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19 May 2019 Flying high Westlife – having the time of their lives Made in Chelsea Your guide to the world’s best flower show Be our guest Perfect outfits for the wedding season
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Contents Fashion
4 Get this!
19 May 2019
8 Focus
Clutch bags to have and to hold
10 Aisles of style
Make a guest appearance in this season’s
sensational wedding outfits
34 In the closet
Emmerdale star Sandra Marvin reveals her
style secrets
HAIR AND MAKE-UP: LAUREN KAY USING LESS IS MORE, ANTIPODES AND LORD & BERRY / STYLIST’S ASSISTANT: LYDIA VENN /
MODELS: KIRRA AND VERONICA AT NEVS / LOCATION: THE FIVE-STAR LUTON HOO HOTEL, GOLF & SPA (LUTONHOO.CO.UK)
Lifestyle
33 Heart of Texas
Saddle up to explore America’s cowboy country
40 Victoria’s best
42 The things 10
Victoria Gray takes a shine to outdoor lighting
42 Interiors they say... Above, from left: Veronica
wears: Dress, £50, Dorothy
Pack your home with petal power “The love of gardening Perkins (0344 984 0261,
44 Food
is a seed once sown dorothyperkins.com);
A healthy menu that’ll make you feel good, too shoes, £99, Phase Eight
49 Wine that never dies” (020 8877 4001,
Jamie Goode toasts aromatic whites for summer Gertrude Jekyll phase-eight.com) fascinator,
£180, Jessica Rea Millinery
50 Gardens (1843-1932) (jessicareamillinery.co.uk); bag,
It’s show time at Chelsea with dazzling new £15, M&S (marksandspencer.com);
designs, flowers and water features earrings, £55, necklace, £195, both Lola
Rose (020 7372 0777, lolarose.co.uk);
bracelet, £35, Sofia Waldorf (sofiawaldorf.com)
Kirra wears: Dress, £249; jacket, £349, both
People Hobbs (020 3095 3939, hobbs.co.uk); shoes,
22 Life as I know it 33 £32, Next (0333 777 8000, next.co.uk);
fascinator, £298, Bundle MacLaren Millinery
With Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones (07432 071606, bundlemaclaren.co.uk);
earrings, £18, Sofia Waldorf (as before)
24 Westlife
The band talk comebacks, fatherhood and their Regulars
exciting new collaboration with Ed Sheeran 7 First look 57 Fiction
28 John Marrs 18-21 Beauty A short story by novelist Sophie Tanner
The best-selling novelist opens a new chapter Nailing the perfect home manicure 59-74 Switch on
with a lucrative TV deal 36 Health The week on TV and radio
30 Michael Sheen and David Tennant Battling with MS, by Amy Winehouse’s mum 75 Mindy Hammond
Two’s company for the stars of hotly tipped 38 Agony aunt Light-fingered Labradors give paws for thought
fantasy TV series Good Omens By Jane O’Gorman and Dr Rosemary Leonard 77 Stars
58 My favourite photo 54 Read all about it Russell Grant predicts your week
Singer Julio Iglesias shares a snapshot Gripping thrillers you won’t want to put down 78 The £1,000 crossword
Editor Margaret Hussey Art Director Greg Anderson Assistant Editor Graham Bailey Supplements Picture Editor Karen Vowles On the cover:
Picture Editor Sarah White Production Editor Jan Brierley Lifestyle Director Victoria Gray Commissioning Editor and Beauty Editor Laura Mulley Styling by Rivkie Baum
Fashion Editor Antonia Kraskowski Deputy Fashion Editor Rivkie Baum Literary Editor Charlotte Heathcote Feature Writer Kirsten Jones Photograph by
Fashion Assistants Katy Gale, Scott Wells Chief Sub Editor Jennifer Wignall Sub Editors Bridget Rowan, Catrina Walker, Mia Bolton
Junior Picture Researcher Maya Bedford
Jay McLaughlin
For clothes and accessory
S Magazine is published by Express Newspapers, Second Floor, Northern & Shell stockists, see page 17
Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. © Express Newspapers 2019
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 3
Get this!
There’s something for every budget in this week’s must-have selection Compiled by Laura Mulley
HA
HANDLE WITH CARE
GREEN AND PLEASANT Accessorize tote bag, £44, TREASURE TROVE
&Klevering set of four beaded coasters, Littlewoods (0344 822 Trinket pot, £12, John Lewis & Partners
£33, Amara (0800 587 7645, amara.com)
am 8000, littlewoods.com) (03456 049049, johnlewis.com)
THE EYES HAVE IT
Kenzo glasses, £148 for two
Kenz
pairs, Specsavers (0345 202
pairs
0241, specsavers.co.uk)
0241
BRAVE HEARTS
BOW WOW Favourite Stories Of Courageous
Andrea blouse, £139, Hobbs Girls, £6.99, Express Bookshop
((020 3095 3939,, hobbs.co.uk) (see page 77)
IN THE CAN
Sipsmith gin
S
CHOCS AWAY AY and tonic cans, THIRSTY WORK SETSS APPEAL
Pearls box of chocolates, from £3 each, Co-op,, Drinks dispenser, £10, Lanona bikini top, £45, Latrelo
£5 each, Thorntons (0345 121 Tesco and Sainsbury’s Home (0800 636 bikini bottoms, £45, both Ted Baker
1911, thorntons.co.uk) Waitrose 262, sainsburyshome.co.uk) (0345 450 2484, tedbaker.com)
4 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019
EAU SO
LOVELY
Dolce &
Gabbana Velvett
Oriental Musk
eau de parfum,, CREATURE COMFORTS
BOX OF TRICKS £200, Harrods Spaniel blanket, CUSHY
HY NUMBER
Lunch box, £12, Talking (0333 300 £124.95, Annabel James Cushions, £98 each, Jan
Cu
Tables (020 7627 6767, 1234, harrods.. (0345 5488 0210, Co
Constantine (01270 821194,
talkingtables.co.uk) com) mes.co.uk)
annabeljames.co.uk) jan
janconstantine.com)
ART OF
GLASS
Fox & Ivy
BORN TO RUN vase, £22,, CA
C
CAFÉ SOCIETY
Xodus ISO 3 trainers, Tesco (0800
00 Cafédirect London Fields packs
Ca
£140, Saucony (020 3376 323 4050,, of coffee, £5.50 each, Waitrose
2738, saucony.com) tesco.com)) (0800 188884, waitrose.com)
(08
KISS AND TELL
Givenchy Le Rouge
Couture Edition HIGH FLYING BIRD
lipstick in No 304 Iron Man mini drone, £123.60,
Mandarine Bolero, Reichelt (reichelt.com)
£32, Debenhams
and House of
Fraser
BIG IN JAPAN
Four Fox Saké, HERO WORSHIP
£38.95, 31 Help For Heroes T-shirt, £16,
Dover (0333 Debenhams (0844 561 6161, PALM SPRINGS
900 3131, debenhams.com). All proceeds Palma accent chair, £299, JD Williams Home
31dover.com) go to the charity (0871 231 2000, jdwilliams.co.uk)
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 5
TheRe for
Tuna JacKet Meal TimEs
and our new Pack’s
big RevEal TimEs
TheRe for you, all Ways
first look by Kirsten Jones
DO
CERI OAKES
TAKE PART
Right around the corner from the Chelsea Flower Show, No Fifty
Cheyne is the perfect spot to stop for dinner. The brasserie on
Chelsea Embankment will be filled with fresh flowers all week,
Put your best foot forward for WalkFest next weekend. The festival returns while head chef Iain Smith cooks up show-stopping, spring-themed
over the Spring Bank Holiday for three days of guided themed walks dishes with the best of British ingredients. Book a table to try
around special places in the North York Moors. This year celebrates 50 fresh fish from the open grill and visit the first-floor bar for views
years of the Cleveland Way – our favourite National Trail – and for £6 you of the River Thames and Cheyne Gardens. See a sample menu
can book a ramble along the cliffs and bays, through ruins, woodland and at fiftycheyne.com.
BOOK
into seaside towns. Find out more at northyorkmoors.org.uk.
TRY
Behind a secret door lies one of
Board the soul train to
Blenheim Palace to see
Manchester’s worst-kept secrets – a Gladys Knight and Sister
bar with the unlikely name, Science Sledge onstage at Nocturne
& Industry, but with an imaginative Live. From June 20 to 23, the
cocktail list. Tucked away on the first country house in Oxfordshire
floor of eatery Cane & Grain in the will open after dark to host
Northern Quarter, the hidden bar is hit makers Lauryn Hill, Tears
well worth a try. The mixologists for Fears, Kylie Minogue,
dream up incredible flavours with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gabrielle
great results. Our favourites were and more. Expect disco
Pinot Colada, a new twist on a classics and sing-along
tropical favourite, and Sage Advice, songs from the 70s and
with Armagnac and red grapes (0161 beyond. Book tickets at
839 7033, caneandgrain.co.uk). nocturnelive.com.
MUST HAVE Enjoy a magical Disney remake, an African adventure and an epic struggle
Aladdin Under The Camelthorn Tree Mary Queen Of Scots
In cinemas from Raising her children Saoirse Ronan and Margot
Wednesday, this action around lions in Botswana Robbie team up to play
remake follows a young was an amazing adventure two queens who fight for
boy who is lured into the for Kate Nicholls. The the right to rule England.
Cave of Wonders for a author’s powerful memoir Queen Mary returns to
magical lamp. He releases about the changing face make her bid for the
a wisecracking genie (Will of motherhood is out now crown, but a trail of deceit
Smith) who helps him win for £18.99. See Express lies ahead. It’s out on
the heart of a princess. Bookshop on page 77. Blu-ray and DVD tomorrow.
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 7
Pink and orange bag, £10, Dorothy Perkins Grey printed bag, £39, Jigsaw
Bags of style
(0344 984 0261, dorothyperkins.com) (020 8392 5603, jigsaw-online.com)
Red floral bag, £69, Ted Baker
(0345 450 2484, tedbaker.com) Satin bag, £90, Reiss (0845 604 7457, reiss.com)
Blue glitter bag, £89, Kurt Geiger
(020 7781 7480, kurtgeiger.com) Fuchsia clutch bag, £99, Karen Millen (karenmillen.com)
8 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019
FOCUS
Yellow printed bag, £20,
Topshop (0344 984 0264,
topshop.com)
Red lips bag, £45, Aldo (aldoshoes.com)
Add a touch of class to any
outfit with a beautiful clutch
Compiled by Katy Gale
Beige and blue bag, £125, LK Bennett
(020 7033 8333, lkbennett.com)
Gold bag, £35.99, Mango (0800 026 0028, mango.com)
Black bag, £28, V by Very Striped bag, £40, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams
(0344 822 2321, very.co.uk) (0344 561 6161, debenhams.com)
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 9
Looking for the
perfect wedding outfit?
Styling by Rivkie Baum
Photographs by Jay McLaughlin Dress to
Left: From left, Kirra wears:
Floral shirt, £119, Ted
Baker (0345 450 2484,
tedbaker.com); trousers,
£32, Asos (020 7756
1000, asos.com);
fascinator, £220, Jessica
Rea Millinery (www.
jessicareamillinery.co.uk);
bag, £58, Dune London
(0333 240 7306,
dunelondon.com)
Veronica wears: Lace dress,
£42, Dorothy Perkins
(0344 984 0261,
dorothyperkins.com);
fascinator, £90, Star by
Julien Macdonald at
Debenhams (0344 561
6161, debenhams.com)
Facing page: From left,
Veronica wears: Dress,
£285, Olivia Rubin
(oliviarubinlondon.com);
shoes, £99, Phase Eight
(020 8877 4001, phase-
eight.com); fascinator,
£195, Jessica Rea Millinery
(as before); necklace,
£395, Lola Rose (020
7372 0777, lolarose.co.
uk); earrings, £149; ring,
£139, both Sif Jakobs
(sifjakobs.uk)
Kirra wears: Floral halter
top, £69, Mint Velvet
(0345 456 2200,
mintvelvet.co.uk); suit
jacket, £65; suit trousers,
£38, both Next (0333 777
8000, next.co.uk); shoes,
£42, Wallis (0344 984
0266, wallis.co.uk);
fascinator, £55, Phase
Eight (as before); earrings,
£25, Sofia Waldorf
(sofiawaldorf.com); ring,
£189, Sif Jakobs (as before)
10 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019FASHION impress S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 11
Kirra wears: Floral dress,
£59.99, Mango (0800 026
0028, mango.com); shoes,
£42, Wallis (0344 984
0266, wallis.co.uk);
fascinator, £40, Star by
Julien Macdonald at
Debenhams (0344 561
6161, debenhams.com);
earrings, £79, Sif Jakobs (as
before); necklace, £160,
circle ring, £160, stacking
rings, from £90, all Lola
Rose (020 7372 0777,
lolarose.co.uk); bag, £89,
Kurt Geiger (020 7781
7480, kurtgeiger.com)
Above, from left, Kirra wears: Cami,
£20, Dorothy Perkins (0344 984 0261,
dorothyperkins.com); blazer, £59; trousers,
£32, both Topshop (0344 984 0264,
topshop.com); fascinator, £35,
Marks & Spencer (0333 014 8000,
marksandspencer.com); bag, £650, Gedebe
at Fenwick (020 7629 9161, fenwick.co.
uk); earrings, £139; necklace, £69, charm
(on necklace), £69, all Thomas Sabo
(thomassabo.com)
Veronica wears: Dress, £68, Chi Chi London
(020 8880 1211, chichiclothing.com);
fascinator, £198, Bundle MacLaren Millinery
(07432 071606, bundlemaclaren.co.uk);
earrings, £195, Sif Jakobs (sifjakobs.com)
12 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019FASHION From left, Veronica wears: Jumpsuit, £120, Phase Eight (020 8877 4001, phase-eight. com); shoes, £44, Dune London (0333 240 7306, dunelondon.com); fascinator, £345, Bundle MacLaren Millinery (07432 071606, bundlemaclaren.co.uk); hoop earrings, £149; ring, £129, both Thomas Sabo (as before) Kirra wears: Tux dress, £249, Hobbs (020 3095 3939, hobbs.co.uk); shoes, £29, Topshop (0344 984 0264, topshop.com); fascinator, £540, Bundle MacLaren Millinery (as before); earrings, £119, Thomas Sabo (as before); ring, £139, Sif Jakobs (as before); necklace, £110, Lola Rose (as before) S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 13
From left, Veronica wears:
Lace dress, £198, Boden
(0330 333 0000, boden.co.
uk); shoes, £110, Phase
Eight (020 8877 4001,
phase-eight.com); fascinator,
£169, Hostie Hats at
Fenwick (020 7629 9161,
fenwick.co.uk); earrings,
£119, Sif Jakobs (sifjakobs.
com); necklace, £85, House
of Ava (houseofava.co.uk)
Kirra wears: Floral tie-waist
dress, £495, Olivia Rubin
(oliviarubinlondon.com);
shoes, £70, Dune London
(0333 240 7306,
dunelondon.com); fascinator,
£90, Debut at Debenhams
(0344 561 6161,
debenhams.com);
earrings, £149; ring,
£98, both Thomas Sabo
(thomassabo.com)
14 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019FASHION
Veronica wears: Dress, £185, Reiss
(0845 604 7457, reiss.com); bag, £30,
River Island (0344 5766 444, riverisland.
com); fascinator, £395, Siana Yewdall at
Fenwick (as before); earrings, £30, Sofia
Waldorf (sofiawaldorf.com); necklace,
£85, Sif Jakobs (as before)
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 15FASHION From left, Kirra wears: Floral jumpsuit, £99, No 1 Jenny Packham; fascinator, £90, Debut, both at Debenhams (0344 561 6161, debenhams.com); bag, £60, Dune (dunelondon.com); earrings, £18, Sofia Waldorf (sofiawaldorf.com); ring, £98, Thomas Sabo (thomassabo.com) Veronica wears: Dress, £269, Hobbs (020 3095 3939, hobbs.co.uk); fascinator, £560, Merve Bayindir at Fenwick (020 7629 9161, fenwick. co.uk); earrings, £129, Thomas Sabo (as before); ring, £79, Sif Jakobs (sifjakobs.uk) Hair and make-up: Lauren Kay using Less is More, Antipodes and Lord & Berry Stylist’s assistant: Lydia Venn Models: Kirra and Veronica at Nevs Location: The five-star Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is an English country house hotel set in 1,065 acres of countryside on the border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. It has 228 bedrooms and suites, award-winning cuisine, luxury spa and championship golf course. Visit lutonhoo.co.uk, Twitter @lutonhoohotel, Instagram @lutonhoohotel and Facebook @lutonhoo S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 17
Laura Mulley
At your fingertips
Keep your nails in peak condition for the natural look
S
ix years ago, results from me for not regularly applying cuticle oil and seaweed extract, which
a survey claimed that the oil, but despite good intentions (I’ve have hydrating, antioxidant and
average British woman positioned one on my desk and another anti-ageing benefits.
spent up to £450 a year on by my bed), it’s a habit I just can’t Ful Vic Health’s Fulvic Acid Nail
her nails. This seems an seem to get the hang of. Precise, Cream (£12; victoriahealth.com)
extortionate amount for such a tiny quickly absorbed and from my favourite contains an acid (I know, yet another
part of the body, but taking into account gel polish brand, I’m hoping I’ll have one to get your head around) that
recent trends in gel manicures, nail art more luck sticking with the CND enhances the absorption of nutrients in
and Rihanna-esque acrylic extensions, Solar Oil Care Pen (£12.95; our bodies. It has already been found
it’s easy to see how the maintenance nailpolishdirect.co.uk). to help strengthen hair and Victoria
could all add up. Acclaimed nail expert Margaret Health’s in-house pharmacist claims it
But natural nails are making a Dabbs also advocates the importance can have a similar effect on nails, too.
comeback, too. A manicurist recently of keeping hands well moisturised. Glossy, chip-resistant and instantly
confided in me that she loves nothing “Make sure you use hand sanitiser, dry to the touch, nothing quite beats a
more than neat, bare, lightly buffed nails. wash and lotion which are hydrating to gel manicure for hassle-free, elegant
If you’re going to keep them au natural, the skin and nails,” she advises. tips, but I’m always asked if they’re bad
however, ensure they’re in the best The Margaret Dabbs for nails. If applied properly, it is not
condition with this selection of tips and London Intensive Hydrating the polish itself that can damage
tricks from the leaders in nail care. Hand Lotion (from £8; them but instead the removal
I have lost track of the number of margaretdabbslondon. technique – vigorous scraping with
times a nail technician has chastised co.uk) contains hempseed
18
8tools or, even worse, picking the whole
lot off, takes with it layers of the nail.
The at-home removal process (buffing,
acetone, cotton wool, tinfoil) can be
fiddly, but the Stylfile Gel Polish Remover
Kit (£15.99; styltom.co.uk) makes it
as simple as possible.
To get rid of regular varnish, however,
using an acetone-free liquid such as
Jessica Non-Acetone Polish Remover
(from £7.80; jessicacosmetics.co.uk)
is best for anyone with sensitive skin, dry
cuticles or those who frequently switch
up their colour.
“The number one concern I see
nowadays is dry nails and cuticles,” says
Georgina Walker, Jessica’s nail expert.
In addition to a good oil and base coat,
Georgina advises eating a diet rich in
foods like avocado, fish and nuts,
avoiding spending too long with hands
submerged in water and filing the nail
in one direction, not back and forth, to
avoid them peeling.
Sally Hansen Moisture Rehab
Overnight Nail Serum (£9.95;
Superdrug) is also a godsend for
dehydrated nails. Swipe on a thin layer
and massage in every night to improve
their moisturisation levels. This will also
improve the look of your manicure –
polish goes on smoother over well-
hydrated nails and increased flexibility
means a lesser chance of chips.
If, however, your main concern is nails
that are weak, thin or struggle to grow,
this could be the sign of a keratin
deficiency. Apply Mavala Scientifique K+
Nail Hardener (£15.70; feelunique.com)
to the tips to help layers of keratin fibres
bond tightly together, allowing them to
grow long and strong without breaking.
Finally, if you don’t feel “done”
without a shiny lick of polish, Nailberry
Oxygenated Nail Lacquer (£14.50;
nailberry.co.uk) is about as healthy a
one as you’ll find. Nails don’t “breathe”,
but they can still benefit from an
oxygen-rich, chemical-light coating. This
pretty peachy shade, Peony Blush, gives
a nod to this year’s coral trend. ● S
Beauty
GETTY IMAGES
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 19Beauty
Counter
Edited by Laura Mulley
Vitamin C is an ingredient
Vita
that’s tricky to
that
stabilise in
stab
skincare, and
skin
though Avon
thou
mastered it in
mas
1996, the brand
199
has kept relatively
quiet about it over the
quie
last 20 years. But now
Avon is back with a bang
Avo
with the new Anew Vitamin C
Radiance Maximising Serum
Rad
(£20; avon.uk.com), which
(£2
contains the vitamin C
con
equivalent of 30 oranges.
equ
While other serums can
Whi
leave a slightly tacky
leav
feeling on the skin, this
feel
one glides on silkily and
gives an instant glow.
give
Coloured hair needs a little extra nourishment, especially if it has been
lightened, which is why it’s no surprise that Pureology’s Hydrate range is its
bestselling one. But those with fine hair sometimes find that deeply moisturising
products can weigh hair down, so Pureology has launched the Hydrate Sheer Shampoo
and Conditioner (from £19.95 each; lookfantastic.com). They are weightless, silicone-free
formulas that give enough hydration without leaving any residue behind on the hair.
There’s
nothing worse
Facial peels have a scary than feeling
reputation (remember the that burn from
alarming reaction of Sex And applying deodorant
The City’s Samantha?), but to freshly shaven
done properly, they exfoliate underarms. In fact,
and rejuvenate the skin to give 17 per cent of people
glowing results. AlumierMD actually forgo deodorant
offers treatments (from £90; completely to avoid this.
alumiermd.co.uk) that are The Nivea Black &
“progressive, not aggressive” White Invisible Silky
and require no downtime. The Smooth Antiperspirant
worst you might experience (£2.29; nationwide),
is slightly dry skin a few days however, contains
later. Your therapist will also skin-conditioning
be able to prescribe the ingredients and no
recommended AlumierMD alcohol, making it
products especially for you. irritation-free on delicate
Visit the website to find skin. It’s available in a
your nearest professional. spray or a roll-on and
won’t leave white marks
or yellow stains on
your clothes.
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 21Life as I know it
Dr Hilary Jones
Good Morning Britain GP Dr Hilary, 65, lives in
Kent with personal trainer Dee Thresher. He has
five children Words by Francine White
Not a lot of people know this but because it’s set in the past. It’s quite so impatient. I manage
I’m very good at... tree surgery. quite period and takes you back to adopt a philosophy whereby
I love trees and we have a lot in to another era. It’s well produced if someone is stupid on the
our garden in Kent but they need and involves a little bit of road, I think of them as a sad
to be managed. I’m really good at thought. I quite like looking at individual with no future, so
getting hoisted up and cutting the vintage cars in it. I think, “Oh I don’t waste time gesticulating
them back. I find it very satisfying. what’s that, where did they get or getting angry.
My best friend is… ITV it?” I’m into classic cars. The best thing my parents
cameraman Trevor Lejeune. My perfect evening is... having taught me was... My mum
We’ve worked together for years. enjoyed some exercise and fresh told me never to be class-
We were in Haiti six months after air, sitting down in front of a log conscious, never be concerned
the earthquake and just looking fire, watching a good film and about where people come from,
at the devastation and health having a fantastic bottle of wine. their background, how well or
issues they were facing. A woman My dad taught me many things poorly educated they are or their
in second stages of labour came but one of the things he taught religion. Just treat everybody the
into the hospital where we were me was life’s too short to drink same. My mum and dad were
filming. I ended up delivering the cheap plonk. If you are going very popular in west London
baby, Trevor filmed it and we got to drink wine, it’s worth spending where my dad was a GP and
a lovely moment on TV that you a little bit more. my mum had been a nurse.
only get once in a while. So much I’d like to say sorry to... I’m They showed me how bizarre
devastation, loss of life, new life the sort of person who doesn’t British culture is sometimes,
coming into the world… most worry about saying sorry when obsessed with class. It’s been
cameramen wouldn’t have been it’s necessary. If I think I’ve a great benefit to me in getting
quick or adventurous enough. hurt someone’s feelings on with people and breaking
My nickname is… H like in Line inadvertently I’m quite happy down barriers.
Of Duty, ha ha! Or Doc H. to make that apology. The last time I cried was… I’m
The bravest thing I’ve ever done My first kiss was... aged 14 not someone who cries easily.
is… a charity windsurf just off – I was a late developer. She I’ve come across a lot of sad
the coast of Shetland. It was was a girl at school. We had situations in medicine. I don’t
a bit hazardous because the a quick kiss on the corner and cry, I learn from the experience.
riptides there are pretty awful. then I never saw her again. I don’t believe you have to be
I just had a guy in a little motor The one thing I’d change about totally detached in medicine but
boat with me; we went out three myself is... I’m sure there’s lots you have to have a protective
miles before we had to abandon to change. I’d like to be more mechanism because you know
it because of the weather. Either patient. I don’t do queues. You not all your patients are going
that or agreeing to go on Dancing can’t avoid them, but I don’t to make it.
On Ice in 2010, which was brave like queueing, mainly because The first record I ever bought
GETTY IMAGES
– or foolish – but great fun. I’m busy and time is precious. was… Don’t Let Me Down by
My favourite TV show is... I think most queues are the Beatles. I probably bought it
Endeavour at the moment. I like it avoidable. In the car I’m not in Woolworths. I’ve met a lot of
22 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019people over the years but, sadly, they? I’m not important enough
no one from the Beatles. to make a film about.
It’s not good for my image but What is the worst job you have
I like… dressing down at ever done? I once worked in
weekends, to not wear a suit a hospital filing notes away all
and don a scruffy old tracksuit. day. That was soul-destroying,
Occasionally, I’ll go out looking very, very tedious.
scruffy and think no one will My perfect Sunday is... a nice
recognise me. But they do. If walk with the dog. We have
they want to take a photo of me a two-year-old springer spaniel
looking like that it’s definitely called Harley. A bit of exercise,
not good for my image. nice Sunday lunch with the
My greatest weakness is... family, a couple of drinks,
apple crumble with custard or nice weather and maybe
cream. I do have a sweet tooth, a bit of tree logging.
which I try to curtail. I have to My favourite place in Britain
be strict to keep those things is... home. For visiting, I quite
as a treat instead of normal like a river. I did a lot of
routine. I am a healthy eater, rowing on the Thames when
I’m lucky enough to like fruit I was at school, so rivers
and veg, so it’s no trouble for are important to me. So
me to eat my five a day. somewhere like Marlow
If I could pass any law I or Henley on a little boat
would… I think it would be that or walking along the towpath.
the rights of society come My last holiday was… to South
before any individual. There is Africa. Dee and I revisited a
so much emphasis on the rights game reserve that we had filmed
of the individual, but you know, at many years ago and saw lots
no man is an island. We live as of animals and we drove down
a society. We need to get back to Cape Town. It’s an amazing
the protection of society against country. It’s got its problems but
rogue individuals. it’s very beautiful.
I drive... my Austin-Healey Mark I’m currently reading...
3. It’s not my main car, it’s my The Joy Of Missing Out by Svend
toy. I use it at the weekends. My Brinkmann. It’s about how we
main car is a Jaguar S-Type. are all brought up to believe we
The shop I can’t walk past is… have to have everything. We
I don’t do very much shopping. mustn’t miss out on anything.
There’s a shirt shop in Jermyn It’s about the psychology of that.
Street, other than that I can The best day of my life was…
probably walk past any shop. I’m so lucky I’ve had so many
The most expensive thing I’ve fabulous days – the birth of my
ever splashed out on is… a children, qualifying as a doctor
sculpture. Everyone else thought after all those years. I was quite
it was hideous, I thought it was competitive as a sportsperson
lovely. It was sort of a train track in the past and winning running
that looked like Stonehenge, or rowing races was the best
with a train and empty wagons day at the time. So not one but
taking fish from Hull to London. lots of best days.
It was a massive thing. I put it in If I had half an hour left on
the lounge and everyone said Earth, I’d… drink a very large
get it out of here, so it sat in bottle of champagne. If the end
the shed for two years then I got of the world is nigh, come to my
rid of it. It was never used place, bring champagne and I’ll
or appreciated. open my medical bag. It will be
Who would play you in a film? a great party. ● S
Oh gosh, I don’t know. Who
would want to make a film about Dr Hilary is a non-executive
me anyway? I don’t think anyone director of healthcare products
would bother with me, would company MedTate.
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 23With a sell-out tour and a new album in the offing,
Westlife talk to Simon Button about being back
in the spotlight, family life and Ed Sheeran
W
hen Westlife became the new “So to actually make that decision to get back
kids on the boy-band block they together and go right let’s do it was a really big
were all teenagers. Now, two one,” says Mark. “You think, ‘Will the fans still be
decades later and back together there in droves? Will it be a mediocre comeback?’
after a seven-year hiatus, they are But if we weren’t worried it’d be a sign that we
very much men – so does that make them a man didn’t really care. Then we announced it and the
band now? reaction was just overwhelming – so warming
Mark Feehily, the youngest of the quartet, is and welcoming.”
amused by the idea of a rebranding. “I have no Kian Egan, also 38 and Mark’s elder by just
problem whatsoever with the term boy band,” the a month, chips in with a very upbeat, “It’s an
38-year-old laughs. “But, yes I suppose we amazing time for sure. We’re very happy
are a grown-up boy band now. I guess and loving it all.”
that does make us a man band.” Shane, 39, is equally elated at
Fans of the record-breakers the reaction to the Westlife
– the only band to notch up
seven consecutive UK
“We’re reunion tour as well as the fact
the band’s comeback single
number-one singles and
whose tally of 14 chart-
having a second Hello My Love and its
follow-up, Better Man, were
toppers puts them just
behind Elvis and The
go at living the both UK chart-topping hits.
“It’s a bit overwhelming,
Beatles – have remained
loyal. So much so, in fact, dream – it’s actually,” he admits. “We
knew we had a lot of fans
that they snapped up and people have been asking
40,000 tickets for this year’s
comeback tour – named The
unbelievable” about us coming back but it’s
been unbelievable. It’s like we’re
Twenty Tour to mark the 20th having a second go at living the
anniversary of their first single dream of being pop stars. It’s like,
– in just 48 hours. ‘How can we do this better? How can we
Mark admits to being nervous when he and give the fans the best-ever version of Westlife?’
bandmates Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Shane It’s a second chance and it feels very exciting.”
Filan decided to regroup. “There are always Not that Nicky, 40, would trade the seven-year
nerves before any big event in your life and this gap for anything. The first of the band to tie
is a really big event in all of our lives, but the the knot – to childhood sweetheart Georgina
reaction has been so lovely. It couldn’t have Ahern (daughter of former Irish Taoiseach
happened in a nicer way.” Bertie and sister of novelist Cecelia) in August
Westlife, he adds, have been offered deals for 2003 – he has relished being able to spend
comeback tours and albums pretty much every quality time with twin sons Rocco and Jay, 12,
year since they split after their 2012 tour. and daughter Gia, five.
24
From boys S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019INTERVIEW to men S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 25
“Being home for the past seven years gave Kian recalls it all being a bit of whirlwind. Wings, I Have A Dream and Fool Again. The
me a routine that I never had,” says Nicky, who “But I loved it because I was a very energetic, statistics are impressive. They’ve sold more
like the others is based in his native Ireland. young, enthusiastic ‘whatever it takes let’s do than 55 million records worldwide and five
“To be able to drop the kids off at school and it’ kind of guy. It all happened very fast. I was million concert tickets and were only the
collect them later, to drive them to their living at my mum’s in Sligo, going to school, second Irish act after U2 to play Dublin’s
hobbies, as trivial as it might sound, I really then three months later we were supporting 80,000-plus Croke Park in their 2008 tour
craved all that.” the Backstreet Boys and a year later having before returning for two nights in 2012 on
The oldest of the bunch, Nicky was only our first number one.” their farewell tour.
19 when Louis Walsh launched them on to the Released in 1999, Swear It Again topped the A foursome since McFadden left in 2004,
pop scene in 1998. Schoolmates Kian, Mark charts in Ireland and New Zealand, was a big they decided to take what they said in an
and Shane were already in a six-piece vocal hit across Europe and became the first of official statement was “a well-earned break.”
group, which Louis trimmed to three then Westlife’s seven back-to-back number ones In the ensuing seven years they have kept
rounded out with Nicky and Brian McFadden. in the UK. Among the others are Flying Without themselves pretty busy. Nicky has hosted radio
26 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019INTERVIEW
the bosses,” he explains. “Years ago we were ducks in a way that suits me. I’m happy in my
very much made to feel we were replaceable relationship and I’m happy in my career and
and that we were lucky to be where we were. that’s a great place to be at this age. It’s
Yes, of course, we were lucky but some of it is all about a sense of peace and calm and
not luck, some of it is because of talent and not just pandemonium.”
hard work. This time around we have a sense Kian recalls how in the early years they’d all
of control and an appropriate amount of power, go out partying after a show, “Having a few
and I don’t mean power in a power-trip kind of drinks that would turn into a few more.” He is
way. It’s more that this is our business and our anticipating a few celebratory drinks on this
band. I suppose we let people scare us the tour, too. “But being a dad myself now, my body
first time round but we’ve grown up since then clock is such that I go to bed at 10.30pm and
and we are now fully aware of the fact we’re I wake up at 7am to three kids jumping on me.
not replaceable. In fact, we’re the only four The kids will be on tour with me for a good bit
people Westlife can’t happen without and of it so that’ll still be happening.”
that’s a nice feeling.” He senses more respect for Westlife now.
Shane agrees, “We’ve learnt that the four of “When we were a boy band it never felt like we
us have to be happy and united. Obviously, it’s were media or industry favourites. This time it
a huge business conglomerate – there are feels like the support has been hugely positive.
lawyers, accountants and advisers – but The fact Ed Sheeran has been involved has
we’ve taken more control of decisions. We probably helped a lot.” Sheeran co-wrote
listen to other people’s opinions, but if that the first two singles from the forthcoming
affects the happiness of the band that’s not Spectrum album. “That was mind-blowing,”
a good thing because without the four of us says Nicky. “I’m probably his biggest fan and
there is no Westlife.” I played his first album to death – going to
Three of the four are husbands and fathers. sleep, waking up, driving, training, you name it.
Shane has a daughter Nicole, 13, and sons I haven’t met him yet but I can’t wait to shake
Patrick, 10, and Shane, nine, with his wife his hand and buy him a beer.”
Gillian Walsh and Kian and his actress-singer Asked what makes him most proud about
wife, Jodi Albert, are parents to sons Koa, Westlife, Nicky replies, “To have gone through
seven, Zeke, four this month, and Cobi, one. what we went through for 14 years then come
Family is a priority, with Shane noting, “Our out of it with our sanity and our health. You
number one job now is being dads and looking see many pop bands not surviving, not enjoying
after our families. Westlife is a very close it any more or coming out of it with bad
second but it is number two. We don’t want to memories. At the height of it, it was tiring but
look back in five or 10 years’ time and have really enjoyable. Leaving it at a point where we
our kids say, ‘We never really saw you could later return wasn’t something we
Dad.’ There’s a fine line. You work planned but we never fell out, so
but you try not to miss out on the door was always open.”
important stuff like birthdays Shane’s highlights include
and confirmations. All that
stuff has to be in the
“This time that first UK number one
and selling out Croke
diary and we work
Westlife around it.” around we Park the first time
around. “That was
Mark isn’t a father my favourite moment
yet but he very much
wants to be. “ASAP and
have a sense of onstage with the lads,
looking out at this
100 per cent,” he says.
“When I was young,
control. We’ve sea of people. It was
10 years in but we
and TV shows in Ireland and competed on
Strictly Come Dancing, Kian was a coach on
before I came out, I’d
always think in terms of
‘when I have kids…’ but it’s
grown up” looked at each other
and went, ‘We’ve made
it lads and nobody can
The Voice Of Ireland and won I’m A Celebrity… only been in the last six or take this away from us.’”
Get Me Out Of Here! in 2013, while Shane and seven years that I’ve thought, Westlife is returning to the
Mark have concentrated on solo careers. ‘I can and I will have kids of my own.’ Dublin stadium for two shows in July.
Mark released his Fire album independently, I’m very much at a point where I want to be “So it’s pinch-yourself stuff all over again,”
which meant he was responsible for everything a father and it’s weird because I feel when it Shane marvels. “We feel like we’re 18 or 19
from hiring the team to producing videos. “And does happen I’ll finally be truly fulfilled.” again, with the excitement of Westlife back in
that’s something I wouldn’t have had a clue First there’s his wedding to fiancé Cailean to our lives. It’s amazing.” ● S
about before because somebody else did all arrange. Keeping the details under wraps, he
that for us in Westlife,” he reveals. sounds very happy indeed when he says, “It’s Westlife’s album Spectrum, out on September 6,
And it has been a valuable lesson for him. all going to happen in good time. I’m in a really is available to preorder. The Twenty Tour starts
“Coming back now, I’ve realised that we are great place and I feel like I’ve lined up all the on Wednesday. For tickets, see westlife.com.
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 27Novel
approach
Author John Marrs gave up
his day job to follow his
dream. Now he’s an
international bestseller
with a lucrative TV deal.
Here he shares the
secrets of his success
“I
used to lead a double life. My day
job was working as a journalist,
interviewing celebrities for
publications including S Magazine.
But outside of work, I’d turned my
hand to writing thrillers and psychological
fiction. After six years of doing the two, my
life is very different. Closing time has been
called upon the glamorous parties and
London launches I attended. My pool of
celebrity gossip has dried up and the
closest I come to seeing a famous face
is watching Good Morning Britain over
breakfast. But I’ve never been happier.
Writing novels began as a hobby in 2013.
After my debut, When You Disappeared,
received multiple rejections from agents
(80 in total), I uploaded it on to Amazon’s
self-publishing platform instead. My plan
was to try and encourage 100 people I
didn’t know to download it. Fortunately, it
ended up selling so well that it came to the
attention of a mainstream publisher. Soon
after, a separate publisher took on my next
book, The One. Now I’m fortunate to be
able to write for both companies.
However, fulfilling these incredible
opportunities while working a nine-to-five
job wasn’t sustainable. I was already
writing for three hours on my return
28 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019MODERN LIFE
commute from my home in Northamptonshire when I reread selected parts of The
to London, plus an hour at lunchtime. Daytimes Passengers, I can still recall exactly which
were spent interviewing celebrities from the hospital waiting room I was in and what tests
worlds of TV, music and film before transcribing she was having done when I wrote them.
my recordings in a bustling newsroom. And when One of the biggest surprises of this new
book deadlines approached, I’d often be writing career was when a production company
at home, well into the night and every weekend. approached me to turn The One into a TV
“Finding that By December 2017, my brain was frazzled
and I was drowning in words. The demands
of both careers were forcing me to choose
series. After two years of hard work by Urban
Myth Films, it has recently been commissioned
by Netflix and filming begins on a 10-part
initial idea is between the job I loved and a new opportunity
to be a full-time author. There was simply
series this summer. As yet, I know very little
about what they intend to do with it, from the
not enough time to do both. So after much cast they have chosen to the locations. Scripts
all about soul-searching, I bid farewell to journalism and
threw myself into my books. The biggest
have been written by the creator of E4’s Misfits
series, Howard Overman, and he and his team
keeping your adjustment from working in a busy office to
working at home was the lack of daily human
interaction. From Network Rail to the London
have the option to add characters, take my
originals away, alter storylines and do as they
see fit. People ask if this bothers me, after all,
eyes and Underground, crammed streets to noisy offices,
for 12 hours a day I was never, ever, alone.
it’s my baby. But it really doesn’t. I took that
book as far as I could go and now it’s up to
ears open” Suddenly my only daytime company became
my dog Oscar and playlists on iTunes. But I’ve
gradually grown accustomed to the peace and
someone else to move it in a new direction.
And I can’t wait to see what they do with it.
I’ve also been incredibly surprised by the
now I enjoy the silence. interest in my books by foreign publishers.
The discipline it takes to be a journalist, They have been translated into 30 different
to write accurate copy and hit deadlines has languages from countries as varied as the
given me a solid work ethic. While I’ve learnt US, Germany, Italy, Vietnam, South Korea
to organise my own hours, I also place strict and Croatia. Each country also uses its own
timeframes on myself. At about 110,000 individual cover and I love seeing how they
words per book, it can take a good 10 to interpret my stories.
12 weeks of writing before a first draft is The most commonly asked question of me is
complete. So I make myself write a minimum where do I get my ideas from? With subjects
of 2,000 words a day, even if at first glance it including psychopathic helpline workers, finding
looks like what I’ve typed resembles rubbish. true love through your DNA to killer cars, there
Just getting that first draft of a book out of my is no one person or place I can go to that gets
system is like a huge weight being lifted. Next the cogs inside my brain whirring. Inspiration
are the rewrites, then the submission to my can come from anywhere – a newspaper
editor and yet more drafts before my work is article, a friend of a friend, something I have
done. It’s a long old business, this writing lark. watched on television or simply a dream.
I frequently have three books on the go at That’s why I keep my mobile phone by the bed
any one time. One that I have completed and because a handful of times, I’ve awoken early
is waiting to be released (this period can be with a great idea and jotted it down before
six months or longer), one my editor has just I forgot. Finding that initial idea is all about
received to critique and one I have just begun keeping your eyes and ears open; you never
working on. My next release is The Passengers, know the source from where it might appear.
a Black Mirror-style thriller set in driverless cars. Each of my novels is a stand-alone book, and
Editing this book happened in particularly I hope they’re unique and deal with a variety
trying circumstances. My mum, Pam, who is of relatable concepts, including love, loss and
79, was unexpectedly diagnosed with bowel escape. And I always like to try and ask my
cancer as I was in the midst of working on it. readers a question – what would they do if
During the four-week run up to her operation at they were in my characters’ situations? If they
Northampton General Hospital, we spent a lot read it and go on to question their potential
of time in specialists’ waiting rooms. And when responses, then I know I’ll have accomplished
she was in different clinics facing a barrage what I set out to do.
of tests, I brought with me a rucksack full I appreciate that I was fortunate to have
of printouts to proofread and edit until she enjoyed a fun, exciting and fulfilling career as
returned. Discussing the plot and characters a journalist. And now, in my late forties, I’ve
with her during these long waits also took both been given the opportunity to try my hand at
of our minds off what was to come. Thankfully, something else. I’m a very, very lucky man.” ● S
mum’s a survivor and her cancer had not
spread. After an operation, she has fully The Passengers (Penguin, £7.99) is out on May
recovered. But even now, almost a year later, 30. To order, see Express Bookshop on page 77.
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 29David Tennant and Michael Sheen
reveal why their latest project
was a match made in heaven
Words by Rianne Ison
ith countless Filming the series was an
W nominations,
awards and
megahits between
them, both David
Tennant and Michael Sheen have
enough star power to sell a TV
show single-handedly. So imagine
experience both David and
Michael relished, particularly
as they have a tendency to be
seen as rivals for similar roles
rather than as co-stars on the
same bill. But it is clear from
the Good Omens’ trailers
what would happen if you put the that the chemistry between the
two of them in a series together. two main actors crackled from
Viewers are about to discover the outset.
exactly that as the two head an Welshman Michael says, “We’ve
all-star cast in Amazon Prime’s known each other for a while.
much-anticipated adaptation of We’ve been in something together
the Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman but we haven’t actually acted
1990 comedy novel Good Omens.
The comic-fantasy story about
good vs evil, angels vs demons
and the end times, opens with
the world on the brink of
“Good
the apocalypse. And with
Judgment Day just around
Omens is
the corner, someone is
desperately needed to save particularly
the world – which is where
David and Michael come in.
David stars as the
exciting as it’s
charismatic demon, Crowley,
with partner in crime Michael
a whole new
stepping into the shoes of finicky
angel Aziraphale, who decide they
world”
are so happy with their lives on
Earth that they need to stop
Armageddon before it starts. The alongside each other on-screen
problem is that the 11-year-old at any point. So I came to it as
Antichrist, who is to bring the a fan first and foremost.
cataclysmic events to fruition, “When we were at the table
appears to have gone missing. read and we were sitting next to
One thing is certain and that each other and we started doing
is that viewers are in for a the lines, and I remember the
Omens
white-knuckle roller-coaster ride feeling. Genuinely, my biggest
across six episodes as angel problem during filming was I would
and devil race against time in be going between, ‘Oh, you’re
a celestial adventure like no other. really good’ to, ‘I think I love you.’’’
Among the stellar cast are The actor says this admiration
Benedict Cumberbatch, Anna for his co-star also helped in the
are good
Maxwell Martin, Jack Whitehall, way he approached the part of
Miranda Richardson, Steve Aziraphale. He explains, “He’s an
Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, angel, so he just loves – and
Derek Jacobi, Mark Gatiss and because he spends most of his
Daniel Mays, as well as Mad time with David’s character, he
Men’s Jon Hamm. The American loves him. I’m not quite sure
actor plays Aziraphale’s dapper where the character began and
rival, the archangel Gabriel. Michael ended.”
30 S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019INTERVIEW
Michael Sheen (left)
and David Tennant
in fantasy series
Good Omens
GETTY IMAGES
Scottish actor David, who is individual character. I think of us
famed for his roles in Doctor Who and this relationship. I have never
and, more recently, Broadchurch, experienced that before and
agrees the two of them hit it off that’s a lovely thing.”
immediately. But he confesses to David, who played the 10th
having been concerned about how incarnation of the Doctor between
he would gel with the rest of the 2005 and 2010, was also
cast before filming began. attracted by Good Omens’ unique
“I remember feeling really spin on fantasy.
nervous on that first day going to “It’s been 10 years since I did
work,” he admits. “The first day Doctor Who, which has a similar
was just big dialogue scenes mixture of practical effects and
between the two of us and it’s visual effects, and the world
always a bit of a gamble because has moved on really fast,” he
most of our stuff is together. But says. “When we did Doctor Who
you always are on the first day – there would be about five CGI
it’s that first day of school. It all [computer-generated imagery]
feels weird and you don’t know shots per episode. Now, we’re
if you’ll be able to bring it. almost up to five per scene.”
“But actually, when we first With a succession of grandiose
started doing the scenes, all of scenes and dramatic physical
that just evaporated. I remember transformations that see the two
thinking at the end of the day that actors wearing coloured contact
it had been great because it was lenses and sporting huge wings,
so fun to work with Michael. I like it is perhaps no wonder David’s
to think that we found something boyish curiosity got the better
quite quickly that we managed of him when it came to watching
to take with us for the months the series and he admits it is
that followed.” one project he is genuinely
The central relationship between looking forward to seeing on the
demon and angel was a major small screen.
attraction for Michael, who says He says, “There’s usually
Good Omens is unlike anything curiosity to see what you’ve done
else he has ever done. and hoping it will be OK, but for
The Frost/Nixon and The Queen me there’s always the horrendous
actor, who has appeared alongside experience of watching your own
Hollywood greats such as Helen face gurning away.
Mirren and Kevin Bacon, adds, “However, with this, I think it’s
“Whenever I think about playing particularly exciting as it’s a whole
this character – and this is not new world.” ● S
true of any other part that I play
– I only think of it in terms of me Good Omens will be available
and David. globally on Amazon Prime Video
“I don’t think of it as just an on May 31.
S MAGAZINE ★ 19 MAY 2019 31Edited by Laura Mulley
Heart of Texas
y love of all things Texan began as
M a little girl when I watched the film
Giant starring Elizabeth Taylor and
James Dean. This land of oil,
horses and cowboys seemed like
another world, so when the chance came to
explore where this film was set, I was there
quicker than you can shout “yee-haw.”
Discover the wild west on a trip to classic cowboy country
enchanting and were given the name Spanish they are the spirits of Apache ancestors, but
I landed in the city of Lubbock, birthplace of Skirts because of their vibrant shading, much they remain a mystery.
Buddy Holly. The musician died 60 years ago like colourful calico skirts. On the side of the Avid stargazers will be in cosmic nirvana
but the town is a shrine to his memory, from hills are one-room, earth-floor dugouts where at Marathon. This quaint town attracts
his modest granite headstone to his bandmate cowboys would shelter. astronomers from around the world as it has
Jerry Allison’s quaint house where Buddy and From there, head west to the beautiful towns the distinction of being a Class 1 dark sky,
the Crickets would meet to write and practise. of Marfa, Alpine and Marathon, just under which is basically as dark as you can get.
Next door is the Buddy Holly Center, a five hours’ drive from Lubbock. Marfa is an Built in 1927, the Gage Hotel on the historic
permanent exhibition to his life and music. enigmatic hub that draws creative spirits, such main street offers sumptuous accommodation
No visit to Lubbock would be complete as the acclaimed American artist Donald Judd with rustically decorated rooms. Enjoy
without a trip to the National Ranching Heritage who created a permanent art installation here. exceptional dining outside while millions of
Center and museum – this is cowboy country There is something so evocative about this stars light up the sky above you.
after all – on its 27-acre site. rural town, with its working railroad, historic Further afield, in Alpine, not far from the Big
Lubbock is not short of restaurants and courthouse and cattle ranches on all sides; it Bend National Park, there’s plenty to do and
has something to suit all tastes. For authentic is little wonder Giant director George Stevens see. The city is famed for its booming arts
cuisine, try Picoso’s Mexican Kitchen, but chose it as the location for his sweeping scene – there are more than 30 galleries – and
beware if owner Conchita asks if you would like Oscar-winning movie. its art walks with Instagram-worthy murals on
to supersize your cocktail. The glass is the size Fans must stay in the Hotel Paisano, where every street corner.
of your head and the cocktails are potent. For the cast stayed during the making of the film. For a hike to remember, take off up Hancock
melt-in-the-mouth brisket head to Evie Mae’s, Rumour has it that Elizabeth Taylor, James Hill to see “the desk”. Some wily students
where you bunch up on picnic tables and get Dean and Rock Hudson held wild parties in from Sul Ross State University dragged a desk
stuck into real Texan barbecue food. its outside courtyard. up the hill as a place to sit and soak up the
Lubbock ticked off, it was time to explore the Marfa is also famed for its “ghost lights”. At panoramic views. Here, walkers jot their
wild countryside of the Texas Panhandle and it night, drive out into the desert on Highway 90 thoughts down on the notepads left in its
doesn’t get more breathtaking than the Palo to a viewing platform where you might be able drawers. What did I write? Well, you’ll just
Duro Canyon, the second largest ravine in the to spot mysterious orbs dancing across the have to visit to find out. ●
S
country. The colours of the hillsides are night sky. Some say they are UFOs, others that Sarah Robertson
Lasso tricks at Take a dip in the pool
the National at the Gage Hotel
Ranching
Heritage
E DAN KLEPPER / GETTY IMAGES
Center
Palo Duro Canyon in the
heart of the Texas Panhandle
For more information, see Travel Texas (traveltexas.com). Return flights with American Airlines
from London Heathrow to Lubbock, through Dallas or Fort Worth, start at £832pp. 33You can also read
