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My memories of Wimbledon are long. The first ones are of my mum taking the ironing board into the garden, as the weather was often good, staying close to the back door – so she could watch the tennis on the tiny TV we had on the kitchen table in the late Seventies… As soon as I hit 14, I begged said mum to let me camp out for tickets on the streets of Wimbledon. She agreed. I watched several classic matches, including McEnroe beating Borg in 1981. Like many teens, I cried when the ice-cool Swede lost! I have since grown to find McEnroe a brilliant commentator and look back at his tantrums with a snort – where was my sense of humour? At 17, I went on a…

Since the bombshell announcement that, after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together, TV couple Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford were heading for divorce, Ruth, 64, has made no comment on the sad split – and has been keeping a low profile. Her soon to be ex-husband, however, has been more open about his difficulties. At the TV awards ceremony the TRIC awards, a frail looking Eamonn, 64, who is bedevilled by back pain, appeared using a state-of-the-art walking frame, and, when asked how he was, gave a sombre reply, ‘I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all,’ adding, oddly, that he felt he was on ‘borrowed time’. Exactly what he meant was unclear but the comment felt poignant and reflective of his current sad mood.…

Strawberries and cream at the ready! Wimbledon is back – and just one look at Centre Court brings back memories of famous faces from yesteryear. For many, players such as Bjorn Borg were Wimbledon, the ice-cool Swede with his trademark blond hair and headband fearlessly battling it out with hot-head John you-cannot-be-serious McEnroe Back in 1978 – when the Swede and the American first clashed – there were three channels, no videos and old-style TVs still needed a good ‘thwack’ on the top to steady the picture. The extensive BBC coverage of Wimbledon was the equivalent of settling down for a binge on Netflix. It was – and remains – a real thriller. While some things have changed over the years – such as retractable roofs and high-tech rackets –…

Holly Willoughby may no longer be on the This Morning sofa every day, but the alleged plans of one man to rape and murder her are more chilling than any TV drama plot. The trial of 37-year-old Gavin Plumb was underway at Chelmsford Crown Court last week, with the prosecution outlining how Plumb had initially spoken about his plan in 2021 with a man known only as Marc, confessing it was his ‘ultimate fantasy’ to kidnap the presenter, later adding: ‘Fantasy isn’t enough any more. I want the real thing.’ Plumb also – in messages – described his plan to attack and chloroform Holly in her home before taking her to a ‘dungeon’ where her ‘screams can’t be heard for miles’. The security guard is also alleged to have assembled…

TOP TIP! Halterneck styles are flattering on the bust and help elongate your neck.…

EASE THE BURN A day on the beach can leave skin feeling dry, so rehydrate with a homemade honey mask. Honey helps draw moisture into the skin, helping to counteract that tight feeling. Milk, the other component, contains vitamins A and D, plus amino acids and lactic acids which help skin recover. Mix 2tbsp honey with 2tsp whole milk, warm in the microwave for a few seconds and then smooth over your face. Leave for up to 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Or to use all over, mix the formula into your bath water. SPRITZ & GLOW Facial mists hydrate, cool and calm irritation instantly, and you can easily make your own. Green tea is a key ingredient thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe redness.…

1 GET-A-GLOW SPRAY Lacura Shimmer Hydrating Facial Mist (£4.99, Aldi ) One of the most popular beauty questions I’m often asked is how to get a radiant complexion with the minimum effort and expense. This spray, packed with vitamin E, chamomile and green tea extract, is an easy way get glowy skin in seconds. Spritz over your bare face after cleansing, spraying anytime your skin needs a refreshing boost, or use it as a setting spray over make-up for a dewy effect. Available in two shades, champagne and bronze. 2 HAPPY FEET Lotil Nourishing Foot Cream (£5.92, amazon.co.uk) I love this no-frills brand for producing really effective products that do exactly what they say they will, without a hefty price tag. I have a tub of this by my bedside and…

MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS TV presenter and former MasterChef contestant Theo is passionate about good-quality food! He’s also the 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. SAINSBURY’S £1.09 Everything I want in a peanut butter: crunchy; great texture; just enough salt and sugar to keep it interesting, with a subtle toasted flavour. This also contained the highest nut percentage of 97 per cent (outside the 100 per cent nut-only butters). LIDL £1.05 Another peanut butter that’s leading the way: there was a good crunch to the nuts and it was a bit more toasted than the…

She was the leading light of Coronation Street for 25 years as brassy barmaid Bet Lynch, so her fans were shocked last year when Julie Goodyear’s husband, Scott Brand, revealed that the actress had been diagnosed with dementia. But it seems Julie, 82, is still very much enjoying her life, heading on trips out, tucking into chocolate cake and still rocking Bet’s famous leopard print, according to a good friend. Mark Llewellin, partner of the late Roy Barraclough – the actor who played Bet’s husband Alec Gilroy in the soap – has revealed he regularly visits the actress at her home and reports that she is, ‘living a good life’. ‘I see her at least once a week, sometimes twice a week, spend a few hours with her and have…

I FANCY HIM! This is terrible but I’ve got a massive crush on a pal’s new boyfriend! He is all I’ve been thinking about – my type to a tee. The sad thing is, I’ve been avoiding seeing her as I feel guilty about the whole thing, even thought nothing has happened, nor will it ever! She’s much more gorgeous than me, and I could never hurt her like that – but boy, do I fancy him! Nicole, Margate OK. You fancy him. You are too sensible and decent to do anything about it. So enjoy this as a fantasy that can never be anything more and devote your energies to living your best life and maximising your chances of meeting someone who isn’t taken and will be the partner…

KILLER THRILLERS FIRST WIFE’S SHADOW Adele Parks HQ – £16.99 (July 4) Emma is successful, rich and permanently single – until she meets Matthew, a younger man who has been recently widowed. But along with their whirlwind romance come suspicions that the spectre of Becky, his late wife, is haunting their marriage. Gripping. THE CRACKED MIRROR Chris Brookmyre Abacus – £22 (July 15) There’s two very different detectives in this murder mystery – Penny Coyne, a Miss Marple-style English lady – and Johnny Hawke, a hard-bitten LA cop. When events conspire to bring them together, it makes for an entertaining and thrillingly original adventure. TENDER TALES SAME AS IT EVER WAS Claire Lombardo W&N, £16.99 (July 18) At 57, Julia has a happy marriage and two mostly contented kids. But…

Once, the only way was Essex, now James Lock is guiding you through the supermarket aisles (and the odd bar) to explore the wonderful world of wine. Best of all, you don’t need a celebrity budget to tantalise your taste buds – everything he tests costs under a tenner. Cheers! LA FIORITURA CHIARETTO BARDOLINO £9, M&S Although nudging close to a tenner, it’s definitely my favourite. It’s nice and balanced, not overpowering, doesn’t leave any tangy aftertaste and is quite charming really, like me. 85/100 THE HIDDEN SEA ROSÉ £8.75, Asda This one is easy and fresh to drink, and best enjoyed super-chilled. You’d definitely want to crack open a bottle or two with friends. This tastes like Summer in a glass and came in at a close second place.…

World-renowned past lives expert David Wells answers your questions. This week he’s chosen Jennifer Jackson, 51, who works as a freelance producer project manager in advertising. She hails from Scotland, but now lives in London. Here, she tells us what came through in their encounter… Have you always believed in the spirit world and past lives? I’ve always been really interested in it and have studied astrology for years, gaining qualifications in the subject and I’ve got lots of books about it too. I have studied tarot as well. I have had a few psychic readings in the past, but I’ve never had one about past lives. I was intrigued to know what might come up during my reading with David. It was the first time I’d met him and…

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…

PET OF THE WEEK Name: Pippie Breed: Canary Owner: Maria, Buckinghamshire A REFLECTIVE MOMENT Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the prettiest canary of them all? IT’S A SWING THING! Camera-shy Pippie doesn’t like being papped on his swing, so top marks to the photographer for this sly snap! JUST A PECK Pippie needs no persuading to eat his greens, that’s for sure... A SPOT OF SUNSHINE Pippie may be just aged one but he’s settled in well to his Buckinghamshire abode! SNACK ATTACK Pippie’s raising the bar when it comes to his choice of seeds! BOX OF TRICKS Never mind hydrating, Pippie prefers a spot of peekaboo in the water pot... SPLASHING AROUND Bird baths just got an upgrade – Pippie’s comes with a whole pod! Can we have…

FAMILY FAVOURITE Looking for something to entertain young and old alike? Check out the return of the acclaimed stage adaptation of the much-loved classic Dr Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat. From the moment his tall, red and white-striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. We recommend this is as a good choice for those who are taking little ones to visit the theatre for the first time. BOOK IT: From 1 to 18 August (not 14), tickets from £16, visit tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/cat-in-the-hat ONE TO WATCH! Reigning Queen of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Ginger Johnson swaps…

He was just 15 when his mother died tragically in a car crash and he formed a close bond with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. But after she, too, died in September 2022, it seems as though Prince William found ‘maternal’ support from his aunt, Sophie Wessex. Just last week, Sophie and William were seen smiling and chatting easily after the ancient Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle. Days earlier, Sophie (a widely reported favourite of the late Queen and who is married to William’s uncle, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, 60) was seen placing a comforting hand on William’s back as they made their way into the Palace after the family’s balcony appearance at the Trooping the Colour. It followed what must have been an emotional moment…

‘There’s something really terrifying about that moment when you realise you’re going to have to watch someone proposing to their loved one in front of a lot of people. Terrifying because you fear for both parties as well as yourself. I felt that fear just reading about Lukas Bukovaz (a cage fighter, apparently...) who did it in front of an entire audience he’d just LOST a fight in front of, and she said NO! I mean, I don’t know if what she told everyone at the time – that he’d cheated on her (which he denied) was true but oh, how I felt for the poor bloke. It almost made me cry with embarrassment for him. Which is why I find the whole idea of public marriage proposals so unsavoury.…

I was 28 years old when I fell in love with a pair of sunglasses I’d spotted in the window of a posh opticians while strolling down the King’s Road on a sunny afternoon in 1994. At 65 quid, they were way out of my budget, so I walked on by. But I could not get them out of my mind. I returned the next weekend to try them on, hoping the retro frames wouldn’t suit my face. To my horror (and my absolute delight) they looked fabulous – and before the guilt kicked in, I slapped my credit card on the counter. Of course I justified the huge spend by promising myself I’d wear them for the next 10 years. Little did I know they’d still be my ‘go-to’…

TOP TIP! For more gorgeous homeware bargains £10 and under, sign up to best’s FREE newsletter at facebook.com/bestmagazine…

Known for her roles as the unlucky in love Maureen Webster in Coronation Street and Joyce Temple-Savage in Benidorm (the manager of the Solana Hotel), actress Sherrie Hewson, 73, has officially entered a new acting era - as the evil Martha Blake, in Hollyoaks! Having never played a ‘baddie’ before, the twice-married former Loose Women panellist reveals she’s loving the ‘evil’ role – and that, despite having a tough couple of years, Hollyoaks has been helping her through... Here, the newly single star - who previously said she’s ‘done with men’ after an incident with a toy boy left her feeling ‘battered and bruised’, tells us why she’s now in a much better head space -and talks about the man she’s missing the most... Sherrie, how are you? Well, thank you…

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST It’s been a while since I looked at the cutlery drawer with any sense of urgency, but since I’d taken the rather rash step of inviting more than one person at once to lunch, I had to do an inventory. Several knives (tick), not all the same (annoying), loads of forks and a mixed bag of varying sized teaspoons. The rest needed to be removed for a deep cleanse. One thing was clear: nothing matched. But then I reminded myself of a relatively recent outing to The Pig Hotel in Somerset (see pic where I am sitting on one), where they make quite a thing of mixing and matching their cutlery and plates as part of their presentation style. I would merely do the same. The…

Switching on the first series of Bridgerton, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. ‘Dearest reader, the time has come to place our bets for the upcoming social season,’ Julie Andrews narrated as the iconic character, Lady Whistledown. It was a few days after Christmas in December 2020, and after the first episode, I was hooked. The parlours, the gowns... I was in my element. The storylines were like a fairy tale, and I found myself rooting for each character, wishing for their happy ending. When I was growing up, I had an unconventional childhood. My mum was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) – a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord – shortly after I was born in May 1974. Subsequently she had to…

1 Get perspective from someone else When anxiety has clouded our thoughts for so long, it can be difficult to see the wood from the trees, so discussing your worries with a trusted friend or family member could bring things back into focus. Getting someone else’s perspective can be invaluable. It quickly unburdens your brain, allows you to say the issue out loud and gives you access to possible solutions you may not have thought of. 2 Identify and reframe negative thoughts When a negative thought pops into your head, interject with a positive one instead. With a little practice, this becomes easier. For example, a type of thought could be mind reading. You could think, ‘She rearranged our date to next week, so she’s not interested in me’. Instead, reframe…

‘Look Nan, there’s a talent show! Can me and Bobbie enter?’ ‘Please, Nan!’ squealed Bobbie, jumping up and down on the spot. May had come along on a last-minute caravan holiday to West Wales with her daughter, Louise, when her husband had an unexpected work trip. ‘Please, Mum. I don’t think I can manage Fran and Bobbie on my own. They’ll want to go to the clubhouse every night, and that’ll be after full days of beaches and whatever else they want to do.’ May had willingly agreed. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. May looked at the colourful poster stuck to the inside window of the caravan site shop. ‘What would you do? She asked Fran and Bobbie. ‘What do you mean?’ Bobbie asked, her inquisitive eyes staring…

DO THEY COME TO VISIT? I lost my cat nine years ago. He used to sleep on my feet every night. Sometimes I feel like he’s on my bed and sleeping on my feet, just like he used to. Do you think pets come back and visit? Lara, from Kent LEE SAYS: Dear Lara, every soul on Earth comes back to us in spirit. These spirits normally come back when you need them to comfort you. The times you feel your cat is around, that’s the time they know you need them. And remember, cats are known as very spiritual animals. I hope this helps. SHOULD WE MOVE? We’ve been thinking about moving for a while now as we have itchy feet. Is London still the place for us or…

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 number at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross2724 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 The Volga, Europe’s longest river, flows into which body of water? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 2 July 2024 until midnight on 19 July 2024. Over 18s only. †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…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Music lovers are flocking to Edinburgh thanks to gigs, festivals galore featuring artists of all genres, and the awesome Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Upcoming musicals at the Edinburgh Playhouse include Donny Osmond in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and, as traditional music enjoys a surge in popularity, pubs galore offer live performances. You can tuck into yummy Sunday lunch while listening to live jazz or enjoy afternoon tea with a harpist. Alternatively, you’ll always find a piper in full regalia, a violinist or a whole band on the streets of the Old Town. Sounds like the perfect city break! INSIDER’S GUIDE Get your bearings on a hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing Bus Tour. The route’s 14 stops encompass main attractions, including the Castle where you’re bound to hear…

She’s celebrated globally for playing some delightfully eccentric characters on the big screen – and her ever-changing style in real life is just as quirky. But one thing that’s stayed the same about Helena Bonham Carter for decades are those luscious long locks – and age-defying looks. And according to Helena, 58, her youthful appearance is all down to what she eats. The mum-of-two (she shares a son, Billy and daughter, Nell, with her ex-hubby, film director Tim Burton) sticks to a simple routine of a balanced diet without restrictions. In a previous interview, The Crown actress said, ‘I love food. Elizabeth Taylor once said you have to choose between the body and the face at some point, and I think she was right.’ The Sweeney Todd star added, ‘I…

TOP TIP Broderie Anglaise is a great way to add extra detail when wearing all white…

I can still remember the first time I laid eyes on Kurt. It was 1980, I was 13 years old and he’d joined my school as one of the senior boys. Kurt was four years older, drove a Mustang and had thick, shaggy brown hair that made him look like one of the Beatles. I wanted him to be my boyfriend so badly, but I was so much younger, a bit nerdy and not very popular. One day I wound up in the back seat of Kurt’s car, getting a lift with some friends, and he looked at me in the rear view mirror with his beautiful big blue eyes. No one had ever looked at me like that before – I was in love. I nursed my teenage crush…

HOW IT WORKS 1 The fact is deprivation while dieting doesn’t work. Yes, you might cut out all your treats to get a quicker result, but as soon as you stop your slimming plan, and add those treats back in, you’ll put all the weight back on – especially if you’ve gone into binge mode at the first sight of sugar! 2 A better approach is to learn how to lose weight and enjoy a small treat a day, and our plan here helps make this easy. It contains three calorie counted meals a day with a dessert added to your evening meal. 3 When you get to dessert, don’t just wolf it down quickly – you want to use an approach called mindful eating to ensure you really enjoy…

Summer Fruit Cup Trifle Livened up with Pimm’s syrup, this trifle simply sings of Summer. Hands-on time 40min, plus cooling and soaking. Cooking time about 5min. Serves 8 • 150ml Pimm’s• Juice of 2 oranges• Juice of 2 lemons• 7tbsp icing sugar, sifted• 3 sprigs mint• ¼ cucumber, roughly chopped• 175g Italian sponge fingers• About 600g strawberries, hulled, plus extra to garnish• 8tbsp strawberry jam• 600ml ready-made custard (we used Ambrosia)• 600ml double cream• 2tsp vanilla extract 1 In a small pan mix the Pimm’s, orange and lemon juice, 5tbsp of the icing sugar, the mint and cucumber. Heat gently until you see a few bubbles breaking the surface. Remove from the heat and set aside to infuse for 30min. Strain into a jug (discarding the cucumber and mint). 2…

So I flew to Florida for a few days recently. I know that sounds wildly extravagant, but my cousin lives there and… do you ever have one of those moments where you feel if you don’t get out of Dodge your head might just explode? It was fabulous but it was on the flight out there – a BA flight to be exact – that something strange happened… I sat next to a man that I had sat next to on a flight to Orlando almost exactly a year before. I’m not sure which one of us was more surprised but, at some point during the flight, I told him about a film called This Time, Next Year. A movie I absolutely love from the late Seventies. The music is fabulous…

Being in the wedding industry means mum-of-one Pippa Florjin knows a thing or two about good taste! Here, we’ve selected just a few of our favourite snaps from her @ourbluebellcottage on Instagram...…

CANCER 22 June – 23 July The New Moon in your sign spurs you to new starts in many personal areas. Think of this as your individual ‘1 January’ in terms of reinventing yourself. Old ways of looking at things have been holding you back – when realisation dawns, don’t fight it. Dynamic friends and a wise older person can help, but don’t let that someone in your friendship group – you know who! – dump on you. They may do this by flattering you, but you can bask in the compliments without being a pushover. One of the helpful resolutions that you can make would be to say ‘No’ when you feel like it. Liberating, or what?! LEO 24 July – 23 August Just because it’s high summer does…