Table of contents for 28 - 2017 in Best

Last week, I called Carol McGiffin, and most of our hour-long chat was about little Charlie Gard. Charlie is the baby who, as we go to press, is at the centre of a debate that’s gone global and involved the views of figures as powerful – and different –as the Pope and Donald Trump. The case raises questions far beyond one little boy. What should be done when doctors and families disagree about a patient who can’t speak for themselves? Should the state really have the power to decide who lives and who dies? Yes, the treatment Charlie’s parents had pinned their hopes on was experimental but, then, so were all drugs once. It’s just a thought… Let us know your thoughts on facebook.com/bestmagazine EXECUTIVE EDITOR…

Most lunchtimes, you’ll see her on your TV screen hosting Loose Women, appearing to be the picture of confidence. But presenter Andrea McLean, 47, has recently opened up about a secret struggle – with severe shyness. The TV star even revealed she underwent therapy to overcome her problem. Who would have thought it? ‘I felt it was crippling me,’ Andrea confided to her fellow panellists. Describing how, in social situations, she will often ‘find a wall and stick to it’, feeling ‘really awkward’, self-esteem has been an uphill battle for the star. Explaining her seemingly laid-back persona in front of the camera, the Scottish-born presenter said it was because, ‘I’ve got something to do then! I’ve got paper to read, and that’s OK.’ Left to her own devices, though, she…

This time last year, my life was right where I wanted it to be. My partner, Rups, 34, and I were loving family life, watching our daughters, Olivia, five, and Amelia, two, grow up. And then hurricane Doris tore through my life and left everything in a mess. At least, metaphorically speaking. Because Doris is the name I’ve given to the cancer that has rampaged through my body and is threatening to break me. I’ve kept a diary of my trials and tribulations with Doris, the uninvited guest I’m wishing would just do one… 6 February This is a bad start to the year. After a biopsy, I’ve been told I have breast cancer. It all started with a pain in my left armpit I first noticed at the end…

We’re always being told which food groups we need to cut out of our diets to be healthier, but what about the ones you should actually be adding? While taking a better approach to your diet involves avoiding bad foods, equally there are foods you should be making sure you are eating every week for long-term health benefits. GET YOUR OATS! Porridge is a great way to start the day, as it offers sustained energy release, but the benefits last even longer than that. Oats are a natural source of a fibre called beta glucan, which sticks to cholesterol and stops our body taking it in. Keeping cholesterol low is proven to reduce your risks of heart disease and strokes. Other oat-based cereals or oat biscuits will do the same.…

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Best ON Test Bright on a budget Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush, £25 This no-frills model is a great bargain buy and there’s no charging involved. Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Cleansing System, £39.99 A simple solution for instantly refreshed skin. Batteries are included, too. Crystal Clear Ionic Sonic Cleanse, £69.99 This machine comes with a gel cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser, so it’s well worth the money! Cash out and cleanse Magnitone Barefaced! Cleansing Brush, £70 Petite enough to travel with but large enough so you have a good grip on the handle. Leaves skin feeling fresh. Remington Reveal Facial Cleansing Brush, £71.99 Sleek and stylish with its own beauty bag. Skin feels polished to perfection. Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush, £79 Skin is noticeably smoother and cleaner…

Fast food at Aldi When the weather is glorious, spending hours in the kitchen loses its appeal! To rustle up a delicious meal in less than 15 minutes, pick up one of Aldi’s Ready, Set… Cook! meals. The fresh kits (from £2.99) contain all you need for a tasty dish with hardly any effort. Best-ever bread! Instead of classic garlic bread, why not try Extra Special Smoky Passata & Pepper Twist bread, £2, from Asda. Hand-prepared, this part-baked flatbread is generously filled with smoky tomato sauce, peppers and red onions. WAIST-FRIENDLY GRILLS Kebabs without the calories M&S’s Skinny Beef Shish Kebabs have just 81 calories per skewer, making them a great way to enjoy holiday flavours without risking your waistline. They’re made with the leanest cuts of beef, blended with…

…her current Corrie love triangle It’s been lots of fun, and it’s great working with Catherine [Tyldesley, who plays Eva] and Shayne [Ward, who plays Aidan]. Each week we’ve been opening the scripts and there’s more twists! …how she’d get her revenge on a cheater I’d put prawns in the curtain rail, I’d cut one leg off all of his suits and everything – I’d go bunny boiler on it. Which probably isn’t far from what Eva’s going to do! ...whether she’d like her character, Maria, to find lasting happiness I think Maria and David should get together. I keep saying that to Jack [P Shepherd, who plays David]. He’s agreeing, which is a good sign. …her Corrie career I’m 35 this week, and I was 17 when I joined,…

Last year, when her son, Andy, won the Wimbledon singles title, Judy Murray said that her granddaughter, 17-month-old Sophia, was his ‘lucky charm’. But, talking to best, it seems that even the news of a second child for Andy and wife Kim Sears won’t distract her from ‘severe nerves’ as she cheers on Andy and his brother Jamie, himself a former Wimbledon mixed doubles champ. Hi, Judy! Congratulations on your new grandchild… Thank you. We are thrilled. It’s wonderful being a granny and so lovely to have our little Sophia in the family. So, Wimbledon’s here – are you excited? Not especially! There is so much expectation placed on my sons, Jamie and Andy, that I’ve found it very hard to enjoy it in the past few years. But I…

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What’s not to love about summer? The beauty woes that bug us at home and abroad, perhaps? From under-eye bags to breakouts, here’s how to send problems packing. DON’T SWEAT IT Few things are worse than feeling like you need another shower as soon as you’ve just got out of one. Make sure to apply an antiperspirant before bed, as they work best when you’re not hot – also, sweating rates are lower at night than in the morning. Treatment-wise, try Botox injections, which block the sweat-producing signals sent to your sweat glands. One treatment under the arms, on the hands or feet, will give guaranteed results and protection within two days. Results should last up to six months. From £400. EXCESS BAGGAGE Hay fever, travelling and dehydration can all…

Her hair has made waves since she first came into the spotlight, and last week was no different when Kate Middleton unveiled a new cut at Wimbledon. Gone are her blow-dried long locks and in their place a shorter style that sits just below her shoulders. The Duchess’s new ’do happens to be one of the most popular cuts at the moment, too, according to award-winning hairdresser Lee Stafford. ‘This is really just a longer version of a “lob”, which has become increasingly popular over the past few years,’ says Lee. ‘It’s super natural-looking, with just a few loose, light layers. It’s actually a modern look for the Duchess, who up to now has had classic long hair,’ he adds. In revamping her style, commentators believe Kate has freshened up…

FREE* Need a bit of ‘me time’? Take a moment out of your day and indulge in a mini spa treatment on us. The Beauty Group is offering you a really special treat, with a fabulous minimanicure or pedicure. Perhaps you’re off on holiday and need to get your feet summer-ready, or simply fancy giving your hands a touch of luxury. Well, the treat is on us! The Beauty Group is Britain’s fastestgrowing group of independent salons, with over 150 in the UK†. All our members are professionals, so we can guarantee that you will enjoy your indulgent mani or pedi treatment and come out with a set of nails to be proud of! HOW TO CLAIM To claim, visit beautygroup.co.uk and find out which areas have a participating salon.…

They’re one of showbiz’s closest couples, and approaching their 10-year wedding anniversary. The secret to their happy relationship? Emma says it’s their date nights. ‘Sometimes they’re spontaneous. We’d gladly go out every week, but we can’t. It’s important to make time for each other or else you get buried in stuff like cooking, cleaning, washing and the kids.’ Emma and Matt looked loved-up as they enjoyed some quality time at the Barclaycard British Summertime Festival watching Green Day, although Emma had to compete for her hubby’s attention… Sharing a cute pic, she wrote, ‘Best date night in a looooong time. Though I think @mattjwillis only had eyes for Billy-Joe [Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong]…’ Well, they do say music is the food of love……

1 MATCH THEIR MONEY Where financially viable, why not match your grandchildren’s pocket money each week to help little ones save up? For instance, if a six-year-old agreed to put aside £2 of her pocket money each week, and both her parents and grandparents matched this amount, she would save more than £300 per year†. 2 CHATTERBOX Younger children often struggle to understand the value of money and the importance of saving for the future. Grandparents can use their life experience to teach others about the benefits of saving early to achieve life goals. So, while you’re telling your grandchildren how you met their grandfather, also explain how you saved up for your first house together, too. 3 READ AND LEARN Most children love to read and have stories read…

THE CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO MARTINE McCUTCHEON Martine McCutcheon was the girl we took to our hearts as Tiffany in EastEnders, and she went on to have chart success as a singer. Back with her first new album in 17 years, the 41-year-old talks love, motherhood and bouncing back from ill health… You’ve been away from our screens for so long – what made you come back with an album? It all developed gradually, over quite a long period. I’ve had so many health problems that I never felt I would be well enough to return to music, so this was the only way I could do it. Then someone at BBC Radio 2 heard one of my songs and really encouraged me. The album is quite personal, dealing with…

‘I’m standing here with no filter on, and so can you’ Never one to avoid the limelight, Denise Welch is bursting with confidence as she struts her stuff in an itsy-bitsy red bikini. Some women struggle with flashing the flesh as they get older, but former Corrie star Denise, who turns 60 next May, seems more self-assured with every passing day. Boldly declaring that she’s ‘looking good for a bird of 59’, Denise insists the incredible snaps [part of a photoshoot for LighterLife Fast, for which she is an ambassador] have nothing to do with showing off. ‘No one can tell me not to wear a bikini at 59,’ she said. ‘I’ll be parading round in one until I’m 97… Sorry, folks!’ Denise, currently treading the boards in musical The…

MARCEL’S MUM Marcel, 31, is odds-on favourite to be crowned King of Love Island, and Marcel’s mum, Corleta, couldn’t be prouder. She said, ‘He’s actually warmed my heart so much. He’s taken on board everything he’s seen in life, and what we’ve tried to teach him.’ Aww! CHRIS’ MUM Val – the mum of Chris Hughes, 22, partnered with model Olivia Attwood – is happy viewers are finally getting to see her son’s real personality, after weeks of divided opinion. She says, ‘He’s funny, loyal, caring and endearing in his own way.’ Although Val will be telling Chris, 22, off about one thing. ‘He does swear a lot, and I can’t stand it!’ KEM’S MUM Kem’s mum, Figen, has something to say about her son’s rekindled relationship with Amber. ‘I worry…

Andy Murray was asked if he felt any extra pressure to perform as a result of the news about his wife’s second pregnancy. Echoing his mum’s sentiment about giving 100 per cent to the game, he replied, ‘No, I wouldn’t have thought so,’ and added that family life is ‘not a distraction in the slightest’. So has becoming a parent improved his attitude to his sport? Andy said, ‘I think being a father doesn’t necessarily make you a better tennis player, but it has given me extra motivation to work hard and train hard.’ Good luck, Andy!…

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Brits, with 13 million of us visiting every year. But while it remains a safe option for the majority, Spanish police have warned of a rise in drink- and drugspiking in many resorts. Two young British women were raped in the Costa del Sol earlier this year. When one of the victims – who was only 19 – was found by police, she had reportedly suffered from a ‘memory blackout’. The other, aged 20, was attacked after going out for a drink with a tourist she met on Facebook. She told her mum that she remembered him emptying a white powder into a beer he’d bought. Neither woman can remember anything about their shocking assaults, and both are believed to have…

We’re about JOIN THE CONVERSATION It’s enough to make women see red. A recent study, led by Professor Brigitte Leeners and her team from the Hanover Medical School and University Hospital Zurich, has claimed that, while women may feel more emotional at that time of the month, there is no evidence that a woman’s period affects her thinking. ‘The hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle do not show any association with cognitive performance,’ reported Professor Leeners. ‘Although there may be individual exceptions, women’s cognitive performance is, in general, not disturbed by hormonal changes occurring with the menstrual cycle.’ The study, which found that the levels of the different hormones had no impact on working memory or the ability to pay attention to two things at once, included only 68…

THOUGHT OF THE DAY People will forget what you say and do, but not how you make them feel. What can I do about my problem brother? M y brother’s always been the black sheep of our family. Now that my two sons are 16 and 18, he’s started asking them to the pub – he even took my eldest clubbing! I worry that they’ll fall in with his dodgy friends, but my boys adore him. What should I do about the situation? Mandy, Southampton Most families have a black sheep, and the trouble is, young people think they’re cool. I understand your concerns but, the more you try to dissuade them, the more attractive he will appear. The best you can do is point out the pitfalls of your brother’s…

Slimming WORLD Stuffed lamb pockets Serves 4 Ready in: 35 mins 4 anchovy fillets in oil from a jar, drained and rinsed 2tbsp chopped fresh parsley 2 garlic cloves 1tbsp balsamic vinegar 8 thick-cut, lean lamb leg steaks (visible fat removed) Low-calorie cooking spray Salad, to serve 1 Put the anchovies, parsley, garlic and vinegar into a food processor and blend into a stuffing-like mixture. Using a sharp knife, ‘butterfly’ 1 steak by slicing almost all of the way though the middle horizontally and opening it out flat. Repeat with the other steaks. 2 Spoon the anchovy stuffing on to 1 half of each opened-out steak and gently fold the top halves back down – you’ll probably have a bit of filling peeking out. Spray the steaks with low-calorie cooking…

Yorkshire-born James Martin, 45, hosted Saturday Kitchen from 2006 to 2016. He lives in Hampshire and is dating PA Louise Davies. What is it about France that you love so much? The furthest anyone from my school went for work experience was Leeds, but I stuck my hand up and said that I wanted to go to France. So that’s where I had my first chef’s jacket and knives, and where I really fell in love with food, and knew I wanted to do this for a living. How did you find filming? I’ve never seen France like I’ve seen it on this road trip. Hopefully that comes across on camera, because the places we went to are just incredible – like the red salt flats of the Camargue. Then…

If Malta’s good enough for Her Majesty, it’s good enough for us, too! GETTING THERE: Prestige Holidays (01425 480 400 / prestigeholidays.co.uk) is offering holidays to the island. Five nights at the Corinthia Palace departing 23 September, including flights from Luton with Ryanair, costs from £642pp. Also includes breakfast and private transfers on island. STAYING THERE: The Corinthia Palace can best be described as a ‘Grande Dame’, with an abundance of friendly staff, excellent spa facilities and a relaxed atmosphere. The breakfast is fab, and the plugs are the same as in the UK, so there’s no need for travel adapters. TRAVEL SNAPSHOT With its mix of ancient cities, fishing villages and sandy beaches, Malta is a little gem in the glistening Mediterranean Sea. The island has a population of…

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