Índex per 03-2020 a Best

It’s almost a week since the news that Harry and Meghan will be ‘stepping back’ as senior Royals was announced. The palace expressed ‘deep disappointment’. But I found it jaw-dropping that the Queen, whose own life was radically altered by her uncle’s abdication, knew nothing about it. It was rude and discourteous to a woman who has been nothing but a credit to her country. There’s clearly been a family fall-out. Harry, you may be a member of the Royal Family but, grandsons don’t resign. Did the press cause this by turning on Meghan? I see no evidence of it. She was welcomed with open arms. How journalists write about the Sussexes now is simply reporting on their behaviour. So, give back Frogmore Cottage and the titles. Go get a…

So far 26* people have died, millions of acres have been burnt, thousands of homes have been destroyed. Now experts are predicting a ‘new mega blaze’ as Australia’s catastrophic bushfire crisis continues – and is expected to last for months. A deadly combination of record temperatures, the worst drought in history and out of control bushfires have proved lethal, not only to humans but to wildlife, too. And it was a viral video clip that brought home the horror of the disaster – a thirsty, injured koala, stopping a group of cyclists and greedily drinking out of their water bottles. Cuddly and cute-looking as they are, koalas – the symbol of Australia – are not usually friendly to humans. But, with temperatures into the high 40s and their natural habitat…

HUBBY THREATENING DIVORCE After nearly 20 years together, my hubby and I are no strangers to bickering and the odd dollop of brutal honesty – but I no longer get your average response from him when we talk. I get threatened with divorce if he doesn’t like what I say – and I’m absolutely sick of it. I think maybe he doesn’t realise how hurtful it is to me – but the more he does it, the more he’s pushing me away. How do I respond rationally? I’m tempted to say fine, and go – even just for a while, but it’s not going to solve anything in the long run. Wendy, Kent You’ve reached stalemate. He anticipates that what you say will be negative and critical. So his hackles…

…taking over hosting duties from Sara Cox on The Great Pottery Throw Down You’ve just got to work out whether you’ll be good – everybody’s got their own personality. You can’t recreate something. I’m interested in arts and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. …the 12 potters who appear in the new series We’ve got an ex-gymnast, a bodybuilder, a former pro cyclist, a carer… and the age range is unbelievable – the youngest was 19 and the oldest 70. A good mix! …whether she’s had a whirl on the potter’s wheel Keith [Brymer Jones] gave me a lesson – it’s so much harder than it looks. Hats off to anybody that can even throw a bowl. …the innuendo involved with pottery terminology There’s so much innuendo, and I’m terrible for it!…

1 ZOO’S A CLEVER BOY, THEN? When it comes to the annual stock take at Whipsnade Zoo, it’s all hands on deck – and even the nonhuman residents get involved! This shot of two ring-tailed lemurs helping out with the count brightened up our day – we just hope they’re not better at maths than us! 2 Who wowed the crowd? The over-70s reigned supreme at last week’s Golden Globes, proving that you don’t need a strapless, bare-all gown to rock the red carpet. Helen Mirren, 74, looked regal in a red custom Dior dress, while Glenn Close, 72, kept it classy in navy velvet Armani, and actress Lisa Lu proved that at 92, age is just a number. 3 JACK IS BACK Check out Suranne Jones’ huge grin! She’s…

TOP TIP! Crop trousers are a fun and fashionable addition to your wardrobe. The most flattering crop is about an inch above the ankle. TOP TIP! Luxe up daywear with a pair of leather-look joggers. They work well with trainers, or team with heels and a smart jacket for a cool and casual look. TOP TIP! A roomy top worn over wide-length bottoms can make you look frumpy. Instead stick to a lightweight shirt and always tuck it in.…

‘I was going to say ‘poor, old Leonardo DiCaprio’ who seems to be getting it from all directions lately, but as he’s far from poor and still only 46, I’ll save my sympathy. He gets stick (a lot) for dating younger women – his latest is 23 years younger, big deal; for not being as slender as he once was – he’s been cruelly nicknamed ‘The Great Fatsby’; and for partying on yachts and flying in private jets, while preaching to others about ‘climate change’. But I rather like him. Not least because he obviously has a sense of humour. Like when Ricky Gervais cracked a joke about him at the Golden Globes (about his penchant for younger women), he clearly thought it was hilarious. I’ve heard people say he’s…

Midi makeover This length will still be key for spring, so invest now to be bang on trend all season. Dress up your denim Simple style updates will breathe new life into classic jean separates. Love of layering Opt for a jersey roll neck under a jumper or loose-fitting shirt, to add warmth this winter. Prints charming A burst of floral will liven up your winter wardrobe.…

Standing at the front door, I watched as my daughters, Kaitlynn, now 15, and Keely, 11, climbed into our car. My husband Neil, 43, smiled and waved as he started the engine and drove them to their horse-riding lesson. I smiled back, but it was with a heavy heart. My gorgeous girls often asked me to go riding with them, and the truth was, I desperately wished I could have. But, at almost 20st, I was worried about getting onto a horse – let alone not crushing the poor animal with my weight! My size often held me back and I felt I was missing out on quality time with my girls. It was partially my own fault – I loved biscuits. And crisps, and cakes, and sausage rolls. But…

In the opening episode of ITV1’s new drama, White House Farm, the last time Colin Caffell saw his six-year-old twins, Daniel and Nicholas, is played out to full dramatic effect. We see Colin, played by actor Mark Stanley, dropping off his adorable boys at their grandparents’ remote farmhouse, unaware that it will be the last time he ever sees them. The little boys don’t want him to leave and hug him tight. For Colin, now 66, living and working in Cornwall as a sculptor, it was one of the most emotive moments of the whole series, which he watched privately before Christmas accompanied by his second wife. And it is a moment that is scarred on his memory: ‘That scene was actually toned down quite a bit,’ he says. ‘The…

BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO JULIA BRADBURY TV presenter Julia Bradbury spent 10 years as the face of BBC’s Countryfile. Now, she’s back on our screens with a new ITV series exploring the beautiful Greek Islands. Here, Julia opens up about taking time away from TV to undergo the trauma of going through five cycles of IVF to finally have her ‘miracle twins’ (Xanthe and Zena), and how she found returning to Greece with her mum to discover the origins of her own Greek heritage such an emotional journey… The Greek Islands look so beautiful. How did the idea for this series come about? I’m so pleased with it because it’s photographed so well and we got very lucky with the weather. It came about because I’m half-Greek and I really wanted…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT It’s world famous for skiing and the celebrities who flock there for the winter, but pushing yourself to reach the mountain peaks needn’t be a solely winter sport in this well-known resort. When the snow melts in May, the hills come alive with the sound of cows’ bells, and you can swap your skis for hiking boots, an E-bike to help you take in the views and step up your fitness. If that’s not for you, worry not – there is also mountain-top yoga, cheese-making classes, paragliding, golf, spa treatments and a classical music festival (from 20 July 20 to 5 August). INSIDER’S GUIDE It’s difficult to imagine anywhere else where you can ramble past cows (the local breed is a Heren), walk in flower meadows, tackle a…

Holly Willoughby can generally do no wrong. On Dancing On Ice, she is like a beautiful ice queen, ruling over her winter wonderland. From her down-to-earth presenting style, to those other-worldly dresses, viewers of the skating show have nothing but love for the 38-year-old mum-of-three. One person, however, who won’t be joining the We Love Holly brigade is former ice panel judge Jason Gardiner, who bitterly slammed the star and her co-host, Phil Schofield – painting a much frostier picture of the show. Acid-tongued Jason, who quit last year – replaced by best columnist John Barrowman, has accused Holly and Phil of being ‘fake’ for reportedly snubbing him since he left. The 48-year-old star, maintained he’d heard nothing from the pair since leaving Dancing On Ice after the 2019 series, despite…

Almost 25 years after the show billed as the British Friends burst on to screens, Cold Feet is back for its ninth series. All the original cast (minus Helen Baxendale’s Rachel, of course) return - older, but not necessarily wiser. Fay Ripley, 53, plays Jenny Gifford. Despite Jenny’s excellent Northern accent, Fay is actually a Londoner. She is married to Australian actor Daniel Lapaine, whose big break was playing a hunky swimmer in Muriel’s Wedding – and they have two kids, Parker, 16 and Sonny, 12… So, how was making the latest series of Cold Feet? Great. I don’t know if it is a middle-aged thing, but I had literally forgotten all about it after about two days. But that’s how I feel about the weekend. People will ask, ‘Did you have a good weekend?’ I’ll be…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Follow the menu below – it’s Extra Easy! You can start on any day you choose, swap days around if there’s a meal you really fancy or repeat days if there’s something you particularly enjoy! You’ll find more ideas at www.slimmingworld.co.uk or when you join your local Slimming World group or sign up to Slimming World Online. 2 Foods printed in bold are ‘Free Food’, which you can enjoy freely to satisfy your appetite without needing to weigh, measure or count at all. Base meals around Free Food, like lean meat, fish, meat substitutes including plain tofu, Quorn, pasta, rice, potatoes, eggs, pulses, fat-free dairy, fruit, vegetables and more. If you feel hungry between meals, snack on these foods. For the very best weight loss, reach…

1 You softie… Effective home-made body lotions can be tricky to create, so give your skin a moisture boost with a mask. Avocado is packed with oils and fats that soften up rough patches, especially on knees and elbows. Mash and apply to the affected area for 10 mins, before rinsing with cool water (hot can dry it out further). 2 For the perfectly defined pout Create the ultimate Cupid’s bow by drawing an ‘x’ in the centre of your upper lip with lip liner before applying the rest of your colour. 3 Try a colour swap Married to your black kohl and mascara? Try a new colour! It doesn’t have to be anything bright, but a navy, plum or grey can make your eyes pop. Keep shadow neutral to…

Scottish actor Robert Carlyle, 58, is married to make-up artist Anastasia Shirley. The couple have three children. So, tell us about your character, Robert Sutherland… He’s been PM for about two years, and this solar storm is the first real test of his mettle: he has to hold his party and country together. At the same time, his daughter’s just graduated from the University of St Andrews. She goes to a party, and her best friend takes drugs and falls into a coma. So the press are sniffing around, trying to figure out what happened and if the daughter was to blame. The sh** is hitting the fan all around. Politics can be a dangerous game! What sort of a man is he? Not your usual Tory Prime Minister. He’s…

CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Capricorns such as Take That singer Gary Barlow and The Bodyguard actor Kevin Costner should focus on the work they enjoy doing best. Remember that when you do what you love, the money will follow, so relax, take stock and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. ARIES 21 March – 20 April Friends love your company, workmates are happy to have you as a friend and people are grateful for your open-mindedness. Single? Getting involved in a volunteer project will increase your influence. If you’re happily hitched, why not plan a romantic break with your partner? A change of scenery will inspire you. CANCER 22 June – 23 July Plans you’re making involve a degree of risk. Don’t let this put you off.…