Table of contents for 46/47-2020 in Best

With its soft lighting and Art Deco bar, it has been a favourite with celebrities and locals in Chelsea for decades. But the secret of any good restaurant is the maître d’, and Daphne’s has an Italian angel, Gabriele Esposito. From Naples, this larger-than-life Italian has made London his home. ‘I love the British way of life, your open mind, but my favourite dish at Daphne’s is anything Italian,’ he laughs when asked. The past two times I’ve visited, I’ve behaved like Bridget Jones. One time booking a table for the wrong day, the other losing my credit card and being driven home by Gabriele… OK, it was en route and not a service he offers to all… But from last Thursday, Daphne’s had to shut its doors again until…

I realise I’m not the first person to sing along to Slade’s Christmas classic with altered words… ‘SO HERE IT IS, UNHAPPY CHRISTMAS, YET NOBODY’S HAVING FUN. LOOK TO THE FUTURE NOW, IT’S NOT EVEN BEEEE…GU..U..N!!’ Funny isn’t it, no, not my sad song, but that in 2020, people have happily surrendered their freedoms, while our economy has been brought to near collapse, people are losing their jobs, and yet, all we seem to be worried about is Christmas. Will we be ‘allowed’ to see our families? Will the shops open in time for the stampedes? Will John Lewis make an ad this year? I’m guessing no, no, no? This is usually when I don my Grinch outfit, but my act has been stolen by the ludicrous actions of Boris…

I’m A Celebrity… fans won’t be surprised to know that there are major changes afoot for this year’s show, which kicks off on Sunday, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The location change from tropical Australia to chilly Wales is one of many that will leave the contestants of 2020 with some big shake-ups to deal with. Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will form their own ‘bubble’ together, so they can stand side-by-side as they present the hit ITV show, rather than having to maintain social distancing. The celebrities taking part will also be in a bubble, as all of them will have isolated for 14 days before entering the camp, and will only be mixing with each other. In addition, there will be buzzers that ensure a two-metre…

It was mid-December and our tree lights were twinkling, when I noticed something in the branches. ‘What’s that?’ I asked my boyfriend, James. Grinning, he handed me a black notebook. Coleen Scott’s Wedding Diary! Inside, there was everything – a Vegas honeymoon, wedding dress fittings, cake tastings, even a venue booked for 12 months’ time… ‘Marry me?’ James grinned. How could I say no? Ever since I’d met ‘Firefighter J’ on a dating app in 2014, he’d swept me off my feet. Newly divorced, I wasn’t looking for love but he’d seemed so genuine. He told me he had two daughters, Maddie, 13, and Kenzie, six, who lived in Texas with his ex-wife. My family took to him straightaway, especially my girls, Laura, 21, and Katie, 19. His shifts at…

Sitting by his hospital bed, we waited for our son, Harry, then three, to wake up. We’d put his wrapped Christmas presents at the bottom of his bed. It was safe to say he’d been spoiled this year – not just by us, but by friends, family and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Christmas was usually a special time of year for us. Matching pyjamas on Christmas Eve, treasure hunts for early gifts, stuffing ourselves silly on the day itself. But 2016 looked very different. Harry had been in hospital for a month… So, when he opened his eyes, his dad, Damon, and I wished him a happy Christmas before he was sick all over the presents. ‘It’s OK,’ I said gently, starting to clean him up, just as my parents…

Starting to unpack my shopping trolly, I smiled at the man behind the till. ‘Getting ready for Christmas?’ he asked, as he scanned my boxes of Roses and Quality Street. I flushed guiltily as I nodded. Because, although it was only mid-October, this was the second stash of Christmas chocolates I’d bought – and I suspected it wouldn’t be the last. Me and my husband, Chris, now 37, had already munched our way through two boxes. I’d been born a chubby baby and had remained that way right through my childhood, my teens and my 20s. My mum loved baking and would make cakes for everyone in the street, so my sweet tooth developed early. Then I got a job in McDonald’s when I was 19, where the food was…

Cherry and Chocolate Baked Alaska Parfait, ice cream, cherry compote and fluffy meringue – topped with sparklers – whether it’s a New Year or a new job you’re celebrating, this decadent twist on a classic baked Alaska is the ultimate party piece to bring to the table. Serves: 8-10 Hands-on: 1 ½ hours, plus freezing Bake: 15 minutes FOR THE PARFAIT 8 egg yolks150g caster sugar1 tsp vanilla paste175g 70% dark chocolate, roughly chopped600ml double cream FOR THE CHERRY COMPOTE 250g frozen or canned pitted cherries50g caster sugar1 tsp vanilla paste FOR THE CAKE BASE 2 eggs50g caster sugar40g plain flour20g cocoa powder FOR THE MERINGUE 5 egg whites, at room temperaturePinch of salt225g caster sugar YOU WILL NEED 1.75-litre pudding basin, inside brushed with oil and lined with cling…

Standing at the security gate at London’s Gatwick airport, my husband, Colin, kissed me goodbye. I was flying to Canada to see my three grown-up children and it was a trip I tried to take at least twice a year. ‘I’ve left a note under your pillow,’ I casually told Colin, and his face fell. I often wrote out my thoughts to express my feelings and assumed it was a hazard of being a writer for a living. ‘Give me a hint?’ he urged. I gave him another kiss goodbye and told him to read it when he got home. ‘We’ll talk about it when I return,’ I said. Panic started to spread across his face, and I realised I couldn’t depart like this, so I assured Colin I wasn’t…

Strictly Come Dancing cohost Claudia Winkleman, 48, looks confident and glamorous as she cracks her latest joke in the famous BBC studio. But recently, she revealed a shocking secret – that part of her worries she might not make it to old age. Lots of members of my family have died young, so every year is a bonus. I’m definitely more than halfway, there is absolutely no doubt. I’m not going to do stuff I don’t want to do,’ she said. There’s something fantastic about 48, which is I see the people I love, and I watch the movies I know I’m excited about, and I stay in and lick my kids. That’s it. I’m not wasting time here. It’s almost over.’ In podcast The Mid Point, Claudia – who…

HAVE A LAUGH… An Evening with Dawn French, 30 November, 7pm The fabulous Dawn French will celebrate the publication of her novel Because of You with Fane (www.fane.co.uk), a series of livestreamed events with authors, actors and podcasters, from the London Palladium. For more information – head to lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/dawn-french. A GIFT FOR THE GIRLS? For £35, Interflora’s stunning, handtied bouquet is guaranteed to cheer up your girlfriends over Christmas. It may be a festive season we’ll never forget – but you can’t go wrong with flowers for a little pick-me-up to show others you care! See interflora.co.uk. CAROLS AT HOME! Breast Cancer Now: Carols by Candlelight Taking place online this year, the Breast Cancer Now: Carols By Candlelight service takes place virtually, direct from St Paul’s Church, London. The event…

Win EVERY WEEK 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: Who occupied the Christmas top spot in the UK charts in 2018 and 2019? (7). This is your prize answer. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross4620 ACROSS 1 ___ Bells, festive tune (6) 5 RAMS into upper limbs! (4) 7 Barbara-___, big hit for the Beach Boys, released in Christmas week 1965 (3) 8 Animal such as Beatrix Potter’s Peter (6) 9 Wedding band, eg (4) 10 The ___ League, British group who…

best magazine, ISSN 0954-8955, is published weekly by The National Magazine Company Ltd, t/a Hearst Magazines UK, c/o USACAN Media Dist. Srv Corp at 26 Power Dam Way Suite S1-S3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. All rights reserved. No part of may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Not to be resold, lent, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended retail price (subject to VAT in Republic of Ireland) or in a mutilated condition. Printed by York Mailing Ltd, Brinkworth Rush, Airfield Business Park, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. The publishers, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may…

Australian star Craig Revel Horwood, 55, whose catty comments on the Strictly judging panel have offered much-needed joy through Autumn, opens up about his festive plans. Despite a tough year, he’ll be looking on the bright side at his sprawling Hampshire home – mulled wine in hand and his 35-year-old fiancé, Jonathan Myring, by his side… Craig, we’re reaching the end of 2020. What a year! Yes, what a year…! I enjoyed the first month of lockdown, as it was novel, I never usually have a second, darlings. The second month I thought, mmm, better do something, so I finished my novel, started prepping for my one-man show, All Balls And Glitter (which starts touring in February), and had some fun recording a duets album. What with gardening, cooking, trying…

LONELY, I’M SO LONELY… You can sense the added stress of filming during another lockdown. Everyone – celebs, pro dancers, crew – is being so careful. I must say though, it does feel very lonely at times – none of my usual hugs or selfies with Motsi and Shirley. But the show must go on! On Saturday 21st, the pros are bringing a taste of Blackpool to the studio, and the following night Billy Ocean performs – I can’t wait! SWEET CAROLINE I love how emotional Caroline Quentin gets. She puts her heart and soul into every performance. Her and partner Johannes’ routine to Everything’s Coming Up Roses for Movie Week was gorgeous. It was a fantastic showcase of her acting and past ballet skills. She’s got pizzazz, drama, and…

BUBBLE TROUBLE We’re a family of five, including my hubby and our kids – so if the rule of six applies again at Christmas it looks like we may have to have my grumpy mother-in-law, rather than my own lovely parents. She’s on her own – we’ve always been her ‘bubble’ – it’s the right thing to do – but for the first time ever, I am slightly dreading it. It might be the only bit of joy we’ll get this year and I don’t want her ruining it! Any tips on how to not let her burst our bubble? Shannon, York For starters, if it happens don’t spend weeks before the big day anticipating a miserable time. Put your best foot forward. Give her a couple of tipples to…

Josh Chapman MATT EVERS SAYS: ‘Josh is just the perfect example of a little hero and so worthy of a best Heroes 2020 award! At just five years old, having the wherewithal to call an ambulance when he realised his mummy was in trouble, and take the action which saved her life, is just incredible – she must be so very proud of him. They must have such a special bond. Well done, Josh – it’s stories like these that truly bring sunshine to a very difficult year!’ Matt Ratana VANESSA FELTZ SAYS: ‘God broke the mould when he made Sergeant Matt Ratana. He was a huge, genial bear of a man with the precision of an athlete, exuding professionalism and compassion in equal measure. He was respected and adored…

CHILD POVERTY IS VERY REAL Some people find it hard to reconcile how any parent could send their child to school without breakfast. I certainly used to be one who couldn’t believe that a slice of toast or a bowl of cereal was beyond any household. Then lockdown happened, and I found out it was. For 12 years, I have been a trustee of the Manchester United Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the football club and our purpose is to motivate, inspire and unite young people through sport, from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the Greater Manchester area. Social distancing affected our principal aim and projects but, with help from the football club, we delved into a different area, reaching out to those young people in another…

SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Scorpios such as Hollywood hunks Leonardo DiCaprio and Ryan Gosling are feeling bold and are ready to strike in a new direction. After all the restrictions of the past year, they are feeling particularly restless and want to forge a new path. Look with optimism to the future. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February If you’re travelling, don’t expect to get anywhere very quickly. If your flight is delayed or a holiday cancelled, think about accepting a voucher to leave on another date rather than trying to fight to get your money back. Given the choice, you would rather be out and about than confined indoors. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Even though you don’t feel comfortable in crowds, you can still be…

Broadcaster Fiona Phillips has had a pretty awful year – and that’s saying something in 2020! First, she was blindsided by Coronavirus back in March, which left her bedridden for three weeks. Now recovered from the virus, she’s been hit with a whole other nightmare – the havoc her menopausal hormones are wreaking on her, both physically and mentally. Despite being in ‘total denial’ and hilariously clinging to the hope that she’d be the first woman on the planet not to experience it, the menopause has hit – like a tsunami. And it’s so far, so bad – as the straight-talking journalist described recently. ‘I’m losing myself to a hormonal hell’, lamented the 59-year-old, who is married to This Morning producer Martin Frizell, adding, ‘This horrible thing is more horrible…

TOP TIP! Layer a cosy cardigan over your favourite party shift and replace heels with a pair of ballet flats. TOP TIP! Leatherette jeans are a glam alternative to denim and also look great. TOP TIP! Spoil yourself with an extra mince pie! The relaxed waistband on this skirt will means you’ll feel like you are wearing your favourite joggers.…

TOP TIP! The last day to post in time for Christmas by 1st Class in the UK is 21 December.…

TOP TIP! Size up when buying an all-in-one for maximum comfort!…

HOW IT WORKS Why not leave your baggy Christmas jumper hanging up in the wardrobe this year? Instead, how’s about slimming into a fabulous festive frock? With more time at home and with restrictions across the country still in place, we’ve come up with the perfect plan to help you lose weight in time for Crimbo. Inspired by the Keto diet (a high-fat, low-carb plan), one of the most searched for diets, we’ve devised a speedy slimdown to help you drop pounds in time for the Queen’s speech. Keto diets can deliver fast results but they can be tough. But ’tis the season to be jolly (and Santa had a word in our ear), so we’ve allowed a couple of bits here and there to help you stick to it.…

UNDER £10 Superdrug Personalised Lip Balm, £2.50 (superdrug.com) Emblazoned with your initial, this is a handbag essential for Winter. Enriched with vitamin E and shea butter to soften and soothe dry lips. Garnier Tissue Mask Discovery Collection, £8.39 (amazon.co.uk) A treat for all complexions. This set of five tissue masks is for every skin concern – it includes three facemasks and two eye masks to help hydrate, plump and refresh. ALS Fruity Body Butter Trio Gift, £5 (boots.com) Parched limbs? This trio of treats includes Mandarin Mimosa, Berry Fizz and Pomegranate Punch, a delicious cocktail of buttery cream tubs to pamper dry skin. £10 - £30 Sanctuary Spa Beauty Sleep Journal, £19.99 (uk.sanctuary.com) Perfect for sleep-deprived loved ones, this lovely tin is stashed with lotions and potions to help you…

COULD I BE IMMUNE TO THE CORONAVIRUS? I had Coronavirus in March and, luckily, I wasn’t too badly affected. But what I would like to know is, am I now immune to the disease? Can I now do what I like, or must I be careful in case I catch it again? Lynnette, Birmingham DR HILARY SAYS: I’m sorry to hear that you were one of the unlucky ones who suffered from Coronavirus earlier this year, and glad that like most people, you only had mild symptoms. I hope you have made a full recovery as I’m sure you know, a significant number of victims develop long-term chronic consequences of Covid-19, which include fatigue, breathlessness, poor concentration and ‘brain fog’, amongst others. Your question about whether you can get Coronavirus…

People, I’m seriously worried about Christmas. I know some people detest the thought of the festive season, with all its stresses, physical, emotional and familial pains. For some, as soon as October turns the corner into November they develop a chronic, allergic response which favours going into hibernation, rather than queue for crackers. But for a Christmas obsessive like me, there is now real concern that, far from being the same as before, it might actually be properly cancelled by the current Eton Mess we have running our country. Like a foolish woman, and many who went before me, I believed Boris’s words when he said he hoped to ‘save Christmas’ by mass testing. But now that we are less than seven weeks away, I’m starting to feel that dread…

I DON’T WISH TO BE RASH, BUT… Before the football season even reaches it’s halfway stage, Marcus Rashford is surely the Player of the Year. You don’t even have to be a football follower, a Manchester United or England supporter to recognise that. This young man has surprised us, not by his exploits on the pitch, but by being the kindest, most human, inspirational, crusading example of it. As I believe they say in football circles, ‘Back of the net son’! STRICTLY TRICKS Even though it’s been three years since I took to the Strictly dance floor with Anton du Beke, I tune in every week wishing I was still there. Anton tends to be paired with challenging partners, and has revealed that he choreographs his dances with low scores…

Natalie’s New Year’s resolution had been to ‘get out there and join things’. So during the year, she’d joined a yoga class – briefly – followed by Thai cookery and ‘make your own silver bangles’. Towards the end of Summer, she was talked into her biggest challenge yet – joining a choir. It was her workmate, Clare, who suggested it. ‘Just give it a try, Nat.’ ‘But I can’t hold a tune in a bucket! ‘Oh, it’s not just about that. Everyone’s welcome. Our choir master, Terry, is a whizz at getting the best out of everyone.’ Natalie recalled her resolution and decided she’d give it a shot. There were over 40 choir members, apparently, and at least 20 attended each session, so she was just one among many warbling…

Have you even got time to be doing this seasonal search? There’s just so much to do at Christmas. Tell you what, look for all the festive jobs in the grid then use it as a todo list! All are hidden in the usual way, except one – which one? See if you’re right on page 81. FIND THE TREE FIX FAIRY LIGHTS UNTANGLE TINSEL PUT UP DECORATIONS ROW WITH HUBBY WRITE CARDS ORDER TURKEY BUY VEG WRAP PRESSIES CHOOSE BOOZE THREATEN THE KIDS DROP OFF GIFTS PREP DINNER POUR SHERRY HANG STOCKINGS … AND BREATHE! SEARCH ME! 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! FACE TIME Have a…

With the 24th series of ITV2’s Celebrity Juice back on our screens, the one and only Keith Lemon (real name, Leigh Francis) tells us how it’s entering a ‘new chapter’, with new captains, Love Island host Laura Whitmore and comedian Emily Atack (Holly Willoughby confirmed in May she was leaving, after 12 years on the show). The Leeds funnyman, 47 – who is married to beauty therapist Jill Carter and has two daughters, Matilda, 11 and Holly, nine – also opens up about spending lockdown filming a new series of Shopping with Keith Lemon, and reveals exclusively that he may be teaming up with his mate, Matt Goss, for a new TV show… Celebrity Juice fans seem so delighted that the new series is back! Yeah, there seems to be a…