Índex per 10-2020 a Best

Did you ever sit at school as a teenager wondering how life would pan out? Would you marry Donny Osmond or the best-looking boy in the rugby team? What would your kids’ names be and where would you live? I would wish I could be 50-year-old me just for an hour, so I could see how it all worked out. Oh, how glad I am now that was never going to happen… divorced by 34. One child. Left by number two and not sure I can ever commit to living full-time with potential ‘hubby’ number three. So when celebs like Ulrika find their lives not only torn apart, but written about in magazines and papers, I get why some days, as she says, her self-esteem is low. So, what else…

All eyes are on Joanne Froggatt right now, who has reprised her role as Laura Nielson in ITV’s hit drama Liar. Millions tuned into the first series, which saw teacher Laura turn the tables on evil surgeon Andrew Earlham, who drugged and raped her. And, at the end of the first series, which aired in 2017, it appeared that someone had taken revenge on the twisted medic, who was revealed to have raped 17 women, as he was pictured lying in the marshes, with his throat cut. Joanne, 39, promises that this second series will be just as gripping as the cliffhanger ending that kept viewers guessing. ‘It’s going to surprise people, make them jump and produce all sorts of emotions. It moves at such a pace,’ she said. And it seems…

He’s one of TV and radio’s most hard-working stars. Now, the ever-entertaining Rylan Clark-Neal is adding another string to his bow, as he gets set to present the return of iconic BBC One cookery show, Ready Steady Cook. Here Rylan, 31, tells us why he was dying to get involved with the much-loved cooking competition, which is returning after a 10-year break, how he loves rustling up meals at the plush Essex home he shares with hubby, Dan, and why he never takes anything for granted… Ready Steady Cook, You Are What You Wear, Radio 2… do you ever stop, man?! No! But if I am being completely honest, I know where I came from. Going back to the X Factor nearly eight years ago now, and to go that full circle…

If your dream is to glide around the ice in the expert arms of a professional skater, this could be your chance! Matt Evers, our digital reporter for Dancing on Ice, has been part of the brilliant skating show since it first started – and he’s offering his skills for a one-hour one-to-one skating session with a best reader (who can bring a plus one to watch!) at the lovely Queens Skate Dine Bowl in Bayswater, London, on Wednesday 18 March 2020 at 12 noon. You could be the lucky reader who wins the chance to meet Matt and pick up some top tips from the King of the Rink, as well as enjoying an overnight stay at a central London hotel, with dinner and breakfast included. Remember, you MUST…

HINT OF PRINT Find yellow a little overpowering? A pretty ditsy print is a subtle way to embrace colour. DRESS THE PART Team a midi dress with a biker jacket for a cool and casual look. WORK IT! Invest in a tailored dress to dress up or down. LAID BACK LUXE Wide-leg trousers are a fresh new way to embrace the new season.…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Mark Gilbert, Nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, says: ‘Menopause is considered a high-risk stage for possible weight gain as hormonal shifts interrupt sleep, mood and any gain can shift body fat towards the waistline.’ Make sure you have support while you diet, as you’re likely to get demotivated when weight-loss is slow. 2 In our 40s, the change in hormones can decrease bone density and lean muscle mass, making it harder to lose weight. You need muscle to burn fat, so it’s vital to get the right combination of protein and fats with quality carbs to help you stay strong. 3 Diet expert Dr Marilyn Glenville (marilynglenville.com) explains: ‘As the production of oestrogen slows down, the body tries to compensate by making…

MY COLLEAGUE IS TAKING ADVANTAGE An office colleague is always taking time off work and saying she is ‘sick’. It’s me that gets into hot water with the boss – who will make sarcastic comments like, ‘Oh surprise, your friend’s ill again!’ She is my friend, but my patience is wearing thin. I’m sick of taking the stick for her lazy ways – I’m sure 90 per cent of the time there’s nothing wrong with her. Nicola, Liverpool Don’t breathe a word of your suspicions to the boss. You may be thoroughly fed up with your pal, but don’t start ratting her out to management. The conversation that needs to take place is between you two. If her ‘illnesses’ result in an increased workload for you, tell her. Either she’ll…

Time for tea With Easter just around the corner, enjoy a guilt-free treat now! Sainsbury’s Hot Cross Bun Flavour Infusion, £1, has all the delicious flavours of the traditional spiced flavours of orange, lemon peel, cassia and cloves, in a bag. Enjoy this caffeine-free brew with a buttered bun, if you fancy! Cheers to Mum! Raise a glass on Mothering Sunday with a glass or two of Philizot champagne, £16.99, available from Aldi. This crisp rosé makes the perfect tipple to enjoy over brunch, or as an aperitif before lunch or dinner. CHOCS AWAY! Perfect pudding Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert without making it from scratch, with the new Proper Puds range by Charlie Bigham’s. Available in five varieties, including our fave – Sticky Toffee Pudding. Not cheap at…

TOP TIP! Out with the old, in with the tidy! Clear out your cleaning cupboard to get focused and organised to tackle the rest of your home.…

Rita Simons, 42, played Roxy in EastEnders for 10 years, before her character was killed off. The mum-of-two is now a star of musical theatre and plays Velma Von Tussle. What did you know about Hairspray before you signed up for this? Well, I knew the main points of the story – which are, it’s set at a time in the Sixties where they were not down with integration. I know my character, Velma, who is the producer of a dance show, does not want to tolerate any form of integration – and then the lovely Tracy comes along, and it all goes from there. Do you like playing baddies? Oh I LOVE it! I’ve played quite a few now and they are so much fun. Hairspray is set in…

BEST’S CELEBRITY INSIDER TALKS TO BEN HANLIN Magician and former Tricked presenter Ben Hanlin, 33, will be bringing some magic to Dancing on Ice in the semi-final next Sunday. Ben, who has children Elvis, two, and Delilah, eight months, with wife, Briony, talks about his time on the hit show, reveals why he first became interested in magic at school – and opens up about the nightmare of watching doctors fight to save baby Delilah’s life, after she was diagnosed with the potentially life-threatening condition, sepsis. You’ve done so well on DOI! Judge Christopher Dean predicted you could go all the way… I thought I’d be at home watching it on the telly by now. But you’re only as good as your last skate. There are three spots in the final, so I’d like to…

Twenty years since we last saw her strutting her stuff in that iconic red swimsuit on Baywatch, Yasmine Bleeth looks quite unrecognisable. The former glamour model, now 51, who shuns the spotlight these days, was snapped as she walked her dog in Southern California. Voted one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 1995, and FHM’s US 100 Sexiest Women two years running from 2002, she even launched a successful beach ranged called Yaz Wear. Today, though, it would seem there is little trace of the beach babe everyone fell in love with in the Nineties. The bubbly brunette first worked in TV as a child – but her fame skyrocketed when she landed the role of Caroline Holden in Baywatch, alongside Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff. It was meant…

Holding my newborn son in my arms I felt so many emotions: awe, wonder and strength. My love for this tiny boy made me feel like a lioness. I would do anything for Matthew. I would protect him until my last breath. And that brought other thoughts to the surface, too. Questions about my own beginning. Who was my real mother and father? And how could they have given me away? When I was seven, my mum and dad, Peter and Sylvia, sat me down and explained they had adopted me. I didn’t mind – I had a wonderful childhood and was very loved. In fact, knowing Peter and Sylvia had ‘chosen’ me made me feel special. Sure, I had questions… ‘Who do I look like?’ I’d wonder, staring at…

Q Over the years I’ve developed lots of little fine lines across my cheeks, which I struggle to hide. What can I do about this?Melinda, Southampton A DR AAMER SAYS: Forma will revitalise and rejuvenate your complexion, improving tone, filling out fine lines and boosting collagen. It suits all skin types, has no down time and is ideal for those who prefer a natural-looking approach, rather than using needles or laser. The painless procedure feels like a warm massage and uses a small hand piece emitting bipolar radio frequency energy combined with temperature sensor to monitor skin heating, so there’s no chance of burning. Skin is gently warmed up with a fine probe, and this works to produce new collagen. You may get some pinkness for an hour or so.…

PISCES 20 February – 20 March Pisceans, like actor Freddie Prinze Jr and investigative journalist, Stacey Dooley, need some quiet time to reflect and gain fresh insight on how they want their life to be. Events and opportunities that bring new people into your life will also bring you luck. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Someone or something has caused you disappointment. Try to come to terms with your feelings without letting this interfere too much with your hopes and ambitions. Immersing yourself in nature, visiting new places and trying new things can all be beneficial. Learning to relax and overcome anxiety will feel liberating. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September A partner is making plans to join forces with someone new. You sense this and understand their reason.…

At first, the man out walking his dog on Prestwick beach thought it was a sunbather. Then logic kicked in. It was 8.30am on a cold December morning – who on earth would be sunbathing at that time of year? But there was no doubt that someone – a woman – was lying face-down on the sand, motionless, that Sunday morning. She was Annie Kristina Börjesson, a Swedish national, aged 30. Her jacket and rucksack – which included her passport and purse – lay beside her. The discovery of Annie’s body sparked a mystery that still baffles, almost 15 years on. Within hours, before even a post-mortem was conducted, police decided that there ‘were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death’. In other words, it was a cut-and-dried case of suicide.…

Chicken veggie rice This quick and simple recipe is great for a fast mid-week meal and can easily be converted into a plant-based dinner. I use pre-cooked rice for utter convenience, but you could go old school and cook it from scratch the day before. PER SERVING CALS 423 FAT 14.8g SERVES 4 2 chicken breasts, diced into small cubes65g smoked pancetta100g button mushrooms, sliced2tbsp olive oil3 cloves garlic, sliced160g frozen peasChicken stock (1 cube)400g pre-cooked white rice30g fresh parsley, choppedSliced green chilli, for garnish 1 Fry the chicken pieces, pancetta and button mushrooms in the olive oil for five minutes to give them a little colour, before adding the garlic. Leave to warm through for another minute. 2 Add the frozen peas and chicken stock and simmer for five…

…his new character, DS Dodds He is a great character and so well drawn. He is slow, interesting, very bright and slightly unworldly in some ways. He has this rather brilliant analytical brain and an open naivety about him. Then it was mixing that with almost the complete opposite in DCI Lauren McDonald, played by Tala Gouveia. It’s a great clash of characters. I just thought, ‘That could have legs to it.’ …why audiences love crime drama You’re thinking, ‘Who has done it? How have they done it? How did they get away with it?’ We’re fascinated by human behaviour and crime. …if he will ever retire Actors just keep going. I’m lucky. I’m in a position where I can choose a bit now. It’s a mixture of trying to…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Dublin’s ‘Fair City’ is split in two by the River Liffey. It has an incredible literary heritage, lively music scene and a glut of parks, galleries and museums, many of which are free. Stroll round the Temple Bar district with its cobbled pedestrianised streets lined with cafés, bars, independent shops and markets. And don’t miss a peek at the incredible illuminated 9th-century manuscript, The Book of Kells, in Trinity College. INSIDER’S GUIDE Besides the usual attractions, Dublin has its quirky must-sees, too. Take, for example, the Art Deco Stella Cinema, where you can have snacks delivered to your seat while watching a film. In Marsh’s Library, visitors can see the cages readers were locked in to prevent them from stealing the books! What’s more, the library is haunted…

Fans were delighted when, last Friday, they were treated to a blast from the past. Switching on This Morning – rather than usual hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes – viewers were surprised to see Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan back in their old stomping ground. ‘It feels like we’ve been defrosted,’ quipped Richard, 63, as the show opened. It was a rare return to live TV for the couple – who were full-time hosts between 1988 until 2001 and returned to the programme for a stint last year for the first time in 19 years. And Judy, 71, revealed that, even though she’s no longer a TV regular, she still suffers anxiety about live television. Promoting the new series of Saturday Night Takeaway, Declan Donnelly was talking about pre-broadcast stress and…

TOP TIP! Sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, ballet pumps are the perfect Spring investment. TOP TIP! Scarves are a great way to add pattern to a plain dress. Silky scarves keep the look classy. TOP TIP! Feeling brave? Forget the LBD. Add metallic accessories and a belt for a shorter evening look.…

You may not know their names, but you’ll definitely know their books: Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson’s debut diet cookbook, Pinch of Nom, was last year’s bestselling title and the fastest-selling non-fiction work since records began. Just nine months later, the follow-up went straight to the top of the chart, ousting David Walliams from the top spot. Kay, 34, and Kate, 48, have sold more than a million copies and, to date, have only been dwarfed in UK sales by a handful of authors including Harry Potter’s JK Rowling. Yet, in spite of their amazing success, the couple – who met on a dating site 15 years ago and have been partners, both personal and professional, ever since – have stayed firmly in the shadows. They’ve had numerous television offers,…

1 Stop the nail nightmares ‘Acetone-based nail polish removers can increase nail dehydration, causing weaker and flakey nails. Instead, look for essential oil-based formulas. Nails benefit from cream as much as hands! It’s the best way to inject moisture into weather-worn, dehydrated nails.’ Leighton Denny MBE, award-winning beauty expert 2 Get an ageless glow ‘Avocado is rich in vitamins, fatty acids and plant steroids called sterolins, which help to soften skin and heal scars. Mash up half of one into a creamy texture. Massage on to skin and rinse off after 20 minutes. For very mature skin types, add 1 tbsp of manuka honey.’ Charlotte Vohtz, founder of Green People 3 Ace your base ‘For a natural, light finish, a damp sponge is best. It absorbs even less foundation and…

Cheat’s molten chocolate puddings We used Lindt balls, but give it a go with any soft-centred chocolates you have. Hands-on time: 20min  Cooking time: 25min Serves: 8 492 cals, 34g fat (30g saturates), 40g carbs (37g total sugars), 6g protein, 1g fibre 200g butter200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped4 medium eggs125g caster sugar2tbsp plain flour2tbsp cocoa powder8 Lindt balls 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4 and lightly grease 8 125ml ramekin dishes, (or dariole moulds). Melt the butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). When melted, lift the bowl off the pan and set aside to cool. 2 In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar, using an…

‘There is no doubt about it, free speech is under threat in this country. It’s quite serious, too. So much so that a journalist, Toby Young, has set up the Free Speech Union, an organisation that will help and support people whose opinions and views are slowly being silenced. There are various tiers of membership and fees range from £25 to £250, so it’s by no means free to join. But then, neither is any union. It’s kind of the same thing. It buys protection. I admire him for stepping up - but it depresses me that we even need something like this, in our supposedly democratic and free country. But, sadly, we do. Because there is an army of self-styled moral bullies who appear to be getting away with…

It’s the feel-good musical we’ve all been waiting for. Hairspray will launch in the West End this spring with a cast that includes Michael Ball, Paul Merton, newcomer Lizzie Bea as Tracy Turnblad and the sensational Marisha Wallace as Motormouth. DON’T MISS AUDIO BOOKS Thrillers THE SEVENTH VICTIM, MICHAEL WOOD Joanne Froggatt and Mathew Horne narrate this chilling tale of a mother’s fight for justice for her murdered son, who the police believe was the victim of a serial killer. Audible original THE WRECKAGE, ROBIN MORGAN-BENTLEY Emilia Fox and Jack Hawkins narrate this tremendously spooky story that describes the aftermath of a fatal traffic accident, which brings two lonely strangers together. Audible THE ESTATE, LIZA COSTELLO Irish actress Denise Gough narrates this chilling tale. It follows Beth, who hopes a…