Tabla de contenidos para 44 - 2022 en Best

Last Tuesday, we held best’s Heroes awards. I’m thinking of renaming them the ‘Awesome Awards’, after Coldplay’s Chris Martin said they were ‘an award for being awesome – I think that is the official title’. Chris’s friend and ‘teacher in many ways’ is one of our heroes, who the singer wanted to personally present to – Emmanuel Kelly. You will see why, if anyone deserves an Editor Award, it’s Emmanuel in next week’s best. But this week, we are bringing you just some of the celebs who supported us. The show was opened by friend, singer and generally amazing human Ben Ofoedu with – like Chris – a winning smile. Singing along were our host Vanessa Feltz and best columnists Carol McGiffin and, our rather busy Strictly judge, Craig Revel…

Loose Women’s Linda Robson shocked fans recently with a surprising revelation about her marriage to hubby Mark Dunford. The 64-year-old admitted it, while discussing the impact her Catholic upbringing has on her relationship. ‘I find it quite difficult. I’ve never undressed in front of my husband, so when I put my pyjamas on, I go in the bathroom,’ she admitted to a stunned audience. ‘My kids have seen me undressed but not my husband or former partners because my mum was Irish Catholic.’ Linda and Mark have been married for more than 30 years, and share two children together – Roberta, 26, and Louis, 30. She also has daughter Lauren, 39, from a previous relationship. The happy couple tied the knot back in 1990, and are proud grandparents to Lauren’s…

If you thought breakouts were a teen problem, think again. Women in their 40s, 50s and even older are developing acne. In fact, one in three sufferers are now over the age of 35 I have seen how acne can affect sufferers deeply, causing embarrassment and self-esteem issues, from the time my teenage son wouldn’t go to a party due to spots, to a menopausal client with a big breakout. I became an ‘anti-acne warrior’, researching the ways to help stop and eliminate blocked pores, congestion and acne. Here’s what I learnt. WHAT CAUSES ACNE? The main cause is hormonal imbalances. As women age, the levels of androgens (male hormones) rise, which can increase oil production and hair growth, leading to blocked pores. There may also be medication triggers or…

WHAT A STAR! Darlings, I had my eye on Hamza Yassin from the get-go – I’m still convinced he’s the one to watch. He struggles with some genres but, the salsa was right up his alley. I can’t wait to see what he does next! His partner Jowita is working him hard, and she puts her life in his hands! When they did that visage lift the other week, then into a push and roll down – that’s normally for pros only! Wow. He deserves his 10s. WE’RE THE JUDGES! I’ve read that former Strictly pros James Jordan and his wife Ola have been hitting out at the judges’ marking. I’d say, darlings, everyone has the right to speak and they’re certainly qualified but they’re not on the show! James…

Desensitise pets to loud sounds in the weeks before Bonfire Night. You can find recordings of fireworks online – start at low volume, increase it slowly, then offer a reward to pets as they stay calm. When fireworks are being set off, play some relaxing music. RSPCA dog welfare expert and behaviourist Esme Wheeler said: ‘Several studies have shown that auditory stimulation may have an effect on the physiology and behaviour of dogs in rehoming and rescue environments and, at least in the short-term, classical music may be beneficial in helping reduce stress for dogs in kennels.’ Create a doggy den, or kitty hideaway in a quiet area by stringing up blankets. Cats may prefer these set up on a shelf. A plug-in pheromone diffuser also has a calming effect…

FRIENDSHIP FIZZLING OUT… I don’t want to make a thing of this with my close friends just yet, as I’m worried it’ll impact the friendship more – but, in the past year or so, one of my closest friends has been withdrawing, from me in particular. I’m not sure what’s going on. There’s a close group of five of us, but since our kids went to uni, Sheryl doesn’t seem to want to know me anymore. I’ve tried countless times to arrange to see her, but she always finds an excuse. Either I thought we were closer than we are, or she’s depressed, and we don’t know. Help! Brenda, Liverpool Your pal is obviously going through something that she’s not ready to talk about. Don’t take her withdrawal personally. You…

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A vampire, his grin exposing bloodied fangs, cape flapping in the wind, gripped a sign in one wooden hand. This Way For A Spooktacular Time. It pointed down the garden path lit by flickering pumpkin lanterns. I didn’t host a party last year. It seemed too sad without Steve. I’d been so entrenched in grief it hadn’t crossed my mind. I was too busy just putting one foot in front of the other, remembering to breathe. It was only when a coven of mini witches wearing pointy black crêpe-paper hats knocked the door trick or treating I even realised what day it was. I gave them coins, sad I couldn’t offer them jelly worms, chocolate spiders or, Steve’s favourite, marshmallow ghosts. I vowed to do better, for Steve. Steve and…

Good Morning Britain and Lorraine viewers may have noticed presenter Ranvir Singh has been sporting a bit more of a ‘glow’, in recent months. In part, that’s down to the new man in her life – after it emerged that Ranvir, 45, had found love with production secretary Louis Church, 27, who she met behind the scenes on 2020’s series of Strictly Come Dancing. Now, for the first time, Ranvir – who is a single mum to 10-year-old son Tushaan, who she had with her ex-husband Ranjeet Singh Dehal – has broken her silence on their romance – as well as their 18-year age gap. ‘Is there an age difference?’ Ranvir teased candidly. ‘We don’t ever joke about the age difference. Actually, age is no guarantee of someone being wonderful…

Do you have a story you’d like to share with our amazing army of best readers? We’re looking for real-life stories from women just like you and your friends – and will pay up to £250 for all those that make it into these pages. Stories can be funny, sad, emotional, inspirational – just like some of the examples on this page. The only rule: they must be true. Have you been on a diet that changed your life? Have you battled against tough times and come out fighting? Have you found love or happiness against the odds? If you – or a friend – have a story to share, whatever the subject, do drop us a line, with your contact details, a photo and a brief outline of your…

Having been on the road now since the beginning of September, as this leg of the tour draws to a close, I want to take a moment to extol the joys of a hotel upgrade. As a ‘bottom half of the alphabet celebrity’, (between V and Z), these occasional perks tend to pop up out of the blue and I never know which hotels are going to bestow the favour! Sometimes, it happens because someone in management knows who you are, likes what you do and wants to give you a treat. Sometimes it’s because they’re feeling generous, and I just happen to be the lucky punter that day. On the other hand, I sometimes get an upgrade because the original room I’m given is so awful, that when I…

THE PERFECT PUMPKIN… Keep your trick-or-treaters happy this Halloween with this very special edition from Hotel Chocolat! Their very own pumpkin, Carvin, has kept 16 devilishly delicious individually wrapped milk chocolates in hiding, ready to share… and he’s only £8.50! THIS ISN’T JUST ANY HALLOWEEN… The M&S Halloween gift pack has everything you might need: it’s full of chocolate ghosts, sour spider sweets, a menacing menagerie chocolate net and even a seven-piece pumpkin carving kit, so don’t miss it! £30, marksandspencer.com SPOOKY SWEETS You can’t go wrong with a classic box of pick & mix this spooky season! Treat those you love (and yourself…) to a ghoulish and gorgeous Halloween Gift Box, just £19.99 from sugarfinery.co.uk – with edible brains, skulls and more ‘delights’!…

Move over Phil and Holly, there’s a new presenting duo in town – and they mean business. Carol Vorderman has hosted The Pride of Britain awards since their inception 22 years ago and it’s her second year joining forces with co-host Ashley Banjo, MBE. ‘The Pride of Britain are a badge of honour to be honest,’ says Carol. Ashley agrees: ‘We’ve been living through a very negative time,’ he added. ‘And these people fill you with hope, really.’ In the lead-up to the big night, Carol, 61, and Ashley, 34, have formed a close bond. So close, in fact, that they enjoy hanging out together and last year, Vorders began referring to Ashley as her ‘second son’. Here, the duo open up about their relationship, struggling to keep their emotions in…

The classroom clock was ticking towards home time and rising anxiety was making me sweat. Only minutes until the dreaded school bus. ‘Oi, Fuzzy,’ the boys would taunt. ‘Address your master.’ I tried every tactic – talking animatedly to my friends or staying as still as a statue – but nothing worked. The bullies loved humiliating me. There’s a perception that racism is a ‘city thing’, but for me, growing up in the Eighties, a market town in rural Gloucestershire, was a brutal place. Mum was a white Roman Catholic from a mining village in Scotland. When she met Dad in Manchester at the age of 17, he was the first Black man she’d ever seen. He wasn’t sure of his own heritage and had been in a Barnardo’s care…

As I stood outside of the school gates, I thought about the idea of falling in love again. I hadn’t been on a date since Harry* and I had got divorced. His affair left me heartbroken, and I didn’t know if I’d be able to trust anyone again. ‘My brother Billy is single, I think you two would really hit it off,’ my friend smiled. She pulled up a picture of him on her phone and a shiver ran down my spine. It was the man I had seen in my psychic vision seven months before. Stunned into silence, I couldn’t believe my eyes. ‘Is that a yes?’ she giggled. I told her I’d consider it, but I knew I couldn’t ignore fate… Growing up, I was always very perceptive…

HOW IT WORKS • ‘You can still enjoy sweet treats at this time of year, especially if you love baking,’ say Chelsie and Kristelle, cookie makers at blondieskitchen.co.uk. ‘Use banana instead of butter, which doubles as a vegan option, and nut butters that are high in protein. Instead of sugar, add dried fruits to cereals and dessert recipes for their natural sweetness.’ • Jess Hilliard, nutritionist for protein and raw bar company Warrior (teamwarrior.com), says: ‘Many people think pumpkins and squash are veggies, but they’re actually fruit and a great low-calorie option with a 80g serving totting up to just 10 calories. They also provide over 760mg of vitamins A, C and K that help support the immune system.’ • ‘Pumpkin, kale and sweet potatoes are easy to include in…

I’M REALLY WORRIED ABOUT MY PREGNANT DAUGHTER My daughter is six months pregnant and has decided to go on maternity leave early, due to her anxiety about it all. Not only is she apprehensive about birth, motherhood etc, she is overwhelmed with her changing body. She’s embarrassed to leave the house, and I’m quite worried about the toll it’s taking on her mentally. I don’t remember having half the worries she does. Is this a sign she’s going to be more prone to post-partum depression? Stacey, Lancs DR HILARY SAYS: Pregnancy and motherhood are both challenging for anybody. It’s only natural to feel anxious about such a physical and social change in one’s life. Many women will experience various feelings and emotions at different stages of their pregnancy. Perhaps your…

The three of us had been gushing over each other’s Halloween costumes, but now reality was setting in. It had been a long walk from the station and the cottage was not as welcoming as it had looked on the Internet. ‘It’s freezing, let’s get the central heating going,’ Linda said, adjusting her Morticia Addams wig. ‘Do you suppose there is anywhere around here we can get bread?’ worried Fran, resplendent as the evil queen in Snow White. We’d hired a cottage in the country for a girls’ weekend and, as it coincided with the celebration of all things spooky, we’d dressed for the occasion. It had been a hoot travelling together on the train in our costumes. ‘Don’t worry,’ I said, ‘I got a loaf at the station. Now,…

SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November A special hope will make a definite move forwards for Scorpios like Strictly Come Dancing contestant Fleur East and Happy Days and Arrested Development actor Henry Winkler. Show willingness to break from tradition and it may be more beneficial than you think. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Your chances of impressing your boss and senior colleagues are better than ever. At least one job offer will result from attending a professional seminar or workshop. With everything going so well for you, you’re afraid to uncross your fingers in case it all goes wrong. Make the most of this golden period. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May You have a natural appreciation for things that are comfortable, beautiful and luxurious. Embracing your love of…

Dan Walker is one of Britain’s most popular news anchors. Having moved from BBC Breakfast, back in May, he’s now hoping to give Channel 5 ratings a boost. The TV host, 45, who made quite the splash as a contestant on Strictly with Ukrainian pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova (Matt Goss’ partner this year), has three children with his wife, Sarah – Susanna, 15, Jessica, 13, and Joe, 11. Here, he tells us all about his new book interviewing everyday heroes, Standing on the Shoulders, his extraordinary Strictly experience and more… Hi, Dan! Standing on the Shoulders is a follow-up to Remarkable People, isn’t it? Yes. The title is a shortening of an Isaac Newton quote. Once asked how he’d achieved so much, he said, ‘If I’ve been able to see…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Want to feel like you’ve gone back in time, to a romantic, Jane Austen-esque Britain? Then head to Kings Cliffe in Peterborough, where you’ll be whisked off to a quiet, quaint town full of friendly locals, who are ready to make you feel right at home. We can’t recommend Hall Farm enough for a picturesque place to stay. Right in the centre of all the tourist hotspots, it is owned by Sarah and Geoff, a couple who have transformed the farm into a beautiful courtyard of cottage conversions, for your holidaying pleasure – plus pretty, medieval Peterborough itself isn’t far away… INSIDER’S GUIDE For a taste of village life, once you leave the pearly white gates of Hall Farm, you will see a stunning church ahead, whose bells…

TOP TIP Fairisle-style knits are a classic that look good every Winter…

‘The word “super” gets attached to everything these days. I think it started when someone coined the phrase “supermodel”. Young people think all words need it as a prefix and it’s super-annoying. So when I read about a new book that helps people become “super agers”, I instantly thought, oh no, here we go again. But, on closer inspection, I realised it did have a point when it comes to giving in to age and behaving and acting like we think older people should, when life is much better when you don’t. Lynne Dorling, author of Ageing Rewired: How to Flourish in Later Life, is full of useful advice, like avoiding loneliness, staying curious and seeing problems as ‘probortunities’. She’s a psychology coach, so I guess she knows what she’s…

As a mum and grandmother, dressing practically has always been at the top of my list. It doesn’t matter if you go to the office, walk the dogs, or wear a uniform Monday to Friday, only dressing up on weekends – we all have our set routines. But having fun and feeling confident is what makes us walk that little bit taller. My journey into style started when I was a little girl. Switching on Top of the Pops in the Seventies, stars like Marc Bolan and David Bowie burst into my world, in sequins, flares, feathers and platforms. I was inspired by Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks and Siouxsie Sioux. I’d watch their performances, analysing every piece of clothing. Each of their styles were different, but reflected the diversity of…

Few things are as thrilling as a spectacular firework display. The sparkles, the dazzles, the bangs, booms and whizzes… it’s no wonder young and old adore them. But for your pets it’s a very different matter. For them, Bonfire Night can be like being in the middle of a war zone. Their heightened hearing means many suffer severely – especially now Bonfire Night seems to stretch out for two weeks before 5 November, with fireworks being set off night after night. Animal charity Blue Cross says animals have such acute hearing that the noise of fireworks can actually cause them pain. They can hear high frequency sounds of up to 60,000hz, while humans can’t hear above 20,000hz. The noise levels of fireworks can be up to 190 decibels (dB)– louder…

He is unlike any other TV presenter out there, really. Outspoken Richard Madeley – Judy Finnigan’s other half – sprang to prominence when the couple began presenting brand-new chat show This Morning in the late Eighties. He’s had a lot of reincarnations since then, but Richard is still as funny, outspoken (and occasionally gaffe-prone) as ever. And we love him for it! We caught up with the 66-year-old on the NTAs Red Carpet, to chat everything from his new granddaughter to those famous blond streaks (‘I do not highlight it!’)… Richard, tell us about hosting GMB – you’re quite ‘marmite’ for the public! Oh, I know – some love me, some loathe me. I take every opinion on the chin. Plus, it’s everyone’s right to dislike someone. I have some…

I glanced around the room – everything looked perfect. The huge fireplace crackled with a mini-bonfire of logs that sent sparks and flames dancing up the chimney. Heavy, stiff-backed chairs welcomed people to the warmth of the hearth where an expensive and ancient rug helped to protect feet from the chill of the stone floor. It was nights like these I was glad I lived in a gothic relic from the past. The setting couldn’t have been more fitting. Folds of snowy white linen covered the mahogany table. Beautifully ironed, it hung evenly on all sides. The place settings themselves were a master class in good taste. Silver spoons, forks and knives caught the light from the fire and twinkled gorgeously. The candelabra cast just the right amount of light…

As we walked through Helmand Province in Afghanistan, I was on a routine foot patrol with the rest of my fellow Royal Marines during the early hours of Christmas Eve in 2007. I’d had various posts around the UK, since joining the Marines six years before, and this was my second post abroad. I took a step and without warning, detonated an IED (improvised explosive device). I was flung into the air and a huge crater formed in the ground below me. I could feel throbbing all over my body, almost like pins and needles, and despite seeing that my legs had been ripped off and my right arm shredded, I didn’t feel pain. The brain has an amazing way of protecting you – I couldn’t process what I was…

She’s a proud mum of four, but Ulrika Jonsson has slammed the latest trend of celebrities using their fame to boost their minime’s profiles. Instead, TV star Ulrika, 55, said it makes her feel ‘uneasy’ and declared that she wants her kids – daughters Bo, 21, Martha, 18, and sons Cameron, 28, and Malcolm, 14 – to stand firmly on their own two feet. After seeing new photos of 49-year-old model Heidi Klum ‘posing in undies with her equally scantily clad 18-year-old Leni’, Ulrika hit out saying it’s wrong and describing it as ‘slightly uneasy’. She said, ‘Heidi joins a string of model and celebrity mums who have made the strategic decision to exhibit their girls.’ Using other examples, such as Cindy Crawford and daughter Kaia and Kate Moss and…

PINK DIESEL There’s nothing better than a refreshing glass of rosé, even if it is Autumn! And while we may not be living it up in the South of France, with a glass of Pink Diesel in hand, you’ll almost think you are lapping up the sunshine! It’s available to buy online at pinkdiesel.co.uk and can be purchased by the bottle, RRP £14.95, in cases of 6+, and in magnums. HARVEST FRUITS MULLED WINE The season is upon us! Harvest Fruits Mulled Wine blends the finest ingredients to give a rich fruity character with warming spicy notes. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, a bottle costs just £3.25 from Iceland. Just heat it up and enjoy those cosy Winter vibes! PATRICK CHODOT FLEURIE If you prefer a good old-fashioned French red…