The Husbands by Holly Gramazio (£16.99, Chatto & Windus) is out now
are subject to the personal digressions of relationships and personal hygiene, and
a colleague every day – from their sex life can’t wait to tell you about it.
and physical health to their financial Oversharing is a trait we’re all born with.
situation. Women are forced to listen to I love how my three-year-old daughter
TMI more than men, and people in Norwich proudly announces her poos or shouts
and Sheffield are the most inclined to spill about her genitals in public. It’s a shame
the beans. Plus, one-fifth said that TMI that our emotionally repressed society
from colleagues have contributed to them tells us there’s something inappropriate
preferring to work from home.* Oh, come in being frank about how we feel.
off it! Surely Deborah from accounts telling There is power in opening yourself
you about her weekend at a sex club is the up to others and listening to them truly
only reason to go into the office at all? be themselves. Oversharing is caring.
Everything that happens to me has the ● Follow Kate on Instagram @katewillswrites.
potential to become gossip fodder, either
on social media or in my writing. Though
this hasn’t always gone down well with
those around me. A friend recently texted THIS WEEK I’M…
me to ask if a particularly ranty column
about people who only talk about Reading…
themselves was about her (yes). I told her The Husbands
it was based on a few people, and she was Holly Gramazio’s debut
one of them. I’m sure she wasn’t best novel is a hilariously
pleased, but if I’ve experienced something clever look at dating in
– good or bad – surely it’s my right to do the modern age.
with that anecdote whatever I please?
Wearing…
O
ne of life’s great delights is when Colorful Standard
celebrities overshare. I thought From tomato-red socks
Prince Harry was a boring, to comfy trackies, this
entitled brat until he told the world about organic cotton label is
his frostbitten penis, and I regularly muse my new go-to for basics.
on Kim Kardashian’s advice to lie down
after sex to “let the sperm marinate”. Loving… Dunelm
There is something about oversharing The store’s cute wicker
that makes you feel intensely connected baskets and wooden
to someone in a way that years of coffee toy boxes have inspired
dates and polite conversation can’t. I knew me to have a long-
immediately I would be great friends with overdue spring clean.
the pregnant stranger I got chatting to in
FASHION / BEAUTY / LIFESTYLE
MOSEDT
WANT !
‘You’ll feel
all bright
with this
no-bulb
Styling: Catherine Bennion-Pedley Photography: Wilfried Haubenberger Stockist: Rockett St George (Rockettstgeorge.co.uk)
beaut.’
LED lamp, £90, Rockett St George
FA S H I O N
1
HUE-RAY!
Colour block
aubergine and
biscuit for a
grown-up look.
Trench, £90, ASOS

Design at Asos.com;
dress, £150, Leem;
earrings, £17.99, Mango;
shoes, £42, Next
THE
FASHION
DIRECTOR’S
EDIT
Clean tailoring, new
colour combos and
a designer-looking
dress – it’s all going
on this month!
STYLING BY
TRACEY LEA SAYER
FA S H I O N
2
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Because black and white
always looks classy.
Top, £28, River Island; skirt, £29.99,
Reserved; cuff, £22.99, Zara; shoes,
£65, Charles & Keith
3
TAILOR-MADE TRIO
A three-piece suit that
comes in at £60? Sold!
Blazer, £28, waistcoat, £16, trousers,
£16, all George at Asda; earrings,
£17.99, Mango
FA S H I O N
4
WHITE ON!
Pure white has the
freshest feel for spring.
Corset, £37.99, dress, £44.99,
both H&M; earrings, £17.99, Zara
FA S H I O N
6
Photography Catherine Hack
Hair Dino Pereira using Fudge LEMON DROP
Make-up Aimee Adams using
Sculpted By Aimee Going somewhere dressy?
Model Camille at Body London
Stylist’s assistants Emily Regan & A fitted pastel suit looks
Frankie Martin
cool and contemporary.
Stockists
Aligne Aligne.co
Charles & Keith Charleskeith.co.uk Blazer, £165, trousers, £129, both Aligne;
George at Asda George.com earrings, £15.99, Zara; bag, £29.99,
H&M Hm.com
Leem Leem.com shoes, £49.99, both Mango
Mango Mango.com
Next Next.co.uk
Reserved Reserved.com
River Island Riverisland.com
Zara Zara.com
5
DESIGNER DETAIL
This dress has a clever
silk bra built in to give it
a gorgeous high-end edge.
Dress, £119, shoes,
£49.99, both Mango
BEAUTY
SPRING CLEAN
Make a fresh start and blitz your
cosmetics clutter with Beauty
Editor TARA LEDDEN ’s checklist
I
moved house this week and, much Plus Zinc 2% , £18, which I use twice
to my astonishment, it wasn’t my a day, as well as The Inkey List Omega
wardrobe or kitchen gadgets filling Water Cream, £11. For my body, I recently
most of the boxes – it was my started applying Elizabeth Arden Eight
seemingly never-ending stash of Hour Daily Hydrating Body Lotion,
beauty products. I thought I’d been ruthless £27, and I’m hooked! In the shower, I’m
and found new homes for all but the cleansing with Byoma Hydrating Body
essentials. But, after lugging five weighty Wash , £11.99.
cardboard boxes up four flights of stairs In terms of make-up, if anyone can
(inauspiciously, the lift was out of order), explain why I have no fewer than 10 red
I was humbled. As I’m in the process of lipsticks, when I’ve only worn a red lip twice
unpacking, I’ve vowed to only keep those in the last decade, then I’m all ears. Still, I
I consider indispensable. Here’s everything had to keep hold of one, just in case. I’ve let
that’s earned a place in my new home. two eyeshadow palettes stay, despite using
Glossier (Glossier.com), Hourglass (Cultbeauty.co.uk), Merit (Meritbeauty.com), Mermade Hair (Mermadehair.co.uk), Milk Makeup (Boots.com), Monday Muse (Mondaymuseskin.com), Nars (Boots.com), Naturium (Spacenk.com),
Oribe (Cultbeauty.co.uk), Paula’s Choice (Cultbeauty.co.uk), Peace Out (Lookfantastic.com), Tatcha (Spacenk.com), The Inkey List (Boots.com), Vichy (Boots.com), Vieve (Cultbeauty.co.uk), Westman Atelier (Cultbeauty.co.uk)
Naturally, shampoo and conditioner them bi-annually, but they felt too special
Stockists: Arkive (Boots.com), Batiste (Boots.com), Byoma (Cultbeauty.co.uk), Charlotte Tilbury (Charlottetilbury.com), Dior (Dior.com), Elizabeth Arden (Boots.com), Farmacy (Cultbeauty.co.uk), Gisou (Cultbeauty.co.uk),
are essentials for my hair, and I couldn’t to part with. I use Vieve Eye Wand, £23,
get a brush through my knotty post-wash and Glossier Lidstar Eyeshadow, £18,
locks without Arkive The Prologue Hair much more regularly, so they’re safe.
Primer, £13, and Arkive The Good Habit Then Merit The Minimalist Perfecting
Hybrid Oil, £14, so both of those are Complexion Foundation & Concealer
staying. There’s a running joke
in the office that the only
product I don’t share is Batiste
Dry Shampoo, £3.25, so it will
‘These products have
come as no surprise that I’m
keeping a couple of cans. I
worked hard to earn
don’t tend to use hairspray
or texture spray, but in case
a spot in my stash’
of emergencies, I’m keeping a
half-used can of Oribe Dry Texturizing Stick, £40, is a holy-grail product, and I’m
Spray, £46. Mermade Hair Wax Stick, keeping Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish
£12, as it helps me maintain a polished Airbrush Concealer, £35, as nothing
slicked-back ponytail. hides any seriously angry spots quite like it.
Even though I use no more than five For contour and bronzer, Milk Makeup
skincare products on a daily basis, this Sculpt Cream Contour Stick, £22, and
category contains by far the largest Matte Cream Bronzer Stick, £22, are
proportion of back-ups in my stash. Well, an unbeatable combo, while blush-wise
no more! When it comes to cleansers, I’m wedded to Westman Atelier Baby
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cheeks Blush Stick, £44. I’ve also kept
Cleansing Balm , £34, Monday Muse Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless
The Cleanser Soft Milky Gel, £28, and Setting Spray, £20, two lipsticks – Dior
Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse Daily Addict Shine Lipstick in Peony Pink,
Clarifying Gel Cleanser , £42, all make £37, and Nars Powermatte Lipstick
the cut. I’m also holding on to Paula’s in Tease Me, £26.50 – one lipliner,
Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic + Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Liner in
2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant, £35, Supersize Me, £21, and one lip oil, Gisou
as my acne has flared up and it’s helping to Honey Infused Lip Oil in Strawberry
prevent breakouts, alongside Peace Out Sorbet, £24.
Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots, £17. Anything I’ve missed can go, as if I’ve
There are also places in my bathroom forgotten it, it can’t be that sacred. Given
cabinet for Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic my job, it’s going to be hard to keep it this
Acid Hydrating Serum, £28, and pared-back, but I’m considering a strict
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% one-in-one-out policy, so fingers crossed!
Victoria’s
BEAUTY
SECRETS
Pop star, fashion designer, beauty mogul and now
perfumer – is there anything Mrs Beckham can’t do?
BY TARA LEDDEN
T
he first-ever concert I went THE VICTORIA LINE the A-list’s favourite stem-cell-research-
to was the Spice Girls when Boasting 30 different products, including professor-turned-skincare-expert
I was 13 years old, and to 35 lip shades and 23 eyeshadow hues, Augustinus Bader.
say I walked away with a Victoria Beckham Beauty’s ethos is based
new obsession would be an on functionality and bettering what’s BRAND IT LIKE BECKHAM
understatement. Posh Spice, AKA Victoria already available. Whatever your skill In the five years since Victoria Beckham
Beckham, was undoubtedly the prom level, there’s something for everyone. Beauty launched, it has quickly become
queen of the band. Cool and stylish, she’s Here are our top picks… one of the most prestigious brands around.
been an icon ever since she first stepped While many celebrity beauty ranges are
laughed off the shop shelf, not a bad word
has been said about VB’s eponymous line.
It’s clear that she hasn’t just lent her
name to the project, either – she plays an
up to the mic, bringing girl power to Satin Kajal Liner, £30 integral role in creating the products. In
the masses while styling out a slew of A real all-rounder, this clever pencil is fact, when co-founder Sarah Creal first
daring signature looks. After 30 years intensely pigmented and creamy enough to visited the Beckham family home ahead
in the limelight, it’s safe to say VB has apply all over lids like an eyeshadow, plus of developing the brand, Victoria had
done her fair share of performances, once it dries, it does not budge. already laid out 15 years’ worth of beauty
photo shoots and red-carpet products on the dining table, while the
appearances and, at this point, Posh Lipstick, brand’s tortoiseshell packaging is
what she doesn’t know about £37 inspired by a bowl in her kitchen.
looking good for the camera It comes in Despite being one of the biggest
isn’t worth knowing. perfect everyday names on the planet, everything
colours, it isn’t about the brand feels personal and
EYES ON THE PRIZE too shiny or considered, and the products are just
Of all her signature styles, nothing matte and won’t as hard-working as their creator. Clever
has been as consistent as VB’s dry out lips, while formats and carefully chosen shades,
smoky eye. The relaxed, slightly still delivering a a commitment to sustainability and
undone look is the type that says: good dose of a transparency that involves every
“I’ve made zero effort,” when in pigment. ingredient being listed, alongside a
reality it’s taken at least a handful of description of exactly what it does,
products and years to perfect. It’s not too Future Lash make Victoria Beckham Beauty
bold, so easily works for day or night, and Mascara, £32 a modern brand that appeals to
can be created in any shade to suit all skin A hero for anyone people in all walks of life – just
tones. In fact, we’ve got the iconic smudgy with sensitive eyes, the like the band that catapulted
shadow to thank for the creation of curved wand lifts lashes, its founder to fame.
Victoria Beckham Beauty in 2019. while the tubing formula
The Smoky Eye Wardrobe was the is easily removed with TAKING NOTES
first to hit the shelves – an 11-piece warm water, yet won’t If I asked you what you think
collection of shadows and liners, smudge throughout the day. Victoria Beckham smells like,
inspired by her all-time favourite sophisticated, unique and rich
make-up look, including Lid Lustre Reflect Highlighter would be fitting – and they’re an
(a shimmery pressed pigment Stick, £40 accurate description for the trio of
infused with actual crystals), Smoky Not at all glittery, shimmery or fragrances launched last autumn
Photography: Instagram/Victoria Beckham Beauty Stockist: Victoria Beckham Beauty (Victoriabeckhambeauty.com)

Eye Brick (a powder eyeshadow sticky, this nifty number is almost in the latest extension to the beauty
quad), and the viral Satin Kajal Liner undetectable on skin, yet makes brand. Inspired by key moments and
(a long-wearing pencil eyeliner). make-up look instantly better. If you memories of Victoria’s life, Portofino
At the time, Victoria said she want a “Posh” glow, look no further. ’97 evokes her first romantic getaway
was creating products she couldn’t with David to Italy, when nobody
find but wanted in her make-up Contour Stylus, £35 but their closest friends knew about
bag, and two of the shades sold Don’t be fooled by the precision wand the relationship, while Suite 302 is
out almost instantly, cementing – despite how thin it is, the creamy, inspired by whirlwind trips to Paris
the brand’s covetable status. semi-matte formula blends like butter for anniversaries and, more recently,
Since then, the beauty for natural-looking contouring. fashion shows, and San Ysidro Drive
line has exploded, and embodies the family’s time in
there’s not one dud The Daily Cleansing California. Priced from £170 for 50ml
in the range – from Protocol, £100 EDP, they’re eye-wateringly expensive,
comfortable lip tints, Developed with VB’s yet on a recent trip to Selfridges on
glow-giving sticks facialist Melanie Grant, the Oxford Street, I couldn’t get a look-in.
and a truly seamless set contains two cleansers The queues around the stand were
contour wand, to the to effectively clean skin, three-people deep, with a conveyor
science-led skincare without leaving it feeling belt of customers spritzing the scents
range made in dry or tight. for themselves, desperate for a whiff
collaboration with of the designer’s glamorous life.
The signs you have
mum burnout –
and how to fix it
Mothers are under more pressure than ever to ‘do it all’ – but at
what cost? If you’ve hit a wall, you’re not alone BY JESS HARRIS
W
alking into the school
playground after three
hours’ sleep, reeling
from a tiff with your
partner, you suddenly
remember you forgot the kids’ packed
lunches. About to implode, you fantasise
about the days pre-children when your
time was your own – then you feel guilty.
This could be just a typical parenting
day, or it could be the hallmarks of
parental burnout, warns Dr Sheryl
Ziegler, psychologist and author of
Mommy Burnout. She believes the
condition has worsened after the Covid
lockdowns, when parents had to care for GET
their children 24/7 with limited support. Disco MORE!
v
“The pandemic was the turning point for perso er your slee
nality p
it imp a
a lot of parents,” says Dr Ziegler. “Divorce acts y nd how
rates rose, people’s economic situations at Fab our healt
ulousm h
changed and children were delayed – co.uk. ag.
socially, cognitively and academically –
so more need additional services. These
things are all a huge strain on parents.”
WHAT IS MUM BURNOUT? release the stress and yet still feeling higher rates of anxiety and depression
According to a 2021 survey by Ohio like you’re not doing enough.” compared to men,” says Dr Ziegler.
State University, 68% of female parents Dr Ziegler says her anecdotal “As burnout syndrome is not [clinically]
reported feeling burnt out compared experience with clients suggest dads recognised, a lot of women will get
to 42% of males. While both genders transition through their days easier than diagnosed with depression when it’s
can suffer from parental burnout, the mums, who tend to be the ones to get actually burnout,” she adds.
odds are stacked against women. the call from school when their child is There are differences between
“We are mothering in a unique time sick, for example. “Dads aren’t usually burnout and depression. For example, a
of pressure, with more mothers doing sitting in a meeting and thinking about symptom of depression is that you find
paid work than ever before, but often their child,” says Dr Ziegler, who believes no joy in activities you once loved, like
still shouldering the majority of the women generally carry worries and reading. Burnout, however, can make
parenting, domestic and mental load,” concerns with them, while men are you feel too exhausted to do it. It can
says Zoe Blaskey, founder and host better able to compartmentalise. usually be attributed to one area of
of the podcast Motherkind. She The survey also found the number life, such as work or parenting, while
believes the main cause of mum of children in the home, kids with ADHD depression is an overwhelming feeling
burnout is: “Giving too much for too and parental anxiety were also risk factors of sadness and hopelessness. See your
long, without support or a way to for burnout. “Statistically, women have GP if you have persistent symptoms.
H E A LT H
to at your children, feeling a hot rage that you can’t

control, or going through the motions of caregiving DO YOU HAVE
but without the joy it used to bring. That then brings PARENTAL
feelings of guilt and shame that you’re not enjoying BURNOUT?
motherhood, and those feelings further exhaust you.” If you answer
There are physical signs, too – muscle pain, “yes” to three
headaches or stomach aches, for example. These are or more of
a result of stress hormones and tiredness, according Dr Sheryl Ziegler’s
to Dr Jenna Vyas-Lee, clinical psychologist and questions,
co-founder of mental healthcare clinic Kove. “If you you could be
wake up and think: ‘Here we go again,’ or: ‘I just can’t experiencing
cope,’ more than a couple of times a week, it’s most burnout.
likely to be parental burnout,” she says.
1 Do you wake up
still feeling tired,
even after the
UNDERSTANDING STRESS weekend?
Mum burnout can be very isolating. “It’s really
important to seek support from a friend, family 2 Do you feel
member or a parental mental health support detached and
organisation such as PANDAS,” says Zoe, who unsatisfied?
also covers burnout on her podcast.
Treating burnout requires a commitment 3 Do you struggle
to tackle it over time. “It’s vital that mums to concentrate or
understand how to release the stress they focus on tasks?
are feeling, because it’s holding on to it that is
a huge contributor to maternal burnout,” says 4 Do you often
Zoe. “We’ve been told that the secret to avoiding feel angry, irritable
burnout is to avoid stress – which is impossible or impatient?
as a mother – but stress isn’t the problem at all.
It’s only a problem when we don’t find a way of 5 Are you
releasing it and so don’t complete the ‘stress withdrawing from
cycle’ that tells our bodies we’re now safe.” those around you?
6 Do you have
trouble sleeping?
HOW TO MAKE CHANGES
As wonderful as it would be to end the day with a 7 Are you getting
long hot soak in the bath and meditation, the reality sick more often
is more likely to be wrestling the kids into pyjamas and for longer?
before falling asleep in one of their beds. So try to
weave scientifically proven stress-busters into your 8 Do you have
day. “A short burst of physical activity – 10 minutes of headaches,
boxing or HIIT, for example – and simple breathwork stomach aches or
are proven to complete the stress cycle,” says Zoe. muscle tension?
It’s also vital to make sleep a priority, so avoid screens
SPOTTING THE SIGNS and snacking in the evenings, and keep the lights 9 Do you think
Main image posed by models Photography: Getty Images Visit Drsherylziegler.com and Motherkind.co
Burnout is usually a result of workplace stress that is dimmed to prepare your body for rest. you shout at
unmanaged. While it is not a medical condition, it has “We also need to fuel our bodies with food that your children
been classified as a syndrome, meaning a collection of regulates our blood sugar for consistent energy too much?
symptoms or signs associated with a specific health- levels,” says Dr Ziegler. Try porridge with berries and
related cause. In terms of parental burnout, Belgian nuts for breakfast, and prep high-protein salads for 10 Are you
psychology researchers Isabelle Roskam and Moïra weekday lunches. For dinner, keep things simple – pop disinterested in
Mikolajczak, who have been studying it for several a tray in the oven with chopped vegetables, olive oil, a sex with your
years, describe it as a state of intense exhaustion in little feta cheese and lean meat, and keep the fruit partner?
which a parent becomes emotionally detached from bowl topped up for healthy snacking. But go easy on
their children, and doubtful of their capacity to be yourself – “beige foods” are a must sometimes, too. 11 Do you
a good mother or father. Signs may include limited “Lastly, have an accountability partner,” she adds. find yourself
tolerance, feelings of isolation, poor sleep, brain fog, “This could be a friend, family member or colleague, drinking too
confusion, forgetfulness and, above all, increased and you tell them what you want to do – whether it’s much alcohol?
stress. “If you’re constantly feeling this way, it’s most a regular walk in nature, taking time to apply a face
likely to be parental burnout as opposed to regular mask or reading a book. It’s someone other than 12 Do intrusive
fatigue from being a busy parent,” says Dr Ziegler. yourself who can either do these things with you or thoughts impact
Zoe agrees that it’s an extreme tiredness that hold you accountable to reinforce these habits.” your day?
won’t shift. “It’s snapping way more than you want For help and support, visit Pandasfoundation.org.uk.
ADVICE
Apprentice star and West Ham United vice-chair

KARREN BRADY answers your careers
questions, plus try our money-saving tips
I work in communications for a charity and I used to enjoy our team
meetings, as we’d bounce ideas off each other. But, lately, my manager
has been treating our meetings more like therapy sessions, oversharing
personal information and asking us to tell our stories, too, which makes
me feel very uncomfortable. I think it’s unprofessional to be put on the
spot to talk about personal issues in a work meeting, but as she’s my
manager, I don’t know how to broach the subject. Help! Mariam, via email
First, reflect on specific instances that have made you uncomfortable, so you can
articulate your concerns effectively. In a one-to-one meeting with your manager,
start by acknowledging the positive aspects of team meetings and expressing
appreciation for the open communication. This helps set a positive tone. Then
explain that you feel the agenda has changed recently, with a focus more on
personal experiences and less on work. Use “I” statements to avoid blame. For
example: “I feel uncomfortable discussing personal matters in a work setting,”
rather than: “You bring up personal matters, which makes me feel uncomfortable.”
Explain that you enjoy your job and work relationships, and suggest that perhaps
there could be a separate forum for personal conversations where people can
choose to interact. Also, ask your manager to share their perspective so you
understand their intentions and can work together to find a solution that is
comfortable for everyone. If you approach the conversation with professionalism
and honesty, you can hopefully maintain a good relationship with your manager.
Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
5 ways to save on... Concert tickets

From seat-filling can also be a bargain. For example, n GO FOR PRE-SALE TICKETS
to bagging freebies, we found some limited-view tickets Most venues have options such as
The Sun’s Consumer to see John Mayer at The O2 in discounted basic seats or VIP packages,
Compiled by: Claire Frost Photography: Mark Hayman, Wilfried Haubenberger Karren cannot answer emails personally
Reporter Lyndsey London for just £42.50, while the most so buying pre-sale means you’re more
Young reveals how expensive seated ticket was £115. likely to bag the cheaper tickets before
you can see your You can check the view from certain they sell out. Reward scheme pre-sales,
favourite performers live for less. seats via the venue’s website or on such as O2 Priority, and ticketing sites like
Aviewfrommyseat.co.uk. Ticketmaster and AXS tend to go live 48
n CHECK DEAL SITES n USE REWARD POINTS hours before general sale, so sign up for Content is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice
A good place to start is looking at Some rewards clubs offer the chance newsletters and Spotify News And Offers.
seat-filler sites – if sales are low, venues to spend your points on VIP concert n ENTER COMPETITIONS
and promoters give away cheap or free access. For example, Virgin Red gives Search online for giveaways and
tickets so they can avoid having empty members the ability to earn points competitions or tune in to radio stations,
seats. Central Tickets has a good range, when shopping at its selected partners. which often offer tickets and prizes.
with prices from £4 to £15, and is free You don’t need to be a Virgin customer Independent record-store chain Rough
to join, as long as you make at least one and it’s free to join. If you accumulate Trade hosts events for bands that you
booking a year. My Box Office also sells 45,000 points, this could get you access can get access to just by purchasing their
seat-filling tickets, but you will need to to the VIP Virgin Red Room at the album, which is a great way to see live
pay a £15 membership fee to join. Manchester AO Arena for the Girls music for less. Ticketing app Dice has
n CHOOSE SEATS CAREFULLY Aloud concert this May, plus fast-track even been known to offer free tickets to
Standing tickets are often cheaper than access so you can skip the queues, concerts and gigs, so it could be worth
seated, while tickets with a “limited view” and complimentary parking. downloading for a chance to win.
HOMES
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ANYONE FOR
DESERT? Make like a cowgirl and have
the adventure of a lifetime in
Arizona, says Digital Editor
LYDIA MAJOR
Lydia horsing around
I
n his distinctive Southern drawl,
Rocco, the 63-year-old head cowboy
at Arizona Cowboy College, tells us:
“Two loops around your head, then
let the rope go like a dart.” Five
attempts later and I’ve lassoed my first
calf, albeit a plastic replica.
“Yeehaw!” I whoop, channelling my
inner Beth from Yellowstone. Rocco turns
and walks towards me, his spurs chinking
in the dusty sand. “Do 50 of those in a row pickle ball courts, as well as stunning
and I’ll let you try on a horse and with the panoramic views of the Four Peaks and
real herds,” he mutters without a hint of McDowell mountain range by day and the
a smile. I laugh nervously as he hands me incredible starry skies by night. Spacious,
back the rope. modern double rooms cost from £156
The sun is beating down and with a per night (Aderoscottsdale.com).
backdrop of desert, mountains and huge, But while my hotel robe and sunset
towering saguaro cacti, it’s the perfect margaritas are tempting, I’ve caught
start to my first big, kid-free adventure the cowgirl bug, so I stop by Scottdale’s
here in America’s Southwest. Cowtown Boots. This warehouse-size
Crack on at Cowboy College store has aisle upon aisle of the coolest
STETSON SESSIONS cowboy boots I’ve ever seen – from £100
Established in 1894, the town of Scottsdale, – then there’s also plaid
which sits in Arizona’s Valley Of The Sun, shirts, rodeo-ready jeans
was once the stomping ground of outlaws and hats galore.
like Billy The Kid. Now, there’s everything
from boutique clothes shops to luxury OH, RODEO
spas, but there are still plenty of places Sufficiently suited and
to make you feel like you’ve just stepped booted, I head to my
into a Wild West film. first-ever rodeo. Forty
After my crash course at Cowboy minutes’ drive north of
College – half-day experiences cost £120 Shop to it in downtown Scottsdale downtown Scottsdale,
per person (Cowboycollege.com) – The there’s a small town called
Rusty Spur saloon bar in the Old Town Vintage By Misty (Vintagebymisty.com). Cave Creek, where I find
makes for the perfect place to continue The next day, with my back sore from The Buffalo Chip Saloon
my country-girl moonlighting. I swig a lassoing, I book a 50-minute Amethyst And Steakhouse. As well as
local beer as a country singer performs Awakening Massage, £125, at the Adero bringing in the crowds every
to the Stetson-wearing crowd, then I head Resort spa, where I’m staying. At this chic Wednesday and Friday
off for a rifle through the Old Town’s spot nestled in the desert hills there are for live bull-riding nights,
vintage shops, including the legendary two outdoor pools, a hot tub, tennis and there’s cracking live country
T R AV E L
Build your own epic Bloody Mary at Hash Kitchen
music and kids trying their hand at the Scottsdale’s centre. I soon realise that the
affectionately coined “mutton bustin’” – AKA 1.14 mile Echo Canyon Trail up Camelback
the children’s equivalent of bull riding, but Mountain, is half hike, half rock climb, but Get heart eyes for pretty Hermosa Inn
on sheep – which is priceless entertainment. the sweeping view of the Valley Of The Sun
The Buffalo Chip also backs itself for when I reach the top makes it well worth gardens and breathtaking desert vistas of
serving the best Texas-style barbecued the challenging hour it takes me. the Camelback Mountain also help to make
meats, and the half a pound of smoked For a post-hike brunch, Hash Kitchen it the perfect respite for my final stop. Its
bone-in pork butt, £9.50, is mouth-watering. in the northern part of Scottsdale is a eatery, Lon’s, is often hailed as Arizona’s
With my body feeling like it’s 80% buzzy hangout loved by locals and home most romantic spot, thanks to its alfresco
barbecue and 20% beer, I’m craving some to the state’s largest build-your-own Bloody tables nestled among festoon-lit trees, and
exercise, and handily there are 400 miles Mary bar, featuring a dizzying array of I tuck into divine chilli shrimp terrine, £16,
of hiking trails within 20 minutes’ drive of concoctions you can mix up. With a live and fillet steak, £55, under the stars. Rooms
DJ and a creative menu of super-sized cost from £271 per night (Hermosainn.com).
hashes and over-the-top pancakes, I opt I wrap up my American adventure with
for the enormous Ham(mer) Time a sunset horseback ride through Tonto
sandwich of American cheese, crispy hash National Forest, a 40-minute drive away.
browns, fried eggs and hollandaise, £15, and There’s not a building to be seen for miles,
of course, a classic Bloody Mary, £9.50. just rocky desert hills, sandy paths winding
Photography: Getty Images, Instagram/Hash Kitchen, John Woodcock
around juniper trees and the iconic cacti

PARADISE PICKS slowly becoming silhouettes
The Hermosa Inn, a boutique against the bright-red sunset.
hideaway in Scottsdale’s FYI A 21/2-hour ride costs from £199
Paradise Valley, was built in Plan your trip at (Windwalkerexpeditions.com).
the ‘30s by flamboyant cowboy Experience As the night chill starts to
artist Lon Megargee and it scottsdale.com. nip, I get off Rap my horse
still oozes character, with its to find I now have a walk that
43 luxury casitas – AKA little Return flights from John Wayne – and Rocco the
houses – complete with roll-top the UK to Phoenix cowboy – would be impressed
baths, beehive fireplaces and cost from £612. by. Yes, I’m in pain, but I’d do
A pool with a view at the Adero Resort private patios. Six acres of lush it all again…
LASAGN-YEAH! If you thought there was only one way to enjoy lasagne, these
two twists on the family fave will blow your mind…
CRISPY DUCK
PANCAKE LASAGNE
SERVES 6 *150g pickled
Prep time red cabbage,
15 mins drained
Cooking time *2 carrots,
1 hr peeled and
Cals 438 grated
Sat fat 5g *6 spring onions,
finely sliced, plus
*2 crispy extra to serve
aromatic half *12-15 Chinese-
ducks style pancakes
*300g jar *10g toasted
hoisin sauce sesame seeds
1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/

180°C fan/gas mark 6. Cook the
duck following the instructions
on the packaging. Once cooked,
remove the skin and shred the
meat with two forks. Place the
shredded duck in a bowl, add
100g hoisin sauce and stir to
coat all the meat.
2 To make the slaw, place the
red cabbage, carrots and spring
onions in a large bowl. Add 100g
hoisin sauce and stir to combine.
3 Cover the base of a 25 x 20cm
ovenproof dish with 4 or 5
pancakes – as the pancakes are
thin and delicate, overlap each
pancake to make the layers more
robust. Top with half of the duck,
then half of the slaw. Repeat the
layers once more. Finish with
a third layer of pancakes. Pour
over the remaining 100g hoisin
sauce, spread to cover the top
layer of pancakes, then cover
the dish with foil.
4 Bake in the hot oven for
20-25 minutes or until the
lasagne is bubbling. Remove the
foil, scatter the sesame seeds
over the top and return to the
oven for a further 5 minutes.
5 Remove the dish from the
oven and allow the lasagne to
cool for a few minutes before
scattering over a handful of
spring onion curls, then slicing
and serving.
3
RECIPES
OF THE
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SERVES 4 CHICKEN QUESADILLA LASAGNE

Prep time 15 mins
Cooking time 1 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion
45 mins and peppers and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the chicken Peperami Tapas,
Cals 799 to the pan along with the fajita seasoning mix. Stir to combine and £2 for six sticks, Tesco
Sat fat 18g cook for a further 3 minutes, or until the chicken is browned. Tip in Are you “a bit of an animal”?
the chopped tomatoes, then rinse the can with around 100ml cold Then you’ll love the latest
Compiled by: Kirsty Spence Photography: Steve Painter Stockists: Asda (Asda.com), Jelly Belly (Jellybelly.co.uk), Tesco (Tesco.com)
*2tbsp water and add this to the pan. Simmer for a further 5 minutes, update to the famous sticks
vegetable oil stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. of joy – a fancy new range
*1 onion, roughly 2 Put the refried beans into a small saucepan and warm them over of chorizo and salami snacks,
chopped a low heat, adding a splash of cold water to loosen them. The beans perfect with a glass of vino.
*2 red peppers, don’t need to be piping hot, as they’ll be going in the oven.
chopped into 3 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Take a 20cm
bite-size chunks round ovenproof dish or one that matches the size of your tortillas.
*3 skinless, Cover the base of the dish with the first tortilla. Spread 2-3tbsp of
boneless chicken the sour cream over the tortilla, then half of the
breasts, chopped chicken before topping with half of the refried beans.
into chunks Dollop 2 heaped tbsp of the tomato salsa over the
*30g sachet fajita beans, then scatter 50g of cheese. Repeat these
seasoning mix layers once more. Finish with a third tortilla wrap. Cover
*400g tin chopped with the remaining sour cream, salsa and cheese.
tomatoes 4 Bake in the hot oven for 30-40 minutes or until
*400g tin refried piping hot all the way through, and the cheese is Cheesies, from £1.50, Asda
beans gooey and melted. If the cheese is already browning Breath fresheners at the ready,
*3-4 tortilla wraps but the lasagne isn’t yet piping hot, cover the top because these crunchy
*150ml sour cream with foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking. cheese-tastic munchies are
*200g tomato salsa 5 Remove the dish from the oven and allow Between The Sheets too moreish to deny. Pick up
*150g cheddar, the lasagne to cool for 5 minutes before slicing by Sarah Wordie a bag for your daily dose of
grated and serving. (£16.99, Murdoch vitamin c(heese).
Books) is out now.
PUZZLES
PICTOGRAMS Say what 1 2 3
S+ -H +O +
you see in the pictures to
work out these interior design
styles (answers below right).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sinead McIntyre
12
Deputy Editor Gayle Schoales
Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney 13 14 15
Creative Director Mark Hayman
Assistant Editor Claire Frost
Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer
16 17 18
FEATURES Celebrity Editor
Kelly Allen Senior Writer Donna Smiley
Entertainment Writer Anna Clarke
LIFESTYLE Lifestyle Editor Catherine 19 20 21 22 23
Bennion-Pedley Beauty Editor Tara Ledden
24
Beauty Assistant Mia Lyndon
Acting Health Features Editor 25 26 27
Vanessa Chalmers
FASHION 020 7782 7194 28
Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend
29 30 31
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale
Fashion Assistant Emily Regan 32 33
ART Art Director Laura Cunningham
Deputy Art Director Rob Lavery 34 35 36
Senior Designer Jade Leighfield Acting
Senior Designer Sasha Cunningham
PICTURES Picture Director 37 38 39 40 41
Alan Gittos Picture Editor Jenny Hodges
Contributing Picture Editor 42
Ruth Greatrex Deputy Picture Editor
43 44 45 46 47
Antoinette Cumberbatch
COPY Deputy Production Editor/
Food Editor Kirsty Spence Deputy
Chief Sub-Editor Danielle Woodward 48 49 50
Sub-Editor Zoë Huxford
DIGITAL Digital Editor Lydia Major
Syndication Lee Armstrong 020 7711 7824 51 52
Customer Services 020 7782 4000
AWARDS
Best Writer – Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle BSME 2023 ACROSS 39 Fairy, elf (6) 9 Gum for sticking (5) 45 Of sailors, marine (5)
Rising Star The Fragrance Foundation UK 1 Book-keeping (11) 41 Be prepared (5,2) 10 Opposite of finished (7) 47 Ocean’s reef material (5)
Jasmine Awards 2023 7 Instruments for drawing 43 Surgical cut (8) 11 Knowledge and skill
Editor of the Year BSME 2022 circles (9) 46 Draw air into the lungs (7) acquired (10) SOLUTIONS
Best Campaign BSME 2022 13 Feverishly busy (6) 47 Plane’s staff (4) 12 End a dispute (6) April 7, 2024 crossword
ACROSS 1 Criticism 6 Turquoise
Lifestyle Site of the Year The Drum Awards 2022 14 Observers (7) 48 Spiced sausage (6) 20 ___ Dawson, 14 Adjourn 15 Immerse 16 Carlo
Highly commended – Newspaper Magazine 15 Boggy, marshy (6) 49 Elected to office (5,2) Rent and Ahsoka actress (7)
17 Stir 18 Victoria 19 Termite
20 Breathalyse 22 Coarsest
Editor of the Year BSME 2019
16 Shock into silence (4) 50 Fruit-flavoured water-ice 22 Scientific notions (8) 25 Nibble 27 Acclaim 28 Cigar
Best Stylist BSME 2018 31 Swotted up 32 Hairspray
17 Tell again (7) dessert (6) 23 Add together, calculate (3,2) 36 Abdul 37 Elected 38 Wisdom
Editor of the Year BSME 2017
18 Jumpers (8) 51 Doorstep a bride is 24 TV ___, schedules of
40 Rickshaw 42 Opinion poll
Best Picture Editor BSME 2016 46 Careful 48 Enlisted 49 Stay
Best Original Feature Idea (Digital) BSME 2013 19 Par for the course (7) traditionally carried across (9) programmes (8) 51 Dated 52 Observe 53 Iced bun
54 Propelled 55 Adventure
Editor of the Year BSME 2012 21 RC churchman (6) 52 Attract lots of attention (4,1,6) 27 Headache tablet (7) DOWN 2 Rejoice 3 Thug
Interviewer of the Year (Popular) BPA 2011 23 Cleared up (6) 28 Yes, you’re doing it right 4 Cannibal 5 Saintly 7 Unreal
8 Question mark 9 Occur
New Editor of the Year BSME 2011 25 Britain’s Got Talent judge (6,5) DOWN (5,3,4) 10 Survive 11 Waistband
12 Emergency 13 Foresters
Art Director of the Year BSME 2011 26 Cricket game (4,5) 2 With artistic flair (10) 30 Overnight stopping place (5) 21 Told tales 23 Reception
29 Person reminding actors 3 Frequently (5) 32 Car-window cleaning 24 Hazard 26 Bowed 27 Amused
29 Guard 30 Vegetable oil
of their lines (8) 4 Native country of product (10) 33 Barricade 34 Strollers
©News Group Newspapers Ltd, 2024. Published
31 Solo dance performed Bianca Jagger (9) 33 Incapacity, infirmity (10) 35 Employing 39 Lifelike
41 Curator 43 Instead 44 October
and licensed by News Group Newspapers Ltd,
by a sailor (8) 5 Useful suggestions, 36 Testifiers in court (9) 45 Jessie 47 Fed up 50 Rest
1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF (020 7782 5000).
Printed at Walstead York Limited, Yorkshire. 34 Approaching aggressively (9) guidance (6) 38 Fire ___, emergency service (7) Pictograms
Not to be sold separately. 35 Person who casts metal 6 Pattern of black and 40 Deduction from a bill (6) 1 Scandi
2 Art deco
in a factory (11) white squares (12) 42 Straight away (2,4) 3 Boho
37 Small pet rodent (6) 8 Desert waterhole (5) 44 If only! (1,4)
HOROSCOPES
WITH MAGGIE INNES

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TAURUS GEMINI
APR 21 – MAY 21 MAY 22 – JUNE 21
As planets of joy and Focus on what you give
invention join up in your sign, ideas to people and the world, rather
rocket off the scale – especially if than what you take. Jupiter’s
you seek to impress or entertain. generous spirit is so strong, while
Your words can be the right ones, Uranus nurtures imagination.
but they need to be spoken or Together they make a dream team
written within the next month. Your for finding true success. If you’re
personal passion energy is unique, in a relationship, the sun warns
and a partner’s mind can change. against a secret with too much
Single? Chuck out a must-have list power. Single? Venus highlights
and let your heart choose. a kind but cute new neighbour.
CANCER LEO
JUNE 22 – JULY 22 JULY 23 – AUG 23
Zodiac emphasis falls Ambitions that may have
firmly on your zone of friendships simmered on a back-burner for
and community. If you feel you’ve years can suddenly boil over as
had to play a part, this can end, as Jupiter and Uranus cook up a
you find the freedom to speak and unique chart match. Career-wise,
act with honesty. Any short-term Your own worth is the key driver this week, as the sun moves to your a U-turn or sudden switch can go
waves can lead to lasting calm. financial sector and Jupiter and Uranus form a conjunction. There’s well. Plus, you have a knack this
As for love, a personal moon means personal freedom to pursue a path that may have felt closed off week for pushing passion through
feelings may be strong, but you before, plus you have the courage of your convictions, ready to see barriers, as you don’t let them stop
can control them – and give and through any deal. The world is opening wide – just for you. you. Body language that may have
receive some brilliant news. puzzled you makes perfect sense.
VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS

AUG 24 – SEPT 22 SEPT 23 – OCT 23 OCT 24 – NOV 22 NOV 23 – DEC 21
The sun’s in your new A momentous planet The role of go-between Career and health firsts
horizons chart for the next few match-up powers your zone of may not feel like your natural are the theme of your week, as you
weeks, and this energises you to inner peace – you can accept star space, but you are a gifted swap planning for action and take
seize chances instead of letting what you can’t change, while negotiator this week. You can get key steps. You know where you
others go first, or waiting and also going ahead with a personal people talking better than any want to go, and you no longer
watching. But you have the inner transformation that may surprise other zodiac sign. This can benefit need to pretend otherwise. The
strength of Saturn, too, to select everyone who thinks they know others, but also yourself – as you game-changing blend of Jupiter
the perfect people to smooth your you. This is a week for emotional see so clearly who you need in and Uranus opens up your future
path. Passion is deeply instinctive, goals – the moon reminds you your future. At work, tomorrow to love that can feel challenging,
thanks to Venus, and you know that you have a right to be happy. takes shape when you focus on yet always right. If you’re single,
Illustration: Getty Images/Yordanka Poleganova Photography: Disney, Getty Images
what to do, who with and when. Luck highlights an initial “H”. loving what you do today. this can link you to a tender Taurus.
PHONE MEG’S LIVE PSYCHICS
CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES ON 0905 005 8102 OR TO PAY
DEC 22 – JAN 20 JAN 21 – FEB 18 FEB 19 – MAR 20 BY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD CALL
Release, re-thinking and “Good enough” can turn If you suddenly feel free 08000 356 684 OR MOBILE
USERS CALL 020 7111 6406
reframing are your guiding lights. into “great” as you reassess family to speak from the heart, these are TEXT A PSYCHIC. JUST TEXT
You can look at everything and life and make big decisions. This power planets at work. Be cautious MEG THEN A SPACE AND YOUR
everyone and see a different way time, your chart is supportive but about repeating secrets or gossip QUESTION TO 84122
forward. Change that comes from selective, so you have the energy to – stick to what you know to be true. Calls cost £1.50 per minute plus your
inside is so much more valuable not give up when you choose the At work, you can get talks going telephone company’s network access
charge. You must have bill payer’s
now than rules other people seek right goals, though only you know again, and negative voices can be permission. Calls recorded for your
protection. Max call duration 19 mins for
to impose on you. In love? Trying what these are. Loved-up? A moon silenced. With Venus settled in your 0905 number. Over 18s only. These services
are for entertainment only. SMS cost £1 per
again or harder is a sign of strength, of memories draws two hearts finances sector, money options received message, max 3 messages per
but do set limits. Single? A flirty back in time. Still looking? The One lose their ability to scare you. Love reply. UK only. To opt out of free promo
messages call Helpline: 020 7111 6210. SP:
new face has serious intentions. works in the wellbeing industry. choices bring a personal bonus. Inveroak.com, PO Box 10015, CM1 9HH.
CELEBRITY
Resilience
...and me
Author MARIAN KEYES, 60,
on surviving rehab, having Botox and
why writing will always be hard
G
oing to rehab when I was 30 was the best mistake I’ve
ever made. If I’d known what it was really like, I’d never
have gone! I went in thinking it would be a couple of
weeks away from my life, but I came out realising that
I was an alcoholic and had been in a very dark place.
If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t be where I am today – I’d likely not be alive.
I’ve always been very open about my alcoholism and depression,
but I never set out to talk about it all – I just lack boundaries. But
knowing that speaking and writing about these things has actually
helped other people makes me really glad. It’s a real Irish thing to
laugh about your misfortunes, rather than wail and weep at them,
and as the eldest of five children, it was the way I was brought up.
Being in recovery is very much part of who I still am today.
I have used my own experiences in my books, however I’ve
also written about loads of things I’ve never been through, so I
research and talk to people who have been through these things.
But I still often get asked if every character is actually based on
myself. I don’t think a man would get asked that – he would be lie down and go to sleep! But change can also be great. My nieces
lauded for it – but society seems to think women can only lean on and nephews came over and sorted through things, which was
their lived experiences, which is madness. lovely, and my 23-year-old niece went
Twenty-nine years ago, when my home with all my Noughties clothes
first novel Watermelon was published,
writing saved me. Now, my 16th novel
‘If I hadn’t gone to that I’m never going to wear again.
I turned 60 in September, and we
has just been released, and it’s about
accepting all the mistakes we make and
rehab, I wouldn’t celebrated with a family party at my
mum’s house. I adored having all the
that, as we get older, we learn to stop
constantly reaching for perfection.
be here today’ people I love around me. I don’t think
anyone enjoys their own big party – I lie
I’ve definitely got better at editing my awake at night worrying I didn’t speak to
writing over the years – when I started out I didn’t have any that person, or spend enough time with another person – so I kept
experience at all, I hadn’t done a creative writing course or my birthday small. But my family did make me Keanu Reeves
anything. I thought you had to put absolutely everything on cupcakes and got me a crown and a banner, which I loved.
the page, but now I’ve learned that you only need the best bits. I’ve always enjoyed getting older, but I have recently thought:
“No, it’s getting a bit much now, I want to slow it down!” I feel a lot
W
riting a book is hard. I always have to remind myself younger than my age, and there are so many things I still want to
that it’s about writing something appallingly bad and do. Without sounding morbid, some days I do think about being in
then eventually writing something slightly less appalling the third phase of my life, but my mum Mary is 92 and still so
by the time I’m finished. It’s always a challenge, especially writing funny and as sharp as a tack, so I try not to worry too much.
the ending. But having said all of that, it is my dream job and I am I’d love to say that my skin looks so good because I drink eight
so lucky to do it. gallons of water, stay out of the sun and use a miracle night cream,
Recently, my husband Tony [Baines, 61, who works as her but the truth is I have Botox and Profhilo fillers. I wish I could
assistant] and I moved house, and we’d lived in our previous resist the conditioning that, as a woman, I have to stay looking
property for 26 years, so it feels like a seismic change. Bringing young – that I was more evolved, but I’m not!
Words: Claire Frost Photography: Dean Chalkley
all the things down from the attic where they were nice and safe My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes (£22, Michael Joseph)
and couldn’t hurt me felt overwhelming – it made me want to is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook.
NEXT WEEK IN FABULOUS… Exclusive Ruby Mae interview * The rise of ‘meno-rexia’
* The hot-girl-summer dresses to buy now * Recipes for hosting a Mexican fiesta
SUNDAYS
JUST GOT EVEN
MORE EPIC
TOM ALLEN ON VIRGIN RADIO SUNDAYS FROM 12:30PM

ASK ALEXA OR GOOGLE HOME TO PLAY VIRGIN RADIO LISTEN ON DAB RADIO

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