Table of contents for 47/48-2024 in Best

As I saw the military members of The Not Forgotten walk past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, I confess, tears of pride pricked my eyes. Christmas tends to be an emotional time, and it’s a charity I’ve been close to – and best has supported – for 10 years. Set up to combat the loneliness and isolation felt by our returning troops, I hope that day at least they did NOT feel forgotten and that, as a nation, we do appreciate every man and woman still prepared to devote their lives to the service of this country, no matter the personal cost. The man smiling above in the beret is Colonel Richard Walker OBE, a former vet, chair of the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers Association and now, as the head of…

Since her split from hubby Eamonn Holmes in May, Ruth has acquired a radical new glow. The Loose ‘Woman’ has been sporting a fabulous new hair style – and it’s taken years off her. After having her hair and make up done, Ruth took to Instagram to show off the results. Followers were impressed: One commented: ‘Looking like a weight has lifted off your shoulders,’ (Whatever can she mean?) Often sporting outfits from her QVC clothing range, Ruth has been spotted on nights out with friends and, no doubt, there’s also been cosy nights in with her beloved dog Maggie and son Jack, 22. Since the separation, she’s been focusing on work, while Eamonn has been spotted on holiday with Katie Alexander, 42, a woman it has become apparent he…

He’s danced with Princess Diana, been friends with Rudolf Nureyev, and starred in Cats, so naturally, his book launch was always going to be held in a glamorous venue. We were in the ballroom at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and in the presence of greatness – everyone from Dame Monica Mason, ex director of The Royal Ballet, to Debbie Moore, OBE, owner of Pineapple Dance Studios. (Wayne once tried to teach me to dance, see our best ballet podcast – he’s still laughing). As former politician Gyles Brandreth (who’s known Wayne for over half a century) asked him the questions, Wayne entertained us all with singing (not bad), dancing (he can still pirouette) and tales of his life... Wayne you are – were – the greatest virtuoso dancer The…

Looking at the breathtaking beauty around me, I gasped. It was a ‘pinch me’ moment. Surrounded by a blanket of crisp, white snow, the sky looked different to anything I’d seen before – turning from a magical red into a long, lazy orange sunset. As I went snowmobiling through the forest, The Snowman soundtrack buzzed in my head. I felt like I’d stepped inside a Christmas card! I’d travelled to Lapland with my parents and sister for my dad’s birthday and the winter solstice. But it wasn’t our first Christmas abroad, far from it. Spending the festive season away from home on alternate years is something I’d done since I was a little girl. I go away at Christmas now with my own family – my husband Pete and kids,…

What’s inside ★ MOVIE MAGIC! GIFTS INSPIRED BY FAMILY FILMS ★ PAW-FECT PRESENTS FOR FURRY FRIENDS ★ MUST-HAVE BEAUTY BUYS for kids GIFTS GALORE from tots to teens... We’ve taken inspiration from the hottest blockbuster films to classic characters, so you can find something special this year! Pick the perfect present for adults... Tick off Santa’s list with these lust-have buys For family, friends and fur babies... Gift ideas to keep everyone entertained, impress a host, and spoil the most important member of the household...…

Olly Smith has been sharing his passion for wine and drinks for 20 years! He’s a regular on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, a food hero for P&O Cruises and award-winning author of seven books. With his extensive knowledge of all things booze, the only thing Olly is more enthusiastic about than a glass of the good stuff, is sharing it as widely as possible. So, in his monthly column, he’s recommending his best buys to help you pick up some boozy bargains – and they all cost under a tenner! KYLIE MINOGUE ALCOHOL-FREE SPARKLING ROSÉ (0%) £7 Sainsbury’s I was once on a paddleboard on a loch – with Robson Green. He asked for an nonalcholic wine and I recommended Kylie’s. Balancing fruits with a zesty twist, it’s great for non-drinkers,…

I spotted my daughter, Melissa Kinsella, struggling up the path, pushing a buggy, a little girl skipping along on either side. ‘Let me help you,’ I smiled at the front door. She was with my granddaughters, Chloe, now nine, Beau, four and Romi, two. Despite having her hands full, Melissa looked beautiful as usual. My only child, we were close. Growing up, Melissa had always been chatty, so it suited her to go into hairdressing and beauty; she loved talking to her clients. She had a heart of gold, too. She’d often help people. Once, when we passed a homeless man in the street, she nipped into a shop and came back with a tent for him. But her real passion was being a mum. She idolised her daughters, as…

Have you ever dreamed of owning your very own Christmas château? Take some interior inspiration and peer through the keyhole of Shelley’s expertly crafted home this season. See more on her Instagram @thechandeliercottage.…

SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December It’s a tale of two halves this fortnight! With chatty Mercury shifting backwards in your sign during the second week, even the best-laid plans could turn pear-shaped. Double-check arrangements, especially those involving travel, and don’t panic if at times it feels all your hard work and progress in certain areas is being undone. It isn’t, and any hiccups are just temporary. The new moon in Sagittarius will help to release a wave of optimism and creativity, so if you haven’t started writing that book or picking up that paintbrush, give it a go! Meanwhile, Venus brings warmth and a sense of calm into your love life, giving you the space to see those next steps. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Being a practical…

1 Find your flow This is the feeling of calm that you get when you’re completely engaged in an activity you enjoy. Athletes refer to it as being ‘in the zone’. Typically, humans associate great results with serious effort (or stress or anxiety!). By contrast, flow is that sweet spot where you produce results with ease. The activity itself matters less than the feeling it brings – it’s pleasure, not pressure. People who find a state of flow enjoy increased levels of calm. It’s often associated with creative tasks, so try cooking, colouring or singing. 2 Listen When your mind is noisy and crowded with thoughts, having somewhere else to direct your focus is really helpful. Listening to a feelgood soundtrack can be a great way to do that. It’s not only…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT If you love to be surrounded by stunning historic architecture, Beverley is a great place to visit. Pass through the medieval North Bar – the original gate to the town – or enter left through the grassy expanse of the Westwood pasture. Beverley Minster, a Gothic masterpiece that’s larger than some English cathedrals, is a real standout building, towering above cobbled streets of smart Georgian townhouses. Other ancient buildings include the The Sun Inn, dating back to 1530 and the grand St Mary’s Church. INSIDER’S GUIDE You’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do! Fancy a spot of Christmas shopping? Then the pedestrianised shopping area offers an excellent mix of independent and chain stores. Flemingate shopping centre is also nearby. The countryside – just a five-minute walk…

From Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s The Crown to a naughty nun in the latest Paddington film, Paddington in Peru, there’s not much Norwich-born star Olivia Colman won’t have a go at on the big screen! The 50-year-old mum-of-three, who’s been married to actor Ed Sinclair since 2001, tells us all about her latest role, and munching on marmalade sandwiches... Hi Olivia, what does Paddington mean to you? I absolutely love Paddington Bear. I grew up watching him on television in the Seventies and my kids have grown up watching these films. As a family, we love Paddington so when the chance to be involved in this came along, I was in. I didn’t need to see the script. I couldn’t believe my luck and I still can’t. It’s such…

Surrounded by a pile of presents, wrapping paper strewn across the floor, our daughter Apple, had a huge smile on her face. ‘Santa knew!’ she grinned, showing her little sister, Tallulah, her new toy. My husband Uriah and I were fighting back tears. It was a moment we didn’t know if we’d get to see. Especially after what our brave girl had been through… Born in September 2017, Apple was always smiling, she hit all her milestones, and became a brilliant big sister. But in August 2021, just weeks before her fourth birthday, she started complaining about tummy and leg pains. We knew something wasn’t right and made various trips to the GP and A&E. We were desperately worried and hated seeing our little girl in pain. Finally, on 9…

TERRIFIC TASHA Tasha is doing well – her quickstep was almost perfect – it’s only a matter of time before she starts getting perfect scores – even from me! She is powerful, she is strong, she works very hard and she has a solid head on her shoulders so she is one to watch for sure! CHEEKY CHA CHA I’m Too Sexy was a great concept for Pete and Jowita – really fun. They delivered a really cheeky cha cha! He could have done with a bit more hip action, but I was pleased to see him loosening up a bit. BLACKPOOL WAS A BLAST After the show, I had a few friends come up and we got together with some of the Strictly gang and had a little bash…

DAY 1 THE DEEP CLEAN Start with a clean slate, and that means a good cleanse and gentle exfoliation. Exfoliating clears away dead skin cells and helps products absorb more effectively. But don’t scrub your face as if you’re scouring a pan! A gentle acid formula smoothes without causing irritation. TRY: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Purifying Gel Wash, £24, or L’Oreal Glycolic Acid Cleanser, £8. DAYS 2 & 3 HYDRATE! It really is the foundation of healthy skin, and in this timeframe, you need to double down. A dehydrated complexion looks dull and tired, so drink plenty of water and use hyaluronic acid-based serums. This little powerhouse can hold 1,000 times its weight in water – perfect for giving you that plumped-up, dewy look. Use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid…

Hot chocolate spoons There are many shortcuts to making hot chocolate but, to be honest, if you take too many shortcuts, you have to compromise on the flavour. Time makes it tastier! INGREDIENTS a little sunflower oil, for greasing METHODOLOGY 1 Brush the egg cups with a little oil (be sparing here). 2 Roughly chop 100g of the chocolate, then melt it in a microwave or in a bowl over a pan of just simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the surface of the water. Divide the melted chocolate between the oiled egg cups and top each one with some marshmallows, chocolate buttons or a combination of both. Set aside for about 30 minutes to cool, but not set. Once cool, press a teaspoon into the middle…

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD PETER PAN Fly high this Christmas with best’s very own columnist – Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood, as he stars as evil pirate Captain Hook in Peter Pan at Milton Keynes Theatre. Joining our favourite grumpy judge is comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham as Smee, and West End stars Ross Carpenter as Peter Pan, Zara MacIntosh as Tink, and Evelyn Hoskins as Wendy. At Milton Keynes Theatre from Friday 6 December to Sunday 5 January. For more information and how to book, visit atatgtickets.com SCOTT MILLS JACK AND THE BEANSTALK One of the UK’s favourite broadcasters, Scott Mills, will join panto favourites Kev Johns and Matt Edwards, A1’s Mark Read, actress, TikTok and YouTube star, Jo Osmond, and musical theatre performers, Celyn Cartwright and Christina Harris, in Swansea’s…

No matter how hard one tries to pretend otherwise, having a cold is just not sexy… ever. Especially if you want to remain part of society. Mine sneaked up unannounced with a little jab in the tonsils one afternoon, followed by a rather dramatic sneeze (#awkward as I was in a shop at the time – what if one of my spores had landed on an Edam? I left in a hurry, needless to say) but then the next day I was left in no doubt. I’d woken up with my grandfather’s voice and erupting nostrils. I was now officially ‘with cold’ but felt duty bound to fight it. I had a gig coming up and couldn’t wheeze and sneeze at the same time. First step was to get some…

MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS TV presenter and former MasterChef contestant Theo is passionate about good quality food! He’s also an author of eight brilliant cookery books, including Canned, which helps transform store cupboard ingredients into delicious meals. Theo has joined best to put own-brand staples to the test to help you find the best Essentials without compromising on flavour. M&S CRANBERRY SAUCE £1 This just worked for me; packed with cranberry flavour balancing that sharpness of the cranberries and the added sweetness, while giving a wonderful aftertaste of cranberries. It was one of the softest sauces, but every bite was worth it. MORRISONS CRANBERRY SAUCE 55p This had a jammy texture that will hold onto any of the meats or food you decide to slather it on – with…

World-renowned past lives expert David Wells answers your questions. This week he’s chosen Amanda Greatorex – a singer-songwriter who leads guided walks for Dulwich Outdoor Gallery in London where she lives. Here, she tells us about her encounter… Have you always believed in the spirit world and past lives? I’ve always been open to there being a bigger picture than what we’re all aware of. I’ve found Chinese and Indian spiritual philosophies interesting and the life force flowing through everything within the universe! It makes sense that our souls live on and we start life again with a new physical body. I found the whole experience fascinating. I’d recommend David to anyone looking to gain a bit more clarity about themselves. Talk us through your reading with David… David began…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES The answer will appear in the shaded boxes and this is your prize answer. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines. co.uk/bestcross4724 ACROSS 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 17 20 21 22 23 24 DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 13 14 15 16 18 19 Which celebrity won Strictly Come Dancing in 2018? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 19 November 2024 until midnight on 13 December 2024. You must be over 18 and have the bill payer’s permission. †Calls cost 65p per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and should last no longer than 2 mins.…

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One of the nation’s most famous married couples tied the knot back in 1986 – and in a candid podcast confession, 68-year-old Richard Madeley spoke of the reality of his and Judy Finnigan’s longtime partnership. The TV presenter revealed that he even sleeps in the spare room when presenting Good Morning Britain, as he has to get up in the middle of the night for work, and doesn’t want to disrupt his wife’s sleep. ‘When I’m doing Good Morning Britain I sleep in the spare room... I do probably sleep a little bit better in bed with Judy, but I’m okay on my own.’ On disrupting Judy’s sleep, Richard added: ‘I wouldn’t think of doing that to Judy. Apart from anything else, Judy and her sleep, you don’t mess with.’…

TOP TIP This flattering off-the-shoulder dress can be dressed up with heels or down with flat boots. The perfect way to go from work to wow... TOP TIP Put this sparkling co-ord on the top of your festive dressing wishlist! It works beautifully together or mixed with other pieces in your wardrobe. TOP TIP Upgrade your LBD to this feminine studded dress. The statement sleeves are not only flattering, they give a classic shift style an instant upgrade. TERMS AND CONDITIONS for 4LOVE discount, effective from 19 November *By using the discount code best10, you agree to the following terms and conditions: Discount Offer The best10 discount code provides a 10% discount on all purchases made on our website. This discount applies only to full-priced items and excludes all sale…

‘Since my Christmas epiphany, there are many things I’ve changed my mind about. One of them is lights, especially the ones outside that I used to think were common. On the council estates where we used to live, there was always at least one house that went to town – covering the entire house with coloured lights and Santas on sleighs with reindeer all over the place. It was a magical thing when we were little, but still we thought it a little OTT. Now, it seems to be the preference of people with more money than sense who pay professional adorners to light up their giant houses. Or celebrities who often pay for nothing and get things in exchange for a promo post to their millions of followers on…

One of my earliest childhood memories is foraging and cooking with my grandmother when I was six-years-old. This simple memory has stayed with me for more than 40 years and had a huge influence on my life. Making edible gifts like chutneys, jams, pickles and cordials for friends and family saves me a fortune at Christmas. They are the perfect gift for hard-to-buy-for loved ones. Even Kate Middleton thinks so – she once gave the late Queen chutney she’d made for Christmas! My grandmother Phyllis lived in the countryside, and had a stream running through her garden which had raspberry and gooseberries bushes growing beside it. I didn’t like the taste of the gooseberries, but I loved picking the raspberries! We would eat them with evaporated milk or use them…

MAGIC MAKE-UP It’s time to put on your party face! And, it doesn’t have to be glitter all the way. Look for products that enhance everyday make-up. You don’t need to splash out on sparkly eyeshadow that you won’t use beyond the season. Mature complexions look better with a subtle gleam, so find highlighter that adds luminosity. Don’t rush to get lash extensions that you might regret before New Year – try a mascara or false lashes. They are easier to apply than you think. It’s the time of year for long-lasting looks, too. Everything here is under £10, so if you love something, you can always buy one for your friend, too! 1 LONGER LASTING LIPPY Catrice Cosmetics Creamy Nudes Lip Pen £3.79 each, justmylook.com If you want your…

Rolled pork belly in cider with crispy crackling Allowing the pork to dry out in the fridge before cooking helps to crisp the skin up beautifully. The pork is then roasted in the stock, cider and milk until tender. Start this recipe up to 48 hours before cooking. SERVES 6 • 2kg boneless pork belly, skin on• 2tbsp olive oil• 12 small shallots, peeled but left whole• 3 large carrots, roughly chopped• 3 leeks, thickly sliced• 1 head of garlic, cut in half• 2–3 sprigs of fresh sage• 2 bay leaves, bashed• 300ml hard cider• 300ml chicken stock• 300ml milk• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper YOU WILL NEED 6-litre Dutch oven 1 At least 24 and up to 48 hours before cooking, unwrap the pork belly and place,…

Singing sensation Ariana Grande has been transported somewhere over the rainbow as part of her role as Glinda in the much anticipated movie Wicked (Part 1 is released in cinemas worldwide from 22 November). The 31-year-old superstar reveals how her Wicked journey started as a little girl – and that she fought to audition for the role of the future Good Witch of the South... Here, she reveals how her dream came true, and the responsibility of bringing such a loved musical to the big screen... Ariana, how much pressure is there to bring a show as loved as Wicked to the cinema? There is always an incredible amount of pressure doing anything with something as beloved as Wicked. But I am a die-hard fan. I love the show and…

NOT so Bridget… We all have our favourite Christmas movies: Mine include Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf, and, of course, Bridget Jones. When I saw Bridget Jones’ Diary back in 2001, I found myself on my own, in my early 30s, and working as a journalist. I didn’t swig from a bottle, but I wasn’t beyond getting drunk in my Christmas penguin pyjamas. My brother – who had agreed to accompany his boyfriend-less sister – yes, my first marriage was in tatters by then and my life was almost as tragic as on-screen Bridget’s – left the cinema, turned to me and said: ‘Omg – they’ve made a film about your life!’ I began to sing All By Myself while deciding where we could go for a bottle of rosé…

‘DOES SHE KNOW I DIDN’T ABANDON HER?’ I was an only child and my mum depended on me, even more so when she developed dementia. Eventually, she moved into a nursing home and I visited multiple times a week. Over time, her health deteriorated and I was going twice a day, I was the only person who could get her to eat. Then the pandemic hit, and I was barred from visiting her. This meant she wasn’t really eating so the home agreed I could visit. However, she passed away before I arrived. I worry that she died believing I no longer cared about her, and that she wouldn’t have understood why I wasn’t there anymore. Does she know I didn’t abandon her? asks Wendy LEE SAYS Dear Wendy, Your…

1 OVER-THE-DOOR RACK The back of the door offers tons of potential storage. Use an over-the-door rack to store your shoe collection. You can also hang wicker baskets to the back of doors, which can be used for accessories such as umbrellas, making every inch of the room work harder. 2 EXTRA CUSHIONING Keep cushion covers inside you cushions! If you’re a fan of changing décor seasonally, try storing cushion covers inside each other like nesting dolls. Not only does this save space, but it also adds extra firmness to your cushions. 3 UNDER-BED DRAWERS Utilise the space under your bed. You can buy beds with taller legs to maximise the often-underused area. I love to use a mix of plastic crates with lids to avoid dust build-up. 4 BEAUTIFUL BASKETS Picnic baskets are…

‘Christmas is cancelled!’ declared Evie, swivelling around in her office chair. ‘Before you say anything, not by me.’ Several heads shot up, including mine. ‘You what?’ I blinked. I’d already garlanded my laptop screen with tinsel, having waited for November the first out of respect for Halloween (by which time I’d had to remove the mini pumpkin from my desk, after Evie complained that it smelled). ‘Lauren says she doesn’t want to see any decorations on this floor,’ Evie clarified. ‘She says paper decks and tinsel are a fire hazard and visually garish.’ ‘This tinsel is bio-degradable,’ I protested. ‘Also, what about the interdepartmental competition for who can decorate their part of the office the most festively?’ ‘Also cancelled,’ revealed Evie. ‘Lauren says it distracts from the work ethic in…