How did you get started in acting?

Nobody in the family was in the business, or had any idea about the business. It was not something that we ever did. It wasn’t in our DNA. The road was difficult, but my first break was when I got into drama school.

You were part of the Royal Shakespeare Company. It really doesn’t get more high profile than that in terms of stage work. How was that experience?

I had just come out of dance school, and as a newbie it means that the director can cast you in whatever role they like. So, I performed a variety of other roles in Hamlet. This meant that I was on stage a huge amount because I was always changing costume, then going back on stage.

How does that experience differ from on the screen in terms of the day-to-day?

Yes, they’re very different disciplines, really. In theatre, what you get is a company of actors, so, a group of people working together. Unless you’re on set all day, every day, you’re not getting it to the same degree. So that’s a kind of different experience. If you’re on stage, you must fill a theatre. And on film, it’s very different. It’s much smaller, more focused, and detailed.

You’ve appeared in several national dramas and soaps including Holby City and Coronation Street. Tell me more about that.

The popular soaps, they work incredibly hard and they’re well-oiled machines. They are brilliant teams. They’re project managed efficiently, and those teams work together very well. They know exactly what they’re doing when they’re in going into one of them is really very comfortable.

In terms of the process for you as an actor, which medium gave you more creative scope?

It depends on the team and the director. So, you know you have a script and you’re sticking to that script, and if you go completely off script, that’s not on for anybody. There’s an output that comes on set with a group of people working together.

How was your experience working on Summer in the Shade?

It was great. They were a creative bunch and they really enjoyed making this film. And Alice Miller is an exciting talent. She’s got a brilliant eye, and this is a story that she wants to tell. She and Kate Turner had a very good team around them, and they were very honest to the story. They kept to their story and kept to their characters, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

In terms of those independent films, do you tend to go back and work with a lot of the same people?

You work with different people on different sets. But it’s so lovely to work with the team. Well, you yourself must find that, I think, in any sense, if you’re working with a team that you enjoy working alongside you forget that it’s work. And it’s more of what you enjoy doing.

So, here’s the one question we were most looking forward to asking. How was working with Jeff Goldblum?

Amazing. He was mobbed at the stage door every night and he had a killer sense of humour. Really dry and funny sense of humour. He played the piano a lot. He was very generous and was surprisingly down to earth and straightforward. But the thing that really got me was just on the screen. He was a nice man. I enjoyed it.

In terms of any upcoming projects, I know you have discussed current ones but what’s in the pipeline for yourself?

I’m working with talented individuals who have joined forces to create a platform called Smash.

People with an idea for film or TV can come to the smash platform and then they create a sophisticated pitch for their idea, confidently securing share, and traffic. Creative industries in the UK are so important and the foundation is storytelling. We need to get those new voices from different backgrounds into the industry.

Essentially a platform for people that otherwise wouldn’t have to stop by any means, to go out there and get those stories?

It’s free to users, and the people that pay are the people that are looking for the project, the streamers, that’s the sales. And we’re finding that they’re really interested because we’re getting kind of projects from people with different backgrounds who are connected to the audiences in a different way.

We’ve discussed acting in detail, but aside from that. What are your hobbies?

I suppose I like to eat. Food is a big thing in this house, and I seem to eat quite as much as I would like to. I seem to be doing a lot of doing a lot of tech. I wish I could say that I’m a black belt, and that’s how I spend my weekend, fighting people in a fight club. And I’m good. But unfortunately, that’s not the case, but maybe I should.

I’ve seen that film script before! So, final question to wrap this up with it being a Celebrity Secrets interview. Do you have a behind the scenes story or a filming secret of your own?

Okay. I am five foot eleven had to stand in a ditch when I’ve been filming because my co actor was so small and I’ve had other scenes where I must sit down so that they can stand. So, the hazards of being a tall actor is that you are always going to have to stand in the ditch somewhere.

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The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – Holby City actress Fiona Gillies appeared first on Checklists.

You have gone from performing around the world with JLS to becoming an award-winning farmer. Tell us about this journey.

It baffles me how so many people still don’t understand where food comes from. Since I made the career change from pop star to farmer 10 years ago, I have been able to see first-hand the impact that a rural lifestyle has had on myself and my family.

I spent most of my childhood growing up in south London, unaware of the hidden beauty of the countryside. This new-found appreciation has given me a passion to educate children and adults alike about the processes involved in producing our food, many of whom have grown up just like me, in cities, totally unaware of that journey.

What effect do you think the past few years have had on our understanding of the importance of farming?

Not being able to buy everyday essentials like flour and eggs was eye-opening. Key workers such as farmers played a pivotal role and the pandemic brought their vital work to the fore. Distilling these complex topics is imperative if we are going to enable people to make informed decisions when it comes to food choices.

You will be taking part in The Game Fair, what can visitors expect from the event?

I have been attending The Game Fair for many, many years. It is an iconic British institution. This much-loved grassroots event provides a three-day hub for everyone to come together, share knowledge and learn. There is no other gathering so diverse or like it.

JB says the family-friendly outdoor event is also the ideal place to bring his young children.

My son Ace is almost eight years old, and my daughter Chiara actually turns four on the Saturday of The Game Fair. Now they are slightly older, there are so many attractions for them to have a go at – from falconry and ferrets to gundogs and game cookery.

Throughout the weekend, you will also be giving cookery demos in front of a live audience alongside acclaimed chef and game meat evangelist José Souto. Have you always been a fan of cooking?

Once upon a time I was singing and dancing on stage, nowadays I am more likely to be butchering a roe carcase! Cooking is a real passion of mine, so we hit it off straight away.

We have also been out deerstalking and fishing together. Our hunt was fruitless sadly, but it was still an incredible experience and helped me to understand why our wild deer population needs to be managed. I have, however, caught plenty of wild trout in the past. In fact, my son Ace caught his first fish on the River Test a few years ago.

Despite growing up in London, you have always liked rural living, tell us more.

I lived in Antigua until I was four, where I would ride horses and donkeys all day long with my six cousins. I actually bought my 10-acre farm in Kent while I was still in JLS as I was never really a fan of living in central London and wanted somewhere to call home for the one day I got off every three months. Pop star life is pretty full on, so I needed somewhere peaceful. Some people ask if we have a farm manager, and are then surprised when I tell them that my wife Chloe and I do all the mucking out ourselves.

You are in a unique position of bridging the countryside and town divide, aren’t you?

For some reason, there has always been a real disconnect between those living in rural and urban areas. They both feel misunderstood by the other side. For those curious about learning more and educating themselves, The Game Fair is a one-stop-shop providing a comprehensive overview of country pursuits and rural life across one 450-acre site. Every one of your senses will be heightened – there is so much to see and do.

Learn more and get your tickets to The Game Fair here.

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Do you spend lots of time in the countryside?

I like the city but I’m a country boy at heart because I was brought up on a pig farm. Farming, food and countryside is in my blood. I’ve always been passionate about the countryside and I’m quite fortunate to live just outside of Winchester in rural Hampshire so we’ve got outdoor space right on our doorstep.

Tell us about your working cocker spaniel, Cooper.

Cooper has been in training with Jason Mayhew for four-and-a-half years. I’ve always been fascinated by man’s ability to train dogs. When I was a young kid, there was a gamekeeper in my village who used to look after the Castle Howard estate and he used to have an immaculately trained gundog called Jett. I was always so impressed by him. He would just sit there, without a lead and just wait for his owner to return. Now I finally understand what it takes for that bond to happen. I love picking-up on local shoots with Cooper. His special move is a 400-yard blind retrieve. He’ll also sit on a riverbank all day long watching me bother fish. He’s everything I ever wanted from a dog. Last year we took part in ITV’s The Pet Show which saw Cooper compete in an agility course, and he is still top of the leaderboard. At The Game Fair I will be taking part in a display in the main arena with Jason to showcase gundog training. I hope Copper behaves – he works better for Jason than me!

Do you get many opportunities to shoot, hunt or fish in your own time?

Fishing-wise, a friend of mine has a nice stretch on the River Test and another mate of mine has a bit of the River Itchen so I get out there whenever I can. I’ve really got into fishing but I think that’s an age thing as well, I was never really into it as a young kid. I think the older I’ve got the more I’ve realised what a special pastime it is. On one trip to Scotland I spent four days on the River Tay and caught nothing but a cold but just being there was something I’ll never forget. Shooting wise I enjoy pheasant and partridge shooting but mostly I love picking-up with Cooper. The Guns always look a bit surprised when they see me at lunchtime. At the end of the day I always take away 60-70 brace straight back to my restaurants.

Where else do you enjoy spending time outdoors in the UK?

Scotland is one of my favourite places on Earth, it really is. Orkney, Shetland and the Highlands, any opportunity that I can get to go up there I go because it’s just bloody spectacular. The west coast of Scotland is also amazing. Anybody who knows me knows that I love Scotland and Scotland has always been very kind to me over the years. I also love the New Forest, it’s beautiful. A chef mate of mine Gareth Ward has an amazing Michelin-starred restaurant called Ynyshirin in Mid-Wales and I love to walk up Snowdonia when I visit, it’s wonderful. 

What do you particularly enjoy about the larder of the British countryside?

I think we’ve got one of the greatest larders in the world. We’re fortunate enough to be on an island surrounded by water. From Scotland’s seafood – like scallops in Orkney, right the way down to Cornwall with Cornish sardines. I think there’s such a variety there and meat is exactly the same because of the topography of the land. You’ve got amazing beef up in Scotland, amazing lamb from Wales and then there’s fantastic garlic on the Isle of Wight. We have such a variety of weather north to south. I think that’s what makes Britain unique. As a chef you’ve got so many seasons, from the Jersey royal potatoes to Scottish raspberries – and of course game.

How often do you try to incorporate game into the dishes you cook in restaurants or at home?

When it is in season, I use it all the time. I use masses of feathered game and people know that I probably promote it more than anybody on television. Every week I’m cooking with pheasant, partridge, grouse and guinea fowl. I’m a big fan of it because I was brought up on it and I was surrounded by it. I think there’s a real myth surrounding game and a lot of people don’t necessarily understand it.

I think a lot of that is just about education and where I stand in terms of what I do for a living, hopefully I can teach the public there is something else out there. I have been working with Wild & Game to help them develop their recipes so we constantly get given little tasters and testers. I cook it a lot, frozen spatchcocked partridge on the BBQ is delicious in the summer. If you marinade it with a bit of yoghurt and some spices and put it in a tandoor, that’s my kind of thing.

You’ve been announced as the host for The Game Fair restaurant ‘The Enclosure’ for the fourth consecutive year. What keeps bringing you back to the event?

I have been attending The Game Fair for 20 years, so it is amazing to now be involved professionally. My day-to-day restaurant is usually a 100-seater so to walk into a marquee where you’ve got 300 covers in the middle of a field, that’s something very different indeed. I remember one of the times I attended The Game Fair I parked my motorhome in what I thought was next to the restaurant. When I woke up there were dozens of horses all around me. It was quite a surreal moment while I was still blurry eyed!

It’s an amazing event and the food is an essential part of it but it’s one of many parts that make it a very special show. The restaurant is in a great location as it’s at the epicentre of where things happen which is a cool place to be. I’ve worked with James Gower, The Game Fair’s Managing Director, for years and he really has faith in letting me just crack on.  You’ve only got to go to The Game Fair once to see why it’s so special.

What other areas of The Game Fair are you excited to see?

I really like seeing the birds of prey at the Falconry Village and the working dogs. I also like Gunmakers’ Row – walking the full length of it is the one thing you’ve got to do if you’re there haven’t you? It is pretty spectacular so I’m looking forward to that.

What can visitors expect to see on the menu this year?

We are going to do a bit of everything. Lamb has always been quite popular, so we’ll certainly be putting that on the menu. Buttermilk rabbit also worked really well last time so I might put that back on again, it’s like our own version of funky KFC. There’s got to be something for everybody so there will certainly be a little bit of fish in there and of course we will put game on there.

Partridge is always a winner and we’ve got a great supplier for that with Wild & Game, whose gamebirds are certified by British Game Assurance so they have the highest welfare standards. I used to go to The Game Fair as a punter and just have a wander round and now to see it on the other side and see all the infrastructure and planning that goes into it, is amazing. It’s great to be involved and hopefully for many years to come we can build up something really special.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.

I really want a tractor. Not to plough a field, I want to drive it to my local pub the Wonston Arms with Cooper and park it outside.

For the fourth consecutive year, chef James Martin is hosting ‘The Enclosure’ restaurant at The Game Fair, which is being held Friday, 29 July to Sunday, 31 July at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.

To experience The Enclosure, you can purchase one of three available VIP packages which includes entry to The Game Fair here.

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The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – This Morning chef James Martin appeared first on Checklists.

What three words would you use to describe your life as a shepherdess on a 2,000-acre hill farm?

“Unpredictable; I work with lots of variables so there’s no such thing as a typical day. Challenging; it can be tough to fit everything into my day. Rewarding; there are moments when I think why the hell am I doing this but overall, it is a very satisfying role. Ask me that same question on a different day and the answer might be unprintable.”

What’s the hardest and best thing about living in such a remote place like Upper Swaledale?

“You can lose yourself and distance yourself from everyone and everything. Once I go out of that door to work it is back to basics. My home life is busy and chaotic, but my work life is solitary. Too much of each one is not good, but living in a remote place gives me peace and quiet.

“The worst thing about living here is when there’s any kind of emergency. Take last Tuesday, I had everything in place for my mare to foal. On the day, we had no power on the farm due to repairs after storm Arwen. This meant I couldn’t get in touch with the vet. It all went OK but I can feel a bit vulnerable. You have to find an inner strength to deal with anything. You have to be able to cope in an emergency.”

How would you sell country living to someone who has lived in a city all their life?

“You would have to prepare yourself. You need to go into it with a certain amount of humility. Don’t go in trying to change it. Your life may change for the better but there will be challenges. Do your homework. Compile a checklist of what is important to you. You won’t have the same internet speed. There’s no Deliveroo. You will need to compromise.”

What plans do you have for your new Clydesdale foal, Maple?

“She’s a beautiful filly foal born just a few weeks ago. Backing her will be a gradual process. She is part of the family – there won’t be a foal anywhere that has been poked and prodded as much as she has. As a result, she is the easiest foal ever. Eventually I want her to bring down the sheep with me, working with me as part of the team.”

You look after 1,000 Swaledale sheep. As a shepherdess you must have to be fairly stoic and unemotional when one of them inevitably dies. How do you cope with that?

“I am utterly pathetic when one of my sheep dies. I feel like a bit of a failure. The old adage of ‘when you have livestock you have deadstock’ is true. You have to put it behind you. You can’t dwell on it. Just recently we lost a ewe that had two lambs at foot. You can’t shepherd or farm without accepting you are going to lose animals. It is part of the job.”

Do you have a favourite and worst sheep?

“My favourite ewe is the matriarch. We call her The Queen. Her horns have dropped off and she has a grey face so very distinctive looking. She is incredibly greedy and she poses for selfies with me so she’s a good lass in my eyes.

“My worst sheep at the moment is Coconut because she hates her own lambs. She is a terrible mother.”

What do you do to relax away from the children and farm?

“I love wild swimming and paddle boarding on Birkdale tarn near our farm, which is a seven-hectare mountain lake that was originally excavated by a glacier. I never see anyone, it’s just me and nature. Throughout the winter it is probably one of the most uninviting, foreboding places on earth. The black inky water looks so lifeless. But once the sun starts to shine in spring it takes on another identity. I am now 47, but I still have a childlike excitement every time I swim.”

Tell us about your dogs.

“We have three Border collie sheepdogs and two terriers. We did have another sheepdog called Tip but she decided she didn’t want to be a sheepdog.  Every time I took her out with me to work she would run home as soon as my back was turned. So she is now an assistance dog and wears an orange tabard.

“The sheepdog pack is made up of Nell, who is my son Sidney’s dog, Midge, who is my husband Clive’s dog and Kate, who works with me. Kate is 12 years old so she’s getting on. We are quite similar in some ways in that we aren’t very good at switching off. She lives to work. She doesn’t do relaxing.

“She is forever rounding up children and chickens. I can’t raise my voice with her as she’s quite sensitive. I trust her implicitly. Sometimes I will be running her out of sight, so she needs to understand what I am wanting to achieve with the sheep, which she does brilliantly.”

Do you eat game?

“Yes. We trade our lamb for game all the time. In fact I recently swapped a leg of lamb for a leg of venison with a neighbour.”

Why did you want to work with The Game Fair?

“This will be my first time at the event. The Game Fair is so relevant on so many levels. I jumped at the chance to appear on stage and meet visitors as I think these mass gatherings offer an opportunity to have discussions concerning various topical issues – namely the current food crisis.

“People are starting to wake up to food provenance and there is a backlash against factory farming. If you are going to eat meat then educate yourself. I want to help break down social barriers and misconceptions. So, if me appearing on stage can help educate a few visitors then I am all for it.”

What can visitors to The Game Fair expect to see from you?

“Big earrings, inappropriate clothing and plain speaking! Whatever they expect I won’t be it. “

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.

“I will tell you three things: I have a love of rave and dance music. I don’t have any neighbours so I can listen to it as loud as I like when the kids are out at school. I also sometimes go to sleep in my makeup and after a quick tidy-up the next morning I am good to go. And lastly, I have a tattoo of a sheep – a tramp stamp! Once upon a time it was a very neat Swaledale but after nine children I’m bit stretched so it might not look so much like a sheep anymore…”

For tickets to The Game Fair, visit thegamefair.org

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The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – Our Yorkshire Farm host Amanda Owen appeared first on Checklists.

Which social media or beauty influencer do you admire the most and why?

Mikayla Nogueira, she has 12.6M fans on TikTok – she does everything beauty and make-up related, she’s just so authentic, herself, down to earth and say’s it how it is – which I love. She does really cool looks and just keeps it real. 

Do you have a go-to beauty look?

I’m such a full glam girl. Usually big eyelashes and a bronzey glowy look. A lot of people ask me why I wear so much makeup? Doesn’t it take you ages to do? For me, it brings me so much confidence and I love trying out new products.

What are your must-have favourite products?

Tatti Lashes – I love a big lash. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, it’s really creamy and gives you a dewy finish – I think if you start with a good base everything else can be built around it. 

Project Lip’s Plump and Gloss, you always want lipgloss in your bag. It’s a high-shine gloss that has a tingle sensation on plump lips. I launched my own lip kit with them a few years ago, they expanded their range to glosses, balms and liners. 

Also, Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer – I actually buy a darker shade and use it for my contouring. It’s super creamy, gives me great definition and really affordable, it’s probably one of the best contour products I’ve used. 

According to you, what kind of content works?

For me, video tutorials really work, like GRWM – people want visual step-by-step guides on how to achieve looks at home. My audience love to see how I apply my lashes and how I do my hair. 

My fashion looks work well on grid posts such as full-length outfit shots – followers will save these for the outfit inspo I tag the brands as well so they know exactly where to buy the items from.

If there was one thing you could change about social media, what would it be?

There’s so much judgement and trolling that comes with social media – I wish it was a more welcoming and positive space at times. Before Love Island, I worked in retail and my colleagues would always say, “you should start a YouTube channel for your make-up tutorials” but I was so embarrassed and scared people would judge me. 

What is your favourite thing about being in your industry?

The opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve got to meet. If you had told me two or three years ago I would be meeting these celebrities, music stars and brands I’ve always admired I would not have believed you.

Any advice you would like to give to those looking to get into a similar industry?

Social media content creators need to be super confident and just go for it. Ignore the haters and just take the leap. Be yourself, if you’re not being authentic to yourself your potential audience, and brands who you might want to work with will see through it. Be yourself and you will go far.

What inspired you to go onto Love Island?

It was my favourite TV show. I was absolutely obsessed, I watched it since season one and I could not believe my luck when I was scouted. I wanted to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I can’t believe I was scouted and there was no doubt in my mind that I was not going to go for it. I’m so glad, it was the best experience of my life. 

What was your favourite thing about being on the show?

The feeling of family. You’re put in this villa, in a beautiful location with people you’ve never met before all having this really unique experience. But for me, we had no phones and were with each other 24/7. You think you might get bored but you really didn’t because we got to really know each other – I laughed so hard every day. 

Looking back, would you do anything differently?

I would be a bit more confident, looking back I look so young and naive. I wish I stood up for myself a little bit more – standing on my own two feet and speaking out on things that I thought weren’t right or when things were said that I didn’t agree with. Looking back, I was 21 and I wished had a bit more oomph and confidence. 

Can you tell us a secret about being on the show?

I always get asked “are you actually recorded 24/7?”. And the answer is yes! There is nowhere to hide, there are cameras everywhere. There’s one in the toilets but it’s just for security reasons but I’m sure you can imagine it’s very embarrassing going to the toilet, trying to take off your swimsuit and you have a camera in your face. 

Do you think you would consider being on another TV show?

If the opportunity did arise, I heard Big Brother was making a comeback. I feel like I’m a different person now with my confidence, maybe a dating show.

What other projects do you have in the pipeline that we can look out for?

I’m looking forward to showing all the content I’ve created for brands that I’ve got coming up. Brands I’ve loved since I was younger and content that’s really true to myself. This year I’ll also be looking into my TV presenting opportunities so fingers crossed you will see me again on screens very soon.

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The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – Love Island star Demi Jones appeared first on Checklists.

This Morning’s gardening presenter Daisy Payne is on hand to offer some simple tips on what we can do day-to-day to help protect biodiversity in our own outdoor spaces.

What do you think is the best way to get kids involved in gardening?

Allowing children to get involved in smaller gardening activities such as planting and sowing seeds is a great way to inspire our future generations to love and respect wildlife. Brands like Birds Eye are leading the charge on this by giving families an opportunity to protect and support biodiversity in their own outdoor spaces.

Birds Eye Peas, for example, are giving shoppers the opportunity to win 1 of 20,000 wildflower seedboxes which helps kids get involved in gardening for free. It’s also a great way for parents or guardians to start the conversation with kids about biodiversity and educate them on the best way to protect nature in the long-term, teaching them to do their bit and help wildlife thrive.

Do you have any tips on maintaining a garden with a dog running around?

Having a dog and keeping your garden tidy are two things that don’t sound like they quite fit together, but there are a few things you can do to help. With my dog Ernie, I make sure that he has toys around the garden to help keep him entertained so his attention isn’t on digging up my nice flower beds. You can also look to put fences around your plant beds or I’d suggest raised flower beds to make it harder for them to get their paws on them.

How do you know for sure that the foods you’re buying are really doing their bit for the planet?

It can be hard to know which brands to trust when it comes to sustainability, a general rule is to take a look at what the manufacturers are doing to support sustainability. You can do this by looking at their website or on the pack. Birds Eye, for example, work with nature through sustainable farming techniques which actually, help boost biodiversity.

They’ve even become the first farm group in the UK – and the first frozen food brand in the world – to be awarded the gold standard in its Farm Sustainability Assessment from the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) which is the world’s leading platform on promoting Sustainable Agriculture practices.

What if you don’t have much outdoor space, is there a way to grow your own with a window sill or balcony space?

Anyone can try their hand at gardening, window boxes are perfect for those that have a window sill or balcony space – as well as the new trend of vertical gardens. Or if it’s becoming a real hobby, get yourself an allotment plot like me! It’s a great way to feel more part of your community too. The wildflower seedboxes giveaway from Birds Eye Peas might be a great place to start.

Anything anyone can do to help do their bit in reversing biodiversity loss is better than not doing anything at all.

When it comes to growing your own veggies at home, where would you recommend starting?

Are there any that are easier to maintain than others? Or is there one foolproof way to grow the perfect tomatoes for example?

To get started with growing your own veg, I’d start with those that need less maintenance – so I’d try courgettes or potatoes for example. In terms of a fool-proof way of growing, I think it comes down to the individual – obviously like anything that you plant it needs love, water and the right amount of sun – but that’s the fun of gardening, the more you do, the more you’ll learn.

What’s the best way to keep weeds under control without using products that may be harmful to the planet?

If you want to get rid of weeds – one of my preferred options is a really organic way, which is the no-dig method you get yourself some layers of cardboard, place it down over the weedy area, make sure it’s firm down, plenty of layers. It works so well because the cardboard stops light and vital nutrients reaching the weeds, meaning they can’t thrive!

What about inside the house? Do you have any advice for growing indoor plants?

Yes, I love when people bring the outside in. I’d say my favourite tip for indoor plants is to remember to rotate them so they can grow evenly.

We know quite a bit about your gardening style, but what about inside, do you have a specific style when it comes to decorating the interior of your home?

My garden is always going to be my favourite place to ‘decorate’, but when it comes to inside my home, I love a fresh, country feel – especially as I live in the Cotswolds. I guess you could say my house feels rather coastal with blue and white tones too!

What about in the kitchen? Do you have any favourite recipes to make with homegrown herbs and vegetables?

To be honest, I’m not sure I do – I just love making anything with vegetables I have grown myself. Although, I must confess when I’m busy you can’t beat the convenience of Birds Eye’s Garden Peas and knowing they are grown sustainably makes them taste even sweeter! The pea recipe finder on their website is great for when you need some dinner inspiration.

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The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – ITV gardening expert Daisy Payne appeared first on Checklists.

To help Brits celebrate this beloved country and monarchy, Celebrity Secrets has partnered with reality royalty, Made in Chelsea’s Ollie Locke-Locke, to offer advice on how to avoid a posh party faux pas during the Jubilee weekend.

What are your tips for sophisticated snacking?

When it comes to snacking on food like crisps, savour one at a time. Although it is difficult to resist the temptation to eat over five in one fell swoop, do practice self-control. Crisps are a marathon, not a sprint. Take a moment to indulge in the curl and crunch. Pretend you are the Queen herself, pinkie out and relish in the taste of the good life.

How about presenting your party food?

British cuisine is not always extravagant. This is precisely why the Union Jack is our best British friend. Purchase Union Jack-themed plates, bunting and tablecloths, then arrange your items in a beautiful spread that sings the National Anthem without saying a word.

Any thoughts for making the garden look lush for guests?

If you have a lawn, make sure it’s mown, mainly just for the real English countryside smell. Nothing says summer in the UK like the smell of freshly cut grass to set the scene of a British daytime soirée.

Quirky food and drink ideas?

Get an old wheelbarrow and fill it with ice for the perfect drink cooler. The Jubilee is the perfect occasion to take traditional items and give them a new, fabulous purpose. You can never have too much ice and wheelbarrows are the perfect place to store all of it.

Everyone loves a hog roast and it is the perfect easy way to feed your guests. Hog roasts are a classic part of British culture. You simply cannot go wrong when serving this at a garden party.

How do you keep your neighbours happy when you throw a party?

Invite them. This way, they won’t complain if it goes on till dark. It always pays to be courteous to your neighbours, but particularly so when throwing a party. This is a street party after all so ensure that you invite them all to join and share the love. In the spirit of the Queen’s Jubilee, Tyrrells Coronation Chicken crisps come in a share bag size so there is plenty to go around.

Ways to keep the guests entertained?

Remember that no one in England can resist a good game. How about a jolly game of cricket, croquet or badminton perhaps? If sports aren’t in your set of skills, you can always sit on the sidelines relaxing in the sunshine.

Or why not have a surprise musical act. Live bands always get the party in the swing of things and encourage lots of dancing and having fun. It’s a great way to celebrate the Queen’s reign.

A chilled-out ambiance is a must, how do you create a relaxed mood?

Order copious amounts of candles. We love a long summer evening but why should the party stop once the sun goes down? Fabulous lighting is essential for when it gets dark, and it makes any occasion super magical.

Hire waiters, it will make the whole day easier. Or better yet, assign roles to the youngsters and have them help to serve and cater for guests, whilst you get to sit back and relax with a glass of something bubbly.

Perfect for street parties and picnics a-like, Tyrrells Coronation Chicken crisps will be available in Waitrose stores for a limited time. 

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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First off, can you tell us what the outdoors means to you?

I’m always at my happiest in the great outdoors. It has so many mental health benefits, including lowering stress and lifting mood. I try to get outside every single day no matter what the weather, which is why the Peter Storm range is perfect for me (and it looks great)!

What would your greatest day spent outdoors look like?

The brilliant thing about nature is that even though it’s constant, it’s ever-evolving which I admire. So there isn’t a ‘greatest day in the outdoors’ for me – I just need to be outdoors every day – even if that’s in the local park. Twenty minutes with the trees and taking in the sounds and smells of the natural world revitalises me.

What would make for an unbeatable experience outside and what has been your greatest UK adventure to date?

My greatest UK adventure to date is the next one. I had a fantastic time filming a walk in Essex recently, in a place called Tollesbury, which was utterly lovely. Not really a great big adventure but I think getting as much ‘green’ in our daily lives is the important thing.

You’ve bravely opened up about your cancer diagnosis; has it changed your connection with and perception of the great outdoors, and how you have been able to enjoy it?

Honestly, it’s saved me, kept me sane, been my therapist and continues to help my recovery in ways I can’t explain.

What advice would you give to those suffering from physical or mental illnesses to support them in getting outside?

It’s been widely researched and just 120 minutes a week in green spaces has been shown to have huge benefits on our physical and mental health. Humans have evolved in green spaces and we are not meant to be spending hours hunched over a blue screen… Do yourself a huge favour and make sure you take regular breaks and get that much needed vitamin D from daylight, which helps sets your circadian rhythm, refreshes your concentration and helps optimise your hormones. It’s vital for mental health and we all need to move, to stay on top of our physical health.

As a family, how do you balance time spent online with time away from devices and what tips can you give to parents and kids on limiting screen time?

We’re just busy and involved with our kids. I talk to them about my work and include them in some of it – getting them to help me research stuff and showing them the places I may be filming. We read a lot together, plant trees, grow indoor plants… if you show children how life grows, I think they’re intrinsically interested in the process and results.

What are your favourite things about your job? Is there anyone in the outdoors industry that inspires you and why?

I feel very grateful – I think it’s the best job in the world. I’ve met fantastically interesting people, I’ve travelled through some of the most interesting and beautiful landscapes in the world and despite the insecurity of not knowing what’s next, it’s incredibly rewarding. I still feel as if I have so much to learn about everything.

I’m a super fan of Suzanne Simard – a professor who made the ground-breaking discovery that trees talk to each other in highly complex ways and Octavia Hill who was a social reformer and ardent campaigner to protect various landscapes and special places across the UK. She helped found the National Trust and stopped lots of green spaces from being built on, in the name of ‘progress’ because she understood the value of these spaces for everyone – whatever their background – even in urban settings.

For you, what would make an ideal day trip or day out?

Homemade sarnies (fat slices of sourdough please), a sunny day, and my kids set to go for a woodland walk and picnic.

Checklist collaborated with Go Outdoors for this interview, which you can find here.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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What was the best part of Love Island? 

Besides getting paid to sit in a lovely villa with 40 degree heat and the girls walking around in bikinis? I met some really great people there. I’m still in contact with a lot of the lads, like Jordan, Michael, Danny and Chris. They’re all good mates of mine now.

I get along really well with Joe Garratt from the season I was on, funnily enough. We weren’t actually in the villa together but we’re good mates now. My favourite part was making pals like that and sitting in the sun.

Was it easy to keep up your exercise regime while in the villa? Or did you have to adapt?

I actually trained twice a day in there. I don’t think they showed any of it to be honest, but I was doing weights in the gym in the corner and I ran across the garden. One day Ovie ran across the garden with me, and another day Anton joined me, so it was all good fun.

They feed you really well and all I did was train and drink water between the drama. So funnily enough, I left in really good shape.

Any behind-the-scenes secrets you can tell us about being in the villa? 

People tend to think that it’s all staged and what’s happening is produced, but it’s actually not. Everything and every word an Islander says comes out of their own mouth, it’s their own autonomy to say what they want.

Obviously, the producers have to make a show so they have to encourage people to have conversations. But if you mess up and say something wrong? That’s on you. It’s far more real than people think it is. At the end of the day, they only have eight weeks to produce the most-watched show in the UK.

Another thing people don’t realise is that there’s cameras everywhere. Even in the toilets, there’s a camera in your face when you’re doing your business. I think the reason behind that is in case a couple starts having sex somewhere or an argument takes place and the team need to capture that.

Did you get any secret coded messages slipped under your door by producers to encourage you then?

They actually tried to make me kiss Amber the second night I was in there. They said: “Greg would you maybe think about kissing her?” And I told them no, I don’t want to I’m not ready. They took it really well and backed off.  

Did you get much mental support after leaving the show?

ITV are very good in that they have a full 14-month programme that you have to do on the way out talking to therapists and psychologists. Even before you go in you have to be signed off after meeting a psychologist. They do everything they can do to help you, but it’s on you at the end of the day.

I received a lot of negativity after the show, but that was because I didn’t follow the standard path of asking the girl to be my partner, move to London, take all the brand deals. I had to go home for training, I was going to the Olympics the next year.

Being a Love Island winner wasn’t part of my plan, and I got eaten alive on social media. I was called a money-grabber, and in reality, I was going home to work a full-time job that pays below minimum wage for the chance to represent my country and follow my dream.

Are there any lessons you learned in the Villa that have stuck with you? 

I was happy with the way I carried myself in there and how I respected people. I do regret how it all came crashing down afterwards.

Amber, the girl I won the show with, could have dealt with a lot of it privately but it all got blown out of proportion and I wish it was handled better. She apologised first and I said it’s fine, these things happen even though it had a massive impact on my public image but I wasn’t trying to be that person at the time. So the lesson to take away is to deal with things privately. But Love Island is the most-watched TV show in the UK so that’s a struggle.

You started off as a 15-a-side rugby player and moved to Sevens after your injury at Munster. How do the two sports compare physically?

At the top levels of traditional rugby and Sevens they’re essentially a different sport. The demand on your body couldn’t be more different. I still remember when I transferred into Sevens, I tore my hamstring six times in the first season. It was so hard to adapt to the level of running and sprinting you do. For that whole 14 minutes, you’re sprinting and tackling constantly, compared to 80 minutes of mostly waiting in preparation as a winger.

If you play a couple seasons of Sevens and come back to 15-a-side, your skills and fitness are ridiculously better. People like Hugo Keenan who was in the star team for Ireland for the last 15 games all came back from Sevens into mainstream rugby and have flourished.

Would you ever consider coming out of retirement and returning to 15-a-side rugby?

Rugby is my first love and I didn’t want to retire, but when you’re busting your body in a full-time job for 18 grand a year, it’s not feasible long-term. I’m really sad to walk away but I had to for my life and my career. I had achieved all I had set out to do in the sport and felt like it was the right time to walk away.

How has your fitness regime changed from when you played 15 a side rugby to now?

When I was playing for Munster I was quite conscious of what I was eating and keeping myself in decent shape with a lot of protein to keep myself big and handle the impacts. I was weighing in at about 83kg, coming up against 120kg props, and who’s going to win that collision? At Sevens you have to run so much, so I had to hike up my carbs. You’re eating pizza, pasta rice, you literally can’t eat enough food to counteract how much you’re exercising.

Since retiring I’ve dropped how much I eat, and I definitely eat a bit more out of pleasure than I could before. I can now have some chocolate but I train in different ways. I’ve done a lot of long-distance running recently which wasn’t an option while training for Sevens, and a bit of Crossfit and things like that. I’ve enjoyed trying a lot of different things, especially Instagram Live’s which has led me to develop my own fitness app, Bettr with Greg.

How did Bettr with Greg start? 

It’s been in the back of my head for a very long time, and I never thought it could happen. There’s a lot that goes into making an app, a lot of time and money that I couldn’t manage when training for the Olympics. It was a lovely idea but I wasn’t sure if it was possible.

Then when lockdown happened I saw a lot of people doing live exercise videos and I started getting into YouTube and people enjoyed them. And I was enjoying making them. So I thought to myself that I could turn that passion into an everyday job where I can help people?

How did you come up with the app’s name?

The name came from the mindset that I want to help people improve and get a little bit better together. A lot of these courses and apps aim at getting people at peak fitness, so I didn’t want to be ‘Greg Fit’ or ‘Greg Health’. I wanted to stay away from that and just help people get a little bit better, day by day.

I didn’t want to just film 50 videos, put them on an app, and go sip piña coladas in Dubai. If you’re working out, I’m going to be there with you and we can all do it together. You don’t have to compare yourself to anyone except yourself. It’s all bodyweight stuff so you don’t have to go to a gym or spend loads on a setup.

How much has your rugby background influenced Bettr with Greg? 

Massively. The app is a mixture of what I had to do as an Olympian and my experience as a Pilates instructor and a weight-loss coach. I have all these different elements, flexibility, fitness, and nutrition, then I put it all together to make it enjoyable and accessible to everyone. It’s not that difficult, you just need to raise your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes three or four times a week and eat well. I’m just simplifying it and making it fun.

Find out more about Greg’s new fitness venture at bettrwithgreg.com

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The post Celebrity Secrets chats to – Love Island winner Greg O’Shea appeared first on Checklists.

What is the importance of the charity during the festive period, and why is Caudwell Children important to you?

Christmas is a time for giving. A time when we all come together and show our care and love for one another. we should also be mindful that there are many people and animals who find this time of the year very difficult. So giving back is so important at Christmas as something so small to yourself could be massive to another person and really make their Christmas ten times better.

Caudwell is important to me because every child deserves a good happy life no matter their circumstances. Caudwell do everything they can to improve the lives of disabled children and their families. After attending the butterfly ball I was overwhelmed with all the amazing things Caudwell has done to improve the lives of so many individuals .

How are you spending the festive period?

I’ll be spending the festive period with my family and friends. It’s actually the first time in years my family are altogether, my brothers were usually on tour with the army which always made Christmas difficult. This is the first year in a long time we are together as a family. 

I will also be with my little nephew for his first Christmas which is exciting, plus my youngest brother and girlfriend are also expecting and due in a few weeks time. It’s a family Xmas with some amazing wonderful additions, I couldn’t be happier!!!

Tell me about some of the other lifestyle brands you are working with.

I’ve worked with a number of lifestyle brands, since leaving one of the main ones I’m excited about is Gym Cub. In fact I have something very exciting happening with them soon. I met them through their shop launch and fell in love with their products instantly. I honestly cannot wait.

Fitness is so important to having a good healthy lifestyle and if you can look and feel amazing at the same time then it’s a big thumbs up from me. Alongside this I have worked with a number of fashion and beauty brands.

I also had the honour of meeting the author of Grumbalina Books as they were one of the sponsors at the Caudwell Butterfly Ball. Their collection of books are amazing for teaching young children such valuable life lessons. 

Have you got any tips for feeling your best over the festive period?

My tips are to make sure you make time for yourself, unwind and make the most of the smelly gift sets you receive under the tree and in your stocking. I say treat yourself.

We’ve all had a crazy year, so make sure you put your happiness first. Go and eat that Christmas turkey and pudding and try not to make yourself feel guilty for it, as we all deserve it. The new year is when we can work it off.

Have you been making the most of glamorous nights out or are you a homebody?

I am a social butterfly so you will usually see me out and I absolutely love it. I love meeting new people and making up for lost time and nights out I’ve missed due to Covid. However as we roll closer to the end of the year, I think home life is calling me.

My bladder and dancing feet need a little rest, and I know when the new year starts I need to be better at spending more time at home which will allow me make time for myself. I need try not to let FOMO get the better of me as it’s okay to have some me time.

What is your usual going out ritual?

My going out ritual is to crank up the old school tunes whilst I get ready, which usually makes me late as I get too carried away singing. I’ve got to have a cheeky glass of something. I can’t get ready in silence I need to get myself in the mood otherwise my bed would call me.

How has life changed for you since Love Island?

Life is crazy, it’s amazing, it’s overwhelming but great. I have gone to so many events, met incredible people and had amazing opportunities that I could only have dreamed of. That being said it’s a busy life, so it’s finding the balance between managing the old life and new – I wouldn’t change it for the world though, even if I am knackered a lot of the time.

How did the show support mental health and dealing with fame?

Love island have been incredible. The show gave me the option to have a psychologist who checks in with me weekly as well as the show having their very own welfare team. After leaving they also got me prepped with how to deal with the new world I would be stepping into. I honestly cannot fault love island and the support that is offered in terms of your mental health.

Who are you still in contact with from the show?

I’m in contact with a handful of people, you may have seen from photos that I’ve formed a very close bond with Rachel and Amy, us girls literally talk every single day and they have been my rocks on this crazy journey, a journey no one will ever understand unless you’ve done it. I’m also in contact with Georgia, Kaz, Lillie and Brett, Harry. I’ll always make time for people who want to make time for me. That being said I’ll happily contact or talk to anyone if they wished to reach out.

What’s a secret that not many people know?

So I’m actually really blind and wear saucepan glasses at night. I had to wear my contacts in the villa and take them out when everyone was sleeping.

Another would be that whilst I was in holding to go into the Love Island villa, I found my ex on this years Too Hot To Handle. What are the chances of two exes ending up on dating shows at the exact same time?

Finally, what are your plans for 2022?

I would love to get back into TV or go into radio. I think once you have a taste of it it’s hard not to want to go back. I feel like my full true personality and self wasn’t displayed in my short time within the Villa.

Alongside entertainment I would love to open my own salon. At some point I want to get some travelling under my belt if Covid allows it, oh and hopefully within all this I manage to find a man, as that search is still continuing.

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