Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Woman & Home

There’s no doubt that Katie Piper is an inspiration. Her story is not only moving and terrifying, but it’s also one of courage, overcoming adversity and proving that life really is for living. As Katie arrives at the w&h cover shoot (p16), her smile and zest for life are palpable. If there was ever someone who deserved success and happiness, she’s right here. ‘I always wanted to be more than a burn victim. I wanted an exceptional life…I pride myself in not giving up,’ Katie tells me, adding, ‘No one chooses to be brave or courageous. What will surprise most people about themselves is it’s there, but they don’t know until they have to call upon it.’ I’m sure we could all take a leaf out of her book. A…

The King’s very happy,’ says his biographer, Robert Hardman. ‘He finds the business of State fascinating, enjoys meeting people, holds lots more parties and loves a hug. In fact, he’s rather a hug magnet.’ But what about his age (76), his health (he is still receiving weekly treatment for cancer) and the family feud (his split from younger son Prince Harry)? ‘I think the King is more human than ever,’ says Robert. ‘He’s keeping the show on the road. Every week he’s driven to hospital for his cancer treatment, happy to be seen, waving to people from the Bentley, and we can see it’s not impinging on his job. ‘As he said, in that Churchillian phrase, he keeps b****ring on. That’s very him: slightly self-deprecating, slightly eye-rolling, but ultimately just…

If you’ve ever taken a deep breath while gazing at the sea and felt your troubles ebb away like the tide, you’ll understand the quiet magic of being in, on or near water. Whether it’s the sea, a lake, a river or even just a warm bath, there’s something undeniably soothing about blue spaces. Studies show that these watery environments can lift our spirits, ease anxiety, and leave us feeling calm, energised and more connected to ourselves, others and nature. ‘Blue spaces help regulate the activity of the amygdalae in the brain – the area where anxiety and panic arise,’ says Dr Catherine Kelly, academic, wild swimmer and author of Blue Spaces: How & Why Water Can Make You Feel Better. ‘There’s a stronger sense of restoration and stress reduction…

My husband Dave was a wonderful character. One of the beloved TV chef duo the Hairy Bikers, along with his best friend Simon King, he was the same off-screen as on-screen – friendly, knowledgeable, joyful and playful. My first encounter with the Hairy Bikers was in 2005, when I was working as the manager of a hotel in Romania. I looked up from the reception desk one day to see two big, bearded British men grinning down at me. Dave and Si were there to film the first-ever Hairy Bikers series for the BBC. I guided them to their room, never imagining that one of these men would become the love of my life. On the morning the team had been due to start shooting, they were gathered in the…

CHIC MONOCHROME Transcend the trends with elegant black and white. Easy to mix and match, keep it simple with block colours or add interest with print and texture. Raffia accessories are the perfect pairing. COLOUR WITH CONFIDENCE Create the ultimate wanderlust wardrobe with tropical patterns and vibrant hues. Sun-kissed shades and luscious greens can be tempered with neutrals or styled with a tonal palette for a high-end feel. MODERN PASTELS Pair these pretty prints with colours such as brown, blue and burgundy for a fresh take on this romantic trend. Don’t be afraid to lean into the feminine feel with floral, gingham and paisley patterns.…

MEET OUR NEW DOCTOR! Dr Amir is an NHS GP who first appeared on TV on GPs: Behind Closed Doors. He’s also the resident doc on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain. Q So many people I know seem to be on GLP-1 weight-loss jabs. Is there a natural way to increase GLP-1 hormones without injections? A Lots of people ask me about weight-loss jabs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. They are essentially a synthetic version of a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally produced in our gut. It slows our digestion of food, promotes insulin production and switches off the hunger hormones in our brains. People lose weight as they are kept fuller for longer, so end up eating less. But, as with any medication, there are side effects.…

Use your air fryer and make Spanish tapas such as prawns aioli and calamari to start, Italian chicken Parmigiana or Middle Eastern koftas for your main course. And for dessert, French tarte Tatin or crème brûlée. With over 100 Mediterranean-inspired recipes to choose from, you’ll feel you’re constantly on holiday! DOWNLOAD IT TODAY! To get your free digital copy of Mediterranean Air Fryer Recipe Book, use the link bit.ly/WHM312 or scan in the QR code using the camera on your smartphone. **Price relates to RRP. Offer available from 26 June to 26 July 2025. The link directs you to a landing page, please leave your details. The download is immediately available. The download is best read on a tablet, phone or PC, it is not suitable for printing at home.…

Overnight pizza dough A long, slow prove gives this no-knead dough great flavour with almost no effort. Makes 4 x 23cm pizzas or 2 x 40cm pizzas or 6 x pizza sarnies • Prep 10 mins, plus overnight proving 500g 00 pizza flour or strong white bread flour¼tsp instant dried yeast1tbsp fine salt1tbsp olive oilFine semolina flour or plain flour, for dusting 1 At least 1 day before you want to make your pizzas, put the flour, yeast and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and 350ml tap water, then mix with clean hands to form a rough dough, scraping down the sides to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated (it will look quite ‘shaggy’ at this stage). Cover the bowl and set aside at room temperature…

IF YOU MAKE ONE THING… Pea, bean, walnut and miso salad Serves 4 1 For the dressing, whisk 4tbsp brown rice miso paste, 3tbsp dry sherry, 4tbsp mirin rice wine and 1tbsp dark brown soft sugar in a small pan. Simmer for 7-10 mins, until reduced by half. Take off the heat and cool. 2 Add 250g runner beans, trimmed and sliced, to boiling salted water; cook for 2 mins. Add 250g peas; cook for 2-3 mins. Drain, refresh under cold water. Dry with kitchen paper. 3 Put the veg into a bowl. Add 60g walnuts, chopped, the dressing and 1tsp rice vinegar. Stir in 60g pea shoots and serve. BUY IT Swap the dressing for Nojo Yuzu Ponzu Dressing, £4.60, Ocado. w&h TEST KITCHEN @testkitchenUK IN MY BASKET TREND TO…

1 Frenchman’s Cove JAMAICA WHERE YOU’VE SEEN IT Set on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, Frenchman’s Cove has appeared in numerous Hollywood blockbusters, including Cocktail, No Time to Die and Knight and Day. WHY GO All turquoise waters and powder-soft sands, this pristine beach near Port Antonio epitomises the island nation’s natural beauty. What sets it apart from the country’s other gorgeous spots is its seclusion. Part of a sprawling estate, it’s surrounded by cliffs and forests, and is only accessible via a private road. This, and the fact that you have to pay a small fee to enter if you’re not staying at the nearby hotel, means Frenchman’s Cove is blissfully free from noisy crowds. Bring a book, order a cold drink and just kick back. There’s also a…

Known for her historical thrillers set in 18th-century England, Laura Shepherd-Robinson worked in politics for nearly 20 years before embarking on a career as a novelist. Her award-winning debut novel, Blood & Sugar, was followed by two more highly acclaimed books, earning bestseller status. Her latest book, The Art of a Lie, is a historical cat-and-mouse thriller. Set in 1749 London, widowed confectioner Hannah Cole battles societal prejudice and financial ruin after her husband’s murder. But a mysterious fortune, a charming stranger and the allure of ‘iced cream’ offer hope, despite the secrets that threaten everything. ‘They liked Parmesan and asparagus ice cream!’ I am fascinated by the Georgian era – the period all my books have been set in – but this time I wanted to write about the…

LAURA SHEPHERD-ROBINSON is the bestselling author of historical crime novels. On page 177, she explains why we should be more fascinated with the Georgians. What music triggers memories from your past? Songs by Fleetwood Mac. They were all individual geniuses, but in some alchemic miracle, they were even greater than the sum of their parts; they were storytellers who took it in turns to be the main character. I love them. LOUISE CANDLISH is the award-winning author of 17 novels, including the thrillers The Only Suspect and Our House, which is also a hit ITV drama. She lives in south London. On page 179, she shares the books that shaped her. What music triggers memories from your past? Nineties bands, including Oasis, The Verve and Massive Attack – that was…

GOING COASTAL…

How would my 30-year-old self have reacted to my 60th birthday plans? Most probably with a combination of horror and disbelief. Once, my idea of a proper celebration would have involved dressing up to go to a swanky hotel. Now, three decades later, I was dressing down to a whole new level and packing (extremely light) for a positively improper adventure – a camping holiday in Antiparos, Greece. The campsite offered ‘carefree vacations in contact with nature’. Photos of bare bottoms showed exactly how closely in contact with nature… ‘It’s next to a nudist beach!’ I squawked. Immediately, my mind filled with images of people riding bikes and playing badminton in the altogether, but that was just based on 1969 film Carry on Camping. I’d comfortably whipped off my bikini…

RETRO REVIVAL ✢ Stay cool, look cool – this 100% organic cotton dress has you covered all summer. ✢ The horizontal lines of a square neckline add an elegant and lengthening effect to your body. BELT UP ✢ Flattering swimwear doesn’t have to cost the earth, it’s all about clever design and details. ✢ A belted style shows off your waist, while ribbing helps elongate the body, smoothing over curves to create a sculpting effect. EASY BREEZY ✢ Turn ease into elegance with a flowing maxi kaftan. ✢ Don’t forget to pack seamless underwear, heels or fancy flats to transform it into evening wear. MIX & MATCH ✢ A loose cotton or linen shirt lets your skin breathe while shielding it from UV rays. ✢ Pick prints that share at…

Cleansing & exfoliating Remove dirt, oil, make-up and dead skin with these routine essentials. 1 Best oil cleanser ilody. Rasa Dream Universal Cleansing Oil, £48, ilody skincare.com More than just a cleanser, this oil formula transforms your evening routine into a pampering, spa-like ritual. It’s made using a blend of natural oils to hydrate while cleaning. ‘This has such a gentle scent – it makes me take a big breath in and feel instantly calm. The oil has the perfect texture and leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh’ Michaella Bolder 2 Best cream cleanser Skin + Me Cream Cleanser Sensitive, £9, Boots Sensitive or dry complexions will love this cushioning cream formula, which locks in moisture and cleans without stripping skin. ‘The thick, luxurious texture removes every trace…

How can one walk a week be enough for us to stay fit and healthy, I hear you cry. After all, we’re told daily movement makes for a happy body. But, yes, a walk a week can be enough, providing that – and here comes a mighty caveat – you are moving your body in other ways. This includes some resistance training at least a couple of times a week. That, and that alone, is going to help build bone density, make your muscles stronger, improve the health of the connective tissue (tendons and ligaments) and make our joints more stable. Hooray! This, in turn, will give us functional independence. I love that phrase. I imagine, in 20 years’ time, still being mobile and strong enough to lift sacks of…

We’ve been so wary of fat in the past – and, by default, oils too – that it’s difficult to embrace the message that it’s OK to add the good-for-you kind to our diet. You can splash the olive oil on just about everything, but by not exploring other varieties, are you missing out on a whole menu of flavours and nutritional benefits? Here’s what to try. Olive Usually a blend of virgin olive oil and a refined form, where heat or chemicals are used to extract it. This gives it a higher smoke point than the purer oil. ✢ GOOD FOR Light frying, baking and salad dressings. ✢ BAD FOR Frying at high temperatures. Avocado Mild in taste but big on goodness, avocado oil is packed with potent antioxidants.…

Japanese-inspired posh hot dogs This hot dog offers a delightful fusion of flavours, combining the classic hot dog with a Japanese twist. Serves 4 • Prep 12 mins • Cook 10 mins 4 bratwurst or other good-quality pork sausages (we used Unearthed)2tbsp teriyaki sauce4 brioche hot dog bunsMayonnaise, to serve (we used Kewpie)Okonomi or barbecue sauce, to serveCrispy fried onions, to serve For the slaw: ½ cucumber, finely sliced into half-moons2 large carrots, shredded/julienned1tbsp pickled ginger, plus 1tsp juice1tsp brown rice vinegar1tsp toasted sesame seeds¼tsp red pepper flakes (togarashi) or pinch chilli flakes 1 Fry the sausages in a pan or grill until browned on all sides (8-10 mins). Add the teriyaki and let it bubble, turning the sausages to coat, or brush on and pop back on the grill for 1 min to glaze.…

START WITH THE BASICS Make the bed your priority to ensure a great night’s sleep Upgrade an existing mattress by adding a topper. Less pricey than buying a new mattress, it will improve comfort levels, give an extra layer of insulation and can be machine washed. FIND YOUR DREAM BED 1 Decide on the type of bed first. Bed frames tend to be wooden or metal with a slatted base, while divans have platform or sprung bases that are fabric-covered and often come with storage drawers. Size-wise, the bed should be at least 10cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it. 2 If you like a mattress to ‘sink into’, opt for one that is soft to medium. A medium mattress (not too soft, not too firm) is ideal for side…

Never underestimate the power of paint. More than merely offering a change of colour, how you use paint can be equally as transformative to enhance and improve any room – it’s just about knowing how. From two-tone walls to colour-drenching techniques and using alternative shades for ceilings, there are so many creative ways to make a small room look and feel bigger. 1 ADD COLOUR TO CEILINGS When it comes to ceilings, it’s usual to opt for white paint. But experts recommend looking for alternative shades to elevate the appearance of the room. ‘Many of us paint ceilings white out of habit, which can often make a space look smaller, drawing the eye to the shape and scale of the room,’ explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene. Instead,…

CHILDHOOD FAVOURITE Rumpelstiltskin by Brothers Grimm Ladybird’s illustrated fairy tales were my childhood bedtime stories and Rumpelstiltskin really fired my imagination. I confess to doing a weird thing – I scratched out the faces of the villains in the pictures. A psychologist has since told me this suggests an unusually well-developed sense of justice in an infant! REREADABLE CLASSIC 1984 by George Orwell Orwell is a hero and I studied this for O level English Literature in 1984, which was cool. My geekier friends and I used Newspeak all the time, referring to things we liked – Crunchies, for instance – as ‘doubleplusgood’. It’s one of a handful of classics I reread every few years and there have been times when I’ve thought we’re getting scarily close to it becoming…

AI EXPLAINED Congratulations on your wonderful article on Artificial Intelligence [June]. My knowledge of it previously was vague but I now feel I can understand it – it’s good to know that it can be so useful and enhance our lives. Marie DOGGONE! I recently made the Orange drizzle loaf with blueberries – delicious! It was in the June issue but my lunatic dog Louie somehow managed to chew up the recipe page while he was in the process of playing hockey with his stone. Help – I would like to make it again! Chris Food director Jen Bedloe says: We are so pleased you liked it and have emailed you the recipe. Happy baking! FAMILY MATTERS I was touched by the feature Caring for Lionel Was a Privilege [June].…

I’VE SEEN EXTREME KINDNESS AND GOODNESS IN PEOPLE I feel like Jesus doing a baptism,’ says Katie Piper, submerging herself into the swimming pool, wearing a full-length sheer kaftan and a grin that says she’s entirely comfortable going the extra mile. And thank the Lord. It’s mid-May and, while sun drenches the garden of our riverside location house, a chilly north-westerly wind has sent temperatures plummeting. Yet Katie, unfazed by the capricious British climes, delivers pose after saturated pose, stopping only momentarily when she clocks Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince playing poolside from someone’s iPhone. ‘Perfect weather for a beer and barbecue!’ she chuckles before banking the final frames and diving into warmed bath towels. For the bestselling author, TV presenter, charity campaigner and mum of…

What are you like first thing in the morning? I sleep for seven hours a night and wake at 6.30am to 7am. I can’t snooze. I’m an early riser. It’s in my DNA. After 30 years of getting out of bed at 3am [to work in the baking industry], you get used to getting out of bed and doing something. My alarm goes off, I tip out of bed and within 10 minutes I’m on the way to work. ‘Cheap hot dogs are my guilty pleasure’ What is your worst habit? I’m stressing more as I’m getting older, and over the weirdest things, like, ‘Is the bin out? Have I put the right bin out?’ Where has that come from? If you were home alone, what would you do? I’ll…

Scared of flying, snakes or confined spaces? You’re not alone. The NHS estimates that 10 million people in the UK have a phobia, making it the most common type of anxiety disorder. ‘Phobias generally stem from a traumatic experience, like bad turbulence on a plane or being bitten by a dog when young,’ explains clinical psychologist Dr Jo Stuart. ‘There’s also generational fear, where a parent passes their own extreme response on to their child. This could be through actions like screaming and running away if they see a mouse.’ The key problems The most common phobias include spiders, public speaking and heights, but we can fear anything, from buttons to baked beans – or even a specific colour. Yet Dr Stuart believes the key to dealing with any phobia…

Ihadn’t long been the Scottish national coach when this photo with Jamie and Andy was taken. It was around 1995. Jamie would have been about nine and Andy eight. It’s at Dunblane Sports Club, which is where the boys basically grew up. We moved to Dunblane just before Andy was born. Jamie would have been about 15 months. I had been working as a sales rep in Glasgow. This involved a lot of travelling, which wasn’t manageable with two kids. So after we had settled in, I was looking for something to do. I rejoined the tennis club and discovered there wasn’t much going on for the kids in the area. There were no tennis coaches. I wasn’t one either but, with a passion for the game, I decided to…

Does it feel as though you never have enough money – even if you do? Or are you splurging on a lifestyle that, in reality, you can’t afford? If so, you may be affected by a modern form of anxiety known as money dysmorphia. Google searches for the term were up almost 2,000% in the UK over the past 12 months*. It’s derived from the term body dysmorphia, where someone becomes obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance. Money dysmorphia can cause feelings of panic around money, along with anxiety and irrational financial behaviour. What are the signs? ✢ Obsessively checking your bank account ✢ Constant anxiety about not having enough money, even when secure ✢ Feeling guilty or stressed after spending ✢ Assuming everyone’s doing better than you ✢…

As a lifelong comfy shoe-lover, one of the best style developments over the last decade has been the sensible footwear revolution. In 2014, Emma Thompson tossed her high heels over her shoulder before presenting a Golden Globe Award. And by 2019, Frances McDormand was wearing red leather Birkenstocks at the Rome Film Festival. Then the pandemic hit and the world joined the Comfy Shoe Crusade. For many years, my summer slip-on of choice has been the Birkenstock Arizona. This is still a go-to shoe but sometimes a chicer option is required. For meetings or an aperitivo with friends, bring on the smart leather sandal. ‘I’d always recommend an adjustable sandal with buckles and straps, something to hold your foot securely,’ says Emma McConnachie, spokesperson for the Royal College of Podiatry.…

Midlife women often joke about letting ‘a bit of wee out’ when they do anything too physical, such as bouncing on a trampoline or carrying heavy shopping. Even a sneeze or a laugh could be high- risk at times. Bladder complaints such as incontinence, the urge to go and nocturia (weeing in the night), can become more common as we get older – yet many women feel too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about it. Four out of five people in the UK who experience bladder problems don’t talk about them with their doctor, while 66%* won’t even tell friends or family. The truth is, life is too short to put up with it any longer. Here’s how to sort your bladder issues for good. LITTLE LEAKS, BIG PROBLEM Leaking…

Tempted by the word ‘organic’ in the supermarket aisle but not really sure what it means? Organic fruit and veg has been grown and farmed using specific methods that comply with the standards of ‘organic farming’. These standards vary by country but are usually pretty high – banning synthetic fertilisers, growth hormones and most pesticides. Because of this, the price tag is often high too. But is shelling out worth it? Here’s what you can expect if you do. 1 YOU WILL CONSUME MORE NUTRIENTS Organic farming prioritises soil health through crop rotation and composting, which preserves nutrients in the food, says nutritional therapist Alexa Mullane (wileysfinest.co.uk). ‘Organic fruit and veg also contain higher levels of antioxidants compared to non-organic, plus organic wild fish has significantly higher levels of omega-3…

We all know that looking after ourselves and following a balanced diet is essential to good health and longevity, but sometimes it’s easy to become confused by what to do for the best. Step forward, the Mediterranean way of life. Focusing on better mental health and well-timed relaxation, combined with mouth-watering recipes full of fresh ingredients and guilt-free sweet treats, it’s so easy to follow. Turn over to discover how. ✢ DELICIOUS RECIPES ✢ AGE-DEFYING TRICKS ✢ SIESTA SECRETS ✢ HEALTHY OILS…

Did you know that meat is only eaten, on average, five times per month in the Blue Zones, geographic areas recognised for longer, healthier living? With salads and fresh vegetables aplenty, summer is a great time to eat less, especially if you are having a lot of fatty red meat. Want to cut it out completely? Then the Green Mediterranean diet could be for you – studies* say it can exceed even the high bar set by the original version when it comes to health benefits. Here’s what you need to know. So, what’s new? There are two key differences between the diets. ✢ More plant-based foods and no red meat The small amount of processed meat and red meat eaten as part of the traditional Med diet is replaced…

While the residents of many Mediterranean countries head for an afternoon nap when the sun is at its hottest, it doesn’t have to be scorching to have a siesta – getting some shut-eye can have many benefits, whatever the weather. Timed right, a snooze could make you more productive for the rest of the day. Here’s what else it can do. Balance your hormones Sleep is essential for keeping hormone levels steady and maintaining your nervous system – if these are out of whack, it will affect your energy levels. A nap can restore them to normal levels, says clinical hypnotherapist and psychologist Holly Buckley. Increase happiness levels A nap can boost levels of the happy hormone serotonin – when this takes a dive, your mood goes down with it.…

Raspberry, orange, lemon and yogurt cake This easy cake keeps well for a few days after baking, thanks to a combo of oil and yogurt in the batter. Serves 8-12 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 35-40 mins 4 large free-range eggs, separated120g natural yogurt110ml olive oil200g caster sugarZest 1 orange, 1 lemon, finely grated2tsp vanilla extract330g Italian 00 flour (or plain flour)½tsp salt2tsp baking powder150g raspberries, plus extra to serveIcing sugar, for dusting You will need: 23cm cake tin, bundt tin or ring mould, greased and lined 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan. Beat the egg whites in a bowl until stiff. In a separate large bowl, beat the yogurt, oil, sugar, egg yolks and zests. 2 Stir in the vanilla, flour, salt, baking powder and raspberries, then…

MORAL CONUNDRUM Sinners by Elizabeth Fremantle (£18.99, HB, Penguin) This brilliant reimagining of the true story of Beatrice Cenci involves one of 16th-century Rome’s wealthiest families. Beatrice’s sadistic father moves his household to a mountain fortress after the killing of his son. Allegiances form and Beatrice falls in love but they live in fear – then a solution arises. Dark, passionate and atmospheric, we predict another screen adaptation. SUDDEN BETRAYAL She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena (£20, HB, Transworld) Another enthralling psychological thriller from Lapena. Bryden’s disappearance is a mystery. Her belongings are inside her apartment and her three-year-old daughter has been left at daycare. Nothing appears out of the ordinary, apart from a minor car accident. It soon becomes clear that not everything in Bryden’s life was…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Louise Minchin The TV presenter and author, 56, lives in Chester, Cheshire. WAKE UP This sounds ridiculous for somebody who got up at 3.40am for 20 years to present BBC Breakfast but I have an aversion to early mornings! My ideal time to wake up is 8.15am but if I’m filming Rip Off Britain or Morning Live, I’m up at 5am. I’ve joined a swimming club, and once a week I get up at 5.30am to be in the pool for 6am. I love swimming, and the brilliant thing about being in water is nobody can talk to you, text you, email you or anything. Other days I get out before breakfast for a 5km run. Once my exercise is done, I have a…

VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Forget about anything going to plan before the 11th, perhaps because of a slip-up you make, then life flows smoothly again. The 23rd marks a fresh start. Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER Beware feeling impatient, especially around the 8th/9th. While it’s likely you’re simply busy, it’s hard to get anywhere for the strangest of reasons. Stay focused. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER August begins with pushing a project forward. After that, obstacles hinder what you’re trying to achieve, especially around the 9th. If you can, relax and enjoy the sun. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly…

Cosmetic procedures are no laughing matter. A comedy club in Manchester has just asked women who’ve had injectables not to come to shows as their frozen faces are putting off the comedians on stage. I can relate. Way back in 2017, for the premiere of Wonder Woman, I was asked to give a humorous talk to female Hollywood executives. At least I thought it was humorous until I clocked the stern-faced audience. I’d seen more animated Easter Island statues. Panicking at my failure to be funny, I brought forward all the big jokes I was saving for the finale. I was firing off one-liners like a comedic Kalashnikov. Just when I was praying for it all to end, I became aware of a low, guttural growl. I finally realised the…