Índex per 40 - 2018 a Best

THE BEST NIGHT What a wonderful night at the best Heroes Awards last week! Great to catch up with some old faces, too – like my nemesis, James Jordan. In this photo with Ola, we were at fisticuffs, but just for fun! There was a rift between James and me, but it was still good to see him. Go, Joe! Joe Sugg is getting better and better. He was dreadful in the launch show, but I think he’ll keep surprising everyone. He’s putting in the hours. Best thing is, he’s bringing a whole new online audience to the show. Kids adore him – so he’s introducing 13-year-olds to dance, and that’s great. LAUGHING FITS I do get the giggles watching Dr Ranj. Sometimes he looks good, but sometimes his look…

GET YOUR SKIN ‘VIT-FIT’! Vitamins can play a vital role in fighting the signs of ageing. Whether ingested, applied on to your skin or in treatment form, they can deliver potent nutrients exactly where you need them. Here’s a guide to my favourite skin-friendly vitamin heroes! REDUCE WRINKLES WITH VITAMIN A What it does This anti-ageing powerhouse is vital for those wanting younger-looking skin. Applied topically, vitamin A can boost collagen and is the fastest solution for reducing wrinkles, often showing first results in less than two months. It will also increase skin cell renewal, even out skin tone and fight acne. Try it out Over-the-counter products usually contain retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A). Because it’s so strong, side effects can include redness and itchiness – so start…

Luxury comfort Satin can make even cosy styles look chic Sophisticated style A dress like this is timeless Shade shifter Pick pieces in the same tone for clever colour blocking Alternative attire Ditch the dress for sleek separates TAP THE APP Stuck on which outfit to wear? Upload your choice to Jama, and people can vote!…

HOW IT WORKS 1 It’s well known that the right food can make you happy but, for the first time, a study has looked at whether the way you cook your food might also play a role – and it does. Docs discovered that the more raw fruit and vegetables people ate, the better their mental health. Exactly why, the experts didn’t know, but they suspect the uncooked foods might have higher levels of nutrients, which give your mood a boost. 2 And this isn’t the only benefit of eating plenty of raw fruit and veg. Canadian experts looking at links between diet and longevity found that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables led to a longer life – but those eating the highest proportion of raw fruit and veg…

Devastated about my ex’s death… I’m 47, happily married and hadn’t seen my ex for 20 years. But we were together for eight years and, deep down, I fantasised about meeting again (perhaps, I’m ashamed to say, even rekindling something). I found out from a mutual friend last week that he was killed in a motorbike accident in Italy, and I’m devastated. It’s like the rug has been pulled out from under me and, on top of the crushing pain, I feel embarrassed at the intense strength of my feelings. I didn’t expect this, but it’s awful. Pauline, south London Pauline, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. The reality is that you can’t be with someone romantically for eight years, and just write it all off.…

‘It’s official. Big Brother is no more. That genius idea of a telly show that was literally a modern-day Bedlam, a fascinating social experiment and with the best theme tune ever. I remember the very first one, when none of the housemates had any clue how popular it was and the impact it would have. I have to admit I’m slightly bereft, especially at the loss of the celebrity version. What shall we do without the amusement and appointment to view on those cold January nights and long, hot August ones? The only one I didn’t watch was Summer 2013, and that was only because I was in it! I was fake-evicted, locked up in solitary for three days, forced to sit in a bath of maggots… But, still, I…

Yorkshire-born Jodie, 36, shot to fame with her powerful portrayal of a grieving mother in Broadchurch. The mum-of-one is married to actor Christian Contreras, and lives in London. Why should viewers tune in for this series? If you’ve never seen the show before, this is a great season to start with. The show has a rich, 55-year history but, every time there’s new cast members, the show is regenerated. New energy is brought into it. We wanted to make a series that was very inclusive because, for people like me, we’re very new Whovians. We’re introduced into this world as new fans will be with this season. And what do existing fans have to look forward to? If you’re a fan of the show already, it’s got everything you expect.…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Efteling Theme Park Resort in the south of the Netherlands has something for everyone. Favourite childhood stories are brought to life in the beautiful and enchanting fairy-tale forest. For the daredevils, the park – which is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day – offers fast rides and roller coasters. And Caro, a new and captivating magical theatre production based on the ‘merry-go-round of life’, is guaranteed to wow all ages. INSIDER’S GUIDE Walk between giants and trolls in the Fairytale Forest section of the park, called Marerijk. Stop for a photo outside Hansel and Gretel’s cute gingerbread house, watch the evil witch climb Rapunzel’s hair, and witness a talking tree. Also, take a trip on the 100-year-old carousel – a truly magical experience. The east side…

‘When my mum was a newspaper editor, she worked super-late in the newsroom. She was a supermum and unashamedly bright. So clever. At times, she found it difficult when people said things about women in that kind of role. What’s weird, as her daughter, is that she carried all that success with her lightly. We didn’t know about any of that. She just went out to work and then used to ring and say, ‘I have just been thinking about your geography homework.’ She was always plugged into home. She was a mum first. She is the best grandma. When I call her and say, “I have to go into work,” she says, “I’m on my way.” My children call her ‘grandma bonkers’ as she comes in and finds stuff to…

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER… … and we all need power over the dreaded ‘c’ word. Especially in October, our annual Breast Cancer Awareness month. We don’t have control over some of the known risk factors for cancer, but the likelihood of falling prey to the disease increases the older you get, rising sharply after the age of 65. It’s caused by damage to our DNA, but medical experts estimate that up to four in 10 cases of cancer could be prevented. The foods we eat, even the oils we cook with, plus, of course, smoking, are all known to have an impact on our health. Whether we are obese or average weight also plays its part in warding off some types of cancer. It may help to know this fact. Over…

TAP THE APP Scan your hands with the Wanna Nails app to try on different colours.…

I don’t often dwell on just how unlucky I’ve been. Even after all I’ve been through, I try to remain positive. Funny, even. But sometimes the enormity of it slaps me in the face. I’ve married and lost two husbands – all before turning 30. I never dreamed I’d have such tragedy before me when a mutual friend introduced me to Jason Haslem when we were 19. He wore tracksuits and smelled of the five dogs he owned. Not my type. But as I got to know him, I realised just how well we fitted – his laid-back nature relaxed my highly-strung one. He’d make me laugh with a single word. We had Toby, now eight, and George, five, before tying the knot in a small ceremony in March 2013.…

We’ve teamed up with the online electricals store ao.com to give away four Shark cordless vacuums. With a battery life of 22 minutes, you’ll be able to quickly whizz around the house. The DuoClean feature uses two unique brush rolls to tackle both small spills and stubborn ground-in dirt, while the crevice tool is great for getting in to tight spots. It even comes with a dusting brush, which is perfect for delicate surfaces. And if you turn out not to be lucky enough to win? Head over to ao.com to browse more than 7,000 products, from washing machines and laptops to TVs and food processors, delivered at a time that suits you. HOW TO ENTER POST: Send a postcard with your name, address and contact number to best/ao.com Voucher…

1 SMART KNOWLEDGE Do you know how much it costs to heat your home? Smart meters show you the amount of energy you’re using in real time, and how much gas and electricity you’re getting through in pounds and pence. They’re free, and being offered to more than 26 million homes as part of the Government’s plan for every home to have one by 2020. Ask your supplier if they’re available in your area. 2 TURN IT DOWN The recommended temperature for the house is 18-21°C, but millions of us turn the dial up much higher when it gets cold (before putting an extra jumper on!). You’d be surprised at how much you’ll save by turning it down just one degree. 3 TIME TO SWITCH? It’s always a good time…

…going back to EastEnders I was nervous actually, really anxious. But mainly excited. I can’t believe I’ve been away for 12 years. I’m just happy to be back. Ruby’s return was a surprise to everyone – including me! …her relationship with the cast It’s so nice being reunited with Lacey [Turner], we get on so well. She’s lovely, and we’re friends in real life, too. I’m also really close to Natalie Cassidy and Letitia Dean who were on EastEnders with me all those years ago! I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone else that’s on the cast now, too. …her character Ruby Allen When we last saw Ruby on screen, she was a kid. When I think about the fact that she was still at school then, it shows…

‘When a new baby comes along, it can be difficult for the youngest child’ The Duchess of Cambridge is accustomed to her daughter, three-year-old Charlotte, melting hearts with her adorable, mischievous behaviour – while big brother George, five, either sulks or acts shy in the background. Until a few months ago, Kate, 36, wasn’t used to the concerned looks the little princess has been offering up to the world’s press. There have been a few occasions now, since baby Louis was born in April, where Charlotte has acted a little out of character. At a polo match, just weeks after her younger brother was born, Charlotte was seen with a serious look on her face and clinging to her mum. At one point, she looked like she was having a…

TOP TIP The buttons help soften this masculine print, and work just as well teamed with a pencil skirt. TOP TIP A checked dress allows you to go from desk to drinks. This A-line style is particularly flattering. TOP TIP Team a statement skirt or pair of trousers with neutral tones to create an elegant look.…

I’ve always liked the way a few drinks made me feel – sparkling, chatty and happy. I’ve never had a problem with alcohol but, when I hit my 40s, I started to feel the consequences of cosy nights in with a bottle of wine. I’d wake up with a headache that felt like someone was drilling through my skull. My skin looked dull and, embarrassingly, after a few drinks, my face would flush. It struck me I’d been drinking for around 30 years, and that terrified me. So I decided to give up the booze… 1 JANUARY For my first week off alcohol, I’ve filled my fridge with elderflower spritzer and stockpiled herbal tea. I’ve also dipped into a few online forums to see how other people have managed without…

There’s nothing more attractive than a sparkling set of pearly whites, and that’s a fact. Bupa Dental Care’s 2018 survey found that a good smile is the physical feature that people find most attractive – rated more highly than nice eyes and a toned physique. Yet, latest figures show that 50 per cent of adults and a third of children have failed to see a dentist in the past two years. Why are we indifferent to our dental health? The answer is simple – money. Financially, times are tougher than ever, and statistics show a whopping 36 per cent of people are likely to delay needed dental treatment due to the cost. Which is probably why those who want more than just a check-up are choosing the cheaper alternative and…

Got a cupboard full of creams and no real results? It’s easy to get into the habit of slapping on products without thinking about what benefits our skin is getting. If you’re stuck in a beauty rut, it could be worth exploring other textures. The likes of light and airy gels, sprays and mousses can deliver ingredients more effectively and make a real difference. Here’s our pick, so get stuck in! Fake it yourself Skin-calming face mask In season during October, pears contain exfoliating enzymes, but their greatest plus point is their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and balance the complexion. Pears are said to contain humectants, an ingredient that binds moisture to skin. Try this mask once you’ve removed your make-up. Mash half a ripe, peeled pear with…

Roasted winter fruit salad Serves 4 Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Per serving: kcals 144; fat 0.4g; sat fat 0g; carbs 30g 2 pears, quartered4 plums, halved and stoned 2 apples, sliced, cores and pips removed2 oranges, peeled and sliced200ml cranberry juice3 balls of stem ginger, finely chopped Half-fat crème fraîche, to serve 1 Preheat oven to gas mark 5/190°C (170°C in a fan oven). Add pears, plums, apples and oranges to a large roasting tin, so that the fruit has plenty of room. 2 Pour cranberry juice over the fruit and add half of the stem ginger. Put in the oven for 20 to 30 mins, or until the fruit starts to soften. Remove with a slotted spoon and serve with crème fraîche and the remaining stem ginger.…

TOP TIP Give your kitchen a refresh worthy of a masterchef! Chrome, matt black and copper look stylish mixed with dark wood.…

Alfie Boe, 45, is now officially the UK’s favourite singer. And, after duetting with Michael Ball, he’s going it alone with a new solo album, As Time Goes By. Here, he talks about why he dedicated it to his mum and dad… Hi, Alfie! Your new album celebrates the music of the 1930s – how did that idea come about? It’s music I listened to as a kid, really – the songs my parents would play at home. These songs come from a very romantic era, and were originally sung by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. But they also have a dark history, coming between two world wars. Regarding my own musical influences, my mum told me a story dating back to when she was pregnant with…

best has teamed up with high-street brand Peacocks to offer our readers an exclusive 20 per cent off in-store and online from 2 October 2018 until midnight 15 October 2018. This season, the Peacocks collection is influenced by tradition and heritage, fused with a sporty edge for a contemporary look. Feminine prints are mixed with bold side stripes, and cosy outerwear will see you through the cooler months. The must-have western-inspired accessories complete the season’s range. Whether you’re on the hunt for laid-back chic or a more formal wardrobe update, Peacocks has you covered. What’s more, their men’s and children’s lines are equally on-trend this season, ensuring there’s something for everyone this autumn/winter. Peacocks specialises in providing high-quality clothing at affordable prices for all the family – offering a wide…