What are the new kids on the block when it comes to your potential hair and beauty needs? These could be just what you’re looking for.

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As one of the world’s most popular drinks, tea has offered regular respite to workers for years and is a staple in UK kitchens. However, it’s not just for drinking. That’s right – those little green, black and white leaves are full of beneficial compounds that have both health and beauty benefits.

Take catechins, a type of polyphenol for instance. They’re found in green, white and black tea, and work to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, feed good bacteria in the gut ,and improve mental clarity.

When used in beauty these same compounds are potent antioxidants, providing protection against free radicals from pollution and the sun. They also help keep the skin barrier healthy, reduce puffiness and help guard against fine lines and wrinkles. Read on to discover more about beau-tea and our current favourite products for skin, hair and body.

Green People Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30, £23

Sunscreen is one of those products we know we should use every day, but how many of us do? With the onset of sunnier days, now’s a good time to start – and this cream is a nourishing way to do so. It’s full of organic ingredients, including green tea (which is anti-ageing and protects against skin damage from UV rays), aloe vera (soothing), antioxidant edelweiss and moisturising cocoa butter. What’s more, it doesn’t leave a white cast and it’s reef-safe.

Q&A Caffeine Eye Serum, £6.95

Fade dark circles with this toning eye serum. It contains green tea extract (which has a powerful antioxidant effect, reducing lines and puffiness under the eyes) and caffeine (to help get rid of fluid retention and lighten dark circles). There’s also antioxidant pomegranate extract for good measure. Simply apply a little under your eyes every morning – it’s not sticky and sinks in quickly – then you’re good to go!

Weleda Slow Aging Astaxanthin Face Serum Drops, £12.95

Add these drops to your regular moisturiser or use them alone as an extra defence against pollution and free radicals. They contain white tea extract, which contains even more polyphenols than green tea as it’s less processed, giving you the same beneficial effects but more so. White tea is anti-inflammatory, reduces redness and soothes the skin. It’s also anti-ageing, helping prevent collagen and elastin loss, so reducing the look of fine lines. 

Spa Ceylon White Jasmine Day Hydrating Serum, £35

Green tea is just one of the nourishing ingredients in this serum, which also contains jasmine oil to tone and brighten, witch hazel for freshness and aloe vera for its soothing and cooling properties. The tea not only works to reduce inflammation and protect against environmental damage, but along with liquorice, bearberry and watercress it helps prevent hyperpigmentation and reduces the appearance of dark spots. Apply after cleansing and before moisturising.

Nanogen Shampoo Luxe, £10.95

The green tea in this shampoo works its antioxidant wonder on your head and hair. This is one of the few shampoos that doesn’t irritate my itchy scalp (yet another menopause symptom I wasn’t prepared for) and I do wonder if that’s thanks to the tea. It also leaves my hair feeling soft and lightweight almost, without looking thin. Other ingredients include keratin to strengthen hair and beta glucan, which hydrates and soothes.

Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Mask, £22

Whether you have the occasional dry patch or you’re plagued by a sensitive scalp, this mask can take away the itch. It contains green tea, which not only protects against environmental damage, thanks to its potent antioxidants, but it also soothes and reduces inflammation, while salicylic acid exfoliates away dead skin cells. Use once a week and apply to damp scalp before shampooing. You’ll need to use a full tube each time.

By Terry Tea to Tan Lip & Cheek, £26

The latest launch by luxury beauty brand By Terry brings tea to your daily make-up! It’s Tea to Tan Lip & Cheek combines colour with skincare benefits in a light, tinted serum. Ingredients include black tea for its powerful antioxidant properties, red tea to smooth and refresh, and bio-active cherry blossom extract for anti-ageing. The result is buildable colour that hydrates your skin at the same time for up to 24 hours.

Miller Harris Tea Tonique, £95

Tea has a refreshing, somewhat sharp aroma that brings a unique quality to this fragrance. Coupled with the citrussy perfume of bergamot and the smoky smell of birch tar, the effect is a heady brew that’s uplifting and fresh. And it lasts. Top notes of bergamot, petitgrain and lemon give way to heart notes of Earl Grey, green tea, mate and nutmeg on a base of musk and birch tar. Gorgeous.

The Body Shop White Tea & Elderflower Body Butter, £19

The freshness of white tea is put to good use in this body butter and combines well with the floral sweetness of elderflower. It’s the kind of uplifting fragrance that’s perfect for spring and early summer, bringing scents of cucumber and citrus to join the party then melting into a base of musk and cedarwood. The combination of shea and cocoa butters makes for a rich, moisturising cream that soothes dryness and is a treat to use.

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If your dermal filler appointments seem to be happening more frequently, you’re not alone. The UK dermal filler market, worth £500 million in 2024, continues to boom – yet the issue of longevity is being discussed in clinics across the country. Aesthetic doctors are hearing more and more: “It used to last a year… now it’s gone in six months.” 

So, what has changed? Is it the product itself, or perhaps part and parcel of the aging process? According to leading aesthetic doctors Dr Richard Devine and Dr Emma Goulding, longevity is influenced by far more than genes and the syringe itself.

Metabolism matters
The first factor that could be affecting the lifespan of your dermal filler is your metabolism. A recent report by Sport England revealed that today a record number of us are taking part in sport and physical activities, which means that as a nation, we are exercising and training harder than ever before. “All hyaluronic acid filler is gradually broken down by the body,” explains Dr Emma Goulding. “But the rate at which that happens varies hugely from person to person. Higher metabolic rates, intense exercise and overall lifestyle can absolutely influence how quickly the body processes filler.” In other words, the healthier and more active a person is, the faster their body may clear their filler.

The skinny jab effect
Another side effect of the spike is weight management medications, with doctors seeing changes in our facial structure. “Rapid weight loss can alter the scaffolding of the face,” says Dr Richard Devine. “When underlying fat reduces, filler can appear to dissipate faster – not necessarily because it’s gone, but because the surrounding support has changed.” It’s not always disappearance. Sometimes it’s redistribution and structural shift.

Refined new look
Technique could also be behind your dermal filler’s perceived prompt retreat. Recent trends have shifted away from the overfilled looks, and today ‘microdosing’, ‘baby filler’ or simply striving for an elevated but natural look reign supreme. “In general, practitioners are now placing smaller amounts with far more precision,” explains Dr Goulding. “Modern aesthetics is about refinement and balance rather than obvious augmentation. That can mean results look softer – and patients may perceive them as fading sooner.” Put simply, less overcorrection means less dramatic longevity.

A biological reality—rarely discussed regarding long-term filler use—also exists. Repeated filler treatments stimulate increased enzymatic activity in some individuals, which means the body breaks down hyaluronic acid more efficiently. “Filler doesn’t stop working,” explains Dr Devine. “But over time, the body responds differently. That’s why you should reassess the situation rather than simply repeating the same plan year after year.”

A turn toward collagen, not volume
Finally, a philosophical shift explains why filler feels different today. “We are moving away from chasing volume,” says Dr Goulding. “Patients today prioritise skin quality and long-term collagen support. Treatments that stimulate your own tissue often create results that feel more stable and natural over time.” Dr Devine agrees. “Doctors can improve the skin’s foundation through the strategic use of regenerative treatments. When you strengthen the framework, you rely less on repeat filler.”

So perhaps the conversation isn’t really about filler failing. It’s about expectations evolving. While longevity was once measured in months, it is now often measured in harmony, skin health and how well the face ages over time. And perhaps that’s not a downgrade – it is progress.

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Planning a wedding is often described as one of the most magical, yet stressful, experiences in life. In fact, a poll of 500 engaged or newlywed couples revealed 96% experience significant stress during the planning process. But there’s good news, as artificial intelligence is helping ease that burden. In fact, 60% of engaged couples are already turning to AI-powered virtual assistants to streamline their wedding planning process. Tools like ChatGPT can help manage complex tasks from start to finish, such as creating wedding plan blueprints, coordinating suppliers, and calculating budgets. These smart and efficient solutions are not only reducing stress but also cutting costs along the way.

Want a few more ways AI can help? Here are 10 tips to get you started.

Wedding plan blueprint

To create a wedding plan, prompt ChatGPT with your details and let it know you’re unsure where to start. Ask it to generate 15-20 questions to help guide you, then answer them via voice dictation. ChatGPT will use your responses to build a personalised blueprint, breaking down tasks and ensuring you stay organised and stress-free throughout the planning process.

Budget planning

Use AI to break down and monitor your wedding budget throughout the planning process, taking into account your location, priorities, potential vendors, and guest count. It will help you stay on track and suggest alternatives if you go over budget, ensuring you can make informed financial decisions along the way.

Design ideas

If you’re looking for stationery, décor, or even an entire wedding theme based on specific colours or styles, upload a screenshot of your Pinterest mood board for added inspiration and direction. AI can help refine your ideas, suggest complementary elements, and provide a clearer vision for your wedding design.

Timeline creation

If you don’t have a planner, using AI to create your wedding timeline is a great way to get organised. It can help outline key events and give businesses a clear idea of when you’ll need their services, making the planning process more efficient and less stressful. Ask it to draw up detailed preparation timelines on tasks, deadlines and checklists and generate templates for letters to suppliers.

Company outreach

Start by entering your wedding company criteria and a list of potential ones into AI. After receiving their proposals, upload the documents or share links to their portfolios. AI will then create customised interview questions to help you assess each business, making your decision process quicker and more thorough.

Seating charts

Upload an image of the seating chart along with any capacity or personnel constraints, and let AI handle the rest. You can even request an image output to visualise the best arrangement, helping you determine who should sit where.

Checklists

AI can help create comprehensive checklists for everything couples need for the wedding, from décor and the bridal emergency kit to what to bring on the day. Simply ask it to check if you’re missing anything or if there are any additional items to pick up before the big day.

Wedding playlists

Couples can use AI to create customised playlists for their wedding, from ceremony to reception, by inputting their favourite songs. They can also include songs their families enjoy, as well as avoid any tracks or artists they don’t like. AI will generate tailored playlists for each part of the day, ensuring the music fits their preferences and the overall vibe.

Calculating quantities

AI can assist in determining the precise quantities needed for different wedding elements, such as flowers, food and wine. By factoring in details like the guest list, chosen menu, and floral preferences, AI can provide accurate calculations to help you avoid overordering or missing any essentials for the big day.

DIY and decor creation

AI can help brides on a DIY journey generate custom illustrations, like watercolour paintings of the venue or unique designs for invitations and décor. Platforms like Midjourney offer personalised artwork, while ChatGPT can provide creative ideas and step-by-step guidance, making it easier to craft beautiful, budget-friendly wedding details.

The post The smartest way to use AI when planning your wedding appeared first on Checklists.

Heather Mills has achieved an impressive amount in her 57 years. She’s been a model, campaigner and nabbed a Guinness World Record as the fastest disabled female skier of all time. She’s also married and divorced a Beatle and set up more groundbreaking businesses than you can shake a cruelty-free stick at. Feeling inspired? You haven’t seen anything yet…

You look amazing: quite the advertisement for veganism! Tell us about your plant-based journey.

“In 1993, I crossed the street and ended up losing my leg, crushing my pelvis and splitting my head open. Five months later I was still in hospital and still not healing. A friend introduced me to a vegan diet and I swear I healed in two weeks. There was no going back. I created my own vegan food company so I could eat anything I liked, by replicating what turned out to be hundreds of meat, fish and dairy alternatives.”

What tip would you give to anyone considering becoming vegan?

“Start slow. For me, being vegetarian was never good enough as eating dairy can cause so many ailments. Even fast-food addicts can find brands to reach for, like Vbites, which give easy alternatives. Eventually, you will find yourself naturally adding more beans, lentils, pulses and vegetables into your diet.”

Is it possible to eat vegan on a budget?

“It’s such a myth that vegan is more expensive! I’ve done countless spreadsheets to show families how much waste happens in their house. Not only can being vegan be more cost-effective, but it can also lead to a happier, healthier life. The key is to look at the requirements for a whole month. I’m always stocked up on kale, spinach, aubergines, carrots, courgettes, potatoes, rice and quinoa as you can make so many meals with them.”

“We guess you’re a force in the kitchen. What do you cook for friends?

“I like to show them they can eat the same things as they do in a restaurant, but plant based. I had a TV show in Italy called My Planet Vegan, where I taught Michelin chefs how to do vegan versions of favourites like soufflés, lasagnes and pizzas, which was so much fun.”

How else has being vegan affected your health?

“I’m 57 and still have periods! It may be genetic, but I believe it’s my diet because until I went vegan, I couldn’t have children. I kept having miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, but after going vegan, within years I had a beautiful baby. I strongly believe veganism is the future and I’ve been shouting about it for 30 years! You may feel like you can’t do anything about the state of the world, but individuals make choices – and those individuals become groups. I want to educate as many people as I can and feed them great food.”

You’ve launched a new food line, No Bloat. Can you tell us a little about it?

“No Bloat is going to change people’s lives, offering on-the-go, healthy, clean food to help heal gut issues. In 1999 I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which destroyed my colon, caused my appendix to burst, as well as me having to have my gallbladder removed. I was told I had to live with a stoma, which I refused. Then, while on a liquid diet and suffering from extreme IBS for years – all while training for my Guinness World Record! – it was discovered I was intolerant to onions, garlic, and many mushrooms. Once I understood the problem, I created No Bloat, and I’m proud to say that after 13 years of testing with cameras in the colon, it’s now the first food to get stamped by the Harley Street Functional Gut Clinic, Monash University and Dr Michael Klaper.”

You also founded the make-up brand, Be At One, with your make-up artist pal Milena Thacker. How hands on are you?

“When I met Melina, she’d created a make-up business but didn’t know anything about veganism, so I worked with her to create a high-quality, low-cost vegan brand. One of the big companies recently wanted our mascara because it’s amazing and doesn’t irritate the eye, but we said no as we want to keep the price low, as well as save animals. I’m a bright red lipstick girl, but it amazes me how few people know they swallow insects every time they lick their red lips. We use vegetable colouring, not crushed beetles.”

What’s next?

“At the moment the food industry is a mess, so I would like to help change that. The country is obese, and the government are soft and allowing people to get lazy. It’s pretty simple, but common sense is disappearing. It’s time to stop making excuses. There needs to be a revolution – and we do that through the choices we make.”

Find out more and shop for the No Bloat line-up here.

The post Interview: Heather Mills appeared first on Checklists.

You’re kept on speed dial by countless celebs – do you have a favourite famous client?

“Ha! That would be like choosing between my dogs! We have so many long-standing and really wonderful celebrity friends who love our brand; a few are Cat Deeley, Davina McCall, Amanda Holden and Lisa Snowdon. Of course, there’s also the lovely Kelly Hoppen, Vanessa Williams, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and Trinny Woodall! They are all fabulous, embracing women, so I couldn’t possibly choose.”

You’re a style icon for so many – but who’s your denim icon?

“There are lots but women who wear or have worn denim never stop inspiring me. Kate Moss, Marilyn Monroe, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Sienna Miller, Princess Diana – I could go on all day!”

Cigarette, bootleg, skinnies – what is your go-to jean shape and why?

“That’s a tricky one. I love anything cropped as I am short. If it isn’t cropped, I roll it, and actually if it is already cropped, I probably have to roll again! I also love flares because I can hide a good, stacked heel underneath and give myself six extra inches in height. Skinny jeans are great, too as I can tuck them into boots, wear with a loafer or ballet flat, and then add a heel for the evening. The endless versatility and modernity of jeans excites me, as they can take you anywhere and always feel fresh.”

For us, shopping for jeans can be a fashion minefield. What’s the secret to finding your perfect pair?

“My biggest tip is to know your body shape and be honest about it. Be open to highlighting your best asset. What suits your friend will not necessarily suit you. At Donna Ida, we do a lot of online styling and chatting to customers. We WhatsApp them videos and FaceTime them. That one-to-one and getting to the bottom of what will work for someone is so satisfying.”

So when it comes to body shape, what should we consider?

“The biggest thing for jeans is knowing where your length is. Do you have a long or short body? Do you have long or short legs? Or are you average all over? Just knowing this will narrow down choices very quickly. For example, if you have a long torso, look for a high waisted style which will balance out your proportions. Similarly, if you have a shorter body and longer legs, look for a style that is mid rise and focus on the leg length. If your proportions are more or less balanced, you will be able to wear a range of leg lengths and rise heights. Looking at your proportions will really help you to decide what shapes suit your best, and more importantly what you are comfortable in and fills you with confidence.”

Your jeans are beautiful but out of many people’s price-range.  Is it ever possible to find a flattering pair of cheap and cheerful jeans? 

“Check out our Donna Ida end of season sale! It is also worth looking on Vinted, as there are a lot of good pieces on there and I think re-selling and re-sharing things is important. I read recently that hoarding works against the law of use, and I really believe in that! If you don’t need something or aren’t using it, either sell it or give it away to keep the energy flowing.”

What would you say is the ultimate jeans faux pas?

“I like to think everyone can express themselves in whatever way they want, but if I had to say one thing, it would probably be squeezing into something that is way too small. Something that I used to be very guilty of myself!”

Your jeans are all about creating body confidence. What makes you feel great?

“I like relaxed elegance, so keep my wardrobe streamlined. A few well-fitting things that always feel special, aren’t difficult to wear and make me feel comfortable. I am much more at home in a well fitted bodysuit and jeans than in a dress or something with lots of ruffles. I don’t like to have to spend a lot of time thinking about my outfit as there are so many other important decisions to make during the day. I like getting dressed to be stress free.”

With London Fashion Week in the bag – what Spring/Summer trends should be on our radar?

“I loved the amount of denim and leather on the catwalk, blazers and quite a few bursts of bright acid shades. A blazer and jeans are always a timeless look for me and I cannot wait to see what goes down the runway in Milan and Paris. Donna Ida has a very European feel to it and I love the way the French and Italian women dress. So stylish!”

And finally, as the undisputed Jean Queen, can you please settle the age-old argument: is wearing double denim ever a good idea?

“Always! I personally prefer it if the denims are a similar wash level though. Then I think it looks super punchy and slick. I love it!”

Check out Donna Ida’s collections at www.donnaida.com

The post How to find your perfect jeans appeared first on Checklists.

Kerry; you’re in the middle of a massive international tour at the moment. How’s life on the road?

“I’m so excited to be out with this show, talking to audiences. I was overwhelmed by the response last year as I love being in peoples’ hometowns. Meeting everyone and hearing their connections with me and their local theatres is always a joy. I’m enjoying every second of it.”

Apparently, Keith Richards eats shepherd’s pie before every performance with The Rolling Stones. Do you have any weird and wonderful pre-show rituals?

“Not really. I try not to have routines as I think they can influence your performance. That said, when I’m on tour, I do try and look after myself. I try to get to the gym, get as much sleep as possible, and eat as well as I can so that I’m ready for the show. The nice thing is that, when I’m on the road, I only have one thing to think about. Doing the show!”

That must a nice change for a busy mum of two. How do you manage to balance your schedule with family life?

“Our life is always upside down, but I am very lucky to have an amazing husband and supportive family who help the balance. They say it takes a village to raise a family – and it certainly does! This industry can be difficult, and it can only happen if you are supported by everyone around you. I do and they all inspire me every day.”

You bagged your first role as a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz aged nine, and then trained at Laine Theatre Arts for three years. Was your heart always set on the stage?

“Absolutely. I feel fortunate that I knew so early. I know so many people don’t have a clear view of where they want to be, but I knew where my heart was from the start. I knew what I wanted to chase. And chase, I did.”

It must have been quite a journey – and you’re now hailed as the First Lady of the West End! How does that feel?

“I’m not sure that’s completely accurate: I definitely think Elaine Paige is the first lady – or certainly the first lady that I look up to. She was my inspiration growing up and still is to this day. I love how she continues to grow and develop and stays current.”

You were Meat in the original cast of We Will Rock you and have continued to work with Queen’s Brian May over the years. Can you tell us a little about your relationship with him?

“Lovely Brian has been incredible to me, not only as a mentor, but as a friend. He’s taught me so much and I’m forever grateful for his kindness. Still to this day, we talk quite a bit about all sorts of things from performing and music to life in general. I’m so happy to have him in my life.”

You perform beautifully together. Do you have any Freddie Mercury qualities?

“I don’t know about that, but Brian would say that I shared certain likenesses, such as passion for music, just like Freddie. Sadly, I never got to meet him but I really I wish I had.”

We hear you are also busy writing your autobiography. Can we expect you to spill some showbiz scandals?

“No – but I do tell people how it is, just like I do on the tour. I’m very open and honest and tell people the real stories, as in what really happened. My Podcast is called Keep Calm and Kerry On and that is exactly the advice I’d give to my younger self.”

Finally, when the tour’s complete and you get a chance to relax, what’s next?

“I’m not sure you’d call it relaxing but I have lots of exciting projects on the go. Being part of the new show, Lady M The Musical is amazing as I’ve just come back from doing a version of the show in Shanghai. We are working on an album to release this year – and with a new album comes more touring and more challenges. I also run my own online course, How to Succeed in Musical Theatre as an Artist, which is open to everybody. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about musical theatre. There may be a star in you yet!”

Get tickets for Kerry’s Queen of the West End tour are on sale here. For details on her course visit www.kerryellis.com.

The post Interview: West End star Kerry Ellis appeared first on Checklists.

But it’s not just as a solo artist that Nik has enjoyed global success – he’s also written and produced best-selling songs for Elton John, Gary Barlow, Lulu, and many more. He even wrote the Chesney Hawkes smash The One And Only, which spent five weeks at number one and cracked the top 10 in the USA. 

All that as well as being the founder of his own record label Shorthouse Records, it’s fair to say that Nik has plenty to talk about – and that’s exactly what he’s doing on his intimate theatre tour, Musings & Lyrics. Let’s find out more, shall we?

Credit to Michelle Martin

Nik, tell us about your tour.

“I’ve loved the solo shows I’ve done so far. On until 23 November, it’s giving me a chance to share songs, stories and have a Q&A session with the audience.”

So what’s the best question you’ve been asked ?

“A few years ago someone said, ‘Nik, can you sing Fantastic Day for us?’ I had to break the news that I wasn’t Nick Heyward, and that they’d booked tickets for the wrong show!”

Anything else?

“I get asked a lot about Live Aid, which was unlike anything else I’ve ever done. It was an incredible experience, and I feel very privileged to have been part of it. When you realise just how many people were involved behind the scenes in making that event happen, it’s amazing.”

Take us back to your time in the Mid-Eighties

“My feet didn’t touch the ground for about two years. It was like my life was on rails and I couldn’t get off the train.”

But by the end of the Eighties you quit performing. Why?

“I’d become disillusioned with being a performer, so took a step back to write and produce for other artists. Some were written on my own; some in collaboration with others; some for established artists, some for hopeful idiots; some for major label projects; some just for the hell of it!”

Did you have a process when writing them?

“I used to wake up in the middle of the night with great ideas for a song and have to write them down. Or they’d come to me when I was driving the car, or out on a walk. I’d start whistling a tune, and it would grow from there. But the really successful songs came to me relatively quickly. They weren’t difficult to write, and just sort of happened – that’s often the way.”

What’s different when you’re not writing your own songs?

“It’s a very different process. You may have very strong views about something, either spiritually or politically, which would feel right for you to sing. You can’t do that for others – it has to be more generic. Harmonically I used to go off all over the place, but you can’t really do that when you are writing for others, either. You have to operate within certain parameters.”

And that’s what took you back to singing again?

“Operating within those parameters became the thing that frustrated me the most. I realised I couldn’t really go for it and write some of the songs I wanted to because no-one else was going to sing them, so I decided I was just going to have to sing them myself!”

Credit to Michelle Martin

So are you still singing now?

“I still do gigs, which I enjoy, but don’t have the same hunger and drive to be constantly creating new material that I had in my 20s. There will be another album at some point, though. At the moment I’m just not sure what it will be, and when. You always have to think that your best-ever album is still to come – there’s no point in doing this otherwise.”

Back to the show and the question we all want to know: will you be giving us a definitive answer to the meaning of your1984 hit The Riddle and reveal once and for all what it was all about?

“Yes – I’ve developed a new way of explaining it, and the process I went through when I was creating it. No spoilers, though – you’ll have to come to one of the shows or buy my book to find out.”

Buy tickets to one of Nik’s shows here and his book here.

The post Interview: Nik Kershaw appeared first on Checklists.

After disbanding in 1986, Stewart was far from done, composing soundtracks for blockbusters and with subsequent near-four decades at the forefront of contemporary music. We sat down for a chat to find out about his incredible career.

How did you end up where you are today?

“Music’s always been in my blood: my dad was a jazz aficionado, and my brothers Miles and Ian pretty much brought the English New Wave invasion to America. They started IRS Records, which gave us The Bangles, The Go-Go’s and REM. Sadly we lost Ian to melanoma in 2006. I miss him every day.”

Where did you come in to all this?

“I was 12 and playing drums in a school band. I noticed a girl, Janet Roberts, grooving to my beat – to me she was a Goddess and out of my reach. But she was dancing to my groove! I was playing in the band and she was dancing and I couldn’t believe I was causing her to move. It was an epiphany. I was the runt of the litter but banging on the drums turned me into an 800lb silverback, swinging through the trees.”

What happened next?

“I was 15 and playing drums during a school Christmas service at Wells Cathedral. I’ll never forget my music teacher pointing his finger at me to begin. For a moment, I was leading this magnificent artistic enterprise that I’d just been absorbing so profoundly. I was now the boss of it – and that told me there was a higher purpose in music, higher even than 15-year-old girls called Janet.”

Moving on to The Police: do you really think you where conquering the world?

“It’s a bunch of statistics. The interesting thing for me about that era is the world of fame and what that looks like. You’re not yourself: life’s guardrails are removed and that’s why so many come a cropper because they’re not limited by the normal rules of social intercourse.”

But what about your audience’s response?

“The phenomenon itself is incredible. It’s such good fun. You do something and get an immediate response. You bang something, and 80,000 people cheer. It was everything we dreamed of, and it was wonderful to be the centre of that attention. But there’s a point where there’s such a thing as too much love and adoration, and that becomes oppressive.”

So how did you cope?

“Most of the time we were fine; we could handle it because we were young, egotistical and confident. We were in our late 20s by that time, so we’d lived some experiences. For the next eight years that was all we knew. We were riding that rocket ship.”

We’ve read recordings with The Police had ‘become hell’ – is that true?

“It was, so I went off to record a film score for Francis Coppola. I was struck by the relief and joy of that music. The lack of judgment and tension was incredible. To just be making music myself was a pleasure. Francis would come and say: ‘Great, great, great.’ It was heaven to learn there was a world outside of The Police.”

So composing became your lifeline?

“The Police was like a Prada suit made out of razor blades. Outside of the band I was an employee. I worked for hire in a studio creating music for money. Two different things. Guess which one made me happier?”

You’re now travelling the world with your Have I Said Too Much? tour. What can we expect?

“Simply put it’s me, in conversation, talking about my career from the early days until today. Because it’s been quite a ride during my 72 years on Planet Earth.”

Buy tickets for Stewart’s Have I Said Too Much? tour here.

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Richard, what was your career before you went on Britain’s Got Talent?

“I was serving full-time in the British Army as a Bandsman with the Household Cavalry. I’d been in the Army for several years, and most of my role revolved around performing music for ceremonial duties, state occasions, and concerts. It was a wonderful career in itself, with a strong sense of purpose and tradition. I loved the huge amount of travel it gave me and the excitement of every day being different.”

How did magic come into the equation?

“I began learning magic when I first joined the Army to help fill some of the down times while travelling. While I loved performing music, I found that magic gave me another way to connect with people on a more personal level. In the Army, I would often perform little tricks for friends and colleagues, and I soon realised it was more than just a hobby – it was something that brought joy to others and gave me a creative outlet.”

So what made you want to apply for Britain’s Got Talent?

“Friends and family had been encouraging me for years to audition, but I always hesitated because I wasn’t sure if I was ready. Eventually, I thought: ‘why not’? The show is an incredible platform for performers, and I wanted to test myself on the biggest stage in the country. It was also a chance to represent the Army in a different way, and show a side of myself that people might not expect.”

Had you left the Army by then?

“No, I was still serving while competing and I continued part time for another six years. My mindset at the time was very much ‘just enjoy the ride.’ If I hadn’t gone all the way through to win, I would have simply gone back to my Army duties; proud that I’d given it a go. Winning was never the expectation: just the dream. I loved my Army role which is why I didn’t want to leave, despite being super-busy juggling magic shows with duties.”

What did it feel like to win?

“It was surreal. Honestly, it didn’t sink in for a while. Standing there on that stage, hearing my name called out as the winner; I’ll never forget that moment. It was overwhelming pride and gratitude all rolled into one – not just for myself, but for everyone who supported me along the way.”

Where did it all go from there?

“After winning, opportunities started coming in fast:  tours, TV work, corporate events, theatre shows – the lot. I eventually made the decision to step away from full-time service in 2022 ,so I could give 100% to magic. It wasn’t easy to leave behind my Army family, but the transition felt natural because performing had become my calling.”

What are you doing now?

“I tour around the UK with my own live shows and also perform internationally. My act combines sleight of hand, mind-reading, and storytelling; often with a nod to my military background. I perform in theatres, festivals, and private events and host lots of corporate events, so no two weeks look the same, which I love.”

How does it feel now you’re the one deciding what you do –and not an employee?

“Liberating. I get to follow my passion and shape my career on my own terms. Of course, it also means the responsibility is entirely mine, but that’s part of the excitement.”

What’s the best thing about being your own boss?

“The freedom to be creative. If I want to try out a new idea, develop a new show, or take my work in a different direction, I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission. That independence is incredibly rewarding.”

Any downside?

“The uncertainty. In the Army everything is structured and secure: you know your schedule, your pay, your role. As a self-employed performer, there are ups and downs, busy periods and quiet ones. It can be nerve-wracking, but I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability.”

Finally, what advice would you give to anyone considering becoming their own boss?

“Go for it – but plan carefully. Follow your passion, but also be realistic about the challenges. Build a support network, stay disciplined, and don’t be afraid of failure. Most importantly, believe in yourself, because if you don’t, no one else will.”

For details of where you can see Richard’s The Sound of Magic tour click here.

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