Bestの 50/51 - 2017 の目次

It won’t come as much of a surprise to regular readers that I am NOT a fan of the Christmas jumper. Sorry to offend fans of the festive knit, but it just doesn’t do it for me – in fact, ugh! I have resisted wearing one for years – unlike my team… So you could feel their glee when, as a company, we decided to raise money for Save The Children by showing off our Christmas jumpers in exchange for donating to this amazing charity. So of course I was going to put one on. The official day to wear your jumper is this Friday, 15 December, but here we are, above, especially for you… • If you’d like to know more, visit christmas jumperday.org EXECUTIVE EDITOR…

Since showcasing her jaw-dropping weight loss earlier this year, This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby has remained famously tight-lipped about exactly how she slimmed down. So it’s no surprise that Holly, 36, was left outraged when she discovered she had fallen victim to a diet scam, which falsely claimed she had cheated by taking diet pills. Weight-loss company ULTRAPur Wild Raspberry Ketone used photos of the star in a bikini, claiming she had lost weight using their products. ‘Holly Willoughby’s weight loss seemed to happen quickly and effortlessly – she went from being approximately 3st overweight to radiantly trim and slim,’ the advert said. ‘Holly has been very tight-lipped about how she actually lost the weight, however, many close to her claim that the natural fatburning power of Raspberry Ketone is…

‘Do blondes have more fun? Well, I’m a blonde, and I have loads of fun, so I am going to say yes,’ laughs Cath Tyldesley, 34. And she certainly enjoyed dressing up as four iconic blonde actresses for best’s shoot. ‘This is my favourite shoot, ever, it’s like Stars In Their Eyes,’ she says. Cath, who is married to fitness expert Tom Pitfield, and is mum to two-year-old Alfie, has been playing Eva Pope in Coronation Street since 2011, but has just announced her plans to quit the Street next summer, so 2018 will be a big year for Cath. ‘I always have the same goal really – to be happier and healthier than the year before, and to spend as much time as possible with the people I love.…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION We’re ALL TALKING about OK, so it’s the biggest meal of the year in every sense – food, drink and expectation – but what about the expense? Leah Wright, a mum from south London, caused an internet storm when she generously invited 18 guests, all family and friends, for Christmas lunch… and then sent them a bill. Leah wants £50 per person (up front!). At least the price includes wine, but, at £50 a head for 18 guests, that’s an eye-popping total of £900. Could she be making a profit? Would you pay to have lunch at your sister’s, or with the in-laws? Would you ask guests for a financial contribution? And what about kids or veggies? Do you offer a discount or an off-menu supplement? It’s…

Cheap frills Double fashion points for pleats and frills to flatter your arms. Shimmer show-off Sparkle and shine with trousers that swish. TAP THE APP Keep Shopping allows you to create a basket for as many stores as you like! Texture time Balance out curves with different fabrics on the top and bottom. Diamond duo A two-tone skirt will really make a statement on the dance floor.…

Best LIQUEURS 9ct Toffee/Caramel Shimmering Vodka Liqueur at notonthehighstreet.com, 70cl, £25.95 Not only is this sugary delight unbelievably moreish, but it shimmers and sparkles, too! Warninks Advocaat, 70cl, £12 Thick, rich, creamy and ideal for making a snowball. A custard-like classic! Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, 75cl, £29.75 A gorgeous citrus drink that makes the perfect ingredient for a special Christmas cocktail. M&S Melt In The Middle Chocolate Liqueur, 35cl, £12 Deliciously indulgent, this sweet treat makes for an ideal dessert drink. Pococello Lemon Liqueur at amazon.co.uk, 50cl, £27.95 Fresh and fragrant, this can be served hot or cold. Iceland Luxury Irish Cream Liqueur, 70cl, £7.99 This budget buy measures up to its branded counterparts. Best SHERRIES Tesco Cream Sherry, 1ltr, £7.15 No-frills label, but a tasty sherry nevertheless! Not exactly…

POST: Send a postcard with your name, address, phone number and email address to Morrisons Giveaway, GVBSTN17851, Hearst Magazines UK, The Data Solutions Centre, Worksop S80 2RT. Closing date for postal entries is 5 January 2018. PHONE: Call 09010 272 709 by midnight on 2 January 2018. Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and will last no longer than two minutes. Calls from mobiles may cost significantly more. Phone line closes at midnight on 2 January 2018. If you call after this time, you will not be entered but you may be charged. T&Cs The winner will be selected at random from entries received by phone/post. Data protection: we will use the information you supply to process your giveaway entry. For Hearst Magazines UK’s…

Just like the British royal family, the Beckhams own properties all over the place (oh, to be rich and famous!) but none make our eyes glaze over quite so much as their £31.5 million mansion in west London. With seven bedrooms and bathrooms, the house has more than enough space for the family. Ex-footballer David, 42, and fashion designer Victoria, 43, share the residence with their three youngest – Romeo, 15, Cruz, 12, and Harper, six – after their eldest, Brooklyn, 18, recently relocated to New York for university. Thanks to the age of social media, fans can now get the odd tantalising glimpse behind their (highly polished) front gates… There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a little window-shopping, is there? MAKING AN ENTRANCE When Victoria shared this photo of…

Blackpool-born Jenna Coleman, 31, who plays the young queen, lives in London and is dating Tom Hughes, also 31, her handsome on-screen husband. The Christmas special is all about family – what does this mean to Victoria? Family is her foundation – a safe haven. As Victoria and Albert had dysfunctional upbringings, it makes a lot of sense in understanding the importance they place on family. Victoria takes in an orphan, Sarah, in the episode. What are her reasons for doing this? I think Victoria’s interest in Sarah is twofold. She is a princess from another world, and Victoria has always been curious about other cultures and traditions. I think Victoria can see something of herself in Sarah. By trying to help Sarah, Victoria eases the wounds of her own…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT A glimpse of the northern lights is on every adventurer’s bucket list, and with its backdrop of sublime fjords, enchanting wildlife and snowtopped mountains, Norway is one of the best places to see them. A cruise along the dramatic coastline is a chance to experience an exciting snapshot of Nordic life by day, and provides the perfect platform to take in the green lights by night. Without the light pollution from busy cities and towns, a ferry is an ideal spot to see this dazzling natural phenomenon in action. INSIDER’S GUIDE The further north you go, the better your odds of catching the spectacular aurora. While you travel, get to know the local wildlife with dog-sledging and whale-watching; try cross-country skiing, or take a guided walk around a…

1 TREE-MENDOUS! The latest festive trend to sweep the country is none other than the upside down Christmas tree – yes, really! We haven’t quite got our heads around it yet, but our readers clearly have. Take a look at Courtney Hughes’ story on page 54 – it’s a real tree-t! 2 Who wowed the crowd? Pastels might normally be reserved for summer, but these ice queens look stunning in frosty blue. Katie Holmes, 38, Millie Mackintosh, 28, and Liz Hurley, 52, all stepped out looking cool in gowns that Disney’s Queen Elsa would be proud of. Very n-ice, ladies! These three gorgeous ladies are giving us chills – they look that good in their icy blue outfits 3 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN Former Take That singer and solo star Robbie Williams,…

They waltzed out of this year’s Strictly all too soon, but Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins and our columnist Brendan Cole – a pro since it began in 2004 – talk exclusively to best about why they had such a ball on the show, the Strictly Christmas special, and the festive, sparkly, booze-filled celebrations that come with it. ‘I’ll do a dance on Christmas Day in Brendan’s honour!’ Charlotte confesses, as Brendan jokes that they might even try bungee jumping together in his native New Zealand… Hi, you two! So, Strictly – what did it mean for you? C: I loved every minute, even though it finished too early! I’m really lucky to have danced with Brendan and I’m absolutely thrilled we were partnered together. B: It’s not often that…

We all know the after effects of the party season can play havoc with your body and mood, so it’s handy to know the post-party tricks and hangover cures that work. Hangovers unfortunately can’t be avoided completely – unless you don’t drink at all – but there are ways to keep hydrated and nourished to avoid the worst of it. LEARN TO SAY NO Without being a killjoy, do you have to drink at every party or on every occasion? Experts recommend alcohol-free days in between drinking days to keep you healthy. During the party season, it can be easy to drink mindlessly when you don’t even mean to. Save your units for the best occasions, and make sure you stick to 14 units a week. VITAMIN BOOSTERS Having an…

Brilliant for breakfast Kick off the big day with cute and kitsch accessories Dining at home Classic red creates a cheering table Cocktail hour Whip up boozy tipples in comfort and style…

Whoever you’re buying for, there’s a great way to get amazing presents at an absolute bargain price. Our financial expert, Sara Benwell, shares tips on five of the most popular gift ideas and ways to make sure you’re getting the best possible value... 1 CLOTHES Whether you’re shopping for fashion-conscious teens, or buying a special jumper for Dad, there’s no need to pay full price. It’s worth signing up to membership clubs like Secret Sales and Brand Alley to find big discounts – particularly on designer clothes. For example, Secret Sales is running a Christmas delivery sale on Versace for men – offering up to 75 per cent off. We found men’s shirts for just £49, saving 74 per cent on the RRP of £185. TOTAL SAVING: £136 2 DVDS,…

Should I stay teetotal for the office party? I’m really excited for my office Christmas party this year, but I have a reputation for not being able to handle my drink. I don’t do anything bad, but feel I may be judged for letting my hair down, so am contemplating staying sober for the night. What do you think I should do? Malorie, Sheffield I think staying sober sounds like a good idea. It’s tempting to let loose at Christmas, but alcohol doesn’t always bring out the best in people, particularly in front of your boss. I’m not being a party pooper, but you don’t want to let yourself down. Perhaps you could have one drink so people don’t realise you are not drinking. Otherwise, a good excuse is to say…

Dawn French has revealed her dearest wish – that she could permanently mend her, at times difficult, relationship with daughter Billie. The actress has said that she no longer lives with Billie due to their ‘frequent wars’. Dawn, 60, admitted she was drawn to her role in Sky drama Delicious because of the relationship between her character, Gina, and her daughter, Theresa. Speaking at the launch of the second series, Dawn said the drama was about ‘two people who love each other very much but can’t abide each other for a lot of the time’. It’s a common problem between mums and their teenage or 20-something daughters, and the star admitted she hoped that she would reach a better understanding with Billie, 26, who she adopted with her ex-husband, Sir…

If you want to help, too To help these charities, visit: • ellenor.org • Contact Pragya at hedgeandhogprints.com • tttb.org.uk • looseendsnewbury.org • uk.gofundme.com/ charliesmagical christmas ‘We wanted to say thank you’ Jane Gooch, 60, is hoping her fundraising will help families with terminally ill loved ones this Christmas. ‘Our local hospice has always hosted brilliant fundraisers so, in 2015, my daughter, Millie, and I decided to volunteer as Santa’s elves at the Christmas fair. ‘But it was in July this year, when my mum was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, that we witnessed first-hand the fantastic work that the Ellenor Hospice in Kent does. ‘Sadly, my mum passed away during her stay, but the staff ensured her last weeks were comfortable. ‘We wanted to say thank you…

... playing Miss Hannigan in Annie at London’s Piccadilly Theatre I have loved it. Honestly, it’s such a great role for a woman, and you can really get your teeth into it. I wanted to do a musical for ages, and I just had lots of happy coincidences – right place, right time and a fantastic production. ... advice given by the previous Miss Hannigan, Craig Revel Horwood Craig said, ‘You’ll have a ball. Just enjoy it!’ It’s joyous – you come off feeling so happy! ...her evil character I love her! [Laughs]. That’s me in the morning! ... the cons of working with children and animals No, they’re amazing. The children are brilliant – they teach me stuff! I had to meet the dog beforehand, though, to give her…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZE S TO ENTER CALL 0900 100 0922 (UK 65ppm)† / 1550 716 023 (ROI 97cpm) † CODE: PUBSTN17880 STRAIGHT CLUES ACROSS 1 Recording tape case (8) 5 Halls of justice (6) 10 Likeness (5) 11 Us and us alone (9) 12 Wavelength (9) 13 Have the same opinion (5) 14 Brogue or pump, e.g. (4) 15 Ceased (5) 18 Student (5) 20 Try out (4) 22 ‘Title’ words (5) 24 The best-liked (9) 26 Held in restraint politically (9) 27 Record dance event (5) 28 Mental strain (6) 29 Breakfast oatmeal (8) DOWN 1 Clan bosses (6) 2 An interstellar craft (9) 3 Legally kill (7) 4 Rose barb (5) 6 Perform surgery (7) 7 Thames, e.g. (5)…

In recovery after a stint in rehab for a two-year painkiller addiction, which at one point came close to killing him, Ant McPartlin has spent time away from wife Lisa Armstrong in Australia as he co-hosted I’m A Celebrity... Lisa, meanwhile, has been working hard in the UK as head of make-up on Strictly. And it seems the time apart could be driving a wedge between the couple, who married in 2006. Their relationship has certainly been under pressure in the past few months, particularly since Ant’s addiction problems came to light. The TV presenter, 42, even revealed back in September that he’d put Lisa ‘through hell’, and that she was ‘still struggling’. After leaving rehab, Ant moved to a house a few streets away from his west London home…

Dad Coat, £199, M&S Jumper, £35, Collection at M&S T-shirt, £5.99, New Look Trousers, £15, M&S Hat, £35, M&S Shoes, £17.97, New Look Mum Coat, £89, M&S Trousers, £39.50, Per Una at M&S Stole, £8, Primark Boots, £29.99, New Look Little girl Coat, from £42-£50, M&S Jumper, £4.99, Zara Skirt, £16.99, Zara Hat, £7.99, H&M Tights, £8.99 for two pairs, H&M Boots, from £24-£26, M&S Older girl Coat, £55, River Island Jeans, £18, River Island Hat, £5.99, H&M Boots, from £28-£30, M&S Mum Coat, £59.99, New Look Dress, £39.99, New Look Tights, £6, monki.com Shoes, £35, M&S Older girl Coat, from £24-£30, M&S Dress, from £32-£38, M&S Headdress, £1.50, Primark Tights, £8.99 for two pairs, H&M Shoes, from £14-£16, M&S Little girl Wrap, £8, Primark Skirt, £16.99, Zara Headdress, £1.50,…

‘After Annabel Nnochiri was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she made a decision to leave her old life behind and go travelling. Her old life included a husband of 20 years and two, albeit grown-up, children. Nothing better than a deadline to spur you into doing something you’ve been meaning to do for a while but always thought “mañana mañana”, I suppose. Some branded her selfish, while others have applauded her proactive actions. Whether she was being selfish or not, I don’t know, because we don’t have all the facts. But what is admirable, and yet sad, is that she persevered for so long in something that, though of her own making, wasn’t making her happy. What’s sadder is that it took a terminal cancer diagnosis for her to change it.…

Post-party blues? Blame the toxic overload on too much partying and poor nutrition. So why not revitalise yourself with the best face and body-boosting treatments? PEP UP HANGOVER SKIN WITH A DETOX PEEL Alcohol can rob your body of vitamin A, which is crucial for cell renewal and is often the reason why your skin looks dull the morning after a night out. To wake up skin, try a glycolic facial peel – a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation formula for removing dead skin cells for a smoother, more glowing complexion. It improves the appearance of wrinkles, too. If you also suffer from enlarged pores, a peel is an intensive way to clear them of congested dirt and make them appear smaller – all without any downtime. From £70 a peel. WAKE…

With only a week left of the Steps tour, my head is well and truly getting into Christmas mode. I’ve started my pressie shopping, too, much to the dismay of our tour manager and hubby Reece! This year, I wanted to have a bit of sugary fun with snacks that everyone can enjoy. These Christmas tree meringues taste great, and could also be boxed up and presented nicely for a thoughtful gift. Happy making! Love Claire xx WHAT YOU NEED • 200g granulated sugar•4 egg whites• ¼tsp cream of tartar• 6 drops of vanilla extract• Green food colouring• Stars and multicoloured sprinkles 1 Line a baking sheet with baking paper or greaseproof paper and preheat your oven to 90°C. 2 Place the sugar, egg whites and cream of tartar in…

TOP TIP A stunning wreath creates a warm welcome over Christmas! TOP TIP Mixing together reds, plums and foliage create a classic colour palette and perfect for the Christmas table.…

Elf yourself! Claire Richards, 40, kicked off her Steps Reunion tour looking rather ‘elf’ like in Dublin recently. We have to say, Claire, there aren’t many people who could pull off this look, but you are totally rocking it! Livin’ la vida lametta Gwen Stefani got well and truly into the festive spirit at a recording of this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. The Hollaback Girl singer, 48, dazzled and sparkled... like she was the lametta tinsel on our tree. If it looks this good on her, we may have to give it a go! Go for gold! Cate Blanchett, 48, got us all excited about opening our gifts when we spotted her at the Thor premiere, mostly because she reminded us of our fave wrapping paper (the…

CHRISTINE LAMPARD BAGS A BARGAIN ‘B&M Bargains is the best shop on the face of this planet – it’s fabulous. You can go in and get toys, Christmas decorations, garden furniture, batteries, toothpaste, anything. I never go back to London without a trip to B&M. It’s brilliant.’ JANET STREETPORTER IS THE QUEEN OF RE-GIFTING ‘Recycling is the key to successful present-giving. Store the ghastly gifts from last Christmas, and stockpile unsuitable birthday gifts. Rewrap the lot, passing them off as “something I picked up at the local charity fair”, adding, “It was such a good cause.” Recipients will be far too embarrassed to complain about supporting the needy. Mission accomplished – without leaving the house to elbow your way round a shop!’ NADIA SAWALHA CUTS CORNERS ‘If, like me, you’ve…

BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO VANESSA FELTZ You could say broadcaster Vanessa Feltz, 55 – who has been with Phats & Small singer Ben Ofoedu since 2006 – has had her fair share of controversy and heartache in life. But here, the outspoken mum-of-two (she has grown-up daughters Saskia and Allegra with ex-husband Michael Kurer) opens up about how she stays positive no matter what, romance, and how becoming a grandmother transformed her life… You are a hard worker – have you always had a strong work ethic? I think so, yes. It comes from my dad. If I was at home doing nothing, he would make me come and help him in his office. But now, I love my radio work. I feel privileged to do it, and I…