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We all have our favourite celebs on TV. I have a handful and one of them is Ben Shephard. He really is the nicest of men, see page 10. Last October, he came to our best Heroes awards to present a gtrophy to his own bestie, Kate Garraway. Kate could not have done more to raise the plight of unpaid carers, while she herself was caring for her husband, Derek. Like best, Ben is passionate when it comes to telling (as he terms them in his book Humble Heroes) the inspirational stories of hope, heart and humanity. Read more about best’s latest inspiring Hero on page 74. Ten years of him on GMB has flown by in my eyes. ‘I’ve loved every minute,’ he confirmed, adding with a smile: ‘Well,…

They’re never far from the headlines, but in recent months the Royals have been under the glare of the spotlight more intensely than ever. The shock news of the Princess of Wales undergoing abdominal surgery, and King Charles’ revelation that he is being treated for an undisclosed cancer, reminds the world that no one can take their health for granted. Although it’s not been revealed why Kate underwent a ‘planned’ operation, it is known that she’s not expected to return to Royal duties until after Easter. It is also a known medical fact that major surgery can leave the abdominal walls needing up to two years to fully recover. Kate has been at home in Windsor and there was welcome news when we learned that she was well enough to…

We can’t get enough of Alison Hammond on telly – and it turns out, she can’t get enough of watching telly! The national treasure joins Josh Widdicombe, 40, as a team captain on 38-year-old Rob Beckett’s new panel show, Smart TV, along with guest actors, comics and stars every week to compete in fun, chaotic rounds all about the small screen. With fascinating trivia, great clips, play-along games, and a lovable trio at the centre, fans of telly and comedy won’t want to miss this hilarious celebration of the shows we love (and some that we don’t). Here, This Morning star and mum-of-one Alison, 49, reveals more… How was filming Smart TV? It felt like going on a night out with my friends – amazing. It was lovely to meet…

Since their iconic Bolero in the 1984 Winter Olympics, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have gone down in history as sporting legends and national treasures. And to mark the 40th anniversary since they were awarded Gold, the skating partners-turned-Dancing on Ice judges have announced that they will be heading out on one final tour – before sadly hanging up their skates for good. Close friends Jayne, 66, and Chris, 65, explained they will hit the road for Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance, which will run from 12 April to 11 May next year. Speaking from Sarajevo, where they were invited to an event to celebrate four decades to the day they were awarded a perfect score and crowned the winners in the city’s Olympics, the dynamic duo teased the…

LESLEY SAYS… Go for a concise approach What comprises a good skincare routine? There’s so much advice, it’s overwhelming! Let’s face it, most of us want to keep it simple. But does that even exist? Yes! The cornerstone of any effective skincare routine lies in consistency. We advocate a balanced approach – gone are the days of overwhelming bathroom shelves, instead, embrace a concise yet comprehensive line-up of essentials. CLEANSE – This rids skin of impurities, excess oil and environmental pollutants, paving the way for optimal product absorption. For mature skin, FaceWise Melting Cleansing Balm, £39.95, is exceptional, or try Bondi Sands Melt Me Cleansing Balm, £11.99. TONE – Truth be told, I don’t use or advise a toner. My mother would cleanse with Vaseline so would use rose water…

Rubber gloves at the ready, I got to work cleaning the office in Leeds. I was making my way around, when I noticed a woman still working at her desk. I did a double take as I spotted an old lady standing next to her, lovingly stroking her hair. I swallowed hard. Even though I was pretty used to seeing spirits by now, it always took me aback. I didn’t know what to do. Should I tell the woman and risk sounding bonkers? Or keep my mouth shut? Suddenly, I had a strong feeling that I needed to speak up… ‘This is going to sound weird, but there’s an elderly lady standing behind you, stroking your hair,’ I said. ‘She’s tall with glasses, grey hair, carrying a walking stick and…

SHINGLES VACCINE ENQUIRY... My mother, who is 87, contracted shingles about 10 years ago and still has recurrent bouts of awful pain. I am 59 and I dread going through the same thing . Someone told me the other day that there is a vaccine for shingles, but how do I know if I am eligible for it? Denise, Middlesex DR HILARY SAYS: Your poor mother. Postherpetic neuralgia following shingles can last for months or even years, causing intermittent knife-like pain in the nerves where the telltale shingles rash once was. It can, of course, be treated with neuropathic medicines, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, but it’s still tiresome. The shingles vaccine can prevent people experiencing shingles and reduce its complications, but there are eligibility criteria. It is available on…

I was recently at the 58th birthday bash of one of my closest friends. It was a ‘girls only’ do in her kitchen – fearful (as we always are) that the inclusion of any husbands/partners might hamper our fun. There was dancing, lots of laughter and way too much prosecco consumed by the birthday girl. We’ve been pals since our late 20s and our daughters are now 29 – the same age we were when we first met. Did I think back then, that as a mid-life menopausal woman, I’d still be trying to rock 1980s harem pants, have an Instagram addiction and enjoy heated discussions about whether Brooklyn Beckham’s wife is really into him? Not for a minute. I thought I knew exactly how the future would look as…

So, Valentine’s Day came and went – which date did I go on? The French man from the dating app, the bubbles with an old friend, or the dinner with a man I know well, who was over from the States? The answer, my best friends, is… none. Now, before you think ‘That one is her own worst enemy’, in my defence I was recovering from flu and just couldn’t drag myself to get there. In fact, I was on so many meds that when I caught up with Darcy that morning – at 11am, I might add – he thought I was drunk, and shouted: ‘Right, come on. Who let her sniff a cork!?’ Much to the amusement of all who heard. Truth be told, my Valentine’s night ended…

PAGETURNERS THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS Jennie Godfrey Hutchinson Heineman – £15.99 In the Seventies, the Yorkshire Ripper casts a shadow over all – including 12-year-old Miv, who along with her best friend, decides to turn detectives and catch the killer. On the way, they discover shock secrets in this touching tale. SISTERHOOD Cathy Kelly Orion – £16.99 On the evening of her 15th birthday, Lou’s mother drops a bombshell – leading her to set off on a road trip with her sister and another friend. Travelling from Ireland to sunny Sicilian skies, it’s a heartwarming journey. KIILLER THRILLERS NIGHTWATCHING Tracy Sierra Viking – £14.99 Prepare to have the wits well and truly scared out of you by this terrifying tale that centres on a woman alone in her house…

After months of speculation – with various runners and riders reported on – the brand new hosts of This Morning have finally been confirmed, as we expected. And they are none other than best’s favourite Ben Shephard and former Stars In Their Eyes presenter, Cat Deeley. The pair are now the permanent replacements for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, who left the troubled show in May and October respectively. A thrilled Ben, 49, who currently presents Good Morning Britain said: ‘This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. ‘For the last 10 years, I’ve been waking up with our ITV daytime audience on GMB and I now look forward to spending time with Cat, welcoming the…

It’s no secret that David and Victoria Beckham are close to all of their children – Brooklyn, 24, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12. And while daughter Harper is known for being a real daddy’s girl (the pair often post funny videos together on social media and are even sometimes photographed holding hands) – it appears that Brentford footballer Romeo is extremely close to his fashion designer mum, Victoria… For Romeo’s birthday last September, VB described her second-born son as ‘the sweetest, kindest and most generous soul. We are so proud of you, and we love you more than words can express, you are our everything xx Kisses.’ More recently, the good-looking sportsman – (who bears a striking resemblance to the former Spice Girl… just look at those eyes!)…

Keep your hands clean and fragrant TOP TIP! Don’t forget that you should be washing your hands for at least 20 seconds!…

HOW IT WORKS A massive 57 per cent of us believe our overall mood is worse in winter.* Symptoms include anxiety, low energy, weight gain and wanting more sleep. But the good news is, we’ve devised a diet to help you feel happier. Our plan is based on boosting your body’s level of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter (or chemical messenger), which is made from amino acids found in specific foods. It’s believed that dopamine can be a great mood-booster and help you feel brighter. Our diet is based on dopamine-friendly foods which includes lots of dairy products, lean meat, fish and eggs, which are also great at keeping you feeling fuller for longer and helping you eat less overall. WHAT TO DO ● Simply follow our 7-day menu (opposite). It…

TOP TIP! Sage green combined with natural accessories will give your room a rustic feel.…

It was November 2012 when a concerned mum contacted the police to say her daughter was missing. Nancy Raney hadn’t seen Cari Farver, 35, and she was getting increasingly worried. Cari’s dad was terminally ill, and her 12-year-old son was missing his mum too. Nancy was adamant Cari wouldn’t have just upped sticks and she hadn’t laid eyes on her daughter for weeks. ‘You know, mothers and daughters always have their ups and downs,’ Nancy says in a new Netflix documentary, Lover, Stalker, Killer. ‘…And we did, but it was just so puzzling to me when I couldn’t get through to her.’ Cari had supposedly contacted her mum to say she needed some space and was starting a new job in Kansas, 450 miles from their Iowa home. She’d asked…

Any Corrie fan will know that the course of true love never runs smooth, especially for Sarah Platt – just ask Tina O’Brien, the actress who plays her. But when Sarah tied the knot with Adam Barlow, it seemed she’d found her happy ending – until she had an affair with Damon Hay and fell pregnant, ultimately leading to the pair’s bitter split. Now, Sarah’s embarked on a relationship with Damon – the brother of dangerous gangster Harvey, who’s currently in prison. Determined to get Damon out of the picture, heartbroken lawyer Adam has teamed up with the offender to help win his appeal. Over the next two weeks on Corrie, Adam will try to win Sarah back – but his actions put her in major danger… Here, 40-year-old Tina…

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. 10 OMEGA 3 FISH FINGERS £1.75, Morrisons A solid middle-of-the-road fish finger that won’t upset anyone. A lot of crunch with a slab of compact fish in the centre being a little on the solid, less flaky side – but makes for a quality fish finger sandwich filling! 10 FISH FINGERS, £2.30, M&S Joint third place; again, this is a good average fish finger that has a nice crisp exterior (perfect for…

It’s been nearly two weeks since my potential ‘girlfriend’ returned from her skiing trip – and she still hasn’t found the time to catch up face-to-face – hmm. To be honest, I just don’t know how to describe our ‘situation’ and this lack of clarity is making me a tad paranoid. For those who may not be up to speed, I bumped into an ex from 25 years ago in a deli and the chemistry was still there. She was single but she did have two cats – and an expensive automatic cat poop machine. We dated for a month, during which time I happened to glimpse a text message flash up on her phone saying: ‘Happy New Year, Gorgeous…’ with a number, no name attached. Anyway, I didn’t mention…

TREE-MENDOUS Edinburgh Zoo is home to four Queensland koalas, the only ones in the UK, including Kalari, pictured. A snap wide awake is pretty rare, considering these creatures sleep between 18 and 22 hours a day! FEELING PRICKLY! Not to be mistaken for hedgehogs, echidnas are native to Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, but Paignton Zoo is home to Bruce, one of the only ones in the UK. LINE OF DUTY There are roughly only 540 Amur tigers in the world, Dragan at Dartmoor Zoo being one of them. Aside from the usual things tigers tend to like, Dragan has expensive tastes, with Chanel No5 being his favourite scent! BABE IN ARMS This rare chimpanzee was born to mum Alice at Chester Zoo in December and is yet to be…

‘Wine, Clare?’ ‘Rude not to!’ I grin at Ali. The boat rocks gently as I let the sun work its magic. Ali takes the lounger next to me and drops her sarong. She’s tall and bronzed. I don’t really go brown. I move from pink to burnt like over-grilled chicken. ‘I’m guessing we’ve got at least an hour of peace,’ I say. Our husbands have gone snorkelling. We’ve hired a boat from the hotel and dropped anchor near a tiny uninhabited island, where the fish are apparently amazing. The four of us have been taking an annual trip together since the kids were small. Now they’ve all left home, we’ve gone from self-catering villas to fancy hotels. The Greek islands have been a good choice. ‘You and Matt getting on…

A FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND? My husband and I lost our beloved cat almost six years ago. We were busy moving home, etc, so put off getting another but, now we’re settled, he is not keen on getting another pet. I’m desperate for a cat, so I wondered if he will he change his mind anytime soon? Jackie from Nottinghamshire LEE SAYS: Hi, Jackie. Thanks for your question – and I have good news. By the end of July, you will see a change in his mind and I feel you will be getting another cat, a male cat. I hope you find this comforting. Love, Lee HE DESERVES HAPPINESS My brother is going through a divorce and he is a kind and generous person. Obviously, he feels down and although he’s…

Julia Bradbury is known best for hosting Countryfile, and quitting in 2014, at age 44, to concentrate on adding to her longed-for family. But three years ago, then aged 50, the now mum-of-three was diagnosed with breast cancer. Taking control of the situation, Julia bravely announced her diagnosis to the public and then documented her cancer journey in a TV show called Breast Cancer And Me. She followed this up by writing a book, Walk Yourself Happy, finding the most amazing places to go walking all over the world. Now, she’s expanding this idea into a series of wellbeing retreats… Julia, you look a picture of health and you’ve talked about giving up alcohol since your cancer diagnosis. Is abstinence still the answer for you? I don’t describe myself as…

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Lorraine Kelly has hit back at a social media account tracking her absences from her ITV daytime show – revealing a personal reason for being off screen. The account on X called @LorraineKWatch has been keeping a record of her time away from her job, totting up the number of times she was not on her show. When asked about it in a radio interview, the Scottish star, 64, revealed that she’s been taking time off to spend time with her elderly mother, who has kidney disease. ‘You should never comment on things like that if you don’t know what’s really going on in people’s lives,’ she said. ‘It’s fine, I don’t mind, I don’t care. I probably would have cared before, but I really don’t now. But I am…

Top Tip A biker jacket is an investment, but this versatile style will look good for years to come.…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Would you credit-score date? Dating as a single woman can be daunting and one US app has recently launched for financially responsible singles and seeks to alleviate some money worries. The new app, Score, is a ‘dating app for people with good credit’ that requires users to have a credit score of 675 and above to join. It comes as a TikTok recently went viral – a Boston accountant uploaded a screenshot of his near-perfect credit score to his Hinge profile to aid his mission to find a soulmate. Research shows 31 percent of women found irresponsible spending a turn-off, according to research from the Western & Southern Financial Group. Meanwhile, Brits spend almost £500 (£454) on first dates per year, according to credit card brand Aqua.…

1 SHAPESHIFTERS – FLATTER YOUR FACE ‘Eyebrows are a powerful tool and can influence the character of your face,’ explains Hayley Walker, Justmylook.com beauty expert. ‘The best shape depends on the shape of your face,’ which Hayley shares as follows: Oval faces need minimal manipulation. Add a slight arch for a soft, natural finish. Round faces should aim for a sharper, lifted arch and lengthened tail to create structure. Squares are flattered by a high, curved arch to soften hard angles. Heart shapes can be complimented by rounded shapes, with a soft arch to dilute a longer chin. FAKE IT YOURSELF Night time habits Serums with hair-growth claims are an expensive option, but while your kitchen cupboard won’t hold any miracle products, there are options to help improve the condition…

Since this is awards season, the spotlight is shining on what the stars use on their skin, hair and bodies to get them red-carpet ready. Their make-up bags and bathroom shelves may be crammed with high-end products, but alongside the premium brands you’ll find the everyday staples they rely on. Many of their must-haves have stood the test of time for a reason – they do a good job. Here are some of their best budget beauty finds for under £10. Proof indeed that you don’t need an A-list budget to get star quality. SKIN HERO Nivea Creme (£4.21, sainsburys.co.uk) CELEBRITY FAN: Sally Lindsay Since it first launched in 1911, this rich, white cream in its famous blue and white tin has been one of the most effective products you…

Chicken Katsu Sando This seriously comforting sandwich has crisp panko-coated chicken, crunchy cabbage and spicy sauce for the ultimate lunchtime indulgence. Hands-on time 25min. Cooking time about 10min. Makes 4 • 5tbsp plain flour, seasoned • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 125g (4oz) panko breadcrumbs • 2 skinless chicken breasts • ⅓ small white cabbage, cored and finely shredded • Juice 1 lime • Vegetable oil, to fry • 1½tbsp Gochujang chilli paste • 4tbsp BBQ sauce • 8 slices white bread 1 Put the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs into 3 separate shallow bowls. Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally, then coat each one in flour (tap off any excess), egg and breadcrumbs. Cover and chill them until ready to cook. 2 In a non-metallic bowl, toss the cabbage…

NEW PARTNER IS A CLEAN FREAK! I got divorced after the pandemic, and I’ve finally found someone I can see having a future with again. I’ve really been on cloud nine since we met, but there’s one thing that’s really starting to bug me. He’s a total clean freak – and has officially been diagnosed with OCD. Everything has to be in its place and put in a certain way, and I’m the total opposite to that. In fact, that was the only thing I had in common with my ex… we really didn’t bother about things like that. I find it quite unattractive, but I don’t want to go through another break-up, I do really like him – just not when he tells me to put plastic covers on…

The old man and I are off on our hols, and I can’t wait. After a huge amount of dithering, I phoned a travel company and a man called Paul did everything for me. It was like being in the olden days, I told him what we were after and he sorted it all out – flights, trains, hotels. In fact, I’m thinking of asking Paul to come with us, because I think we’ll have a better time if we just do everything he tells us to do. I hate booking holidays, I hate the responsibility of choosing flights and accommodation. I dither and faff, and by the time I go back to book those flights we talked about two days ago, they’ve gone. Anyway, thanks to Paul, we’re doing…

Dragging my suitcase behind him, my partner Graham, 44, turned and gave me a huge smile. ‘Welcome to your new home,’ he beamed. It was May 2018 and after just over a year of dating, I’d moved in to his home in Blackburn, Lancashire. We’d first met online back in 2016 when I was living in Preston. It’d taken me seven months to build up the courage to meet up with Graham, but when we did, in February 2017, we’d had a beautiful day. After a stroll along the river, we’d grabbed fish and chips. ‘I’d love to do this again,’ Graham said when we finally parted ways. The moment I got home, a text was waiting for me. ‘Can’t wait to see you,’ it read. I couldn’t wait either!…

Wherever I turned my head, the view was filled with the most fantastic trees, woody giants probably hundreds of years old stretching skywards to the sun. Gazing up at them from the ground, their branches looked like big fingers reaching up to the light. My forest bathing guide, Carina, had sent me off to find a tree I particularly liked, stand as close to it as possible, lift my arms, then lean my whole body onto the cool trunk, making complete physical contact. I closed my eyes, caressed the gnarled bark under my hands and breathed in the fresh air… Not so long ago, calling someone a tree hugger was an insult, conjuring up images of crusty hippies crouching on branches for weeks on end. Were they barking mad? It…

With 138K Instagram followers on her @the_idle_ hands account -interior stylist, Sandra Baker, inspires with her classy taste… A POP OF COLOUR Living room goals! If going all out with a lime green sofa is a bit of a stretch – why not start with something small for a pop of colour – like Dunelm’s furn.plain cushion in Lime Green for £15? BEAUTIFUL BEDROOM Is a bed ever really fully complete without a quilt?! See John Lewis’ Tassel Quilt in blue, on sale at £32.50, to recreate Sandra’s look… FLOWER POWER More floral print, but the staircase walls are hands down our favourite! See wallpapermural.com for various designs at great prices! HOME OFFICE If this is what our working from home set-up looked like, we’d never go to the office…

PISCES 20 February – 20 March You may feel slightly gloomy as Saturn, planet of obligation, moves into your sign for the next 18 months, but that won’t last as you get used to being more practical and gaining a greater sense of achievement. Scale down and focus. Try not to second guess yourself or be distracted by dreams you’ve outgrown. It’s your cue to square your shoulders and decide to be your authentic self. You may think others are running you down, but this is probably your imagination and anyway, so what! Be positive, listen to yourself and formulate your goals for the coming year. Saturn promises a rich harvest for those who work at it. ARIES 21 March – 20 April The conjunction of Venus and Mars in…

Baked for an hour, until crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these infamous potatoes are lavished with butter, seasoned, generous toppings added, then they’re boxed and wrapped in foil to let everything melt… The simple spud is having a resurgence thanks to one man (with pink hair) in the West Midlands. Nestled outside the picturesque St Editha’s Parish Church in Tamworth is a food truck that opens at 10am (it’s closed Wednesdays and Sundays). Its cuisine is simple – jacket potatoes with a choice of toppings (cheese, baked beans, tuna mayonnaise and homemade chilli to name a few). People come from far and wide, queueing for hours on end to get a potato and, hopefully, catch a glimpse of the Spudman himself. Spudman, 39 years old…

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/bestcross0924 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 Who said: ‘I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I’ve ever known’? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 27 February 2024 until midnight on 15 March 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 (0900 100…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Ask José Hernández if space dispels or confirms the possibility of an afterlife, and he laughs. ‘Absolutely confirms it. You look out the window, you can see the very thin ozone line that protects us, and the infinity of space and you think, “we can’t be the only ones and who created this?”’ He is speaking at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and anyone is welcome to buy a ticket and listen to the astronauts who regularly appear. It’s a chance to ask an astronaut anything. No question too big or too small. INSIDER’S GUIDE There are moments in history that are watched by the entire planet. Neil Armstrong stepping onto the moon is one of them. From film footage of that moment to the accomplishments of…