Table of contents for 32-2023 in Best

It’s been widely reported that Loose Women anchor Ruth Langsford has been asked to return to This Morning. We wouldn’t be surprised. The presenter, 63, previously co-hosted the show with hubby Eamonn Holmes, and the viewing figures showed they made a popular duo. Eamonn has since returned to be the face of breakfast TV, this time on GB News, while Ruth continues to entertain us on Loose Women, as well as producing a hugely successful range of clothes for QVC. Unlike her hubby, Ruth has never spoken out publicly about her employers or on any rumours about complaints she may or may not have put in about the former presenter Phillip Schofield. Eamonn, on the other hand, has been very vocal with his opinions on both ITV and his former colleagues. The Belfast-born…

Paul Young – a singer, songwriter, dad-of-three, widow, who shot to fame in the Eighties and recorded hit after hit including Wherever I Lay My Hat, Love of the Common People and Don’t Dream It’s Over. Now, on the 40th anniversary of No Parlez, he’s back with a new album and his first autobiography, an extraordinary musical memoir; both called Behind The Lens. Based on a bunch of unfinished tracks the singer unearthed during lockdown, he explains: ‘It’s a reference to music from the past, like looking back at old photos’… Hi Paul. Why a coffee-table book? It is a musical journey. It starts when I’m a kid, I’m a child of the Sixties, and it goes right through my journey in local bands, moving to London and carries on…

Standing in the packed bar, I smiled at my friend as she handed me a cocktail. We were having a great time – or at least, I hoped I looked as if I was enjoying myself. Behind my laughter, however, my stomach was churning and my heart was racing, not due to our energetic dancing, but from sheer terror. I was at university studying English, but I no longer attended lectures, and a night out was the peak of my worst fears – that someone would spike my drink and I’d collapse and die. My friend had no idea that I’d never sipped from a drink I hadn’t made myself. I’d just wait till her back was turned and abandon it. I’d suffered from anxiety for as long as I…

I think prolonged use of these kind of apps would make me more savvy about where I ordered from. I’d get to know which shops had the most for your money and which were getting rid of the foods we eat as a family. HOW MUCH DID WE SAVE? We usually spend around £130 a week on our food shopping, plus trips to the local shop during the week (usually once or twice, with a total of around £20). I spent £10.50 on the surprise bags when using the app over three days. The items in the bags, that I would’ve bought normally as part of my food shopping, came to £28.63. So, I saved around £18. If I did this for a month, we could save up to £180,…

Mistakes happen – but some faux pas are worse than others. Former Hollyoaks actress Denise Welch, 65, revealed the moment she will never forget on a recent episode of Loose Women. Talking sheepishly to her fellow panellists, she admitted she had been clearing out at home, one room of which was a total ‘clutter-fest’, when a friend’s treasured possessions were accidentally thrown out – and never recovered. The horrifying mistake dawned on her when she received a call from her friend Pammy, who had stored some heirlooms belonging to her dead mum in Denise’s house: Family photos and her mother’s handbag. When she realised where Pammy had left them, Denise admitted her first response was to pretend she had a bad signal, and the line was breaking up! Her next…

Prevention is better than cure, or so the saying goes, and the Harley Street Skin Clinic’s Doctor Aamer Khan agrees. ‘Epigenetic medicine (diet, nutrition and lifestyle medicines) can prevent ill health,’ he reveals. ‘It is the management of wellness. We don’t put enough value on that. We wait until we are ill and try and patch it over with medicines.’ At this point, he believes, we are not trying to stay well but simply managing disease and the symptoms of ageing. Each of our cells has a genetic life span of 122 years – it is the optimum lifespan – but most cells stop working long before then. Factors such as smoking, drinking, exercise, even where we live can all affect the length our cells last. ‘You could be 50…

HAY FEVER OUT OF CONTROL! Dear Dr Hilary, I know everyone’s saying it – but my hay fever is out of control this Summer. I’ve tried all my usual remedies, but nothing seems to be doing the trick. Any home remedies or quirky tips that you know, which you could share with us? Carole, Cardiff DR HILARY SAYS: There is no doubt this Summer has been a tough one for hay fever sufferers. Wet days followed by hot one shave resulted in high pollen counts, including pollens from a variety of trees, plants and novel crops grown by farmers. I expect you have used the more powerful sedating antihistamines such as Piriton at night, as well as the less sedating ones such as fexofenadine during the day. Opticrom eyedrops are…

You’ve made this place look gorgeous,’ the estate agent said, making notes. It was April 2021, and my landlady had passed away just a few weeks earlier. It meant the two-bed cottage I’d rented was being valued and it made me anxious. Why had the agent been here so long? It didn’t take long for me to find out. Within moments of her leaving, the landlady’s son knocked on my door. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘We need to sell.’ My heart sank. I was being evicted and a lump rose in my throat. I looked around the cosy cottage, taking in my colourful cushions and comfy sofa. I thought of my neighbours, Ginny and Tom, who would cross over our shared garden most days for a natter Where would I…

Looking for ingredient-led skincare at affordable prices? Want to build your first skincare routine but don’t know where to start? Primark brings consumers a no-nonsense approach to ingredient-led, efficacious skincare at affordable prices for all. Retinol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Multi-Peptides are just a few ingredients that are everywhere right now – but does everyone really know what they are putting on their skin and how these ingredients could be beneficial for them? Primark Beauty demystifies the world of skincare with easy-to-read ingredient descriptions and offers its customers affordable product recommendations for all skincare needs and concerns. From moisturisers, cleansers and serums to masks, exfoliators and tools, Primark really does have it all and eight lucky readers will win a £50 gift card to spend at Primark. To enter, see…

When you’re considering signing up for a plot, ask yourself the following: ✔ How close is it to you? Ideally it should be a short walk away at most. The further away it is, the harder it can be to motivate yourself to visit regularly. ✔ Are there any extra hidden costs? Allotments usually charge an annual rent, but some may charge extra for amenities and water, so do your research to ensure it doesn’t break your budget. ✔ Check the facilities – do they have toilets, or water facilities to help water the plants? Some sites are more equipped than others, so you may prefer to find somewhere that suits your needs better. ✔ Are there any requirements to renting land? Some sites stipulate plots have a water butt…

MUCKY PUPS We’d say bath time is definitely on the horizon for these two, and no Florence, using your tongue won’t do the job! PETS OF THE WEEK Names: Florence and Rosie Owner: Shirley from Jersey Breed: Florence is a show bearded collie, while Rosie is a working bearded collie SINGING FOR SUPPER There’s no use persuading Rosie to play fetch when there’s food on the agenda… SNOOZING ON LOCATION Rosie can’t resist an impulsive nap, no matter what the location! CHASING YOUR TAIL The youngest of the duo, Rosie is certainly used to putting Florence through her paces! IN THE DOG HOUSE Who could resist letting these two collies out with those adorable puppy dog eyes? OPEN WIDE We’re not sure what Florence is trying to catch, but it’s certainly…

Sitting in the foyer of a London hotel, Di Pogson smoothed down her skirt while keeping an eye on the door. ‘I was so excited, waiting for my date, Kevin Thompson, to arrive,’ remembers the 61-year-old from Huddersfield. ‘We’d met online on a dating website earlier that year and, because he’d been working away in China, we were finally going to be meeting in person.’ And that wasn’t the only reason that Di was so delighted. Because not only was she going to finally meet her man, he was going to return the £40,000 he had borrowed from her. Money Di was increasingly needing back. Yet after an hour waiting, with no word, the awful thought dawned - he wasn’t arriving - and her money was gone for good. Di…

He’s become part of the furniture on breakfast television, having been on-air for three decades. But that didn’t stop Good Morning Britain viewers from expressing their surprise, when they found out that Dr Hilary Jones was marking his milestone 70th birthday back in June. Here, best’s columnist tells us he certainly celebrated in style, with a little help from his ITV co-stars. The GP isn’t thinking about slowing down anytime soon. Instead, he’s setting himself new challenges – and plans to be on our screens for years to come. Here, dad-of-five Dr Hilary chats about his busy summer, memorable on-screen moments and why they’d never tolerate ‘divas’ at GMB or Lorraine… Hi, Hilary. How’s your summer been so far? I’ve really enjoyed it, we’ve had some nice sunshine. I live…

Ok, it is not due in cinemas until 2025, but the striking star is set to feature in Cleopatra next. Hoping that the film will ‘change the narrative’ surrounding the iconic historical figure, Gal’s casting has proved controversial with those who believe Cleopatra should not be portrayed by an actress of Israeli heritage. Still, she is in good company. There were protests when Elizabeth Taylor was cast as the Egyptian Queen and it didn’t stop that version from being a resounding success in the Sixties.…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Located within easy reach of Lisbon by tour bus, train or car, Sintra is a hugely popular day-trip destination – but stay overnight and the town takes on added appeal once the crowds have departed. It’s a magical place filled with palaces, gardens and stately homes to visit; there are stacks of restaurants and bars and, if you like country walks, it’s right on the edge of the lovely Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. INSIDER’S GUIDE From the 16th to the 19th century, a series of Portuguese kings expanded their Summertime palace here on the mountain, where it’s cooler than down in the city. Fashionable counts and courtiers followed in their wake, with the result that Sintra sprouted scores of fanciful villas and mansions. Today, their terracotta roofs, pastel façades…

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights. He’s an interesting person. I have a bromance with him from a distance. I feel the same about Johnny Depp. Matthew is the new Johnny. A great all-rounder. Funny, great movies. FAVOURITE MEAL… If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be grilled fish, a salad and lemon juice. If I was being naughty, I would add fries. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE TUNE? At this moment? Tired of Being Alone by Al Green, but it changes. That song is an exercise in economy. They play very little on that track and it sounds wonderful.…

1 SHAMPOO SAVIOURS Rising temperatures mean rising levels of perspiration, and a temptation to wash more. ‘Sweat can mix with natural scalp oils which can increase itching, scalp odour and dandruff, and can also lead to irritation and inflammation if not properly cleansed,’ says Joana Neves, editorial director at Alterna (alternadirect.co.uk). Don’t be tempted to increase the number of hair washes though, it can strip the hair of natural oils. Batiste Naturally Dry Shampoo, £4.25, helps absorb oils, and on wash days, Head & Shoulders Bare Shampoo, £9.99, with orchid and aloe scent, is pH balanced so cleans without overdoing it. 2 KEEP THE CONDITION The sun, seawater and chlorine all rob moisture from your hair, so it’s particularly important you don’t skip the conditioner step in your routine. Much like bodycare,…

HOW IT WORKS 1 We’ve devised a diet to help you shift stubborn menopause-related weight, feel less hormonal and happier. We’ve included foods containing phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) found in things like soy, which research suggests help ease some menopause symptoms. We’ve also added in mood-boosting foods such as oily fish. 2 What’s more, we’ve made sure the plan is easy because research shows middle age is often when you have the least time. Termed the ‘sandwich generation’, middle age adults often find themselves sandwiched between caring for their own children as well as their elderly parents. 3 GETTING STARTED • Follow the seven-day plan which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and 1 snack a day for up to 1 month. • Drink at least 2 litres of fluid daily. You can…

Millionaire’s Cake Taking the classic flavours of Millionaire’s Shortbread and reimagining it as three layers of brown sugar sponge, topped with chocolate buttercream, gooey caramel and shortbread bites, oh my days, it really is DELICIOUS. SERVES: 15+ PREP: 30 minutes BAKE: 25–30 minutes COOL: 2 hours DECORATE: 20 minutes LASTS: 3+ days, at room temperature • 400g unsalted butter, at room temperature• 400g soft light brown sugar• 400g self-raising flour• 7 eggs BUTTERCREAM • 350g unsalted butter, at room temperature• 650g icing sugar• 75g cocoa powder DECORATION • 350g ready-made caramel sauce• 15 shortbread bites• 50g shortbread• Sprinkles Preheat the oven to 180ºC/160ºC fan and line three 20cm deep cake tins with parchment paper. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar together for a few minutes until light and…

Hands up who doesn’t adore Richard Madeley’s ability to speak as if we are listening in to his train of thought?! So, little surprise that a recent outburst from the hilarious presenter had us laughing – and, frankly, scratching our heads. As we watched him on Good Morning Britain, Richard began to wonder out loud whether he would feel OK with his wife Judy Finnigan, 75, having intimate liaisons, with a robot. In a seemingly random confession, as he and Susanna Reid discussed AI (artificial intelligence), Richard mused: ‘This artificial intelligence thing, every day it brings a new story. Now we’ve got people having affairs with virtual partners, with robots.’ ‘I don’t know what I’d think if I came downstairs to see where Judy had got to, and she was…

WHY GET AN ALLOTMENT? Perhaps you’ve been growing in your garden and are looking to expand. Or, like me, the ground in your garden is too tricky to grow on, or you may not get enough sun. You may not even have outdoor space at all, which is where being able to rent extra land becomes a good option. Allotments are dedicated spaces to grow produce and offer an opportunity to grow far more than you could ever do at home. One surprising aspect for me was the social and wellbeing benefits, too, with a whole new community at your doorstep and the mental health positives to being outside and immersed in nature. But how do you get started? Here’s everything you need to know. SIZE MATTERS Forget square feet,…

There has been a big birthday in the family and, before anyone jumps to conclusions, no – I haven’t suddenly turned 70, and the old man will have to wait another six years before he reaches the big 80. No, the birthday boy this month is the grandson, who turned the ripe old age of one, and has three crowns to prove it. I bought him a silver glittery number, his nursery made him a fabulous paper crown and Nanna Nessa (his honorary third Nana) knitted him a golden crown with ruby and sapphire buttons. All birthdays are a milestone in some respects but there is something incredibly emotional and evocative about a first birthday. It’s mind-blowing to see how in the space of 12 months, a baby, who could…

LEO 24 July – 23 August With the Sun currently in your sign you should be feeling buoyant – so why are you bothered by disturbing memories and your to-do list? Get on it, blitz the jobs and, having cleared some space, have a day at the seaside. Write those bad memories in the sand and watch the tide take them away. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Don’t be afraid to push yourself forwards. There will be some people who don’t approve but never let them hold you back. There is no successful person the world over who hasn’t failed repeatedly. The trick is to learn from the times you don’t make it, they are stepping stones to success. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February You’re expecting rather a…

Reminiscing of his fondest moments on breakfast TV so far, Dr Hilary revealed one memory sticks out more than most. ‘One of my best friends is Trevor, a camera man I’ve worked with all these years. We’ve been to many different countries together and one of our fondest memories is Haiti, six months after the earthquake,’ he explained. ‘We were filming and a woman came in, in the second stage of labour and I casually said, ‘Can I deliver your baby?’ It was a one-take situation where Trevor got the camera on his shoulder quickly and I delivered the baby. So many people had died during the earthquake that bringing new life into the world was quite something.’…

HAMPTON WATER, £20, OCADO SPLASH OUT: It comes with a hefty £20 price tag but it’s worth it for a treat. Take a dive into Hampton Water with Jon Bon Jovi’s brand-new wine, with its aromas of red fruit, citrus fruit and spices… ★★★★★ LA VIEILLE FERME, £7, SAINSBURYS SPURGE: For five generations, Famille Perrin has poured all their passion and experience into creating the La Vieille Ferme wines, including this affordable fruity rosé is ideal for a girls night in. ★★★ WINE ROUTE GARNACHA ROSÉ, £4.83, TESCO SAVE: If you love a sweeter wine, this delicious, refreshing rosé, bursts with raspberry and strawberry flavours – and it won’t break the bank, either (also part of the £10 meal deal). ★★★★…

For the Royal Family, their annual pilgrimage North of the border to Balmoral will have tremendous poignancy this year. It will be the first gathering in Scotland since Queen Elizabeth passed away at the castle in September last year. So, not only will there be the sadness of her absence but the significance of marking the first anniversary in a place she loved so much. But the Royals are most definitely sticklers for tradition, and much like Christmas at Sandringham, the Summer at Balmoral is a fixture that cannot be ignored. King Charles is said to have extended the invitation to the wider Royal Family – who are expected to make the trip to enjoy the hospitality and pay tribute to the late Queen. But there will be some other…

Angela Rippon, it would seem, is off to do Strictly Come Dancing this year – and Gloria is delighted at the prospect. ‘Ah yes, we’ll be keeping a close eye on her. She’s very fit, she’ll do well. She’ll be doing those splits at 78. It’s funny, I was talking to Angela just the other day about doing The Masked Singer last year in my 80s and being the oldest one to do it. It was a marvellous experience – and very typical of me to do, as I’ve always loved a challenge. Then Dick Van Dyke went and did it at 97, and I lost my crown!’…

‘The new buzz phrase that’s doing the media rounds is ‘global boiling’, which has usurped its predecessor ‘global warming’, it seems, overnight – it’s at the top of every news bulletin and supported by angry-looking weather maps made to look hellish in shades of black, purple and red. I have to admit, quite a lot of things are making my blood boil these days, and it’s not just me. Social media has been awash with people posting their own blood boilers which were handily reported in an online newspaper. Most of them were pretty mild compared to mine. I mean, dropping a fork in some eggs isn’t really that annoying but cars that park across two spaces, absolutely is. Other things that prompt my already high-ish blood pressure include slow…

TOP TIP! Prep is essential before any form of self tanning, so ensure you exfoliate skin with a body scrub to remove dead skin cells.…

Walking through the park this Summer, feeling the sunlight dance in my eyes, a passerby smiled and said 'Good Morning'. Other people may not have embraced the exchange or stopped for a little chat but, for me, these small interactions and moments of everyday friendliness feel almost euphoric. From sitting on a bench and hearing the wind in the trees, to ruffling a dog’s ears… the little things are something I will never take for granted again. Because just three and a half years ago, aged 54, life as I knew it was about to change. Staring into the olive-green eyes of my oldest friend, Ali, I quietly said: ‘I’m having tests for breast cancer - and I think I’ve got it. In fact, I know I have.’ Ali and…

NEW NEIGHBOURS ARE SO NOSY! It’s been a month since I moved into my new house, and I’m already sick of the neighbours… Most of them are retired, and I get that they are trying to keep themselves busy – but I’d like to be able to have a conversation with my friends in the garden without someone earwigging every time! I mentioned to a friend that popped over that I thought I was menopausal, and before I knew it, there was a knock at the door from my neighbour, with all sorts of natural remedies to help me with it! In some ways it’s sweet, but I’m a very private person and it’s doing my head in. Sarah, Kent Your new neighbours may seem a tad pushy but try…

Do you have a story you’d like to share with our amazing army of best readers? We’re looking for real-life stories from women just like you and your friends – and will pay up to £250 for all those that make it into these pages. Stories can be funny, sad, emotional, inspirational – just like some of the examples on this page. The only rule: they must be true. Have you been on a diet that changed your life? Have you battled against tough times and come out fighting? Have you found love or happiness against the odds? If you – or a friend – have a story to share, whatever the subject, do drop us a line, with your contact details, a photo and a brief outline of your story –…

● DO Try and get on with your neighbours. Keeping things friendly will ensure your plot remains a nice place to visit, not somewhere to dread. If you have problem neighbours, talk to the relevant committee member to see what action can be taken. ● DO Check for planning permission – if you want to get a shed or other large-scale constructions. Some sites have restrictions on what size you can build, if at all, and rules on how close to the border it can go. It’s better to get this ironed out to save you having to move anything after it’s built. ● DO Keep up the good work – life happens, and in busy periods, it’s easy for gardening to fall to the bottom of the to-do list.…

Helen watched him give the eulogy from an uncomfortable pew at the back of the church. The turn out wasn’t too bad; a few neighbours, the WI women, the checkout girl from Sainsbury’s Local. When Helen helped her tether the red fruits bushes, Mrs Dale said, ‘He thinks I should move. Thinks a flat would be more manageable.’ Helen tested a red currant, but it wasn’t quite ripe. ‘What about your garden?’ ‘He says it’s too much. An overgrown death trap.’ Mrs Dale rolled her eyes. It was the only time Helen had seen her be negative about her son. Insult the garden, insult Mrs Dale. Simon didn’t have to worry, though. A month later, she tripped on the back step, cracked her head on the concrete birdbath and died,…

ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE Thursday, BBC One, 10.40pm With the majestic Cate Blanchett as England’s Queen Elizabeth, the ruler faces an impending attack by Spain, an assassination plot and betrayal in love during the latter half of her reign. Full of drama and beautiful set pieces. LOVE, SIMON Wednesday, Channel 4, 1.55am It’s a late one but worth staying up for. In this total heartwarmer, Simon Spier keeps his sexual orientation hidden from his family. When a blackmailer threatens to reveal it, he goes on a rollercoaster journey to come to terms with his identity. GHOSTBUSTERS (1984) Thursday, BBC Three, 7.20pm Who ya gonna call?! When Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler lose their jobs as scientists, they start an establishment called Ghostbusters to fight the evil ghosts lurking…

It’s Summer, and – at some point – we’ll be shedding those layers of clothing and donning a cozzie. But it’s easy to feel self-conscious wearing a bikini, or even a one-piece, if you’re not happy with the skin you’re in. So ladies, take heart, these celebs prove there’s sense in just being yourself and rocking that body of yours with pride. Confidence is the new sexy! GORGEOUS IN GREEN Talk about fabulous at 51! This Morning’s Lisa Snowdon has legs to die for, as well as the curves! She may be a former supermodel, but this beautiful lady – who looks stunning in green Melissa Odabash bikini – is about as real as it gets… STAR OF THE SEA Loose Women star and comedian Judi Love, 43, looks fabulous…