Table of contents for 40-2019 in Best

Movie star Renée Zellweger – who gives a potentially Oscar-winning turn in the title role of new movie Judy – has revealed that portraying a deeply troubled icon was an agonising process. The 50-year-old said making the transformation into Hollywood legend Judy Garland – who died in 1969 at the age of 47 – was a torturous procedure, something she likened to ‘dentist rage. You know that dentist rage? Where you don’t have a choice? YOU. JUST. HAVE. TO. DO. IT’. Judy’s life, though in some ways incredibly successful, was also famously troubled, filled not only with drug use and alcoholism, but also depression and heartbreak. Many saw the final months before Garlands death – when she gave up custody of her children, no longer owned a home and arrived in London…

TOP TIP Don’t be afraid to clash your prints. TOP TIP These kick flares will also look fab with strappy heels and a glam top. TOP TIP Checks are in, so this coat is bang on trend – and a supermarket steal!…

For the past five years, October has become a month I wish was over before it’s begun, and this one is particularly poignant. Because, on 22 October half a decade ago, my two beloved sons were ripped from me, murdered by the one other person they should’ve been able to trust. Their father, and my ex-husband, Darren Sykes. It was the moment when my life ended and my existence began. Darren and I had been unhappy for years. What had started off as possessiveness – that I’d naively mistaken as love – when we first met and married in July 1998, soon turned into violent jealousy after our first son, Jack, came along in 2001, followed by his little brother, Paul. Darren hated my bond with the boys. While I…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Do bust-ups prevent break-ups? The secret of a long and happy marriage is to carry on arguing, according to experts. Couples who regularly clear the air with a good old ding-dong are 10 times more likely to have a good relationship than those who sweep problems under the carpet, they say. In a new study at the University of Tennessee, 121 couples in their thirties and seventies – who had been happily wed for an average of nine and 42 years respectively, were quizzed on their ‘attitudes to conflict’ and how they dealt with it. The main flashpoints ranged from money and children to in-laws and sex. One in two couples say clearing the air once a week is the key to avoiding, bigger – more serious…

It’s the hottest reality TV show of the moment, and Channel 4’s The Circle had one really big surprise up its sleeve in the form of one Richard Madeley. The veteran TV presenter was lured into taking part in the show, where contestants shield their real identity, as they compete to win £100,000. Richard, 63, has joined them as 27-year-old Judy (oh, yes!), holed up together in a block of flats, but can only communicate via an app known as ‘The Circle’ – viewers even decided Richard’s profile by public vote. It seems our Richard is making a bit of a telly comeback, as he recently announced his return to This Morning with wife Judy Finnigan, 71, for a brief stint at the end of October – to the delight of…

TOP TIP Colour experts Dulux recently announced that a soft green shade called Tranquil Dawn is the must-have colour for 2020. Pick up pieces now to give your home a bang up-to-date look.…

Of her many high-profile romances, none was more rock ’n’ roll than her relationship with Michael Hutchence. But as she said herself, it was ‘doomed’ from the start – she was a well-behaved girl, and he was the bad boy of rock. Now, Kylie has gone over old ground – and it clearly still touches a nerve – in new documentary Mystify: Michael Hutchence, as she recalls her whirlwind romance with the late star, almost two decades ago. In the film, footage of young lovers Kylie and Michael is layered with her heart-wrenching confession, ‘He did hurt me.’ Kylie adds, ‘He broke my heart. I have to confess that the hurt stayed for a long time.’ Audiences gain an insight into the troubled INXS singer’s life, as U2 frontman Bono,…

Slow cookers Crock-Pot SCCPRC507B-060 Slow Cooker, £79.99, Currys PC World This scored highly on the curry, soup and stew tests. It’s easy to use, and it has a dishwasher safe ceramic pot that makes cleaning up easy, too. It offers a large capacity that’s great for feeding a hungry family. There are plenty of extra features on the slow cooker that will come in handy. The programmable timer is accurate and allows you to set a designated cooking time and then switches to the keep warm setting, ensuring that, even if your dish has finished cooking, it isn’t left to go cold. 91/100 Sage by Heston Blumenthal The Fast Slow Pro, £119, John Lewis & Partners This is a well-thought-out multicooker with a useful range of pre-set settings, which allow…

Women the world over were checking their pulses when a certain Mr Clooney first flashed that cheeky grin as Dr Dish – sorry, Dr Doug – Ross, the booze-loving paediatrician in hit US medical drama ER. It’s hard to believe that the TV show that made the charismatic actor a star – he went on to earn three Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations for Best Actor – celebrates the 25th anniversary of its first episode this month. Exploring the inner workings of a Chicago teaching hospital (as well as all the dramas and romance within its wards), ER first aired in the UK in 1994, and instantly captured our imaginations. ‘The show made a huge difference in my career: it really changed things’ Running for 15 series, it was nominated for more…

RENÉE’S RAINBOW There are two reasons why I want to see Judy, the new film about Judy Garland. The first is I’m fascinated as to how Renée Zellweger will transform herself into the Hollywood icon, and the second is the chance to relive some of the most amazing songs ever. I still remember news reports of her tragic death in 1969, aged just 47. My heroine from The Wizard Of Oz was gone – but now she’s back. HAPPY TO SAY GOODBYE! How many of us parents have been victims of ‘pester power’ over the years? Well, now two of the biggest instigators, Burger King and McDonald’s, are to stop offering plastic toys with kids’ meals. Not only are the two fast food giants helping the planet, but they’re also…

… going from Love Island to appearing in a musical and receiving rave reviews I was trained as a singer from the age of six, but I found fame on Love Island and that’s when I was put forward for the part. … meeting [9 to 5 songwriter] Dolly Parton Dolly was lovely. She told me to stay single and have fun for as long as I can. But I’ve got a gut instinct I’ll meet someone soon. You know what they say – you find love when you stop looking for it. … her ideal man Humour is the biggest thing I look for. My dad is a really funny man and he made my mum, and my sister and me, so happy as we were growing up. I…

BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO STAVROS FLATLEY – DEMI DEMETRIOU AND SON LAGI Stavros Flatley became national treasures when they first appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Ten years on, the duo has just performed on BGT: The Champions and wowed the judges once again. Simon Cowell was so moved by their performance, he pressed his Golden Buzzer to put Demi Demetriou, 50, and son Lagi, 22, through to the live finals. Here Demi explains why Simon’s words meant so much to him and why his relationship with Lagi remains so special… We saw you at the BGT final in 2009 – what was it like being back on the BGT stage 10 years on? DEMI: It was such a weird and wonderful experience. Stomach churning, butterflies, all those nerves came back to…

LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Librans like Kate Winslet (born on 5 October) and Simon Cowell (born on 7 October) have been blessed with a wonderful imagination. Painting, writing, music and performing speak to their hearts. Now is a good time for them to experiment a little and try something outside their comfort zone. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January You’re considering further education but there are problems fitting this into your current lifestyle. Persevere, as it’s important for you to find a way to manage this. Your optimistic outlook will have a stimulating effect on romance. Passion runs high and relationships are dramatic as a result. ARIES 21 March – 20 April You won’t have much fun following a routine path. By rising to a challenge, you will…

1 HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID! The lovely Sheridan Smith, 38, has taken a well-deserved break from her busy schedule and jetted off on a sun-filled holiday. And it certainly looks as though she’s having a good time. These cheeky chaps seem to have photobombed the Cleaning Up star, but don’t worry – she didn’t get the hump! Enjoy your holiday, Sheridan! 2 Who wowed the crowd? This year’s Emmys saw a wash of pinks and reds that stood out on the purple carpet. Catherine Zeta-Jones, 50, was definitely one of the best-dressed, sashaying in her hot-pink ensemble. Killing Eve star Sandra Oh, 48, also got the pink memo in her Zac Posen gown, while This Is Us actress Mandy Moore, 35, combined the gorgeous hues with her skirt-and-top combo.…

The Queen has outlasted 14 Prime Ministers, lived through World War II, and seen society change almost unrecognisably during her long reign. But as well as adapting to a very different public life, Elizabeth II has had to face changes within her own family. The 93-year-old, like any granny, must worry about her grandchildren – particularly future king William and his brother, PrinceHarry. While the brothers allegedly continue to give each other the cold shoulder, it must be hard for the Queen to see the contrast between their current frosty situation and their former closeness. Royal expert Ingrid Seward believes the Queen must be saddened by the rift between her grandsons, saying, ‘Her Majesty doesn’t care for the alleged feuding among her grandchildren, William and Harry. That would make her…

No time to yourself? You’re not alone. Sixty per cent of us use our shower routine to de-stress – 20 per cent shower even if they don’t need one, simply because they want the sanctuary!* Aromatherapy-inspired beauty can work wonders on a negative mindset, so pick a product to perk up your day in a flash. Fake it yourself Calming face mask If you’re not feeling quite right on the inside, chances are it’s showing on the outside. Our skin is a reflection of our health, and stress can show up in spotty, inflamed and flaky skin. In this instance, less is more. Avoid fruit as a base ingredient, as many are acidic – great for brightening, but a potential irritant. Instead, go for clear honey to help bind moisture.…

Deeper shade of blue With the party season just around the corner, invest in this dress as it will look great teamed with silver accessories. Work it! A smart trouser suit is easy to wear and looks effortlessly chic. Bold & beautiful A stand-out print will add a pop of colour to your winter wardrobe. Warm up for winter Blue works brilliantly with denim and also with classic black.…

‘Wow,’ the little girl gasped, unable to take her eyes off me. ‘You’re… you’re magical.’ As I saw the awe in her face, I truly did feel magical. I stayed by her side for a little bit longer, answering her questions about my best friends and my favourite bikini. Then, after a few minutes, I said goodbye and, with a flap of my tail, dived underwater and swam away. She wasn’t the first child who’d looked at me with such wonder and, to be honest, I can’t really blame her. If I’d met a real-life mermaid when I was her age, I’d have been speechless, too. Because that’s what I am – or, at least, that’s my day job. It’s something I’ve wanted to be ever since I was a…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Follow the menu below – it’s Extra Easy! You can start on any day you choose, swap days around if there’s a meal you really fancy or repeat days if there’s something you particularly enjoy! You’ll find more ideas at slimmingworld.co.uk or when you join your local Slimming World group or sign up to Slimming World Online. 2 Foods printed in bold are ‘Free Food’, which you can enjoy freely to satisfy your appetite without needing to weigh, measure or count at all. Base meals around Free Food, like lean meat, fish, meat substitutes including plain tofu, Quorn, pasta, rice, potatoes, eggs, pulses, fat-free dairy, fruit, vegetables and more. If you feel hungry between meals, snack on these foods. For the very best weight loss, reach…

My name is Nicky and I’m a clothesaholic. There, I’ve said it. My wardrobe is bursting at the seams, literally, and no wonder. A quick look shows I have more than 20 coats, over 60 blouses, and 50 pairs of shoes and boots. Several items have hardly been worn, and there are even a few guilty buys that still have the labels on. Thankfully, in that respect, I’m not alone. A survey by online marketplace onbuy.com found that, in general, women don’t wear about 60 per cent of their wardrobe. Plus, the average woman also owns £2,400-worth of unworn garments. But the trend for millennials to trim back their belongings – for practical reasons, such as lack of space, not to mention the environmental cost of throwaway fashion – makes…

BIG HITTERS The Giver of Stars Jojo Moyes Michael Joseph – £12.99 In the Kentucky mountains of the late 1930s, newly-arrived English bride Alice joins the Horseback Librarians – a team of women who travel to remote areas, spreading the written word. A captivating blend of adventure and romance, this is an utter delight… The Testaments Margaret Atwood Chatto & Windus – £20 More than 30 years after The Handmaid’s Tale, we return to Gilead, where three women join forces to attempt to fight the repressive regime from within. Fast-moving, smart and very slick – this is a sequel worth waiting for, that fans of the TV series will also savour. TEARJERKERS One Winter Morning Isabelle Broom Michael Joseph – £7.99 Still reeling from the death of her beloved mum,…

Shirley Ballas hasn’t always been lucky in love – she has two failed marriages behind her – but it seems she’s finally struck gold on the romance front. The 59-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star has admitted that her handsome toyboy – fellow Northerner and performer Danny Taylor, 44 – is ‘The One’. ‘I love that man,’ she gushed in a recent interview. ‘I just want to sit all day and stare at him. He is The One.’ Latin champion Shirley said the pair ‘have a lot in common and laugh all the time’, adding, ‘Danny is just so special. I have met his parents, and everybody likes each other.’ Easy, Shirley! It definitely sounds like the real thing – it’s thought the main reason Shirley quit her Hollywood home earlier…

‘There are two things I thank God for every single day. One is that I don’t have kids. Two, that I don’t have to – nor have I ever had to – do online dating. Surely, the latter is tantamount to torture? I honestly don’t know why anyone would put themselves through it. I read and hear a lot of stories and, of course, there are some successes, but they are well and truly outnumbered by the disasters. It’s too much of a minefield. You might think you’re meeting a Brad Pitt lookalike, but he will turn out to be more like Jabba the Hutt. They’ll say they’re airline pilots, doctors, lawyers, human rights campaigners, but really work in McDonald’s. They’re not easy to get out of, either. Once you’re…

Q I have bumpy skin on my upper arms and thighs. How can I treat it?Sarah, Eastbourne A DR AAMER SAYS: Technically called keratosis pilaris, this is down to a build-up of keratin. When our skin produces too much of this protein, it gets clogged at the opening of each individual hair follicle and creates a hard plug. Those little bumps can make the surface appear irritated and inflamed. It’s usually a genetic condition and can be hard to eradicate totally, but a course of four to six-monthly clinical skin peels, using a gentle glycolic or salicylic acid, will boost cell turnover and skin renewal. Expect to pay from £60 a treatment. Alternatively, regular monthly courses of professional microdermabrasions are another speedy route to get your skin on the road…

AM I PAST IT? For years now, I’ve dreamed of writing a book – I’ve collected so many thoughts and ideas over the years, and sometimes I get really excited about it. But then I remember I’m in my sixties and my grandchildren call me ‘a bit out of touch’, and think I’m being unrealistic about how successful it would be. Do you have any advice?Carol, Glasgow Get on with it. Don’t hesitate. You have something to say, so say it. Just crack on with your story – get the words down on the page – and then, when you have completed it (or nearly finished), send it to a literary agent – you can find a list on the internet. But don’t despair if you get a rejection, you…

Victoria Beckham, 45, has admitted she had a wobble when her marriage hit the 20-year mark amid fears she and hubby David would have ‘nothing to talk about’. Despite having one of the longest relationships in showbiz, Posh confessed that, before celebrating their milestone double-decade anniversary in July with a romantic getaway to Paris (without children Brooklyn, 20, Romeo, 17, Cruz, 14 and Harper, eight), it made her worry about how they would cope once the children grew up and left them home alone together. In a recent interview, she admitted, ‘I said to David, “God, what will we have to say to each other when it’s just us?”’ She wouldn’t be the only parent to wonder if, when she’s away with her other half and not surround by the…

BEATING the enemy This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you may be wondering why, as a man, I’m choosing to write about this. Well, since men have breast tissue, they too can get breast cancer. However, it’s rare that they do, with only one in 1,000 ever being diagnosed. The fear for women and, therefore, any of us who have a woman in our lives – whether a child, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother, a cousin, a friend or a work colleague – is obviously much more heightened. When I was four years of age, I lost my mother’s mother, my granny Fitzsimmons. Breast cancer claimed her life. Outside of my mum, she was the person I was most close to. I can remember her look, her…

Dame Helen Mirren, 74, was born in London; her father was Russian. One of our greatest stage and screen actresses, she is married to American director Taylor Hackford. What made you want to play Catherine the Great? She’s always fascinated me, not least because of my own connection to Russia [Helen was born Ilyena Mironov], but also the exoticism of life in that era. She was a pioneering woman. Tell us a bit about her… Catherine was one of the great female rulers in the history of the world. German by birth, she took the Russian throne from her husband, Peter III, at great personal risk. She was extraordinary – an empire-builder. Also, in her time there was a very refreshing attitude towards sexuality and relationships. Did you do a…

Louise Beech has won our best Big Book award with her novel Call Me Star Girl, a tale of murder and obsession set in a radio station. Louise, 48, lives near Hull and has two grown-up children. ‘Winning is the icing on the cake,’ she says Congrats on winning the best Big Book Award… Thank you so much! It’s a bit surreal for me, as I have been reading best magazine since I was 15, so to win this award. – well, I feel like it must have happened to someone else. It’s just magic – the icing on the cake. Is it right that you came to writing relatively late? Well, yes and no. I was first published in 2015, when I was 44, but I’ve been writing all my life!…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES How many times has 8D been nominated for an Oscar? (5). This is your prize answer. See below for details on how to enter. TO ENTER CALL 0900 100 0334 (UK 65ppm)†/1550 787032 (ROI 97cpm) † CODE: PUBSTN19750 ACROSS 7 What is the capital of Thailand? (7) 9 Of or relating to the countryside (5) 10 What is the surname of Norwegian dramatist, Henrik, whose work includes Hedda Gabler, Peer Gynt and A Doll’s House? (5) 11 What is the name of the fairground game where winning tickets are pulled from a revolving drum? (7) 12 All About ___, Oscar-winning film starring Bette Davis (3) 13 Copy music or other files, eg, on to your computer (8) 16 Allocated…

Fancy jetting off to magical Majorca for some fun, rest and relaxation? Thanks to Neutradol, the fresh air specialists with a product for every smelly situation, you could win this fourstar holiday to Palma for seven days. Majorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, surrounded by the inviting Mediterranean Sea. You’ll be staying in the capital, Palma, which is renowned for glorious beaches, a vibrant nightlife and the magnificent Santa María Cathedral. Explore further to visit sheltered beach coves, white-washed mountains or the famous Drach Caves. Your holiday base will be the unique Hotel Portofino in the heart of Palma, so you’ll be surrounded by shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Enjoy sipping a cocktail at the bar or a dip in the hotel pool to refresh you after a…