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Last Wednesday, we held our annual best Heroes Awards, and you will be able to read the stories of the people we honoured in our first glittering Christmas issue, out on 7 November. Don’t miss it – as ever, we have plenty of gift ideas for under £10! But over the next four pages, we will be sharing pictures of some of the celebs who joined us, to honour these very special people. Kate Garraway accepted an award from her friend Ben Shephard (above), while weather presenter Laura Tobin and Dr Hilary Jones also came and presented to people you will read about soon. Ben was the right person to present this award to Kate. Not only are they friends but he is the author of a book called Humble…

Talking about how, despite her larger than life image, she has her highs and lows – Great British Bake Off and This Morning host, Alison Hammond, has revealed she wouldn’t ‘want to be anyone else’. ‘I just really like myself,’ she admitted hilariously, adding that ‘failing’ in life shouldn’t put anyone off trying again. The mum-of-one, 48, who kicked off her career in the third series of Channel 4’s Big Brother, admitted, ‘I tried a lot and failed a lot, but I’m not afraid of failure. That’s what makes success so much sweeter.’ The only thing she wishes she could change, was that her late mother Maria, who passed away in 2020 from liver failure, would be here to see just how good it was about to get for her…

The Sixties were a great decade for everything from make-up and clothes to music and sitcoms. Possibly the most popular of all was Bewitched, debuting in the US in 1964. The story of a suburban man marrying a witch still entertains to this day, with Bewitched not only being shown on repeats – but a film reboot in 2005 starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell only added to its glamour. The real star of the Sixties show was its iconic witch, Samantha Stephens, played by Elizabeth Montgomery. Sadly, she passed away at 62 in 1992. Now, a statue has been placed in none other than Salem, as a tribute to the star for her work and character. Here, we look back at the actress behind the magic, and reveal why…

What do you do when your other half wants to retire in one country – and you another? It’s a conundrum facing Ruth Langsford, who has admitted that her popular hubby is ‘a Belfast boy’ through and through – and when the pair finally hang up their presenting hats, he longs to retire to his home city. Speaking about her marriage, the Loose Woman, revealed in the podcast How to Be 60 with Kaye Adams, ‘I’ve always known Eamonn wants to be in Northern Ireland, and I think we’ll have to find a compromise.’ ‘You talk about things like that [retirement] as if they’re so far away, and suddenly you’re facing the day. You’re like, “Oh my, we’re in our 60s”. Probably we’ll end up with somewhere here [England], a…

Walking through the grounds of our home, I stopped to read one of the many fascinating tombstones. While living among the dead in a cemetery might give some people the shivers, it was comforting and life affirming for me. I’d had my eyes opened to the spiritual when I was just 12. A curious child, I’d loved poking around in my parents’ attic. There I’d found a box of books labelled for the jumble sale. Two volumes caught my eye: The Joy of Sex – forbidden fruit for a child – and a huge black hardback called Cult and Occult. Turning the pages of the latter, my eyes widened at the descriptions of casting spells and ceremonies to mark the passing of the seasons. I rescued both books and over…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Limited lines, plumped-up skin and a healthy glow all help you look younger, and eating the right type of anti-ageing foods can help you get them. So what should you eat? In our three-meals-a-day plan, you’ll start with plenty of healthy fats from foods like oily fish, olives, and avocado that hydrate the skin, plumping out wrinkles. 2 You’ll also eat lots of fruit and vegetables. Some produce – tomatoes, blueberries, kiwi fruit and leafy greens like spinach or watercress – have specific skin-ageing superpowers. Accompany meals with protein-packed beans or lentils (people who eat lots look younger say Australian doctors), or orange root vegetables like sweet potatoes and butternut squash (full of skin-boosting beta-carotene). And add plenty of garlic to your dishes – it protects…

Sally Morgan is one of the UK’s most celebrated psychics. She’s been communing with the ‘other side’ all her life and has had clients ranging from Uma Thurman and Mel B to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Now 72, mum-of-three Sally sadly lost her husband, John, to Covid-19 in 2021 after decades of happy marriage. But, looking fabulous, and maintaining her 14-stone weight loss following a 2009 gastric bypass, Sally, who oozed glamour at our best Heroes Awards at St Ermin’s Hotel last week, is still taking on this world – and the next… How are you, Sally? I’m very well. Super busy, which is brilliant. I’ve just done a tour, I’ve got a new podcast out and I’m in panto this year with Sinitta, who I’ve known for…

STRANGE SISTER My younger sister and I have never been particularly close, but since my kids have started to grow up, she’s showing interest in spending time with them, which I’ve appreciated – but she still barely talks to me. It was my daughter’s 18th birthday a few weeks ago, and my sis called to say she’d take her out for a drink at the local pub, but when my girl said, ‘I’ll bring Mum along’ she cancelled. It’s so rude and rather embarrassing. I don’t know what to do! Ola, Leeds It sounds as if your sister is attempting to divide and rule. She’ll see your adult kids, but only if you are excluded. I’m all for building separate relationships with people but not if that nastily leaves their…

Nibbling on my pen, I thought hard. Brown eyes, I scribbled down. At least 6ft tall. Must have children. Wants to live each day as if it’s his last. I sighed as I read over my list again. It didn’t seem too much to ask of a man – I didn’t want a millionaire or someone with a mansion. I didn’t care about their salary or what job they had. I just wanted someone kind, someone fun. Someone to spend the rest of my life with. But although it sounded simple to me, it felt like I was asking the impossible, given my recent dating experiences. So now, I’d decided to try another tactic – manifestation. I was just 21 years old when I first tied the knot – browsing…

As Brenda Rodgers lay on an operating table, with a team of medics battling to save her life following the tragic stillbirth of her son Declan, her mind was somewhere else entirely. She recalls a feeling of lifting out of her body and floating effortlessly up a grassy hill towards a bright light, where she saw her late grandmother holding Declan. ‘It was such a relief to see them together, but when I told them I wanted to stay, Granny Margaret shook her head,’ Brenda, 48, from Bellaghy, County Londonderry, remembers. ‘She told me that my work on Earth wasn’t finished.’ The vision that Brenda describes is what experts refer to as a near-death experience (NDE), and, according to a recent study, she is far from alone. Research has found…

I am going to be very honest. I’m not in a great place for a dating columnist. I have ‘swipe fatigue’ or as some term it, ‘dating burnout’. After more than a year of swiping left and right, I’m a bit over being faced with a sea of faces I know nothing about and a host of messages, usually extremely unimaginative ones, saying ‘Hi, gorgeous’ or ‘What you up to?’ Worse still is finally agreeing to meet up and feeling like Vanessa Feltz – what is the point of spending the evening with a man you know in less than five minutes you never want to see again? So, when Sweden texted to ask if I wanted to go to dinner, I agreed. It was the only time I’d been…

IS SHE AROUND ME? I lost my mum in February this year, and sometimes feel she’s watching me, I can feel her presence. Recently a robin, which was her favourite bird, appears quite often when I’m thinking of her. Is it her, is she trying to tell me something or is she just around me? Jackie LEE SAYS: I’m sorry for your loss, Jackie. But it’s wonderful you feel the spirit energy. Yes, spirits do come through birds and if it was your mum’s favourite bird, she’ll use robins as she knew it’d draw your attention.It will always give you peace and happiness. I don’t feel your mother wants to say something, as I feel she’s happy with everything going on around you. CAN THEY ADVISE ME? I miss my…

Jill paused when she reached the back of her bedroom wardrobe. Her wedding dress swayed in its zippered garment bag of clear plastic, displaying the ivory panels folded inside. Carefully, she lifted it out just as her friend Ruth came into the room with a bin bag in each hand, asking, ‘Where do you want me to— crikey, the dress!’ Yes, The Dress, to apply its formal title. Fifteen years earlier and a lifetime ago, Jill had bought it at the swankiest place in town, seduced by hand-sewn crystals, sweetheart neckline and – ‘the pièce de résistance’, she declared, unzipping the bag. ‘Behold, my white, faux-fur-trimmed shoulder cape, because it was a chilly autumn wedding. Wonder if it still fits.’ She drew out the swirly white cape and slipped both…

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1 PRINCE CHARMING Looking dapper in a beige suit, guests couldn’t wait to have their picture taken with hunky Love Island star Adam Collard. And when best caught up with Adam, 27, he coyly shared that he had plenty of reason to smile, thanks to his new girlfriend, presenter Laura Woods. ‘I’m dating someone and I’m happy,’ Adam blushed. Although keen to keep the romance private, Adam did let us in on how he met Laura, revealing, ‘I will hold my hands up, I did DM her [on Instagram]. I got a reply and then nothing ever happened. Eventually we met up and had one very, very undercover date.’ And the rest is history… 2 Who wowed the crowd? Satin and sequins reigned supreme…

Sitting on a windswept beach, just a few days ago, my best friend Kay raised her mug of tea. ‘To you,’ she grinned. ‘Who would have thought it? A writer!’ We both giggled. We were celebrating my book Thrift Your Life being published with a bacon sarnie and a cuppa, from a cafe (a converted bus!) on Bantham beach near my home in Plymouth. It’s something I could never have dreamed of, even just a year ago. I considered myself an ordinary working mum of two teens who just so happened to be… thrifty. I grew up in Seventies Wolverhampton, where Dad worked as a telephone engineer and money was tight. It’s the old story: we had single-glazed windows and frost on the net curtains, we only got new outfits…

‘It’s that time of year again, when I write about my conflicted feelings about Madonna. God, that woman’s confusing. She’s like Marmite, but worse. She’s a staple but at times leaves a bit of a taste in the mouth. But I can’t help it. I grew up with her. I’m not far off her age – she’s 65 and I’m 63. I’ve seen her live too, back in 1990 (the conical bra tour) at Wembley Arena. And in those days, you got your money’s worth. She just performed and sang and danced her ass off. All the hits – and there were already quite a few by then – were there. Most importantly, she hadn’t yet gone political. Which sounds the death knell for any popstar, if you ask me.…

1 DYE WITHOUT DRAMA ‘For salon-quality hair colour at home, it’s all about the preparation and application,’ says Josh Wood, colourist and founder of joshwoodcolour.com. ‘Section your hair into four. The neater the section, the neater the application. Apply little dots of a barrier cream or Vaseline around your hairline, then massage it in to stop any staining.’ As for ensuring the best results, Josh suggests starting ‘application where you feel greys are most resistant, for most this is around the hairline’. Finally, ‘always blend colour away from the face, as you don’t want to pull the colour onto your skin.’ Garnier Good, £12, has the consistency of a mask, taking away the worry of product dripping, and a sandalwood scent. FAKE IT YOURSELF Smooth and simple There are…

best essentials in association with MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS Resident chef on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch 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. M&S TOMATO KETCHUP £1.05 Rich, thick, tomatoey, with a good balance of sweet and savoury, this ketchup felt very luxurious, almost artisan tasting, and came out top of the list! TOMATO KETCHUP BY SAINSBURY’S 90P Joint second place, a strong contender; glossy finish, deep natural colour with a nice balance of flavours, not too sweet or acidic. BATTS TOMATO…

IS IT NORMAL TO GET OCCASIONAL PALPITATIONS? Every day around the same time in the afternoon (usually after lunch) I get heart palpations for a few minutes. It never lasts more than that, so I’ve never been too worried, but what I have noticed is that it’s every single day. Is that normal? And why at that time? Karen, Denbigh DR HILARY SAYS: Palpitations are very common and are usually described as a racing heartbeat or a thumping and lurching in the chest. It can certainly be alarming, but in most cases they are short-lived and benign. Anxiety is a frequent cause and so is a high intake of caffeine, which acts as a heart stimulant. Anaemia can force the heart to beat faster, and your symptoms occurring after lunch…

Animal shelters remain busier than ever but it’s black cats that are often left behind, according to Cats Protection, which is one of the reasons the charity launched National Black Cat Day 12 years ago. Black and white felines took on average seven days longer to find a home compared to cats of other colours, and while this statistic has improved, the annual celebration – this year on 27 October – has remained. To mark it, we’re sharing eight moggies who are looking for their next forever home. Could you be their next owner? NAME: ANDRINA AGE: 2 She can be a little nervous at first, but when Andrina learns to trust you, she’s a very confident girl who loves fuss. While she doesn’t like being picked up, she does…

It was almost dark on a chilly November evening when I went to put the bins out. ‘Evening,’ a voice called out of the gloom. It was my neighbour walking her dog. ‘Hi,’ I smiled back. ‘We’ve just moved in.’ The dog walker was Liz Copping, and she lived two doors down from our new home in Surrey. ‘I’ve always got a teabag or bottle of wine for visitors if you ever wanted to pop in,’ I ventured cautiously. Brave really. But I was glad of a friendly face, especially when we’d barely met anyone yet. And even braver Liz did call in a few days later. Funny really, how you connect with people – with some the chemistry just works. And that was me and Liz. We were at…

What do you call someone that you had a relationship with – when it was more than friends but less than having matching tattoos and meeting each other’s family? Well, I recently bumped into exactly that woman! We first crossed paths when I left home and moved to the city – London, to be exact – many moons ago. Nineties music ruled and no one looked twice if you wore bottle tops on your shoes and pondered life’s big questions, humming: ‘When will I, will I be famous? ’ She was older than me, not noticeably, but she was certainly more mature. She was gorgeous, liked me, and I was into her. I was certainly happy I had someone to plan things with. We would cook together (or rather she…

EASY ESSENTIALS While it’s now too cold to grow a sizeable amount of produce, particularly Mediterranean, sun and warmth-loving food, there are a few things to plant now to enjoy next year – namely, onions and garlic. I’ve given a couple of reasons not to prioritise them before –one being value for money, and another being the length of time to crop. They’re a cheap supermarket buy, so the time and space given to them almost feels pointless. However, they’re low maintenance in their growing period, and while supermarkets have limits on what varieties they grow, the choice is yours when it comes to growing your own! GARLIC I’ve grown ‘Solent Wight Garlic’ two years in a row and it’s reliable. While garlic likes the cold, don’t plant it out…

MUST-READS WATER John Boyne Doubleday – £12.99 (23 November) After her life is ravaged by trauma, a woman changes her name and moves to a remote Irish island to come to terms with her loss. But she finds it’s impossible to escape the past. The first in a new quartet, this tale promises great things.. STARLING HOUSE Alix E Harrow Tor – £12.99 Struggling to care for her younger brother, Opal finds herself drawn to the crumbling mansion in her home town – that the locals warn people to avoid. But like the house, she has secrets of her own. A gorgeously gothic horror-tinged tale full of romance and spirit. ROMANTIC READS THE MAN OF HER DREAMS Sarra Manning Hodder and Stoughton – £20 (9 November) A bump on the…

Hollywood star Bruce Willis was famed for his tough guy action roles but, these days, when we hear news of the much-loved actor, it is usually a devastating update about his decline, due to an uncommon form of dementia called frontotemporal (FTD), which can result in emotional problems, difficulty communicating and even issues with walking. The star’s heartbroken family revealed the sad diagnosis in March, following his withdrawal from making films. And now, pal Glenn Gordon Caron (who created Bruce’s big TV hit in the Eighties, Moonlighting) has revealed after a visit to his old friend that he is losing his ‘joie de vivre’ and ‘language skills’. ‘My sense is the first one to three minutes he knows who I am,’ Glenn said in a recent interview. ‘He’s not totally…

TOP TIP Layer a chunky knit over your favourite Summer frock.…

HALLOWEEN’S COMING… I’m looking forward to the Halloween Special. It’s always such a treat, from the performances to the characterisation – and the amazing creations done by hair and make-up. It will be spooktastic, darlings! Even us judges might get involved… FILM STAR VIBES Zara has really grown in confidence as the weeks go on – and it’s great to see someone on that journey, it’s what Strictly is all about. And come on, don’t she and Graziano look like a pair of Hollywood film stars on that dancefloor? Especially dancing the American Smooth last weekend – they were the epitome of old-school glamour. WHAT NEXT, ANGELA?! She said before Strictly that she wanted to learn the Argentine tango – well, after last weekend, Angela Rippon can firmly tick that…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION What puts a smile on your face? How do you feel when you look at pictures of your family? Does it put a smile on your face? If the anser is yes, you’re certainly not alone. According to a survey by backthen.com 94 per cent of us feel happier and more connected to our kids, parents, wider family and friends - especially when those pictures are in albums. Do you still have albums chronicling your family history that you like to flick through? Does looking at old photos help put a smile on your face? And if not, what does make you smile? Hot chocolate? Romantic films? Let us know... WHAT DO YOU THINK? Tell us at facebook.com/bestmagazine All aboard We don’t know about you, but we…

LESLEY There’s a reason I love Autumn… Halloween! But forget trick or treat; I just can’t get enough of pumpkins. It’s the must-have ingredient for a glowy complexion and as a foodstuff, it’s low in calories, high in fibre and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Brands have cottoned on to its power and are now introducing it into their skincare ranges all-year round. From lip treatments to body moisturisers, pumpkin-infused skincare promises a wealth of benefits that last well beyond the bewitching season. Nothing scary about these… promise! PLUMP UP WITH PUMPKIN ● Pumpkin fruit enzyme is a type of alpha hydroxy acid making it one of the best natural exfoliators around. ● Packed with vitamin A, pumpkin will help stimulate collagen production and soften wrinkles, while its vitamin C…

Double Trouble Chocolate Cake Silky chocolate buttercream and dark fudge frosting earn their stripes in this decadent chocolate extravaganza, which is laced with just a hint of coffee for extra richness. Hands-on time 2 hours + chilling. Cooking time 25mins. Serves 10-12 FOR THE SPONGES • 175g 70 per cent dark chocolate, chopped • 175g unsalted butter, cubed • 125ml hot strong coffee • 3 eggs • 125ml buttermilk, at room temperature • 2tbsp sunflower oil • 1tsp vanilla paste • 150g golden caster sugar • 150g light brown soft sugar • 260g plain flour • 40g cocoa powder • 1½tsp bicarbonate of soda • ½tsp baking powder • Pinch of salt FOR THE FUDGE FROSTING • 175g 70 per cent dark chocolate, chopped • 200g unsalted butter, cubed and…

TOP TIP! If you’re looking to create a gentle glow, shop for a lamp that is compatible with a dimmer switch: this will allow you to control the intensity…

PARTY NAILS Don’t get down about all those darker nights ahead. Look on the bright side – there’s more time to do our nails while we’re binge-watching Netflix! It’s time for our talons to shimmer and shine again, so have fun playing with shades you don’t usually wear and experiment with glitter and chrome. Whether you want to go for full-on metallic drama or just want a subtle hint of sparkle to say hello to the festive season, there are some fab new polishes for under £10. And remember, they make welcome stocking fillers, too. 1 FABULOUSLY FROSTED Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish in Immaterial Frost FX (£7.99, boots.com) Winter means it’s time to embrace your inner Elsa! Frozen fans will love this cool ice-blue sheer top coat speckled…

Hosted by Joel Dommett, this brand-new series of the ultimate physical and psychological game promises viewers a compelling test of brains, brawn and betrayal as players compete to outwit, outplay and outlast their rivals to be crowned the Sole Survivor. Eighteen people, from across the UK, are marooned in a tropical location and divided into two tribes, competing against each other in a range of physical and mental challenges for rewards or immunity. One by one, players are voted out at the iconic Tribal Council until the tribes eventually merge and the game becomes a head-to-head battle. Only one person can triumph, winning the £100,000 prize and the title of Sole Survivor. What’s the show about? The way I’d explain Survivor is that it’s as complicated or simple as…

1 Go green ‘Green social prescribing’ – from outdoor swimming to community gardens – is increasingly used by doctors as a tonic for mental health issues. ‘Research shows that time spent outdoors is positively correlated with positive emotions and structural changes in the prefrontal cortex,’ says Professor Hana Burianová, a cognitive neuroscientist working with wellbeing and supplement brand Healthspan. ‘The prefrontal cortex is critical for cognitive processing – including thinking and memory.’ 2 Monotask It might be tempting to multitask – eating your lunch as you’re scrolling on your phone or having a conversation while completing paperwork – but evidence suggests that monotasking is more efficient for your nervous system, while a research study from the University of California found that it also takes 23 minutes to refocus after a…

As the season changes, it’s time to look at how best to keep our homes warm during the Autumn and Winter months. Follow these tips from myjobquote.co.uk on what’s needed and how much it could cost you. So start planning now… 1 MINIMISE DRAUGHTS Draughtproofing strips can be applied to windows if necessary. Do also consider draught excluders for your doors, lining your letterbox to stop draughts from entering, plus sealing skirting board and floorboard cracks. Keeping your home warm during the colder months isn’t just about immediate fixes, but also understanding broader trends in energy-efficient construction, such as your ventilation, insultation and heating types. Read on for more advice on those. 2 CHECK YOUR WINDOWS You may need to fix or consider replacing them to keep your home warm.…

I’ve just been for a mammogram. Not the most fun thing to do on a Wednesday morning but not to be avoided. Let’s face it, it’s just another one of those ‘grin and bear it’ things about being a woman over 50. Another 10 years or so and they’ll leave my tits alone. Mammograms on the NHS are usually offered to women between the ages of 50 and 74, although obviously, if you have any concerns, then your GP will sort a scan out for whatever your age. These screening sessions are five-minute life savers – so when you’re called, don’t forget to go. There’s something quite odd about sitting in a waiting room full of women who you know are all due to take their clothes off in a…

SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November The lunar eclipse on the 28th in your opposite sign, Taurus, could bring some setbacks in a close relationship. Things may not be quite what you thought they were, maybe you feel let down over a specific issue or perhaps that spark of emotion goes out. That’s life – feelings wax and wane and people are – well, people, so you have to learn to live with things. But the danger is that you could lose your temper and say too much. Some things need to be confronted but right now it’s probably best to let it go. Take out your frustrations at the gym, or a lovely brisk Autumn walk – hey! it's really no big deal, and you’re in control. SAGITTARIUS 23…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES ACROSS 1 9 10 11 12 13 16 18 20 21 22 23 DOWN 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 17 18 19 Cheryl, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts were members of which girl group? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 24 October 2023 until midnight on 10 November 2023. 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 3390). *For full T&Cs see below. We will use the information you supply to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice visit hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice. One entry per household. Phone…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Whatever you get up to during your time at this 700-acre resort, a trip to Universal Orlando will be unforgettable. Home to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay – it boasts some of the most innovative, immersive experiences ever created (one personal favourite was The Bourne Stuntacular). Plus, you’re never far from top bars and restaurants at CityWalk. But the big draw this time of year is the spectacularly inventive Halloween Horror Nights. See you in the fog…. INSIDER’S GUIDE Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is known as the world’s top Halloween event – and for good reason. At this year’s event, the 32nd of its kind, visitors can experience 10 spinetinglingly immersive Haunted Houses and Five Scare Zones, bringing iconic horror and…