Tabla de contenidos para 38-2025 en Best

Music legend Lulu has spoken for the first time about the moment she finally faced up to her issues with alcohol, which led her to check into rehab in 2013, the day after her 65th birthday celebration. The star, now 76, admits that while she had always been a regular drinker, it was in her 60s that she started to lose control, all the time hiding her addiction from her family and her friends. ‘After I became menopausal with both my parents gone, the empty nest [her son Jordan is now 48], looking around and seeing all the young kids in the music industry – I became more and more reliant on it [alcohol],’ she told The Sunday Times, adding, ‘I was unable to ask for help.’ It was during…

It’s the most magical time of year… twinkling lights, family, mulled wine, gifts, and parties... It’s the season of giving. Like most people, I’ve always loved Christmas but it does all come with a price tag. People often end up getting into debt over the festive period but I’m hoping by sharing some of my tips, tricks and hacks, you can give yourself some financial breathing space and still enjoy the Christmas you deserve – and that you can afford. You should be eating mince pies and watching festive films, not stressing about cash flow. Starting early really is the best gift you can give yourself… Growing up, I was always relatively good with money. I got my first job waitressing when I was 15 and apart from buying the…

Opening my front door, my heart skipped a beat when I saw who was standing in front of me, a shy smile on his familiar face. It was Ross, my teenage boyfriend and first love. He’d broken my heart 23 years previously, but I’d never forgotten him. I had no idea that evening in April 1998, his surprise visit to my home would see us fall in love all over again and end up as husband and wife over two decades later. Ross, now 67, and I first met in 1972. I was 13 and he was 14. We lived on neighbouring housing estates in Hertfordshire, and what began as a friendship blossomed into a teenage relationship. It was very innocent, with bike rides, dates to the local cinema and…

MAGIC MULTI-TASKERS If ever there was a right time to streamline your beauty routine, it is now. You’ll find it easier if you choose multi-tasking products that will save you precious time in the morning, save space in your make-up bag and save money buying only one instead of two or three. Choose the right products and you can do your makeup in two minutes (That’s how long it takes me!). Focus on a barely-there base; well-groomed brows and lashes, a fresh flush on cheeks and lips and a quick swipe of bronzer - then all you need is something to lock it all in and you’re done. Less is more… and each of these certainly cost less - as they are all under a tenner! 1 GLOW ON THE…

Thai-style minestrone Fragrant Thai curry paste and lime juice give this hearty soup punch. Hands-on time 15min.Cooking time about 20min.Serves 4 1tbsp vegetable oil 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, roughly chopped 75g (3oz) Thai green curry paste 1.6 litre (23/4 pint) vegetable stock 2tbsp soy sauce 200g (7oz) macaroni pasta 50g (5oz) mangetout 400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Finely grated zest and juice 1 lime Handful coriander leaves, chopped, to garnish 1 Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and fry onion and carrots for 10min, until softened. Stir in curry paste and cook for 1min. Add stock and soy sauce. 2 Bring to the boil, stir in pasta and simmer for 5min until pasta is nearly tender. Stir in the mangetout and cannellini…

Believe it or not, it’s been 20 years since Gareth Malone burst on to our screens, transforming everyday people into polished singers as part of his hit BBC show The Choir. The series was a runaway hit, with more than three million viewers tuning in, thanks not only to its emotional, morale-boosting stories, but Gareth’s endless patience and enthusiasm. In the two decades since, Gareth has become a much-loved figure on TV, fronting many series of The Choir as well as shows such as The Naked Choir, Gareth Malone Goes To Glyndebourne and The Big Performance – all of them aimed at championing the power of community singing. He’s also hit the road for a number of tours, and is off again this autumn with his latest: Sing-Along-A-Gareth 4: 50…

JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX RED CARPET The UK premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux in September 2024 called for a red-hot look from the singer – and that’s exactly what she served up. Gaga arrived with a cherry-red, choppy bob with some black undertones, paying tribute to her on-screen punk-Queen character Harley Quinn. CARTOON HAIR This pop legend has given us plenty of pop culture references over the years – many communicated through her tresses. Partnering fellow icon Beyoncé for their No.1 single ‘Telephone’ in 2010, Gaga turned heads with a daring yellow-blonde hair colour in the video, a look synonymous with Roy Lichtenstein’s heroines in his pop art series. Her 2014 ARTPOP tour also saw the singer indulge in some cartoon crazy hair, with a standout being this Betty…

‘Chiquitita, tell me the truth, I’m a shoulder you can cry on…’ my dad and I sang in unison as ABBA blasted from the stereo. My dad, Alan, was such a character. After leaving the RAF, he worked in various managerial roles before becoming a bus driver. While he didn’t like it at all and was known as ‘the miserable bus driver’, I’d see him come alive at home. Sitting on his knee as a little girl, we’d listen to ABBA and Frank Sinatra together, Dad’s eyes alight as he sang along. His diagnosis of prostate cancer in the spring of 2011 was a shock to the whole family, but they’d caught it early and with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, we thought he’d be okay. Dad was determined to stay upbeat…

Follow @gemmalouiseathome to get some seasonal inspiration for the Autumn and Winter months ahead!…

Skincare ingredients aren’t just for serums and creams anymore, with peptide lip balms a rising trend. Designed to hydrate and create a fuller appearance, think of them as your regular lip balm with added benefits. As with everything, there’s a big price spectrum. On the higher end you have Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment, £17, complete with seed butters and oils. Then there’s essence The Super Peptide Glossy Lip Treatment, £3.29, adds a soft sheen with shea butter, with very similar results.…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Located right on the beach, the Sherwood Exclusive Kemer 5* hotel in Turkey offers all-inclusive VIP luxury. Eleven pools, eight restaurants (there is access to food around the clock here), giant waterslides, not to mention waiters on roller skates pandering to your every need! There are various activities, from yoga to tennis, and a beautiful spa. I travelled with my two teenage sons and I think the beauty of this place is you can make this the exact holiday you want... INSIDER’S GUIDE The hotel is surrounded by pine forests and mountains and there is so much on offer for everyone. My teenage sons loved the waterslides. There’s a large heated main pool with plenty of loungers and parasols for those who prefer to read a book (me!).…

It’s been just over four months since Prince Harry held up his hands and admitted he wanted a family reconciliation, and now it seems like one could well and truly be on its way. For the first time since February, Prince Harry landed back on UK soil last week as part of a four-day whistle stop tour and sent the feud rumour-mill back into full swing. Harry had a packed itinerary during his whirlwind trip, but of course the usual question was on everyone’s lips: would it include a reunion with the Firm? And despite Harry’s revelation in May that he and the King were not on speaking terms, the tables have clearly changed at least a little as it turns out the pair finally spent 50 minutes together last…

PENIS ENLARGEMENTS - FACT VS FICTION DR AAMER KHAN FROM THE HARLEY STREET SKIN CLINIC SAYS: Concerns about penis size are more common than men realise. At my clinic, I frequently see patients who, although well within the average range, feel anxious or self-conscious. The internet is saturated with miracle claims, quick fixes, and misinformation that can worsen concerns and lead to unsafe decisions. So what does the evidence actually say? Here is a clear and honest overview of penis enlargement treatments, what works, what carries risks, and what men should know. So what is ‘normal’? A review in the British Journal of Urology International analysed data from over 15,000 men worldwide. The average length of a flaccid penis is 9.16 cm (3.6 inches) and 13.12 cm (5.1 inches) for…

Beans (and pulses) are brilliant for health – and weight loss, and they are as cheap as chips too. Try our plan to lose up to a stone this month. HOW IT WORKS 1 So why are beans so good for weight loss? Let’s start with the fact that they are the perfect mix of fibre and protein that means they fill you up fast – and keep you full for longer. In fact, in one trial people put on a bean-based diet ate 200 calories a day less than normal without even noticing because of this fill-up factor. 2 Beans are also relatively low in calories and are what’s known as low GI foods – this means they turn to sugar slowly in your system which helps keep your…

Sharing his passion for wine for 20 years, Olly’s a regular on Saturday Kitchen, a food hero for P&O Cruises and award-winning author of eight books. With his extensive knowledge of all things booze, the only thing Olly is more enthusiastic about than a glass of the good stuff, is sharing it as widely as possible. So, this week, his boozy bargain find... SAINSBURY’S TASTE THE DIFFERENCE GAMAY 2023 (12.5%) £9 A lighter-bodied red for easy quaffing – and one that you could even consider serving lightly chilled with tuna steaks or even monkfish. Just pop it in the fridge for half an hour and it’ll focus the fruitiness. Another great pairing for this wine is charcuterie or just a slice or two of creamy Brie cheese. It’s as silky…

‘Back when I was on TV, a subject that was often discussed was women, as opposed to men, being the main breadwinner, or being more successful than men in a relationship. It was always a lively and interesting discussion, not least because almost every single woman on the Loose Women panel was the higher earner and with a higher profile than their partner. The discussions could get a bit stilted and tricky because, I suspect, there were some partners who weren’t as happy or as easy-going as they, or their women, wanted them to be. It’s the subject of the new film starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch called The Roses which is based on the same book as the 1989 film The War of the Roses with Michael Douglas…

It’s Gabby and Vinny’s wedding day this week – but when Gabby arrives at the altar and Vinny isn’t there, will he really jilt her on their big day? Star Rosie Bentham talks us through Gabby’s feelings – and hints at a secret of her own… Hi Rosie! How does Gabby feel when she arrives at the wedding and Vinny isn’t there? Gabby’s heart completely drops. When Kammy says that he’s nowhere to be seen, she thinks her worst nightmare has come true again. If he doesn’t turn up, this could be catastrophic for their friendship – never mind their relationship – because Gabby’s feeling very vulnerable that she’s trying again with someone. I think she’d feel really embarrassed and let down. Vinny is harbouring doubts, but Gabby has a…

MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS TV presenter and former MasterChef contestant Theo is passionate about good quality food! He’s also an author of eight brilliant cookery books, including Canned, which helps transform store-cupboard ingredients into delicious meals. Theo has joined best to put own-brand staples to the test to help you find the best Essentials without compromising on flavour. WHEAT BISCUITS £2 for 24, Morrisons Nice crisp crunch and I couldn’t put my finger on it, but this just had a little more ‘wheat’ flavour to it. Maybe a touch of salt or sugar in the ingredients? If I had to choose one winner this was it! HARVEST MORN WHEAT BISKS £2.05, Aldi Very close second for the same reason that it just tasted a little more of something, than the others.…

Ann Ming was living a quiet, ordinary life as a wife, mum, and doting grandma when her world was turned upside down 36 years ago. The nurse from Billingham, Middlesbrough was looking after her three-year-old grandson Kevin while his mum – her eldest daughter Julie – worked a late shift as a pizza delivery driver. When Ann took little Kevin home the next morning, Julie, 22, was nowhere to be found. Ann panicked – her mothering instinct told her immediately that something was very wrong. But after calling the police, she was told it was too early to report her daughter as a missing person – and was assured she’d probably gone to London to meet up with her ex, who’d recently moved to the capital. Ann knew Julie would…

Lucy set off that morning trying to quash any last-minute misgivings, particularly those voiced by her brother, Ian. ‘I applaud the sentiment,’ he’d said in that analytical way of his. ‘But I worry that meeting the kid who knocked you for six will bring it all up again, Luce.’ ‘I see it as the opposite,’ she’d replied staunchly. ‘It’ll give me a chance to talk face to face, stop him looming in my mind as something he’s not.’ There had been silence down the line. ‘I see your point. I suppose.’ She knew he’d been lying awake at night, brooding on her decision to meet her mugger and get some answers. She’d done plenty of brooding herself before requesting a meeting with Darren Hazlitt. However, the whole restorative justice thing…

The 2025 Strictly star Alex Kingston consulted with her good pal and last-year finalist Sarah Hadland before she accepted the offer to join the dance contest – and the Miranda actress didn’t mince her words over her own experience of the show. ‘Sarah was really honest with me about how hard it is, how overwhelming it can be,’ Alex revealed on The One Show recently. ‘She was really clear and it gave me the chance to make the decision myself on whether I want to go for it.’ Of course, 62-year-old Alex, who found fame in US drama ER and has more recently starred in shows including Doctor Who and A Discovery of Witches, did decide to take the plunge. Although her trepidation was amusingly summed up on the BBC…

Michelle Dockery might play the daughter of an Earl with aristocratic blood in Downton Abbey, but in real life, she had much more humble beginnings. The actress plays Lady Mary Crawley, the daughter of an Earl, in the hit ITV period drama and has taken to the screen again for its third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. But Michelle, 43, has recently pushed back on any suggestions that in real life she’s ‘posh’ like her Downton character. Discussing the difference between her and Lady Mary, Michelle told The Sun: ‘I’m not like Lady Mary at all. For one thing, I’m not actually posh.’ In Downton Abbey, Lady Mary lives on an estate, has aristocratic blood, and has both butlers and maids waiting on her hand and foot…

COLD COMFORT Winter is coming. To everyone over the age of 30 that means jumpers and coats and sturdy boots, but these are garments unknown to many of the young on a night out. I see queues outside clubs where the girls have bare shoulders and short skirts and feel like offering them my own coat. Presumably pride keeps them warm because otherwise they would all end up with double pneumonia. It never ceases to baffle me! Then comes the ice and slippery pavements but still they clack along in fashionable shoes or wear boots with huge heels, utterly unsuited to gripping the surface. As for warm woollen scarves, what on earth are they? Once I asked a friend why she let her daughter go out coat-less in bitter weather.…

We’ve all heard the incredible rags to riches stories of the OnlyFans stars who’ve made millions, virtually overnight. Sophie Rain had just been dismissed from her waitressing job when she started posting ‘girl next door’ lingerie and bikini photos on the online subscription platform, charging fans $10 a month. The devout Christian from Florida hit the headlines in 2024 when she reported made £34 million in just 12 months – making her one of the biggest money-makers in the site’s history. Sophie is just 20 years old! ‘I never ever expected to be making this much money,’ she said. ‘I went from living on food stamps to this new lifestyle in less than two years. My family has officially retired because of my funds.’ The subscription service was launched in…

TOP TIP! We love Stacey Solomon’s latest collection for George at Asda! These bold neutrals are a subtle way to warm up your room.…

Cradling my cup of tea, I stared into the brew as if it might hold all the answers. Across from me, sat my best friend Gill. ‘So, I’ve been thinking. It’s not long now until we both retire…’ I started. She raised a curious eyebrow. We’d talked about our retirement before, but in that vague, far-off way people do when it still feels like a distant idea. But now we’d hit our 60s. The big question was, what on earth were we going to do with ourselves? Retirement felt both exciting and a little terrifying but, as always, it was a milestone that we’d cross together. Gill and I had been best friends since we were 18 when we were thrown together in the same student digs during our first…

It’s every cat owner’s worst nightmare. DJ Jo Whiley broke down in tears recently as she revealed her husband accidentally ran over their beloved family cat in a tragic accident. Jo says her husband Steve is ‘in a world of pain’ after the 14-year-old Bengal cat named Simba was killed. The 60-year-old Radio 2 presenter delivered the tragic news while speaking to fellow broadcaster Zoe Ball on their joint podcast Dig It. She explained that Steve arrived at their house and found Simba happily lying in the driveway on a hot day. He moved the cat out of the way before getting back into the car, but tragedy then struck. ‘I got a call from Steve in a complete panic,’ Jo revealed. ‘He thought Simba had gone, then drove in…

Documentary maker and reality star Zara McDermott travels to Thailand to discover an exotic paradise with two conflicting sides. Beyond the golden beaches and bustling cities lie wild parties, drugs and sex... Here, Zara tells us about what shocked her the most. How did this latest documentary come about? I made a documentary series about Ibiza. I really enjoyed making it and seeing how destinations operate and evolve, when tourism – particularly British tourism – has become a core function. In some places, the influx of young British tourists can create ecosystems of corruption, confusion and punishment that are eye-opening to witness. Thailand is a hugely popular destination, and a growing one. It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit, and I’d seen a lot online and in the press about…

VIRGO 24 August – 23 September The new moon in your sign makes this the perfect time to set new goals and take steps towards them. Health and wellbeing is firmly in the spotlight, so take a look at ways to focus more on you. Meanwhile, love planet Venus shifts into your go-getting zone, so make the first moves. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October A lot of unspoken emotions really need to come out at the moment. Whether it’s you that’s bottling things up, or someone very close, make it your mantra to get talking this week. Use your Libran tact and charm, and these conversations will go far better than you expect! SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November There’s even more of an ‘all-or-nothing’ air to you than…

World-renowned past live expert David Wells answers your questions. This week, he’s chosen divorced beauty therapist and tutor, Aimee Crook, 40, who has a teenage son. Here she tells us what came through in their encounter… Have you always believed in the spirit world and past lives? Completely. I’ve actually picked up on spirits and other sorts of things throughout my life through dreams. It was more when I was younger, I’ve since turned it off a bit, but I’ve seen things as well. I used to live in Chester in a really haunted house, which was very interesting. People used to come and visit us, but they’d see things in our house and say: ‘Okay, I’m leaving’. There was one time when I was at home, stood talking to…

The Glorious Dead, Justin Myers ‘Darkly funny, and packed with twists...’ Do we ever really know the ones we love? Are there things you should have said? That’s the big question at the heart of this darkly funny page-turner. Laurie Blount is one of the most celebrated playwrights, and self-confessed party animals, of the West End, until tragedy strikes and he dies in a car smash in the dead of night. His more modest husband Jo, a café owner, and melodramatic best friend, photographer Viv, are left devastated. As time marches on, they each take different approaches to mourning – Jo goes back to college and meets the mysterious Theo (what’s he hiding?), while Viv wallows in her grief, much to the annoyance of her daughter Rosy, who worked as…

ANIMAL OF THE WEEK Ash is three years old and has lived at Hertfordshire Zoo since 8 January 2024. The only red panda at the zoo, he loves sleeping in his tree, licking his paws and doing laps of his habitat. For more information, visit hertfordshirezoo.com. CALLING ALL PETS! From funny to cute, we’re looking for more pets to star in our ‘Day in the Life’ series. If you think your animal is the perfect match, email bestpets@hearst.co.uk with details of your pet, plus a series of snaps.*…