Table of contents for 33-2025 in Best

Kate Garraway has made no secret of how difficult the last few years have been for her. Her beloved husband Derek Draper fell dangerously ill, sadly passing away in 2024. Since his illness and death, Kate has campaigned tirelessly to highlight the struggle of getting care for someone with very high support needs, and the enormous financial cost involved. Just recently, Kate opened up about receiving a shock visit from bailiffs while Derek was in a coma. Speaking to Martin Lewis, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate revealed that she received an unexpected visit from debt collectors towards the end of 2020 over an unpaid council tax bill. She said: ‘In the latter half of 2020, somebody came to the door, a bailiff, it was all in Derek’s name and they…

They say you know you are growing old when policemen look younger. Nope. OLDER AND WISER You know you are growing old when people you knew as bright young things start retiring themselves or texting you photographs of their 50th birthday parties. Then there is always the shock of reunions when that contemporary frozen in your memory as a slim, elegant brunette with flawless skin turns up as an old lady with white hair and wrinkles and swollen knuckles. For some reason, we rarely notice ageing in people with whom we are in regular or daily contact because it is so gradual. When I was an MP, there were fellow members whom I had known since youth but it was only when their wives, whom I rarely saw, rolled up…

1 SMOOTH MOVES Little rough bumps on your legs and arms? It’s a common skin condition that affects more than a third of us. Known as keratosis pilaris, it looks like permanent goose pimples. Little changes to your routine can help it. Lower the temperature of your shower and use soap-free cleaning formulas. The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, £15, used twice a day can help break down the keratin build up. Use after showering. 2 GROW AWAY Razor burn and nicks can occur no matter how carefully you shave. Ingrown hairs are also common, especially if you have a build up of dead skin cells, which help trap the hair in. If you prefer the ease and cost of shaving over other hair removal techniques, use Megababe…

TOP TIP! This bargain bedding is a simple way to update your room…

In the early hours of July 1976, two friends were sitting in a car chatting after attending a disco in the Bronx. Donna Lauria, a then 18-year-old trainee medic, and Jody Valenti, 19, were in a two-door Oldsmobile Cutlass when a man approached the car, pulled a gun from a paper bag and fired. Donna was struck in the back and died instantly, while Jody was wounded in the leg. Thankfully, she survived. Now, Netflix has released a new three-part documentary, Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, which shares interviews with family and friends of some of the victims, officers who investigated the crimes and newly-unearthed audio recordings made by journalist Jack Jones when interviewing the mass murderer, David Berkowitz. The initial shooting of Donna and Jody marked…

1 Remember the basics A survey by Currys found that more than a third of Brits brush their teeth for less than a minute and around one in six brushes once a day. Dr Sam Jethwa, founder of bespokesmile.co.uk, says: Clean between teeth once a day with floss or an interdental brush. Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Focus on one tooth at a time, outside and inside. Brush or swill with water after eating. Or eat an apple – it can remove plaque and help produce mouth-cleaning saliva. 2 Tackle dry mouth Dehydration – take frequent sips of water during the day, says Dr Jasmine Piran, clinical director of smilebyjasmine.com. Cut back on salt and alcohol, too. Mouth breathing – this can be a habit or due to nasal…

My tears wetted the goodbye letters I’d written to my loved ones. It was March 2020, and I’d hit rock bottom. In just a few months, I’d gone through a painful divorce, lost my beloved dog Teddy, and watched my dad Roy battle terminal cancer. The weight of it all crushed me, and honestly, I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. But then, something stopped me. ‘No, I can’t do this,’ I told myself, reaching for the phone. I called the urgent mental health team and shared how I felt. I wanted to get better—I had to. I began talking therapy and my close friends rallied around me, especially Vivienne. She came into my life shortly after Dad passed. We weren’t close at first, but she was incredibly supportive and…

A lice’s divorced parents were chalk and cheese. It was a miracle, she told her fiancé Mike, that they had ever married in the first place. Now that Alice’s own wedding was looming, she had the tricky task of bringing her parents together for the day. ‘I mean, they get on superficially most of the time,’ she told Mike. ‘But they live at opposite ends of the country from each other and mostly communicate through or about me.’ She paused, recalling the doubtful wisdom of having set up a WhatsApp group to coordinate all things wedding-related. Her parents didn’t seem to get that everyone in the group could read their messages. Yesterday, her dad Paul had written, ‘Tell your mother not to bring that mutt of hers to the rehearsal…

Once dubbed ‘Air Miles Andy’ for his fondness for international jaunts, Prince Andrew has since earned a far less glamorous moniker: ‘His Royal Oafishness’! In the tangled saga of recent Royal embarrassments, no one has floundered quite so spectacularly, or publicly, as the Duke of York. From disastrous interviews to his infamous association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein... and now reports of infidelity while he was married to Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s fall from grace hasn’t just been painful – it’s been theatrical. And unlike many Royal dramas, this one isn’t laced with charm or tragedy. It’s all rather cringe. Let’s rewind. Born the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1960, the now 65-year-old once had all the makings of a Royal heartthrob. He served as…

Sitting in my GP’s room, I explained that I wasn’t feeling myself. I was down, stressed out, wasn’t sleeping well and had some general aches and pains. He stopped taking notes and looked me square in the face. ‘What’s really the matter?’ he asked. It was the first time I’d been asked that outright – and it was a relief. ‘I’m not happy at work, or at home,’ I said, explaining I’d been ignoring a niggling thought in the back of my mind. I felt like there was something missing in my life. There were so many things I wanted to do and achieve, and time was precious, but I felt guilty for wanting to change my life. The feeling had become harder and harder to ignore. ‘Your kids don’t…

Propping the broom against the metal bars of the tiger enclosure, I called out to my colleague that I’d finished cleaning. But before I could gather my things, the shutter began to roll open – the tigers were being let back in. Heart pounding, I bolted for the door, but it was too late. The tigers were inside, and one was heading straight for me. Without thinking, I reached out with my mind. ‘Step back,’ I told it silently, as it pressed its nose against my hand, tense and alert. ‘If you let me go, I’ll bring you a treat.’ I sensed it understood. The tiger paused, lowered its head, and stepped back, waiting patiently while I made my way out. I first realised I could communicate with animals when…

COASTAL BEAUTY We do like to be beside the seaside, but if we’re at home, in the city and nowhere near a beach, we can all dip in to the ocean beauty trend. If you are lucky enough to be by the sea you can experience the beauty benefits for free - saltwater is an exfoliant, so a swim will leave you with softer, smoother skin. Seawater is rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium and potassium) which are nourishing and hydrating and can leave your complexion glowing. Then there’s seaweed, which is being used more and more in skin and hair products, as it rich in vitamins, with minerals and fatty acids, helping to add shine to dull tresses and give a glow to your skin. Here are the products that…

Fruity Feta and Mixed Grain Salad A cherry pitter will make speedy work of the prep in this salad, but for ease you could use whole blueberries instead. Serves 4Ready in 10 min 250g pouch cooked/microwaveable mixed grains, we used Merchant Gourmet Glorious Grains 150g cherries, pitted and halved 2 nectarines, destoned and thickly sliced 4 spring onions, finely sliced Large handful mint leaves 100g rocket 150g feta cubes, drained, we used Odysea (or chop from a block) Small handful roasted salted almonds, roughly chopped FOR THE DRESSING Juice 1 lemon 1tbsp sherry vinegar 1tbsp maple syrup 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 Warm the grains through according to pack instructions. Meanwhile, whisk all the dressing ingredients and some seasoning in a small bowl or jug. 2 Empty the warmed…

MY NAIL LADY SAYS I OWE HER MONEY! Can you believe this? I’ve used the same nail technician for the past seven years, I missed one appointment (I had Covid!) and forgot to call and cancel, and now she says I owe her money! Apart from the rage, I’m actually very upset. I grew to really like her over the years, and now I just feel she’s a real money-grabber. What do you think of this? Kerry, Belfast Even good friends need to make a living. You forgot to cancel. She had booked out her time to attend to you. As a result she earned nothing. I think she has every right to expect payment. You may like this woman very much, but that is not the point. Your relationship…

TWIGLET TRAUMA! Last week, I found myself having a wind-down drink with a friend in a nice piano bar and feeling rather pleased with ourselves as we’d found seats just opposite the pianist, who was belting out some show-stopping tunes. While my friend jigged away happily to the more recognizable melodies (Evita, Starlight and Phantom, to name just three she was verbalising ), I nodded away happily with my tumbler of tonic and a straw. All was well in our world. Even better, our nice waiter soon came over to offer us a bonus bowl of completely free Twiglets. The world was suddenly full of bonhomie, kindness and sharing platters. As I wolfed down the Twiglets, some of the Marmite covering got caught in my throat and I started to…

Tom’s personal life has centred around long-term, stable relationships – including two marriages – with his longest partnership being with his second wife, Charlotte Riley. Here, we take a look at the loves of Tom’s life – who, well, certainly resemble one another... SARAH WARD (1999-2004) At just 22 years old, Tom married actress and producer Sarah Ward in 1999. Though neither has spoken publicly about their marriage, Tom has frequently opened up about his struggles with addiction and substance abuse during that time in his life. Tom and Sarah divorced in 2004 after five years of marriage. ‘Love is doing something you don’t want to do for someone you don’t particularly like at that moment’ TOM HARDY RACHAEL SPEED (2005-2009) After his first marriage, the Venom star…

My mum, Eileen, always said she’d move mountains for us, and she lived her life as if she could. I was an only child so was always close to Mum and my dad, Stephen, now 71. When I was little, mum never accepted the word ‘no’ – she would always find a way to make things work. She needed a job – but she didn’t want to leave me – so she saw a gap in the market and set up her own business, a sandwich van. I’d be in the back of the van with her, and she made tasty sarnies! Growing up, I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and when my 11+ scores didn’t reflect my passion for knowledge, creativity and drive, Mum gathered a wealth of evidence, testimonials…

If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful Summer fragrance that screams holidays you can’t beat a body mist. Superdrug have led the charge with their Mar E Sol range, a collection that is vibrant in both packaging and scent. For a cosy, comforting choice, we love Salted Caramel & Pistachio, £11.99, sold in a generous 250ml bottle, which reminds us of the notes used in Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Hair & Body Perfume Mist, £24 (90ml, Boots).…

World-renowned past lives expert David Wells answers your questions. This week, he’s chosen Dipti Tait, 52, a hypnotherapist, who’s based in the Cotswolds. She’s married to Toby, and has two grown-up kids, Krishan, 23, and Jacob, 22. Here she explains what came through in their encounter... Have you always believed in the spirit world and past lives? I’ve actually always been quite sceptical, which is why I wanted to try this. I went into the reading feeling curious and with an open mind. As a hypnotherapist, I’m quite solution-focused, so we usually look forwards, but it was an interesting experience for me to look backwards this time around. I previously visited a medium a long time ago, before I became a hypnotherapist, but I’d never done a past-life reading before…

Seduction Theory, Emily Adrian Smart, funny and subtle... Love, marriage and infidelity are at the centre of this great sunbed read. Set on a university campus in upstate New York, the story follows the marriage of Simone and Ethan. Simone is the creative writing department’s star – successful and highly regarded across campus. Her loyal husband, Ethan, is a lecturer in the same department –but something of a forgotten author who hasn’t published a novel since he was 26. Ethan has always been happy to play second fiddle to Simone – but a summer apart sparks chaos. After Ethan sleeps with the department’s admin assistant, Abigail, his seemingly flawless marriage to Simone is rattled. Meanwhile, Simone has secrets of her own. While Ethan’s away for the summer, she finds a…

PET OF THE WEEK Name: NellieOwner: Rebecca, CheshireBreed: Maltipoo 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.*…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Officially the UK’s sunniest place, the Isle of Wight is a short hop on a ferry from Southampton or Portsmouth. It might be famous for its music festival in June, but there’s something for everyone, from The Needles attraction (theneedles.co.uk) and its chairlift to see the famous multicoloured sand in Alum Bay, to breathtaking coastal walks, animal sanctuaries, and Osborne House – Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea. Plus, there are lots of lovely seaside and rural pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. Oh, and sunsets! INSIDER’S GUIDE If it’s a stunning coastline, beaches and hiking trails you’re looking for, head to the south of the island where The Needles, upmarket Ventnor with its Botanic Garden, and bucket-and-spade Sandown await. The north offers pretty Cowes and sunsets,…

The world of Strictly Come Dancing is facing a fresh crisis, as the BBC launches an official probe into claims that two of its stars - who remain unknown - shockingly used cocaine during filming, and even whispers of reported ‘swinging’! Allegations first surfaced in a legal submission by law firm Russells on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans, stating that the alleged drug use was ‘well-known’ among cast and crew. A source reportedly quipped about one star’s appearance: ‘Have you seen their pupils? They’re off their face.’ In response, the BBC has engaged external lawyers (Pinsent Masons) to oversee the investigation, which will feed into its internal complaints protocol. While refusing further comment, the corporation emphasised its duty of care and adherence to established procedures. As part of its…

TOP TIP Stay comfy in style with this smart combo…

CAN SKINCARE CREAMS REALLY TURN BACK TIME? QUEEN OF HARLEY STREET LESLEY REYNOLDS SAYS… What science and your moisturiser can and can’t do for skin ageing. We’ve all seen them. Those miracle creams that come in shiny, appealing jars promising to lift, firm, smooth, brighten all in one go; basically rewind time. A facelift in a jar? Oh please, if only! But can a cream really turn back the clock, or is it just clever marketing wrapped in pretty packaging? The short answer is actually yes… but don’t bin your therapist just yet. The thing to remember is that the right skincare won’t perform miracles, but it can have some benefits. It can help your skin behave more youthfully, improve tone and texture, and even help slow down future ageing.…

MORRISONS THE BEST BIANCO SICILIA 2023 (13%) £9 Could this be the most fun white wine on the UK shelves right now? A bright Sicilian blend of Grillo with a dash of Cataratto, it’s as scented as lemon and lime peel. Grab it from the fridge to serve nice and cold. A white wine layered with zingy citrus panache that’s blossoming with arresting zestiness. Sicily has long been a hotbed for decent-priced wines, this is a shining example of their local grapes knocking it out of the park. BLACK FOREST POTS In one bowl, mix 2 x 440g tins drained cherries with 4tbsp cherry jam; in another bowl lightly whip 300ml (1/2 pint) double cream and 1tbsp each kirsch and icing sugar – layer both into six jars with crumbled…

When Eve agrees to support Avani’s choice to have a termination this week, she risks her marriage with Suki by going against her wife’s wishes to raise the baby together. Star Heather Peace explains Eve’s choice… Hi Heather! How does Eve react to Avani’s choice to have a termination? What’s difficult is that Avani insists that Eve keeps this a secret, so Eve unselfishly puts what the impact might be on her life to one side so she can be there for Avani. Is it hard for Eve to let go of the idea of her and Suki having a baby? She’d never even considered having children up until this point, but Suki has convinced her that she’d be a great mum. Eve takes all of this to heart, and…

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, helping you find the best Essentials without compromising on flavour. BRAMWELLS SQUEEZY BROWN SAUCE 99p, Aldi Exactly what I want from a brown sauce. This was rich and tangy, sweet and sharp but still fruity and spicy – lots to taste and enjoy, and all flavours balanced out. I’ll be buying this one again. CLASSIC BROWN SAUCE £1.15, Asda A close second, consistency was similar to the others and nice flavours with fruity notes coming through, but also an enjoyable hint of…

She’s the Femme Fatale of the pop world, yet Lana Del Rey, now 40, has a home that oozes girly glamour! The megastar, known for her love of all things vintage, has a home to die for... take a look here!…

LEO 24 July – 23 August You’ll connect with someone on an incredibly deep level this week. Whether it’s a potential partner or just a new friend, you’ll be drawn to this person and sense that you can learn so much from them. There’s lots they can learn from you, too! Luck is linked to a bright red item that is bought on a whim. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Be straight with everyone, Virgo. Trying to gloss over a tricky issue or avoiding it altogether will create even more problems. Even if others don’t agree with you, this is a time to put your cards on the table. Meanwhile, a Capricorn who normally takes the lead would love you to take charge! LIBRA 24 September – 23 October…

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