Table of contents for 05-2023 in Best

The final season of gritty BBC police drama Happy Valley ends this weekend – and viewers can’t get enough – in particular, Sarah Lancashire as no-nonsense Sergeant Catherine Cawood. Sarah, 58, is at the peak of her career and in a good place. But it wasn’t always that way for the Oldham-born actress. The BAFTA Award-winning star, appointed an OBE in 2017, suffered a loveless first marriage, issues with fame and serious mental health battles. The actress – who worked as a drama tutor to make ends meet, before bagging her breakthrough role in Corrie in the early Nineties (as barmaid Raquel) – went on to enjoy a glittering career. But behind the scenes, Sarah was often struggling. While filming, she was on medication and deeply depressed. Only her family were aware…

‘Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has resigned, stating she doesn’t “have enough left in the tank” to continue to do the job. In other words, she’s giving up or, given that her popularity has plunged to almost zilch, it looks like she jumped before she was pushed. She accepted defeat before she was defeated. In a way, I don’t blame her. I wish more of the world’s clueless leaders would do the same, but of course they won’t because some people just don’t know when to call it a day. They doggedly carry on because they fear failure but often end up failing anyway. I don’t have that mindset. I will give up on most things before I’ve even started them! And if that makes me a…

Looking through my wardrobe, I thought about what outfit to wear to my 70th birthday celebrations. Something fitted, to show off my size-10, toned figure, in a bright colour and with some frills, as I love to dress flamboyantly. While some women my age prefer to fade into the background, that’s just not me. I’m no shrinking violet. And I refuse to conform to the outdated stereotypes of what a septuagenarian should look – and behave – like. Just because I’m entering my eighth decade, and am a grandmother, why on earth shouldn’t I feel sexy and confident, and take pride in my appearance? I look and feel as good now as I did in my 20s, all with the added bonus of life experience and maturity. Looking back, I…

When you’re confronted on your 60th birthday by 10 mature adults of both sexes, all wearing blonde bob wigs and sporting leopard print, you know you’ve got friends. It was a crazy homage; a cluster of doppelgängers conceived by two playmates to rescue my recent milestone birthday. ‘You’ve got to have friends,’ sang Bette Midler, and never is it truer than when you hit maturity with a thud, as I did a week ago. I’d done my best to sabotage any efforts to highlight my entry into a further decade, but my core group of pals were not to be dissuaded. So, on my husband’s secret invitation (using a covert WhatsApp group entitled Mariella 60), they gathered to push me through that portal. And so I entered my seventh decade…

TOP TIP! Spritz your card with a little bit of your favourite fragrance for that personal touch…

Cutting up an array of leafy vegetables, I mixed cucumber, celery, and broccoli into a salad. ‘Do you think this is going to work?’ I quizzed my husband, Peter. In March 2021, our family guinea pig, Maple, had been diagnosed with a rare type two diabetes – it even left the local vets shocked! ‘All we can do is try,’ Peter replied. After Maple’s blood sugar levels had tested at 25 – the normal estimated being between four and seven – I was desperate to try anything to get him healthy again. Our vet suggested putting him on a strict green meal plan and changing the brand of hay we used. I wasn’t sure if just a change of diet could cure Maple, but I lived in hope… I’d always…

There’s something magical about being around mountains; it just makes everyone feel better. Perhaps it’s the fresh air, breathtaking views and general wellbeing benefits of the great outdoors, all providing the perfect antidote to wintry blues. And one of the best spots to live, if that ticks your box, is Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria. On the borders of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District with the Forest of Bowland to the south, you’ll find some of the most spectacular parts of the UK right on your doorstep. A beautiful Medieval market town, it’s another regular winner on the best places to live in the UK list and is brimming with community spirit. Since the pandemic, Kirkby Lonsdale has run its own community hub, helping anyone who needs it, with…

ARIES 21 March – 20 April There are a few things you can try now. Explore different ideas and see what works best for you. Any challenges you come up against will test you. You can either give up, which means achieving nothing, or you might find a way over hurdles and do all in your power to cross the finish line. This would be an ideal time to sign up for a new course of study or book yourself into a workshop or seminar. The same old routines are starting to bore you. You need something new and different. Keep an open mind when considering the offers and suggestions that come your way. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May It isn’t being frivolous to distract yourself from routine matters…

As the eighth Fielding on the family tree to be called Henrietta, I’m nicknamed Henrietta the Eighth. Last year, my brother Jonno totted up my ‘significant exes’ and settled on number six. ‘At least you didn’t chop any heads off!’ he added hilariously. His Christmas present to me was two tickets to the musical Six in the West End in February. I decided to invite my best friend Ellie along. I don’t go making new year’s resolutions, but not so Ellie. When I rang to invite her to Six, she said, ‘Can’t come that Saturday, Hen. I’ll be on a forest bathing weekend in Scotland.’ Bathing in a Scottish forest? In February? We both lived in London and Ellie got tetchy if she couldn’t find an espresso outlet within 30…

FORTY DEAN STREET, SOHO Forty Dean Street is the pinnacle of affordable Italian cuisine in vibrant Soho. A small, family-run restaurant dedicated to providing incredible food at great prices, it’s the perfect place to have an intimate Valentine’s dining experience… fortydeanstreet.com OLD BEXLEY GREEK TAVERNA This ultra-relaxed, romantic, family-run restaurant in Bexley has its Valentine’s Day Special menu back for another year! The Taverna prides itself on serving delicious traditional Greek food, cooked with the finest ingredients by outstanding chefs amid lots of authentic atmosphere. oldbexleygreektaverna.co.uk BAR AZITA, HARPENDEN/HITCHIN Fancy a romantic sharing board this Valentine’s? Bar Azita in Hertfordshire has you covered, with its marvellous Mediterranean mezze platters for two. Not to mention the chocolate fondue dessert! We really can’t recommend this place enough – so get booking here:…

Opening up the Valentine’s card I’d found on the doormat, I smiled. On the front was a love heart and an inscription saying: ‘I’m proud to hold your hand.’ It was addressed to me but there was a question mark where the sender’s name should have been. It was such a thoughtful card and there were no guesses as to who it was really from. ‘I love it,’ I said to my partner Matthew, kissing him. ‘Thank you.’ It was a little tradition we held each year. We weren’t big on celebrating 14 February, but each year, we’d leave anonymous cards for each other by the front door. And although neither of us were particularly romantic, it was one of the things that had kept us together for more than…

Browsing the racks at the clothes shop, I picked up a couple of tops. Then some trousers. ‘Oh, and that’s nice,’ I smiled, as I came to a brightly coloured dress. By the time I headed to the till, I was struggling to balance all of the new items in my arms. And, when the total came to £250, I thought nothing of handing over my credit card. ‘Thank you,’ I smiled to the shop assistant, already riding the dopamine high that I always got after spending money. Especially on new clothes. The importance I placed on looking nice and dressing well goes right back to my school days, where playground bullies teased me about the clothes I used to wear. My childhood wasn’t an easy one and the bullying…

TOP TIP! Before applying lip balm, use a lip scrub to buff away flaky and dead skin for healthy looking lips.…

STILL GOT IT! It’s pretty magical to see Torvill & Dean offer up such incredible performances on the ice. The older I get, I know the worse my aches and pains get! Fifteen series of DOI do take their toll. Who knows if I’ll still be skating like that in my 60s. I’d like to think so! STANDING OUT Darren Harriott has surprised us all – I was worried, he was so nervous before his first routine, but he smashed it! And Carley Stenson is another Kimberly Wyatt – she’s taken to the ice like a duck to water. We’re going to see some amazing performances from her. DANCE WEEK It’s Dance Week this Sunday, so all the celebs not only have to skate but perform in a specific style,…

EXHAUSTED BY FRIEND… I’ve known my good friend for more than 30 years – we went to school together. But she’s the most sensitive person I know, which now in my 50s I just find exhausting. She analyses and overthinks every word anyone says. Over the years we’ve had some ‘cooler’ periods, where I’ve clearly offended her in some way – or I myself have sought out a break from the intensity of every conversation, but I seem to have lost all patience lately. What would you do, in my shoes? Josie, Aberdeen Your friend won’t change. In fact, with every passing year she’s likely to become more demanding, sensitive and tiring. The change here is in you. You are running out of patience and understanding. It’s cards-on-the-table time. Be…

TOP TIP! Spoil any sweet lover or cheer up a single friend with a choccy treat!…

As I said last time, I’d like one of us to set a date for a Big Fat best Wedding by the end of the 2023 Dating Games. A So, I’ve re-joined Match.com and – as ever – it’s making me laugh. My first message was from a 41-year-old: ‘I had a big crush on a teacher named Bridget at middle school. She was so cute. We never got married…’ Then Harry, 23. He said: ‘No way are you 53!!! What’s your secret? I’m free on Saturday for lunch.’ Err, yes, I am that age, Harry – and I may have to tell your mum on you… It looked like I needed to be a bit more proactive if I wanted a date before you read this, so I tried…

This beautiful ground floor, one-bedroom apartment has an open-plan kitchen and modern bathroom. A patio garden looks onto panoramic countryside views. It is for sale at £235,000 via Thomson Hayton Winkley Estate Agents (015242 71999). A first-floor one-bedroom duplex apartment, this has a lovely cottage feel, with lots of period features and is close to the shops. It is for sale at £230,000 via Thomson Hayton Winkley Estate Agents (015242 71999). This stylish two-bedroom semi is situated on an exclusive development, just outside Kirkby Lonsdale. It is for sale at £295,000 via Fisher Hopper, Bentham (015242 62044).…

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 £250 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…

WILL HE SLOW DOWN? My husband isn’t at retirement age yet, although he could if he wanted. He’s a workaholic and is always looking after everyone else apart from himself. Can you tell me when he’ll retire? Kirstie LEE SAYS: I think there are a few years left before your husband considers retirement. And what I feel about him is that his energy for work is what makes him happy in life. I do think he will slow down, but he most certainly will not stop. This man makes a lot of people happy, and especially you. IS THERE A JOB OUT THERE FOR ME? I am unemployed at the moment. I’ve applied for numerous jobs and haven’t got anywhere. I’m not even sure what to do for a job.…

WAR STORIES MY FATHER’S HOUSE Joseph O’Connor Harvill Secker, £20 In Vatican City, under the noses of the occupying Nazis, an Irish priest helps the desperate escape to safety. But a sadistic SS officer has him in his sights… Based on a true story, this beautifully written tale is as thrilling as it is moving. DEAD OF NIGHT Simon Scarrow Headline, £14.99 In 1941 Berlin, an SS doctor’s wife finds him in the morning dead with a bullet in his brain. His wife is convinced it was no suicide and as investigator Horst Schenke delves into the killing, he finds links to the mysterious death of a child. ROM ANTIC READS LOOKING OUT FOR LOVE Sophia Money-Coutts HQ, £8.99 Being young, rich and stunning is no protection against heart break,…

WHY WON’T YOU DATE ME? We’ve all asked it of ourselves at some point, haven’t we?! Hilarious host Nicole Byer spends each episode talking modern dating, including conversations about apps, open relationships, matchmakers and more. YOU’RE WRONG ABOUT Each week, journalists Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes select a historical moment – say, the OJ Simpson trial – and analyse why it’s been ‘miscast in the public imagination’. Invariably fascinating and surprising. BEAUTIFUL STORIES FROM ANONYMOUS PEOPLE Comedian Chris Gethard spends one hour on the phone with an anonymous caller – on-air. On this podcast, no topic is off-limits, which leads to some surprising conversations – including one with a mass-shooting survivor, who called to share his experience.…

As she prepares for the Coronation on 6 May, Camilla, the Queen Consort, must have a packed diary. But what we’re sure she’ll still make time for are the causes she champions – and none is dearer to her heart than her work opposing violence against women. As we mark Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Week (6-12 February), Camilla – who has established herself as a global campaigner – will no doubt be taking a keen interest. Last year, not for the first time, she visited a sexual assault crisis centre and praised the bravery of the women going public with their experiences. She also hosted an event at Buckingham Palace, during which she warned of a ‘global pandemic of violence against women’, calling for an end to these ‘heinous…

Colourful and eccentric as ever, Helena Bonham Carter rarely lends herself to a project without setting the screen on fire – and new drama, Nolly, is no exception. It explores the all-powerful reign, and fall from grace, of Noele ‘Nolly’ Gordon – TV legend and darling of the establishment – until it betrayed her. As flame-haired widow Meg Richardson in Crossroads, she was one of the most famous people in Britain. Then, in 1981, at the peak of Nolly’s fame, she was axed without any explanation. Here, Helena, 56 - who has Nell, 15, and Billy, 19, with ex-partner Edward Scissorhands director Tim Burton, talks about bringing the feisty star, who died in 1985, back to life – and how she reminded Helena of her portrayal of Princess Margaret in The Crown… Helena, were you…

1 PALETTE  Designer: Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette in Glowing, Gorgeous Beauty, £49  Dupe: Revolution Pro True Love Eye & Cheek Palette, £9 SAVE: £40 Both offerings have a luxurious feel, from the gold casing to the generous-sized mirror. Previously, palettes had a reputation of having one or two ‘dud’ shades that would get left untouched, but every colour is wearable, highly pigmented but blendable, too. Both are a one-stop solution for your entire face. The downside is the lack of applicator for each one. For us, the difference is minimal. WINNER: DUPE FAKE IT YOURSELF Moisturising face mask Using storecupboard ingredients to mimic beauty products is the ultimate dupe. Although what you find in your kitchen isn’t a straight match for the products you find on the beauty…

HOW IT WORKS 1 We believe a little of what you fancy does you good! So, that’s why our plan allows you to relax a little and still lose up to 14lbs this month. However, for cheat day to work, there does need to be a few rules (sorry). Diets generally work because they create a gap between the calories you burn and the calories you eat. 2 If you wipe out that deficit by eating EVERYTHING on your cheat day, you won’t get results. So, focus on what you really want during your cheat day – is it one little treat at every meal? One big meal, such as a takeaway? Also, doing some exercise each day – and a longer walk or workout on cheat day – will…

Spanish Chicken Traybake Hands-on time 20min. Cooking time about 1hr 15min. Serves 4 • 2tbsp olive oil• 2 red onions, each cut into 8 wedges• 500g baby new potatoes, halved if large• 8 chicken thigh fillets• 1/2tsp sweet smoked paprika• 1 each red and yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced• 4 tomatoes, quartered• 125g chorizo ring, sliced into rounds• 50g black pitted olives• 2 garlic cloves, crushed• 1tsp dried oregano• 50ml fino or manzanilla sherry Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/mark 6. Toss the oil, onions, potatoes and some seasoning in a large roasting tin. Roast for 30min. Slash the top of each chicken thigh a couple of times and sprinkle over the paprika and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Mix the peppers, tomatoes, chorizo, olives and garlic into the…

FRAIL BONES IN MY 50S Since hitting my 50s, I’ve really noticed the difference in my general wellbeing, particularly how I bounce back from bumps and knocks. Just before Christmas, I had a bad fall and badly bruised my coccyx. Over a month on, it really doesn’t feel much better at all. What are the best ways to strengthen and heal bones at my age? Mary, Southampton DR HILARY SAYS: Most people find that injuries take longer to heal as they get older, which is due to a slower metabolism and reduced circulation. The pain you have around that tiny bone at the very base of the spine is known as coccydynia and is notoriously troublesome. Because the coccyx is mobile‚ connected to the rest of the spine only by…

Dear Reader Hands up who’s worrying about money? Well, welcome to our first best Essentials Awards of 2023! With the help of our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute, every month in our bumper edition, we’ll be bringing you some of the best products on the market for under £10! Each recommendation has been tried, tested and approved by the trusted GHI experts for quality, taste and value. And what better category to start with than Food and Drink? So, here are our most deserving delicious ideas to help you make the most of Valentine’s Day. Enjoy! best DINE-IN Aldi Valentine’s Specialbuys, from £2.29 Aldi’s Valentine’s Day selection doesn’t follow the same set menu format as other supermarkets, instead offering a range of romantic ‘Specialbuys’ to curate your own dine-in experience.…

It’s almost Valentine’s Day again and, despite 2023 feeling more like the actual number of dates I’ve had since being single… I still live in hope. Yet, despite my profile stating my thoughts quite clearly on one issue, the questions come up whenever I meet a lady… ‘Have you been married/would you get married/how important is marriage to you because it is very important to me…’ In fact, this question has been asked so many times, I am debating the merits of having a laminated answer card for the interviewers… It would read something like this: ‘I respect marriage, I know people who are married, and I am looking for a committed-long-term relationship with one girl. I do not want a friend with benefits – however, I do not want…

Back on the Dancing on Ice judging panel every Sunday night, Oti Mabuse is looking beautiful as ever (does anyone else have serious dress envy?!). And, as well as her high-profile role on the ITV1 skating show, Oti is clearly ready to embrace everything life throws at her this year – the rough and the smooth. The star recently described on her social media profile, how 2023 would be her year of ‘saying yes’ with her Romanian dancer husband, Marius Iepure – even if that means a combination of ‘ups, downs, fear and exhaustion’. The former Strictly dancer, 32, who is reportedly planning to have a baby at some point soon with Marius, shared a video of the loved-up pair – who tied the knot in 2014 – taking off…

WINTER WINNERS The ground may be frozen but don’t disregard growing this season. While the likes of tomatoes, beetroot and peppers may be off the menu (they need a long, sunny, warm growing period), there’s some produce you can benefit from, whatever the weather. Here’s how to prep for success… FIGHT THE FREEZE Seeds will not germinate without warmth, so planting outside won’t work unless already established and able to withstand frosty conditions. If you have a greenhouse, it’s the perfect opportunity to utilise it and maximise the daylight hours in a protected environment. If you don’t, use areas inside your home that attract sunlight and heat, like windowsills and heated propagators. Look for one with a wattage around 13-22W, which is effective but energy efficient. B&Q, Dobbies and Amazon…

Soap actress Sue Cleaver has stunned fans with her impressive 3st weight loss, as shown in a recent social media post. What a transformation! The Coronation Street icon (she’s played Eileen Grimshaw on the ITV soap since 2000) credits a Mediterranean diet ‘with no strict rules’ to helping her slim down. Appearing on This Morning last week, Sue looked fab in a pair of figure-hugging green trousers, and a cropped leather jacket. In a snap from her visit to the studios, the 59-year-old captioned the pic: ‘Getting my glam on for @thismorning this morning – trousers by @reiss & jacket by @mintvelvet styled by @johnlewis_samantha @johnlewis.’ Sue, who was a popular addition to ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… last year, alongside campmates including Matt Hancock, Jill Scott, and Boy George, was…

BETTER BROWS If you do one thing this year, sort your brows out! Statement brows are big news again – with no sign of the trend for laminating, microblading or brow extensions going out of fashion any time soon. No wonder some people spend a fortune on them. But you don’t have to splash out, as expensive-looking brows can be easily achieved with the right products and attention. You can deepen the shade, or add thickness or length, with the help of some brilliant products. Here’s my pick of the best, most affordable ways to get bigger and bolder brows in seconds… 1 THE BROW KIT INCREDIBROW Brow Kit (£4.49, collectioncosmetics.com) This is great value at under a fiver. The neat compact holds three powder shadows, a mirror and an…

1 Feet first Unfortunately, our feet can be stiff and immobile, so our foot hits the ground flat with restricted movement. We need to have a more active foot, which means when it hits the floor, we should use a full roll from the heel, through the base of the foot, over the ball and up through the toes. This improves posture, aids balance and assists in muscle lengthening. 2 Lift your hips Hours spent at our desks, plus gravity and poor posture increases pressure on our hips and contributes to thickening of the waist, plus potential lower back discomfort. To stabilise and lift your hips, visualise a cup of water on each hip, which you have to keep full as you walk. This will help safeguard hip joints, flatten…

We can all suffer from the odd forgetful moment – and that includes comedy genius Jennifer Saunders, who revealed that in the past she has had to Google herself to remind her of details of her own life! The 64-year-old star, best known for comedy show French and Saunders alongside best mate Dawn French, revealed that when she was writing her biography, there were moments when she seriously doubted her own memory. Jen, worry not – we’ve all been there! The mum-of-three explained, ‘When I started to write the book, I didn’t remember half the things I’d done in my life – whole years, whole shows! Honestly, I didn’t remember an awful lot about my life. I had to go on to YouTube to be reminded of what I’ve done……

CRAZY RICH ASIANS Friday, BBC Three, 8pm Rachel, a professor, dates a man named Nick and looks forward to meeting his family. However, she is shaken when she learns that Nick belongs to one of the richest families in the country. SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE Netflix Carrie and Big decide to tie the knot – but on their wedding day, Big develops cold feet after his lover’s friend, Miranda, frustrated by her husband, expresses her own reality of marriage! YOUNG ADULT Wednesday, 11pm, BBC Three Mavis (Charlize Theron) is an alcoholic writer of adult novels. Newly divorced, she decides to return to her hometown in the hope of reuniting with a former flame, who is happily married and has a newborn baby.…

Based on TM Logan’s thriller, The Catch is an atmospheric psychological drama, set in a fishing community on England’s South Coast – but filmed in Ireland. Jason Watkins, 60, plays Ed, an overprotective dad who has not come to terms with the loss of his son, and becomes suspicious of his adored daughter’s flashy new boyfriend, Ryan. Jason, who tragically lost his own daughter Maude to sepsis in 2011, when she was just two, shares children Bessie, 16, and Gilbert, 11, with jewellery designer wife Clara, and has two children – Freddie and Pip – from his first marriage. Jason, who also plays Harold Wilson in The Crown, talks learning to let go, attempting to steer a boat and taking on Liz Truss… Jason, why did you want to be a…