Table of contents for 16-2021 in Best

If you have children, most of us hope that – one day in the future – we will become grandparents. Maybe you already are (lucky you!) but if, like me, that still feels a few years off but you can’t wait, you can only image how happy I was for Eamonn Holmes when he called me late last Tuesday and shouted: ‘I’m going to be a granddad!’ After a rotten 2020 and, for Eamonn, an even worse start to 2021 – with ongoing pain (see p52) – there is at least some very good news from his son Declan and lovely wife Dr Jenny. ‘To see my children happy is all I ask in life,’ he said, summing up in one sentence what we all wish. So, Dr Jenny and…

The sound of several million hearts breaking could be heard across the land when it was revealed that Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page would not be back for season two of the smash-hit Netflix show. OK, the character wasn’t in the second book anyway, but surely the writers could have gone in their own direction? So where, pray tell, will he spring up next? Well, rumour has it, it could it be in a very different, modern-day role – as suave spy James Bond! The 31-year-old is currently tipped to take on the coveted role. And, though he’s joining a long line of rumoured contenders, bookies Ladbrokes lowered the odds of him replacing Daniel Craig from 5/1 to just 7/2. Regé-Jean is now second favourite to bag the part, sitting just…

Outspoken actress Denise Welch will always say acting is her first passion – but the mum-of-two, married to artist Lincoln Townley, is now narrating a new series, Survivors, on Crime + Investigation, meeting people who have come face-to-face with unspeakable evil – and not only survived to tell the tale, but rebuilt a life in the aftermath. Here, Denise, 62, talks about the past year, her crime obsession and her own life… Denise, can you believe it’s more than a year since lockdown started?! A year of Zooms and not seeing loved ones… crazy. But I feel it in my bones, we’ll be out of this soon. There’s a lot of scaremongering going on and so I’ve just made it my mission to try and be as positive as I can…

WHAT ARE PEPTIDES? Also called polypeptides, they’re short chains of amino acids that occur naturally in our skin. Collagen, which keeps our skin bouncy, is made of three polypeptide chains. Over time, our supplies deplete. By adding peptides to skin care it will help strengthen and super-boost collagen production, elastin and keratin, keeping skin plump. WHY SHOULD I USE PEPTIDES? Peptides can also help improve skin tone, hydration and keratin levels and your skin’s barrier, which helps protect from the damaging effects of UV rays, pollution and other toxins. HOW PEPTIDES WORK The collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed through the skin, but peptides are much smaller – so can easily penetrate the outer layer. They then act as messengers for other cells by sending signals to tell…

Walking into the hospital room, tears filled my eyes. Any mother would cry to see her babies like that, lying silently, hooked up to tubes and surrounded by beeping monitors. But mine were tears of joy. Because my precious one-year-old girls, Sarabeth and Amelia, were in separate beds for the first time. Finally, they were ready to begin their new, independent lives. Two years before, I’d walked into another hospital room, filled with excitement. My husband Phil and I were thrilled to be pregnant and couldn’t wait for the 20-week scan to reveal the sibling for our two-year old Kennedy. As soon as the ultrasound began, we knew something was terribly wrong. When the sonographer disappeared to find our doctor, my terrified mind flew from one dreadful possibility to the…

Easy Cod Traybake This all-in-one traybake couldn’t be simpler. Use any firm white fish fillets you like. If you can’t find fresh oregano, use fresh thyme. Hands-on time: 5 min Cooking time: about 40 min Serves 4 750g (1lb 10½oz) baby new potatoes, halved if large a few sprigs fresh oregano, leaves only, roughly chopped, plus extra to garnish 1 lemon, cut into wedges 4 chunky cod fillets 300g (11oz) cherry tomatoes on the vine YOU’LL ALSO NEED 1tbsp olive oil 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/mark 6. Toss potatoes, oil, chopped oregano in a large roasting tin, season well. Roast for 30 min, turning occasionally, until golden and tender. 2 Add the vines of tomatoes and top with the fish, squeeze over some of the lemon wedges and…

TOP TIP! Leaf prints combined with soft shades of green will help you achieve calm!…

THE CRIME: A missing teenager. Two worried parents. DNA pointing to a dead man. So who did kill Yara? THE CASE: It was the evening of Friday, 26 November 2010 and Yara Gambirasio should have been home. The 13-year-old had gone out at 5.15pm to go to her local gym in her hometown of Brembate di Sopra, an hour north of Milan, in Italy – she was a dedicated gymnast and preparing for a display the following Sunday. But she shouldn’t have been long, so when it reached 7.30pm and her mother, Maura, couldn’t get through to her daughter on the phone, her father, Fulvio, called the police. Magistrate Letizia Ruggeri answered the call and immediately sent out both state and military officers. It was quickly established that yes, Yara…

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRONIC PAIN EAMONN: Very few people can really understand chronic pain unless they have it, or live with someone who does. If not every day, it’s there most days. People will say, ‘Where does it hurt? Why does it hurt?’ Both reasonable questions, but sometimes very hard to answer. It’s just there! And so many of us suffer, for so many reasons. Back pain, neck pain, leg pain and everywhere pain, which could be under the mysterious umbrella of fibromyalgia. That’s more likely to be muscle pain than bone pain. And let’s not forget migraine pain. Whatever your pain, it’s you and your family living with it. Throughout my life, I have had to deal with really severe pain. People think that being told you need a…

Mortal sin isn’t what it used to be. There was a time in my childhood when my life was like a tightrope strung carelessly over the boiling pit of hell. A wobble here or a mistake there would lead to mortal sin and send me tumbling into the vast fiery depths where I would roast for all eternity. ‘What do you think hell is really like?’ Trixie whispered during the early morning Chapel service. ‘Sister Dolores says it’s awfully hot.’ ‘I’d give anything to be hot.’ I shivered in my school uniform, sitting on the hard bench. It was England in the 1970s; the power cuts were in full swing and the school was icy. ‘I don’t feel so good…’ Black spots appeared before my eyes and Trixie thrust my…

Reading Writing in Coffee Shops is rather like sitting down with a friend in a pub who tries to help you – ambition depending - to write your first short story, novel or play. Here, Ryan Craig sits down with his childhood next-door neighbour – best’s editor, Siobhan - to debate what makes a writer, the many forms storytelling can take, and the burning question: Can anyone really write? Ryan, tell me, is it ever too late to start writing? No. Never. I believe it’s actually a good idea to start late. You have so much more life experience to share. Plus, you’re fresh and unjaded, unlike those of us who began this career in our 20s… Can you think of anyone who became a famous writer later on in…

It was June 2012 and my last official day of uni when I first laid eyes on Oli. He was 22, and stood at the bar. Struck by his smile, I stopped by his seat on my way to the ladies. ‘I’ll have a Malibu and Coke,’ I said, cheekily. And when I re-emerged, there it was. The conversation flowed easily but though I could sense sparks flying, I worried he’d run a mile if he knew the real me. You see, at four years old, I’d been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic condition that affected the connective tissue in my body. Because I don’t produce enough collagen, my joints were starting to wear away – by the time I’d finished studying dental nursing, aged 26, it…

ARIES 21 March – 20 April Actress, screenwriter and bona fide national treasure Dame Emma Thompson, former Spice Girl turned multimillionaire fashion designer Victoria Beckham and other Arians should abandon themselves to art, music, writing and whatever other activities they enjoy that can also bring them relaxation. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May You’ve worked hard to achieve a special goal and you should be feeling pleased with yourself for the progress you are making with it thus far. You might be nervous about some changes that are being discussed, but at the same time you know that in order to grow completely, you need to be willing to move on. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Looking back, you can see where you made a wrong choice or wrong…

LOVE STORY The Seventies Tearjerker ‘What can you say about a 25-year-old girl who died?’ The opening line of this film starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw is still genuinely moving and the end of the film, as well as the music, will still make you cry. DIRTY DANCING The Eighties Fun-Fest Reminds us all why we loved Patrick Swayze, always wished we could dance that well and still love music from the Sixties. Just full of charm and fun. NOTTING HILL The Nineties Rom-Com Hugh Grant plies his trademark self-effacing floppy-haired act to full effect, this time as a bookshop owner who falls for a Hollywood star. Peppered with great one-liners and the unforgettable Spike in his horrible pants……

RHUBARB PAVLOVA A great option for entertaining as the meringue can be made a day in advance. Hands-on time: 30min Cooking time: About 1hr 35min 4 large egg whites225g caster sugar1tbsp cornflour1tbsp vanilla extract2tsp white wine vinegar FOR THE TOPPING 400g sticks rhubarb, cut into 5cm chunks100g caster sugar400ml double cream1tbsp vanilla extract2tbsp crystalised ginger, sliced, to decorate 1 Heat the oven to 130°C (110°C fan)/mark ½. Draw a 20.5cm circle on a large piece of baking parchment (use a cake tin to do this). Turn the paper over and place on a large, rimless baking sheet. 2 In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric whisk on a low setting until frothy, then increase the speed and beat until stiff peaks form. Add the sugar…

She is still, arguably, one of the sexiest women on the planet, so you might think finding the perfect man wouldn’t be too much of an issue. But after two messy divorces, Sharon Stone, 63, has branched out into dating apps. Speaking recently about her new book, The Beauty of Living Twice (published by Allen & Unwin), the mum-of-three adopted boys confessed, ‘I’m trying online dating again and found it a cool learning experience, especially during Covid, when you really know you can’t get together.’ She is not expecting that any of those chats learning about ‘how men think’ are going to lead to a relationship, but said the calls mean she’s learnt ‘a little bit more’ about how to talk to the opposite sex. This isn’t her first try…

GIRL BEHAVING BADLY… My brother’s daughter is almost 30 – and is incredibly rude, to just about everyone. I say something she doesn’t think is very PC, she rolls her eyes. I tell her sister I like her dress, she literally sighs. And some days, she just won’t talk to me at all. My brother and his wife let her say and do what she likes (they say she’s the ‘rebel’ with a proud smile) – but she can’t continue the spoilt brat act. Do I say something?! Elsa, Aberdeen What could you possibly say that wouldn’t annoy and upset the entire family?! You can’t tell your brother he’s made a mess of raising his now-adult child without risking alienating him. You can’t tell your sister-in-law her daughter is a…

Val’s grandson was in tears. ‘Mum’ll kill me,’ he said. Val jerked her head up. ‘Well, as good as. I only left it for a moment to go in the shop for some crisps. I could see it all the time but this bloke in an orange hoodie rode off on it and I couldn’t catch him.’ Sam’s voice cracked and he rubbed his eyebrow. Sam had arrived at Val’s house fifteen minutes earlier, gasping for breath and clutching a stitch in his side. She had sat him down with a glass of water, but he’d paced the kitchen, desperate for her to listen. The bike had been a Christmas present from his Mum and Dad. Val knew it had cost a fair amount and they would be furious it…

LOVE BIRDS… This eco-friendly bird feeder doubles as a bird bath, making a shabby chic garden accessory that’s perfect for any keen birdwatcher in your life! The bird dish comes with a personalised natural birchwood tag, hand-engraved with a message of your choice. £28, notonthehighstreet.com PATIO PERFECT… Get fruity! These little apple trees are the perfect additions to any patio, ideal for their low-maintenance upkeep, yet providing real ornamental appeal to any outdoor space. £9.99, amazon.co.uk THE GLOVES ARE ON! ’Tis the season for a spot of gardening – so why not make your gardening gloves pretty?! Opt for four pairs of multicoloured, patterned gloves to help you get green-fingered in style. £10.28, amazon.co.uk…

Former Loose Woman Jane McDonald revealed the tragic news last Wednesday that her long-term partner, Eddie Rothe – the man she called ‘my Ed’ – had died in March, after a battle with lung cancer. He was 67. Former drummer for Merseybeat group The Searchers, Eddie first dated the presenter in 1980 – before the pair found their way back to each other in 2008. They got engaged after Eddie proposed that Christmas Eve, but never married. Jane’s singing and TV career would often take her across the world – but she would always say Ed, to her, was ‘home’. In a statement shared on Jane’s Twitter last Wednesday, it was revealed that Ed’s funeral had taken place that day. ‘It is with immense sadness that we share the news…

TOP TIP A versatile midi dress works well with heels or trainers.…

‘How many times a day do you say sorry? I say it a lot, but then I’m British, it’s what we do. Bump into an inanimate object – “Sorry!” A stranger treads on your foot – “Sorry!” And there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s just our innate politeness kicking in. I sometimes do it without thinking in marital matters too, dropping the odd “sorry” through gritted teeth just to keep the peace, or to end an argument. In those situations, there’s no point in holding out, even if you’re not in the wrong. I try to tell this to my friend who says her inability to use the S word has left her single, again, in her mid-50s. But I’m getting quite concerned about the increasing demand for big, public…

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 £200 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…

Have three lockdowns left you stranded in leggings, desperate to fit back into your jeans? Try TV’s Dr Michael Mosley’s Fast 800 Plan to help you drop 4lbs… HOW IT WORKS 1 ‘During lockdown, two-thirds of British adults say they gained weight,’ reveals TV diet expert and author Dr Michael Mosley. 2 ‘When you bite into a muffin or dive into a packet of crisps, you’re responding to carefully-designed cues, put in place by food manufacturers, to use food as a defence not just against hunger, but against stress!’ 3 ‘Many believe if you lose weight fast you’ll put it back on even faster, but that’s not true. For the right people, studies prove rapid weight loss can be more effective than the slow, steady approach.’ 4 ‘I’ve discovered that…

Looking around my pristine flat, I thought back to how excited I’d been when I’d moved in just a few months earlier. I’d always lived with friends or partners previously, now I was standing on my own two feet. The crisp white walls, brass lamps and endless houseplants in the Tunbridge Wells flat were a dream come true. But logging on to my work as a freelance marketing executive, I felt the fear. We’d all had to adjust to working from home, but the jobs weren’t flooding in like they’d used to, especially as most of my clients were in events… I was fortunate that I could still just about cover the £1,500 rent each month. I’d assumed lockdown would only be for a few weeks and was incredibly grateful…

A PAIN IN THE MOUTH I am in a lot of pain with my teeth. I need a crown replacing, I think. It’s very sore and swollen near the tooth and I can’t get an appointment with my dentist for love nor money. I’ve seen those DIY dentistry kits you can buy online. What’s your opinion on them? Julie, Belfast DR HILARY SAYS: Most dental surgeries are open for both urgent and routine treatments now, but if you are still having trouble getting one, you can arrange this by going to NHS 111 online. This should cost no more than £23.80, which you can claim back if you are entitled to free dental treatment. If the area is sore and swollen, you may have a gum infection, requiring antibiotics such…

‘And the winner of Bake Battles is…’ My heart hammered. The throbbing beat of the music in the TV studio amplifying the tension. I glanced left. Karli was glassy cool, even under the spotlights’ excruciating glare. Reaching out, I squeezed her hand in solidarity. Only one of us could win. Anna or Karli? Breathing in time with the pulsating rhythm, waiting, sweat forming on my upper lip, I prayed it was me. Ten weeks earlier, when we’d arrived to compete in Bake Battles, we were all so excited. It was the hottest TV reality show, and the prize was to die for. ‘Your challenge for week one is to bake 12 perfectly light madeleines,’ Chef Lonni announced. ‘At the end of today, nine of you will go through to week…

SUNNY DAYDREAMS This little Yankee Candle will let you drift away among the flowers with its warm, sweet scents of ylang ylang, bergamot and jasmine. Available in larger sizes (or as tealights), it’s the perfect seasonal treat…£8.99, at yankeecandle.co.uk I CAN SEE A RAINBOW! This sparkly rainbow light-up candle adds a warm touch to any room. In a multi-coloured glass jar and citronella-scented with notes of grapefruit and pomello, it’s a lovely table addition! £9.50, at marksandspencer.com MAGICAL WOODLAND… Cath Kidston brings us this blend of calming camomile and soothing lavender to help you relax and unwind before bed. The single-wick, soy wax blend candle has a burn time of up to 33 hours. £18, at cathkidston.com…

Win EVERY WEEK IN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES Use the anagrams, straight, cryptic, quiz and picture clues to solve the crossword. When completed correctly, the pink squares, reading top to bottom, left to right, will reveal the answer to the following question: What word appears in the title of all four of the albums PICTURE B and C have recorded as a duo? (8) This is your prize answer. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross1621 ACROSS 6 Stand-in doctor (5) 8 Keen – as a beaver! (5) 10 What is the name of the longest river wholly in France? (5) 11 What Romance language is spoken in Andorra, the Balearic Islands, parts of southern France…