Table of contents for 51/52-2024 in Best

Ringing out the old and in the new is something I have done for decades. Even if I’m just dancing around the kitchen (which is a distinct possibility this year!) I’m NOT one of those people who goes to bed before midnight. There’s no denying 2024 has been tough for some – not least the Royals (see page 8) – so I understand why a quieter night or even an early night, works for some. But I shall be wearing sparkles, so in my last column of the year, cheers to self-gifting: SAVE: First, I headed off to the Ho, Ho, Home of bargains – Aldi. This Luxe Eau De Parfum costs just £5.99 and smells of saffron and citrus (to me, anyway). And be quick, as stock sells out…

In a world where female co-hosts sadly tend to be pitted against each other, it’s ultra refreshing when two of the most famous women in TV genuinely have each other’s backs… Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman – we’re looking at you! Recent reports suggest the presenters of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing – who previously revealed they have ‘a blast working together’ – have made a pact that this could be their last year as co-anchors on the show (which saw its 2024 final on Saturday.) Tess, 55, has been at the helm of the family-friendly show since it first aired in 2004. And Claudia, 52, has been part of the furniture for years, having hosted the spin-off show, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, before joining Tess on the…

When Alison Steadman first started out in the cut-throat world of acting, she was told, ‘Darling, if you can get beyond 40, you’re lucky.’ Fast forward to 78 years old, and the mum-of-two is still going strong, having worked throughout her 50s, 60s, and now 70s. Not only is she filming the third season of BBC sitcom, Here We Go, but she will also appear in the much anticipated Christmas special of comedy classic Gavin & Stacey. The actress reached new and younger audiences when she took on the role as excitable Pamela Shipman, alongside creators James Corden and Ruth Jones. However, she recently recalled her sadness at reuniting with her Barry Island castmates for the final ever episode, claiming it was ‘emotional’. ‘We all love it so much and…

This season, it’s all about looking like you woke up fabulous – even if you didn’t. With key tweakments and cleverly chosen handbag essentials, you’ll sail through every event with confidence, a bit of sparkle, and maybe even a little mystery about how you keep looking so effortlessly put-together. Cheers to that! THE INSTANT PLUMPER Flat face? Our cheeks lose their lift over time, but if you’re after a quick, last-minute boost without looking like you’ve had anything ‘done’, consider a hydrating injectable like Ameela. Regenerative molecules rejuvenate skin from deep within, helping to boost cell turnover and collagen production for a smooth, glowy complexion. Injected in strategic points, it doesn’t add volume but gives that bounce-back glow, like you’ve had a full 10 hours’ sleep (imagine that!). And with…

Key Lime Martini Serves 1 • Ginger cookie crumbs, to rim the glass • 45ml vanilla vodka • 20ml Malibu • 15ml lime juice • 15ml pineapple juice • 15ml double cream • 10ml simple/sugar syrup • lime slice, to garnish Rim the glass with crumbs. Shake the ingredients with ice and fine-strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime slice and serve. Cable Car Martini Serves 1 • Cinnamon and sugar, to rim the glass • 50ml spiced rum • 25ml orange liqueur • 25ml lemon juice • 10ml simple/sugar syrup • Orange zest twist, to garnish Rim a Martini glass with sugar and cinnamon. Shake the ingredients with ice, then fine-strain into the glass. Garnish with a twist of orange zest and serve. Disco Martini Fun, sweet and…

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! CAVE DES ROCHES MÉDITERRANÉE ROSÉ 2023 (12.5%) £6.50, Tesco Rosé is probably the most versatile wine at a party and this is astonishing value for money. It’s incredibly drinkable served cold and gives a touch of French class with every sip.…

As I sipped my third glass of wine, I could feel the room getting hazier. The Christmas decorations were twinkling, and I could just about make out the Queen’s speech on TV. My kids – then aged 12 and nine – were looking strangely at me, as I slurred my words over an afternoon board game. ‘Why’s Mum talking funny?’ my eldest daughter asked my husband, Kieran. He made a quip and, even though I was drunk, I could tell that he wasn’t happy. Christmas used to excite and scare me in equal measure. On the one hand, it was the one time of year when I could expect everyone around me to be almost as drunk as I was. But deep down, I knew I’d take things too far.…

MAGIC AND MISCHIEF Harry and Hermione, both 11, live in Warwickshire, not Hogwarts, with owner Heather. Half-tuxedo cats, Harry revels in his inner dog – getting in the bath, wearing bow ties, sitting on demand for treats – while Hermione is a fussy lady who can’t resist a photo shoot... COSY UP FOR CUDDLES One-year-old TJ is half-Persian and lives with his mum Penny, brother Vinny and Auntie Mini with owner Emma in Warwickshire. Despite a full household, TJ isn’t shy about demanding cuddles! BUILD A CAT Inca came to live with owner Jenny in Eastbourne as a kitten nine years ago. An indoor cat, Inca loves to spend her days watching the birds outside and watching TV in the evening. No news on how she feels about her Lego…

From fearless firefighters who risk their lives to do their jobs, to those who raise thousands of pounds for charity, and people who have done something incredible that has turned someone else’s life around, there are heroes in all walks of life. We’re looking for the ordinary men and women going to extraordinary lengths to help others. So whether you know a member of the emergency services, someone who has performed a heroic act, a selfless charity fundraiser or someone who has triumphed over the odds, we want to celebrate them. THE best HEROES These people, although they may not think it, are all heroes who have stood firm in the face of adversity – and we want to celebrate their great achievements. TO NOMINATE THEM If you know an…

OJ SIMPSON He was one of sport’s most controversial figures, having been accused of the double-murder of his ex-wife Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994. The televised trial gripped the world, but OJ Simpson was acquitted of any wrongdoing. However, he was later sentenced to jail in 2008 for armed robbery in a separate incident. Released from jail seven years ago, he died from prostate cancer in April, aged 76. He is survived by four of his five children – two of which he shared with the late Nicole. SAM RUBIN This Morning viewers were feeling heartbroken after the death of its US reporter, Sam Rubin. The dad-of-two suffered a heart attack in his Los Angeles home at the age of 64 in May. On the red carpet, he…

World-renowned past lives expert David Wells answers your questions. This week he’s chosen Elaine Hayward, 43, who works as a freelance writer. Here, she tells us what came through in their encounter… Have you always believed in past lives? I’ve always felt a deep sense of spirituality. As a child I had extremely vivid dreams and even out-of-body experiences, which gave me an awareness of something beyond the physical world. While I’ve always been fascinated by past lives, I’d never had a specific reading. However, I’ve explored tarot and mediumship, and some of those readings have been so accurate. Talk us through your reading with David… David explained that he’d explore three of my past lives, aiming to uncover recurring themes or lessons that might still be affecting me now.…

There’s no better inspo for New Year’s Eve than the queen of pop herself – Sophie Ellis-Bextor! Delve into the dazzling decor which is regularly posted to her Instagram @sophieellisbextor KEEP THE DECS Don’t be chucking the Christmas tinsel away before your house party! IT’S A SIGN! We’ve spotted a Kitchen Disco sign on Etsy.com at just £26. A POP OF COLOUR Flowers always add vibrance to a home, especially when they’re as colourful as this! GATSBY GLAM Add a touch of Art Deco to your home with this 1920s-style lamp! Visit freemans.com for its Blush Fringe Cream Spindle Base Table Lamp at £55. COCKTAIL HOUR Looks like Sophie’s ready to murder the dancefloor! For a sophisticated martini glass like this, shop Ikea at only £3. CUSHION CRAZY! If this…

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/bestcross5124 ACROSS 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 17 20 21 22 23 24 DOWN 1 2 3 What would you find at the centre of a Ferrero Rocher? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 17 December 2024 until midnight on 10 January 2025. 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. Service provided by Spoke (0333 202 3390).…

Linda Lusardi lost her ‘beautiful’ mum in September 2023. She admits, ‘it felt wrong to be away from home,’ over Christmas but she had already committed to being in pantomime with her daughter Lucy, a singer, now 28. ‘I wanted to be at home,’ she adds. So, this year, Linda is taking time out to be at home with actor and radio presenter hubby Sam Kane, 56, their singer songwriter son Jack, 25, and – fingers crossed – Lucy. But whatever happens, Jack will be making cocktails and there’ll be festive song singing aplenty… Hi, Linda. We know your tree’s up – we’ve watched the video of you and Lucy decorating it on Instagram We have a fake tree, dressed every year by me and Lucy. Plus, netting presents…

‘Well, here we are. The final column of the year. It’s usually one that’s really easy to write because I get to praise all the good things that have happened and all the good people who’ve impressed me through the year. But, for the first time in many years, I couldn’t think of anything that was great about 2024. Yes, it had its good times, mainly mine and Mark’s holidays in Thailand and a surprise trip to Bali last month, and the fact we finally got our bathroom refurbished, but that was about it. I suppose I should be grateful for one of the mildest Winters in a long time, but the Summer was horrendous because it didn’t turn up until July then left again in September! Normally, we get…

LAST-MINUTE TREATS No matter how organised we are, there’s never time left to do everything on our Xmas lists. There’s last-minute gifts to find and pressure to look our best for festive gatherings – whether it’s girls’ night, carolling or family get-togethers. Fear not! There are short cuts to help. No time to spare in the salon for highlights? Try a brightening shampoo. Can’t fit in a spray tan? A tanning serum will add a glow. Polish limbs with a luxurious oil (minus the high-end price tag). Here’s my last-minute guide for party-ready hair, skin and make-up. Nothing costs more than £10 – sit back, relax and enjoy! 1 BRASS BANISHER Provoke Go Ashy Cool Silvery Effect Shampoo and Conditioner £3.99 each, Superdrug and Home Bargains If your blonde is…

TOP TIP! If going out to celebrate doesn’t appeal, bring the party home with these disco buys.…

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY I’ve always had a hatred towards NYE. It was the night I found out my husband cheated on me about 10 years ago, so I guess you could say it gives me PTSD. I’ve decided to throw a party this year to try and get over this hideous hatred I have of the night. I’m trying to build new memories of it, most of all for my children – but I’m just worried I’ll have too much to drink and it’ll go horribly wrong. At the root of this is that I’ve never truly moved on from my ex even after all this time, but I guess it’s good that I’m trying? Nicola, Devon Congratulations! You are doing exactly the right thing. Instead of endlessly reliving…

HAPPY NEW YEAR It’s that time of year again – no, not the digging out of last year’s gloves to venture outside without freezing off your nail gels, or writing a thank-you note for that Christmas bar of soap and crystallised ginger… No, it’s time to be a BETTER PERSON by writing out your New Year’s resolutions! I humbly suggest sitting down with a pen and paper and list exactly how next year will be better for you in every way. Luckily, I was given a book of magic spells this year – called Hocus, which I’m going to use as a base to help my resolutions come true. So, once I’ve written down my ten commandments about being better in every way – I plan to take my cue…

1 Read more books Mindless scrolling often takes the place of meaningful reading, but now’s the perfect opportunity to pick up that bestseller. ‘I’ve come to see reading literature as playing a valuable role in helping us feel happy,’ says Suzy Glaskie, founder of Peppermint Wellness (peppermintwellness.co.uk). ‘The pure escapism of reading is a balm for our busy minds. Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent.’ 2 Cook from scratch Organising Christmas dinner is enough to put people off cooking, but don’t dismiss the benefits. ‘It gives you greater control, letting you choose ingredients and avoid ultra-processed foods,’ says Rob Hobson, nutritionist for Bio-Kult. Plus, there’s the process and sense of accomplishment you get from following a recipe. Still not convinced? Upgrade…

The party was hotting up nicely. Clutching a glass of bubbly, I waltzed across the room, swishing my shiny blonde hair and flashing a coquettish smile at the handsome man sitting in the corner. Before I could say ‘blondes have more fun’ he jumped up. ‘Hello, beautiful,’ he said, grinning and leading me onto the dance floor. But I’m not some teenager high on hormones, I’m a 62-year-old single woman. For the last few months, I’ve been swanning around town as a blonde bombshell, courtesy of a festive glow up. What’s so amazing about that, you may think? Well… a glow up is the recent trend for those of us who want to become a more attractive, sparklier and confident version of who we are. Whether it’s golden locks or…

So, inspired by watching Late Daters on Netflix (it’s brilliant – older Americans doing what it says on the tin – going on dates and looking for The One, aged 50 to 70) and knowing that ringing in yet another New Year is just around the corner, I decided to go back on the Apps and find MY Prince Charming by – drum roll – making the first move. And he replied. So far, so good. Being a tad fatigued by swipe left, swipe right, like, super like, and knowing that neither of us will know if there is any chance of a real-life mutual ‘like’ unless we meet, I asked if he had any nights free in London the next week. He rightly suggested that we chat first. And…

MOVING FOR SON’S SCHOOL? Hi Lee, my son started secondary school in September, and we’ve been thinking about moving closer for some time now. Do you think this would work for us or should we stay where we are? Lynn from Essex LEE SAYS Hi Lynn, thanks for getting in touch. I believe it’s best if you to stay where you are for the next year. It means less upheaval during what will already be a time of change for your son. You’ll find a good balance around you. So, for now, I would strongly suggest staying put. I hope this helps. WILL DAD GET IN TOUCH? We lost my dad over a year ago and I’d like to know if he’s still around me and his grandkids – especially…

Why don’t they do bags of spinach just for one person? Marnie thought as tinny Christmas songs floated around her from the supermarket’s overhead speakers. This was a smaller branch, so surely that meant their customer base was people like her, dropping in on their way home from work or nipping out to pick up a few bits, and not everybody had a huge, rambunctious family to spend Christmas Day with, so why were the bags of spinach large enough to feed a small village for a week? Huffing, she picked one up anyway. She was making her absolute favourite dish this evening, one her ex-husband had always turned his nose up at. It was going to be her Christmas Eve gift to herself. She had only five items on…

CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Go Capricorn! You’ve come through the last few weeks of change – and letting go – with flying colours, and this Christmas sees you in a much calmer and more stable situation. It might not feel like that when there are presents to wrap and festive food shopping to sort out, but underneath you’re in a much stronger place emotionally. Make your festive mantra ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’, as a new face is trying too hard to impress you. But they mean well and have a lot more going for them than it might seem. Mercury is powering forwards through your psychic zone so pay attention to a special message in your dreams. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February With Venus…

CIRCLE OF LIFE Even though the exchange rate isn’t on our side right now, nowhere does quintessential safaris quite so well as Kenya. Its wildlife takes in the Big Five (lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and rhinos) among a supporting cast that stretches from antelope to zebras. Travelling overland and staying in simple bush camps keeps costs down and adds to the sense of adventure (as does meeting Maasai warriors). HOW TO BOOK: The 7-night tour departs year-round and costs from £1,260pp, including accommodation, meals, touring and ground transportation, but not international flights (0808 274 5111, intrepidtravel.com). ZAZU AND CREW The real-life inspirations for the Lion King’s most-loved characters can all be spotted in the South African bush. Look for Simba the lion, Timon the meerkat, Pumbaa the warthog and Zazu…

Families are forever changing. And that is no different for the Windsors. As the Royals sit down to Christmas dinner and we all contemplate the approaching New Year, it’s good to know that they are not too different to us when it comes to last-minute gift buying (when asked if he was ready, Prince William replied ‘No way!’) family traditions from gifts under £10 to games of charades, and having the odd member not joining in. The shape of the Royal family has changed since last year – first came the explosive Prince Harry book (we expect him not to join...), then the diagnosis of the king’s cancer and princess of Wales suffering from the same disease a month later, the issues surrounding Prince Andrew rumbling on – all families…

He’s sung his way into hearts for most of his life, now 62, stage star Michael Ball is writing his way into them. After the success of his first novel, The Empire, in 2022 (set in the Twenties just after the First World War), the much-loved Les Mis star – who has lived with partner Cathy McGowan since 1992 (who has a daughter, called Emma) has since released a follow-on book, A Backstage Betrayal. Here, he reveals why he was eager to get writing again, his plans for 2025, and touring with his best pal, Alfie Boe... Hi Michael, how are you? I’m very well thank you, darling. Looking forward to Christmas! Do you have any Christmas plans yet? Yes! Christmas is going to be lovely. I’ll be at home…

1 TAN ALL THE TIME ‘Gradual tans have come a long way,’ says self-tan expert Jules Von Hep of Isle of Paradise. ‘Once sticky and slow to dry, they’re now full of moisturising, skin-perfecting ingredients such as glycerin and niacinamide, so they glide on, blend in and leave skin soft and looking bright even when the tan wears off. ‘I like to apply three days on the trot, skip a day, then do it on alternate days to keep the colour going,’ he says. We love Isle of Paradise Daily Self-Tan Lotion, £9.99. 2 TAN BY TONIGHT Express tans are also having their moment, according to Jules. These have a guide colour to help you apply them evenly and, while this gets showered off up to an hour later, the…

TOP TIP! For more beauty bargains £10 and under this party season, subscribe to best’s FREE newsletter at facebook.com/bestmagazine…

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. EMPORIUM BRITISH MATURE CHEDDAR, £2.49, ALDI Everything I want in a mature cheddar – texture is slightly brittle, leaving me with a few crumbs to pick up, excellent depth of flavour, letting you know immediately this is a mature cheddar and one you can savour on its own or as part of a decent Ploughman’s. VALLEY SPIRE MATURE CHEDDAR, £1.99, LIDL Joint first place, the texture was on the right side…

Pens at the ready! Test yourself with our quickfire questions from this years brutal breakups to festive flicks – and discover exactly how much of an entertainment fan you really are… 1 Which celebrity couple shocked us with their break up in May? a) Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barkerb) Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmesc) Stacey Solomon and Joe Swashd) Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck 2 Which Hollywood hunk brought his dog to his latest film premiere? a) Tom Hardyb) Brad Pittc) George Clooneyd) Zac Efron 3 Which of the Loose Women presenters confessed that she’s never cleaned out her fridge?! a) Jane Moore 4 Which Royal got compared to Barbie? a) Sophie Wessexb) Kate Middletonc) Meghan Markled) Queen Camilla 5 Which celebrity was arrested at Heathrow Airport in Summer for failing to attend court? a)…

She made her name as schoolgirl Clare Devlin in Derry Girls before winning our hearts as Penelope Featherington in the hit series, Bridgerton. Now, Nicola Coughlan is guest-starring in Doctor Who as Joy, whose hotel stay doesn’t pan out the way she expected. After discovering a secret doorway in the Time Hotel, she soon comes face-to-face with the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa), who is trying to save Christmas… Where will you be watching the episode on Christmas Day? I’ll be home in Ireland with my family, so I’ll be watching and very much hoping to impress my teenage nephew. We sat down and watched the Christmas special last year all together thinking, ‘This is going to be me next year!’ What a great role this is. How did you get involved…

Hi both, what delights can viewers expect to see? Mark: It’s relatable because it’s all about how animals overcome the challenges of life that we all have. You have to see it to believe it. Matt: The series goes from leaving home, all the way to getting old. There’s something in it for everyone. It’s perfect family and holiday viewing. It’s a bit like watching a soap, with all the relationships and interactions… Matt: It’s been set up exactly like that. It’s a lovely way to approach a natural history documentary series. Mark: You meet characters that relate to our lives, like mothers who are completely obsessed with caring for their babies, or animals that go out on dates. I’ve been making wildlife films for 34 years and I’ve been…

Sitting in my friend Suzanne’s hot tub with a few friends, we topped up our prosecco glasses as conversation turned to ageing. We were all over 45, but at 64 then, I was the oldest. ‘How do you all feel about how ageing is depicted in our society?’ I asked. ‘Not happy!’ was the resounding response. ‘Apparently we’re all supposed to be sagging,’ said one. ‘And invisible,’ said another. ‘We should do something about it,’ we all agreed. By the time we got out of the hot tub, Suzanne and I had decided to launch an enterprise called ‘Advantages of Age’, named specifically to counter the negative depictions of ageing we were so frustrated to see in popular culture. Our mission was to help people find their tribe and be…

1 EXPENSES The first rule of a fiscally festive finance clear-up: Know where your money goes. Review your last three months’ bank statements (at least) on a computer screen or a paper copy to highlight what you’re spending money on. You may be surprised by recurring expenses you’ve forgotten about, like that well-intentioned gym membership. 2 BUDGET If ever there was a word designed to strike fear into the hearts of the British public, it’s ‘budget.’ Make a detailed and accurate list of your expenses, including ‘one-offs’ such as holidays and birthday presents. Then subtract this total from your income. If you’re still in the red after making cutbacks, consider reaching out to an organisation such as Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) – a problem shared is a problem halved. 3 ATTACK HIGH-INTEREST DEBT Focus…

Let’s just say, I wish Bridget a better 2025 dating experience than we had in 2024. Recently an ex from Christmas past got in touch. I say an ex, but that’s not really the right word. A business connection that fizzled out when we – er – stopped ‘working’ together… She was younger, not stupidly younger, but young enough that she understandably wanted children, and I don’t (well, any more that is...) so while I will admit we crossed the line on one badly behaved vino calapso night – don’t judge me, it happens! – we ended things, I thought, amicably. I had been honest and, as far as I knew, she moved abroad a few years back. But she’s been in touch. Bridget raised her eyebrow as I told…

A my wasn’t really a party animal – especially not a fancy dress party animal. So, when her bossy big brother Tom and his posh wife Polly had invited her to their New Year’s Eve fancy dress bash in London, she’d kind of wanted to refuse. But they were having none of it. ‘What else are you going to do?’ Tom had demanded to know. ‘Stay home alone and mope about Mark? You broke up months ago. You’ve got to get yourself out there, Amy! You’re single, you need to mingle! Meet new people. There’ll be loads of peeps at the party. Time to move on! Amy had to admit he had a point. She did need to move on and meet new people – and, yes, she did feel…