Table of contents for 44-2023 in Best

There were so many moving moments at best Heroes Awards, it would be hard to pick one. But, when Coleen Nolan said, she couldn’t put into words what her sister meant to her. ‘I’m so proud of her. I could stand here and cry, but I won’t because she doesn’t. She’s incredible,’ there wasn’t a dry eye in the room (read more on page 10). Linda is incredible. For those of us lucky enough to know her, this amazing woman is always ‘glass half full’ – making jokes, smiling – and there are so many great lessons to be learned from that. Fate deals the cards. When the hand is not what we wanted, it is how we react to it that counts. She’s not family but our columnist Carol…

Loose Women viewers will know that the ladies never hold back, no matter how risqué the topic they’re discussing. So when they got into a lively discussion about celebs such as Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow modelling lacy lingerie on a recent show, it didn’t take long for the panel to share what they wear under their clothes. And Denise Welch was the first to admit that she had embraced the mantra of ‘saggier not sexier’ as she’s grown older – confessing her 60s have seen her continue the habit of a lifetime. Denise, 65, told her co-stars with her tongue firmly in her cheek, ‘When I used to drink I had a condition – which is medically proven – called ‘compulsive flashing disorder’. ‘I used to think it was…

Have you watched My Mum, Your Dad? If so you’ll know why the incredibly popular new series proved to be a massive hit with the nation. If not, you’re in for a treat. The show followed a group of single parents who were nominated by their grown-up kids for a second chance at love. However, unbeknownst to the parents, the kids were watching their dates in a surveillance room called ‘The Bunker’ and got to decide their mum or dad’s dating fate! Our personal favourite father-daughter pair were retired basketball player turned presenter (and owner of atallorder.co.uk - well, he is 6ft 10ins!) Martin Henlan, 56, and his charming model daughter Jessica, 23, from Epsom – who told us she’s still on the hunt to find her dad The One……

HEATED HAND SAVIOUR Hands have few oil glands, so there’s less natural defence against cold and dry air. Once a week try this heated hand scrub to keep hands baby soft. ● Zap 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 1/2 cups of brown sugar and the juice of one lemon in a microwaveable bowl for 10 to 12 seconds. Stir until well combined. If it looks too wet, add another teaspoon of sugar so it’s grittier. While the mixture is still warm, but not too hot, rub over backs of hands for two to three minutes. Rinse. ● Heat hand lotion in the microwave for 10 seconds before massaging in*. If you have time, put on cotton gloves and leave overnight. BATHTIME BLISS Super-hot showers will strip the skin of…

S’mores hot chocolate S’mores are a delicious campside treat popular all over America – toasted marshmallows and chocolate are sandwiched between digestive biscuits. That mouthwatering combination is the inspiration for this fun and warming drink. You will need a chef ’s blow torch for this recipe. Balloon whisk, chef ’s blow torch. Serves 2 • 100g milk chocolate, chopped • 2 digestive biscuits, crushed with a rolling pin into crumbs • 250ml milk of your choice • 250ml double cream • 2 giant marshmallows Prepare two heatproof glasses first. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and heat over a low heat until melted – do not let the base of the bowl touch the surface of the water. Carefully dip the…

HIS AFFAIR STILL HAUNTS ME After watching the Beckham documentary where David and Victoria relive his alleged ‘affair’ with Rebecca Loos in 2003, it’s brought up all the feelings I had about my own husband’s cheating just before we married in the early 2000s. I know it was 20-years ago and to my knowledge he’s never done it again, but I’m resenting him at the moment for doing what he did to me all those years ago while I was pregnant. He’s been a fabulous dad and husband since, but I’m struggling reliving the past… Rochelle, Clacton You have had 20 years of an excellent partnership with a loving and faithful husband. It would be a tragedy if your harrowing memories of a long-over affair were allowed to ruin all…

Titian, auburn, ginger… however you choose to describe it – ‘red’ hair is still a rare phenomenon, compared to the various shades of blonde and brunette (though you’ll certainly see a higher percentage of redheads in Scotland and Ireland than most of the rest of Europe!). Still, when high-profile celebs, from Julianne Moore to Succession star Sarah Snook, are rocking the striking shade, it makes them even more memorable. Many of these famous redheads didn’t originally like standing out, but they embrace their red hair now as sexy, successful women – and we can see why. Talented, gorgeous and unique? What’s not to love… JESSICA CHASTAIN Jessica Chastain loves her signature ginger locks so much, she’s never dyed them, to date – for any role. The 46-year-old previously explained,…

TOP TIP! Use a bath tool, such as a loofer or pouf, with your body wash to help blood circulation and slough dead skin cells.…

Loud bangs, sudden flashes of light… it’s no wonder that animals can feel startled when fireworks are let off. Forty-five per cent of Dogs Trust survey respondents revealed their dog was not always calm with firework noises, while Cats Protection’s 2022 survey revealed 64 per cent of respondents’ pets are adversely affected by them. While some advice – like creating safe spaces – works for all animals, it’s worth tailoring your approach to your pet. Read on to find out more. ★ CATS If you think fireworks can be loud, spare a thought for felines. ‘They have super-sensitive hearing, meaning they hear things a lot louder,’ according to Cats Protection. ‘For most, it’s a highly unpredictable time. As creatures of habit, these noises and light take them by surprise, which…

SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November There’s a group of planets in your sign now and this is giving you amazing oomph. Tackle anything challenging you’ve been avoiding, including unpleasant jobs and people. Just be aware that you may be coming on more forcefully than you realise. There’s no point creating conflict unnecessarily – keep your eye on the ball. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December ‘Infamy, infamy – they’ve all got it in for me!’ – you know this isn’t true, but sometimes you find yourself slipping into self-pity, feeling others aren’t being fair. This isn’t like you – rest assured you’ve got it wrong. However, some quiet time alone is called for, reflecting and giving yourself some treats, like a long bath and an early night. CAPRICORN 22…

1 You’re anxious all the time Stress breeds anxiety, and keeping a lid on it can be difficult, but trust us, you can manage anxiety with the simplest move of all – breathing! ‘The breath is key to calming down the nervous system,’ says mindfulness expert Amy Malloy (theworldofamy.com). ‘By consciously lengthening out our breath, we signal to our nervous system to stop sounding the alarm.’ Here’s what to do when you start feeling anxious. Stop. Breathe in while counting to four, then breathe out to the count of six. ‘Count in your mind to hold your focus and continue for as long as you need,’ says Amy. 2 You’re angry ‘Unresolved stress builds up over time and we snap,’ says research herbalist Monica Wilde. So, where do…

In an exciting new search for the next singing sensation, Anne-Marie, Olly Murs (in his last series as a coach – sob!), Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am have once again assumed their roles as the superstar coaches of The Voice UK – and returned to their seats in the most iconic chairs on television! Hopefuls looking for a shot at stardom will take to the stage in a bid to be crowned this series’ winner, securing a recording contract with Universal Records, as well as winning a massive £50,000 cash prize and a luxury holiday… lucky things! Here, stunning series’ host Emma Willis, 47, who has been happily married to Busted musician Matt Willis since 2008, reveals why she’s happy to be back with her ITV family, and how…

Charlie Brooks, now 42, was just 17 when she went into EastEnders, embodying the fabulously twisted Janine Butcher, one of the soap’s most celebrated villains. Her most recent stint in Walford ended in 2002, after an explosive storyline. Charlie, who shares daughter Kiki, 19, with former partner Tony Truman, is now wowing audiences in the lauded adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at The End of the Lane in the West End. We caught up with her to talk about magic and motherhood. Hi Charlie. So you’ve been smashing it in The Ocean at the End of the Lane… Thanks! It’s been an incredible year going round the UK to different cities, although it’s been tough at times to be away from home, it really has been amazing – a…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES ACROSS 1 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 21 22 23 24 25 DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 12 14 16 18 19 20 ‘My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go’. Who said these famous last words? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 31 October 2023 until midnight on 17 November 2023. Over 18s only. †Calls cost 65p per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and should last no longer than 2 mins. Service provided by Spoke (0333 202 3390). *For full T&Cs see below. We will use the information you supply…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT For a countryside escape with added rest and relaxation, a trip to Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa ticks all the boxes. This privately owned haven, nestled in the heart of Berkshire, is situated just off the A34, and offers first-class amenities, including a health club, luxurious spa, two-rosette restaurant and 18-hole golf course. This makes it the perfect retreat to escape to before the busy festive period kicks in. INSIDER’S GUIDE With so much to keep you entertained at the hotel, you might not feel the need to escape. But if you do fancy taking in the beauty of West Berkshire, check out the nearby trails to top up your vitamin D levels, while getting in a spot of exercise (visit nationaltrust.org.uk). Also nearby Donnington Castle (english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/donnington-castle/) is…

1 IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS PJS! Queen of the dancefloor, Shirley Ballas looked rather different from usual last week, when she posted herself and pooch Charley, in matching Christmas pyjamas! The 63-year-old wrote on Instagram, ‘Charley and I are loving the new @alderhey_inspired @shopmatalan Christmas pjs.’ It’s never too early, we say! 2 Who wowed the crowd? Think pink this Autumn. Presenter Amanda Holden, 52, brightened the morning in a jumper from Wyse and trousers from David Koma, while actor Liz Hurley, 58, looked incredible in a tailored two-piece, and stage actor and singer Samantha Barks, 33, wowed in a drape dress with fringe detailing from Taller Marmo. Suits, separates & short dresses. Three ways to think in pink this Autumn 3…

You probably know our story. It was one that was recently documented in the ITV drama, The Long Shadow, which tells how my siblings and I lost our mum after she was brutally murdered at the hands of Peter Sutcliffe. If you’ve seen the documentary, the first episode was taken from my book Just a Boy. My mum, Wilma, tucked us into bed, putting her coat on top of the duvet to make us extra warm. ‘Go back to sleep,’ she told me and my sisters, Sonia and Donna, who had awoken as she was getting ready to go out for the night. Angela, who was three at the time, was fast asleep in her cot, while the rest of us slept in the double bed. It was October 1975,…

Back in the Eighties, they battled it out as warring super bitches on glossy, glamorous soap, Dynasty. While Dame Joan Collins, 90, immortalised Alexis Carrington Colby, fellow Brit Stephanie Beacham played her cousin Sable Colby, who shared her fondness for big hair and even bigger shouder pads. Their rivalry was infamous. Season nine of Dynasty was greatly enlivened when Sable returned from spin-off soap The Colbys, intent on taking both Alexis’s business and her man – Dex Dexter, played by handsome Michael Nader, who sadly died in 2021. Their famous cat fights included a tussle in which they both fell over a sofa, and a stand-off in Alexis’s apartment in which she lobbed a picture frame at Sable. But in real life, the two get on famously, with Stephanie, 76,…

We know how much we need our beauty sleep, so why not make the most of the hours we are tucked up in bed to use the snooze time to spoil ourselves from top to toe? Winter-proof your skin with a moisturising face or body mask; hydrate your locks with a luxurious hair treatment; and give your hands and feet some overdue TLC. And since the party season is a few weeks away, this is the best time to strengthen your nails or try an overnight tanner. Turn bedtime into pamper time, as these will be working their magic all night long so you wake up feeling refreshed and looking like you’ve had eight hours’ sleep – even if you haven’t! BEST OVERNIGHT HAIR MASK John Frieda Overnight Miracles Repair…

HOW IT WORKS 1 First things first, eating breakfast is très important for French women. For a petit-déjeuner, as they call it, good quality bread, full-fat butter, fresh fruit and a little yogurt are firm favourites with a fresh, flaky croissant as a treat. Pick up preservative-free crunchy bread and seasonal fruit from farmers’ markets this Autumn. 2 Lunch is the biggest meal of the French day, with the average lasting 90 minutes! A chance to catch up with loved ones and eat good food – the French would never have a sandwich at their desk. Eating most of your day’s calories at lunch makes slimming sense, too, and eating slowly gives time for our brains to register we’re full so we are less likely to snack. 3 Snacking is…

THE AWFUL MS ‘HUG’ I have had MS for over 10 years and am 54. I walk with a stick but, touch wood, I am managing OK with the condition right now, except for one thing. My symptoms tend to get worse in very hot and very cold weather, which I know is normal – but what’s really starting to kick in more this year than ever is the so-called ‘MS hug’, that awful gripping feeling which I get around my torso and my chest. Why they call it something so lovely I will never know – it’s horrid! Apart from doing what anyone else would to keep warm, do you have any advice on how to diminish this, Dr Hilary? I don’t want to do anything that will inadvertently…

She is 74, and has long wowed with her toned physique and ageless complexion, but now we have discovered that designer Vera Wang doesn’t deprive herself when it comes to fast food or alcohol! The icon recently revealed she’s living everyone’s dream when it comes to her slim shape, claiming, ‘I do eat McDonald’s, absolutely, I order it every day, like two weeks on it, and then I’ll change.’ The wedding dress designer also admitted she enjoys popular US chain Dunkin’ Donuts, sharing: ‘I like the cream-filled, sugar-coated donut. It’s like a jelly donut, but it’s cream inside, vanilla cream. I like the pink with sprinkles, too.’ Vera previously shared in 2020 that her anti-ageing secrets include, ‘work, sleep, a vodka cocktail and not much sun’. The star revealed, ‘Basically,…

FINANCIALLY Fabulous Join our campaign and get your finances sorted at hearstmagazines.co.uk/ffbest for money-saving tips and brilliant advice on being financially savvy. 1 LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says £2bn of life insurance money has gone unclaimed, so if you think a relative may have had a policy, it’s worth checking if there’s an account you don’t know about. New reclaim service Gretel allows you to search for lost policies. Searching through bank statements for a payment to an insurer is another idea. If you know the name of the insurer but it’s no longer operating, use the ABI website directory. 2 PREMIUM BONDS Premium bonds never expire. Each bond, worth £1, is entered into a draw each month to win a share of prize money.…

With nearly 200K followers on her @holayasmin_ Instagram account, aesthetic interior lover, Yasmin, has one of the cosiest apartments we’ve seen! Here are just some of our favourite shots of the inviting Autumnal abode… LIGHT THE WAY Battery-powered candles can be just as effective as real ones, especially when put in a fireplace like this! Plus, you won’t need to worry about any smoke marks on walls! If you want to create the same effect, Lights4fun.co.uk has 6 Wax Battery LED candles at £16.99. CUTE & COSY This bed is definitely for all-day lounging and one of the prettiest bedrooms we’ve seen! If you love the enchanting gold mirror as much as we do, see B&Q’s Berkfield Wall Mirror Castle Style for £65. DRESS TO IMPRESS Carrie Bradshaw, who? Usually…

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She recently became a first-time mum to adorable baby Lyra with husband Aljaž Škorjanec and has shared pictures from their besotted baby bubble. But Strictly – It Takes Two host Janette Manrara has revealed that she’s since been the victim of mum-shaming. The 39-year-old made the decision to return to her presenting jobs on the BBC spin-off show, as well as Morning Live, six weeks after giving birth to little Lyra. And while many commended her for being a great example of a working mum, others accused her of going back to work ‘too soon’. Opening up about the cruel comments she’s received, the professional dancer told best, ‘Strictly doesn’t wait for anybody. I have had some mums out there mum-shaming me and that’s OK. That’s their problem really more…

TOP TIP An oversized coat is perfect for layering up with woolly knits on chilly days…

‘It feels like every week another legendary music star announces they’re hanging up their mics and doing their ‘Final Tour’. All those musical heroes that have provided the soundtrack to my life, giving up and letting go. Elton’s done it. Rod’s done it. The Stones keep saying they’re doing it. Madge didn’t bill it as the final but the way she’s creaking about, it could well be. How do these old-timers do it? Where can I get some of what they’re all having? And this week there’s another one. Barry Manilow, at the grand old age of 80, 80! broke millions of women’s hearts by announcing his last UK gigs with a run at the London Palladium. You could almost hear the zimmers stampeding for tickets and cigarette lighters! I’ve…

SAD GOODBYE I was so sad to hear that Amanda Abbington had withdrawn from the competition. I couldn’t wait to see her dance the cha-cha-cha alongside pro partner Giovanni Pernice… So I’m disappointed I won’t get to see their future dances, but I enjoyed watching her Strictly journey and wish her all the best. CROWD FAVOURITE My current front-runners are Layton, Angela Rippon, Bobby and – I never would have thought it – Krishnan. And that’s not necessarily to do with the judges, but the audience. He brings enormous personality, which I did not expect. 10 out of 10 for entertainment! IN THE MOOD FOR DANCING I’ve heard that Loose Women star Coleen Nolan is keen to take to our dance floor – and I’d love that! She’d be a…

TOP TIP! Now is the perfect time to clear out your cupboards! That way you’ll only invest in pieces you really need.…

As the toaster popped out two slices of thick white toast, I couldn’t wait to slather it in gooey Marmite – just as my mum used to. I’ve been having the same breakfast ever since I was a little girl, and at this point, I think it’s good for me! I’m 105, you see, and I can safely say there are no green juices, fruit smoothies or baked oats needed – just doorstep bread and lots of Marmite! ‘Delicious,’ I thought to myself, crunching on my morning treat. And once it reaches 6pm, I finish my day with two glasses of sherry before bed to help me doze off. Between these two routines – coupled with lots of laughter and good memories – I have been able to live a…

Standing at a party, chatting away to my friends, a woman tapped me on the shoulder. ‘I just wanted to say your hair looks gorgeous,’ she smiled. I flushed with pride and thanked her for the compliment. It happened fairly regularly near my Manchester home and my barnet was now my crowning glory, but it hadn’t always been that way… As a teenager in the 1980s, red hair wasn’t exactly all the rage with the only famous flame-haired person that I can remember seeing on television being Cilla Black. Although I was bullied more for being skinny and looking younger than my age, my auburn hair meant I could never blend into the background – I always stood out and could never get away with anything. Despite not being carrot-top…

As the cost-of-living squeezes harder than ever, from food and energy costs, mortgage rates to rental prices, few of us are immune to financial worries. It’s not only the expense of day-to-day life that’s affecting so many. The UK is in the grips of a serious, economic crisis, and it’s one that’s disproportionately impacting women. According to The Money Charity, at the end of July, people in the UK owed £1,843.8 billion, and recent research has revealed that 55 per cent of debtors are female. Vikki Brownridge is the CEO of StepChange, the UK’s largest debt charity, which is currently supporting more women than men. ‘We’ve seen client volumes rise by almost a fifth year-on-year, with the average owing almost £15,000 when they come to us,’ says Vikki. ‘Women make…

Carol McGiffin looked stunning at our best Heroes Awards and was the last to leave in the early hours of the morning (with me), on great form as she chatted away to Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan and sister Linda (page 10). But the question everyone was asking was ‘Where’s Mark?’ For the first time ever, her lovely hubby of 15 years Mark Cassidy wasn’t by her side. ‘You love a rumour, don’t you?!’ she shouted, laughing. ‘I’m writing my next book and it is really hard to do that in France. There are way too many distractions – wine, great weather.’ Alright, alright, stop making us jealous! Carol’s next book is a follow-on from her last one, Oh Carol! – on life, love and just generally telling it like…

THAT’S SHOWBIZ Some weeks are more showbiz than others, in fact some weeks are entirely showbiz free. This week landed somewhere in the middle. I had several stand-up gigs, a couple of podcasts and a hosting event. The hosting event was in Portsmouth, at its massive 2,000-seat Guildhall in the centre of town. It was a Wednesday night sell-out gig featuring Miriam Margolyes chatting about her latest book, Oh Miriam. In the first half, I was to sit next to her on stage and get her chatting, (not exactly a tough gig) and ,in the second half, it was my job to facilitate questions from the audience. This was done rather cleverly via a QR code and an iPad app – which was actually much easier than it sounds! I…

You’re really going then?’ Maria nodded and gazed around the empty room. It was amazing how much bigger it looked without furniture and carpets. ‘We’ll miss you.’ Her neighbour Sarah’s voice was uncharacteristically quiet. Maria smiled. She walked towards the large bay window and looked out onto the avenue. It was strange to think that from tomorrow this house would belong to someone else. ‘I can’t believe you’re actually leaving,’ Sarah said. ‘I think you’re very brave.’ Maria shrugged. ‘I don’t have much choice, really.’ Sarah shook her head. ‘I wouldn’t say that. Guy’s a wealthy man. He could easily have bought you out. God knows he owes you after what he put you through. If you stayed here, at least you’d be amongst friends.’ She put her empty mug…