Table of contents for 4-2019 in Best

On-off since 2012, TOWIE stars James ‘Arg’ Argent and Gemma Collins are like love’s young dream – having just bought a luxury pad in Essex together – but it’s clear to see which one is struggling with their waistline… While Gemma’s knuckling down to serious training on Dancing On Ice, Arg looks like he may have enjoyed a few takeaways in her absence. The GC’s skating partner, Matt Evers, told best recently that his student has lost ‘at least a stone and a half’ since starting training, three months ago. Poor Arg, in the studio cheering her on, looked like he was going the other way. The couple have long battled with their weight – Arg, 31, shed 3st in 2017 during a rehab stint in Thailand, before piling it back on.…

TOP TIP The key to pulling off double denim is to combine different shades. A light denim shirt works well with darker jeans – add a pop of colour with accessories. TOP TIP Who says denim has to be casual? This fitted frock not only looks smart, but it’s also more flattering than a classic shirt dress. TOP TIP Embroidered denim looks set to return for spring! This pretty jacket will also look fabulous over a floaty tea dress.…

When Lorena Bobbitt did what she did, it made tabloid headlines around the world. The media went crazy over the idea of a woman scorned taking the ultimate revenge, a feisty Latina lashing out in a fiery passion and robbing her husband of his manhood. Admittedly, it was easy to get caught up in the sensational, salacious details. On the date in question, in the early hours of 23 June 1993, John Wayne Bobbitt had returned to his home in Manassas, Virginia, with his friend, Robert Johnston, after a night of drinking. Robert went to the living room while John, 26, joined his sleeping wife in their bedroom. But, at some point between 3.30am and 4.30am, Lorena, 24, attacked him with a kitchen knife. After severing his sexual organ, she…

Fitness guru to Hollywood’s rich and famous, Angie’s a trained nutritionist and gym owner. She also looks sensational for 66! THINK YOURSELF YOUNG IN 2019! We’ve all had that moment – you look in the mirror and don’t recognise the ‘older’ woman staring back at you, or, at least, what we are conditioned to think of as old. I’m guilty of it, too. When I was 36, I thought 66 was past it. Now I’m that age, I realise I didn’t know what ‘it’ was… 1. Be mindful I’m trying to get rid of the mental conditioning of ‘old is old’. Some people in their 50s and 60s are doing more now than when they were in their 30s. We don’t want to give up the experience, intelligence and growth…

DANCING ON ICE’S JAMES GEMMA V HOLLY With regard to Gemma Collins’s ‘diva’ behaviour – threatening to quit after Holly Willoughby suggested she should be more ‘professional’–it’s her way of coping with situations that upset her. ‘The GC’ comes out – she becomes a caricature. Deep down, Gemma’s a sweet, insecure, sensitive girl. SAIRA SHOCKER! People might have mixed feelings about Loose Women’s Saira Khan’s skating ability, but you have no idea how much she’s improved. She was one of the worst when we started. But I’ve geed her up to get over her nerves. She was so anxious before the first skate but, in my opinion, she smashed it out of the park! Shattered Ola My wife, Ola, is slowly getting more confident about my skating abilities, but still…

Is your complexion suffering from the January blues? Both cold weather and central heating have a dehydrating effect, and that summer sun-kissed glow is months away. While it’s tempting to slather on a rich cream, heavy formulas can often make problems worse. Find your perfect prescription here… Fake it yourself Smoothing face mask While there are key ingredients in products that helps your skin stay soft, supple and luminous, you can often find the same results using produce. Rhubarb has numerous antioxidants and, when applied topically, is said to help ease inflammation and promote a more even skin tone. As it’s quite a sharp fruit, it’s best paired with yoghurt for a soothing effect. Chop up half a stick of rhubarb and blend in a food processor until smooth. Add…

Raspberry and cinnamon squares Pretty in pink these squares are sweet, fruity and deliciously moreish. Hands-on time: 15 mins Cooking time about 45 mins Cuts into 16 squares 225g butter, softened, plus extra to grease225g caster sugar225g ground almonds225g self-raising flour1 medium egg1 medium egg yolk1tbsp ground cinnamon250g raspberries for the icing100g icing sugar4-5tsp lemon juice Pink food colouring gel (we used Dr Oetker) Freeze-dried raspberries, crushed, to decorate, optional 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160° fan) gas mark 4. Grease and line the base of a 23cm square cake tin. Beat together butter, sugar, almonds, flour, egg, egg yolk and cinnamon until well combined. 2 Put a third of the mixture into the tin and press into an even layer. Scatter over the raspberries, then spread over the remaining…

HOLIDAY WITH YOUR HOUND! If you hate leaving your pooch at home when you go away, why not enjoy a staycation at one of these cool pet-friendly venues this year? Fancy taking your dog along on a break or for an action-packed day out? Then check out the Pets Pyjamas guide to top experiences for 2019. ★ WALKIES & RELAX! For a back-to-nature break, The Fish Hotel, Broadway, in the Cotswolds, has to be one of the ultimate dog-friendly destinations. Your VIP (very important pooch) will be welcomed with a dog bed, bowl and towel. The hotel even has its own Dog Agility course to keep pets entertained. Prices start from £155 per night. ★ TEA FOR TWO A trip to London has to include afternoon tea! If you are…

Ardal O’Hanlon, 53, was born in Ireland and found fame as dim Dougal in Father Ted. The dad of three is married to his childhood sweetheart and lives in London. What do you bring to the show? No idea! My character, Jack, is a warm, friendly guy, so people don’t tend to take him too seriously, which suits him. That’s also how he gains people’s trust, befriending them and being sympathetic – even to murderers! There’s a natural curiosity about Irish people. I’d call it nosiness. That’s why he’s a good detective. Is playing a detective a bit of a dream come true for you? Definitely. As a kid, we were fed American cop shows – Columbo, Charlie’s Angels. So, when I got the opportunity, I jumped on it! Is…

This Morning host Eamonn Holmes was left visibly shaken when a health expert told him in no uncertain terms that, if he didn’t shed a few pounds, he might die. The Northern Irish broadcaster, 59, was copresenting the ITV chat show recently with his wife, Ruth Langsford, when weight-loss expert Steve Miller dropped the bombshell. He said that, with Eamonn’s current weight, he was at risk of a heart attack, stroke, dementia – and even death. ‘I don’t want you having a heart attack, I don’t want you having a stroke – I don’t want you in a box’ As Eamonn interviewed Steve, the expert turned to the father-of-four and said, ‘You’re a national treasure, and I’m a little bit worried you’ve put a little bit on.’ Looking confused, Eamonn replied,…

When police arrived at a house in Barron, Wisconsin, on 15 October 2018, the scene that greeted them was like one out of a horror film. The perpetrator had shot his way into the property and blasted the residents – James and Denise Closs – with the same weapon. Chillingly, there was no sign of their 13-year-old daughter, Jayme. Investigators quickly ruled out Jayme as a suspect in her parents’ death and suspected foul play in her disappearance. A typical teenager, Jayme was a keen ice-skater and cross-country runner and adored jazz dancing. As the police launched a frantic search, even offering a financial reward, her remaining family tried not to lose hope. Yet, as days turned into weeks and months, the likelihood of Jayme being found alive faded and everyone…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5: The Musical opens in London this week. What was Dolly’s character’s name in the 1980 film? (7) This is your prize answer. See below for details on how to enter. ACROSS 1 PICTURE A Name this prince (6)4 Superman is said to be ‘faster than a speeding’ what? (6)7 Garden tool (3)8 Which one of Shakespeare’s plays is about a prince of Denmark? (6)9 What precious metal has the chemical symbol Au? (4)10 Banish (5)11 A 40th wedding anniversary is traditionally described using what gemstone? (4)13 Hurry (4)15 Like a moth to a ___, expression (5)17 PICTURE B He is from what country? (4)19 Manage (4)21 & 23D Which legendary hero, who robbed…

It’s no secret that Denise Welch, 60, has faced some dark times. She’s battled alcoholism, anxiety and – like many of us – her weight. As shocking new research from LighterLife reveals that 70 per cent of women in the UK are dissatisfied with their bodies, and 73 per cent have felt embarrassed to be naked with a partner, Denise tells us she feels more confident in her skin than ever, and that encountering reality star Kim Kardashian made her realise social media has a lot to answer for… You look great, Denise! Are you happy with your weight right now? Thank you! I try not to talk about weight – it puts too much pressure on people. I’m around a size 12, and that’s fine for me. I was…

‘The editor had her say last week – now, this is mine. Up until a couple of weeks ago, hardly anyone in the world had heard of a French “intellectual” called Yann Moix. He’s an author, apparently. Now, women all over the place are up in arms, writing about him, talking about him. He’s on TV and is virtually world-famous. Why? Because he expressed a preference about what kind of woman he prefers. When asked about women of his own age – he’s 50 – he told a French magazine, “It’s not possible. Too, too old.” I’m not sure if he was simply trying to be provocative – I’m sure he knew it would cause a riot. Talk about red rag to a bull! In a way, I think it’s…

Gloria Hunniford is a mum of three and grandmother of 10. She’s been divorced, remarried and learned to deal with the loss of her daughter and, on Rip Off Britain, she battles consumer issues. In her own words, she’s ‘lived a lot’. So, ask Gloria anything… I’m feeling the winter blues… I struggle with the cold every winter, but I feel particularly dreary this year. I suspect I have SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I can barely get out of bed, I have no energy and feel very low. I don’t know how to pull myself out of this. Any suggestions?  Rachel, Glasgow I can see that, if you don’t like the cold, winter can feel so grey! But as so many months in Britain can be like this, all we…

‘I completely agree with the saying beauty is only skin-deep, and I hope that most other people would think that, too. Attractiveness is a far more complicated issue than just appearance. Although not being a classically good-looking person, I probably would say that. Yet, I’d like to think that my caring personality, my dedication to my nursing career and sense of humour would count, too. However, they don’t seem to. At 46, I’ve not only never had a long-term relationship – I haven’t even made it past a first date. Having been born with the condition arteriovenous malformation, which affects the blood vessels in my face, I’ve never known anything else to compare it to. And I don’t always think it’s a bad thing. It’s made me the strong, confident…

… spending Christmas in the UK I wasn’t able to fly back to the States, so I spent Christmas with my former bandmate, Kimberly Wyatt. She has two beautiful girls, and it’s lovely to see them grow up. Her husband is an amazing cook, so he treated us to a nice traditional lunch. … on her love for British cuisine I’ve tried typical English dishes in the past, like fish and chips, but now that I’m starring in Dancing On Ice, I need to stay slim. I’m a sucker for the cheese over here – it’s quality. … skating with Gemma Collins She’s got this huge personality, and I can see why some people might take that the wrong way. I’ve heard that she’s a bit of a diva, but…

THEATRE ASPECTS OF LOVE, SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 80s musical about a web of tangled relationships made two things famous: Michael Ball, and the song Love Changes Everything. Now, the story of French actress Rose (Kelly Price, right), who’s torn between two Englishmen, has been revived in a stripped-back production, staged in an intimate theatre. Decades of thwarted passion play out, and the score will leave you humming. EVENT THIS MORNING LIVE, NEC (16-19 MAY) Shop yourself silly at this lifestyle festival, themed round the ITV show. Held over three days, you can browse hundreds of brands, learn the tricks of the trade from top beauty experts, watch live catwalk shows and sample delicious food and drink. Also, members of the This Morning family will be on hand to…

Lorraine Kelly, 59, arguably one of the most bubbly morning TV presenters, has had many highlights in a career that spans 35 years, but there is one event that’s emblazoned on her memory. As a reporter for TV-am back in December 1988, Lorraine was one of the first people to arrive at the scene when Pan Am Flight 103 blew up over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie – and the memory still haunts her. ‘I got a call from a local policeman who said, “Something’s happened, we think an aircraft has come down, we’re not sure,”’ she recalled. ‘We were there before the police had put the barriers up. It was terrible.’ Once Lorraine had made the two-hour car journey from Glasgow, the scene of devastation that greeted her…

It’s not just Kate’s brother, of course, who has spoken out publicly about his mental health issues in an effort to encourage others to do the same. Her husband, Prince William, acknowledged his own darker moments during a speech last September. Speaking at an event in Bristol about mental health in the workplace – where William was ‘stunned’ to hear that only 2 per cent of employees in Britain feel able to talk to their HR departments – he referred to his own experiences while working as an air ambulance pilot. William, 36, revealed: ‘I took a lot home without realising it. You see so many sad things every day that you think life is like that. You’re always dealing with despair and sadness and injury, and never have the opportunity…

Denise is starring in a touring version of Gary Barlow’s Calendar Girls musical, inspired by the famous story of an extraordinary Women’s Institute group who posed unclothed for a charity calendar. Though many women might shudder at the thought of getting naked in public, Denise isn’t one of them! She says, ‘I find stripping off in this play so liberating! I don’t even think about it. We’ve done 150 shows and had a standing ovation for every one so far. Would I have been doing this years ago without alcohol? Probably not!’ Of her co-star Fern Britton, Denise says, ‘It’s her first acting role, but she’s marvellous! She doesn’t take her clothes off, but don’t be fooled – Fern’s a very confident lady.’…

Cool and casual Mix comfort with style – go for a looser shape. Layer up Update your classic white shirt by layering with a stripy knit. A great way to stay warm and stylish! Suits you The perfect transitional investment! Tailoring is key for spring It’s a tie! Flatter your figure with a dress that wraps. TAP THE APP Download Dazzly! The relaxing app with a fashionable twist.…

HOW IT WORKS 1 We have teamed up with WW (formerly Weight Watchers) to help you enjoy your healthiest year yet, with its most flexible programme ever – WW Freestyle. 2 Building on the successful SmartPoints® system, WW Freestyle gives you more freedom and flexibility than ever before, which means life doesn’t have to stop while you lose weight. With WW Freestyle, nothing is off the menu, so you can still enjoy the foods you love. 3 WW inspires healthy habits for real life, For Every Body. WW encourages you to enjoy food with freedom, find what moves you physically, and gives you the skills to shift your mindset so you can focus on what really matters on your weight-loss journey – taking care of yourself and living your life…

TOP TIP Dreaming of summer? Bold bed linen will brighten dark winter nights.…

Comedian and actor Richard Blackwood, 46, currently competing on Dancing On Ice, played Vincent Hubbard in EastEnders from 2015 to 2018. In 2003, Richard went through bankruptcy, and once admitted he considered suicide. Today, however, the handsome star is looking at life through a different lens, and admits he was lucky to have gone through dark times when he was younger, rather than now. His son, Keaun, who has just turned 18, was there to watch Dad take to the ice for the first time… Hi, Richard! Are you pleased with your feedback from the Dancing On Ice judges? Generally, yes – I felt some of the scores have been a bit low. But it’s only natural that I feel that way, because of the sheer passion of it all. I can only…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT There are more than 50 breathtaking lakes near Saltzburg – so clean you can drink from them! It’s the perfect place for swimming and watersports in lush surroundings. As you find yourself taking a dip to cool off, you’ll still see snow on the Austrian Alps, even at the height of summer – meaning that this destination is a firm favourite with those wanting to take advantage of both a sun and ski holiday at once. INSIDER’S GUIDE Mozart was born here in 1756, and his house is now one of the most popular museums in Salzburg, tucked away in Getreidegasse. His fortepiano can be seen at the Mozart residence on Makartplatz Square. From chocolates to concerts and museums, you can see Mozart’s influence throughout the entire city.…