Table of contents for 31-2020 in Best

A mid rumours that TV presenter Vernon Kay could be set to enter this year’s I’m A Celebrity jungle in a £250,000 deal, his wife, Tess Daly, 51, may secretly not be feeling so thrilled. The 46-year-old from Preston has allegedly been approached by ITV to take part in the hit reality show which, due to Covid-19, may now be filmed in the wilds of Scotland, instead of the jungle temperatures of Australia. It’s a high-profile slot, and 10 years after Vernon humiliated Tess – when it was revealed he had been ‘sexting’ glamour model Rhian Sugden – there may be a part of her that’s terrified at what fellow campmates might want to talk about around the campfire. It’s been the scene of many a confession over the years. Poor Tess…

As my beautiful daughter walked down the aisle, the yellow flowers in her bouquet matching the rose in her father’s lapel, her huge smile clearly visible underneath the veil, I cried tears of pride and happiness. Thanks to lockdown, it wasn’t the big white wedding Heidi had planned, but she was marrying the love of her life, James. There was a time I thought I’d never see this moment… You may remember us from sharing our story in best last year, but for those of you who don’t know us, here’s our remarkable story. When Heidi was born in July 1995, I immediately knew she had Down’s syndrome. My husband Steve, now 51, and I were devastated. Already parents to Dan, now 28, and Tim, now 26, my pregnancy had…

Much as we love the warmer weather, we aren’t so keen on the sticky, uncomfortable feeling that comes with it! Perspiration is totally normal, and helps regulate your body’s temperature, but if you want to deal with the symptoms, we’ve found the beauty products to help from your scalp all the way to your soles. Fake it yourself Cooling body spritz An Australian study has found that dousing yourself with water halved the rate of dehydration and improved thermal comfort. What better reason to make your own cooling body spray, then? Choose ingredients that are known to refresh and hydrate, like mint and cucumber, which are cheap to source, too. Stew some mint leaves in boiling water and leave to cool completely. Strain, then add slices of cucumber, and add…

HUBBY’S WORK IS TAKING OVER Even before lockdown, my hubby’s job encouraged homeworking. Initially it was great, because I spent so much more time with him. But now, it seems there is no home/work life divide. If I’ve got the radio or TV on, he makes a big point of huffing about the place until I switch it off – it’s causing tension. The other day, he asked me to leave the house and not come back until he’d finished work! What can I do to help him separate his work from his home? I’m starting to resent him. Claire, Leicester That man needs an office! Even if it has to be carved out of a bedroom, or the garden shed. He must have a bit of territory specifically for…

Hoisin drumsticks Makes 12 Ready in 1 hour, plus marinating 2 level tbsp hoisin sauce3 tbsp soy sauce1 garlic clove, crushed2.5cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder3 tbsp sherry vinegar12 chicken drumsticks2 level tsp sesame seeds Shredded spring onions, to garnish Salad, to serve 1 Put the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder and vinegar into a large non-reactive bowl (glass, ceramic or plastic) and mix well. 2 Skin each drumstick by pulling away the skin at the thicker end and pulling it off over the bony end. Make a few slashes in the flesh of each drumstick and put them into the hoisin mixture. Toss to coat well then cover and chill for 2 hours. 3 Light the barbecue for indirect…

Prince Charles, the first child for 22-year-old Queen Elizabeth II, arrived on the evening of 14 November 1948, at Buckingham Palace. When his father, Prince Philip, saw him, he remarked that he resembled a ‘plum pudding’. In Charles’ early years, Her Majesty was a devoted mother – but it’s been said her focus was on her new duties as a sovereign, with Charles often left to the care of nannies. Still, as these touching images show, there was a lot of love between mother and son… HELLO, MOTHER! What a mischievous looking little chap! Bonnie Prince Charles, sitting in his carriage, with his eyes firmly trained on his mother – who was watching him attentively from a balcony window of Buckingham Palace. He seems more interested in the attention of…

CORONAVIRUS – WE’RE IN THIS FOR THE LONG-TERM As lockdown continues to ease, the worry is that more and more of us think that the danger has somehow ‘passed’. But even if there was a remote chance of that, it’s too soon to even dare to believe it. What I tend to believe is that there are those of us who have been lucky to avoid contamination, and those who haven’t. There is also another group – those who have been lucky enough to survive after contracting Covid-19. But don’t think their story ends there. More than 200,000 people in Britain have successfully recovered. Many, though, are beginning to find out that their struggle is far from over. Covid-19 seems to be a virus that can leave many with symptoms…

Entertaining as ever, will.i.am is back on the new series of junior singing show The Voice Kids, alongside returning judges Pixie Lott and Danny Jones, newbie Paloma Faith and host, Emma Willis. And we’re loving him already – the former Black Eyed Peas star always manages to bring real heart and a quirky sense of fun to the show. He even had a go on the bagpipes the other week, with disastrous results (when kilt-clad Scottish teen Mark performed with them, the American couldn’t help but have a try)… So, how does it feel to be back? Good. I love the kids’ show. They bring fun. They know how to play. When was the last time as an adult you were like ‘Yo, let’s go out and play’? What kind of…

TRUE-LIFE TALES The Prison Doctor – Women Inside Dr Amanda Brown HarperCollins – £8.99 The author worked in Europe’s largest women’s prison, and treated patients ranging from ‘high flyers’ who go back behind bars, again and again, to offenders who are locked up with their tiny babies. Poignant and fascinating. Codebreaking Sisters Patricia and Jean Owtram Mirror Books – £8.99 When World War II broke out, the Owtram girls were just teenagers, but they answered the call to serve and spent the war in secret, vital work – some in far-flung locations. Now in their 90s, they tell their story, drawing on letters home, and it makes fascinating reading. NERVE-SHREDDERS Cry Baby Mark Billingham Little, Brown – £20 Summer 1996 – two little boys are playing in the park. They…

Irish heartthrob Paul Mescal – aka Connell in BBC3 hit Normal People – stars in psychological thriller, The Deceived. Here, the 24-year-old speaks about his newfound fame. You went into The Deceived straight after finishing Normal People – how was that? I had two days off in-between! This was only my second-ever TV role. As for whether I was nervous… totally. But I’d be worried if that feeling wasn’t present, because I don’t think nerves are necessarily a bad thing. Tell us about your character, Sean, then… He is the local handy man, the jack-of-all-trades. He is a simple man, in a good sense. He is a man directly invested in the community, he has a good moral compass – and he has his eye on Ophelia… How have you…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Dreamy, laid-back Barbados, with its white sandy beaches, lively nightlife and to-die-for shopping scene, is like my second home – it’s just so special to me, and anyone that’s been there usually says similar. As soon as you set foot on Caribbean soil, everyone greets you with such warm smiles that you immediately feel settled in. I’ve got friends that live there, too, and Simon Cowell often holidays out there – which helps! But you can’t go far wrong with the stunning views and sunshine, either. It’s just such a beautiful, friendly place. I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. INSIDER’S GUIDE One of the best-known restaurants on this Eastern Caribbean island is The Cliff (thecliffbarbados.com). Celebs love this place – I’ve seen Cliff Richard and Elaine…

We’ve seen quite a lot of the Duchess of Cambridge during lockdown. Most recently she popped up in the sunny grounds of Sandringham House in Norfolk, giving an interview to BBC Breakfast. It was to support ‘Tiny Happy People’ – a charitable collaboration between her Royal Foundation and the BBC, providing support to new parents. And once again Kate, 38, who was sporting new honey-coloured highlights in her chestnut locks, was talking about a cause close to her heart – childcare, particularly in the early years. The mum-of-three is clearly passionate about parenting, and, with Wills having shown he shares her hands-on approach, it raises the distinct possibility that when it comes to their brood, she and William will be prepared to break with tradition and do things their own way.…

JAMIE LAING Made in Chelsea millionaire Jamie, 31, injured himself during last year’s launch show and was forced out. Rumour has it, he can’t wait to give Strictly another shot. We hope so! JANE GOLDMAN Apparently, chat show host Jonathan Ross’s wife Jane is in ‘advanced talks’ with the show’s bosses. The screenwriter, 50, has worked on Hollywood films like Kingsman: The Secret Service and X-Men: First Class. IAIN STIRLING Comedian and Love Island narrator Iain – host Laura Whitmore’s other half – has been tipped for this year’s Strictly. ITV has announced there’ll be no more Love Island until summer 2021 – so he’ll definitely be free! CATHERINE TATE Much loved for characters such as potty-mouthed ‘Nan’, Catherine could be hitting that fabled dancefloor – with producers thought to…

IRISH MOSS A form of red algae, with many amazing skin and health benefits. Containing 15 of the 18 essential elements that make up the human body, including calcium, iodine, sulphur and potassium, as well as numerous vitamins. It helps to repair and treat skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, sunburn and psoriasis. BUY: Green People Hydrating Calming Serum, £21, helps boost collagen production and is a great tonic to soothe ultra sensitive skin. IRIS The humble iris is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in skin care. It comes in two forms, florentina extract and orris root, and is a great natural option. Antioxidants like iris protect skin, leaving it plumper and firmer. BUY: Weleda Iris Hydrating Night Cream, £17.50, with iris root, which helps to stimulate keratin production, protecting your…

Asked if lockdown had any noticeable effect on her adorable one-year-old daughter, Christine revealed that it’s turned little Patricia into a total mummy’s girl. ‘I am 100 per cent her world, because I’ve been with her 24 hours a day. Frank actually being at home for a big chunk at the beginning of lockdown was fantastic, as much as it was for the awful reasons we were there. It was just lovely,’ revealed Christine. ‘Patricia is like, “I’ve got mummy, and mummy is not talking to you, she just deals with me”. But funnily enough when we finally got to see my family this week, she went crazy for them.’ How sweet……

1 Make your own burgers by using lean minced beef, pork or turkey (5 per cent fat or less). Add extra flavour by rubbing them with herbs, fresh ginger, garlic, chilli or paprika. And if burgers don’t tickle your fancy, Slimming World Pork Sausages (available at Iceland stores) are just as tasty, and perfect for barbecues. 2 Fish is a great source of protein and is really versatile. Experiment with meaty fish and seafood like salmon, tuna or king prawns, all of which are great on skewers with veg like courgettes and peppers. When barbecuing fish, keeping it wrapped in foil helps keep the moisture in, so your fish stays nice and juicy. You can even top it with lemon slices and black pepper if you’re feeling fancy! 3 Whip up…

Blond, cute and knowing, Prince George will always have a special place in our hearts. And over the years, George – a ‘little monkey’ who ‘rules the roost’, according to his dad, Prince William – has made waves with his boyish charm. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and with his engaging personality shining through each one of them, nothing could be more true for the boy who will be king. To mark this latest milestone, we take a look back at every year since his birth. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN… On 22 July 2013, doting parents William and Kate introduced their first born, a son – Prince George Alexander Louis – to the world. Here, the Duchess of Cambridge, bursting with pride, leaves the Lindo Wing with…

HAPPY DAYS This is Timothy Madders. He is seven years old. But all that really matters about young Madders is that he likes to spread happiness. So much so, that he compiled a Happiness Word Search for the Queen – and she played it. Timothy’s favourite happy word is ‘playtime’. Mine is nearly the same, and fills me with excitement – Wine time! HOMELAND SECURITY If you’re heading out of lockdown, back to work, going on a staycation or abroad, remember – crooks are on the lookout for empty homes. Better security is becoming more affordable, with all sorts of clever gadgets. But most simply, don’t market yourself. Resist the temptation of putting holiday pics on social media. Burglars love you asking, ‘Wish you were here?’ – because then they…

Angela filled a bowl with hot water, then knelt down and began washing her kitchen floor vigorously. An hour or two of this self-inflicted penance would make her feel better than a strong gin and tonic. It had always been her way of cheering herself up – and it always worked. There were good reasons for her despondency. She had lost two irreplaceable possessions. – her valuable silver bracelet, Paul’s present to her on their wedding day, had gone missing. It had seldom left her wrist, and she’d turned the house upside-down trying to find it, the mission becoming an obsession – her last thought before sleep, and often her first on waking. The other, far more important loss was that of Paul’s mother – Ellen – who had died…

It was one of the most fun-filled shows on TV, but what happened to some of those that found fame on the hit US musical comedy-drama Glee – about a group of high school misfits who join a music club – was much, much darker. Now, whispers of a ‘curse’ surrounding the show (which ran from 2009 to 2015) have resurfaced – following the shock death of cast member Naya Rivera, 33. On 8 July, Naya (who played sassy Santana Lopez) took a pontoon boat out on Lake Piru in California with her four-year-old son, Josey. When she failed to return, an alarm was raised and, in a scene too devastating to contemplate, Naya’s little boy was found alone. Josey – who Naya shared with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey – was still wearing…

There is one little member of the Cambridge family who is still rather oblivious to the harsh realities of life in the Corona era. Kate revealed recently that Prince Louis, who at just two is looking remarkably like his mum these days, has to be kept on a tight rein. ‘Louis doesn’t understand social distancing, he goes out wanting to cuddle everything, particularly any babies younger than him. If you put him down, he’s off,’ she said. Sounds like a typical two-year-old to us! The Royal mum, clearly besotted even though she has her hands full, also revealed of her brood, ‘My children have bottomless pits. I feel like a constant feeding machine.’…

Kathleen Roberts was 87 in 2009 when she told the story of her wartime experience to the Sheffield Star. Kathleen wanted a permanent tribute to the thousands of women from Sheffield who worked in factories to help the war effort – most of whom were unceremoniously sacked when the men returned. Her rallying cry had a remarkable impact on Sheffield, and even made its way into international headlines. She was joined in her campaign by three other women – Kit Sollitt, Ruby Gascoigne and Dorothy Slingsby – and the foursome were backed by the whole of Sheffield. These women showed remarkable determination in raising enough money to fund the statue. Donations grew through hundreds of small contributions – from pensioners and children’s cake bakes to a huge pop concert and…

TOP TIP! Applying a scent-free lotion before spritzing will help your fragrance last longer on your skin.…

‘The hype around a 13th star sign has come back (again). Western astrologers use the Tropical Fixed Zodiac. Fixed points like equinoxes and solstices are always the same. These are the points we work from and they do not move. So please be assured that you’re sign hasn’t changed,’ Russell says. Here’s your horoscope… LEO 24 July – 23 August A playful interlude will be refreshing for Leos such as American businesswoman and presenter Martha Stewart, and the legendary star of The West Wing, Martin Sheen. Their sunny personality and fun-loving attitude makes them popular. Some surprising and beneficial changes are about to occur. Enjoy them. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Before taking on a new commitment, have you weighed up all you are letting yourself in for? Once…

PRIDE AND JOY Beaming with pleasure, Charles and Diana, in happier times, introduce their first-born, William – one of the first times the public caught a glimpse of him. It was also the first time we were introduced to the koala bear, who was his best pal – until Harry came along! IT’S ALL KICKING OFF To this day, he is a keen football fan – and a devoted follower of Aston Villa. And here is Wills, who his dad revealed was nicknamed ‘Wombat’, celebrating his second birthday with a kickabout in the grounds of Kensington Palace. We don’t often see him in dungarees any more, though. BROTHERLY LOVE And then there were two! William seemed quite delighted with his little brother Harry, and is seen here enjoying a bit…

I carefully apply a stroke of black eyeliner to each eye, a dab of power on my face and then bright red lipstick. Then I unwrap my hair from large vintage rollers, getting a gentle waft of setting lotion, before I shake out the waves in my shiny dark hair and – voilà! I’m ready to slip into a pretty floral Fifties-inspired full-skirted dress. A final look in the mirror – and yes, I’m really pleased with my reflection. But this isn’t me getting ready for a fancy dress party or a special occasion – this is pretty much my daily routine – and look. I love the Fifties: the clothes, the lifestyle… It may seem odd to some but stepping back into a world several decades ago has brought…

Best has teamed up with fashion and interiors brand bonprix to offer four lucky readers a chance to win £100 to spend on homes and garden products at bonprix. Whether you’re kitting out the kitchen, updating the living room, or just want some extra bits for your garden, bonprix has all your needs covered with intricate wall art, luxurious bedding and unique decorative accessories, making this the one-stop shop for all your home needs. To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best3120 by 14 August 2020. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2719 by midnight on 14 August 2020. 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.…

Here’s one dedicated to the barbecue, the holy grail of all summer parties! Ahem, or, dare I say, the holy grill! Look for the barbecue food in the grid. All items are hidden in the usual way, except one – which one? SEARCH ME! BBQ SAUCE BURGER BUNS CHEESE SLICES CHICKEN WINGS COLESLAW CORN ON THE COB FISH SKEWERS HALLOUMI HAMBURGERS KETCHUP LAMB KEBABS MUSHROOMS MUSTARD RED ONION SAUSAGES SIDE SALAD SLICED TOMATO VEGGIE BURGERS SUDOK-GO! Fill the grid using the numbers from 1 to 9 only. Each number must appear once in every column, row and 3x3 square. Now, off you sudok-go! ALL SOLUTIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE FACE TIME Have a look at the motley crew below. Who are they and what connects them all? CODE NAME Queen…

Made in Chelsea’s resident lothario, the good-looking Miles Nazaire, has become one of the E4 hit show’s favourite cast members since he joined in 2018, and has already been romantically linked with co-stars Zara McDermott and Tiff Watson. Here, the 24-year-old fitness fanatic, who is half-French and comes from a creative family (his English mother, Victoria, is a sculptor, while his French dad, Jacques, is a musician and painter) opens up about his mental health struggles – and how his bond with fellow MIC members Tristan Phipps and Harvey Armstrong inspired him to take part in a gruelling challenge… You recently took part in a 24-hour charity bike ride. What was that about? When lockdown happened, all the gyms closed, and we were struggling to keep fit at home. We thought, we have…