Table of contents for 30-2019 in Best

Razor-sharp Robert Rinder, 41, has proved an incredibly popular TV star, doling out sentences and sarcastic put-downs in equal measure in the reality TV courtroom series, Judge Rinder. Robert, who’s best pals with Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch, has branched out from court in recent years (including a fabulously glitter-filled stint on Strictly in 2016, when he finished fifth) and, later this year, he will even have his own four-part chat show on Channel 4. Here, Rob, who split from his husband of four years, Seth, in 2018, talks about TV, his hatred of whiny, ungrateful stars, and celebrity crushes… On how his show keeps him grounded… When I started out on Judge Rinder, I’ll be honest, I thought it was mindless – a bit shallow. I had a courtroom with my…

‘I’ve never been a fan of Stella McCartney. Not of her questionable clothes, or plastic handbags and shoes that people with more money than sense pay extortionate amounts for. Nor do I enjoy her constant bleating about saving the planet, veganism and how we should all do less farting, flying and who knows what else. So I never thought for one second that I’d ever agree with her on anything, but when she says that we all wash our clothes too much, she has a point! I wouldn’t go so far as never cleaning suits – we don’t all want to look like tramps – but most things (except pants, obviously) can easily sustain a repeat performance or two. Needless to say, my super-clean husband, Mark, thinks this is disgusting.…

Go wild! Embrace top-to-toe print with a jumpsuit or striking separates. Make mine a midi! A statement print mid-length skirt looks chic when teamed with a crisp white top. Shift into summer Upgrade a classic shift dress with a stand-out print this summer. Marvellous maxi Easy to wear and super-flattering! Pick up a maxi now to wear well into autumn.…

Seven children, four adults and a soggy tent in France might sound like a holiday nightmare, but for us, it was a treasured yearly tradition. My then husband, Nick, and I had three children and our friends Sarah and Phil had four. Whenever we went away, it seemed to rain non-stop, but all I remember is laughter and our chaotic gaggle of happy kids. We’d known Phil since we became neighbours in Surrey in 1989. We became friends and when Phil began dating Sarah, the four of us became close. We were always going back and forth between each other’s houses as our families got bigger. After our daughter Becky, we had sons James and George, while they had four children, Leah, Laura (who, as a midwife, I even delivered)…

Looking back at her complicated love life, Felicity Kendal has admitted that, at times, her relationships ‘overlapped a little bit’ – and reckons that most of us are unfaithful at some point. They do say the course of true love never did run smooth… and the wonderfully mischievous Felicity was not the least bit regretful as she reminisced about her colourful romances across the years. Married and divorced twice, Felicity, now 72, famously dated playwright Tom Stoppard and has come to the conclusion that the one thing to avoid at all costs is having affairs. Star of British sitcom The Good Life, as happily married Barbara Good, Felicity explained, ‘I didn’t ever have affairs. I just went from one person to another, maybe overlapping a little bit. ‘I wouldn’t recommend…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT With so many beautiful Greek islands to discover and explore, what better way to island hop than on a cruise ship? Celestyal Crystal’s Idyllic Aegean itinerary involves a round trip from Athens to some of the most popular, as well as undiscovered islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Milos and Crete. If you don’t have a week to spare, you can also cruise for three, four or five nights. What’s not to love? INSIDER’S GUIDE When in Mykonos, make sure you visit Little Venice with its romantic vibe and houses that look as though they are about to slide into the sea. And keep an eye out for the island’s famous winged resident, Petros the pelican, who wanders around town mingling happily with tourists. Santorini’s Oia is where you’ll get…

Growing up, most little girls want to be a princess or a pop star, and I was no different. I’d always loved singing and dancing, making up little plays to perform to my parents. So I was delighted when, aged five, I’d got the lead role in a school production of Annie. I practised at home for weeks and had one of those toy dogs that flipped as Annie’s dog, Sandy. Only, I never got to perform. Just hours before my starring role was meant to start, Mum told me the show had been cancelled. I was devastated. It wasn’t until years later that Mum told me the truth. ‘The school was scared of your differences – the other adults and parents weren’t comfortable with you being on stage.’ I…

Italian-style Steak Salad Serves 4 2 x 250g rump steaks, with fat trimmed off1tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle2-3tbsp fresh pesto, to taste110g bag salad leaves250g cherry tomatoes100g marinated artichoke pieces from a jar, drained50g toasted pine nuts25g Parmesan cheese shavings 1 Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper, then season well on both sides. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat and fry the steaks for 5 mins, turning once, for medium-rare meat (cook for longer/shorter depending on your preference). 2 Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the pesto, some freshly ground black pepper and enough water to make a loose dressing. Put the salad leaves, tomatoes and artichoke pieces into a large serving bowl, then pour over most of the…

LEO 24 July – 23 August A softly, softly technique will stand Leos like Helen Mirren (born 26 July 1945) in good stead for any promotional opportunities that may come up in the future. Whatever your goal, if you meet with resistance, you should ignore it and gently persist in your chosen aims. Only then are you likely to succeed. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Exchanging ideas with a spirited friend will make your eyes sparkle with excitement. Differences over mystical or religious beliefs will not get in the way of a friendship. You respect each other’s views and can learn from each other. You may not always agree, but can still maintain a respectful relationship. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February An unexpected hurdle will force you to…

CITY OR COUNTRY? When I was much younger, I lived in London, but I like living in the countryside now – in a small house with a garden in Berkshire – with my cat, Donald. It’s my oasis. FAVOURITE SOAP? Coronation Street. I was watching the show one night – they were talking about who they’d invite to their ideal dinner party, and they said me! HOW DO YOU RELAX? With good TV, a bottle of wine or seeing friends for lunch or coffee. A lot of my friends are mums, or mums with grown-up children so, despite my hours, it’s not hard to plan catch-ups, as we can meet during the day.…

Speaking of Andrew Scott, who became an instant hush crush in the hit show Fleabag, Robert says, ‘I am neverstar-struck by actors – apart from Andrew Scott at the BAFTAs. I took a photo of us on his phone and sent it to myself, saying, “OK then, I will marry you.” I am still awaiting a response. ‘But generally, I am not impressed by actors – people I am star-struck by are those who were big when I was a kid. I saw Dermot O’Leary the other day, too – he’s hot. There is no way I was going to stop and chat, though, I get too embarrassed. I’m like… Hugh Grant on acid!’…

Q What facial will help revive my lacklustre, ageing complexion – or will a face mask do just as good a job?Jessica, Stoke Newington A DR AAMER SAYS: I find a professional facial is great for revitalising tired skin. The HydraFacial delivers immediate, visible results with no downtime. The 75-minute treatment combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, red light therapy and antioxidant protection all in one session and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, enlarged pores, acne-prone skin and brown spots. One treatment will give your skin a serious boost leaving the complexion instantly brighter, tighter and glowing. Cost from £125 (for more details visit hydrafacial.co.uk). If you’re looking for something stronger, peels that encourage the tired outer cells of the skin to shed while stimulating the growth…

There’s something about cruising that can be totally addictive. From waking up in a new destination each day to enjoying the fabulous facilities on your floating hotel and, of course, taking as much luggage as you like without worrying about the weight… The only problem is deciding which one is the right cruise for you. From meeting Jane McDonald to watching fireworks explode over the Rhine, or luxuriating on board ‘Bellisima’, a ship that really lives up to her name, we’ve got lots of ideas to get on board with. There’s a ship to suit every taste, offering everything from spa treatments and cinemas to jazz lounges and gyms. But if you still can’t decide, a ‘cruise concierge’ such as Cruise 118 can help. As winners of no less than…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Visiting Amsterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp in one short trip would normally involve a dizzying amount of train and plane travel, or driving yourself silly on the roads, leaving little time to relax and explore. So, why not consider a cruise – a floating city break that brings the destinations to you? There are no transport hassles, and you only have to pack and unpack once! Just join one of the Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) sailings from Tilbury, hop across the Channel and wake up in a different place each day. INSIDER’S GUIDE CMV flagship Columbus is one of the line’s swankiest ships and, with 1,400 passengers, the largest, with no shortage of attractions on board. Take your pick of seven classy lounges and bars, sing your heart…

MUM’S ADDICTED TO GAMBLING When we lost my dad last year, my mum threw herself into the world of social media, playing innocent crossword games with friends online. I don’t know when she made the leap, but she admitted to me recently, in floods of tears, that she’s got into online gambling. She can’t seem to stop and is racking up serious debt, which, as a pensioner, she hasn’t a hope in hell of paying off. How can we fix this – the debt and her compulsive behaviour?Ruth, Glasgow Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix. It sounds as if, entirely without realising it, your mum has evolved from a problem-free crossword lover to a full-blown online gambling addict. Fortunately, you have realised she has two serious problems and needs urgent help…

Vicky McClure, 36, is best known for her role in Line Of Duty. She lives in Nottingham with her fiancé, Jonny Owen. What’s I Am Nicola all about? It’s a relationship-based drama and I play Nicola, who’s in a relationship with Adam, played by Perry Fitzpatrick. The story highlights the elements of control that can occur in a relationship. Adam wants control over Nicola. He wants to control their surroundings and then it falls into an even deeper category of control over her appearance. It doesn’t sound very extreme but when you’re living and breathing it, it’s a suffocating environment. Have you ever experienced a relationship like that? There are elements of this story that I’ve experienced, whether that’s in my own past or in a friend’s relationship. I’m in…

Coleen Nolan LOOSE WOMAN AND SINGER, READ THE THUNDER GIRLS BY MELANIE BLAKE If you want a brilliant, unputdownable summer read – a whodunnit – and also a lot of laughs at some outrageous behaviour, then this debut novel is for you. I usually only read crime thrillers – there’s just something about a murder plot that has me gripped on the early morning train I take from Manchester to London to film Loose Women. But I had to make an exception with The Thunder Girls. Having been in a band myself, how could I resist the tale of a legendary 80s girl group that reunites 30 years after jealousy, betrayal and revenge have torn them apart? Intriguing, I thought! When I picked it up, it was a good job…

‘I love summer, but along with the warmer temperatures comes the thorny problem of what to wear. As we all know, the summer exposes you. Will your bare legs bear examination? Does anyone want to see your upper arms? From the point of an older woman, do you go, “I can’t care less what other people think, I’m going to walk around in shorts and flip flops,” or do you think, “Actually, I reckon I would look younger and more elegant in something with a little more coverage?” Well, in my opinion, sometimes, more is definitely more. You get to the point when you think it’s not about whether you can wear it, it’s whether you should. It’s a frightening thought, but you need to ask, “Is this mutton dressed…

Love or loathe Sheridan Smith, as the Narrator in the new stage version of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, she swiftly became the talk of the show. While she herself insisted she was ‘having the time of her life’ and some dubbed the Lincolnshire-born lass’s turn at the London Palladium ‘superb’ and ‘utterly brilliant’, others weren’t so sure. ‘Sheridan Smith… where to begin?’ remarked one. ‘Drunk or stoned? Or both?! She got A LOT of lyrics wrong… laughing inappropriately, dancing EXTREMELY inappropriately for a [largely] young audience… so unprofessional.’ Another wrote, ‘Ugh… no, she was awful! Worst narrator I’ve seen. It’s not supposed to be about her – might as well have called it “Sheridan Smith sings the songs of Joseph”.’ It was also reported that in rehearsals, the 38-year-old…

TOP TIP Wearing a slightly fitted top will help highlight your waist and give you a narrower look. TOP TIP Separates are a great way to get extra mileage out of your wardrobe. TOP TIP A white sundress will never date! Invest now, and wear on holiday year after year.…

My vibrant yellow T-shirt emblazoned with the words Helen’s Law means I’m easily spotted these days. This morning, while I was heading for my local Boots store, a woman gently touched my arm. ‘Well done,’ she said, gesturing to my top. ‘Your daughter would be so proud.’ It was Helen’s Brown Owl, from the Brownie pack she’d belonged to more than four decades ago. ‘Helen was such a nice kid,’ she continued. ‘Always laughing and doing what she was told!’ I smiled, remembering dropping an excited Helen off to her weekly meetings. ‘Helen loved her Brownies,’ I agreed. After thanking her for her support, I waved goodbye with a spring in my step and a broad smile on my face. It’s hard to put into words the impact that the…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Five years ago, Dr Michael Mosley started a health revolution with his Fast Diet, which proved intermittent fasting could not only help you lose weight but can also reduce the symptoms of conditions like Type 2 diabetes and boost energy and brain power. This year’s No. 1 bestseller Fast 800 plan took things a step further with an 800-calorie plan to help you fast-track weight loss. And now there’s an accompanying Fast 800 Recipe Book with meal plans and tips. 2 Meals are based on a Mediterranean-style low-carb way of eating. Kick-start your diet with the plan of 800 calories a day, every day, for two or more weeks to induce fat-burning and get all the nutrients you need to be healthy. 3 Time Restricted Eating…

Worth £3,898 WE HAVE A 15-NIGHT CRUISE FOR TWO TO GIVE AWAY* Always wanted to go on a cruise? Here’s your chance! We’re offering one best reader the chance to win a 15-night cruise for two to the Canary Islands and Madeira with Cruise & Maritime Voyages. This delightful journey has time at sea to relax and unwind, yet promises a host of exciting experiences every time you step ashore. Stopping off at Madeira, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife will, together with Amsterdam, Gibraltar and Lisbon, make this a voyage to remember. As for the ship, Columbus combines spacious surroundings and friendly service with stylish entertainment and delicious cuisine. This cruise departs from London Tilbury on 4 October 2020. To enter, see right. For more details, visit cruiseandmaritime.com/cruise/c023/canary-islands-madeira HOW TO…

For 20 years, TV presenter Aggie MacKenzie, 63, was married to Matthew Goulcher, father of her sons Rory, now 27, and Ewan, 23. She believes her absences while working on Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House? with Kim Woodburn may have encouraged him to stray. ‘He was having an affair when we were married. I was in America working for five days. At his mother’s funeral, which I couldn’t get back for, he met up with a girl he’d been at school with and always fancied. ‘They got together and ended up having an affair, for a long time. We did try to get back together, but I knew I wasn’t No. 1 any more… and I didn’t want to be No. 2. ‘I take at least half of…

BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO MATT CARDLE Singer Matt Cardle found fame in 2010 as the winner of The X Factor’s most popular series, watched by more than 17 million people. His first single went straight to number one. Nine years on, while still making his own music, he’s receiving rave reviews for his portrayal of Pontius Pilate in a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Here, he opens up about his recent recovery from addiction, why he owes everything to girlfriend Amber Hernaman and how he feels about that Meghan Markle story… Were you a fan of Jesus Christ Superstar before getting the role of Pilate? Yes, I’m a massive fan of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work. I went to see the show in Regent’s Park a few years ago. I…

… being the ‘comedy character’ on Emmerdale It’s nice [playing Bernice] – the show wouldn’t work with everybody having a hard time. They have to share it out – which is great for us [her and Jonny McPherson, who plays her boyfriend Liam]. I think it could work well giving the comedy characters something tough to deal with – it proves such things could happen to anybody. … Bernice’s outrageous outfits I don’t get much say in them, really – unless it’s something really awful! Then I’ll say, ‘Nope, really don’t like this’. At the Wild West party, Bernice has massive hair and has to wear these awful ‘whale net’ tights, which have huge holes in – you can’t even get them on because your feet keep slipping through the…

SUMMER Holidays! Summer holidays are a science. Planning them, arranging them and affording them all come in to play. Then there’s the location, the weather, home or away? I was 19 when I first went abroad – an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Faro in Portugal, then on to a high-rise block of flats in a place called Torralta. I was part of an entourage that included my girlfriend, her parents, her uncle and aunt, her cousins and their boyfriends. I’ll always remember that, among the suitcases, was a special one packed with essentials – all the things you probably couldn’t get abroad: baked beans, instant potatoes, bacon, bars of chocolate, tea bags, powdered milk and a practical dispensary of medication. Everything from sticking plasters to Germolene – I…

TOP TIP You needn’t start from scratch to achieve this look! Swapping old towels for ones with a bold print is an easy way to freshen up.…

‘When my mum reminisces about her days working in the City, her stories are frequently peppered with anecdotes about lewd bosses, who would put their hand on her shoulder as she typed in order to look down her top, or wolf-whistle her as she innocently walked through the management team. She was frequently “volunteered” by her male colleagues to go up the ladder to put the Christmas decorations up, and says she couldn’t begin to count the number of topless calendars that were stuck up on the walls. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then. Do I think we’ve gone too far? Do I think HR rules and procedures – that mean men can no longer even compliment women in the workplace, or tell them they “look nice today”…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES Steven Spielberg cast 5D/23A in his breakthrough role as Richard Winters in Band Of Brothers, after seeing him in a production of what play? (6). This is your prize answer. See below for details on how to enter. TO ENTER CALL 0900 100 0922 (UK 65ppm)†/1550 787027 (ROI 97cpm) † CODE: PUBSTN19537 ACROSS 3 Painful muscle spasm (5) 6 River mammal (5) 7 See 11A 8 Complete the title of this Oasis hit: Don’t Look Back In ___ (5) 10 Moved around furtively (5) 11 PICTURE A Who is this? (5,5) 12 Bird of prey (7) 14 PICTURE B What is the first name of the ice dancer and title character portrayed in an Oscar-winning biopic by Margot…

BaByliss 5344BU 2000W Travel Hair Dryer, £15.99 (boots.com) Surprisingly powerful, the BaByliss travel hair dryer packs a punch. Doing well on our hair drying tests, the casing stayed within safe handling temperature even on the highest setting. The light body made it easy to manoeuvre during usage and the wide styling nozzle made styling easier. 81/100 Tefal Access Steam Handheld Garment Steamer DR8085, £38.99 (amazon.co.uk) Great on synthetics and satin due to its heated metal plate, which you press directly against the fabrics. Struggled a little with thicker materials, such as linen and cotton. A versatile steamer, that can even be used on bedding and car seats. 76/100 Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, £64.99 (argos.co.uk) We found this to be fun and easy to use, with just five exposure modes to…