Table of contents for 46-2025 in Best

The choice of Christmas advent calendars grows every year – but with so many of them on the market, how do you choose the right one for you or your friends? So here, in traditional best style, is my choice of gifts you might want to give early... Beauty is one of the most popular advent calendars with us girls. This Bella Freud one costs £60 from M&S, but it is worth £330! What’s in it? Everything from bath oils to body creams and make-up... For younger designer fans, Ted Baker 24 Days Of Treats costs £46 and contains nail varnishes, hair scrunchies, and face masks, to name just a few of the goodies. If you have a gin lover in your life, try the juniper-based joy of this splendid…

She’s one of the most talented actresses of our time, but now, at age 90, Dame Judi Dench has been very open about the heartbreaking effects of ageing. Speaking recently in Bury St Edmunds to mark 60 years of the Theatre Royal, the former James Bond star admitted, ‘I have lost my eyesight, so I can’t read now. I have to learn by somebody teaching the script to me another way. I can’t see and I can’t read a book. Unless I know it, I can’t do it.’ Dame Judi’s sight loss has become so severe, that she was unable to watch her friend Celia Imrie, on Celebrity Traitors... ‘I heard about the fart! But, no, I am not following it as I can’t see. I can’t see any more…

Holding court at the Wimbledon Bookfest, Shirley Ballas, 65, is every inch the showbiz star – charismatic, warm and wonderfully down to earth. She’s promoting her new book, Best Foot Forward: Life Lessons from the World of Dance, but inevitably we get chatting about the future of Strictly Come Dancing and just who might step into the fabulous heels of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Shirley admits she’s ‘so sad’ to see the glamorous presenting duo go but, ever the optimist, she can’t help but beam when talk turns to what – or rather who – is next. Could it be coincidence that a certain twinkle appears in her eye when the names of Alison Hammond and Alan Carr are thrown into the mix? So spill, Shirley… who would you…

GLASS HALF EMPTY... If local village shops can do it, then why cannot supermarkets? I am of course referring to how milk is bottled. In my local village shop I can fill a glass milk bottle with semi-skimmed milk, supplied by a local farm, and take it home with me. I can then return with the empty bottle and refill it from the same source. In short, the bottle is used over and over again. By contrast, supermarkets offer all their milk in plastic containers which, far from being reused, then have to be deposited in recycling bins. Plastic has long been recognised as not much good for the environment, yet tons of milk containers are thrown away weekly. Unless my bottle gets broken or chipped it will never be…

Weihnachts-Apfelkuchen Christmas Apple Pie There is no equivalent word in German for ‘pie’, although there are traditional German bakes that have all the features of a pie. Very popular is this Gedeckter Apfelkuchen, which essentially means an apple tart with a lid. And a tart with a lid is, of course, a pie. The filling of this apple pie has taken inspiration from mulled wine. SERVES 12 1.8kg tart, sharp-flavoured apples, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored and chopped 50g raisins 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground allspice 50g muscovado sugar zest of 1 lemon 80ml red wine 1 teaspoon cornflour 50g mixed peel icing sugar, for dusting FOR THE PASTRY 350g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 1 teaspoon baking powder…

THE MYSTERIOUS INVITE… My ex-husband’s new wife has invited me to their Christmas dinner to ‘keep things civil’ for our kids. My ex has been texting me all week saying he ‘misses’ our Christmases together. Should I go to dinner and risk the drama or politely decline and spend Christmas alone? Aoife, Belfast Go along. It’s pretty big of her to include you. It will be great for your children to see you, their dad and his wife celebrating under one roof, keeping it light and civil and making it look fun. You don’t have a standing invitation anywhere else. Sharing this most special of days with your beloved children while someone else does the cooking really is the best possible Christmas present. Say ‘Yes, please’. Offer to bring a…

There are few entertainers who embody energy, wit and longevity quite like Lesley Joseph. Best-known for playing the fabulously flamboyant Dorien Green in Birds Of A Feather, Lesley has been lighting up British screens and stages for more than five decades — and she shows no sign of slowing down. As she celebrates her milestone 80th birthday, she’s as sharp, sparkling and full of mischief as ever. From her enduring friendship with costars Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson to her scene-stealing turns in theatre, Strictly Come Dancing and beyond, Lesley reflects on the secrets to staying young at heart, the power of friendship, and why she’s still not done flying just yet. You’ve just turned 80 and still in full health – what’s your secret? My mother lived to 103,…

As an Emmerdale special episode prepares to delve into Robert’s time in prison, star Ryan Hawley sheds some light on what to expect – and on how the ambitious episode was made… Hi Ryan! What can viewers expect to see from Robert’s time in prison? It’s interesting to not know and leave it to your imagination, but this is a scripted dramatisation of what happened during that time. There’s one particularly very nice little twist – it is massively pivotal. Hopefully people will enjoy it! It’s leading to a climax, to something very dramatic… Does it help to explain Robert and Kev’s relationship? Yeah, it’s very informative. It explains a lot about the relationship and there’s nice scenes in it! Chris (Coghill, aka Kev) was brilliant in the scenes –…

MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS TV presenter and former MasterChef contestant Theo is passionate about good quality food! He’s also an author of eight brilliant cookery books, including Canned, which helps transform store cupboard ingredients into delicious meals. Theo has joined best to put own-brand staples to the test to help you find the best Essentials without compromising on flavour. HOLLY LANE CHRISTMAS PUDDING £1.99, Aldi Everything you want on your Santa’s list; indulgent, rich, lovely Christmas flavours that were balanced perfectly and just the right texture without being heavy. This is my top pick for the festive season! CHRISTMAS PUDDING £1.99, Sainsbury’s A close second, and this one won’t disappoint; nice texture that was dense, but not weighty with a decadent flavour rich in Christmas spice that told your…

‘I’m like the perfect neighbour,’ Susan Lorincz boldly says. ‘You barely ever see me.’ A single woman living alone with her cats. But in Netflix’s latest real-life documentary film, it quickly becomes evident that that statement couldn’t be further from the truth… It was around 2021 when the calls to police in Ocala, Florida, began. This film is mainly made up of video from police body cameras and CCTV footage. In it, we learn that Susan Lorincz would regularly call about trespassers on her property. There was a grassy area next to her home where local kids would play. She complained about the noise, said they shouldn’t be on her land and she even bought some signs to stick into the grass in a bid to keep the kids at…

SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November It’s all about money, Scorpio! Now is not the time to make any risky or wild financial decisions – what matters is taking stock of what you’ve got, and being cautious. Love-wise, you’re brimming with confidence, so get out there and show your partner – or a potential new one – what you’ve got! SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December With chat planet Mercury moving backwards through your sign, it’s best to avoid gossiping, and try to think before you speak, or there’s a fair chance you’ll put your foot in it. A gentle, quiet soul who comes into your orbit could open the door to a whole new world of love and friendships. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January There’s no doubt that…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, then look no further than Lithuania for your next wellness break. Known for its forests and lakes, this Baltic state was recently named as one of Lonely Planet’s best countries to visit in 2025. Meanwhile, its capital Vilnius was awarded European Green Capital of 2025 for its sustainability efforts. INSIDER’S GUIDE Take a stroll through Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town and you’ll find lots of pretty buildings, Michelin-starred eateries and Instagrammable cafés such as Poniu Laime, which has the most delicious macarons. Be sure to wander through Užupis, a small art district with its own president and constitution. Stay at Narutis (narutis.com), a five-star hotel in the heart of the Old Town and a short taxi…

It’s the ultimate game of loyalty – a high-stakes Royal round of The Traitors. The setting? Buckingham Palace instead of a Scottish Highlands castle. The players? The Windsors. And the question on everyone’s lips: who are the faithfuls… and who are the traitors? In one traitor corner, Andrew (formerly known as Prince) and Sarah Ferguson – the ex golden couple turned walking cautionary tale. In another, Harry and Meghan – the runaway Royals rewriting their own rules. Four players. One crown. Endless whispers of betrayal! Once upon a time, these four were Palace insiders. They dined at the table, basked in Royal privilege, and wore their HRH status like armour. But the monarchy is a game that never forgives those who step out of line... Then, in the opposite corner:…

Sat in the glow of my open fire with festive jingles playing in the background, I eagerly made a start on my Christmas gift wrapping. Like many, it was a tradition I looked forward to, but this year it was different because I was doing the entire thing whilst completely naked. With nothing on except my festive Santa hat, I glided the scissors through the wrapping paper, tied the gifts with a bow and placed them under the tree ready for the big day. I hadn’t always carried out my Christmas activities in the buff, but that all changed in 2022 a few months after I turned 40. In the year before my birthday, I had gone through a series of life changes that really made me take stock. To…

Reaching into the box, I gingerly pulled out the beautiful Christmas angel. My tiny hands held her delicately as my dad, Mac, lifted me up on his shoulders. I felt so much joy as I placed the fairy on the top of the tree. I was four years old and loved that it was ‘my job’ each year. It always filled me with pride. I loved that Christmas angel with all my heart – her gold halo, her white dress, her big blue eyes. I loved stroking her crimson red feathers. That was 59 years ago, and I still love her just as much as I did when I was a little girl. For decades, she’s been an integral part of my Christmas celebrations… Growing up we didn’t have much…

RUSH FOR BLUSH! What’s your make-up must-have? Some swear by a slick of red lipstick, for others it’s lashings of mascara. Mine is blusher. Nothing works as quickly to bring my tired complexion back to life, adding a healthy pop of colour to my cheeks in seconds when I need it most. Choosing the right texture - powder, liquid or cream – is important at this time of the year. The right colour is key, so I have chosen on-trend shades that flatter all skin tones. Winter light can be unforgiving, so make sure you blend it well so there’s less chance of streaking. For best results, use a brush to apply it. It doesn’t need to cost a fortune – everything is under £10. 1 BEST LIQUID BLUSH Revolution…

MAJESTIC THE OG GARNACHA NV (12.5%) £9.50 PER BOTTLE (£8.50 MIX SIX) A wonderful red for under a tenner that’s on the lighter side with silky fragrance and a whisker of spice to it. It’s a no-brainer to serve with lamb chops, bangers or even a weeknight pizza thanks to its easy bright style. Spain is a treasure trove of bargains right now, and this OG (a term to describe something genuine and classic) is well-earned for this wine. If you’re looking for a red that’s medium-bodied and light on its feet, this is a dancing bottle of delight. CHRISTMAS PUDDING TRUFFLES Crumble 500g (1lb 2oz) Christmas pudding into a bowl and mix in 125g (4oz) melted plain chocolate; roll into walnut-size balls and chill on lined tray for 20min…

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS Who doesn’t like to rummage around inside a free goodie bag on the way home from somewhere or other to see if anything nice has been popped inside? And even though I might prefer the tiny square of chocolate than the free lip salve, I’m still indecently keen on anything free, especially when placed on top of a wad of tissue paper. But that’s what goodie bags do to me – they make me fall in love with things. But this week it’s different. Why? Because I’m staging and hosting my own award event for the Comedy Women in Print Prize and I have begged, pleaded and implored various lovely companies if they could kindly support by offering up some of their goodies. And guess…

The psychological thriller on everyone’s lips starring English rose Keira Knightley is based on the 2016 novel by Ruth Ware of the same name. In the film, the mum-of-two plays a travel journalist, Lo Blacklock, who is on an assignment on a luxury yacht and believes she witnesses a passenger being thrown overboard from a nearby cabin. When the captain insists all passengers are present and accounted for, no one believes her, and she becomes convinced she must find the truth before her sanity is questioned and she becomes a victim herself... Here, the 40-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean star, who stars alongside Hannah Waddingham and Guy Pearce, talks about the reality of staying on a superyacht – and why she won’t be signing up to the next series of…

1 Create healthier habits If portion control is your struggle, try using smaller plates. This can help you serve and eat less food, say researchers. Put a smaller variety of foods on your plate, and resist having seconds. If you have a larger selection, you’re more likely to eat more. Try putting down your cutlery between bites and you’ll give your body more time to register when it feels full. If you eat too quickly, you’ll consume a lot more than you need – or really want! 2 Timing is everything A study found that people who delayed breakfast by 90 minutes and had their final meal of the day 90 minutes earlier than usual lost twice as much body fat as those eating at their normal times, so remember…

Bows are back and this Christmas they are bolder than ever! If you want to add an instant touch of festive kitsch, you can’t go wrong with a bow vase. While we adore the Rockett St George vase, at £35.99, it’s quite a pricey investment. For a more affordable fix, pick up this cute alternative from Primark which costs just a fiver. We suggest you add a few stems of Amaryllis to make a seasonal statement that will transform your home in seconds……

GET YOUR STRUCTURE INTACT: there are several options, including wire and straw, this is the frame for your wreath. You can buy this from garden centres or craft stores like Hobbycraft. THE FOLIAGE THAT WORKS: Moss makes a good foundation and filler to disguise the base and give some extra structural integrity. Choose long, flexible branches that can easily bend and bind to your frame and start to fill it out. Fir branches work well, then supplement with smaller branches of scented greens to add extra texture, like eucalyptus and rosemary. Don’t forget the finishing touches like pine cones, plus rosehip and dogwood for flashes of colour. The pieces should fit easily into the framework but twine can add extra support if needed. REMEMBER: Always ask permission from the land…

When Lisa turned up for her first shift at Santa’s grotto, she was greeted by a grim-looking bloke called Stuart Nixon, deputy manager of Wilmot’s department store. ‘You’ll have to be a penguin,’ he decreed, peering at a clipboard, then at her. ‘You’re on the short side, so the costume will fit. And before you point it out,’ he added waspishly, ‘I know there aren’t any penguins at the North Pole. I’ve been apprised.’ Here, he glared at a passing elf who smelt vaguely of watermelon and shouted, ‘No vaping on your breaks! Not even behind the bins outside!’ Lisa wondered what she’d let herself in for. Wilmot’s was a bit of an institution in her hometown, an old-world department store that still dominated the High Street. Made redundant from…

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He was TOWIE’s Essex hard man and even nicknamed ‘Pete the Pirate’, but underneath that tough exterior, Pete Wicks, 36, loves a dog just as much as the rest of us... perhaps, even more so. Previously stating he ‘prefers dogs to people’ and even openly trading nights out for a night in... with his dogs – the reality star (who has two rescue dogs of his own, Eric and Peggy) was recently left in tears over a terminally ill canine that appeared on his show. Theo, the Neapolitan mastiff, has been diagnosed with serious heart condition DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). The dog went on to develop a second condition, arrhythmia, after suffering from malnutrition in his previous home, and was severely underweight when he was brought in to the Dogs Trust.…

TOP TIP Invest in a tuxedo style suit to wear year after year…

RESCUE REMEDIES FOR FESTIVE FATIGUE SOPHIE COOPER FROM THE HARLEY STREET SKIN CLINIC SAYS: It’s that time again! The festive whirl is in full swing and, let’s be honest, our skin is feeling every late night, glass of fizz, and sugarcoated mince pie. Between central heating, cold winds, and too many, just one more glass of bubbles, even the healthiest complexions can start to look a little grey around the edges. By the time Christmas morning rolls around, your skin can feel as tired as you do and dehydrated, puffy, and dull. But don’t panic! With a mixture of high street favourites and store cupboard essentials, you can bounce back from party fatigue and greet the New Year looking fresh, radiant, and gorgeous. First things first, take the night off…

I was only 19 years old when I was invited to join Pan’s People on Britain’s biggest pop show in 1975. I was the baby of the group – and the envy of every teenage girl in the country. There were 2,000 dancers auditioning to replace Babs, who was leaving to marry the actor Robert Powell. When I got the call from choreographer Flick Colby to say I was in, it was my dream come true. But it became my worst nightmare. I was in an unhappy marriage – and about to spiral into a crippling addiction to tranquillisers and booze. I’d always been a dancer. I started ballet at three years old and my mother had very high expectations of me. I passed all my ballet exams with honours,…

TOP TIP! It’s the most hardworking room of the house at this time of year! Add a few seasonal buys that are also practical for instant festive charm…

Giving my son Tyler a kiss goodnight as I tucked him into bed, I saw him double-checking his stocking was in place. It was Christmas Eve 2024, and he was so excited about Santa visiting in the night. ‘When you wake up, Santa will have been and then it’ll be Christmas Day all day,’ I smiled. ‘And don’t forget, I have to go to work in the evening.’ I’d worked in end-of-life care as a healthcare assistant at the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice for more than 20 years, so my kids had never known any different. I’d always worked a Christmas shift, whether it was Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, because it was so important to me to make sure our patients had the best…

While most of aren’t on a Kardashian budget, we can still look for cheaper alternatives to party like a Kardashian this Christmas...!…

World-renowned past lives expert David Wells answers your questions. This week he’s chosen retired bookkeeper, Anne Hall, 78, from Mirfield who has two grown-up sons and two grandsons. Here she tells us what came through in their encounter… Did Anne once live in a cottage like this? Have you always believed in the spirit world and past lives? Yes, I’ve always been a very spiritual and intuitive person. I’ll often be thinking of a family member or friend just before they ring me, and know who will be at my front door when someone knocks. I seem to have a sixth sense, and I listen to it, especially if it’s a warning about being in danger. I believe that when we die, that’s it for our bodies but our spirit lives…

If you like a Hallmark Christmas movie this one is for you... A romance that spans several decades with many layers and wonderful characters. This is a festive hug in a book! And it all starts with a heartfelt promise… The magic begins when Lou Doherty and Ben Heaney fall in love as teenagers at his family’s infamous annual Christmas party at Ballyheaney House in Ireland. They share a magical moment delivering a baby foal and make a pact to think of each other every Christmas Eve if they can’t be together. Their union is a secret from everyone around them. With cracking chemistry and knowing each other inside out, they look set to end up together, until one fateful night… Fast-forward twentysomething years and a lot has happened in…

PET OF THE WEEK Name: Bentley Owner: Anwen, from Welwyn Garden City Breed: Cockapoo 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.*…