Table of contents for 2-2019 in Best

She’s back on Wednesday in a new six-part ITV drama, Cleaning Up – about strapped-for-cash office cleaner and mum Sam. Addicted to gambling, struggling on a zero-hours contract and fighting with her husband – who’s threatening to take her daughters, Alice, 14, and Lily, eight, away from her – Sam realises she has access to some lucrative information that could solve all her difficulties. The actress, who has battled her own emotional problems, says, ‘Sam was exciting to play. She’s flawed and messy, which I am! I think we all are. The story was exciting – the gambling addiction, the whole dynamic.’ Next, Sheridan opened up about the surprise new additions to her family. She’s adopted some animals… ‘I’ve got four donkeys, by the way, as well as two goats and two…

‘It’s very easy for people to criticise. I’m of Asian descent, I have cultural and religious barriers’ Defiant Loose Woman Saira Khan is braving far more than a wardrobe malfunction or a nasty tumble as she takes part in skating show Dancing On Ice. Horrifyingly, the TV presenter expects death threats from extremists who disapprove of a woman from a Muslim background wearing the figure-hugging costumes. But the 48-year-old is undeterred, and has vowed not to let the regular criticism she receives get to her during her time on the show. ‘It’s very easy for people to criticise. I’m of Asian descent, I have cultural and religious barriers,’ she explained. ‘All my life, I’ve been told, “You can’t do that because you can’t wear that. You can’t say that because you’re…

FAKE THAT JANUARY GLOW Feeling the burnout after the festive season? We all turn to coffee, alcohol and sugary snacks to keep us going, but these short-term cures cause blood sugar to spike, then drop back to burnout. The key is to understand what you are feeling and try to manage it. Even Superwoman knew how to delegate! 1. Get some ZZZs. Please, please, please be kind to yourself and go to bed early… at least three times a week. 2. Drink lots of hydrating liquids. Dehydration brings fatigue! Green tea gives you energy and is also said to help with weight loss. 3. Plan your days. Write it all down and spread it out, so your daily schedule is doable. 4. Snack well. Eat whole grains such as quinoa.…

TOP TIP Massage in for at least 30 seconds, then rinse with a flannel for a deep clean.…

£1.40 PER SERVING Spicy Lamb with Courgettes My spicy lamb with courgettes is a real soul-food supper. I’ve added the ‘spice’ at the end so the whole family can add as little or as much as they want. Goes great with some fresh bread to mop up all the juices… PER SERVING CALS 238 FAT 16g SERVES 4 300g diced lamb leg1 pinch chilli flakes1 pinch ground cuminSeasoning2tbsp olive oil2 courgettes, cut into half moons1 garlic clove, sliced500g passata1 generous pinchdried oregano12 baby plum tomatoes, cut in quarters7g (a small bunch) of basil leaves, rippedDash of Tabasco 1 Season the cubed lamb with the chilli flakes, cumin, salt and pepper. 2 Heat the olive oil in a pan and, once it is hot, introduce the lamb and sliced courgettes. Sear…

It’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It was just a couple of days after Christmas in 2016 when my mum, Margaret, 64, and dad Tony, 65, asked me to sit down. ‘Rosalyn, you’ve got a good job and you’ve got friends and a family who all care about you,’ Mum said gently. ‘But…’ As she paused, I started to squirm, half-expecting what was coming. ‘But we’re worried about you,’ she pressed on. ‘It’s your size. Your health is going to suffer if you keep on doing this to yourself.’ Aged 31, it was tough for me to listen to my parents’ well-meaning lecture. But I could hardly argue. At 5ft 1in, I weighed over 17st and was a size 24. There was no denying I…

It’s been over 20 years, but we’re still loving this series about three Manchester couples. Dubbed the ‘British Friends’, Cold Feet has it all – it’s a romantic comedy shot through with pain and grief. Pretty much how life is for most of us… Hermione Norris (Karen) and Fay Ripley (Jenny), both mums, chat about returning to the show in their 50s HERMIONE NORRIS Hi, Hermione – what’s it like being back with the cast for the eighth series? It feels lovely to be together again. I think this is the strongest series we’ve made to date. Cold Feet is about the six characters, and all of us have invested 20 years in them. Does the march of time surprise you? Of course! Karen [Hermione’s character] and David’s twins, Olivia and Ellie,…

‘Lovely Jayne Torvill might be shaping up to be one of my favourite judges’ FIRST SHOW? TICK! I’m delighted to be your new Dancing On Ice columnist! Fingers crossed, by the time you read this, I will have survived the first elimination! It was hard to control my nerves, but performing to Michael Bublé’s I Won’t Dance helped. A little nod to my Strictly past! OUR PINK LADY Didi Conn is so sweet. And how incredible does she look for 67? Brian [McFadden] and I are like the naughty boys in class, and we thought we’d have to tone it down around her. But Didi tells more risqué jokes than the two of us put together! I’m a big Grease fan, too, so to be hanging out with Frenchy is…

Soap legend Beverley Callard, 61, has played the role of Liz McDonald in Coronation Street for 29 years. Here, she tells best about surviving clinical depression and why she owes everything to her husband, Jon. There was speculation recently that you might be leaving Corrie… Yes, that was weird! I’m doing The Rocky Horror Show on stage in Manchester for a few weeks and, when it was announced, I think people thought I was about to leave Corrie! But I’m definitely not. I do like going back to theatre from time to time, and this show is only on for a short run, so I’ve been able to do both. [Bev plays the Narrator in the show at Manchester Opera House, ending on 26 January.] You’ve played Liz McDonald since 1989, but you don’t like…

Revealing all in his memoir, A Better Me, Gary Barlow, 47, tells how far he has come, from struggling with his weight – which ballooned to 17st at one point – to dealing with the pain of his daughter Poppy’s death in 2012. With an army of fans behind him, the pop star’s journey back to health and chart success is inspirational… On growing up… Music is all I ever wanted to do. As a teenager, I’d do gigs and play five hours straight, then get home, put earphones on and play until I fell asleep. It’s tough telling your parents you’re going to be a pop star at that age! But they believed absolutely in what I was doing. My dad worked in a factory – we weren’t wealthy at…

TAKE IT EASY(JET) There are super savings to be had with easyJet this winter – the company is knocking 20 per cent off more than 400,000 flights and holidays booked before 10 January, so hurry! We’ve got our eye on three nights at the Crowne Plaza Berlin with flights for £145pp (travelling on 10 Feb), and five nights at the fourstar Asterias Villas in Crete, half-board and flights from a bargain £170pp (travelling on 22 June). It’s first come, first served, though, so best stop reading and start booking on easyjet.com. CRUISE CONTROL Fancy free, ever-flowing cocktails while you cruise around the Caribbean or Med in the sunshine? Us, too, which is why we’re keen to take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s One Big Sale. It offers holidaymakers the chance to…

On average, we Brits drink 21 units of booze a week and each unit has an average 85 calories (there’s 165 in the average large glass of wine). So it makes sense that if you cut it out totally, you could end up looking like any one of these four gorgeous ladies and THAT may just be worth the sacrifice… KATE GARRAWAY: ‘My liver’s grateful’ Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway, 51, admitted that she was shocked by the reaction she got for attempting Dry January last year, after she was told by a GP that she had a ‘worryingly high’ level of fat in her liver. Describing herself as a ‘moderate drinker’, who was simply joining the other 3 million Brits planning to give up alcohol for a month, Kate…

He’s a global heart throb, but for Idris Elba, his two children will always have his heart! Dad to daughter Isan [with ex-wife Hannah Norgaar] and son Winston (right), four [with ex-girlfriend Naiyana Garth], Idris admits he’s definitely embarrassed the children on occasion. ‘Oh, plenty of times!’ He says. ‘I’m super-doting as a dad. Big hugs, kisses, lots of love yous and all of that! I’m sure my daughter’s like, “All right, Dad, chill out.” My son, he gets it. But he’s still at that age where he loves a cuddle.’ And Idris says quality time with his fiancée, Sabrina Dhowre, and the kids comes first in the evening, no matter how busy he is. ‘I’ll watch movies, make music and catch up with them.’ Aww.…

‘I think I’m going to give up being loyal for 2019, because I’ve decided it’s not worth it any more. It used to be seen as a valued and noble trait but, these days, loyalty is often misplaced, misunderstood or abused. It’s become one of those words that’s so overused it’s lost its real meaning. For a start, utility companies. To them, because I’m too lazy to go compare or change, I am told I’m a “loyal” customer. But in reality, I’m just a mug! What do I get for being “loyal”? Nothing but massive price rises and a mouldy old carrot in the form of a promise that my bills will go up this year by only eight million per cent! Meanwhile, new customers get all the great deals…

They’re known for their banter and bickering, but TV’s golden couple, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, raised a few eyebrows last week when a very touchy subject came up – Ruth’s weight. ‘I think you and I both know you are punching above your weight, Eamonn!’ tweeted a viewer Cheeky Eamonn, 59, caused outrage when he called his wife of eight years ‘very fat’. Discussing New Year’s resolutions on ITV’s This Morning, Ruth, 58, said her slimming app only allowed her 1, 200 calories a day. Eamonn interrupted, making reference to her ‘bulk’ – then, when Ruth complained about her restricted calories, interjected, ‘That’s because you’re very fat – that’s why.’ Looking taken aback, Ruth gasped, ‘Oh, my goodness, you are going to get, “Stop being horrible to your wife.’” But Eamonn…

183 cals per serving Mixed berry clafoutis Sharp, fresh berries baked under an almond batter. Serves 6 PREP: 15 mins COOK: 30 mins Per serving: 183 cals 350g mixed berries, hulled if needed andany large ones halved1 tbsp sugar50g plain flour50g ground almonds50g sugar3 eggs300ml milkIcing sugar, for dusting (optional) 1 Preheat oven to gas mark 4, 180°C, 160°C fan. Tip the berries into a shallow ovenproof dish and sprinkle with 1tbsp sugar. 2 Add flour, ground almonds, a pinch of salt and 50g sugar to a bowl. Stir, then make a well in the centre and break in the eggs and a little milk. Beat, incorporating flour as you go. Trickle in more milk and continue stirring, then switch to a balloon whisk and mix until lump-free. Add a…

Want to start the New Year feeling lighter, brighter and more confident? Then we have the perfect plan for you! With 50 years of experience, Slimming World knows all there is to know about losing weight while still enjoying deliciously filling meals. What’s more, you could lose up to 7lb in just two weeks!* HOW IT WORKS 1 Follow the menu on these pages – it’s Extra Easy! You can start on any day you choose, swap days around if there’s a meal you really fancy, or repeat days if there’s something you particularly enjoy. You’ll find more ideas at slimmingworld.co.uk or when you join your local Slimming World group or sign up to Slimming World Online. 2 Foods printed in bold are ‘Free Food’, which you can enjoy freely…

Cauli mac ’n’ cheese with gammon Serves 4 Ready in 1 hour ½ butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks2 garlic cloves, unpeeled1 cauliflower, broken into floretsLow-calorie cooking spray1tbsp fresh thyme leaves½tsp Cajun seasoning200g dried macaroni1 large lean gammon steak, all visible fat removed150ml boiling vegetable stock8 spring onions, thinly sliced400g fat-free fromage frais1tsp mustard powder80g reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, grated2 eggs, lightly beatenSalt and black pepperSalad, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. Arrange the squash, garlic and cauliflower in a single layer on a non-stick baking tray, and spritz with low-calorie cooking spray. Sprinkle over the thyme and Cajun seasoning, and roast for 30 mins or until softened. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the pack instructions, drain and set aside. 2 While the pasta…

I was only 11 years old on 28 July 1986, when estate agent Suzy Lamplugh disappeared. It’s a case that lodged itself in my mind from the very start – and still puzzles me now. On the day she went missing, the 25-year-old had made an appointment to show a man – named ‘Mr Kipper’ – around a house in Shorrolds Road, London. It’s not known if she met this man or not, but what we do know is that she never returned afterwards. The police started an investigation, and found her white Ford Fiesta parked a mile away from the address of her meeting. Although the car key was missing, her purse was left behind – suggesting that she’d not expected to be gone for long. Witnesses reported seeing…

STRUGGLING WITH NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS? Hang in there! Saturday is 12 January, and by then (so they say), most people will have already fallen by the wayside when it comes to keeping their New Year resolutions. If you’re one of them, don’t give up – it might not be you that’s the problem. It might just be The Resolution. We’re all imperfect, so we all have room for improvement – that’s why I am a great believer in resolutions. Ruth completely disagrees, making it clear that she will not be forced into any resolution whatsoever because she doesn’t believe in them. Fair enough. But I am of the school of thought put forward by the biologist Charles Darwin, who said that species either evolve or die… and I know which…

Holby City is celebrating its 20th anniversary by bringing back some of its most memorable cast members throughout the year. Rosie Marcel has been back for a while now, and her character Jac Naylor is famed for remaining cool and collected at all times but, last May, the actress revealed she had a nervous breakdown three years ago and needed a short break. ‘It’s very important to talk about mental health,’ she admitted. ‘So I needed a break from Jac to get healthy,’ she explained. ‘I give everything to my job but when I find myself giving too much, I pull back. Nothing requires 100 per cent of your time and that’s an important lesson that I’ve learned the hard way.’ Rosie, 41, is married to gym owner Ben Stacey…

CELEB SHAPE-UPS The Ultimate Body Plan Gemma Atkinson Harper Collins, £16.99 Follow the body gospel according to ex-Hollyoaks star Gemma with this super-practical guide to getting and keeping fit. It includes her 10 strength commandments, which form part of a 12-week exercise plan, and 75 simple and healthy recipes. Running Life Dame Kelly Holmes Kyle Books, £20 As one of our greatest ever Olympians, athlete Dame Kelly Holmes knows a thing or two about living a healthy lifestyle. And happily, she has passed on some of her tips in this guide to how exercise, mindfulness and diet – or ‘The Big Three’ as she calls them. SPINE-TINGLERS The Rumour Lesley Kara Bantam, £12.99 When single mum Joanna hears a rumour that a notorious child killer is living in her sleepy…

They’ve come a long way over a long time – 30 years in fact – so to celebrate Take That recorded a special documentary. As well as the boys themselves, it features fans from all over the country and beyond, sharing their stories of how Take That touched their lives and in some cases changed them entirely. Robbie Williams pops up to share favourite memories, and there is candid unseen material they shot over the years. There’s a glimpse behind the scenes as they record their anniversary album, and record tracks in the studio with Bee Gees Legend Barry Gibb. And there’s another very special reunion, the five proud Take That mums, who get together to say, ‘Didn’t they do well!” Take That: We’ve Come A Long Way is on the…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT After months of anticipation and the meticulous planning that has gone into the new Country Living Hotels, I was thrilled to finally be paying a visit to the first one to open – The Lansdown Grove in Bath. Pulling into the charming railway station at the heart of the Georgian city, I decided to walk the 10 minutes to the hotel. I’m pleased to say that when I first sighted the Country Living Hotel, it did not disappoint. Sitting on a hill, a little outside the gentle bustle of the town, and with great views across to the Royal Crescent, it looks like a charming 18th century country house. INSIDER’S GUIDE One of the great advantages of Bath is that there is no shortage of things to see…

‘Like their mums, generation millennials – or “snowflakes” as they’re called – come in all shapes and sizes. But they do have quite a few things in common – and are doing things very differently indeed. From dating to reading the news, it all happens online. They drink less – they’d rather have a night on the sofa with Netflix than a boozy club – and they rent, rather than buy. Let’s begin with alcohol. Going out and getting drunk, according to the Editor anyway, used to be a rite of passage. Drinking was ‘cool’, it’s how people relaxed – still is, for a lot of the over 40s. But times have changed – dramatically. Now, millennials are drinking less than their parents, the horror! Indeed, research published last year…

When Chloe Madeley, 31, walked up the aisle towards her handsome groom, rugby star James Haskell, mother of the bride Judy Finnigan, was almost as emotional as the blushing bride. ‘I couldn’t be happier that Chloe has married him,’ Judy, 70, gushed. ‘He’s a sweet man. He walked into our house for the first time, so toweringly tall he blocked out the light. I thought “Hmm… he’s impressive.”’ Chloe and James wed on 16 December, after four years of dating, in a ceremony in a Berkshire country church. Chloe’s dad, Richard Madeley, 62, was every bit as emotional as Judy, saying, ‘He’ll make a great husband to Chloe and, to us, a great son-in-law and friend. You can’t ask for any more.’ For the happy day, Judy chose a figure-flattering…

TOP TIP Classic cord is having a fashion moment! Team an A-line skirt with thick tights for a cute look that’s perfect for the weekend. TOP TIP An off the shoulder style gives a basic cable knit a touch of glamour. TOP TIP Flatter a pasty winter complexion with soft pinks and pastel shades.…

Crop of the pops Culottes are stylish all year round! It’s a tie! Add a waist detail and show off your curves. Wrap star The figure-flattering frock that looks fab A hint of print Workwear doesn’t have to be dull – just add a pretty pattern.…

‘My kids think it’s hilarious I play with Play-Doh!’ Lizzie Catt, 42, a social media manager, lives in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, with her husband, Will, 37, a journalist, and their children, Eva, four, and three-year-old Alex ‘T here isn’t a parent out there who doesn’t play with their kids’ toys after they go to bed – in my experience. I know so many people who just love building towering Duplo creations or making a Brio train track in the evenings. But it’s Play-Doh that has now got me hooked. At first, I was reluctant to have it in the house. I always had visions of the kids mixing the colours into a horrible brown mush and treading it all into the carpets. But when someone bought them a kit to make…

Gloria Hunniford is a mum of three and grandmother of 10. She’s been divorced, remarried and learned to deal with the loss of her daughter and, on Rip Off Britain, she battles consumer issues. In her own words, she’s ‘lived a lot’. So, ask Gloria anything… I regret upping sticks and moving Last year, I moved my entire family to Wales in order to be closer to my parents – but I find I’m missing London terribly. I feel as if I can’t say a word to my husband or my kids, as I was the one who convinced them to move! I just feel like I want the buzz back, and I’m missing my friends a lot. Of course, I’m so happy I can be here to look out…

Each of the numbered phrases below is an anagram of the name of one of the 10 pictured celebrities. Can you identify which one is which? Solution on te facing page. A. Hat-like keyring B. Election phase C. Leaky bonfire D. Jaunty Regent E. Posh misnomer F. Bawled rashly G. We pick mortar H. A lone July man I. Algerian C.I.D. J. A Hastings meal YOUR ANSWERS SOLUTIONS CELEGRAMS 1. I Daniel Craig 2. D Jenny Agutter 3. A Keira Knightley 4. F Bradley Walsh 5. G Patrick Mower 6. J Samantha Giles 7. H Joanna Lumley 8. E Homer Simpson 9. B Stephanie Cole 10. C Frankie Boyle…

‘Want one?’ my husband, John, mumbled, holding out a family-sized bag of chocolate buttons. As I shook my head, he shrugged and tipped in another mouthful. For most people this would be a weekend treat or a one-off after a stressful day at work, but John could polish off a big bag of crisps and then some chocolate after dinner every single evening, despite having a hearty, healthy meal. And I knew that, after I’d gone to bed, he could easily eat three tubs of Nutella, straight from the jar. I just couldn’t join him in his indulgences. If I ate the amount John did, I’d be the size… well, the size of John. When I’d met him three years earlier in the department store where we both worked, I’d…

ACTRESS JUNE WHITFIELD I always felt in the company of showbiz royalty with the late June Whitfield – gracious, gentle, a national treasure. The last time I was with her, she was asked for a selfie. She turned to me and whispered, ‘What’s a selfie, dear?’ AJ PRITCHARD The brutal beating of our friend AJ, from Strictly, and his brother at a nightclub is every parent’s nightmare. Two gentle, talented, handsome lads. No wonder we secretly dread hearing our kids say they’re heading out for the evening… TV AND ME I don’t think I once said last year, ‘There’s nothing on TV’. And 2019 will be just as good. I recommend the new series of cop drama Line Of Duty, The Crown, the final series of Poldark, and the return…

…being surprised by the success of Grantchester No one anticipated it would do as well as it has. I was fresh and green, hoping it was going to catch the public attention. And it did – I definitely owe a lot to the show. …filming his final series It’s been a privilege to play such a wonderful character, but I feel like there are other vicars, other conflicted souls, to explore. So it’s time to pass on the dog collar to Tom Brittney as Reverend Will Davenport. I had a couple of light-hearted conversations with some of the producers offering my dramatic, absurd, far-fetched versions of his exit. I wanted Sidney to be the victim of a gruesome murder and then the new vicar would have to investigate the crime.…

Congrats on your new book, Tell Me A Secret. How many books have you written now? I can hardly believe it, but it’s nine. My first one, Getting Rid Of Matthew, came out in 2007, and the time has just flashed by. Your books focus on twisted relationships between women. Is it right you describe them as ‘chick noir’? Well, it was a label someone else came up with, but I do really like it. I worry that, if someone expects ‘noir’, they might want a dead body. And I haven’t killed anybody yet. You do specialise in some very toxic female friendships, though! Yes, and I don’t do that because I think female friendships are more toxic – I just know women better. But I always want my central…

Liz Hurley’s son, Damian, has always been the spitting image of his mum, and looking at their matching outfits in a recent social media post, now more than ever!​ In an Instagram photo, the inseparable duo saw in the New Year in the exotic setting of Mumbai, India. Damian got into the swing of things by donning what appeared to be a traditional white Indian dress. The 16-year-old is sure to have turned heads in his chosen attire on the biggest night in the party calendar. ​ It’s no secret that the pair have a very close bond. Not only are they signed to the same modelling agency, Tess Model Management, but Damian also made a cameo appearance in the satirical TV series The Royals in December 2016, alongside his…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT There are various places you can witness the aurora borealis – northern lights as they are commonly known – but there’s no better way to guarantee it than with a breathtaking cruise to the Arctic circle. Your morning can be spent watching humpback whales, before disembarking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience – searching for the northern lights, reindeer sledging or a husky adventure. Head back to the comfort of a festively decorated ship complete with shops, fine restaurants and a spa – it’s like a town on water! INSIDER’S GUIDE It’s not only the grand ship, Aurora, that will have you mesmerised, P&O Cruises also offer amazing excursions. The most popular is spending an evening in search of the northern lights in Alta, as it’s one of the world’s…