Well, maybe received wisdom isn’t so wise after all. These four celebrities are living proof that some women do improve with age — and that what we thought looked gorgeous in  our youth was, in retrospect, often a cringeworthy moment of misplaced confidence.

Linda Barker, Anthea Turner, Carol Smillie and Suzanne Dando — pictured together in our exclusive photograph looking fabulous at 50 (and over) — admit to looking back with mixed feelings, and not a little horror, at how they looked in their heyday in the Eighties and early Nineties.

Former Olympic gymnast Suzanne Dando, 50, is baffled by what she once thought was a good look — covered in hair gel and eyeshadow, as shown in a rather unflattering publicity shot from 30 years ago.

‘I was 21 then and it’s all so dated,’ she says. ‘I had a round, slightly chubby face, and with my hair wet and pulled off my face, it looked even chubbier. The eye make-up is so dark and heavy — these days I go for something more subtle. Maybe we can put it down to the folly of youth.’

Suzanne does an hour’s cardiovascular work-out at least three times a week in her home gym, but says the signs of ageing are inescapable — that tell-tale loss of skin elasticity and fine lines around the eyes. But she’s proud of the way she’s dealt with the passing years — despite a weakness for calorie-laden fairy cakes.

‘On a good day, I could pass for a woman in her 40s. My mum is 80 and still has lovely skin, so some of it must be down to good genes,’ says Suzanne, who presents Sky Sports’ showjumping coverage and is married to corporate financier Adam Reynolds.

Dated: Linda Barker at 24

‘I have a great marriage, three healthy children and I don’t consider myself to be on the scrap heap,’ she says. ‘Obviously, there are a few more saggy bits than before and underwear becomes rather more substantial.

‘But I’ve kept myself reasonably trim, which is down to having a younger husband (Glasgow restaurateur Alex Knight, 45), and I’m a reluctant convert to exercise. I’ve taken up yoga, I walk our dogs and I have an ice-skating lesson once a week.

I meet so many women of my age who feel they’ve done nothing with their lives. I’ve had a great social life and I’ve travelled the world — I presented BBC Holiday — and was well paid for it. Then I met the man of my dreams and he’s still that, 20 years on. What’s not to feel content about?

‘Botox? If you laugh a lot — and I do — you get laughter lines. Why would I want to get rid of those? I’d never go under the knife. I like having a face that’s full of character.’

One-time breakfast TV presenter Anthea Turner, 51, feels rather differently about cosmetic surgery and is a fan of Botox. But, like her counterparts, she greeted the photograph of herself in her 20s with a mixture of mirth and horror.

‘It was 1988 and not a good time for fashion. I look as though I have a footballer’s perm but, sadly, that’s my natural hair. The make-up seems so heavy, but that was the age of Dynasty. I’ve acquired some grooming since then, but the shame is that when you have the money to spend on yourself, you no longer have the youth.’

Anthea started having Botox four years ago to soften the lines between her nose and forehead. ‘I’ve also had a boob job because they were beginning to look like eggs in socks, and if I get to the point when make-up and good lighting can’t disguise the ravages of time, I’m sure I’ll have the odd nip and tuck.’

But Anthea believes no amount of surgery can compensate for sloth. She regularly works out in the gym, and is careful with her diet.

‘I weigh just under 9st, which is almost a stone heavier than when I got married (to businessman Grant Bovey) when I was 40. I’m sensible about what I eat, but I will indulge my sweet tooth occasionally.’

Anthea is philosophical about her heyday being behind her. ‘I don’t want to come across as the old trout bemoaning the fact she’s no longer on TV,’ she says. ‘There was a time when I was described as the golden girl of television, but that wasn’t going to last indefinitely.’

Psychologist Dr Vivian Diller, author of Face It: What Women Really Feel As Their Looks Change, says a positive attitude like Anthea’s is the best antidote to ageing.

‘These women share something that may explain why they are ageing so gracefully: instead of a strong desire to return to their youth, they’ve come to terms with where they are now.

‘Most people turn 50 with some trepidation, but those who celebrate it accept that they can’t stop time. They appreciate the relationships they have with family and friends, and feel proud of their accomplishments.’

Dr Diller believes our four celebrities understand that looking good at 50 means redefining what it means to be beautiful. ‘And because they do not delude themselves that they have to compete with younger women, they are able to embrace the positives — confidence, experience, wisdom — that accompany age. They are not becoming invisible — in fact, they are still evolving.’

This article is courtesy of The Daily Mail

• Partner Cihat Haciveliogullari, known locally as Alex, worked in Shropshire kebab shop
• Teenager’s visa ran out 12 months ago
• Couple met at Tesco checkout where she was working
• ‘We are the odd couple of the village because there is a big age gap, but I like younger people and he prefers older so we are perfect for each other’

A divorcee has launched a one-woman crusade to stop her Turkish toyboy being deported – despite him staying in Britain illegally.

Julie Haycocks, 53, was devastated when her 19-year-old partner Cihat Haciveliogullari, known locally as Alex, was taken from his workplace by officials six weeks ago.

The kebab shop worker, from Shropshire, is currently being held at the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre in Scotland after his permission to stay in the country expired.

Self-employed dog walker Julie Haycocks has started a petition called ‘Right To Remain For Alex’ on Facebook and is in constant contact with him while he awaits his fate

Facing deportation: Alex, who worked at his uncle’s kebab shop, said: ‘My family were always very judgmental about mine and Julie’s relationship, but I knew that our love was very real’

Julie, who lives in a semi-detached cottage with her teenage lover, is now campaigning to keep him in the country.

She said: ‘When I got divorced I thought I would never meet anyone nice again. But then Alex came and I have never been happier.’

Julie claims it was love at first sight when the couple met at the Tesco where she was working on the checkouts three years ago.

She said: ‘He was only 17 but we had a lot in common and we hit it off immediately.

‘We spent all our time together and it was only three months before he moved in. He proposed after six months but silly me told him that we had plenty of time.

‘If I only knew what was going to happen I would have said yes. We were due to get married this Christmas but that is all going to have to wait now.’

The self-employed dog walker already has three grown-up children Richard, 30, William, 28, and Eddie, 26, but admitted trying for a baby with Alex.

Julie, 53, admits trying for a baby with the teenager. ‘Unfortunately when we started trying I went to the doctor and the nurse laughed and said “you might look young Julie but I’m afraid it’s too late for all that”.’

She said: ‘Alex loves children and we both love babies. Unfortunately when we started trying I went to the doctor and the nurse laughed and said “you might look young Julie but I’m afraid it’s too late for all that”

‘Luckily caring Alex said he didn’t mind and that he didn’t get with me to have children, he loved me for me.

‘We are the odd couple of the village because there is a big age gap, but I like younger people and he prefers older so we are perfect for each other.’

Julie has started a petition called ‘Right To Remain For Alex’ on Facebook and is in constant contact with him while he awaits his fate.

His case has now been referred to the immigration team in the West Midlands who will decide his fate in the next four weeks.

Alex, who works for his uncle in Five Star Kebab House, in Whitchurch, said: ‘My family were always very judgmental about mine and Julie’s relationship, but I knew that our love was very real.

‘We argued about it a lot but the bottom line is that we were meant to be together and I don’t want anyone my own age.’

This article is courtesy of the Daily Mail

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2051040/Julie-Haycocks-53-bid-save-Turkish-toy-boy-deportation.html#ixzz1bKt8W45y

cougar kirstie alley dumps toy boy lover shancie boyd

Kirstie Alley ditches her Toy Boy

It’s all over for Shancie Boyd the ex-toy boy lover of cougar Kirstie Alley. Yes! He has officially been dumped by the Hollywood star for living at home with his mum!

Cheers to cougar Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley rose to fame in the 1970’s for her long term role in US sitcom ‘Cheers’.

She has been dating her toyboy boyfriend Shancie Boyd, 21 who is 39 years younger than the Cheers actress.

Shancie who is a hip hop expert who is once again single and free to mingle said that Kirstie insisted on 2 hours of sex a day not including foreplay and ‘winding down’ (or putting your clothes back on and enjoying a cigarette)

To cougar or not to cougar?

Do we think Shancie Boyd, 21 will recover from this loss of a hot cougar?

We think he’d be mad not to look for another cougar, especially someone as hot as Kirstie Alley.

No no, it’s not a threesome post! I’m really pleased that I’ve persuaded my friend Amina to give it a whirl on toyboy.com. She wasn’t sure if it was for her, but I reckon she’s seen the light after we had a good old chat about it over a glass (or two) of wine the other night

Her situation’s a bit different from mine. She was divorced 18 months ago from a guy she married young, so it’s been a tough couple of years for her. With two kids now coming into their teens, and being only just into her 40s, it’s dawning on her that her romantic life isn’t anywhere near over. Her ex was older than her and one of the things she’s longing to do is have a bit of fun with dating. But because she has children, most guys seem to assume she wants commitment and to make a cosy family life with someone. In fact, that’s what she fears most about the idea of getting back to the dating game. She just wants to take things casually.

So it seems to me that a toyboy.com profile is a great place for her to start. There are all sorts of people on here and girls who like the idea of a relationship with a younger bloke for all sorts of reasons. I think it could be just the breath of fresh air she needs. She’s been enjoying geeing up her social life with the girls, so now I think it’s time for her to venture out into the cougar dating market.

I got my laptop out and we had a look at some of the guys who are listed on the site. I think she was pleasantly surprised at the range of different people and ages. When you say “toyboy” it often makes people think about a boy in their late teens… Amina was a bit worried about feeling old and dating someone close to her kids in age. Great if it floats your boat, but not for her. So we picked out a few profiles of men in their 30s. She liked the look of a couple who said they were into action films and also adventure sports… with the kids away at their dad’s every other weekend, she’s got time to spend getting involved in days out and new hobbies. You’d never guess when you first meet her, but she a bit of an adrenaline junkie!

So I left her signing up and having a browse. Hopefully she’ll get chatting with a couple of people and feel confident enough to take the plunge and arrange to meet.

Oh yes, my Reading date? Well, I did see him again last week. We had fun and a good laugh about our respective Christmas festivities with various mad relatives. I’m not convinced it’s going to be a long-term thing, but I’m definitely glad to have got to know him a bit.

Hello again! Well I’ve been checking out a few of the guys on here and winging a few messages around. What I usually do if someone catches my eye is put them on my favourites list, then send a message. After a few messages, if it all seems good, I like to do a bit of online chat through the site. And then after a few conversations, if we both like what we’re hearing… that’s the time to set up a date.

So that’s exactly what I did last week. I’ve been chatting to this guy Mark (and that’s not his real name on the site by the way – hands off!) for a few days and he seems good fun, pretty independent and laid back and of course, because he’s on toyboy.com, he knows I’m older than him (he’s 33) and that I like dating younger men. So no surprises for anyone there. I liked his profile because he said a bit about the music he was into and gave some specifics about how he spends his time and the kind of work he does. It’s always good when you can get a real feel for someone rather than just clichés and generalisations like “I’ve got a good sense of humour” or “I like going out.” Don’t we all! Oh yes, and obviously I think he looks cute. And hopefully he’s thinking some of those things about me.

Because I travel around a bit with work, I don’t only date people in my home city of Nottingham. Actually I was down in Reading last week, a place I visit quite a bit, so I’d been searching for people in that area on the site. We arranged to meet up for a meal at Pizza Express.

I’ve done quite a bit of internet dating so I can tell you that for me, it’s a good venue. I know it’s not that exciting, but it’s nice food, reasonable prices so not awkward when it comes to splitting the bill, easy to find, busy so you don’t feel self-conscious if you’re waiting a bit, and of course you feel comfortable and safe because there are lots of people around. Not that I’ve ever had a dodgy experience, but you have to be sensible. And I’ll tell you another thing. Beware of Valentine’s Day! The last thing you want on a first date is to accidentally roll up somewhere on February 14^th and find it’s full of hearts and flowers and people smooching and proposing to each other. Luckily it was a couple of days behind us by the time we met up!

So Mark was there before me, which was cool. He looked like his profile pic which is always a winner – I hate it when people choose a photo that’s ten years old or makes them look really different. We had a nice meal, lots to chat about. I think he liked me. We talked about work and music mostly. I was working the next day so we paid the bill (split in half) about 10:30 and went our separate ways.

Got back to my hotel about 11, feeling good. I logged back into toyboy.com the next day and he’d sent me a nice message saying he’d had a great evening. Just what I was hoping to hear! So we’re just seeing if we can sort out date numero 2 when I’m next in Reading. Again, watch this space!

A good balance of humour and intellect seems key for today’s modern cougar, while it’s also important for younger guys to be confident

According to a panel of 100 cougars quizzed by online dating site, www.ToyBoy.com, the Perfect Toyboy combines elements from some of the most gorgeous men from the world of sport and film. The cougar panel, comprising of strong, confident, independent women aged 35-50, who actively seek to date younger guys, said they’d like to:

- Run their fingers through Zac Efron’s hair;
- Gaze into Jake Gyllenhaal’s eyes before kissing his faultless lips;
- Admire Lewis Hamilton’s jawline, and the strong cheekbones and nose of Robert Pattinson;
- Marvel at a body combining the very best elements of Rafa Nadal (torso, arms) and Cristiano Ronaldo (legs, bottom)

The panel also looked at the key personality traits of the Perfect Toyboy and revealed that he would:

- Work hard and play hard – independent and outgoing, with a great career that he was passionate about
- Have an Irish accent
- Combine cheekiness with chivalry, romance and intellect

Panellist Jen, 42 and an active member of www.ToyBoy.com who also shares her experiences via a blog on the site, comments, “As much as we all enjoyed talking about the favourite ‘bits’ of great-looking guys like Lewis Hamilton, it was also interesting to explore the qualities we’re looking for in younger men. A good balance of humour and intellect seems key for today’s modern cougar, while it’s also important for younger guys to be confident, outgoing and ready for romance. Arrogance and cockiness didn’t score well, though a cheeky edge did win through.”

www.ToyBoy.com is a toyboy dating site which has been established in the UK for ten years. A poll by the site last year revealed Denise Van Outen as the nation’s favourite cougar.

Source Picture: Just Jared

I’ve been coming on this site for a few months now and having a ball, so when the people who run toyboy.com were looking for someone to talk about how this place works and what it’s like to date people from here, I put my hand up!

So I’ll be giving you the lowdown on my dates and sharing a few of my views and experiences of dating younger men. Because that’s what it’s all about round here!

For today, I’ll tell you a bit about myself and what I’m doing here on toyboy.com. I’m 42, I work in financial services and I’ve lived in Nottingham for the last ten years. Actually I do travel a bit in the UK for my job and I have friends all over the place. I’d say I’m fairly confident and generally pretty happy with life. I like all the usual stuff like eating out and going on hols. I do a bit of gym and running – I ran a half marathon last year, though never again!

Relationship-wise, well I’ve had a few of them. In my 20s and 30s I had a couple of long term boyfriends, which was great at the time. One of the things I’ve found though is that because I’m not a middle-aged family type, guys my own age can seem a bit… boring? There, I’ve said it. So in the last few years I’ve tended to date younger men. I feel like I’m young in mind and body and I love spending time with people with energy and a real zest for life.

I realised a couple of years ago that younger guys like that are my “type”. So it seemed like a logical step to find a dating website where I could be pretty sure that the men on it were in principle interested in someone like me. I’m just not looking for an older man.

My last long term relationship (or LTR, if you’re a dating site pro!) was with a lovely guy ten years younger than me. We had a fantastic year together. He was an Aussie and he moved back over there six months ago. So we waved goodbye with no regrets and lots of great memories. And here I am, wondering who’s going to be the next person that something will really spark with. Watch this space…

Funny viral video relating to toyboy and cougar dating online

Titled ‘dog with a sex toy’ this funny viral ad for toyboy.com shows how more than just the dog gets forgotten when people meet online and fall in love. – Enjoy!

P.S. No dogs were harmed in the making of this video and received full pay in doggy treats.

I don’t think there’s a more painful or corrosive emotion in all the world than jealousy. As Shakespeare demonstrates so brilliantly in Othello, it can with terrifying speed destroy the thing you love. One of the ironies inherent in the situation you describe is that while there may be nothing to be jealous about, your paranoia may drive away your boyfriend and bring about the cruel ending you fear. So it’s crucial that you get a grip.

There is no evidence of lack of devotion on your man’s behalf and if you cease doing things simply because they have an element of risk, you’ll soon find you don’t get out of bed in the morning.

Of course, I understand that terrifying sense of peering into the abyss that comes with great passion. It’s only when you love something that dearly that you comprehend how terrifying it’s loss would be. But to close your heart for fear of pain is to say no to life itself. Do you really want to live your whole life in emotional neutral because some idiot once wounded you?

Look at what you tell me. For four whole years, in the prime of your life, you’ve had no romance in your life whatsoever. Like most women over the age of 35, you’ve probably found many of the good men are taken, just as your taste becomes even more discerning.

Furthermore, the pain of your past broken relationship makes you wary. Then, suddenly, you meet a ‘gorgeous’ man you love, who adores you back. Yet you can’t relish your good fortune for fear your young boyfriend will not want a family and may one day abandon you.

Well, it’s time to get real: you could easily date a man your own age, or much older, and find he doesn’t want children, or jumps ship for someone younger. Nothing is certain in this life. You can’t be entirely sure your boyfriend won’t eventually want to play happy families with you  -  most men of any age would be nervous about discussing a domestic future with someone they’ve been seeing for only six months.

I am not saying you shouldn’t recognise that there are generally some pitfalls involved in dating a younger man. Clearly, you might find your priorities are different. At 39 your biological clock is sounding its last urgent alarm, while at 28 your boyfriend’s still a big kid himself.

You may find his friendship group seems a little immature – while your mates may seem stuffy to him. But nobody ever said that dating a hot young man came with no downsides. You’re enjoying passionate sex at a time in life when many of your contemporaries in long-term relationships feel lucky if they manage a ten-minute clinch once a month after Top Gear. Many women your age would kill to be in your situation.

As one single friend said: ‘Excuse me if I don’t weep for someone whose biggest worry is if her handsome, virile young boyfriend is fancied by other women.’

Your situation is not unique. An increasing number of the 40 and 50-something women are know are stepping out with younger men. I have one 41-year-old friend who’s dating a lovely man 15 years younger.

Some of our friendship circle have told her she should drop him to find a partner her own age, ‘before it’s too late’. But my pal says the last thing she wants to be is some terrifying harridan eyeing up all men as potential sperm donors; she’d rather enjoy the here and now than abandon her chap for Mr Perfect, ‘as he probably doesn’t even exist’.

She says: ‘If there’s one thing worse than being 41 and childless, it’s being 41 and terminally single.’ I asked how she dealt with the jealousy factor and she just said evenly: ‘I know he could have the pick of girls his own age, so if he wants to be with me then there must be something he finds pretty compelling.’

Similarly, you don’t see Demi Moore beating herself up about all the young starlets her husband Ashton Kutcher (15 years her junior) could have wed. She is confident enough to believe she has a sophistication and glamour that trumps other women in his eyes.

Even if your deepest instinct is that your current pairing will not endure, why bring something joyful to a premature end? You’re far more likely to attract Mr Happy Ever After if you’ve got a sparkle in your eye and the flush of passion on your cheeks.   The best rule in love, as the Roman poet Horace knew, is carpe diem – seize the day!
Source: Rowan Pelling – Daily Mail

Now a study has showed that women who date, or are married to younger men consider themselves younger at heart than those who spend their time with an older man.

The survey of 1,000 women found that having a toyboy can make a woman feel an average of four years younger than they actually are.

It revealed that women with younger partners have a tendency to enjoy more outdoor activities and mix with people who have more youthful hobbies.

Most said that their partner made them feel four years younger, but one in ten claimed that having a toyboy knocked ten years off their age.

More than half said that their partner’s energy had rubbed off on them and 27 per cent said that they visit pubs and nightclubs more with a younger man.

Three in ten admitted that they make an effort to dress younger, and a sixth said they over-compensate for their age by trying harder to keep the relationship fresh and exciting.

A spokesman for dating site Toyboy.com, which carried out the research, said that U.S. television show Cougar Town, which stars Courtney Cox, had sparked a 102 per cent increase in membership.

Toyboy trend: U.S. show Cougar Town, which stars Courtney Cox, has inspired women to date younger men

‘That is the largest increase we’ve seen in the ten years since we launched and it shows women are no longer secretive about their preferences for a younger man,’ he said.

‘An increase in high profile toyboy relationships like Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher has also helped.

‘It’s always been believed having a younger man makes you feel younger and now we have proven this is true.

‘Whether it means going out more, dressing differently or trying new things they wouldn’t normally have done, it does seem having a younger man is the answer.’

The survey also showed that the greater the age gap, the happier a woman is likely to be.

Thirty-six per cent of those polled said that older men are more set in their ways, grumpy (27 per cent) and serious (22 per cent), while one in five believe that they are more boring and likely to be out of shape.

They claimed that younger partners, on the other hand, are more likely to make them laugh, and have a more relaxed attitude to life. But they admitted that older men were more chivalrous and trustworthy.

Of those who were previously in a relationship with an older man, one in six admitted to being on the lookout for someone younger.

But three in ten women said that they would not trust a younger man not to leave them for a girl his own age.