Table of contents for 35 - 2017 in Best

This time 30 years ago, the first editor of best, Iris Burton, wrote a letter welcoming all her new readers to the magazine. One of those readers was 21-year-old Janice Schofield from Leeds, and she was instantly hooked. She explains, ‘I loved the way we were so involved, and that you wanted to know what we thought.’ And, 30 years later, it’s one of the reasons Janice is still reading us (see page 16). To mark our birthday, we want YOU to get the pressies (see page 54). And we’ll be giving away gifts, prizes and promotions for the next 30 weeks, too! We hope you enjoy the party as much as us, and we’d love you to share your memories of the way we were.…

‘I am learning every day. I learn from every person I meet, and I can feel how much it’s taught me’ Anyone looking at Davina McCall’s Instagram posts could be forgiven for thinking she’s pretty happy with her life. Her feed is full of pictures of the TV star looking tanned and toned, smiling widely with glossy locks and a washboard stomach – and then, of course, there’s her happy marriage [to dishy businessman Matthew Robertson], three beautiful kids and a gorgeous house complete with swimming pool. But, speaking on her new programme, The Davina Hour – a discussion show about mental wellbeing that airs on entertainment channel W from next Monday – the self-confessed ‘therapy junkie’ admits she’s still haunted by her past. For the first episode, Davina, 49,…

‘It’s probably best if I send people home because I look like the Child Catcher, I’ve got nothing to lose’ The Great British Bake Off is back, and the bakers are better than ever, but how will its new famous faces fare? After the show’s headlinemaking switch from BBC One to Channel 4 in a £75 million three-year deal, there’s been much speculation about its replacement stars Sandi Toksvig, Noel Fielding and Prue Leith, who join original judge Paul Hollywood. Best caught up with Noel, 44, to find out more. Some fans are anxious about Bake Off returning with three new faces. Your name seemed a particular surprise to many… It’s like finding a spider in a packet of fondant fancies! (Laughs) I don’t think any of us came into it thinking…

1 The X Factor SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, ITV, 8PM NEW SERIES It’s that time of year again… the return of the singing competition that – love it or hate it – gets everyone talking! This series is number 14, and a host of stars from One Direction to Olly Murs and Little Mix all owe their fame, and fortune, to Simon Cowell’s TV talent show. This year, Simon’s back with fellow judges Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, and host Dermot O’Leary. There will be some surprises in store, too. We’ll see some younger contestants, as the age limit has been lowered to 15, and some of the previous features have been revamped. The maestro himself said, ‘I think if you make the same show each year, it becomes…

There’s a new recruit in Hollyoaks as Kate Garraway joins the cast… and the Chester-based soap gears up for a dramatic week, as we find out who really killed Amy Barnes. As the media descend to report on the trial, Hollyoaks superfan Kate Garraway plays herself as a TV reporter covering the story. So is Ste really the guilty man? With the trial starting on Friday, all will soon be revealed… ‘You mean you missed my extraordinary performance in the cult hit, Sharknado 5?! I can’t believe it – where have you been?’…

1 NO MONKEY BUSINESS HERE! This baby orangutan didn’t look much in the mood for monkeying around when this picture was snapped! It’s no wonder he’s so serious – three-month-old Hujan was abandoned by his mother as a newborn. He’s now being cared for in a zoo in Krefeld, Germany, where his keepers feed him with a bottle. No doubt he’ll soon be aping around! 2 Who wowed the crowd? Our favourite celebs have a different type of postsummer blues. It’s a flashback fashion moment with Sienna Miller and Katie Holmes opting for a double-denim jeans-and-shirt combo, and singer Kelly Rowland going asymmetric in a oneshoulder top. If anyone can pull off two 80s trends in one go, it’s her! These three blue belles channel the 80s by rocking a…

‘Hermione told me her hand hurt. I’m like, “How do you think I feel? I’m the one being punched!”’ How was it going back to film this series? When we met up again last year, it felt like no time had passed. And this time, it’s coming back after a year – not 10 – so it was much easier. It’s a little bit like a family. We could all hang out with each other, and Manchester feels like home on so many levels. The audience loved the return of Cold Feet last year. How did you feel about the response? Just great relief! It was a high-risk proposition. When it came out originally, it seemed to be at a time in people’s lives that was important to them. They…

Every Tuesday, I have a small but extremely enjoyable ritual. On the way to work, in a payroll department in Leeds, I stop off at the newsagent and buy a copy of my favourite magazine. Luckily, that’s also the day I finish early, so I get home before my husband, Colin, 58, or sons, Dale, 25, and Adam, 22, are back. I kick off my shoes, make myself a cup of coffee and settle myself on the sofa to read best cover to cover – just the way I have for the past 30 years. That’s my me time! In my teens and early 20s, I loved women’s magazines. There was something so fascinating about the different health, beauty and fashion pages, especially in those early days when I was…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Would you do this to your dog? The rise of extreme dog grooming is moving from the US to the UK, and many Brits are ‘treating’ their four-legged friends to painted nails, bright hair dyes and glitter makeovers. But although, to a lot of people, it’s just a bit of furry fun, many are against the trend – including various animal charities. ‘Dogs aren’t bonsai trees to be sculpted into shapes that please us,’ says Elisa Allen from Peta. ‘Many are nervous, and dyeing them bright colours puts them at risk of allergic reactions and even toxic poisoning.’ Other organisations believe it is physically irritating, even humiliating, but indulgent owners say their dogs love their new looks. What do you think? Is it just harmless horseplay or…

SALMA HAYEK IS A VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Achieving success in their chosen field is the greatest desire of Virgos, and knowing they’ve made a difference. ARIES 21 March – 20 April Your closest friends find it easy to talk to you. You instinctively know what to say to put people at ease. Others are coming to you when they need help with emotional difficulties. Your advice will be well received, but you need to think of yourself. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Pleasing news puts you on the road to romantic happiness. Taking the chance of going on an impromptu trip together will be a lot of fun. Shared romantic activities will provide profound contentment. You’re optimistic about what the future might hold! GEMINI 22 May…

EMMERDALE Kerry offers a helping hand to Daz, but keeps it a secret from Dan. And Pollard (left) begins to worry that Faith is only after his money. CORONATION STREET Gemma tells Rosie that Rita might have dementia. And Gary returns from Ukraine, but is keeping secrets from Sarah. Meanwhile, Will gets even creepier as he finds a scarf belonging to Michelle and slips it into his pocket. EASTENDERS After a furious row, Mick issues Linda a warning about their relationship. And Stephen breaks the news about his tumour, leaving Ian devastated.…

TOP TIP Designer Diane Von Furstenberg first introduced the world to the jersey wrap dress in 1972. Flattering, feminine and sexy, it still looks good today. TOP TIP Try one of the trends of the season by pairing your wrap dress with jeans or wide trousers. TOP TIP This frilled sexy maxi is the dress to wear for those final summer get-togethers.…

‘My typewriter tells our history’ Nicci Fletcher, 49, is a writer from Dorset. When I was little, I used to love going to stay with my grandparents, Grannie and Pompom. They lived on a clifftop in Cornwall, and our visits always felt like huge adventures. My grannie, Winifred Grace, was a loving woman who cooked delicious Bakewell tarts. She loved entertaining, but she was formal, too. She adored writing and even had a few cookery pieces published, something which inspired me. I spent hours conjuring up stories, and Grannie was the first person I’d tell them to. Then, in 1978, when I was nine years old, she led me to the study and showed me her Imperial portable typewriter. I was mesmerised, especially after I learnt that it had been…

TOP TIP DFS has just launched a new Capsule Collection that is ideal for smaller rooms. WIN A SOFA WORTH £699! To celebrate our 30th birthday, one lucky reader has the chance to win a handmade DFS sofa. The Truth Large Lounger in graphite velvet is a part of DFS’s new Capsule Collection; a range of customisable sofas, armchairs and footstools designed for smaller spaces. The range – with sofas from just £399, available in both compact and large sizes for a stylish but space-saving solution – provides contemporary pieces that will continue to work as tastes evolve and spaces change. POST: Send a postcard with your name, address, phone number and email address to DFS Giveaway, GVBSTN17527, Hearst Magazines UK, The Data Solutions Centre, Worksop S80 2RT. Closing date…

EXHIBITION ELVIS ON TOUR, THE O2, LONDON, 3 NOVEMBER-4 FEB To mark 40 years since the King left us, this fascinating exhibition includes artefacts straight from Graceland that date from 1969-1977 – from his gold microphone to over 40 of those infamous rhinestoneencrusted jumpsuits and exclusive photos. Fans will be All Shook Up by this incredible collection. elvisontourexhibition.co.uk PLAY JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, REGENT’S PARK, UNTIL 23 SEPTEMBER Rain aside (so take a mac!), this is a lovely, intimate venue to watch Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s famous musical. Still stamped with a 70s glam rock feel, Jesus (Declan Bennett) is whipped with glitter, and Judas finds his hands covered in silver sparkles. The voice of Mary Magdalene (Anoushka Lucas) is beautifully warm, and her haunting rendition of I Don’t…

‘It’s never easy to think about the worst happening, but taking control beforehand can make all the difference if and when things go wrong,’ says Jennifer. ‘While serious illness or death can catch any of us off guard, being financially prepared means there’s one less thing to worry about at what is bound to be a very challenging time.’ 1 IT MIGHT HAPPEN TO YOU Many of us don’t take out insurance, believing it ‘won’t happen to me’. But critical illnesses affect millions in the UK, either directly or through a loved one. As painful as it is to think about, who would take care of you if you fell ill? Your children? Parents? And how would you cover your mortgage or rent? Putting plans in place now can make…