Table of contents for 37-2021 in Best

‘A few days before I was to set off for Newcastle, first stop of our tour Lunch & Laughs Live, I had a stomach-churning moment of dread. It’s nerves, realisation, and fear, all rolled into one. You know the feeling – you get it before exams, weddings and, as in my case, a new job dragging me out of my comfort zone! But that feeling dissolved when I watched Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, as I imagined how those people must have felt. Suddenly, I was glad that I was only going to have to get dressed up and enjoy a lovely lunch with a room full of people who’re up for a laugh, and not jumping into freezing water, being yelled at, having to run in mud, sleep on…

Plus! £2,050 in prizes to be won ARROW WORD Simply write the answers in the direction indicated. Solution below right. NUMBER TOWER Complete the tower so that every square contains a number. The number in each square is the sum of the two squares directly below it. Can you solve this in 30 seconds? SYMBOLS OF VALUE Each shape represents a positive whole number. The sum total of the shapes in each row/column is displayed at the end of each row/column. Use this knowledge to deduce the numerical value of each shape. KILLER SUDOKU Place the numbers 1-9 exactly once per row, column and 3x3 bold-lined box. Additionally the sum total of the squares in each dashed-line shape must match the total given in that shape, and you may not…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES The answer will appear in the shaded boxes and this is your prize answer. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross3721 ACROSS 1 Jumble (4) 3 Teacher (8) 9 Bring to life (7) 10 Woman getting married (5) 11 Invigoratingly (12) 14 Droop (3) 16 Person who flies an aircraft (5) 17 One and one (3) 18 Improvement in a condition (12) 21 Strong lightweight wood (5) 22 Look something over closely (7) 23 Beat out grain (8) 24 Young kangaroo (4) DOWN 1 Support at the top of a seat (8) 2 Breathe in audibly (5) 4 Expected at a certain time (3) 5 Skilled joiner (12) 6 One from…

He calls himself ‘Philly Philly Wang Wang’ and he is disarmingly charming. ‘I’m a mixed-race fella,’ the 31-year-old stand-up comedian explains, ‘as the names Phil and Wang might suggest. At some point, a cultural compromise was made. My father is a Chinese Malaysian, hence the “Wang”, but my mother is – um – normal, so don’t worry. ‘People try to tell me that I’m a minority. I’m both majorities, baby – I’m white and Chinese. I got the big ones. I’m the most powerful race on earth! ‘No matter what happens over the next 50 years, Wang or Phil is fine.’ The Staffordshire-born boy also has – unsurprisingly – a unique spin on Covid. ‘It’s weird looking like me in the wake of this pandemic,’ he concedes. ‘Chinese, not muscular,’…

EASTENDERS Ruby panics as Martin comes home, certain Jean has told him everything – but instead he explains he was chucked out, and she hides her relief as Martin is sure something’s really wrong with Jean now. Meanwhile, Shirley has been summoned by Jean and she shows her the garage, pleading for help. EMMERDALE Wendy checks Leyla out at the surgery – she’s determined to protect Liam by coping alone and persuades her to bypass him and arrange a scan for her directly. However, when Priya acts suspiciously at the mention of Leyla’s name, Liam, suspecting something might be wrong, confronts Leyla. She eventually admits that she’s had a miscarriage and lost their baby. Can Liam put his grief to one side and be there for his wife when she…

GIFFORDS CIRCUS Roll up, roll up… This spectacular vintage show – which has a cult following of celebs – has been touring village greens all Summer with its talented, mad-cap bunch of jugglers, horses, musicians, acrobats and more. This year’s show, The Hooley, is full of fairy folk, wild horses and Celtic music. Catch its final September dates in Wiltshire, then Cirencester in Gloucestershire. Kids from £10, adults from £15. See giffordscircus.com/book-tickets CIRQUE BERSERK The reviewer that called this zany show ‘Cirque Du Soleil on acid’ hit the nail on the head. Combining acrobatic artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunts – some from 10th generation circus families – this thrilling show features over 30 acrobats, aerialists and daredevil stuntmen showcasing skills including the legendary motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’. Great for kids –…

1 HAVING A GIRAFFE! With zoos officially open again, we can enjoy getting up close to our favourite furry friends and their comedy expressions – like this gorgeously inquisitive giraffe at Colchester Zoo, awaiting some visitors! Book your tickets now at colchester-zoo.com for some serious animal therapy… 2 Who wowed the crowd? The glitz of film festivals is back! And it seems Dolce & Gabbana is the designer of choice. January Jones, 43, made an entrance in Venice in this voluminous number, while Heidi Klum, 48, added extra glitz. Sharon Stone, 63, meanwhile, turned heads at Cannes, in this one-shouldered gown. Viva Italia! 3 HOME AT LAST! A couple of weeks ago, we told you about Paul ‘Pen’ Farthing, who set up an animal sanctuary in Afghanistan after serving there,…

Yet again, it has been another run of weeks in which the Royals’ ‘open sores’ (as one paper harrowingly described them) have been publicised across the world. While she never shows it, our stoic Queen must surely be wondering if the trials and tribulations will ever end. But as well as Her Majesty, the female Royal increasingly proving to be the backbone of the Windsor family is Kate Middleton. Unlike her sister-in-law, she has stayed silent on all matters that have been raised about the family. Kate has long been thought the peacemaker between her husband, Prince William, and his brother, Harry. And the problems now facing her husband’s father and uncle have also gone without comment. Most recently, former GMB host Piers Morgan was sensationally cleared by media regulator…

THE BARRY STORYLINE ‘For me, the Barry stuff [where Janine pushed her husband over a cliff] and trying to do him over, was amazing. It was years ago now [in 2003], but as a young actress, that was very exciting. My favourite line was, “If only he’d worn slip-on shoes!” which is the only Janine quote I can actually remember! “You killed Barry!” is the line I get shouted at me in public the most. It used to be, “Here, love, here’s a tenner”, harking back to Janine’s prostitution days. She’s been through a lot, the poor girl!” THOSE FIGHTS WITH KAT ‘My favourite character to fight with is Kat. When I returned, I was filming with Jessie Wallace, and there’s fun stuff coming up. Two strong women going at…

My hand shook as I held the phone. On the line was the man who, just hours before, had been responsible for the death of my wonderful daughter, Maria. But when my mouth opened, my words weren’t of fury or blame. Instead, I listened to my heart. ‘I want you to know, Nick,’ I said, ‘that I love you.’ I know how crazy that sounds. How could I, a mother who’d do anything for her children, say that to the man who’d taken away my girl? But that was how I truly felt. There was no anger. Only heartbreak. Maria was born happy. Always smiling, she liked nothing better than helping people and making others feel better. She was incredibly close to her older brother, Joshua, now 32, and her…

Think back to the last time you laughed so hard you cried. Maybe a stand-up comic had you in stitches, or your partner said something that made it impossible to keep a straight face. It felt good, didn’t it? But not only does the simple, silly joy of a good giggle lift our spirits, it can have incredible short and long-term benefits for our health. Firstly, there’s the physical effects on our body. The deep breaths required to sustain laughter stimulate our lungs and relax muscles. Laughter also increases blood flow to the heart, protecting us from cardiovascular problems. Our brains are flooded with endorphins, the feel-good hormones which promote a sense of well-being and temporarily relieve pain. Laughter is contagious. It’s why you laugh along with a friend suffering…

SHE’S FAR TOO ‘FAMILIAR’! I started dating again four months ago, for the first time since my divorce in 2019. I’m trying to be subtle about it as I have three children – and introducing someone new is a very big deal. Last month, my partner’s mother was dropping something round to his and we met, by pure coincidence. She was very sweet, we chatted lots and she asked me for my number – but has been messaging me non-stop ever since, insisting we go for coffee. In one text she actually wrote, ‘Love you loads’. Don’t get me wrong, I’d much rather this than a nightmare – but her son and I are still testing the waters, I can’t deal with her too. I’m starting to worry the next…

The fragrance experts at Zoflora are springing into Summer with the announcement of two NEW ready-to-use product formats – a Disinfectant Mist and a Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaner, meaning that there are now more Zoflora products than ever before to leave your home hygienically clean and beautifully fragrant! To celebrate the launch of these products, we’re giving four lucky readers the chance to win a Zoflora cleaning bundle, bursting with brand-new products from their ever-growing range. Winners will receive a range of Multipurpose Disinfectant Cleaners and Disinfectant Mists, alongside a selection of Zoflora’s latest Concentrated Multipurpose Disinfectants. Zoflora has been KILLING GERMS Beautifully for almost 100 years with their perfumer developed concentrated disinfectants. All Zoflora products kill 99.9 per cent of viruses and bacteria, including the COVID-19 virus, whilst eliminating odours…

Looking to update your wardrobe now Autumn is on its way? Look no further, we’re here to help! We’re giving eight lucky best readers a £50 Primark voucher. With a range to suit everyone, make shopping stress-free for a loved one – or even treat yourself! To enter, see right… HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/best3721b by midnight on 24 September 2021. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2735 by midnight on 24 September 2021. Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and will last no longer than two minutes. Calls from mobiles may be higher. Phone line closes at midnight on 24 September 2021. If you call after this time, you will not be entered but you may be charged. Service provided by Spoke: 0333 202…

ALIEN ATTACK EAMONN: A leading cosmetic surgeon has criticised fellow practitioners for helping turn people into what he terms ‘a twisted version of modern beauty’, which encourages them to adopt what he says are alien-like features through exaggerated cheek implants, lip fillers and arched eyebrows. And he ain’t kidding! Look at Anastasiia Pokreshchuk, for example. Now, Anastasiia thinks she is gorgeous but different, calling herself a ‘beautiful monster’ – and who am I to argue? The lady is very happy with how she has been transformed. She understands why people would say what she has done is not ‘normal’, but thinks people should be allowed to make their own choices and that we should respect these decisions. I won’t argue with her on that. Anastasiia is all over Instagram and…

With the Royals under more pressure than ever and the Queen not getting any younger, it’s believed Kate and William are considering relocating to Windsor – so they can better support the monarch as they take on greater responsibilities, as senior Royals at the heart of the family. The couple, who currently live in London’s Kensington Palace and spend holidays at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, are thought to be ‘seriously considering’ the move and looking at properties around Windsor Great Park. Certainly, with everything going on behind the Palace walls, the Queen could do with their firm, reassuring hand close by.…

Stroking her neck, I whispered to my dog, Maggie, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. Everything will be all right.’ I was sick with worry, but I wanted to comfort her as best as I could. I was dropping her off at the vet for an operation to treat lung cancer and picking her up again the following day. My beloved bull mastiff had been by my side for eight years and I hated the thought of us being apart, even for a day. Back home, I tried to keep busy to stop myself missing Maggie too much. The vet rang later to say they’d done the operation and I arranged to collect her the next day. Only, that night, the surgery rang again. Maggie had taken a turn for the worse.…

Social enterprise and leisure operator Better is offering one lucky reader the chance to win an annual Better Health UK membership, which offers access to over 200 sports and leisure centres across the UK. Worth over £700, the membership means that whether you’re in London or Lincoln, Belfast or Bath, you’ll be able to use all local Better facilities, including gyms, swimming pools and lidos, racquet sports and fitness classes. New Better Health UK members will also be offered the chance to sign on to Better’s new ‘Give it a Go’ six-week support programme and access 1,500 on-demand fitness classes via the Better app. To explore what Better has to offer, visit better.org.uk To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best3721 by 24…

WORKING FROM HOME… Blogger Giovanna is sitting pretty in her pastel blue office. We can’t all devote a room to our work space but we’re loving the motivational sign - Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti. GARDEN DELIGHTS Sliding glass doors lead directly out to a vast garden, offering plenty of space for the boys to play football or for Buddy to ride his scooter. HOUSE PARTY Retro jukebox? Why are we not surprised the MyFly singer and guitarist has a music player next to the kitchen cabinets, it’s perfect for a kitchen disco or, in his case, it seems for reading. MUSIC TO OUR EARS Tom can write and practice music in this incredible soundproofed room, which has a number of his guitars on display on the walls, and a…

With the nights drawing in and a hint of Autumn in the air, what could be better than cosying up with a good read? Deirdre O’Brien picks a bumper harvest… KILLER THRILLERS The Man Who Died Twice Richard Osman Viking, £18.99 (16 September) If you fell for the silver-haired sleuths of Coopers Chase, then rejoice, the Pointless star has brought them back. This time, retired spy Elizabeth is central to the plot as a figure from her past reappears – mixing the pals up in diamonds, gangsters and a rising body count. Payday Celia Walden Sphere, £12.99 What happens at the office party does not stay there as three female colleagues unite in their grudges against the company golden boy. Something has to be done about Jamie, but when is…

1 The Holden Girls: Mandy & Myrtle TUESDAY, E4, 10PM NEW SERIES Documentary-style comedy series featuring BGT judge Amanda Holden and her ‘nan’, Myrtle… though astute fans have already put forward the theory that this is not her nan at all, but pal Keith Lemon in drag! A concerned Amanda persuades her lonely ‘grandmother’ to relocate from Doncaster to live with her in her swanky London house. Following a chaotic settling-in period, it isn’t long before tempers fray and Amanda is forced to choose between her husband and her elderly, er, relative… 2 A House Through Time TUESDAY, BBC TWO, 9PM NEW SERIES David Olusoga discovers the extraordinary story of a Victorian house’s first resident, lawyer William Bruce, who tried and failed to save the life of a man convicted…

BACK TO SCHOOL/WORK WITH FRIENDS! BARGAIN BUYS New this month, Poundland will be, ahem, ‘there for you’ with their new Friends back-to-school range. From stationery to lunchboxes, bring a slice of New York to Britain this Autumn! TAKE NOTE… Have fun with this hilarious pen while you take your notes. Each time you click it, one of six iconic phrases from the hit show, such as ‘How you doin’?’ or ‘Pivot, Pivot, Pivot’ will be shown! Just £3 from theworks.co.uk TEA BREAK ‘I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour!’ And also when you’re gasping for a cuppa. Featuring iconic illustrations from ‘He’s her lobster!’ and ‘Regina Phalange’ this mug is ideal for any Friends enthusiasts. £5, from WHSmith. BEHIND THE SCENES WITH best ‘I wanted to…

BROOMHILL MANOR, CORNWALL Broomhill Manor in beautiful Bude Bay, Cornwall, has 18 cottages sleeping between two and six guests. The property has stables with ponies and horses and experienced staff on hand to provide lessons to all ages and abilities. Other on-site facilities include an indoor pool with a large Jacuzzi and sauna, a tennis court, games room and an under-sixes playroom, to keep all ages occupied! It’s all just a short walk from a choice of sandy beaches and fun days out, from stately homes to parks. So, for example, a week’s stay arriving 22 December in Seagull, sleeping five, costs from £1,300; in Dunlin, sleeping four, from £1,425; and in Round House, sleeping four, from £1,445. More info: premiercottages.co.uk BEN AND HOLLY’S HIDEAWAYS, ANGLESEY Five luxury properties, just…