Table of contents for 3 - 2016 in Best

It’s been a week of tragedy for icons. First David Bowie – such an amazing force of nature, who kept his illness so secret it seemed inconceivable that he could have died. Then British actor, Alan Rickman, at 69, the same age as Bowie, who similarly kept his cancer hidden from the public and whose death left us reeling. We think of these giants of stage and screen as invincible. It’s a shock to discover such legends are human after all. But part of the legacy left by these stars is not in their album sales or awards. It’s their resilience, courage and creativity – right up until the final curtain falls.…

Dawn said, go for it – she’s the mamma!’ ‘Dawn pushed us together, absolutely,’ admits Ruby Wax, recalling the moment she and her husband, TV producer Ed Bye, first met – becoming one of the most enduring showbiz couples. Ruby’s never been behind the door about anything, and she’s not going to start now. Ed was 33 at the time (he’s a year younger than Ruby), and she says it was a good thing her friend gave her a push in the right direction. The year was 1988, and the two were in Dawn French’s living room, discussing the TV sitcom Girls On Top, which Ed was set to direct. Dawn and Ruby were to star in it, with Jennifer Saunders and Tracey Ullman. ‘Ed didn’t have a choice,’ laughs…

The nominations are in, and now the real work starts. If you think the Oscars are all about talent, we’ve got news for you – the Easter Bunny isn’t real either. There’s a formula for bagging a statuette, and actors ignore it at their peril. Here are the basics… BE YOUNG The Academy has over 8,000 members, with the vast majority being old men. And, guess what... they love young women! Around 63 per cent of Best Actor winners are over 40. Only 26 per cent of Best Actress winners have passed the same age... DON’T TRY TOO HARD As with Tinder, it never pays to look desperate. ‘I’m just thrilled to be nominated,’ is the only acceptable answer when anyone asks about your chances. Jennifer Aniston sent cupcakes to…

THIS WEEK... STARMAN’S GONE TO HEAVEN Eamonn: I literally have thousands of songs on my iPad and I’m quite proud of the range. Everything from country to classic. I also noticed that I have an awful lot of 70s stuff. I loved that era. That’s when I was a teenager, from 10 to 20 mostly covering glam rock, disco and Elvis. There is no punk in there, I wasn’t a fan, and this week I realised there was another huge omission that I have to put right – David Bowie. I broke the news of his death to the world on Sky News Sunrise and initially had to rely on my own knowledge of the man. I was 12 when Starman, The Jean Genie, and Life On Mars were released.…

She started out singing on cruise ships, developed a massive following and finally became a host of Loose Women for over 10 years. Since leaving the show two years ago, Jane McDonald, 52, has starred in the musical Cats and has now dropped a huge 18lb on new ITV show Sugar Free Farm. Here, the star reveals how she ditched sugar, and got her figure back in the best shape ever… You don’t look happy in the first episode of Sugar Free Farm, Jane! I wasn’t! At first, I was insulted that I’d even been asked on [Laughs]. I was a size 14 and I thought, ‘Do they think I’m fat?’ But the producers explained they wanted someone ‘normal’ size to go to the farm and see what happens. That’s…

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‘Most women my age would give anything to be in their twenties again, but I can honestly say, I’m happier now at 56 than I’ve ever been. I’ve spent the past three decades struggling with my weight and now I’ve lost five stone, I finally feel comfortable in my own skin. I never really thought about my weight growing up. I was a steady 10st and happy with the way I looked. So much so, that when I was offered some modeling work in my early twenties and they wanted me to lose two stone, I decided not to bother. But that all changed when my mum died in 1986. My parents had separated when I was eight years old, and, having stayed with Mum, we really were exceptionally close.…

1 COPYCAT KYLIE NO, YOUR EYES AREN’T DECEIVING YOU… THIS ISN’T KYLIE MINOGUE, IT’S HER YOUNGER SISTER, DANNII! After revealing her shorter (and blonder) ’do, the 44-year-old singer has seemingly transformed into the spitting image of big sister Kylie, 47, and her followers on social media can’t get enough of the new look. ‘WOW, you look GORGEOUS, Dan – loving the hair,’ enthused one of her followers on Instagram. Maybe blondes do have more fun after all! 2 FRIENDS TWO-HOUR SPECIAL CONFIRMED IT’S OFFICIAL – FRIENDS WILL MEET UP ONCE AGAIN FOR A TRIBUTE TO DIRECTOR JAMES BURROW – WELL, FIVE OF THEM! THE REUNION, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY A CELEBRATION OF JAMES’ LIFE, WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE ON 21 FEBRUARY. But Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing…

‘This man is making her skin crawl’ Andrea McLean’s life has finally come together – Loose Women is up for a National Television Award, her businessman boyfriend, Nick Feeney, has moved in with her, and she’s not even ruling out wedding bells, but the star’s happiness is being marred by an obsessive stalker. Friends say the situation has become so serious that the shaken star is losing sleep, has broken down in tears on several occasions, and has increased the security in her home. A source close to the 46-year-old mum-of-two told Best, ‘It’s been going on for months… Love letters, peering through her windows, parking outside her family home for hours. ‘Andrea’s been in tears, even at work. It’s spoiling what would otherwise be the most wonderful time for her. ‘Nick…

‘You just have to deal with whatever life throws at you’ Former Loose Women star Carol McGiffin spent early January soaking up the sun in Thailand with her fiancé Mark Cassidy. And this picture shows that the 55-year-old, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2014, is well on the road to recovery. ‘Look at me getting on the Champers @DreamHKT Beach Club! See, us mastectomy girls can still do bikinis!’ she tweeted. You sure can, Carol. Ironically, it was while she was on holiday in the Far East this time two years ago that the star first discovered a lump in her breast. Returning home, she was diagnosed with aggressive stage three breast cancer, and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and 15 doses of radiotherapy. She also had…

THIS WEEK... As a working mum, I know we all suffer from guilt when we can’t be there for our kids. When my lot were little, I didn’t even feel good about leaving them with my mum, and I still feel bad for my 14-year-old Ciara when it’s half-term and I’m on Loose Women – I know how it feels and I don’t want to add to that. That said, I’ve never understood the idea of boarding school – handing over your seven-year-old to an institution, and only seeing them at weekends and holidays for the next 10 years? I’m sorry, but that’s messed up in my book. If you really can’t find time to be with your child, don’t have one. But some kids say they love it, which…

THIS WEEK... WHO NEEDS TO FILL IN A SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM? If you haven’t completed a paper return already, then filing online is your only option. Anyone who received a taxable income that wasn’t covered by PAYE – taxes deducted automatically by an employer – in the tax year to 5 April 2015, needs to complete a tax return and file it online by 31 January. Taxable income can range from rental income, money made as a sole trader, or even selling online. If you haven’t kept a record of your stationery expenses, but know you spend £20 a month, put that down. WHAT TO DECLARE As well as ALL information on money earned, you will also need to include details of any business expenses relevant to your business, as businesses…

Best columnist (and Simon Cowell’s brother) Tony talks showbiz I’ve always found Cheryl Fernandez-Versini to be witty, chatty and full of fun, but there’s no denying that she just wasn’t herself on The X Factor last year. Ever the professional, the 32-year-old turned on the charm for her acts, but no one could have failed to notice that she looked thin and frail, and appeared preoccupied and distant at times. Despite her veneer, the frequent tears showed something was hurting. TOO MUCH, TOO SOON? Chatting to her backstage often proved difficult – she seemed reluctant to open up, and was happier asking me personal questions rather than talking about herself. This wasn’t anything like the Cheryl I know and love. Without her husband, Jean-Bernard (always called JB), at her side, the…

How does your character Mary feel about Brendan Finch at this point? Does she really think he will leave his wife? Absolutely! That’s always been the bottom line with Mary. Brendan has told her that she’s just got to be patient, because he will leave his wife and they’ll be together. He’s fed her all these lies about how they’ll live together so, in her mind, it’s a question of when, not if. She’s totally fallen for him. He’s manly, he’s straight out of a Mills & Boon novel. He’s a clever man, good with words, very attentive – and she’s fallen hook, line and sinker. How does Mary react to Norris’ digs about Brendan’s marital status? She views it as jealousy. She can’t see Brendan for what he really…

TIP If you don’t have a slow-cooker, sear the joint in a casserole pan. Pour in the sauce, coat well, cover and cook in an oven preheated to 12 0C/fan 100C/g as ½ for 5 -6 hours. Perfect pulled pork with spicy wedges Tender pulled meat is such a treat and this slow cooker recipe creates succulent pork that falls off the bone. SERVES 4 Ready in 8½ hours • 500g passata • 5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 tsp mustard powder • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 3 tbsp sweetener • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Low-calorie cooking spray • 1.5-2kg pork shoulder joint, visible fat removed FOR THE WEDGES • 1 kg sweet potatoes, scrubbed or peeled and cut into thick…

Bomber styles are still hot this season, and this navy style gives the classic nautical look a fresh makeover. Smarten up with a pair of courts, or go casual at the weekend with trainers. Fancy beating the January blues with a fashion pick-me-up? Shop savvy with on-trend pieces that will work now. COURTSIDE If you’re looking for a showstopping shoe for the evening, give winter boots the night off and consider a pair of brightly coloured courts. This classic shape will stay in style and work with everything in your wardrobe. £18, very.co.uk A STINT IN PRINT A statement print will instantly freshen up your wardrobe. This pencil skirt is not only flattering, it will look great with a roll neck and knee-high boots. £14.99, New Look FLOWER POWER Bold…

‘Our focus is the happiness of our son Eddie’ Not long after their romantic wedding in Rome, Nick Knowles gushed of his new bride, ‘As one of life’s romantics, I had always hoped I’d find someone with whom I could look into the future long-term – and I have.’ Sadly, though, just three years on, the popular 53-year-old presenter has revealed that he and his wife Jessica Rose Moor, 28, are splitting up. In a joint statement, they said, ‘It is with sadness that we announce we are separating. Our focus continues to be the happiness of our son Eddie.’ This, despite his passionate words, and Jessica’s efforts to keep the romance alive – including her decision to keep Nick out of the labour room during the birth of their…

She’s from the super-cool world of rock and modelling, he’s a newspaper baron from Melbourne. But whatever else you think about the uber-glam Texan with the famous drawl and her 84-year-old billionaire fiancé, Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch are sure to grab more headlines than any other showbiz marriage… JERRY AND RUPERT: BILLIONAIRE BIZ Sir Mick Jagger’s ex wasn’t exactly Miss Nobody before getting together with the media billionaire. The former model has already enjoyed one high-profile relationship, and is reportedly worth more than £10 million in her own right. But the 59-year-old’s engagement to Rupert – who has an estimated family wealth of £7.7 billion – instantly propels her to a new position. She is now half of the world’s most influential couple. He already owns newspapers, magazines and…

MISSING CLAUDIA TAKEN TOO SOON Claire Throssell and Joan Lawrence have a very unique friendship. Despite the fact that they live 65 miles apart and there’s a 29-year age gap between them, they have one thing in common that bonded them instantly. They’ve both lost children in tragic ways, something that brought the two of them together initially and has led to them becoming a support to one another. Joan’s daughter, Claudia, hit the headlines in 2009 when she mysteriously disappeared. At the time, Claudia was 35 years old and working as a chef. On 18 March, she returned to her home in York after work and spoke to Joan on the telephone, to discuss plans for spending Mother’s Day together. But after sending another text message to a friend…

KATE BENTON made her name as a make-up artist by working on TV and film sets, so if anyone has a keen eye on what looks good on camera, it’s her. She started her training at the BBC, and was there for many years. She then set up on her own, creating preciousaboutmakeup.com, a professional cosmetics store. Her ability to experiment with new looks in front of the camera means she’s in a good position to take the fear out of this spring’s hottest shade... Step-by-step guide to braving the blues • The last time blue was such a big trend the colour spectrum was limited. Now there is so much choice that you’re more likely to find a shade to really flatter. Believe it or not, the right blue…

ALEX JONES TOP The embellished detail breaks up the stripes and gives a classic polo neck a modern twist. SKIRT Pretty prom skirts don’t just have to be for special occasions. When dressed down, they create a soft and feminine look, perfect for day or a casual night out. BAG A black bag might have been an obvious colour choice with this outfit. However, as Alex proves, choosing a contrasting colour makes the outfit look even more stylish. SHOES Copy Alex and invest in a pair of pointy courts. You don’t have to go sky high – mid and kitten heels will look every bit as chic. GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT! Go from day to night by adding a touch of bling to a jumper. The brooch is making a stylish…

Always... Use an SPF following any product, because your skin will be more sensitive to the sun than normal. Why exfoliate? We’ve all heard of it, but can we honestly say we do it? It turns out that exfoliating is more crucial the older we get. ‘As we age, cell regeneration slows down,’ explains leading dermatologist Dr Murad. Not only does a build-up cause a dry, dull appearance, but ‘it can result in clogged pores, leading to blemishes’. If this isn’t dealt with, your other skin care can’t do its job properly, and your make-up risks looking patchy. Physical vs chemical When it comes to exfoliating, many of us reach for a grainy scrub and rub away at our top layer of skin (the physical method), but this may do…

Hi, James. Can you tell us more about your character, Harry Clayton, in Stan Lee’s Lucky Man? Sure. Harry’s a brilliant but troubled detective inspector in London. A flawed hero with a serious gambling addiction, which results in him losing his home. At that point, his wife has no option but to kick him out. What happens in the first episode? A lot happens in the first five minutes! When we first meet Harry, he’s in a casino, losing money, and his debt is called in. He later meets the mysterious Eve (played by Sienna Guillory), and starts to win big at the roulette table. They spend the night together. Next day, he wakes up wearing a strange bracelet, which he can’t get off his wrist. It’s a lucky charm,…

WIN £550 STRAIGHT CLUES ACROSS 6 A decade (7) 7 Drying cloth (5) 9 Tree fruit (4) 10 Final payment (10) 11 Not proud of a wall, e.g. (5) 12 Vacant, void (5) 14 Indonesian island (4) 16 Purchase price (4) 17 Large open grassland area (5) 18 Dances (slang) (5) 22 Flying machines (10) 25 Bamboo stick (4) 26 Wet weather (5) 27 Illustration, or role model (7) DOWN 1 Putting into words (10) 2 Leading position (5) 3 Is not (abbr.) (4) 4 European country (5) 5 Moved in the water (4) 6 Take illegally (5) 8 Swimming pool distances (7) 13 Laboratory magnifier (10) 15 Non-professional (7) 19 Garden boundary (5) 20 Uses toys (5) 21 Written composition (5) 23 Skip, ignore (4) 24 Require (4) CRYPTIC…