Table of contents for 45 - 2022 in Best

She’s had the time of her life wowing the nation and the judges on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Performing alongside professional Graziano Di Prima, former Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh has lit up the dance floor and looked happier than ever. But behind the scenes, the 46-year-old recently opened up about the deep pain she carries with her every single day. Kym reflected on the tragic loss of her son, Archie, who she lost at 21 weeks into her pregnancy, alongside then-partner Jamie Lomas in 2009. In a moving Instagram post to mark Baby Loss Awareness Day more than a decade on, Kym wrote, ‘Today is a day to get people talking, and to remember all of our babies that were taken too soon. ‘I am a mother who…

A SWAN-LIKE NECK Necktite can zap fat and tighten skin from the inside out, tackling a double chin and jowls. Using Radio Frequency and Advanced Liposuction, this one-off treatment is performed under local anaesthetic. Two nips are made below each ear and a small device is inserted under the skin, which breaks down fat cells. Then Radio Frequency energy boosts collagen and tightens loose skin. A compression garment must be worn for around five days and there may be some slight bruising and swelling for a week. Allow two to three weeks to heal completely. From £2,800 (call 02074364441). PERFECT POUT Collagen and elastin, which gives lips their fullness, breaks down leaving lips looking deflated. For temporary plumpness try the Cinderella lip treatment. A dental block is given and then…

B&M wants to help you celebrate Christmas in style and stock up on everything you need to have the best Christmas at home this year. B&M is the UK’s fastest-growing retailer and they have everything you need to make Christmas extra special. To celebrate the start of the festive season, B&M is giving four lucky readers the chance to win a £100 gift voucher to sort their Christmas 2022. To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best4522 by 18 November 2022. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2732 by midnight on 18 November 2022. Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and will last no longer than two minutes. Charges for mobiles may be higher. Phone line closes at midnight…

SOMETHING TO TRIFLE WITH… Christmas just isn’t Christmas without trifle! If you always make your own, why don’t you upgrade your jam to Cottage Delight Mulled Wine Jam, £2.39, this year. It’s packed full of juicy redcurrants, blackcurrants and cherries with a generous splash of mulled wine, which gives this yummy jam a fabulously festive favour! EYES ON THE PIES If you are looking for a delicious meat-free meal, then it’s worth checking out Higgidy Porcini & Chestnut Mushroom Pie, £4. The blend of porcini and portobello mushrooms, in a creamy crème fraîche and white sauce, make for a luxurious dish. Enjoy with seasonal veggies and gravy for a fab feast. Available from Sainsbury’s. ORANGE AID Fans of dark chocolate will adore the new Ritter Sport Orange, £1, from Sainsbury’s.…

THE NANA DI ARIES It’s now three months since my grandson was born. Little Arlo Jude, is not so little these days, he is a solid, beautiful baby with chubby wrists and Kardashian thighs. My role as Nana is still at the probationary stage, my daughter wants me to help, but isn’t too sure of my capabilities. The other day she watched me change a nappy and asked, ‘Have you actually ever done this before?’ OK, so I was overly generous with the sudocrem, I’d forgotten to position his willy and the nappy itself was twisted but, in my defence, it’s been a long time and boys are different to girls. My experience with babies is pretty limited, I only ever had the one daughter and, admittedly, she went to…

Fairytale turrets, moats, grand ballrooms, landscaped gardens… life in a castle must be pretty magical. The reality, of course, may well be different, but let’s not focus on that right now. In the UK, there are thousands of castles, and of those that are lived in, many will have parts open to the public or have been turned into hotels and B&Bs to generate income. Of course, the upkeep, renovations and mammoth heating bills are not to be scoffed at – although the way prices are right now, for most of us, we may as well all be living in a castle. Of course, we’ve watched with admiration the incredible journey of Dick and Angel Strawbridge, who bought and renovated theirs in Pays de la Loire in France, in the…

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…

Paul Minter is an army veteran campaigning for better mental health awareness – and taking on world records to help raise the profile of his cause. From age eight, Paul knew he wanted to join the British Army. Then, in 2003, at just 16, his dream became a reality, undertaking his first tour of Afghanistan three years later. ‘It was all I ever wanted to do,’ he says. ‘I completed my basic training and in April 2006, was sent on my first tour to Afghanistan, serving on the frontline. ‘The shooting started as soon as we landed and, although it was terrifying, the buzz when you realised you’d survived became addictive.’ Constantly on high alert, fighting bullets and bombs, there was no time to stop, says Paul. ‘Even if you…

At age four, Aneeshwar Kunchala was shown a picture of a pregnant whale that was found dead in the Mediterranean Sea with 50lbs of plastic in her stomach. Shocked by what he saw, Aneeshwar decided he wanted to do something to raise awareness about plastic pollution and our environmental footprint. Known as the ‘mini-David Attenborough’, Aneeshwar began learning more about animals and how many of them were at risk of becoming extinct due to climate change, deforestation, and hunting. ‘I want to make sure my message is heard far and wide. If just one person can make a difference, then I know I have helped the planet,’ Aneeshwar admits. So, when the Covid lockdown hit in March 2020, Aneeshwar asked his dad, Anil, to help him create mini documentaries that…

When Paula Hudgell met baby Tony in February 2015, she felt there was one thing she had to do – take on the UK’s criminal justice system and fight for tougher sentences for child abusers. The foster mother met and fell in love with the four-month-old, after the little boy was admitted to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital with a catalogue of appalling injuries, including multiple organ failure and broken limbs in 2015. Cruelly tortured by his birth parents, by the time the tiny 9lb boy was taken to hospital, he was unresponsive. But medics battled to save his life and Paula took him home to finally show him the love he deserved. Sadly, Tony’s injuries were so severe, the little boy needed both legs amputated. Knowing how much care…

Chicken And Pumpkin Korma • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil• 2 onions, cut into thin wedges• 2 teaspoons garam masala• 2 teaspoons ground cumin• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger• 4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped• 2 long green chillies, sliced• 800g pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and cut into small chunks• 250ml 1 cup good-quality chicken stock• 4 x 180g chicken breast fillets, trimmed and cut into thirds• Plain thick yoghurt, chopped roasted salted cashews, coriander (cilantro), extra sliced long green chilli and spiced pistachio rice, to serve 1 Heat a large deep frying pan over medium heat. 2 Add the oil, onion, garam masala, cumin and turmeric and cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the coconut and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for 1…

Poppy, the golden retriever, loved food, her family, walks – and Christmas. Another year had flown by, and the festive season was here again. Poppy felt the buzz of excitement in the air. Christmas trees appeared everywhere – like the one in her living room. Mum, and her human sister, Evie, always decorated the tree – but not this year. There was a strange atmosphere around the house, and this unsettled Poppy. She became convinced something was wrong the day the Christmas tree went up. Mum prepared the room, rearranging furniture, ready for the tree – and that’s what was so strange. Usually, Evie helped. Her excitement filled the house. Her energy was infectious. Poppy groaned. ‘Where’s Evie?’ Dad stumbled through the door, carrying so many large boxes he could…

Always ask a busy man, or so the saying goes. The logic being, a busy man will prioritise his time, make space for his tasks and goals, and in principle operate like a well-oiled machine. Not in my case. I operate under pressure like a headless chicken. And I have unexpectedly found myself busy on the dating front. In fact, if you don’t mind a dad joke, you could say I am ‘three busy’. I ‘liked’ three potential ladies on a dating site who independently ‘liked’ me back. This means I now have three individual threads of communication going on. They are good looking, intelligent, similar ages, and parents. In principle, they’ve been there (wherever there is), seen that (whatever that is) and now with age and experience they don’t…

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: A LIFETIME DRESSING FOR THE WORLD STAGE Jane Eastoe, HarperCollins, £20 Always elegant, as a young female leader, Her Majesty cut quite a dash. This gorgeous book is a fond reflection of the days when the monarch led the field in fashion, featuring beautiful photographs and sketches. THE NEW ROYALS: QUEEN ELIZABETH’S LEGACY AND THE FUTURE OF THE CROWN Katie Nicholl, Hachette, £20 Leading Royal watcher Katie looks back on Queen Elizabeth’s reign, and what’s next for the firm. Based on interviews with those in the know, it’s fascinating stuff. QUEEN ELIZABETH II David Souden, BBC Books, £15 From walking down the aisle with Prince Philip to pulling a pint with Babs Windsor in the Queen Vic, this gorgeous book of photos – some formal, some more…

Good Morning Britain weather presenter and author of Everyday Ways To Save Our Planet, Laura Tobin, 41, revealed to us that Christmas doesn’t need to be overly wasteful or expensive! The mum-of-one, to five-year-old Charlotte, told best exclusively how she makes creating and reusing things fun during the festive season… From making old cards into gift tags to getting the same pair of sparkly boots out every year, the happily married star hopes we will go into 2023 less wasteful and more resourceful. Here, Laura talks family traditions, second-hand gifts, and left-over turkey curries! Hi, Laura, what are your Christmas plans? We’re hoping to go to the Christmas markets in Germany for the build-up. My husband actually proposed at a Christmas market there, in a part of Berlin called Charlottenburg…

As the room fell silent, I looked at my husband Richard, who was preparing to make a Christmas Day speech. My stomach was filled with butterflies, and I promised myself I would not cry. I wanted to be strong for him and my stepdaughter, Mia. Just 18 days earlier, Richard had been diagnosed with stage four mantle cell lymphoma – an aggressive cancer that is notoriously hard to get rid of. ‘Kelly, I appreciate you more than you could ever know,’ he told me. We didn’t know how long Richard had left. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I refused to imagine my life without him… I first met Richard in November 2014 when we were introduced to each other by mutual friends. ‘I have goosebumps thinking about…

TOP TIP! Keep Christmas stockings clean year after year. Hand-wash knitted or crochet stockings in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent and rinse well. Velvet and felt stockings should be dry cleaned.…

MARVELLOUS MOTSI A newspaper ran a story saying I’d called Motsi ‘a diva’ and suggested I meant it negatively, which was not the case – I meant Diva Dancer, Diva Divine, darling! She is utterly fabulous and she always looks amazing. Motsi is one of the nicest people you could ever meet – the furthest thing from a Difficult Diva you could ever imagine. INCREDIBLE KATE Molly and Carlos tangoed to Running Up That Hill. I was delighted they chose that song as I love Kate Bush – she is a phenomenal performer. Of course, since the song was used on Stranger Things it has won her a whole new audience and I’m delighted that we at Strictly are also sharing the love. HALLOWEEN HIT Halloween was a blast as…

With the festive season around the corner, the cost-of-living crisis has meant we’ve had to tighten the purse strings. And with finance guru Martin Lewis revealed to be the UK’s top candidate for the next Prime Minister, it’s clear Brits are looking for more ways to save money. The founder of the Money Saving Expert website says the key to not overspending is preparation. Here are some of his top tips… 1 AFFORDABILITY Before you start planning your Christmas Day celebration, first consider: ‘Am I spending more than I earn?’ That’s a recipe for ending up broke. Instead, calculate your budget. Money Supermarket has a free budget planner on its website, and asks: ‘What can I afford to spend?’ Christmas is one day – don’t ruin the whole of the…

In the run-up to Christmas, Santa’s elves are busy, busy, busy. I should know – I’m in charge of 10,000 of them, sending them off to spread joy around the world. Back in December 2014, I was trawling shops searching for a cute, cuddly elf for my daughter, Holly, then two. All the elves were grumpy-looking, but I wanted a smiley one. ‘I’m going to start a business selling cheerful elves,’ I told my husband, Ian. So, in-between wrapping presents, cooking Christmas dinner and visiting family, I sat at the kitchen table, doodling elf pictures. Then I found a factory in China that produced premium plushes to make them for me. Over the coming months, prototype elves arrived weekly. Daughter Holly was my chief tester, although she wasn’t the best…

If you’re thinking of a castle abroad, this one in Los Ancares, Galicia, Spain, dates back to the 14th-century, complete with twin towers and set in the national park Los Ancares. Also near a ski resort, it would make a fab hotel. It does need work but has a restored roof, which is a good start. On sale for around £195, 300 via Galician Country Homes (galicianrustic.com). This historic castle in Co Galway, West Ireland, was restored to a habitable condition some years ago but has lain empty for a while, so needs repairs. It has walled gardens, three bedrooms and is rather compact for a castle so upkeep will be relatively low! For sale ata very attractive price of around £194,000 via Tom Brett Auctioneeers (tombrett.com). Perhaps you’re looking…

On 15 August 2019, Lissie Harper’s life changed forever. Andrew, her husband of just four weeks, was working his last shift before they were due to go on honeymoon, when he answered a burglary call. The Thames Valley police officer, aged just 28, gave chase to a suspect’s car, found his foot caught in a strap and was dragged more than a mile to his death. It was a powerful reminder of how police officers up and down the country put themselves at risk every day to keep us safe. The young widow’s public heartbreak resonated with many around the world, and her tribute to him touched us all. ‘To my best friend, the kindest, loveliest, most selfless person you will ever meet… I do not know how I will…

While many 70-year-old grandfathers might be slowing down, Frank Rothwell, from Oldham, embarked upon the ‘toughest Atlantic row’ solo, to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. ‘I thought it sounded fun and I could do that,’ he explains. Not exactly a novice, Frank, who recently became chairman of Oldham Athletic Football Club, had been sailing as a hobby since his 30s, and has always been something of an adventurer, says his wife of more than 50 years, Judith. He trained for a total of 18 months before finally leaving behind his family and friends, to set off on his epic, gruelling adventure. The 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge departed from La Gomera in the Canaries in December 2020 and ended in Antigua on Valentine’s Day last year. The whole trip…

Londoner Annie Riley is liquid sunshine. One half of the fabulous Swing-time Sweethearts, she has been performing songs from the Forties for decades, but 15 years ago she became involved with best’s amazing chosen charity, The Not Forgotten (TNF) – and is now their forces entertainer. Since day one, Annie has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the charity, as well as entertain the troops on tours and in care homes. Even the pandemic didn’t stop our Annie. She sang classics such as We’ll Meet Again outside windows and – when rules allowed – in person, to lift veterans’ spirits. In the past few years, Annie has performed for more than 10,000 veterans in over 300 care homes and at over 50 drivein concerts. Plus, she helps to organise an…

Emmanuel Kelly is a man here to ask us all one question – what is it, the ‘differently-abled’ can’t do? Does it need to be written down that an actor has one arm to play a part? Why can’t a singer be blind? Emmanuel first came to the world’s attention appearing on Australian X Factor but even before he began to sing, the story the 18-year-old boy told silenced the world. Found on a battlefield, in a shoe box in Iraq, Emmanuel recalls in his matter-of-fact Aussie style: ‘I was found by soldiers and when they heard a baby cry, they stopped shooting and took me to a Mother Teresa orphanage in Baghdad, where I stayed for seven years. During that time, I experienced some awful things… bombs, executions, violence…

Cranberry cassis This slightly dryer and fruitier twist on a Kir Royale would be perfect for a festive brunch gathering. The cranberry adds a little special Christmas magic, but it’s refreshing and light at any time of year. Serves 1 • 35 ml cranberry juice• 15 ml crème de cassis• Well-chilled Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine, to top up• A sprig of redcurrants, to garnish (optional) 1 Pour the first two ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well. 2 Strain into a chilled Champagne flute or small wine glass and top up with Prosecco. Garnish with redcurrants, if liked, and serve at once. Santa’s little helper Forget the milk and gingerbread cookies – this is what Santa really wants to find when he calls at your home…

HER LOSS IS APPROACHING I am likely to lose my mum within a year. She has been my only parent throughout my life. Lee, can you tell me how will I cope, and where shall I draw my strength from? Jackie, Bristol LEE SAYS: Dear Jackie, First thing, I’m sorry to hear the news that your mum is unwinding and coming to the end of life. We never come to terms with losing a loved one, but we must carry on. My advice is, find yourself a spiritual church in your area after the loss of your mother and you will always get contact from spirit through spirit to spirit. The church will help you to stay strong and move forward. IS MY SON OK? Please, please, Lee, can you…

KILLER THRILLERS The Sanctuary Emma Haughton Hodder & Stoughton, £16.99 (out 24 Nov) After a boozy night out, Zoey wakes up at a Mexican retreat – with only a sketchy idea how she got there. But, miles from civilisation, deep in the desert, it soon appears that rather than helping her, the retreat is putting her in danger. Are You Awake? Claire McGowan Thomas and Mercer, £8.99 (out 8 Nov) Sleep-deprived mum Mary thinks she witnesses an act of violence in a neighbouring home, and joins forces with fellow insomniac Tim to investigate what happened. An entertaining thriller – you may lose some sleep yourself! ROMANTIC READS This Way Out Tufayel Ahmed Lake Union Publishing, £8.99 It’s time everyone knew the truth, and what better way to announce you’re getting…

ARIES 21 March – 20 April A project that comes to a halt cannot be continued until a tool that’s needed is repaired or replaced. Other members of your team might be content to wait around doing nothing, but not you. This is your chance to catch up on neglected bits and pieces. Try to avoid financial speculation, as taking risks is not recommended right now. Should such a temptation arise, refrain from visiting your favourite online auction site. If friends try to drag you into their arguments towards the end of the week you would be better off keeping well out of their way. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May An assignment given to you as the month begins will be no small task. No one is expecting you…

He has been causing havoc in ITV’s This Morning kitchen since 2009. Charming, charismatic and with hilariously little filter, Gino D’Acampo is one of Britain’s favourite TV chefs. He is back on our screens this month, hosting another series of the popular game show, Family Fortunes. He opens up to Tony Cowell, explaining why he would not be where he is today without the help and support of his late mum, Alba, who died in 2017. Very much the family man, Gino also reveals the secret of the success of his marriage to wife Jessica – and why they’re still so happy together, after 28 years… You are back this month with Family Fortunes. What was your reaction, when you were first offered the gig as host? It was probably…

You know Christmas is just around the corner when I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here is back on the box! Once again hosted by Ant and Dec, this year’s series of the jungle adventure will be filmed in Australia for the first time in three years. In 2020 and 2021, the hit ITV series was shot at Gwrych Castle, in North Wales, due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The team made a terrific effort, but it just didn’t feel quite the same without the hot sun and big Australian skies. But now the jungle adventure is back with a bang – with a brilliantly starry line-up flying in to Brisbane. Rumoured to be taking part are ex-England rugby star (and husband to Zara Phillips) Mike…

TOP TIP Sharp tailoring makes a welcome change to a traditional party dress.…

‘Some of the conversations we have on Loose Women literally shock me to the core. The most recent was about whether or not we indulge in pettiness, especially within our relationships, when one of the girls came out with an unbeatable example that was so magnificent it was almost unbelievable. It involved a spat about doing the laundry. Basically, she was busy doing it while he was watching the football, she felt he wasn’t being “appreciative” enough of her efforts, so she stopped and six years later, he’s still doing his own! Obviously, the other girls on the show couldn’t follow that but all of us admitted to being a bit petty at times, just not in a big way. I try to be but I’m not very good at…

1 BALM For every person who swears by a vivid red lipstick, there’s someone else who doesn’t, and the new generation of balms has been made with the latter in mind. While it’s true that balms don’t offer the same level of boldness as a lipstick, that doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of a spot in your cosmetics bag. Indeed Tinted Lip Treatment, £14.99, contains just enough colour so you feel pulled together but also gives lips a healthy dose of hydration. The versatility of balms means they can offset a dramatic, smokey eye or add a pretty sheen to a low-key look. 2 GLOSS The latest formulations show that gloss can be grown-up. Urban Decay has swapped sticky finishes for high-shine oils, such as avocado and passionfruit, while The…

Christmas is calling and before you know it you’ll be munching on mince pies and getting busy with your best baubles. But if you want to shape up before Santa visits, we’ve come up with the perfect plan that could help you lose up to 1st in a month. HOW IT WORKS Our diet is based on cutting out ultra-processed foods (UPFs). So, what are they? Processed foods can roughly be grouped as below… • Unprocessed – food in its natural form such as fish, eggs, fruit and veg. • Minimally processed – foods that may have been slightly altered. For instance it may have been blended or crushed – such as a fresh 100% fruit smoothie. • Processed food – products that contain a mix of ingredients – for…

Cranberry, Pistachio And White Chocolate Panettone A slight labour of love, but well worth it for the end results. If you can’t get hold of a panettone case, bake in an 18cm round, deep tin that’s been greased and lined with baking parchment. Hands-on time: 30 min, plus (overnight) rising and chilling Cooking time: About 1 hr 10 min Serves 12 FOR THE FRUIT • 150g dried cranberries• Finely grated zest of 1 orange• 75g mixed peel, finely chopped• 2 ½ tbsp dark rum FOR THE STARTER • 75g strong white flour• 1 tbsp fast-action dried yeast• 75ml whole milk FOR THE DOUGH • 500g strong white flour, plus extra to dust• 10g fast-action dried yeast• 4 large eggs• 1 tsp orange blossom water• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste• 150g…

TOP TIP! These unique lights are solar powered, to light up your outside space. Plus, if the weather lets you down, you can charge them inside your home in time for a party or special occasion.…

Santa Claus can’t be everywhere, so when he’s busy in the run-up to Christmas, I cover for him in south-east England. Switching on Christmas lights on Marylebone High Street, travelling the country on a sleigh pulled by reindeer in a supermarket advert and visiting children’s hospital wards. My job as a stand-in for Santa started on a cold, wet November night 40 years ago when I joined the PTA at my sons’ school. ‘We need a Father Christmas for the school fair,’ one of the committee said. All eyes turned to me – the hapless new guy. A few weeks later, I reluctantly pulled on Santa’s red robes and covered my ginger beard with a white one. Then the first child walked into the grotto, saw me and gasped. The…

I CAN’T STOP PUTTING ON WEIGHT Since being in my 40s, I’ve realised that I can’t shift the weight like I used to – but recently I’ve realised that no matter what I eat, even if it’s really healthy – I’m actually gaining pounds! Nothing else about my diet or lifestyle has changed – yet I’ve now gained about 10lbs in the past six months for no reason. Why could this be? Michelle, North London DR HILARY SAYS: Unexplained weight gain is always worth investigating. If you are in your 40s now it could just be due to the slowing down of your metabolism, as you are in your perimenopausal years. This means that you burn less calories whilst enjoying the same diet. However, there are a number of medical…

1 PERFECTLY PLUM Create an intimate environment for calm contemplation with moody plum walls, soft fabrics and solid wood furniture. Steer clear of purples with blue tones as these can seem cold when used in large areas. Wall in Adventurer matt emulsion, £52 for 2.5L, Little Greene. For similar desk, try Moncton Office Desk, £98.99, daals.co.uk. For similar chair, try Lucia velvet chair, £49, manomano.co.uk. 2 INKY HUES If you like the idea of an allen-compassing dark room but end up playing it safe, we’re here to tempt you to go for it. A feature wall in a deep inky blue may seem like the best option, but it will subconsciously draw your eye. Instead, be bold and paint all four walls! Walls in Kigali architects’ matt, £59.50 for 2.5L,…

The story of Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards will be known to most of you already but when the popular presenter and singer lost her son, Jamal, unexpectedly in February, at the age of just 31, every mother’s heart went out to her. It’s a fate most of us pray we will never need to contemplate. Jamal was a music entrepreneur with his own YouTube channel who helped launch the careers of so many, including Ed Sheeran. ‘I really don’t think I would have been allowed through certain doors without Jamal,’ Ed said in a tribute. But, if possible, worse was to come. Brenda was left in ‘deep shock’ when the autopsy revealed Jamal had been using recreational drugs shortly before his death. Yet, once the reality sunk in, Brenda did…

Lisa Fleming first came to best’s attention when she started to follow Editor-in-Chief Siobhan on Instagram, and Lisa’s bio, ‘living the best life I can’, caught her eye. As Siobhan scrolled through Lisa’s posts, she discovered the 38-year-old had been living with stage four metastatic breast cancer for five years. Back in early 2017, the Edinburgh mum woke up with a sharp pain in her neck and, despite her GP saying the pain was nothing to worry about, Lisa knew instinctively that something was wrong. By May, she was proved right – a scan revealed she had cancer, it was secondary and had already spread to every bone, including her skull. ‘To be told I have metastatic secondary breast cancer and that it was incurable – my world fell apart,’…

Jo Cope doesn’t see herself this way but she is a remarkable person. Like most of us, she was glued to the news as Russia invaded Ukraine in late February. Desperately worried about family friends, she received a text one night asking: ‘If this gets critical, can you take the kids?’ Jo didn’t hesitate. The veterinary assistant from Essex boarded the first plane to Poland. ‘I did what anyone would do – I helped,’ she says. We would all like to think so. Amazingly, single parent Jo, who has three kids of her own – 15, 13, and nine – managed to take an Uber 125 miles from Lublin Airport to the Ukrainian border where she had arranged to meet Sasha*, Aleks* and their cousin, Anna*, at a crossing point.…

Mingling with the stars They’ve recently joined the Strictly professional line-up and have been wowing viewers with their fab-u-lous moves. But on the big night, newbies Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas sat next to stars such as Boyzone’s Shane Lynch and former EastEnders actor Jonny Labey – could the glam pair have been on the lookout for their first celebrity partner? Time will tell… Strictly Songbird Strictly: It Takes Two star Joanne Clifton came to our awards arm-in-arm with her West End star boyfriend AJ Jenks. Joanne, 39, and her beau, who are both singers, as well as dancers, took time out so that Joanne could present an award to a fellow songbird – Annie Riley. Joanne said it was ‘an honour to present an award to one amazing hero’.…

Halloween is over, the clocks have gone back and we’re now officially on the countdown to Christmas! Make the most of the longer nights by trying new looks for nails for the party season. Want to glam up? Try a French manicure with a twist and line your cuticles with red glitter. Prefer something a bit warmer? Match your polish to your favourite jumper. Or go all out and pick a polish that works as well on fingers as it does on toes. It doesn’t cost a lot to nail the top trends – each one of these is less than £10. 1 TIME TO GO GREEN Nails Inc Plant Power Polish in Wipe the Slate Green (£9, nailsinc.com) If you want to be bang ontrend, paint your nails the…

After The End of the Affair to quote Graham Greene’s excellent book, I had been wondering if it was time to give up the dating game and accept my future lies in a cottage by the sea with dogs. Dogs never sulk or answer back and are always happy to see me. I had also thought of writing to best’s agony aunt Vanessa for her opinion on my age and if I should just give up looking for Mr Right. I have imagined scenes where I bake cakes with my grandkids and lavish them with my cuddle nonsense. But therein lies the problem. My life as Granny Bridge is not yet one available to me, so what to do in the meantime? I don’t want to play the blame game…

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…! And what could be a more perfect soundtrack for your celebration than Christmas with Aled & Russell – the brand-new album from two of the world’s greatest classical voices, Aled Jones and Russell Watson, teamed up with the New Zealand Sinfonietta Orchestra. Aled, 51 is almost synonymous with Christmas, finding fame as that angelic boy soprano singing Walking In The Air. Russell, 55, became famous after starting his career singing in working men’s clubs. Both happily married dads, the long-term collaborators share a bond that means they’re often referred to as ‘an old married couple’. We caught up with them for some festive fun… Hello guys – tell us about your Christmas album – was it fun to make? Aled Yes! We…

THE FLIPSIDE, BBC RADIO 4 Each episode of Radio 4’s new show contains a discussion between two individuals with opposing views. It sounds like Twitter in podcast form but, in the able hands of host Paris Lees, it’s engaging, insightful and makes good on its promise to interrogate our ideas. FALLEN ANGEL, APPLE PODCASTS Co-hosted by journalists Vanessa Grigoriadis and Justine Harman, Fallen Angel unpacks the rise and spectacular fall of Victoria’s Secret. Through explosive interviews, we learn just how far Angels would go to maintain the ‘perfect’ figure. WECRASHED, AVAILABLE ON WONDERY If you fancy yourself a good dose of rich-people-get-slightly-less-rich, then WeCrashed, the podcast about the downfall of WeWork, is for you. The story starts with the company’s founder, Adam Neumann, and charts its journey from hot office…

WELSH WIZARDRY Luminate at the National Botanic Garden of Wales Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire Selected dates 1 Dec-2 Jan, 2023 For the first time, fans of glitz and glitter can enjoy a magical mile-long evening trail at the 400-acre National Botanic Garden of Wales. The garden, both a visitor attraction and a centre for botanical research and conservation, is hosting Luminate, and visitors are promised stunning lights set to music. The festive trail takes 60-90 minutes. As with most of these festive trails, tickets include allocated entry slots and must be booked in advance. Book it: Adults from £15, child £11, other ticket options available, botanicgarden.wales; discovercarmarthenshire.com for accommodation. FLAMING MARVELLOUS Christmas at Kew Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, London Selected dates 16 Nov-8 Jan, 2023 Kew Gardens’ after-dark trail is lighting…