Sunday, 19 October 2014

X Factor contestant, Lola Saunders: 'I amazing after I came off'





SINGER, Lola Saunders, the country’s most famous fishmonger, talks about gutting fish, agreeing with Simon Cowell, and her love of pizza!


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Vampires, ghouls and a blue-blooded beast: A-Z of the unexplained





THERE are some stories that just will not die. In the ?rst of a two-part special, Danny Buckland takes a look at fascinating and unsolved stories; this week from aliens to the Moore family murders...


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Memory, fragility and Iowan town life in Lila by Marilynne Robinson





THE Pulitzer Prize-winning author adds to her unconventional trilogy with the story of the expecting preacher's wife reflecting on her dark past


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The Love Song Of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce review





A COMPANION novel to an Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry, Rachel Joyce fleshes out the joyous woman who inspired his epic journey


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Nora Webster review: Colm Toibin isn't always kind, but he's astute





THE Irish author's portrait of a widow in Sixties Ireland is funny, sharp and 'bracingly controlled'


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'Everyone's affected by fame in different ways,' says James singer Tim Booth





AFTER 13 years apart, Sit Down rockers James have survived estrangement and grief to create La Petite Mort, an album Booth calls a 'celebration of life'


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TV round-up: The Apprentice, Gotham, Grantchester and Downton Abbey





LORD SUGAR is back in all his bullying, berating glory with an even more vacuous bunch of hopefuls; the new Batman 'origin' story is dark, comic and surprisingly gripping; Grantchester gives vicars sex appeal and the women of Downton Abbey have thrown decorum to the wind when it comes to suitors


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'Placido Domingo is masterly' in I Due Foscari at the Royal Opera House





EVEN the Spanish opera star, in a baritone role, can't help elevate Verdi's rarely performed but structurally flawed story of torture, mendacity and carnival in 15th century Venice; while Handel's Alcina combined sublime voices and and Vivienne Westwood costumes


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Theatre round-up: Gypsy, Here Lies Love and The Infidel





IMELDA STAUNTON is magnificent as Mama Rose in this tale of broads, burlesque and battle-axes; Here Lies Love takes a whistle-stop tour through the life of Imelda Marcos and David Baddiel is behind the warm and witty religious satire, The Infidel


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Gin, manure and a fork: Chas Hodges shares his allotment must-haves





OUR gardening columnist Chas Hodges, from rocking duo Chas And Dave, on saving his leeks with booze and having fun with the coalman's horse


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Shearling, capes and fringing: Go back to boho





FROM statement bags and jewels to colourful faux-fur coats, mix and match for autumn’s hottest looks


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Smooth talk: The best facial oils for every skin type





WANT to know the secret of a fabulous complexion? Whether you have dry, normal or combination skin, the latest facial oils offer a slick solution, says our beauty editor


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Downton's Michelle Dockery: 'Lady Mary would never have spoken to me'





SHE hobnobs with royalty – of the genuine and Hollywood varieties – and as Downton’s Lady Mary, she’s every inch the aristocrat. But actress Michelle Dockery remains an East End girl at heart...


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Ever wondered the meaning behind our favourite sayings? I should cocoa...





WE REEL them off every day – but when you stop to think about it, some of our favourite phrases don’t make the slightest bit of sense. Understand their origins, however, and all becomes clear – as humourist Max Cryer explains in the new book Curious English Words and Phrases. Here’s his A-to-Z guide to why we say…


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In the closet with Graham Norton's Radio 2 co-host Maria McErlane





GRAHAM NORTON'S Saturday sparring partner loves the vintage look – but she also has the perfect wardrobe for radio...


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Secondary breast cancer patient Heather Lawrence: 'I want to feel alive'





A DECADE ago, secondary breast cancer was a death sentence – but now many people survive years after their diagnosis. Rachel Carlyle speaks to the women who are learning to face an uncertain future


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A grieving mother and indiscreet boyfriend: Our agony aunt answers your questions





OUR agony aunt gets to the heart of your sex and relationship problems


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Geometric, colourful and quirky: The best doormats for your home





DON'T let your doorway let you down! Greet your guests with these welcoming designs


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Antique elegance: Classy design ideas for your home





WITH tactile fabrics and rich embellishments, it’s all in the detail this autumn, says our interiors expert


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