The devil wears Primark!

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By Louise Gannon, 17/05/2009

Crikey, the credit crunch has forced Hell's Kitchen contestant Anthea Turner to become the ultimate recessionista

She's one of the recession's most high-profile victims - her and her husband's businesses collapsed with debts of £28million - but Anthea Turner isn't taking the credit crunch lying down. Quite the opposite. The seemingly ever-cheery former Blue Peter presenter has bounced back from the brink with a brand new frugal philosophy.

Say what you like about Anthea and her equally cheesy husband, Grant Bovey, but the pair are true survivors. Over the years they have clung on through several scandals, only to emerge with their megawatt smiles and bouffant hair intact. Just cast your mind back to 2000 and the cringeworthy wedding pictures featuring the happy couple chomping on Cadbury Snowflakes.

Now, despite being mired in financial dire straits, Anthea has once again dusted herself off, re-fluffed her hair, and is back with a new credit-crunch image, with a little help from Fabulous, of course.

When she confessed she'd swapped designer shopping sprees for bargain raids on budget stores, we just had to see it for ourselves. Miss Prim And Proper rocking a Primark wet-look dress? You betta believe it!

"You don't need to spend money on expensive clothes," says Anthea, 48. "I have a few good basics, but I'd rather spend a few pounds not hundreds, on tops, T-shirts and even coats.

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"My fashion philosophy is to look at what you have in your wardrobe already and adapt it. One of my greatest fashion secrets is having high-street stuff altered to give a tailored feel - rather than forking out designer prices. "But Anthea's reinvention - as a recession-busting force to be reckoned with - hasn't been out of choice.

Anthea and her husband Grant, 48, made a mint during the property boom with their buy-to-let businesses. In just three years, the pair earned more than £4million. But in December last year, with property prices going into free fall, their empire went bust - leaving the businesses with estimated debts of £28.3million. However, before you shed too many tears, it's worth remembering the couple still live on their £5million estate in Surrey - although Anthea's considering selling for "the right price". The same goes for their £5million chalet in Megève, France.

"Women are like tea bags," Anthea says with determination. "You only know how strong they are when you put them in hot water. I'm not saying I'm perfect - I've had the odd 24 hours where I've cried my eyes out.

"I've been lucky enough to have great cars, amazing holidays, any designer outfit I've wanted. But I've always known that it's not the fabulous homes or the Caribbean holidays that make you happy, it's the people you're with.

"The bottom line is I have a husband I love and adore, his three daughters, my family and great friends. Grant and I have been through a tough time but we've gone through it together."

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Anyone who watched the couple on Hell's Kitchen will know this isn't Anthea waxing lyrical - they really are that sickeningly in love. Maybe it's because they are one of the those celeb couples we love to hate, but they've certainly had good practice at putting on a united front.

"We are Team Bovey," says Anthea. "We face tough times and it makes us stronger. I've had more IVF procedures than you can shake a stick at - none successful. It wrings youout emotionally on every level and it's horrendous coming to terms with the fact you can't have the baby you so desperately want. It took me years to get over the sadness and accept it won't ever happen.

"I've been through a divorce [to former DJ Peter Powell, 58]. Grant and I were both married when we met. Compared to those huge emotional things, losing money doesn't even touch the sides."

Grant is trying to get them back on track by setting up a new business, which aims to market newly built homes that developers have so far failed to sell because of the recession. The move has infuriated those who have been left out of pocket after Grant's other firms went into administration.

Anthea with husband Grant

But Anthea is quick to defend their dealings, saying: "Grant is a businessman. We had to pull ourselves up. Everyone is going through a tough time."

Anthea, who fronted BBC3's Anthea Turner: The Perfect Housewife, says her new frugalista-style living is something she learned growing up in the Midlands.

"I'm a grafter and I'm naturally frugal and low maintenance," she says.

She doesn't look it. A trim size 8, her Botox-free face is fresh and barely lined, yet she says her regime costs next to nothing.

"I don't spend money in a gym. Women should just buy running shoes to stay trim. And I've never bought an expensive moisturiser or beauty treatment. I shop at Boots - the Protect & Perfect range is amazing. I think nothing makes you feel better than looking good. It doesn't have to cost much and then you are ready to face the world."

Frugal fashion - Anthea style

Buy key staples and never throw away a classic item, like black trousers.

Follow washing instructions and store clothes well.

Minimise your daily spend. If you stop buying that £3 coffee every day, you can afford a new dress by Friday.

Never buy expensive watches or sunglasses - high-street versions are just as good.

Look after your figure. Cheap clothes look good on a great body.

Photography: Lancton, Don Features Hair: James McMahon at Naked Artists using Kiehl's Make-up: Carolyn Wren at Lavinia Hughes using Shu Uemura Styling: Tracey Lea Sayer

Your comments

This article has 25 comments

Get a life and leave Anthea alone,why does everyone have to be so bitter all the time...come on be honest its because she doesn't bite back isn't it,maybe thats because she has a life....you go girl,be happy Anthea,stuff the lot of them

By lee bryan. Posted October 26 2009 at 6:55 AM.

I think that she is one of the most genuine and nicest people on TV and because of this - plus the fact that you never hear her bad mouth other people - she gets picked on!.... I for one and many others wish her loads of luck and hope that she is back on prime time TV very soon.

By Pauline . Posted October 19 2009 at 11:08 PM.

Anthea Turner is absolutely gorgeous! Grant is one lucky man! I always thought that Anthea was a real snob but now i've read this article; I see different! She is obviously not afraid to step out in cheap but sexy outfits. With most celebs it's all about designer but Anthea is just an everyday girl who loves her life & wants to have fun. Don't be afraid to wear Primark, girls!

By Beth. Posted May 26 2009 at 5:52 PM.

I love Anthea and her hubby is pretty 'hot' too ... (but nothing on my hubby :-) ) I think she looks fab and seems like a really lovely person. Remember Anthea that some may get the babies but not many find the true love which you have found in Grant. x

By Debbie Davis. Posted May 22 2009 at 11:27 PM.

wow i love her striped sunglasses (the pink 1s) and her `love` top i love primark aswell btw does any1 know were i can get the striped sunglasses from?

By ILoveNeonFashions. Posted May 22 2009 at 4:13 PM.

I think Fair play to her buying her clothes in Primark, we call it "Penneys" in Ireland and the clothes are literally for pennys but I love their stuff, I am always been complimented on my clothes which are mostly from there mixed with other high steet brands, great for the recession!!! Go on Anthea!!!

By Sarah Maher. Posted May 21 2009 at 1:00 PM.

by the way you lot need to go to specsavers!!!

By HOT STUFF. Posted May 19 2009 at 10:05 AM.

she needs to get a grip! What do they say mutton dressed as lamb!!!!!!

By girlys. Posted May 19 2009 at 9:24 AM.

I think Anthea looks 'fabulous' in these pics. She looks like she is still in her 20's, loving the hairstyle!

By Lyn. Posted May 19 2009 at 8:21 AM.

yeah need to tell my clients that who are living on 60 quid a week,[ anthea turner say,s ]these people just P, me off the haven,t got a clue, come and live in possil glasgow, and work with me for not week, but a day... YOU WOULDN,T LAST AN HOUR....

By CAROLINE. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:58 PM.

she's a hypocrite. she obvisiously prefers designer clothes. Now she's trying to convince other people and herself why she's buying normal clothes, pretending they are just as good. Truefully she's too embarassed to say she can't afford them anymore. Given half the chance, she'll be back to her snobbish ways. talentless boring and deluded...both of them

By bye. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:57 PM.

i moved to australia to get away from her

By ron. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:57 PM.

How horrible you all are! Just jealous too. Anthea has had her moments of being annoying but she is sensible. She's had her hard times and she's fought through them. Living on a council estate in Glasgow isn't the only tough thing in life you know! How many children have you got? Without having even to think about knocking them out! (And how much benefit do you scrounge for them too)

By the cats mother. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:56 PM.

so if!!!!!! she gets through this she is still gonna go to Primark and alter their dresses I DON`T THINK SO

By Steve. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:56 PM.

Ooh, All I see here is the green sludge of envy!
If Anthea can pick herself up, dust herself off and start all over again; good for her!
I'd like to see all you envious types do the same. I bet you never made anything of yourselves to start with.
Life is full of adversity and anyone with the courage to overcome that is worthy of admiration.

By Rosy. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:56 PM.

Anthea looks like the blonde lady from the Sugababes in these shots. I've always thought Anthea's current hairstyle doesn't suit her and ages her. So time for a change!

By Vee. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:55 PM.

Do one, the pair of you. You make me sick.!!

By Dave. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:55 PM.

She is just a desperate, ageing fame-hungry woman who, along with her greedy, failed hubby, have been quite rightly vilified by the public for representing everything that is reprehensible about Britain today. Next please!

By CAMERON. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:54 PM.

I love her!!! Her stuff flies of the shelves at Matalan!!!

By shirl0716. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:54 PM.

Regardless of whether or not she is abit dillusional, Anthea looks amazing for some who is nearly 50!

By Lalabella. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:54 PM.

I LOVE Anthea! She is always so perky, and down to earth. I hope she succeeds in everything she does. Those of you moaning about your lot in life should take a tip from Anthea and just get on with trying to make a go of it.

By Jenni. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:52 PM.

Leave Anthea alone.

By Louise. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:52 PM.

She looks amazing in these photos..she could well be mistaken for a lady in her 2o`s. Fair play to her. Dont like her husband but I do envy him having a wife as georgous as Anthea

By Pete Challenger. Posted May 18 2009 at 4:52 PM.

I always thought Anthea was a bit cheesy before, but her and grant made such a cute couple on hell's kitchen and i quite admire her tenacious spirit!

By pam. Posted May 18 2009 at 1:01 PM.

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