Enjoy Life

Beauty: Say 'Allo 'Allo to an alluring look

Listen very carefully as she'll say this only once... Vicki Michelle, star of the much-loved comedy, gives Sue Moxley her tips on staying in shape

I recently had a chat with my friend Vicki Michelle on all things health and beauty. Vicki, best known for the BBC comedy 'Allo 'Allo!, also had a stint in 'the jungle' in 2014 on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

Vicki is still a busy actress and recently appeared in the Hormonal Housewives theatre tour and a one-woman show An Audience with Vicki Michelle, as well as starring in pantomime at Christmas. I asked her how she stays in shape and always looks amazing.

What's your favourite item of makeup?

I love lipstick- I always use neutral colours like Rimmel's Kate Moss collection in No.40 or Charlotte Tilbury's Nude Palette, which my daughter recently bought for me and I love.

If you were allowed one item of makeup to take a desert island, what would it be?

Well, that happened. I was allowed one luxury item to take into the jungle with me when I appeared on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Going in there was similar to being on a desert island. I chose a brow pencil because it multitasks. You can use it for defining your brow, lining your eyes and even as a lip liner. Unfortunately I only had it for one day in the jungle as I gave it back in return for someone's letter from home.

Do you have a daily beauty routine?

Yes, I'm very good with my skincare routine. I cleanse every day with Ponds Cold Cream and have done for a long time, although recently I've been using coconut oil which I find amazing. It's so natural and has no harsh ingredients. I use damp cotton wool pads to cleanse with. I then splash my face with cold water and add a serum.

Do you have a favourite skincare product?

Yes, the serum I use is Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Serum. I use it every day.

How do you keep healthy? Do you Exercise regularly?

I walk a lot and I do yoga, and occassionally I go swimming. I don't believe in high-impact exercise: I think it is bad for your joints and doesn't do you any favours in the long run. I think gentler regular exercise has more benefits.

Do you go to a salon or do your hair yourself?

My best friend Jacqui has cut my hair since I was 14. She always told me to use a semi-permanent colour, not a permanent one, as it would ruin the condition of my hair. I took that advice and my hair is in great condition. I style it with heated rollers.

What's your opinion on cosmetic surgery?

I'm not against it, I just haven't done it yet! I think it can look great when it is done well. I think people can go too far, especially young girls who all have their lips done and have the same eyebrows. They can end up all looking the same...

Should ladies over a certain age cut their hair?

I think shoulder length is good when you get older or just below the shoulder. Very long hair can look strange after a certain age, but if you can carry it off, go for it.

Can you give our readers a beauty tip?

Every morning I drink hot water with lemon and ginger. I'm always desperate for a cup of tea, but I walways drink the water first. It cleanses the system and gets everything moving, and I don't sufer from colds. I also think a positive outlook is so important. I don't do negative; I always see the positive in a situation. When I wake up, I tell myself that today I am 35 and it works, I feel amazing...

Watch out for Vicki on the BBC's Celebrity Pointless coming soon