Table of contents for 08-2023 in Best

Last week, Patsy Kensit confirmed that she’s left EastEnders and her role as Emma Harding (mum to terminally ill Lola Pearce, played by Danielle Harold) with a post that read ‘Jamie and Danielle, thank you for making me laugh every day. I love you both. A new adventure begins…’ Jamie is Jamie Borthwick, who plays Lola’s on-screen hubby, Jay. The pair recently sparked rumours of a real-life romance when Danielle posted a picture of them captioned ‘My Love’. As for Patsy’s ‘new adventure’, she was jetting abroad, but not before she spoke to the Beyond the Bathroom podcast, where she also spoke of her soap history. ‘I went into Emmerdale… at the time it beat the ratings against EastEnders. I thought I’d only be in for three months but played Sadie King for…

As I typed the words, I felt a mixture of emotions… anger, grief, heartbreak, how unfair this all seemed. But I’d been determined to share this roller coaster of a journey and my beloved husband, Nick, had agreed. ‘Maybe it will help other people,’ he’d said, despite being a very private man. I hoped it would too, especially as it had been so therapeutic for me… You’re an absolute bastard, Ms Alzheimer’s. You have robbed him (and me) – at such a speed that even doctors are surprised – of everything he enjoyed and was looking forward to in his early 70s. But even that wasn’t enough for you. Now that he’s dying and there’s nothing anyone can do about it, you’re gleefully prolonging it for as long as you…

Pulling on my shiny shoulder-padded jacket and zipping up my silver platform boots, I was excited and nervous in equal measure. I was getting ready to debut my first retro club night for people over 40, where they could dance to feel-good disco tracks without worrying about what anyone thought. As the music blared out and the colourful disco lights flashed, people began to arrive at the beautiful upstairs ballroom of the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich. I knew it was going to be a night to remember and it was a far cry from my early days… I’d grown up on a remote farm in Devon with three brothers – so glitz and glamour were in short supply! The highlight of my week was watching Top of the Pops on…

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE MAGIC BARS There’s barely any mixing involved, you pretty much throw everything in the tin and bake it – just like magic. These bars have a buttery chocolate chip cookie base, a sweet and gooey middle, are packed with condensed milk and chocolate chips, and topped with crunchy chocolate chip cookies. If you love chewy textures and caramelised flavours, go for an edge or a corner piece! Prep: 45 minutes + cooling Makes 16 • 250g crunchy chocolate chip cookies + 16 broken into quarters for the topping• 90g unsalted butter, melted• 1 x 397g can condensed milk• 250g milk chocolate chips Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas mark 4 and line a 20cm (8in) square baking tin with nonstick baking paper. Put the whole cookies…

PLUS! 15% off qandaskin.com* Use code BEST15 at checkout 4 to give away Q+A believes that skincare shouldn’t be a mystery. That’s why they’ve created a unique on-pack checklist to help you understand your skin needs and select the best skincare for your skin type! Using naturally derived ingredients, they deliver high-performance products tailored to your skin type. Made in Norfolk, this British brand offers a range of products priced between £6.50 and £12. With Q+A, skincare becomes an effortless journey to healthy, radiant skin. Say goodbye to confusion and hello to your best regime yet! Four lucky readers will win a £100 gift card to spend online at qandaskin.com. To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best0823a by 10 March 2023. PHONE: Call…

‘Make mine a double?’ LOUISE BULGIN, 41, BEST’S FEATURE’S ED, LONDON There’s no doubt that our cheeky little puppy, Riggins, has ruled our household since we got him in November 2021. Part spaniel, he loves long walks and chasing plastic bottles – but most of all, he loves things he’s not allowed. You can guarantee, on a walk, he’ll sniff out a chicken bone until we have to wrestle it out of his mouth. He gets away with mischief because he’s so cute, great company, enjoys a tummy rub and always looks at me with those big brown eyes… We do need to watch him all the time, though, and that became even more apparent last year, one bank holiday weekend. We’d had friends round for lunch, finishing off the…

Former Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman – a regular on This Morning, giving her forthright opinions on the issues of the day – has hit back at a dig made at her by a former newspaper editor. The glamorous 62-year-old slammed former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie on Twitter – after he called her a ‘Welsh windbag’. Rude… But why? The dig came after Carol slammed broadcaster Nick Ferrari for his controversial comments on air, regarding a survey revealing that four out of five teachers in the UK have provided oral hygiene products to students. Nick argued that people shouldn’t have children if they can’t afford to buy their child a toothbrush – 25p for two in Asda, according to the host. ‘If you’re a mum and, or a dad, and you…

The final instalment of the popular drama has once again been written by Endeavour creator Russell Lewis, who has penned each of the 36 screenplays across the past decade. The new series, set in the early Seventies, finds Endeavour Morse and Thursday entering a new era of change, both professionally and personally. The show also features some familiar faces, including Sam, played by Jack Bannon (Pennyworth), who arrives back from Northern Ireland following his service in the British army. Here, 42-year-old Shaun Evans – who plays Morse – tells us more… Where did we last leave Endeavour Morse? Things were getting on top of Morse at the end of the last series. Burning the candle at both ends, and not managing his relationship with alcohol. So, he has taken some…

SEARCH ME! Can you find the words in the grid? They will be placed only once and may be either horizontal, vertical or diagonal and go either forwards or backwards. There is one word listed that isn’t in the grid – can you work out which one it is? ALMONDS APPLES BANANAS BREAD CEREAL CHIA SEEDS CRACKERS FRUIT JUICE HAZELNUTS ICE CREAM KIDNEY BEANS LENTILS PASTA PEANUTS PEAS POTATOES RICE SOFT DRINKS STRAWBERRIES WALNUTS SUDOK-GO! Fill the grid using the numbers from 1 to 9 only. Each number must appear once in every column, row and 3x3 square. Now, off you sudok-go! WORD WHEEL Find as many words of three or more letters in the wheel as you can. Each word must use the central letter and a selection from…

1 CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH… ME! Mirror, mirror on the wall… Parrot Legion’s Instagram account is full of hilarious avian videos, but our favourite one has got to be this beautiful bird saying how much he loves… well, himself! If you’ve not already seen it, head to @‌parrotlegion now – giggles guaranteed! These shining stars make metallic magical on the Red Carpet 2 Who wowed the crowd? There’s a lot to feel gloomy about these days but our wardrobes are making up for it with precious metals reigning supreme at the Brits. Mollie King, 35, opted for-head-to-toe sequins, while Love Island host Maya Jama, 28, added a golden touch in Schiaparelli. Meanwhile, Kate Garraway, 55, simply shone. 3 OLIVIA’S TOP TIP… We caught up with reality star Olivia Atwood at The…

Patsy has a close-knit group of girlfriends, including the wife of late Depeche Mode star, Andy Fletcher – and lives ‘a quiet life’ these days. Speaking of Andy’s partner, she explained, ‘There has been a lot of tragedy. One of my best girlfriends, Grainne Fletcher, was married to Andy Fletcher from Depeche Mode. Her husband dropped down dead – we were all there at the house when it happened. I have watched in awe at her strength. They were together 30-plus years… I get upset talking about it.’ She added, ‘With my girlfriends, I am very lucky, as if I say something to them, it doesn’t go any further. That was not the case in my life years ago – that’s something I’ve weeded out. I know I can confide…

Worth £579! GREAT SCOTT, IT’S TIME TO GO BACK TO THE FUTURE! The critically acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning Back to the Future: The Musical is electrifying audiences and breaking box office records at London’s Adelphi Theatre – and you could be in with a chance of experiencing it yourself! Based on the hit 1985 movie, the story follows Marty McFly, a teenager who is transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by Dr Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence. Based on a book by Bob Gale, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard and additional songs from the film, including The Power of Love…

1 TACKLE ‘DEBT PROBLEM’ FIRST There are many types of debt, but ‘problem debt’ can include using credit to cover essential bills, food and travel or borrowing to cover existing debt repayment. The first step is to gather your contracts, bills and statements and make a list of what you need to pay off. Note down who you owe, when you first missed a payment and how much you owe. Look at what’s coming in and going out each month to identify any potential savings you can make to cover your debt repayments. 2 PRIORITISE Pay off ‘priority debts’, such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills and council tax first, says Sue Anderson, head of media at StepChange. ‘Once you’ve dealt with these, try to meet the minimum payment on every debt…

According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), 52 per cent of UK adults own a pet, and they can be expensive. In fact, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home estimate the average cost of owning a dog in the UK is £2,000 a year. TAKING PREVENTATIVE MEASURES Is there anything we can do to avoid escalating costs? ‘We encourage speaking to a vet early about any concerns, as this will help avoid escalating situations and costs,’ advises Malcolm Morley, British Veterinary Association president. ‘Regular check-ups and routines, such as exercise, brushing teeth and appropriate diet, can help keep your pet healthy. Vets can also advise if your pet needs treatment for parasites, such as fleas,’ he adds. BUYING VS ADOPTING Buying or adopting a pet comes down to preference,…

This week, I have mostly been ‘ill ill’. To give Micky Flanagan’s ‘going out out’ catchphrase a new twist, being ‘ill ill’ means being more than just ill. This is hardcore ill, and no, before you ask, it’s not Covid – other viruses are available! Whatever this virus is, this thing has fangs! I’m writing to you from my sick-bed. This is the sixth day I’ve spent in this festering pit and the first day I have pulled the curtains and actually allowed light into the room for almost a week. This is the virus that starts with a sore throat, a migraine-style headache, some vomiting, followed by sneezing, rivers of snot and a choking cough. A veritable smorgasbord of symptoms, no less. I haven’t been ‘ill ill’ for ages.…

1 Gogglebox FRIDAY, CHANNEL 4, 9PM NEW SERIES Our favourite armchair critics are back, to tuck into their takeaways while watching the best of the week’s TV and streaming output, sharing their thoughts for the rest of the viewing public to see. Expect laughs and tears. We’ll be just as entertained by the critics as the telly – especially with Mary and Giles! Wonder how their ghost is doing this season?! 2 Katie Price’s Mucky Mansion TUESDAY, CHANNEL 4, 10PM NEW SERIES The inimitable Katie Price is back – and has her sights set on a five-room revamp of the top floor, turning it into her own little haven, including a cinema room and a new bedroom. Plus, the star opens up about threats she has received on social media and a…

If you loved Death in Paradise, then – despite the evident drop in temperature – you’re bound to enjoy new spin-off, Beyond Paradise, set in a fictional Devon village, which sees a series of puzzling crimes shake up the community. It follows DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and his fiancée Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) – after their nail-biting will-they-won’t-they romance – as Humphrey finally took control of his destiny and followed Martha back from Saint Marie to London to declare his undying love. Here, lead actor and proud Somerset boy Kris Marshall, 49 – who has two children with wife Hannah – tells us what’s in store… How have you found revisiting DI Humphrey Goodman? Really easy, actually. It’s like slipping on an old pair of slippers. He’s a comfortable,…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES ACROSS 1 Holy (6) 7 Trained user of a machine (8) 8 Rodent (3) 9 Victim (6) 10 Hollow conduit (4) 11 Make an earnest appeal (5) 13 Admit something is true (7) 15 Version of a book (7) 17 Extent (5) 21 Reflection of sound (4) 22 Room where an artist works (6) 23 Wet soil (3) 24 US legislative body (8) 25 Make less hard (6) DOWN 1 Small crustacean (6) 2 Bovine animals (6) 3 Flour and water mixture (5) 4 Subdivision (7) 5 A tiny portion of matter (8) 6 Disallow; prevent (6) 12 In spite of the fact (8) 14 Imaginary scary creature (7) 16 Medical practitioner (6) 18 On time (6) 19…

GILLIAN, 61, SAYS: From a young age, I thought Michael was different to others. He didn’t have many friends who were boys, and wasn’t interested in football. By the time he was 10, it did cross my mind that he might be gay but he was so young and needed to find himself, so it was only a fleeting thought. He was passionate about swimming and, like his brother, Luke, utterly dedicated. He was up at 4am to do two hours’ training before school and we were so proud of him. I worried about my boys all the time – you always did as a parent – wanting them to be healthy, happy and for things to come easily to them. But I was concerned things might be harder for…

HOW IT WORKS 1 The reset plan focuses on eating plant-based proteins that are nutrient-dense, which means that while they’re low in fat and calories – making them a good choice for slimmers – they’re loaded with the vitamins and minerals you need to boost energy. 2 High in fibre, it will balance blood sugars levels and reduce cravings, so you eat less sugar. Stick to this style of eating long-term and you’ll avoid the mood swings that can make you binge eat. 3 Eating more plant-based foods will help keep your body in an alkaline state, so you store less toxins in fat cells, too. 4 On the reset plan you can enjoy two cups of your favourite brew: coffee and tea – both contain caffeine that can help…

Just like humans, animals can have a wide variety of emotions, but what we may see as bad behaviour can actually be our pet’s way of trying to tell us that they need something they’re not getting. ‘There are many behavioural traits pets can develop for lots of reasons,’ explains veterinary nurse Shauna Walsh from the PDSA. Find out how you can create a happy life for your animal. 1 Ease separation anxiety APPLIES TO: DOGS ‘Dogs like to be with people more than cats and rabbits do,’ explains Shauna. In the UK, 11 per cent of dogs show signs of stress when left alone – this can range from excessive barking to destructive behaviour. ‘We see more dogs who have been owned for up to two years showing symptoms,’…

FRAME IT Bring Hollywood to your living room! Black and white photos can add glamour to any wall… Juniqe.co.uk has some similar versions of these celebrity prints and frames for under £50. STYLISH SITTING ROOM We love the simplicity of this living room-monochrome never goes out of fashion. We’re quite partial to the idea of a gold side tables, too, and have taken a shine to the Habitat Martini side table, priced £45 at Argos. A TOUCH OF COLOUR Therugseller.co.uk offers similar rugs to this one, some at a reasonable £39.99. Adding a pop of colour to any room will instantly add some homely, as well as tropical, vibes! CHLOE’S CART Time for a tipple? Chloe revealed that this particular drinks trolley is now out of stock, but we’ve found…

1 Nuts Along with seeds, they’re rich in vitamin E and zinc. When combined in a supplement with other eye-friendly nutrients, they have been shown to slow down age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. 2 Eggs They’re packed with nutrients that are good for your eyes, including vitamins A and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin. The latter two are found in high concentrations in the eye’s macula, which is responsible for central and fine-detail vision. 3 Avocado This superfood contains vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, which protect against age-related eye problems. Monounsaturates can also lower LDL cholesterol – good news, as this can build up in the arteries, affecting the blood supply to the retina. Fat also boosts our uptake of some eye-friendly nutrients,…

Desperate Measures, the nail-biting new heist drama on Channel 5, sees Sherlock star Amanda Abbington play diligent bank clerk Rowan, who has raised her teenage son Finn on a lawless estate. But Rowan’s life spirals when Finn is coerced into a botched drug deal by a local gang – and with Finn’s life on the line, Rowan commits to a dangerous heist at the bank she works in. Here, Amanda, 48, talks about her first lead role, missing her kids while filming, and why she worries we’re losing our ‘human connection’… Amanda, what appealed about Desperate Measures? I liked Rowan – the idea of her taking control of this awful situation. I’ve used the term ‘strong female characters’ in the past, and as I’ve got older, I’ve changed my perception slightly because,…

CORONATION STREET Over breakfast, a downcast David admits to Gail that Shona’s left him. Daniel is concerned to see Max’s bruises. Maria assures Shona that David’s drunken pass meant nothing, but will it be enough to persuade Shona to give David another chance? Meanwhile, Spider visits Griff in prison, and agrees to get his sentence reduced if the gang leader reveals where the funding came from. EASTENDERS After unsuccessfully avoiding Ravi, Denise shares a passionate kiss with him in the alleyway of The Vic, and agrees to meet him later at the hotel. Elsewhere, Karen is distracted by a call and accidentally walks out of the Minute Mart without paying, leading Suki to accuse her of stealing. A furious row erupts, and Mitch and Karen vow to never shop in…

Love Actually marks its 20th anniversary this year – and the beloved London-set rom-com is still a favourite across the world. There have long been rumours that a follow-up movie could be in the works – but Kris Marshall put them to bed during his appearance on The One Show recently. ‘It’s a wonderful story, isn’t it? But it’s sadly not quite true.’ Kris seemed as disappointed as the rest of us to reveal the truth, as he continued: ‘I don’t really want to say that, because I love the story so much.’ Sob!…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands, which lie in the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Africa. While Playa de las Americas is famous for bars and clubs, not all the island is like that, and it can be the perfect destination to enjoy great food and loads of R&R! Head to Barceló Tenerife, a hotel located in the quiet resort of Golf del Sur. A brilliant spot, the big draw is it’s right next to the San Blas Nature Reserve, bang on the seafront and just 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. INSIDER’S GUIDE Barceló Tenerife has recently had a huge refurbishment, so the facilities are first class. There are seven outdoor swimming pools, plus a lake in which you can go kayaking. Fancy getting…