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Blink Twice – or at least go and see the film by that name – and who knows how your eyes react. I shut mine through several scenes but it is stylish as well as savage – and will no doubt result in a cult following. It’s a tale of murder, misogyny and the effect of mind-bending drugs. What is going on in writer/producer Zoe Kravitz’s mind?! Zoe (daughter of Lenny) calls out older women (like me) for allowing men to use and abuse power for so long. She calls out the use and abuse of drugs. Her film feels angry, but maybe with good cause. One thing many will envy her for is meeting her fiancé – Channing Tatum on set. On the surface, billionaire Slater King retreats to…

She’s turned heads all her life – due to her voice, muscles and not least her stunning looks – and then of course, her sensational global fame. So it was no surprise that all eyes where on the living legend during her recent Italian holiday. The 66-year-old Queen of Pop was in Europe with her boyfriend, Akeem Morris, 28 and her twin daughters Stella and Estere, 11. They arrived on the Material Girl’s private yacht at the port of Terracina, in Italy, at 10pm and headed out for a gourmet dinner at the seaside restaurant Al Giardino. After dinner the group strolled to the Terracina Alta – the ancient Roman theatre for a private tour. Madonna, who was wearing a headscarf and – at times – dark glasses, was with…

Snuggling down in front of the telly, my phone pinged. I didn’t need to look to know who it was. My twin sister, Kelly, and I were inseparable. When we weren’t talking on the phone, we were messaging. Been out for a lockdown walk today, she said, sending some pictures of her and her family in the sunshine. Kelly’s girls, Ava, four, and Lexi, two, were her world. Ava was gentle, sensitive – and loved a cuddle. Her sister was bold as brass. Chalk and cheese, but best of friends, just like Kelly and me. Growing up in Woodmancote, West Sussex, Kelly and I were close. We were always having strange coincidences – we’d send people the same birthday cards. When I went into labour with my daughter, Lily, Kelly…

LESLEY My mum loved honey, whether it was for a sore throat, as an antiseptic for a cut or mixed with other ingredients for her skin. I now keep bees at Ballingdon Hall, mum’s Suffolk retreat, and we can easily harvest 25kg from each hive. When my face is feeling a little dry or irritated, honey is an ingredient that I often reach for. When applied topically, it can deeply moisturise, fight off signs of ageing and help to repair damage. It’s affordable, gentle, and very effective for perking up lacklustre skin. Here are some of my favourite ways to use it… AT-HOME MASK Keep it simple and mix 1tbsp of honey with a little coconut oil, and then massage a thin layer on to clean skin. Leave it for…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Would-be dieters who swapped their coffee and a cereal bar for a 700 calorie breakfast, lost up to 50 per cent more weight over 12 weeks than others who ate a smaller breakfast and ate the bulk of calories at night. The average weight loss was 17lbs in 12 weeks and three inches off their waistlines. 2 Leading UK nutritionist Alice Mackintosh believes it’s not just how much you eat but the timing. She says: “Starting the day with a proper meal gets your metabolism working. If you deprive it of fuel first thing, it slows down and this can mean you store calories up later in the day. You also don’t need as many calories while you sleep so eating a large meal before bed…

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. THEO’S TIP ‘IT ACTUALLY WORKS OUT VERY SIMPLE – THE LESS INGREDIENTS IN THE JAR, THE BETTER THEY TASTE.’ GREEN PESTO, £1.40, M&S Really enjoyed this one. Simple ingredients you’d use to make pesto at home and lots of crunch from the coarsely crushed nuts which gave it a decadent feel. Rich colour and earthy flavour from the pecorino; a winning brand. CUCINA PESTO, 99P, ALDI Very close to second.…

Kelly and Dean Wilking adore their children. The working class family, who have two daughters – Melanie and Miranda – were always very close. The teacher and counsellor have multiple home videos of their girls dancing in front of the TV as they were growing up. Like many youngsters, the Wilking sisters had dreams of becoming professional dancers. They spent their days working on routines and they set up a joint Instagram account to showcase their talent. By their teens, they had started auditioning for professional jobs. Social media was vital for getting them work because, as Melanie explains, the sisters were always asked how many followers they had at auditions. Five years ago, AS TIME WENT ON, MELANIE ISOLATED HERSELF FROM HER FAMILY Melanie’s sister, Miranda, met and began…

Starring in The King’s Man, The Gentlemen and, of course, St Trinian’s, 38-year-old English rose Gemma Arterton is back on Sky for series two of Funny Woman. It’s the height of the Sixties, and Sophie Straw (Gemma) who has already been crowned as Miss Blackpool is now on a high as the nation’s favourite TV comedy star but trouble is just around the corner... Here, the Gravesend-born star, who married actor hubby Rory Keenan five years ago, tells us all about the traits in Sophie that she also sees in herself... Gemma, Funny Woman is back. For anyone who didn’t see series one, tell us more about Sophie... Well, her real name is Barbara Parker but she changed it... She’s a working-class girl from Blackpool, raised by her auntie 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 or 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…

Quickly gaining a slew of followers on her @nikdillonhome Instagram account, Dublin-based interior designer Nik is inspiring many every day! Here are a few of our favourite pics...…

World-renowned past lives expert David Wells answers your questions. This week he spoke to grandma-of-five, Helga, 65, who lives in Pevensey Bay in East Sussex… Have you always believed in spirits and past lives? I’ve always been interested in the spirit world. When I reached my 30s, I had readings done and actually did some tarot readings for friends. Past lives have always interested me and I’d never had a reading with this level of detail done before, so I was fascinated to see what David would say. Especially to see if I could link it to my character! ‘Do you get pain in your left shoulder?’ Talk us through your reading with David... David talked about three past lives that came through for me and I was completely surprised.…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Archibald Alec Leach was born on 18 January, 1904. His early days were spent in Bristol, where tragedy, alcoholism and mental illness blighted family life. Yet within a few decades, he reinvented himself and forged a path to success in the US, becoming one of Hollywood’s most handsome, talented and celebrated stars. Now, you can learn all about his terrible childhood, personal heartache and secrets on a walking tour of the city. Called Raising Cary Grant, it’s been put together by the Show of Strength Theatre Company, retracing the global star’s boyhood haunts as well as the places Cary Grant came back to, time and time again. INSIDER’S GUIDE The starting point for the new tour is the elegant, life-size bronze Cary Grant Statue in Millennium Square, Harbourside.…

‘It’s been a long time since I wrote or even said anything about Harry and Meghan and there are a few reasons why. First, I really don’t care about them enough to be bothered to have a go at them. Second, because I’m aware that talking about them gives them more relevance than they actually deserve. But lastly, and most importantly, I’m frightened of my friend Denise Welch, whose wrath is cast upon anyone who dares to criticise them! But it’s all got too much and the wannabe Royal tour of Colombia has tipped me over the edge. These are two people who rudely opted out of a life Harry was born into to create the same life on their own terms in a land full of fakery. It beggars…

It’s the end of the day, and I flop onto the sofa with my little one. She’s cute, affectionate and always looks at me with adoring eyes – but my darling isn’t a baby, she’s a dog. Six-year-old Monkey, a Jack-Russell cross Chihuahua; came into my life in December 2022, when I adopted her from The Dog’s Trust. Whilst there’s no doubt this pint size rescue is a challenge (I have to walk her early to avoid other dogs), she’s perfect. She’s clean in the house, not fussy about her food, and great with visitors to the house, which I share with my partner John, 63. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine life now without a dog. Monkey gives me so much love, she’s always overjoyed when I walk through…

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Why aren’t there more men like Emmerdale’s lovely Dr Liam in the world, eh? He’s clever, kind, funny, considerate… But crikey, he’s had some rotten luck with the ladies. I think he needs my advice… Liam’s first wife, Lara, died tragically in 2009. In 2013, he married nutty Maya, who goes on to have flings with both David and, controversially, his 16-year-old son, Jacob. Since then, the dishy doc has married/got engaged to/had flings with a whole herd of Emmerdale fillies including Bernice, Leyla, Wendy and Chas. Currently, he’s involved with the mysterious Ella, who murdered her best friend when she was a child. I think I’ve got a bad feeling about her. But Liam’s a nice man, and despite everything, he seems willing to forgive all. Will they or…

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! BLUEPRINT VINHO VERDE 2023 (10.5%) £6.99, Waitrose Gently spritzy and lower in alcohol, this Portuguese gem is a steal for Summer salads. If there’s any oily fish on the menu, this is first rate to chill and sip alongside. With a…

Got a problem? Email your questions to AskVanessa@hearst.co.uk SEX AND THE CITY FRIEND! My friend is a serial dater, and much prefers the wining and dining part than any actual relationships. I call her ‘Yorkshire’s Samantha Jones,’ – just like the character in Sex And The City. She recently introduced me to her latest bloke, and I think she’s going to eat him alive! I can tell he’s really into her, but she told me she’s already bored and giving him the boot. Is it my place to warn him? He seemed so sweet. Laura, Yorkshire Absolutely not! Your friend’s relationships are none of your business. Not only do you have no responsibility to warn her boyfriends that she probably won’t last long in their relationship but you have no…

The Hit List, a music quiz show on BBC One, challenges contestants to name as many hit songs and artists as possible, while under intense pressure. Presented by Rochelle and Marvin Humes, the show features different contestants who must showcase their music knowledge for a chance to win a £10,000 jackpot. Thanks to their time spent as part of groups JLS and The Saturdays, the couple know a fair bit about the music industry. Here, they tell us everything that’s in store for Series Seven... Hi both, how does it feel to be in the seventh series of The Hit List? Rochelle: It’s so weird when you hear that it’s actually seven years, but at the same time, it still feels so fresh, which is a nice place to be…

1 Why slow and steady wins the race First things first, going slower is not an inferior version of exercise – in fact, it’s practised by elite athletes in most sports, encouraging them to focus on their consistency. If you’re just starting out with a new activity, like swimming, it helps you master the sport, instead of developing bad habits. A more laid-back approach to fitness can also be the secret to helping you achieve your goals. 2 Yoga ‘Slowing down and focusing on our breath soothes our nervous system, which ultimately supports long-term health,’ says yoga teach Anna Taylor, who specialises in slower, therapeutic forms of yoga (mindbodybalance.co.uk). ‘Rather than whizzing through poses, yoga should be a place where we let go of “doing” and reconnect with ourselves. In…

Getting my daughter Callie up one morning, I hoped she’d be feeling better. She’d been lethargic for weeks and had been prescribed antibiotics a few times by our GP to fight an unknown infection. Initially, she had a sore stomach, and her ears hurt – but for the past few days, she’d been feeling more and more unwell. My partner Jasen and I were worried. Callie, four, just wasn’t herself. Normally, she loved playing with her little brother, Leo, then two, but she didn’t seem well enough, or strong enough, for that. That morning in February 2023, I woke her up and she said she was feeling better but as I helped her dress, I noticed bruises across her arms and tummy. ‘Maybe she fell,’ Jasen suggested. But she’d been…

Brianna had only agreed to attend ‘Summer Lovin’ in the Park’ because her friend Andi had talked her into it. The local musical festival was a medley of ‘all your favourite tunes for a mellow and fun-lovin’ Summer’. Never mind that Brianna wasn’t in a romantic mood. ‘Oh, that doesn’t matter,’ said Andi, who at least was single as well. ‘It’s about loving Summer itself, Bri, not actual romance.’ Well, there was that. The festival was packed on this balmy Saturday afternoon, music drifting through the air from the main stage and its side gigs. Having left Andi in charge of the picnic rug, Brianna was queueing at the cocktails tent, dithering between a melon daiquiri and a pistachio martini. Maybe buy one of each and swap with Andi if…

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/bestcross3524 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 Which 2014 film directed by David Fincher starred Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 27 August 2024 until midnight on 13 September 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…

best magazine, ISSN 0954-8955, is published weekly by The National Magazine Company Ltd, t/a Hearst Magazines UK, c/o USACAN Media Dist. Srv Corp at 26 Power Dam Way Suite S1-S3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. All rights reserved. No part of best may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Not to be resold, lent, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended retail price (subject to VAT in Republic of Ireland) or in a mutilated condition. Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, Victoria Business Park, Roche, Cornwall, PL26 8LX. The publishers, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be…

The world was shocked when the news broke last October that Friends star Matthew Perry had been found dead in his Los Angeles hot tub, aged just 54. But now, disturbing information has been revealed about the death. Court filings following an investigation detail the shocking extent of ketamine abuse that Perry, a long-term drug addict, had sunk to. Last week, five people were arrested and charged over his death, including two doctors: Salvador Plasencia… and Mark Chavez. The two doctors reportedly discussed Perry’s desire for ketamine in a text exchange last September, one month before he died. Plasencia told Chavez, quote, ‘I wonder how much this moron will pay… Let’s find out.” Jasveen Sangha – who is known as ‘The Ketamine Queen of North Hollywood’, alleged dealer Eric Fleming…

Blonde and bubbly Laura Jane Hamilton has one of the most enviable jobs on TV. The star is known for jetsetting around the world, while finding people their dream homes. Ever since her stint, on Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun in 2011 (yes, that’s 13 years ago!), the 42-year-old newly single mum (to son Rocco and daughter Tahlia), tells us she’s gained a lot of experience in the last decade... Laura, what keeps you going back to A Place In The Sun after all of these years? And counting! Oh, they are like my family! It’s feelgood TV, it’s everything that I love. It’s positive vibes, true escapism TV and everyone loves the sunshine, don’t they?! Well, I do, anyway. I’ve done it for a very long time…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Should men STOP going topless on the High Street? It is perfectly legal for men to go topless of course, but the question is this: given a whopping 75 per cent of us apparently find it unacceptable for men to be shirtless in public, should they do it – unless they’re actually on the beach or sunbathing? The figures, taken from 2,000 people surveyed by research agency, Perspectus Global found that one in five (22 per cent) even wanted to see fines imposed! Discussing this very topic on Good Morning Britain (GMB), Richard Madeley said, in his opinion: ‘There is something crude about seeing a guy walking down the street shirtless. There is something slightly threatening about it, seeing a bloke walking bare-chested.’ So, do you get…

FAKE IT YOURSELF A simple soother Limbs feeling parched of moisture? Look to kitchen ingredients with a high water content to relieve dryness, and soothe, too. A good example is melon, an anti-inflammatory that can calm any irritation, and is ideal for any post-Summer sting. Simply scoop out a few chunks and mash the flesh into a pulp, adding around 1 tsp honey to help it form into a paste-like texture, before applying to clean arms and legs – (do this in the shower for minimal mess!). Rinse off after 10 minutes. 1 SWITCH UP YOUR SERUM One of the most efficient ways to restore your complexion after the Summer monthd is by using a serum. The skin barrier has been getting a lot of attention within the beauty world recently,…

PEP UP YOUR MAKE-UP! Summer holidays may be over for most of us but that doesn’t mean saying goodbye to shiny lips, sun-kissed skin and sparkling eye make-up. It’s time to refresh and restock your makeup bag again! Treat yourself to a fab new eyeshadow palette – get creative and play with different techniques and colours. If you’re struggling with the post-holiday blues, how about a fresh shade of nail colour? This is a good time to clear out your make-up bag to make room for new products. Here’s my pick of the best buys and, as they’re all under £10, it’s an affordable way to keep the glow - and fun -going for longer. 1 PREMIUM PALETTE Make-up Revolution The True Icon Bronze Eyeshadow Palette £8.99, revolutionbeauty.com In a…

Smoky meatball nachos Invite everyone round and dig in. Using mini meatballs for this cheat’s chilli con carne makes this dish super quick. Hands on time: 10 min. Cooking time: 30 min. Serves 4-6 • 400g pack of mini beef meatballs (24 in a pack)• 1tbsp chipotle paste• 400g tin black beans, drained and rinsed• Small bunch coriander, leaves only FOR THE SALSA ½ red onion 1 Preheat the oven to 200˚C (180˚C fan) mark 6. Heat a large non-stick frying pan until hot. Add the meatballs and fry for 10-15 min, turning until browned and almost cooked through. 2 Meanwhile, finely slice the onion and transfer to a small bowl, cover with vinegar and add a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside. 3 After 15 min, stir…

For many of us, he will always be the young surfer dude from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, the accidental action hero in Speed – or even the super smart Federal Agent Johnny Utah in surf flick, Point Break. But hard as it may seem to believe, the heart-throb actor is about to celebrate his 60th birthday on 2 September… He admitted himself that the milestone birthday has led him to take stock of where he is in life. ‘I’m 59, so I’m thinking about death all the time,’ he told BBC News, adding that he felt that was a good thing. ‘Hopefully, it’s not crippling, but hopefully it’s sensitised [us] to an appreciation of the breath we have, and the relationships that we have the potential to have.’ For…

Our fabulous and funny columnist, comedian Helen Lederer, is here to tell it like it is, in her own witty way… I’ve never been one for clubs – even as a child I was late to join the Girl Guides, and only once did I set up a club with my sister which we called the ‘Anti-Golfers Association’, because we lived opposite a golf course… We thought it’d be fun to gang up on the golfers in a daring sort of way but the best we could come up with was to sing Nellie the Elephant at them very loudly, whenever we saw them walking by… this didn’t deter them, but we were told to ‘back off and behave’. So, clubs and I were never a good fit. Until recently,…

Bridget and I had a lovely catch up at a very swanky restaurant recently, putting the world to rights, or at least our worlds, over yet another bottle of Vino Colapso. She was up first and explained why she has been trying to date, in her words, a ‘very charming man’ with whom she has absolutely ‘no chemistry’. I pointed out that at our age, dating anyone at all seems very trying indeed! She snorted with laughter and turned her attention to the fancy cocktail list, as I then recounted my own disastrous date with a woman who clearly went off me during the evening or as I put it ‘turned Lesbian over the dinner’. If I had to be specific, I think it all went wrong by the third…

1 WHY INTEREST RATES MATTER Homeowners with a mortgage agree to a ‘repayment,’ on a monthly basis, that covers both the loan and interest. In contrast, ‘interest-only’ mortgages (normally only available to buy-to-let investors) require payments of just interest, leaving the original loan unchanged. Mortgage interest rates vary by product; a key factor influencing these rates is the Bank of England base rate, which is currently 5 per cent. The higher the product interest rate – the higher your monthly mortgage payments will be. 2 SHOP AROUND Mortgage comparison websites provide you with a rough guestimate of how much you can borrow, as well as showing you the current interest rates. However, for a more accurate picture and specific product availability, contact a ‘whole-of-market’ mortgage advisor to find the best…

VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Hurrah! All those recent mess ups will ease and you’ll find life shifting on to a much more even keel, with fewer misunderstandings as Mercury finally starts moving forwards from Thursday. There’s a strong grounding energy around you, too, and this will shine strongly on your love life, so whether you’re single, sorted or not bothered about romance at the moment, some unexpected fireworks could take you by surprise. Cash wise, you could find yourself overspending especially on items linked to your home – treating yourself to beautiful things will bring you joy but keep a gentle eye on your budget to avoid problems later. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October ‘Love’ and ‘friendship’ are the words to sum up your lovely week, especially…