Table of contents for 10-2019 in Best

Ten years ago, if you’d told Olivia Colman she’d win an Oscar (as she just has for her star turn as troubled Queen Anne in The Favourite), the 45-year-old mum-of-three might have laughed in your face. She said when accepting her award, ‘Any little girl who is practising their speech on the telly, you never know. I used to work as a cleaner and I loved that job. I did spend quite a lot of my time imagining this’. Through dead-end jobs and a dry spell in 2009 which almost saw her jack in acting to become a midwife, Olivia has come a very long way. She said recently that her success meant, ‘We can fix the loo, which hasn’t worked for about three years.’ And then some! Here, we reprise…

I’m engaged!’ my ‘Mum, daughter, Heidi, 23, squealed, waggling her left hand in front of me. I couldn’t help but laugh at her happiness, then quickly straightened my face to admire her white gold diamond solitaire. As Heidi turned to give her new fiancé, James Carter, another hug, my heart could have burst. Because, for a long time, I was convinced my little girl wouldn’t find love. Let’s face it, not many people with Down’s syndrome do – not the love of their lives, not somebody who can truly understand and accept them. But James can understand, accept and love Heidi because he has Down’s syndrome, too. When Heidi was born in July 1995, I saw immediately she had Down’s syndrome. I admit my husband Steve, 50, and I were…

Banoffee cake Use the ripest bananas you can find for the best flavour. Serves 10 Prep: 25 mins Cook: 55 mins Per slice: kcal 653; fat 39g; sat fat 20g, carbs 58g, sugars 58g ✦ 200g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease✦ 200g light brown soft sugar✦ 4 large eggs, beaten✦ 2 ripe bananas, broken up✦ 75g walnuts, chopped✦ 200g self-raising flour✦150g butter, softened✦ 250g icing sugar, sifted✦ 3tbsp dulce de leche✦40g fudge pieces 1 Preheat oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Grease and line an 8in deep cake tin with parchment paper. In a bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with an electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, then whisk in the bananas until smooth. 2 Using a spoon, fold in the…

Looking at Rodrigo Alves, with his plastic features and exaggerated facial characteristics, you can’t help but question why anyone would do that to themselves. And who would do that to him? The 35-year-old returned from Iran last month, where he’d had his 70th cosmetic procedure. He spent four weeks in the capital Tehran, where he paid more than £6,000 having an eye lift, chin implants, a face lift and his 11th rhinoplasty (that’s a nose job to you and me). ‘I’m a dreamer and I’m so lucky and blessed and fortunate I have been able to achieve those [dreams] by modifying myself,’ said the Brazilian-born reality TV star. But is it really anyone’s dream to look like that? The former air steward has openly expressed it is his lifelong ambition…

She may be pushing 80, but Prue Leith has no plans to slow down. Now a judge on The Great British Bake Off – including the celebrity charity version, which airs tonight – she is loving life in the limelight. We caught up with Prue, who is a proud grandmother, to hear about her new cookery books, why her husband loves her food - and why, she says, you shouldn’t eat cake every day. It seems like you have a lot of fun on The Great Celebrity Bake Off! Oh, we do. The lovely thing about celebrities is that most of them can’t cook. Some of them have literally never cooked – but if they follow the recipe, they do well. I think a lot of people can’t cook, but it doesn’t…

MY QUEEN, MY QUEEN, My Josephine… I was born into a family of boys. I have four brothers and, together with my dad, that made six men in the one household. Six men, plus one woman – and what a woman! Little surprise, then, that the single most influential woman in my life has been my mother. As Mother’s Day approaches, I think it’s important for us to evaluate that special role given to some women, and how they handled it and us – their children. Josie Holmes turned 90 last December. She may look like a cuddly granny, but underneath the silver permed hair and frail frame breathes the woman who was – and is – the boss of our family. Don’t get me wrong – my father, Leonard,…

…The return of BBC talent show All Together Now We had a good reaction to the first series. It’s an electric mix this year. We kept a lot of people from season four, and messed it up a bit. …Toughening up for the new series You do feel bad, as you don’t want to hurt somebody’s feelings. But I came to the conclusion that every ‘yes’ is a ‘no’ to somebody else and the top prize is £50,000! So I decided to raise my bar. People said I didn’t get up as much (to show support for the acts). But someone has to be the leveller. …time away from her family I’m 46, and I have learned the most precious thing we can give is our time. We have no…

Likeable duo Chris Hughes, 26, and Kem Cetinay, 22, began their ‘bromance’ on steamy reality show Love Island in 2017, with Kem winning alongside his now ex-girlfriend, Amber Davies. Now, the boys – best mates whose down-to-earth rapport has melted hearts across the country – are carving out a successful TV career. Back with series two of their hilarious hit ITV2 show, You vs Chris & Kem, the duo travel up and down the country in the ‘Bro Mobile’, tackling challenges in real time sent to them via social media (last series, they took on everything from camel riding to wrestling in gravy and speed-eating doughnuts). Here, they open up about fame, love and why men need to be more open about their feelings… Is You vs Chris & Kem as much fun to make as…

Mhairi McFarlane, 43, was born in Falkirk, Scotland, but now lives in Nottingham with her partner and her cat. Her debut novel, You Had Me At Hello, has been translated into 16 languages. She has just published her fifth novel, Don’t You Forget About Me. How did you get into writing? I started as a journalist. I was a reporter at the local paper in Nottingham and then I became a feature writer and columnist, which was good practice as it’s more creative than news. I loved it, but I turned 30 at the local paper and I didn’t want to still be there when I was 50 so, I decided to go part time and write a novel. It did take me five years to get published though! I…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT While Dublin is a great place all year round, from 14-18 March the city goes green and parties hard to mark St Patrick’s Day offering you ‘céad míle fáilte’, or a hundred thousand welcomes, as the Irish say. The festivities kick off with the St Patrick’s Festival of Irish culture and heritage, with fun events all over the city, from craft food and drink, popup festivals, street entertainment and a brilliant guided walk to discover the history behind St Patrick and places that most tourists, and even Dubliners, miss. INSIDER’S GUIDE No trip to the capital is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. This seven-storey attraction takes you on an interactive history of The Black Stuff and its founder, Arthur Guinness. If you’ve always fancied learning…

Unless you follow her on social media, you may not be aware that Loose Women panellist and former Corrie star, Denise Welch, is also mum to Matt Healy, frontman for pop band The 1975. At least, that is, until his band’s recent win at the Brit Awards for Best British Group. Accepting his award, Matt made an acceptance speech about sexism in the music industry, his experience with it, and why it should end. It almost silenced the room. The next day, he added, ‘Every man in that room knows a woman in that industry who has been, at one time, subject to misogynistic behaviour by a man when professionalism should have been at play. End of story. ‘You have one of those anecdotes, I have one, I’m sure everybody here has one, and…

WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Travel! The most unusual place I’ve been is Helsinki, so I’d like to see a bit more of the world. GUILTY PLEASURE? I love watching Columbo. I’ve got a bit of a crush on him, actually. He’s brilliant – I love the way he unravels the crime. WOULD YOU EVER DO DANCING ON ICE? I was approached, but I couldn’t as I have an inner ear problem. I couldn’t do the jungle – the boredom!…

Print perfection Bold florals will add a touch of spring to your winter wardrobe. Comfy casual A loose style is perfect for weekend lounging. Button it Easy to dress up or down. It’s a tie Show off your waist with this style.…

Mother-in-law makes me self-conscious From the moment we met, my mother-in-law has always had an opinion about my appearance – what I’m wearing – and let’s just say it’s not usually a compliment. During last year’s heatwave, for example, she asked me why I wasn’t wearing a coat. At Christmas, she asked how I could walk in my shoes (which were flats!). Although my hubby is aware of how she is, he doesn’t take this seriously and I don’t know what to do. I feel awkward every time I see her. How would you deal with her? Kate, Derby Having read your letter, I think your mother-in-law needs to be pitied in a way, rather than scorned. She does seem to come out with bizarre statements. But if I were you…

COMING UP ROSÉ… With spring just around the corner, it’s time to crack open the rosé! Jacob’s Creek Le Petit Rosé, £8, is delightfully crisp and works well with pasta or seafood. And it’s perfect if you fancy a tipple with friends! SHOT OF GOODNESS Enjoy a burst of the good stuff with M&S’s new range of super smoothies. A great way to get one of your five-aday, they include ingredients such as turmeric and cayenne to boost energy. From £1.50. WRAP IT UP For a gluten-free sandwich alternative, pick up a pack of Warburtons Gluten Free Wraps, £2.50 each. The range comprises White Wraps, High Protein Wraps and brand-new Beetroot Wraps, which are low in saturated fat and high in protein. SNACK WITH BITE If a packet of crisps…

It’s a pain few people can imagine – to have your daughter disappear off the face of the earth, never to be heard of again. Yet it’s an agony Joan Lawrence has had to live with every day for the past decade. This month marks 10 years since 35-year-old Claudia Lawrence went missing, yet her mother, Joan, is no closer to finding out what happened to her, or even establishing whether she is still alive. Yet, despite the years that have passed and the fact the police began treating the case as a murder investigation just a month after Claudia disappeared, there’s no doubt in Joan’s mind that her beloved daughter has survived whatever has befallen her. ‘I have no instinct whatsoever that she isn’t alive,’ she has said repeatedly.…

BREXIT At the end of the month, it’s Brexit day. However upset, ecstatic or divided you are, consider the advice my mother gave me – ‘Whatever life throws at you, you just have to crack on!’ And it’s true. Whether we like it or not, it’s the only way to heal the rift. LENT Lent is the six-week build-up to Easter, and starts the day after Shrove Tuesday. As a Catholic, Eamonn does the whole deprivation bit, but I prefer to see it as an excuse to get myself bikini ready for the Easter holidays. Sorry, God! DOI FINAL As the Dancing On Ice final nears, I’d like to offer my respect and admiration to everyone who has taken part this year. I experienced Strictly, which was so tough. This…

‘EAT ME’ FONDANT FANCIES Hands-on time: 1 hour + chilling & freezing Cooking time: 45 mins Makes 25 FOR THE SPONGE Oil, for greasing,225g unsalted butter, softened225g self raising flour, sifted2tsp baking powder225g caster sugar4 medium eggs, beaten4tbsp elderflower cordial  FOR THE BUTTERCREAM 150g unsalted butter, softened150g icing sugar, sieved1tbsp milk FOR THE ICING 1.5kg fondant icing sugar7½tbsp elderflower cordialPink and yellow food colouringSugar flowers to decorate (optional) 1 Heat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan), mark 3. Grease and line a 20.5cm square cake tin with baking parchment. In a large bowl, beat together the sponge ingredients for 5 mins until light and fluffy. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth to level. Bake for 45 mins until it’s firm to the touch and a skewer…

Since their iconic 2007 TV debut, the genetically blessed Kardashian-Jenner clan have built up an impressive empire. Yet, after endless cheating scandals, robberies, disloyalties and even a sex change, it’s getting increasingly hard to Keep Up With The Kardashians – and it’s showing in their ratings. Fans of the show are starting to question how real any of this is – it’s all just so increasingly bizarre! Viewing figures plummeted last year amid unfounded rumours that Kris Jenner, 63, might be trying to create juicy storylines for the next series – particularly surrounding the Khloé and Jordyn scandal. That debacle centres around middle child Khloé, 34, being cheated on last month by her basketball player boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, 27, with younger sister Kylie’s best friend, Jordyn Woods. It happened less…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT It’s a nine-hour plane journey from Gatwick, but a world away in terms of weather. Warm even from December to March, Americans themselves flock to St Pete Beach to escape the cold and unlock the treasures of this cultural oasis. On days when the sun doesn’t shine or you fancy a change from sunbathing and water sports – go arty in neighbouring St Petersburg. From The Dali Museum and theatres, to the street art (more than a hundred colourful murals explode on the street corners) and international food stores (everything from Japanese to vegan), there’s so much to explore. And then there is the shopping – row upon row of ‘hippie vibe’ boutiques that stretch across five districts, including our personal favourites, Grand Central District and the EDGE.…

Following a 2½st weight loss, binning the booze and – until last week – quitting smoking, it would be easy to think that actress Linda Robson was in the best place of her life at the end of last year. Clearly, we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Not seen on our screens since before Christmas, the star has us wondering where she’s been, especially since reports that she reached ‘breaking point’ and police were called to her home. It now appears that Linda, 60, has taken up smoking again. It’s an odd decision. Just a few years ago she admitted to quitting for health reasons – the death of her father Bobby from lung cancer, her mother’s heart attacks linked to smoking and her daughters’ pleas for her…

TOP TIP Pretty flat shoes give this shift a relaxed yet superchic look. Layer up with faux pearls to really nail the look! TOP TIP A boxy cardigan will instantly smarten up a simple shift or plain skirt. TOP TIP While the designer cat is optional, a tweed boucle jacket is key to recreating the Chanel look. Dress down with jeans and a white shirt to make this classic piece work harder.…

DO YOU LOVE YOUR MID-MORNING SOYA LATTE? Are you a peri or menopausal woman who has switched to soya milk for help with hot flushes? Or have you decided to avoid cows’ milk in an effort to do your bit for the environment? For such a little bean, there is a lot of controversy around the health benefits of soya, with some experts praising its qualities, while others have suggested it can actually be bad for you. Soya-based foods include tofu, soya milk, miso and edamame beans. Those in favour of the bean say it offers a good source of plant-based protein. But the main arguments against soya are suggestions it can mess with your hormones and thyroid gland – some even claim it can cause cancer! Sadly, not all…

Expecting a baby is an emotional rollercoaster at the best of times, but if you’ve ever had the same experience as One Show host Alex Jones while pregnant, you know it can get dramatically worse overnight. As she revealed on her Instagram Stories last week, Alex – who already has two-year-old Teddy with hubby Charlie Thomson – ended up in hospital, being monitored after not feeling much movement from her baby. The distraught TV presenter was eventually reassured that all was well with her little one, but it was clearly traumatic. The 41-year-old urged pregnant fans to go and get checked if they too had concerns. ‘Hadn’t felt much movement from the baby for a few days, so lying here being monitored,’ she said. ‘If in doubt, mamas, always check! So reassuring…

ARIES 21 March – 20 April A joint venture you were worried about will be successful. Exciting ideas are shared and this could make for a stimulating time. A friend or partner accepts an offer with exciting implications. If you spend a lot of time at home, accept invitations out. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May An impulsive act will give you a big thrill and boost your morale. The more flexible you are, the more fulfilling your life will be. You will be drawn to people who make exciting company. Moneymaking opportunities are worth their weight in gold. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June You can rely on your charm to influence those who can help you up the career ladder. Taking risks does not appeal because you’d rather…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES Use the anagrams, straight, cryptic, quiz and picture clues to solve the crossword. When completed correctly, the pink squares, reading top to bottom, left to right, will reveal the answer to the question below: What is the title of the new dark comedy series from Ricky Gervais available on Netflix from this week? (5,4) This is your prize answer. See below for details on how to enter. TO ENTER CALL 0900 100 0921 (UK 65ppm)† /1550 787026 (ROI 97cpm) † CODE: PUBSTN19115 ACROSS 1 Man’s purse? (6)4 PICTURE AWhat country is she from? (6)7 Fire debris (3)8 Look to the ESTORE for a new hi-fi (6)9 ANAGRAM RAID10 What do you call the hybrid offspring of a male…

Standing on the scales, I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to calm the hammering of my heart. There was no denying it – I was terrified. ‘You’re 19st 4lb,’ the Slimming World consultant read out. My stomach clenched and for a second, I thought I was going to be sick. How on earth had I done this to myself? And why had nobody stopped me? For my whole life, I’ve always taken care of everyone around me – as it turned out, to the cost of my own health. But now, that had to change. Now, I had to take care of me. For as long as I can remember, my mum, Susan, had been poorly. She had sarcoidosis, a rare condition that causes cells to clump together in…

‘Sounds like a cliché, but I’ve made friends for life on this show!’ DIRTY (ICE) DANCING… The solo skate I did last Sunday was a bit terrifying, but I made it! And I loved skating to my personal choice, Do You Love Me, featured in Dirty Dancing. I remember, aged nine, watching Patrick Swayze in that film and being mesmerised – it’s what got me into dancing. Swayze was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. MATES I’LL MISS Sounds like a cliché, but I’ve made friends for life on this show. Brian McFadden’s been my rock, the go-to guy if anyone needs cheering up. I’ll stay in touch with him, plus Jane Danson, Ryan Sidebottom, Saira Khan and Wes Nelson (even if he beats me!). THE FINAL Each finalist this…

Culinary queen Mary Berry, 83, is Britain’s best-loved cookery writer and broadcaster. She has been married to her husband, Paul, for 52 years. Hi, Mary! How did your new series come about? Well, it’s inspired by quick cooking, which is how we all live these days, isn’t it? Grabbing something from the supermarket on the way home. You experience lots of firsts in this show… Yes! My first time in Rome, which was exciting! We visited a food market, which I just adored. I’ll go a long way for a good market. I met an expert there who cooked with sea urchins! You whizzed round on a moped with a handsome Italian, too… When they told me I’d be going on a Vespa I said, ‘Hang on a minute…’! But…

Last week was not a good one for reality star Gemma Collins. With her mum in hospital battling pneumonia, Gemma hit the headlines again for all the wrong reasons – the most dramatic of showbiz splits from her lover James ‘Arg’ Argent, following a slew of humiliating messages. Gemma, 38, recently eliminated from ITV’s Dancing On Ice, instantly kicked her fellow TOWIE star out of their shared Essex home after the 31-year-old posted an embarrassing clip of her on his Instagram Stories – asleep and snoring. But posting the video for all to see wasn’t enough, it seems. Arg reportedly then sent his girlfriend a text that said she had ‘more rolls than Greggs’. The vicious attack continued: ‘You’re a fat joke of a woman. An absolute car crash!’ There…

ANIMAL MAGIC FOR FANS OF MARLEY AND ME A Dog Named Beautiful Robert Kugler Bantam – £16.99 When soldier Rob adopted Labrador puppy Bella, the two forged an unbreakable bond. Years later, when Rob was told Bella was dying, he set off on a road trip with his best friend, completing a doggie bucket list from coast to coast of the United States. Everyone Died, So I Got a Dog Emily Dean Hodder and Stoughton – £16.99 Funny, but extremely sad memoir from the broadcaster and journalist, who recounts how after a succession of bereavements, including her adored older sister, she made her way to recovery with the help of a Shih Tzu called Ray. HISTORICAL HITS READ THIS IF YOU LIKED THE CORSET The Conviction of Cora Burns Carolyn…

WORTH £2,250 Imagine jetting off to magical Majorca for some fun, rest and relaxation. Thanks to Neutradol, the fresh air specialists with a product for every smelly situation, you could win this four-star holiday to Palma for seven days. Majorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, surrounded by the inviting Mediterranean Sea. You will be staying in the capital, Palma, which is renowned for glorious beaches, a vibrant nightlife and the magnificent Santa María Cathedral. Explore further and you will find sheltered beach coves, white-washed mountains and the famous dramatic Drach Caves. Your holiday base will be the unique Hotel Portofino in the heart of Palma, so you will be surrounded by a wonderful array of shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants to tempt your senses. Enjoy sipping a cocktail…

‘Like most millennials, I’d put my culinary skills in the “Poor At Best” category – ironic, considering how much of my social life revolves around food! I may be obsessed with every cookery programme on Netflix, but ask me to rustle up a trifle, and it’ll end up like the episode of Friends where Rachel layers beef and peas with cream. So yes, we might not be setting the baking world alight, but what we do know is what we won’t eat. From a rise in veganism to making gluten our enemy, our eating habits are causing quite a stir. According to the figures, more young Brits gave up bacon than booze at the start of the year, with eight per cent of 16 to 24 -year -olds passing up…