Table of contents for 8 - 2022 in Best

She did not attend her son’s second wedding ceremony and is said to have stood next to Camilla for just 52 seconds for a photo. But last week, it was obvious that the Queen’s opinion of her daughter-in-law had changed, as she backed Prince Charles’ choice for our future Queen. Time is a great healer, they say. Like the Queen Mother, Camilla has ‘never complained, nor explained’ her 50-year-old love story. She’s absorbed all the unpopular opinions on her role in Charles’ life with quiet dignity, and has worked tirelessly for charities, backing many difficult causes. In 2013, she spearheaded a campaign to provide wash bags to rape victims, and became patron of the Royal Osteoporosis Society after seeing her mother suffer and die at 72. As for her infectious…

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid can be quite formidable when she’s fired up about something – and she couldn’t help but make a seeming dig at the high costs of superstar Adele’s cancelled Vegas gigs, during a recent episode of the show. The mum-of-three, 51, was hosting GMB alongside Adil Ray, as they caught up with showbiz reporter Richard Arnold, to discuss the latest celebrity gossip. Richard was keen to talk about Easy On Me singer Adele’s social media post, in which the mum-of-one confirmed she was performing at this year’s Brit Awards – which took place last Tuesday. The 33-year-old, sharing a snap of herself laughing on Instagram, wrote of how ‘happy’ she was to be performing at the high-profile event at the O2 Arena. As Richard discussed her…

It has been seven years since Nadiya Hussain won The Great British Bake Off – and life for the Luton native changed forever. As well as being one of Bake Off’s most successful winners, the ever-humble 37-year-old mother-of-three has become one of our best-loved TV chefs. She has presented cooking and travel shows, including last year’s Nadiya’s American Adventure, written hit cookbooks, a series of children’s books and even a novel. She also, in a career highlight, baked the Queen an orange drizzle cake for Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. Here, Nadiya opens up about how she still struggles with anxiety issues, and how cooking through the pandemic kept her busy. You are crazy busy again, Nadiya! How has life changed since lockdown? There is lot more balance in my life.…

Sweet and Sour Thighs with Fried Rice This take-away classic is so easy to make at home. We’ve used chicken thighs to keep costs down, but swap to chicken breast if you prefer. Hands-on time: 20min Cooking time: About 30min Serves 4 · 2tbsp sunflower oil· 350g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-size chunks· 1 onion, sliced· 1tbsp tomato ketchup· 1tbsp light brown sugar· 1tbsp soy sauce· 4tbsp white wine vinegar· 227g tin pineapple slices in natural juice, juice reserved and pineapple roughly chopped· 1tsp cornflour· 150g stir-fry veg from a pack· 2 medium eggs, beaten· 2 x 250g pouch microwaveable rice 1 Heat ½tbsp oil in a medium pan and brown chicken for 5-8min. Lift chicken into a bowl and set aside. 2 Add ½tbsp more oil to the…

I’M WORRIED FOR DAD I so admire my parents – they are so dedicated to each other. My 83-year-old mother has dementia and my father, 86, is dedicated to looking after her. He refuses to accept carers and won’t leave the house unless it’s in the evening or weekend and I’m with her – he worries she’ll panic when he’s not there. I wish Dad could have some time on his own, even just a few hours, for his own health and happiness – maybe even write, like he used to (he’s an author). I’m an only child with a full-time job, though. What more can I do? Dara, Walsall I understand your pain – but you can let your father do what his heart tells him he must –…

BUNNY BUSINESS BARBARA, FIVE ‘Barbara loves playing just as much as she loves snuggling up for cuddles. She’s always alert and aware of her surroundings.’ Catherine, Essex FURRY FRIENDS WAFFLES AND STAR, BOTH FIVE ‘You have to keep guinea pigs in pairs as they don’t like being alone. Star has been with us since 2018, while Waffles joined us last year. Star is definitely the boss!’ Alison, South London SUN’S OUT, BUN’S OUT CRUMPET, ONE ‘He’s a very cool dude and can even high five for a treat! He lives with his “ride or die” fellow bunny Coffee, aged two.’ Emily and Scott, South London FELINE PLAYFUL HARPER, TWO ‘Sometimes, when I say “do a roly-poly for Mama,” Harper rolls over on the floor ready for me to tickle his…

Want to be kept up to date with the bestselling and the latest beauty bargains? From spectacular skincare to the hottest make-up trends, our new columnist, British beauty expert Elsa McAlonan is here to bring you the must-have products - and all for under £10! Plus, we will deliver these incredibly priced items right to your door - just scan the QR codes overleaf! What have you got to lose? Follow our easy guide to ‘Scan and Save’ with QR shopping and bag yourself a bargain…. HOW TO 1 Grab your smartphone and open the camera function up. 2 Hover the phone over the QR code (the pink printed pattern) relating to the product you want to buy. You should receive a prompt to visit a web page. 3 Click…

AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Aquarians such as Hollywood legend John Travolta and classic Bond girl Jane Seymour can walk forward with their heads held high. New plans will be put into action and they will very quickly reap the rewards. Hard work will pay off and some golden opportunities are heading their way. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Someone you work with is particularly grumpy. You wish they would get control over their emotions – but rather than saying anything, it will be easier to just keep out of their way. Your own ‘can-do’ spirit will not go unnoticed. You may even be offered a raise or a bonus. Attending a work conference is strongly advised. LEO 24 July – 23 August A disagreement that has been…

ABSOLUTE 80S & 90S As well as hilarious podcasts from the likes of Frank Skinner and Jason Manford, enjoy 10 different wonderfully nostalgic stations for lovers of the Eighties and Nineties. MELLOW MAGIC Listen live to your favourite music and presenters – including Kate Garraway – as they spin a selection of timeless tunes, and check out some nicely-curated playlists. HEART 70S From classic Bee Gees to T Rex, get your groove on with this fabulously funky Heart radio station – tune in now on Global Player and your smart speaker.…

Long-standing TOWIE cast member, ladies’ man James Lock, 35, has been providing us with plenty of entertainment since he joined the reality show in 2013. As he tells best, he’s ‘part of the furniture’ by now! The Only Way is Essex is, incredibly, currently filming its 30th series, and ‘Lockie’ is ready to put his playboy title and turbulent relationship history behind him, to focus on an exciting and busy 2022 – with a much calmer, more meditative mindset. Here, the Essex hunk tells us why he’d never move in with best pal Pete Wicks, hints about his new clothing line, and reveals who his dream woman would be… Hi, James, how’s 2022 treating you so far? It’s going well! At the moment, I’m teetotal. I just think drinking tends…

I know I look like a spring chicken but somehow – to my own astonishment – I seem to be celebrating a great big birthday. By big, I mean huge. Monumental. Inside, I feel 14. Outside, I am the gigantic 60 (on 21 February). And here’s my gift to you: the six things I’ve learned in my six decades on this planet… 1Tear up the ‘Perfect Partner Rule Book’ Chuck it in the fire. Your essential check-list could be holding back your happy-ever-after. You might think you need a driven, university-educated white-collar professional with a keen interest in global warming. You might reject potential Mr Rights because they don’t qualify. Forget box-ticking. If anyone you fancy shows an interest, give them a chance. Ben and I don’t have anything in…

Thought that a simple wash was all your locks needed? Haircare continues to evolve, with many products now boasting ingredients you’d normally find in skin serums and masks. Diagnose your tress traumas and find the best fix. 1 THE SYMPTOM: DEHYDRATION THE INGREDIENT: HYALURONIC ACID The lowdown: Chances are at least one of your skincare products boasts this wonder ingredient, and with good reason; its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water makes it a peerless hydrator. The ingredient can’t penetrate the hair itself, but instead wraps itself around strands, acting as a protective conditioner to plump and moisturise. Find it in L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Moisture Boosting Shampoo and Conditioner, £5.99 each. 2 THE SYMPTOM: COLOUR FADE THE INGREDIENTS: LACTIC AND AMINO ACIDS The lowdown: AHAs…

IS PHONE ADDICTION REAL? My eldest daughter, 17, seems to have developed a genuine fear of being without her mobile phone. I tell friends this, and they laugh – but it’s just not funny. She seems to get severely anxious any time she thinks she might have left it somewhere, and I can see her almost break out in a sweat when she’s out and the battery’s running low. She is truly panicked about it. Is this an actual phobia? Should I be getting her some kind of help? It certainly seems to be taking over her life. It cannot be healthy! Carly, Reading DR HILARY SAYS: You are right to be worried because phone addiction certainly exists and can have health consequences. According to the National Library of Medicine…

1 WHY DO DOGS CHASE THEIR TAILS? This is common behaviour, particularly in dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, high-energy working dogs. However, if you’re seeing a lot of it, I would suggest increasing their exercise. 2 CAN DOGS GET COLDS? They can get colds, like we do. The most common is kennel cough, which is very infectious. Some dogs have been vaccinated but it’s not always necessary; many can shift it on their own like us. If you’re worried, check with your vet. 3 WHY IS MY DOG LICKING ITS PAWS? Rule out itching or pain first. It could be allergies or joint pain – if it’s new behaviour, get it checked. Other behaviours that could be hiding a problem include scooting on their bums. It’s often a sign of discomfort in…

1 LONG-LASTING SHINE Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish Super Shine Flip Flop 312 in Be Red-y (£4.45, amazon.co.uk) A couple of coats of this suits-all deep red shade will transform less-than-perfect nails and make short nails look longer. Once it’s on, this lasts for over a week and keeps a salon-style glossy finish. For a touch of sparkle, add a glittery top coat and it will also prolong the life of your manicure. SHOP THE PAGE! 2 THE PRETEND YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY ONE Essie Meet Me At Sunset Nail Polish (£7.99, lookfantastic.com) Most of us can only dream of a cocktail on a beach at sunset, but you don’t have to wait until your next beach holiday to rock nails the colour of an Aperol Spritz! This vivid orange polish…

GOOD TO HAVE STEPHEN It was great to have Stephen Mulhern fill in for Phil the other week. Phil’s never missed a show in 14 series – that’s a lot of shows! Seeing Holly and Stephen’s TV reunion after 17 years was joyous. Stephen used to present Dancing on Ice: Defrosted on ITV2 – so it was great to welcome him back to the House of Ice! SCARY STUFF Connor’s accident the other week was a real reminder of how dangerous that ice is! And accidents do happen… sometimes on TV. Connor splitting his chin literally as the opening titles played live sent shivers down all our spines – but he was such a trouper to skate after having five stitches in his chin. Our medical staff are the best…

MEET THE PARENTS Wednesday, Sky Showcase, 10pm Get ready for some serious belly laughs in this comedy, starring hapless Ben Stiller and a highly-strung Robert De Niro… Greg Focker (Stiller) spends a weekend with his girlfriend’s parents before proposing to her. However, her father (De Niro) instantly dislikes Greg, which makes his stay far worse than he imagined. ROCKY Friday, ITV, 11.05pm If you’re already singing Eye of the Tiger, then this one’s for you! A smalltime boxer gets a rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. Starring Sylvester Stallone in his career-defining lead role. DEADPOOL Friday, E4, 9pm A quirky action-comedy, with hunky Ryan Reynolds – what’s not to love? Ajax, a scientist, experiments…

1) It’s OK to give up on a book that has been making you feel bored and uncomfortable for a fortnight. I’m talking about last year’s Booker Prize winner (Damon Galgut’s The Promise), which is obviously incredibly well-written, but left a nasty taste in my mouth. As a palate cleanser, I treated myself to a big dose of an old favourite – The Cazalet Chronicles, a massive, five-volume family saga which spans three decades of upper middleclass life from 1937 onwards. Bliss. Some books are like eating a big slab of fruit cake in a warm bath – sheer comfort. 2) Takeaway portions vary up and down the country. Recently, on tour in Kingston, South West London, my tour manager and I treated ourselves to a Wagamama. I had the…

That she is the love of Prince Charles’s life is beyond doubt. But questions remained over whether or not Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall would ever be crowned Queen. It seems that those doubts have been laid to rest by none other than the Queen herself, who, in a statement to mark her Jubilee, made her wishes clear. ‘…When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.’ The statement, which was signed ‘Your Loyal Servant, Elizabeth’ was greeted as a canny move on the part of…

TOP TIP This classic trouser suit will also look great with a striped T-shirt and trainers.…

Some of the Loose Women got into an interesting debate last Tuesday – over a weight-loss jab, which could be heading our way soon… Ruth Langsford revealed the jab may be made available on the NHS this year, after adults given weekly injections in a trial lost six times more weight than people relying on exercise and diet alone. Janet Street-Porter was swift to scoff at the idea, saying, ‘It’s like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. It’s ridiculous! What goes in your mouth will affect the size of your backside! As a nation we have this disconnect with food – we eat all the time, whole meals on public transport, walking down the street!’ Ruth reminded Janet that some comfort eat when depressed or anxious. ‘There’s a correlation with…

At 54 and celebrating her third decade as a presenter, Davina McCall has revealed she is feeling more confident than ever – mentally and physically. ‘I meet more and more men and women in their 50s who are having this second spring of, “I don’t care if you laugh at what I’m wearing…” ‘Ten years ago, I would’ve been nervous about putting myself out there like that for fear of being judged and now I care so much less. It’s very liberating…’ she said. Certainly, Davina knows her own mind and is not afraid to say it. In conversation with good pal Rylan, who was recently caught up in a storm of bad publicity, she got on to ‘cancel culture’ – and how harshly public figures can be judged. On…

OUT OF: SKIN TONER Swap for: Peppermint tea Peppermint makes a great astringent, especially for oily skin types. Make a mug of peppermint tea. Let it cool. Take a clean washcloth and soak it in the tea. Use it as a face compress. The antioxidants help in clearing skin pores and its menthol content reduces the oil from the sebaceous glands that can lead to breakouts. OUT OF: SKIN BALM Swap for: Teabags Soothe razor-burn and nicks with a wet tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea acts like an anti-inflammatory to reduce redness. Cheaper brands usually contain more tannic acid. Don’t toss your morning tea bag, either. On a clean face, take your used tea bag and scrub gently, allowing the tea to air dry. Green tea is…

5 sets to give away Wo r t h over £8 0! Feeling good in your clothes really does start with the basics, get your underwear right and the rest will follow… At Anita we believe that a well-fitting comfortable bra is the very least every woman deserves to make her feel and look good as she navigates her day! That’s why we have teamed up with best magazine to offer five lucky readers the chance to win the best-selling ‘Twin’ bra and brief from Rosa Faia worth £83. Made from silky smooth fabric, the bra comes in both an underwired or a wire-free version for your preference, in sizes 32-48 A-F cup, and is available from belladinotte.com To enter, see below. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering…

I’ve always loved animals, ever since I was two years old and would go into the garden to find worms, which I’d place carefully in my dungaree pockets as ‘pets’. Then Mum would find them with a fright when she came to do my washing! But she only had herself to blame. She and Dad were fans of more traditional animal friends – we always had cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. My grandparents had dogs, which I ‘adopted’ as my own, too. I loved the caring side of having pets and finding out the best ways to look after them and make their lives better. So when I went to a secondary school with a farm attached, I was in my element! I adored the pigs, sheep and cows so…

Do you have a story you’d like to share with our amazing army of best readers? We’re looking for real-life stories from women just like you and your friends – and will pay up to £250 for all those that make it into these pages. Stories can be funny, sad, emotional, inspirational – just like some of the examples on this page. The only rule: they must be true. Have you been on a diet that changed your life? Have you battled against tough times and come out fighting? Have you found love or happiness against the odds? If you – or a friend – have a story to share, whatever the subject, do drop us a line, with your contact details, a photo and a brief outline of your…

‘Mum? I’m worried about Suzy. She’s refusing to eat. She’s not the girl she used to be.’ Maggie pressed her phone to her ear. ‘Yes, mum, I know she’s just a cat. But she’s all I’ve got.’ Maggie hung up and stroked Suzy’s furry head then tried to coax her cat to eat. But Suzy retreated to the sofa. Maggie’s beloved cat Suzy had been acting odd recently and Maggie was concerned. It wasn’t just that Suzy was refusing to eat but she’d started staying out overnight too. The next morning, Maggie tried again. This time, the cat lapped up milk and ate a full tin of food. ‘How odd,’ Maggie said. ‘It only seems to be at night when I come home from work that you refuse to eat.’…

She’s travelled around the world – first as an entertainer on cruise ships, which led to her finding fame, and then as a host of travel programmes, always accompanied with a bit of a song. But Jane McDonald’s heart is firmly in Yorkshire. Now, the Wakefield-born star, 58, whose partner, musician Eddie Rothe, sadly died of cancer late last year, has returned to her roots, to make a six-part series exploring ‘God’s Own County’… It’s great to see you on-screen again, Jane – back with a bang? A bang is what I am definitely back with! I am loving every minute. We all take everything for granted, don’t we – and then something happens, like Covid and lockdown, and we think ‘Actually, I quite like what I do’. I tell…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Many visitors to Scotland head towards the Highlands and islands without realising that a glorious section of the country lies just slightly north-west of the border. Dumfries and Galloway, voted destination of the year by BBC’s Countryfile, is a beautiful part of the country, with its scenic views of forests and hills, magnificent castles, and friendly seaside towns. Despite being only a few miles north of Carlisle, you feel like you’ve wandered into an enchanting world as the landscape is completely transformed – towering trees guard the entrances to numerous forests and bleak but utterly beautiful miles of sandy and rugged shingle beaches trail across the coastline. INSIDER’S GUIDE Bursting with fairy tale-style castles, Drumlanrig is one of the most spectacular and romantic (drumlanrigcastle.co.uk). If you’re visiting in…