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3 new Mary Berry recipes to make this autumn

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MARY BERRY

Mary Berry turned 90 this year and to celebrate, she has released a new cookbook, Mary 90 – aiming to give home cooks a ‘career-spanning’ collection of fuss-free recipes for many different occasions.

It accompanies a new BBC TV series, Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking.

The TV chef shares a mixture of brand-new recipes and her nostalgic classics, with Berry saying it has been a “sheer joy” to write, and includes the baking she’s so known for, alongside tasty, easy mid-week meals and crowd pleasers.

Fragrant chicken traybake

Mary Berry

“An all-in-one dish, this delicious, aromatic chicken recipe is vibrant and full of flavour,” says Berry. “Serve with rice or a dressed salad.”

Ingredients:

(Serves 4–6)

1 large aubergine, sliced into half-moons

2 peppers, deseeded and sliced into large pieces

1 large onion, sliced

3tbsp sunflower oil

3 dried lime leaves

1 large stick of lemongrass, bashed

3 large chicken breast fillets, each sliced in half

2tbsp sweet chilli sauce

150g baby spinach leaves

Small bunch of Thai basil, chopped

For the fragrant sauce:

1 x 400ml can coconut milk

2tbsp Thai red curry paste

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2tsp freshly grated ginger

Juice of 1 lime

2tsp fish sauce

2tbsp sweet chilli sauce

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas 7.

2. To make the sauce, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Scatter the aubergine, peppers and onion into a large shallow roasting tin. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil and toss everything together. Pour over half of the sauce. Add the lime leaves and lemongrass to the tin and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

4. Toss the chicken in the remaining oil and the sweet chilli sauce, and season well. Place a large frying pan over a high heat until very hot. Add the chicken and brown very quickly until sealed and golden, stirring constantly.

5. Remove the roasting tin from the oven and pour over the remaining sauce. Place the chicken on top and return to the oven for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

6. Transfer the chicken onto a plate. Stir the spinach and Thai basil into the sauce and vegetables in the tin and gently warm over the hob until the spinach has wilted.

7. Serve the chicken traybake with rice.

Best made and served. Not suitable for freezing.

Skate wing with caper sauce and samphire

Mary Berry

“Hugely popular, skate wings are readily available and simple to cook. The sauce makes the dish extra special. Buy samphire from the fish counter in the supermarket or farm shop,” says Berry.

Ingredients:

(Serves 4)

4 x 400g skate wings, edges trimmed with scissors

100g butter, softened, plus a knob

Juice of ½ lemon

4tbsp capers

4tbsp finely chopped parsley

400g fresh samphire

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6.

2. Lie the skate wings on a board and use half the butter to spread over both sides of the skate wings. Season well with salt and ground black pepper.

3. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat. When hot, brown the wings in batches for 2 minutes on each side until golden.

4. Place the browned wings in a large roasting tin and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for about 15 minutes until cooked through (the translucent flesh will become opaque when it is done). To test for doneness, try to pull the flesh away carefully from the bones with a sharp knife – if it comes away easily, it is done. Place on a large platter and cover with foil. Leave to rest in a warm place.

4. Add the remaining butter to the frying pan and heat until nutty brown in colour. Add the lemon juice, capers and parsley and remove from the heat.

5. Meanwhile, cook the samphire in a large frying pan with a knob of butter and a splash of water over a high heat. Fry for a few minutes to heat through.

6. Divide the samphire between the plates and top each one with a skate wing. Pour over the caper butter sauce to serve.

Best made and served. Not suitable for freezing.

Carrot cake with frosting

Mary Berry

“A carrot cake is so popular, especially in coffee shops and bakeries,” says Berry. “My version includes my favourite spices. Carrot cake originated in the USA where they make cakes with oil, rather than our butter-based sponges. Use a flavourless oil, such as sunflower or vegetable.”

Ingredients:

(Serves 8–10)

4 large eggs

175g caster sugar

75g light muscovado sugar

250ml sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing

1tsp vanilla extract

2 ripe bananas, mashed

150g carrots, peeled and coarsely grated

275g self-raising flour

2tsp baking powder

1tsp ground cinnamon

1tsp ground ginger

½tsp mixed spice

55g walnuts or pecans, finely chopped, plus a few extra for decoration

For the cream cheese frosting:

250g butter, softened

2tsp vanilla extract

350g icing sugar

350g full-fat cream cheese

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4. Grease and line the bases of 2 x 20cm (8in) loose-bottomed sandwich tins.

2. Break the eggs into a large bowl and beat with a fork to break up. Add the caster and muscovado sugar, oil and vanilla and mix well.

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and whisk using an electric hand whisk until just combined. Be careful not to over beat.

4. Divide the mixture between the two prepared tins and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes until well risen and lightly golden. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Measure the butter, vanilla and icing sugar into a large bowl and whisk using an electric hand whisk until combined. Add the cream cheese and beat until creamy and light.

6. Peel the paper from the bases of the sponges and invert one onto a plate. Spread with frosting. Place the other cake on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides, leaving a pretty swirl on top. Decorate with walnuts or pecans to serve.

Can be made and assembled up to 8 hours ahead. Freezes well but best to ice on the day.

Mary Berry

Mary 90 – My Very Best Recipes by Mary Berry is published in hardback by BBC Books, priced £28. Photography by Tara Fisher. Available now

‘They play the game beautifully’: Claudia Winkleman on the The Celebrity Traitors

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TRAITORS

In a world dominated by Netflix, TikTok, and doom scrolling, event TV has become a rare phenomenon, though a few shows still manage to capture audiences.

When The Traitors premiered in November 2022, the reality competition series drew an average of 5.4 million viewers each week, eager to watch the latest twists of deception and betrayal.

Since then, the increasingly popular murder-mystery-style psychology game, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has aired three series and is now gearing up for a celebrity edition.

The show, adapted from the Dutch series De Verraders, pits a group of secretly appointed “traitors” against a majority of “faithfuls.”

It’s up to the faithfuls to identify the traitors and banish them from the game before they become the next victims.

Players who survive to the end have the chance to win the prize money but if a traitor goes undetected, they’ll take it all.

The Celebrity Traitors will see 19 famous faces, including broadcaster Clare Balding and singer Paloma Faith, gather in the Scottish Highlands for the chance to win up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

TRAITORS

Retired Olympic diver Tom Daley, actor Sir Stephen Fry, and Thursday Murder Club star Celia Imrie are also among the competitors.

Joining them are former England rugby player and podcaster Joe Marler, actresses Tameka Empson and Ruth Codd, Welsh singer Charlotte Church, singer Cat Burns, and comedians Alan Carr and Nick Mohammed.

Rounding out the cast are comedians Lucy Beaumont and Joe Wilkinson, historian David Olusoga, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway, YouTube star Niko Omilana, Scottish actor Mark Bonnar and presenter Jonathan Ross.

Winkleman, 53, admits she was scared when the idea of a celebrity edition was first pitched.

“I was scared. Only because I’m in love with this show and I wanted to keep it small,” says the London-born broadcaster.

“Once a year, or maybe once every two years, felt like enough. My bosses, thank goodness, ignored everything I said.”

Asked about the line-up of celebrities, she adds: “It’s an absolute honour. I could barely breathe when I saw them all in the Highlands. I’m such a fan of every single one of them.

“The whole team were just in awe, it was hard not to scream, ‘you’re here!’ When I talked to Stephen Fry, I almost welled up; I told him, ‘this was my dream.’ We’re incredibly lucky to have the cast that we have. Each one of them is tremendous.”

Winkleman, who also co-hosts Strictly Come Dancing, says staying in character was harder with the celebrity series.

“The biggest challenge was being ‘strict,’” she explains. “All I wanted to do was chat and be friendly, but my role is aloof and grumpy. I found it hard not to just sit down with them and have a cup of tea.

“My family and I are obsessed with Joe Wilkinson. I had to stop myself from getting his autograph for my son.”

She adds: “They’re incredibly smart and kind. They play the game beautifully and were fully immersed in it. It was an extraordinary experience, and we’re so lucky 19 people said yes. It’s something we never take for granted and are so grateful for.”

Balding, 54, who has presented coverage of the Olympic Games and Wimbledon for the BBC, says she is drawn to the show from a psychological perspective.

“I love the show. Yes, I really find it fascinating, the way group thinking can be influenced,” the Hampshire-born presenter explains.

“I don’t know whether I can resist that or whether I can influence that, and I’m kind of interested in it from a psychological perspective. Also, I really want to see the castle, I want to see the grounds, and I want to meet the peacocks. Genuinely, I think it’s a fascinating programme and it’s like nothing else.”

Asked about her ability to read people, she adds: “I think I am good at it, but I can be much too trusting, so it would be very easy for somebody to convince me that they were not a Traitor. I have a few things I’ll try to look out for, and if I spot anyone being a bit casual about trying to get a shield, that will be very telling.”

Hull-born Beaumont says she has no game plan coming into the show.

“I don’t think game plans work,” says the 42-year-old comedian. “I’ve seen people think they have a game plan, but it always comes undone. I think it’s just luck – they’ve said the right thing at the right time and were aligned with the right people. I don’t have a plan for anything; I’m going to go with the flow.”

Asked if her comedy skills will come in useful, she adds: “Maybe that might help to an extent, until it starts to annoy people. I think I’m good at getting on with people, so that’s the only thing I can offer. It’s a sort of fairly OK demeanour! I haven’t got any type of plan, and I doubt I’ll contribute much to the missions, so the only thing I’ve got going is that I’m moderately pleasant.”

She adds: “If I was a Traitor, I think I could convince myself that I was a Faithful, and then I don’t think it’s so much like lying. If I could make myself genuinely believe that, then I think that’s what would get me through it.”

TRAITORS

Faith, 44, says she plans to get rid of the boring ones if given the chance.

“Oh, I’d still vote out boring people if I’m a Faithful,” says the Hackney-born singer.

“If I don’t think someone is contributing much to our entertainment, I’ll just exert my influence at the Round Table.

When asked how she is at reading people she laughs: “I’m exceptional at reading people, and I’m worried that I’ll get voted off or murdered, because they’ll see that in me.

“I need to keep it under the radar about how good at it I am. I’m at the point in my life where people don’t even want to introduce me to their new boyfriend because they’re worried I’ll say I don’t get good vibes from him.”

She adds: “I quite like murdering people! I might see a different side to myself. I think that I’m always very moral and on my high horse so I might be surprised if I do some backstabbing.”

The Celebrity Traitors is on Wednesday, October 8 on BBC One and iPlayer.

For more editorial and properties to buy or let plus property previews (not yet on the open market), see our latest online magazine using this link https://online.flippingbook.com/view/889373357/

The rise of soft elegance and how to update your bathroom scheme

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Made to relax and unwind in… think mini spa treatments with indulgent body ranges and a place to pamper, our bathrooms have become a haven for wellbeing.

Especially with our desire to escape the stresses of everyday life, investing in a little self-care, and creating the most calming environment with a luxe aesthetic is very of the moment.

And this is where the allure of soft elegance comes in, bringing your bathroom bang-up-to-date, and more characterful and charming than a minimalist approach which can sometimes feel clinical and harsh.

“Soft elegance focuses on creating spaces that feel inviting yet sophisticated, offering a softer lens through which to view minimalism,” explains Emma Freeman, brand and communications manager for Hansgrohe UK.

“It’s not about being showy or ornate, but rather subtle, luxurious, and warm – an ideal ambience for a bathroom that will help you end your day in a calmer way.”

Header photo: Blush Pink Bathroom. Visit Hansgrohe to find your nearest showroom partner. Hansgrohe/PA.

The Fine Cotton Company/PA.

Start with colour

Soft elegance bathrooms are about serenity over statement, highlights Freeman. “They’re designed to make you feel relaxed and refreshed, using tactile materials, subdued colour schemes, and quietly luxurious finishes.

“This is where spa meets minimalism… soft elegance creates an aura that’s calm and space-enhancing, ideal when you want a bathroom that embraces overall wellness.”

What’s great about this trend is it can work just as well in large bathrooms, as it can in cloakrooms and en suites, says Freeman.

“The cornerstone of soft elegance is a calming colour palette. Muted tones like soft whites, creams, pale greys, blush pinks, and gentle blues all create a serene backdrop that promotes relaxation.”

She continues: “Avoid harsh, bright colours that can feel jarring. Soft colours create a more spacious feel and provide a backdrop for soft textures and shapes.”

Tone-on-tone layering with subtle shade contrast can also add depth without being too overstated, suggests Freeman. “To incorporate a little more personality, you could also use muted pastels as accents, such as lavender or a dusty blue.”

Lighting is important here too, she says. “Choose warm-toned LED bulbs that mimic natural light to create that cosy atmosphere, which is so key to the soft elegance trend.”

Wet-wall Tile Collection in Blush - Bathroom Wall Panels - Wetwall/PA.

Thoughtful design choices

Under-consumption has been creeping into our vocabulary for some time now, notes Freeman, and says the ‘less is more’ philosophy is central to the soft elegance aesthetic.

She encourages a thoughtful approach to incorporating different elements that support a sense of wellness and quiet sophistication.

“Minimalism is key to this trend, but it has to be done in a softer, more organic way rather than traditional minimalism which is more sterile.”

Think about tapping into minimalism by clearing away countertop clutter and opting for hidden storage, suggests Freeman. She also advises keeping the floor space uncluttered: “Floating vanity units and ceramics that are wall-hung are a great way to lean into soft elegance.”

You want every element to feel intentional, but never excessive, she explains. “For example, bathroom furniture with a handless design, as well as soft colours in matt finishes like sandy beige and natural oak fit well into this trend.

“Internal drawer separators for your bathroom furniture keep countertops clutter free and organised. While frosted or fluted glass screens, used to zone off a shower or toilet, add just enough privacy while enhancing the room’s overall sense of calm,” she adds.

To embrace soft elegance, she says to think about incorporating natural materials that will add to the serenity. “Natural stone or marble with gentle veining, will create a timeless, organic feel,” suggests Freeman.

“You can add warmth with wood accents in light oak or walnut, and opt for matt finishes on tiles and taps to create a grounded, understated aesthetic.

“Soft textiles, such as waffle-weave towels, linen shower curtains and plush bathmats will complete the look, adding layers of comfort and texture.”

Good-Home Kentia Bathroom Furni-ture - GoodHome/PA.

Sustainably sculpted

Other elements to consider are the smaller, finer details, such as accessories, showers and taps…

“Incorporating brassware with gentle curves and smooth, rounded edges brings a sense of grace and flow to your space,” suggests Freeman. “Every detail matters, from the shower head to the drain, to create a cohesive and thoughtful design that feels as good as it looks.”

She advises opting for fixtures in finishes like brushed bronze or nickel, polished gold, and chrome, to complement muted colour palettes and soft textiles.

“When it comes to taps, steer clear of harsh, boxy designs,” underlines Freeman. “Instead, choose cylindrical taps with flowing spouts and tactile handles that exude quiet luxury.”

She says this approach isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that nurtures long-term wellness for both the environment and those who inhabit it. “Think wall-mounted taps above oval basins, or mirrored shapes that echo across the room, creating a harmonious balance.

“For the shower, subtlety is key… select designs where nozzles are discreet, allowing water to cascade as if emerging from a cloud. A matt spray disc adds an understated sophistication, perfectly embodying this trend’s ethos of refined simplicity.”

AXOR One 3-Hole Basin Mixer Tap - AXOR/PA.

A wellness space

“The soft elegance trend transcends fleeting fashion,” highlights Freeman. “It’s a lifestyle choice that celebrates sensual shapes, sustainable materials, and the enduring beauty of thoughtful design.”

“Aligning with the broader movement toward wellness and sustainability, soft elegance certainly has longevity – and likely to evolve towards the use of eco-friendly materials and modular furniture in years to come,” adds Freeman.

Editorial By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

Emma Freeman - Hansgrohe/PA.

Swallowfield Show 2025

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Make a diary note for this showcase event!

The Swallowfield Show is a fantastic event and McCarthy Holden is pleased to play a small sponsorship part in what is a massive two day event run by volunteers for the benefit of the community and to raise funds for local charities.

Take a look at their web site to discover what’s on at the Swallowfield Show this August, which will take place on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th of the August Bank holiday from 10:00am to 5:30pm.

Last year’s Swallowfield Show, boasted over 8,000 visitors, mostly returning patrons, who once again enjoyed a fun-filled family day out. Some of the activitie to see include:

  • Amazing Main Arena acts throughout the day
  • Their new Activity Zone including Circus Skills Workshops, hands-on experience of traditional skills, Dinosaurs and lots more!
  • Live music acts & performers in our Village Green area
  • Over 100 trade, craft & artisan food stalls
  • Dog show
  • Horse show
  • Display of over 200 classic vehicles & machinery
  • Exhibition of horticultural, craft, cookery and art competition entries
  • On-site food and drink to suit all tastes

Last year, the high level of visitors at their 2024 show enabled them to donate just over £30,000 to local charities and good causes. Outstanding – Just like the show.

Take a look at their web site https://www.swallowfieldshow.co.uk

8 ways to weave summer blooms into your space

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McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

A beautiful bouquet is one of life’s pleasures… and embellishing your home with florals, botanicals and ditsy prints is an imaginary way to reinvent your existing scheme.

Whether it’s through soft furnishings, romantic accents or pretty pottery, think a timeless, mood-enhancing aesthetic inspired by a secret garden… without the need for a patch of green grass.

To get the look, these hand-picked bouquets are ready to mix and match…

1. Emma Bridgewater Garden Flowers French Bowl, £24; Garden Flowers Half Pint Mug, £25, Emma Bridgewater

With a country cottage vibe, these brilliant blooms will bring colour, texture and panache to tea parties.

McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

2. Laura Ashley 2.8L Stovetop Kettle China Rose, £59.99, Boots

With a delightful whistling sound and designer print finish, this stovetop kettle combines function with flair.

McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

3. Botanist’s Scroll Vivant Wallpaper, £95 per roll; Trellia Orange Wallpaper, £95 per roll, Graham & Brown

A flowery feature wall in vibrant shades of pink, purple, fuchsia and orange has dopamine décor written all over it – and is an appealing vista with character and charm. For a cohesive scheme, pair with this co-ordinating Trellia print for a grand display.

McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

4. Ditsy Floral Seat Pad – Dusky Pink, £19.99, Rucomfybeanbags

This sweet seat pad will style up a spindle chair, or garden seating.

McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

5. Wimbledon in Bloom Tea Towel, £14; Wimbledon in Bloom Large Mug, £19; Wimbledon in Bloom Drinks Tray, £24; Wimbledon in Bloom Apron, £26, rest of items from a selection, Shop.Wimbledon

An exciting new homeware collection themed to ‘tennis in an English Garden,’ this floral range features iconic Wimbledon motifs such as strawberries, tennis rackets and winner’s trophies, strewn with pretty petals and greenery.

McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

6. Cornflower Pitcher Jug Vase, £16, Dibor

With peony season coming into swing and tulips teasing us with their rich hues, this vintage style vase will enhance your petal power.

McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

7. Lucy Tiffney Floral Pencil Pleat Campion Blackout Lined Curtains, from £50 to £145; Lucy Tiffney Pink Wildflower Embroidered Cotton Cushion, £24; Lucy Tiffney Pink Floral Diamond Jute Rug, from £60 to £280, rest of items from a selection, Next

A fantastic way to make everything feel fresher is with a new set of curtains… especially a playful floral print you can have lots of fun with. Set against a neutral background, these pops of colour can be picked up with statement scatter cushions, whimsy accessories, and a colourful throw rug to spice things up.

McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

8. Habitat Confetti Glass Reed Diffuser – Pink Jasmine & Amber, £11, Habitat

The easiest way to scent the home for summer… a decorative diffuser. Think sweetish aromas of pink jasmine with woody hints of amber, to mirror those blossom patterns and cute collections.

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McCarthy Holden Summer Blooms

Five minutes with.. The Feud stars Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones

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THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item

Most of us have experience with annoying neighbours. Whether it’s inexplicably always living next door to someone who loves listening to drum and bass at 11 o’clock at night or dealing with quibbles over whose responsibility it is to fix a broken fence panel after an unruly storm, dealing with residential annoyances is part of daily life.

However, new drama The Feud explores what happens when neighbourly disputes get kicked up a notch. The 5 drama, which stars Waterloo Road and The Cuckoo’s Jill Halfpenny and Spooks’ Rupert Penry-Jones as Emma and John Barnett, follows a couple living in peaceful suburbia as plans for a kitchen extension have disastrous consequences.

(By Rachael Davis, PA Assistant Lifestyle Editor)

As objections to the Barnett’s building plans are raised, unexpected and life-threatening secrets are unearthed and Emma’s dreams of upgrading her home twist into obsessive paranoia, fear, and danger – resulting in incalculable consequences for the couple and other residents of Shelbury Drive.

Before the drama unfolds, let’s hear more from stars Halfpenny, 49, and Penry-Jones, 54, about the twists and turns of the not-so-neighbourly disputes.

THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

SO, WHAT IS THE FEUD?

JH: The Feud is a tense thriller. No one is being honest about what they’re doing or how they’re feeling, which makes for exciting television. Even my character Emma, who feels she’s deeply honest, still lies.

It’s a scenario we can all relate to, most people have WhatsApp groups, and most people have experienced neighbours having work done to their house. But where The Feud takes us is the stuff of nightmares.

RPJ: The Feud follows a microcosm of neighbours who live in a cul-de-sac and has elements everybody will connect with. In fact, when we were discussing the series, everyone had a story to tell about battles with neighbours or building disruption. Everyone will be able to relate to a street of people which can implode.

This takes situations to extremes by taking all the worst stories you might hear and combining them into one story.

IT’S A RECOGNISABLE TALE OF BRITISH SUBURBAN LIFE, THEN?

JH: With suburban life, and a street like Shelbury Drive, we all like each other until someone does something to interfere with our lives. We like each other because we’re not getting in each other’s way but the minute you play your music, park over a driveway, or your teenager brings all their friends over, there’s a problem.

In suburbia we’re all fine with each other as long as we’re leaving each other alone – that’s not friendship. If you say you love your neighbours because they don’t do anything to p*** you off, that’s a pretty low bar.

In the first episode you see how quickly the neighbours react defensively – they all profess to like each other and yet within the first episode they all become obstructive.

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THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

I THINK MOST OF US CAN RELATE TO THE COMMUNITY WHATSAPP GROUP FIASCOS IN THE SERIES…

JH: I do have a WhatsApp group and ours mainly consists of bin talk. We live in a flat in a Victorian house and the bins are regularly blown over. There are six bins per house so there’s a debate about who puts the rubbish back in the bins.

The comments by the neighbours in The Feud are very passive aggressive and it doesn’t take long to become out and out aggressive. The gloves are off and there’s no time for WhatsApps anymore.

Another fun aspect of playing Emma is she thought everyone was cool with one another – never believe the WhatsApp group, Emma!

THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

WHAT ARE THE BARNETTS LIKE AS A FAMILY?

RPJ: Emma and John are trying to fix a fault in their relationship and had planned to move home, but Emma decides it would be better to stay and do up the house. Many people, especially at the moment, would understand it’s cheaper to do up your kitchen or build an extension compared to moving and the cost of stamp duty.

However, John’s reasons for wanting to move are not as honest as he pretends. He finds himself in deeper water than intended and he’s trying to run away, so when Emma says they’re going to stay he has to go along with the decision. This compounds all the pressure he’s already feeling.

HOW DOES THE FEUD TAKE SUBURBAN DRAMA TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

RPJ: You know immediately something terrible has happened and all is not as it seems, because the series opens with the house covered in blood. That’s quite fun, and you don’t know how the story reaches that situation.

Emma, Jill’s character, is under constant pressure – as she tries to deal with one person, her phone pings with a message from her dad, and then there’s another message from the builder. The heat’s slowly being turned up underneath her.

There’s a lovely sequence in episode three where our neighbours Derek and Barbara are so angry with us, they start playing modern freeform jazz at full volume through the walls. The scene is like what’s going on inside John and Emma – they’re trying to live normally with a terrible noise in their heads…

In a way the scene reflects the whole series – they’re trying to keep in control, bottling everything up, until they just explode.

JH: I didn’t predict how it would end. I never imagined it would turn quite so gruesome, and I never expected it would go as far as it goes when it starts out in such a domestic setting.

The Feud starts on Monday, April 14 at 9pm on 5

THE FEUD McCarthy Holden News item
Photo: from The Feud

Five minutes with… Interior Design Masters’ Alan Carr

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INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR

Alan Carr’s signature sense of humour has made him something of a national treasure. Outside of the comedy circuit, he’s been getting stuck into all things interior design in shows like Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job and Spanish Job, which he presented alongside Amanda Holden, and Interior Design Masters, which is soon to return for its sixth series on BBC One.

By Rachael Davis, PA Assistant Lifestyle Editor

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR
Alan Carr, Michelle Ogundehin.

Once again Carr, 48, is welcoming 10 interior designers on the ultimate crash course, tasking them with transforming a range of spaces for discerning clients across the country, with their design creations being judged by guru Michelle Ogundehin and a bunch of celebrity guest judges.

Ahead of the show’s return, let’s find out more from the hilarious host.

ALAN, THIS IS THE SIXTH SERIES OF INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS – WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I think the way they push the envelope, just keeps me excited in it. Because it is the sixth series now, and I think they need to excite me, they need to excite the designers, and I think they need to excite the audience. So that’s why I keep coming back. It’s a laugh, and it’s a giggle, you know?

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR
Photo from Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr 56. Pictured: (l-r) John, Emma, Ese, Briony, Bradley, Rita, Ayisha, Craig, Victoria, Holly.

YOU CAN TELL YOU’RE HAVING FUN! TELL ME ABOUT SOME OF THE PROJECTS IN THIS SERIES.

We’re doing youth hostels, and then we also do a dog’s transition room at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. We do comedy clubs up in Edinburgh. We do quirky cottages up in Portmeirion for the final, which is so surreal, so fabulous, so fantastic.

(Battersea Dogs & Cats Home) was heart-wrenching for me, because, you know, you’re trying to be on your game, and then you’ve got these dogs!

But this was really interesting though, because it wasn’t just a kennel. What they designed was (for) the dog that was transitioning from being in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to having its new home, so they had to create a room that looked simulated like a normal room to bring them gently into: ‘You’re going to have your forever home now’. So you can imagine how emotional that was…

You’ve got a charity, a fantastic charity like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, they’ve got what they want, but what does the dog want? And how do you stop a dog that’s nervous or angry, calming it down, ready for its new home? I mean, that is such a curveball, isn’t it, for any designer.

SOME BIG PROJECTS, THEN… HAS THE STANDARD GONE UP?

The standard has gone up, which makes it hard for me, because I do like the weird and wonderful ones, just from a comedian’s angle, where we like to go in there and someone’s gone, what the hell’s gone on here? But you find as you get people who love to do it so much, and who have clearly watched the show and want to win, the standard does go up, and you can’t really take the mick so much because they’re bloody good. Damn!

DO YOU HAVE TO BITE YOUR TONGUE SOMETIMES IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU FIND FUNNY OR UGLY?

Yes, I do have to bite my tongue! I do have to bite my tongue, and they don’t warn me, I go in there and what you see is what you get. I mean, you know my poker face is not the best.

I think the reason I got the job was (because) they said: ‘Alan, you are the people at home’… I’ve got no filter. It’s got me into so much trouble before. But like I said, I go in there and, you know, if they’ve painted it the colour of baby poo, then it’s baby poo! If it looks like the inside of a nappy, what can I say?

But, yeah, I try not to be too cruel… But, I mean, sometimes I can’t help myself. You know, there’s so many WTF moments and you’re going ‘really?’ But I think that’s the joy of the show.

You get people who inspire you, you go: ‘Wow, I’m going to do that in my house’, to people like: ‘Oh my God, do not come anywhere near my house!’

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR
Photo from Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr 56. Pictured: (l-r) Ese, Victoria, Rita, Bradley, Emma, Briony, Holly, John, Ayisha, Craig.

DO THE ELIMINATIONS GET EASIER AS TIME HAS GONE ON?

Every series I say: ‘Can we just have a trap door put in?’ It’s just quicker, swifter, you know, one pull and they’re gone, and you don’t have any awkward goodbyes. Or gunging?

I just hate confrontation anyway, and it’s the worst bit when someone has to go home. And I do sit there sometimes like a child in a divorce proceedings. I just sit there with my hands between my knees looking awkward. I just hate people going home.

And of course, the longer you’re there, you know them. You know them so well, because we spend all day, whether it’s in Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, we’re there. So, yeah, I mean, it never gets any easier, even though it is six series in. I mean, my toes are so curled up, I can’t bear it!

AS YOU SAY, THIS SHOW HAS YOU TRAVELLING ALL AROUND THE UK, MEETING ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE – WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THAT?

Yes, you do get to spend (time in) some lovely places, like Rye, I’d never been to before, and because it was streets, everyone in Rye came out to see the transformation, and they did something with the front of the shop. You’ll see it on the show, as the camera pans round, I think the whole of Rye was there and just gave a massive round of applause because they approved of what they’d done. So that was a real emotional moment for me, Michelle and the people, you know, you can’t get a better endorsement than that!

And then Edinburgh, went to comedy clubs, and they were actually doing up some comedy clubs that I had performed in when I was back in the Fringe, back in 2003 and 2004, so that was really, really emotional for me.

And then in the final I spent three days in Portmeirion, which is just so surreal and fabulous and everything, right on the outskirts there in Wales.

See, I’m so lucky. I get to spend time in these lovely places.

Obviously the industrial estate in Bristol with the containers – you know, it wasn’t Vegas, but you saw a different side of Bristol!

Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr returns to BBC One on Thursday, April 10 at 8pm

Why every home needs a posh pantry

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POSH PANTRY EDITORIAL

Beyond the layout, smart technology, integrated appliances and sociable aspect for family and friends to mingle, storage is key to a modern kitchen.

Moreover, when placing your products – from dry foods to tins, to spices and food processors – a dedicated space is key to making your daily routine stress-free.

And with the trend for open-plan schemes and clutter-free surfaces, a pantry is right on point when planning an upgrade, or making every space count.

(by Sam Wylie-Harris PA)

Commonly associated with large farmhouse kitchens in spacious homes, Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company, says that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“A well-designed pantry is an asset in any kitchen, regardless of its size,” opines Grossman.

Here, the design expert shares her top tips for pantry planning…

If you have a large kitchen, it’s all about smart storage

If you have a large kitchen, but no pantry, adding one is a worthwhile investment, advises Grossman. “You may see it as sacrificing valuable kitchen space, but the benefits you’ll get in return are hugely worth it.”

Not only could it add more value to your home, but buyers often add a kitchen with a pantry to their wish list, says Grossman.

Moreover, she says you’ll actually gain more space by decluttering your worktops. “Small appliances, bread bins and storage items can be neatly tucked away, allowing your kitchen to maintain a sleek, showroom-worthy look.”

POSH PANTRY EDITORIAL
Preloved pantry unit reinstalled, Rehome.

A pantry also makes it easier to stay organised. “With clearly labelled shelves and a well-thought-out layout, you can quickly locate ingredients and kitchen essentials.

“Seasonal cookware, rarely used gadgets, and holiday-specific items can be stored here,” suggests Grossman. “Freeing up your everyday cupboards for items you use on a daily basis.”

If you have a small kitchen, you can still create a pantry space

Even in the smallest of kitchens, a well-planned pantry space can make all the difference, highlights Grossman.

“Wall-mounted solutions like spice racks and plate racks offer an effective way to maximise vertical storage, freeing up valuable cupboard space for dry goods and bulk ingredients.

“Open shelving can also be a stylish and practical option, allowing you to keep essentials like jars of pasta, rice, and cereals within easy reach while adding character to your kitchen,” suggests Grossman.

If you prefer a more streamlined appearance, she says to use wicker baskets or containers inside your cupboards – making it easier to find what you need without rummaging through cluttered shelves.

Grossman continues: “For those who prefer a more concealed storage approach, slim pull-out pantry units or stackable organisers can transform even the narrowest cupboard into a functional space for food storage.”

“Clever additions like over-the-door racks for spices or small tins can create extra storage without taking up valuable worktop space,” she adds.

Whether tucked away or showcased as part of your kitchen’s design, Grossman says a thoughtfully arranged pantry ensures even the most compact kitchens remain both stylish and highly functional.

POSH PANTRY EDITORIAL
Loch-Anna Kitchens Butlers Pantry in Lissa Oak.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune

Designing a functional and stylish pantry doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, she underlines. “While many assume adding a pantry requires a significant investment, it can be achieved cost-effectively with the right approach.”

Think second-hand or ex-display, that can be used as a standalone unit or part of a larger kitchen redesign. In addition, most pantry layouts follow a simple, formulaic approach, notes Grossman.

“Shelves for dry goods, designated spaces for jars and tins, and clever use of vertical storage – instead of splurging on high-end organisers, everyday household items can be repurposed to create a tidy and efficient space.”

She says basic baskets, repurposed jars, and stackable containers work just as well as premium alternatives, helping to keep everything in order without unnecessary expense.

Even more budget friendly, Grossman suggests checking out car boot sales, online marketplaces and discount stores for baskets, jars, and organisers… a fraction of the price of high-end homeware shops.

“With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can design a well-organised, stylish pantry that maximises space and functionality, all without overspending.”

Organisation is key

A well-organised pantry isn’t just about storage, it’s about creating a space where everything has its place…

Thoughtful layout planning is essential, and by ensuring everyday essentials are easily accessible, and surplus items neatly tucked away, even the smallest pantry can feel spacious and efficient, says Grossman.

Beyond practicality, a well-arranged pantry can be a design feature in its own right, she enthuses. “There’s a certain satisfaction in opening the pantry doors to a beautifully arranged space.

“In fact, a thoughtfully planned pantry often becomes a talking point, with friends unable to resist taking a peek at what’s inside.”

With the right balance of organisation and creativity, Grossman says a stylish and efficient pantry is well within budget for every home.

POSH PANTRY EDITORIAL
Loch-Anna Kitchens The Durham Pantry Collection in Heather Green.

TV presenter Matt Baker on Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm.

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Matt Baker editorial McCarthy Holden

By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA…

Matt Baker’s dream farm looks like the traditional hill farm he grew up on in the Durham Dales.

But when the 47-year-old British TV presenter thinks about the 600-acre farm in Eryri, (formerly Snowdonia), North Wales, that tenant farmers (people who rent land from a landlord and work the land) compete for in the second season of Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, it’s a close second.

“I’m very fortunate to have grown up on a very traditional hill farm in Durham Dales. That’s the farm that I love. I love a mixture of landscapes as well. Welsh farms are very similar to the kind of farms that we have in the Durham Dales, but thankfully, my dream farm is the farm I grew up on,” says Baker, a former presenter on children’s television show Blue Peter from 1999 until 2006.

“It’s the world I know and love. It’s where I feel comfortable in that kind of landscape with lots of dry stone walls and older buildings, but also more modern buildings that you can drive tractors in and get all of your stock in if needs be. I love a hardy, rugged farm with a good yard and some modern barns.”

In the documentary-style series, seven shortlisted candidates are put under the watchful eye of the National Trust as they complete real-life farming tasks in the hope of becoming the new tenants of a unique hill farm in the national park, with a four-bedroom farmhouse at its heart, for the next 15 years.

Matt Baker editorial McCarthy Holden
Photo from National Trust: Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker and contestants.

The National Trust have a lot more applicants for their farms than they have to give.

So in National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, contestants will be judged on how well they maximise the opportunities that the farm has to offer.

This can be anything from tourism, how innovative or business savvy they are to how they prioritise environmental sustainability.

Across eight episodes, prospective tenants will be eliminated one by one until only two hopefuls are left and invited to have a final meeting with the National Trust. But only one person can win and become the proud owner of the farm.

“For me, any show that puts our agricultural world front and centre is absolutely vital, as far as I’m concerned. Not a lot of people know of the world of tenant farming, and the fact that a third of British farmers are tenant farmers. I think you only have to go out into the countryside and be so thankful that it looks the way that it does because of our farmers,” says Baker, who shares two teenage children, Luke and Molly, with his wife, physiotherapist Nicola Mooney.

“Not only are they producing our food, but they’re looking after our environment. I think we should shed light and can gather as much support as possible for the farming community, and show people what goes on and how challenging it is.

“Our farmers have to be jacks of all trades, you got to be so independent, and they’re providing all of the time. People need to be more grateful to our British farmers for producing our food and looking after our environment. In my eyes, it’s our farmers that make Britain what it is.”

From 2009, Baker looked into people, places and stories making news in the British countryside, whilst he co-presented BBC One’s Countryfile.

The following year, he stood in for English comedian and presenter Jason Manford, 43, as a guest presenter on BBC One’s magazine programme The One Show.

But when Manford resigned in November 2010, Baker was promoted to a more permanent position as a co-host with Welsh TV presenter Alex Jones, 47 – the same year he came second place on the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing with Russian-Kazakh ballroom dancer Aliona Vilani, 40.

In the first episode of the new Channel 4 series, Baker says that if he were the winning tenant of the farm, he would be bursting with ideas and know exactly where to start.

Matt Baker editorial McCarthy Holden

“What is unbelievable is that the lake [on the farm] is where the legend of the red dragon from Wales comes from, which is incredible. There’s a legend that’s told actually in the series where the white dragon and the red dragon had a battle, and basically, the white dragon leaves and the red dragon remains. And that’s why the Welsh dragon is on the Welsh flag, it comes from that lake, which is just unbelievable,” he says.

“So I would certainly feature that heavily, I would key into that because a farm like this is so hard to come by. It’s one of the most nature-rich farms the National Trust have in Wales.

“I’ll certainly keep up with all of the grazings they do up on the mountain pasture, honestly, the nature there is everything. I love that side of things as well.

“But I’d be welcoming people from all over to come and immerse themselves in that kind of world. I would certainly lean into all of the heritage that’s there, including the walling. There are a lot of foundations around the 600 acres that reflect the things that have gone by over the years and the way that the shepherds used to work the land. So I’d look at reinstating some of those.

“I’d also keep on with those heritage animals, the stock that’s there, the Welsh Black cattle and the mountain sheep. I would run it very traditionally, but I’d invite people to come and experience that world.”

So what misconceptions does Baker think people have about countryside life and farming?

“It’s maybe a bit rose-tinted,” Baker admits. “It’s not as bucolic as people imagine. Our countryside goes on in winter. The tougher months are really challenging. People think things only happen in springtime, when the birds are tweeting and the flowers are out, the lambs are bouncing around.

“But let me tell you, it’s very hard work, it’s a tough life, and it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. Families are wrapped up in this constantly, and they work together. I think the togetherness and the community are very strong in the rural community.

“I think the biggest misconception is that people don’t understand where our food comes from or how it’s produced and the effort level. You only have to try and grow cress (an edible herb) on the window, think about a bit of food production, and then ask yourself the question, are you still doing it?

“And if you’re not still growing cress on the window, why not? A lot of people can’t be bothered, so be thankful to the people that are producing your food.”

National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker cames to Channel 4 on Saturday, March 15

How to refresh your home for springtime with a seasonal vibe

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It’s the moment for renewal, breathing new life into your space and reinventing furnishings by switching out wintry textiles for free-spirited decorative accessories and airy accents.

Indeed, with 2025 coming into full swing, now is the time to refresh your home for spring, highlights Alysha Alli, group interior designer at Redrow.

“This season is all about embracing new materials, bold designs and sustainable innovations that enhance both style and functionality,” says Alli.

“Whether you’re looking to introduce eco-friendly elements, experiment with vibrant colours, or create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, these key trends will help you transform your space.”

Here are her style notes to put you on the front foot…

Embracing alternative materials

Sustainability is shaping the future of home design, with a rise in untreated natural materials such as wood, cork, and bamboo, underlines Alli.

“Zero-waste production is also gaining traction, as designers transform leftover materials into beautiful, eco-friendly furniture.”

To bring this approach into your home, she says to opt for statement pieces that contrast beautifully with their surroundings. “Think a reclaimed wood table in a sleek modern space, or recycled metal light fixture adding edge to a cosy, rustic setting.”

And while sustainably crafted pieces may come with a higher price tag, they offer “superior quality, longevity, and one-of-a-kind character that mass-produced items simply cannot match,” notes Alli.

“Plus, you will be making an eco-friendly choice while supporting independent artisans and small businesses.”

A playful approach to the basics

Everyday essentials are given a vibrant refresh with bold colours and adaptable designs…

Alli says modular seating, adjustable shelving and stools with built-in storage combine practicality with personality, making them perfect for busy households.

“Want to maximise a family space? Consider multifunctional furniture like extendable dining tables for gatherings, or foldaway desks for homework and crafts.”

“Creating dedicated zones such as a cosy reading nook, playful activity area or flexible workspace can make your home more adaptable, while maintaining a fun and inviting aesthetic,” she says.

Playing with perceptions

This year, expect to see more transparency, reflection, and futuristic finishes used to create sleek, modern spaces, outlines Alli.

Moreover, she says mirrored surfaces, glass furniture, and responsibly sourced acrylic add depth and sophistication without overwhelming a room.

“A well-placed mirror can instantly open a space and amplify natural light, while translucent décor – such as vases, pendant lights, and glistening finishes – add subtle visual interest.

“For a contemporary edge, pair these elements with high-shine metals like chrome or brushed gold,” suggests the interiors expert.

“Prefer a softer touch? Balance modern accents with plush fabrics, warm wood tones, or natural stone for a chic, yet inviting, look.”

She continues: “For an extra pop, introduce ombre hues, glowing accents, or bold statement pieces featuring graphic grains.”

Whether you fully embrace the trend or just add a few key pieces, it’s an effortless way to make your home feel fresh, airy, and stylish, suggests Alli.

Colour shifts… 2025 is all about colour confidence

Rich, mood-boosting hues bring joy and energy into your space…

Say goodbye to muted tones and welcome in tropical brights such as zesty oranges, hyper-greens, and electric blues, enthuses Alli.

Not ready for a full-colour transformation? She says start small with vibrant cushions, a statement rug or accent wall.

“Layer in colour-blocked furniture or bold accessories to make an impact without overwhelming your space,” advises Alli. “For a playful twist, glow-in-the-dark details, like neon signs or LED strips, add a sense of fun after dark.”

The key to getting it right? Alli says to balance bright tones with natural textures to keep things lively yet inviting.

Seamless indoor-outdoor living

“As the seasons change, it’s time to break down barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a home that feels light, airy and connected to nature,” advises Alli.

“Open-plan layouts with large sliding or bi-fold doors allow for effortless flow, making it easier than ever to enjoy brighter days and warmer evenings.”

Not patio weather yet? She suggests bringing the outdoors in with rattan furniture, linen textiles and botanical prints that echo your garden.

Once the temperature finally rises, she says don’t be afraid of taking interior comforts outside. “Cosy throws, soft lighting, and weather-resistant rugs can transform a patio or balcony into an inviting retreat.”

The secret to seamless indoor-outdoor living? “A cohesive colour palette and natural textures that tie both spaces together,” says Alli, “creating a relaxed, harmonious vibe all year round.”

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