Table of contents for 23-2021 in Best

This Year’s Eurovision Song Contest may have been memorable for our score of ‘Nul Points’ (James Newman, well done for your huge smile and good-natured shrug), but way back in 1974 – before it became a depressing game of hands up for your mates – the contest was won by a band called Abba. Waterloo, sung in English by four Swedes after they rocked the room in Brighton, soared to the top of the UK charts and the group went on to have nine number ones. If you remember those days of Eurovision with a smile, why not pull on your platforms and get yourself to London’s Shaftesbury Theatre before Sunday (6 June) to watch Abba Mania. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the joy that music brought us. I…

The cinemas are back open and we couldn’t be more delighted, especially at the thought of watching Emma Stone and Emma Thompson in Disney’s new offering, Cruella. Based on the 1961 Disney film, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, this version of the classic is set in Seventies London amidst the punk-rock revolution. It follows a young grifter, Estella [Stone], a designer who’s determined to make a name for herself. She befriends a pair of young thieves, who appreciate her appetite for mischief. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of chic fashion legend, Baroness von Hellman [Thompson]. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, revenge-bent Cruella. Here, Emma Thompson, who is married to…

It might not come as much of a surprise but some of the most iconic beauty looks are undoubtedly the most classic. According to a recent study*, red lipstick is the top trend of all time, with smokey eyes a close second. But how confident are you in taking on the trends? While the last year has seen cosmetics take a back seat, it’s time to dust off your make-up bag and embrace a new look. Here’s how… 1 WINGED LINER Hands up who’s tried to nail this timeless trick, only to end up with a wonky look? Arm yourself with a liquid pen for the best precision. ‘Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, £18, has one of the best pointed tips for sleek and precise application,’ says make-up artist Joy…

‘Mummy, when does Down’s syndrome go away?’ my little girl, Olivia, asked me. My heart squeezed as I bent down and looked my three-yearold in the eye. ‘It doesn’t darling, it’s with you for life,’ I said gently. ‘Oh,’ she replied and I could see her thoughts whirring. ‘So I’ll have to look after Amber forever?’ I shook my head and pulled her in for a big hug. ‘Of course not, sweetheart.’ Even as a toddler, Olivia was well aware of Down’s syndrome. Unsurprising, really, as her twin sister, Amber, was diagnosed with the condition when she was born. Throughout my pregnancy, my partner, Ian Davies, and I had no idea. We already had one little boy, Finn, conceived with the help of IVF and born in December 2007. We…

In February 2017, one of Peter’s neighbours and another church-goer, Ann Moore-Martin was taken to hospital after a seizure. While there, she told her niece, Anne-Marie Blake, that she was in a relationship with Ben. She was 81, the age gap nearly 60 years this time, but they’d started a sexual relationship. But as the details began to emerge, things didn’t sound right. Ben had given Ann various gifts – a picture of his face with the words ‘I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU’ written in capitals underneath and a hand counter for her to click whenever she thought of him. Ann, again single with no children, had fallen for Ben as quickly as Peter had. ‘Dearest Ben,’ she wrote to him. ‘I’m a bit concerned as I haven’t heard from…

‘I’ve got good genes!’ VEENA NAYYAR, 49, FOUNDER OF PRETTY PERFECT LONDON Casually dressed, I nipped into the supermarket to pick up some essentials, including a bottle of wine. ‘Can I see your ID please?’ the cashier asked. I was flattered, especially as I was almost 40 back then. I’d always looked young for my age and while most of it was down to good genes, I was very careful with my skin too. I was religious about cleansing, toning, and often moisturised twice before bed and every morning. I’d been meticulous in using SPF over the years too. After I hit my milestone 40th birthday, I’d occasionally go out with my daughter, now 28, and son, 23. If they called to me, people were shocked. ‘That’s your mum?’ they’d…

1 CONSIDER BOTOX Worried about looking frozen? It’s all in the application. Administered correctly and used in moderation, Botox can be fantastic and undetectable and, as a wrinkle-fighting youth-boosting treatment, you can’t beat it. A series of injections block nerve impulses, reducing muscle activity that causes lines and wrinkles, smoothing out furrows, erasing wrinkles and even giving a gentle lift – in fact, results can often mimic some of the skin-smoothing effects of facial surgery. Used in tiny amounts, known as ‘Microtox’, it can also result in tighter, smoother skin, with less visible pores and less oil production. You’ll see results within three to five days, lasting up to six months. From £199. 2 GET YOUR BAGS SORTED Eye bags and saggy droopy eyelids will add a decade to your…

SON’S NOT TELLING ME SOMETHING I don’t know for sure, but I think my 18-year-old son has got his girlfriend pregnant and he’s too scared to tell me. I’ve noticed her tummy is a little bigger than usual and I found a ‘young parents’ book under his laundry basket the other day. She’s also stopped drinking and they are both fond of a few. My maternal instinct already knows, but do I bring it up with him before he’s ready to tell me? I feel offended he’s keeping something so huge from me. Bea, Plymouth Go for it, would be my advice here. Bite the bullet and say what you see. Frankly, if the deed is already done, you risk nothing by expressing your thoughts. If you are wrong, there’s…

KILLER THRILLER The Killing Kind Jane Casey Harper Collins, £12.99 Barrister Ingrid made a mistake when she defended stalker John Webster as, once freed, he turned his attentions on her. When one of her colleagues is murdered, she fears he’s back to finish what he started. A super-slippery thriller, with a wonderfully creepy villain. Both of You Adele Parks HQ, £12.99 One day, married mum Leigh Fletcher goes to work and just doesn’t come home. Then Kai, the wife of a wealthy Dutch businessman, also vanishes. What is the link between their disappearances, and can they be saved? A read to race through with a brilliant twist. TWISTY MYSTERIES Falling TJ Newman Simon & Schuster, £14.99 (out June 10) Fasten your seatbelt for a real thrill ride. A passenger jet…

FINANCIALLY Fabulous Join our campaign and get your finances sorted at hearstmagazines.co.uk/ffbest for money-saving tips and brilliant advice on being financially savvy. 1 CLIMB – INVEST AND SAVE THE PLANET This app focuses on sustainability, so if you want your money to do good, this is the app for you. When you open an account, Clim8 will ask you a number of questions to assess your attitude to risk. It will then suggest one of three sustainable funds to invest in. Clim8 has its own fund managers that pick the companies to invest in, which it claims are truly sustainable. Minimum investment: £25. Fee: 0.6 per cent. 2 PLUM – LET ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BOOST YOUR SAVINGS With Plum, you can choose how much you want to invest each month or…

THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS ITV2, Friday, 9pm Starring the late Paul Walker, a spate of highspeed robberies in LA brings street racer Dominic Toretto and his crew under the LAPD scanner. FBI agent Brian goes undercover and befriends Toretto in a bid to investigate the matter. PAN ITV2, Friday, 10. 15am Loosely based on Disney’s Peter Pan, Peter, a 12-year-old orphan, finds himself captured and taken to the magical city of Neverland, as a slave. There, he makes new friends – and ultimately realises what he is truly destined to do. Fly away with this magical story. A FISH CALLED WANDA BBC One, Friday, 11.45pm This classic 1988 comedy will have you in fits! Wanda, a con-artist, tries to double-cross her lover and the two members of the gang…

Move over Ant and Dec, there’s another A&D in town…! They took over the reins from Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford back in January – to the shock of some – but their ‘Friday lols’, as Alison puts it, are proving quite a hit with viewers. And now, This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary – who are on the famous sofa all this week while Holly and Phil are away, before returning to their usual Friday slot, reveal all about their partnership, the promise of wild nights out in Birmingham and dinner round Dermot’s as they prepare to celebrate their six-month telly anniversary… How have your first few months hosting been? Alison: A dream. The best thing is getting to know Dermot. He always shows me pictures and videos…

APPLY LIKE A PRO: Less is more! Apply one drop to your ring finger and dab just above cheeks.…

Greek–style orzo with baked feta The quick cooking time and rice-like size and shape of orzo mean it’s perfectly suited to traybakes. The light and fresh flavours in this pasta bake, with lots of healthy vegetables included, is complemented by salty baked feta and the satisfying crunch of sunflower seeds. Serve with a simple green salad. Serves 4 Calories per serving: 416 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped1 red pepper, chopped150g (5½oz) baby tomatoes, halvedFinely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon1 tbsp dried oreganoLow-calorie cooking spray300g (10½oz) dried orzo pastaSmall handful of mint leaves, finely chopped50g (1¾oz) baby spinach800ml (1½ pints) vegetable stock90g (3¼oz) feta cheese, cut into small chunks2 tbsp sunflower seedsSalt and pepper 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan (425°F), gas mark 7. 2.…

‘I’m not sure what’s wrong with her,’ the woman explained. ‘Her tummy is bare but she won’t stop licking it.’ I nodded, then turned my attention to the cat in question. I cleared my mind and focused. It may have been over a Zoom call but I could instantly pick up on the nervous energy the poor kitty was exuding. ‘She’s very anxious,’ I said immediately. ‘Has anything different happened recently?’ As the woman explained they had a new kitten, it was clear. Cats don’t like change and new animals should be introduced slowly. I made some suggestions to integrate the felines and then suggested some herbs and plants that soothe anxiety. ‘And of course, don’t stop with the veterinary care as well. It all goes hand in hand,’ I…

HOW TO COPE WITH BEREAVEMENT The loss of an animal can’t be underestimated – they’re family, after all. We asked the experts about how to cope during this difficult time TALK TO YOUR VET Strict lockdown conditions meant many owners couldn’t be present as pets were euthanised, but over recent months some vets have tried to work to ensure owners are involved as safely as possible. If you know this day is coming in the not too distant future, your vet can offer impartial advice. Ask about the process, so you can prepare youself for what happens. STAGES OF GRIEF Human deaths have a grief process, and the same is true for animals. Diane James, from Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service, argues that guilt plays a big part, especially…

Nineteen months after his death, Peter’s body was exhumed and a second post-mortem carried out. There was less alcohol in his system than previously thought and sedatives were found in his body too. Forensic pathologist Dr Brett Lockyer confirmed that Peter had been repeatedly exposed to such sedatives in the months leading up to his death. He also couldn’t rule out that Peter hadn’t been suffocated. This was enough for Ben Field to be arrested. Upon searching his premises, officers found books about poisoning people and planning a suicide, as well as notebooks entitled 100 Clients. It was full of people’s names, including family members and Ann Moore-Martin. He later described these as ‘people who may be useful to me, either as targets of fraud or in other ways’. ‘Field…

My wonderful grannies always inspired me when I was growing up. They were supportive, both looked after themselves and were adamant that I should have a beauty regime for my skin. Even as young as 16, I was cleansing, toning and moisturising. But the most invaluable pieces of advice were rose water and applying eye cream each night, and patting the area to bring the blood to the surface. Those little tips have certainly set me in good stead. Aged just 17, I was out with my mum when I was scouted by a model agency. My mum was wary at first. ‘Let’s ask your father,’ she said. Thankfully, he agreed, and it led to a fulfilling career in fashion, advertisements, newspapers and films. As I grew older, I started…

Former Bond girl Jane Seymour is a phenomenon – she makes 70 look like 40. After shooting to fame alongside Roger Moore at the tender age of 20 in Live And Let Die, she could still give 007’s latest sidekicks a run for their money. Beautiful, slim and full of vitality, the California-based English rose, who lives in a lush beachside villa in Malibu, has lost none of her shine as she enters her eighth (yes, eighth!) decade. Having celebrated her milestone 70th birthday back in February, Jane looks as good, if not better, than women 20 or even 30 years her junior – and her career is enjoying a renaissance, too. Originally from Uxbridge, West London, when asked about her lastest career success opposite Robert De Niro in At…

GRANDDAUGHTER’S FOOD ISSUES My adorable granddaughter is five and, though a happy little girl, she has a terrible diet – despite her parents’ attempts to make her eat healthily. At present, she will only eat jam sandwiches and dry pasta, and sugary drinks, no water. My daughter has been to the GP who has suggested ways to help, but nothing’s changed. Should she be seen by a specialist? I’m worried about what this is doing to her, at such a young age. Eleanor, Glasgow DR HILARY SAYS: Many parents worry about their children’s eating habits but, to some extent, selective eating is a normal part of a child’s development. For many, it is the taste, colour, texture or shape of new foods which they do not like because they are…

She once considered her appearance to be that of a grey mouse, but now Anastasiia Pokreshchuk is hard to miss. The 32-year-old from Kiev, Ukraine, has spent £1,600 on fillers and to date, boasts the ‘world’s largest cheeks’. Anastasiia has freely admitted the struggles she battled before having cosmetic procedures. ‘I was ashamed of everything: my voice, my appearance. It was really hard work,’ she said, feeling particularly that her nose was too big. Self-confidence and concerns about your appearance are something many women also struggle with day-to-day. Anastasiia even said she’d been afraid to post pictures of herself online. So, to help her confidence, she started undergoing cosmetic procedures, including fillers in her jaw and chin, veneers and lipfillers. Now, she injects herself with hyaluronic fillers, while using doctors’…

There is something particularly heartbreaking about the fact that Jeremy Paxman – sharp as a tack, and known for his cutting wit – has been diagnosed with brain disorder Parkinson’s disease. Revealing last week that he has been getting treatment for ‘mild symptoms’ of the disease, the Leeds-born broadcaster was quick to reassure fans that he was receiving ‘excellent treatment’. The 71-year-old said in a statement, ‘I plan to continue broadcasting and writing for as long as they’ll have me.’ The presenter, who began his career in 1972 as a graduate trainee at the BBC, working in local radio and reporting on the Troubles in Belfast, moved to London in 1977 – and became the iconic presenter of Newsnight in 1989, lasting until 2014. And he’s been the stern yet…

EYE-CATCHING Now that we’re officially going ‘out out’ again, why not make the most of glamming up? At just £3, shopping app wish.com is selling this palette Matte Glitter EyeShadow Shimmer with 15 different sparkly colours to choose from! So, what are you waiting for? The disco’s calling! DISCO DRINK In the words of Sophie Ellis-Bextor herself – this pink Marmalade Disco Gin by the singer really does feel so good – especially with its colour-changing effects. A definite must for pre-drinks with the girls (while listening to Murder on the Dancefloor, of course!) £35, pinkmarmaladegin.co.uk STILETTO SPARKLE These stunning pink glitter stilettos on are every woman’s disco dream – and they come in 18 different colours! You’ll add a touch of sparkle wherever you go. Get ready to kick…

It’s not unusual for the small platform at King’s Lynn station in Norfolk to welcome a very famous commuter indeed. Yes, Her Majesty the Queen is a regular visitor, as she often travels by train when she relocates to her country estate in Sandringham, which is near the historic West Norfolk town. Indeed, the sight of HRH arriving on the sleepy platform signals the beginning of the Christmas season – last year was the very first time Her Majesty had not spent the festive season at the estate in over 30 years, due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. And it’s no wonder that she loves to mark the Christmas period at Sandringham, as it is located in some of the most beautiful countryside in the United Kingdom– and has strong…

Former footballer and Sky Sports commentator Jamie Redknapp is set to be a dad again. It’s lovely news – but it’s also hard not to put yourself in the shoes of his ex-wife, Louise. How on earth must she be feeling, now her ex has dropped the baby bombshell? Her initial silence on social media speaks volumes. It’s thought Louise found out via family members and was reportedly ‘knocked sideways’ by the news. Jamie, 47, and his stunning girlfriend, Swedish model Frida Andersson, 37, are set to welcome a little one in November, claim reports. The news first broke when Frida responded on the comments section of her social media, under a picture she had posted of one of her sons with her ex-husband. ‘Lovely news on your new baby.…

TOP TIP This floral print jumpsuit would look great teamed with an oversized white jacket and heels.…

Domestic abuse is still largely a subject that many women are too scared to go public about – instead, suffering in silence. Scary Spice, aka Mel B, is not one of them, however – at least, not any more. The Spice Girl, 46, who claims she was subjected to a decade-long ‘reign of terror’ at the hands of her husband of 10 years, convicted domestic abuser Stephen Belafonte (who has always denied being abusive towards Mel), is saying enough is enough. The singer, now a patron for Women’s Aid, is on a mission to highlight exactly what sort of hellish abuse can go on, behind closed doors. In collaboration with the charity, Mel – who opened up about her struggles in 2018 memoir, Brutally Honest – is the star of…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Dreading stepping out this Summer? We can lend a hand. Research shows if you cut out white food from your diet you can boost your fat-burning powers. Slimming experts also agree this one simple rule is the key to weight loss. Plus it’s now one of the most popular trends with celebs too. 2 White foods to be avoided include white rice, potatoes, milk and anything made from white flour, such as white bread, cakes, pastries and white pasta. Substitute carbs like bread or pasta for wholemeal options. 3 It’s thought that ditching white stuff – which is often processed food that’s high in fat, sugar and salt – can help us cut calories and curb cravings because it’s believed white foods, which are often simple…

STRAWBERRY TART Hands-on time: 45min, plus chilling and cooling Cooking time: About 40min Serves 10 175g plain flour, plus extra to dust 125g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed40g caster sugar1 medium egg, separated FOR THE CRÈME PÂTISSIÈRE 250ml semi-skimmed milk1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways60g caster sugar2 medium egg yolks 25g cornflour150ml double cream FOR THE TOPPING About 400g strawberries, hulled 75g sieved strawberry jam 1 To make the pastry, put the flour and butter into a food processor and pulse until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs (alternatively rub the butter into the flour using your fingers). Add the sugar and briefly whiz (or stir) to combine. Next add the egg yolk and 3tsp water and pulse (or stir with a blunt-ended cutlery knife), until the pastry comes together. Bring pastry together…

Get the Look TOP TIP! Shop for lanterns with a timer, so you can light up your garden easily, when the sun goes down.…

THE CASE: In many aspects, Peter Farquhar was a successful man. He achieved a first-class degree from Churchill College, University of Cambridge, and went on to become an English teacher and a guest lecturer at Buckingham University, before retiring in 2004 to pursue his dreams of writing a novel. Living in the quiet village of Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire, he was an evangelical Christian, a deeply religious man who had considered becoming a minister and went to the same church for decades. Yet, it was this faith that also caused him to struggle. He was gay and believed his sexuality went against his religious beliefs. Then, he met Ben Field in 2011, a younger man who changed his life. At the time, Ben, 20, was a student at Buckingham University but,…

Straight-talking agony aunt Vanessa Feltz doesn’t mess about when it comes to giving best readers the benefit of her opinions. But now she’s called out Holly Willoughby on her ‘hoarding’ tendencies. In fact, the BBC radio broadcaster went as far as to tell Holly that she ‘needs help’, as they chatted about people who live in cluttered homes… It began when This Morning’s Phillip Schofield was informing viewers that they could win the chance to have their house transformed by professionals if it was ‘drowning in clutter’. ‘If you would like the Style Sisters to come and work their magic in your home and install some much-needed calm, then send a photo of the room…’ Phil began. Then a giggling Holly interrupted, admitting that she too might need some help……

At 12, my mum taught me to cleanse, tone and moisturise, and I’ve been fastidious about it ever since. ‘Don’t neglect your neck,’ she reminded me, as I applied cream. I often get told I look younger than I am – in fact one guy I dated recently thought I was 15 years younger! I believe it’s partly genetics, but mainly it’s lifestyle. I’ve always loved sport. I exercise every day – cardio three or four times a week, then yoga and walking the rest. I get stiff if I don’t do something daily. My diet is full of vegetables, lean meat, fish and berries. I don’t eat much dairy and I tend to avoid sugar too. They make my skin puffy. I also do two minutes of breathing meditation…

UNDER PRESSURE RUTH: Just something for us all to be aware of, ladies. Have you seen the research that says we should all be checking our blood pressure if we are in middle age? A lot of you have been following me on my Couch to 5K journey on Instagram and since starting, I have become much more body aware – as in health aware. Of course, in the past, I have been motivated by my weight or how I look in my once-fitting favourite clothes, but now, it’s different. I’ve got to an age where I realise I am only as good as my health. It is so fragile that we can’t afford to take it for granted. Hence, the red cheeks and the dishevelled appearance are small prices…

This mother wears a flower pinned upside-down on her lapel and asks if her daughter’s nose can be chiselled into something less monstrous. I tuck a curl behind my ear and explain gently that only shadow and shade are alterable, not the size or shape of a nose. ‘But all I can see in these pictures is nose, nose, nose.’ This latest mother prods my computer screen like her finger is a wand that might change her frog offspring into the desired princess. ‘Make it right. Isn’t that what you do, dear?’ My screen bears the smudged mark of many such wands. I’m tired of asking the mothers not to touch it. ‘How about the black lines under her eyes?’ ‘Those we can smooth out,’ I say, as softly as…

GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Communication is the key for Geminis like Welsh singer and The Voice judge, Tom Jones, and Taken star, Liam Neeson, to get through stressful moments. Expressing their emotions in creative ways, such as through art, music, writing and poetry will also help them focus on what they want. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September You want to see the best in everyone and there is nothing wrong with this, but do exercise care when mixing with people you have only recently met. Don’t let anyone push you into plans you aren’t keen on because you want to please them – they sense this, too. Focus on productive matters for now. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December Some dreams can and do come true. Keep…