Table of contents for 5 - 2022 in Best

I lost my best friend just before Christmas. The only man who has ever been entirely faithful to me – my dog, Fred. He loved having his picture taken and this is him (above) on one of our fashion shoots. So my heart went out to Linda Robson (page 8) when she admitted that losing her bulldog, Ernie, two years ago broke her heart and despite the house being ‘horrible without him’ she only now feels ready to consider having a new fur baby. There isn’t a pet owner alive who won’t sympathise. ‘My Freddie’ was cremated by a wonderful woman called Maureen at a beautiful local pet cemetery, Willow Haven, in Hertfordshire. I decided on that because, if I ever move, I know where I can go see him.…

They have one of the most solid marriages in showbiz and three beautiful children. But Dancing on Ice host Holly Willoughby recently shocked TV viewers when she revealed that when she realised she was falling in love with husband Dan Baldwin, rather than being delighted, she was horrified. The pair met in 2004, working on kids’ Saturday morning show Ministry of Mayhem, which he produced, and became good friends. So, it came as a shock to realise she was developing romantic feelings for her pal. ‘It was like this intensity of friendship for quite a long time – say 10 to 15 weeks, or something,’ said Holly, during a discussion about love at first sight on Loose Women. ‘I remember cheers-ing him with a glass and looking at him and…

Q Every time I shave my legs I end up with tiny black dots covering my shins. What are they and how can I treat them? Rose, London A You are describing ‘strawberry legs’, hyperpigmented dots that appear at the site of the hair follicle. They are harmless and can be caused by a variety of factors, but are usually a sign of clogged or enlarged pores due to a build-up of dead skin cells, or sometimes a sign of folliculitis. Shaving, waxing and skipping exfoliation can often cause it. Start scrubbing; mix up some plain yogurt, honey and ground coffee and rub over dry skin before showering off. A glycolic acid-based body wash will act as a chemical exfoliant without scrubbing the skin and help ease inflammation. Three times…

On 9 February 1988, Marie McCourt’s life changed forever. It was the day her 22-year-old daughter, Helen, didn’t come home from work. When Marie reported insurance clerk Helen missing that evening, detectives focused on Helen’s journey home from St Helen’s to Billinge, Merseyside. She’d been seen getting off the bus at 5.15pm, then it was a 700-yard walk to the family home, past the George and Dragon pub. Minutes later, a man heard a scream come from the pub and suspicion fell on the landlord, Ian Simms, then 31. Helen had previously rebuffed his advances and a painstaking search of his pub and flat revealed drops of her blood and stray hairs. Helen’s earring was found in his car. At an isolated spot 20 miles away, some of her clothes…

As I turned to leave the nightclub, I felt a hand on my arm. ‘You’re not going, are you?’ a man smiled. ‘My friend has been plucking up the courage to talk to you all night. He thinks he’s too old for you.’ I looked at the man standing at the bar behind him. ‘How old is he?’ I asked, my interest sparked. ‘He’s 49,’ he admitted. ‘Ah, sorry, he is a bit old,’ I replied, pulling on my coat. ‘Tell him I said thank you, though.’ As I walked away, I couldn’t help grinning. At 47, that man and I were pretty much the same age. Even now, five years on, at 52, I still get mistaken for someone in their 30s – although after the pandemic, I feel…

I ate not one, but three bacon sandwiches for breakfast today. Now, that’s not like me at all because I’m normally a cereal and toast kind of girl. But I’ve been feeling a little odd lately. So odd, that I made an appointment to see my GP. ‘How long has your skin been like this?’ Dr Sinclair asked as he examined my upturned palms. ‘I haven’t seen anything quite like this before,’ he said, frowning. ‘It’s highly unusual indeed.’ He turned to his computer and typed a few notes while I glanced down at my hands. They’d been turning calloused and rough, as if I’d been working on a building site not in a warm, cosy office where all I do is type. ‘It just started last week,’ I told…

SH**GGED, MARRIED, ANNOYED This hilarious weekly podcast, currently the top podcast in the UK, is with comedian Chris Ramsey and his wife, Rosie. They chat about relationships, parenting, and more, as well as answering questions. Apple Podcasts. HAPPY PLACE Another one of the UK’s top podcasts, former radio DJ Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them. Eye-opening stuff. Apple Podcasts. OFF MENU WITH ED GAMBLE AND JAMES ACASTER Comedians Ed and James invite special guests into their magical restaurant to each choose their favourite starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink. Ever wanted to eat your dream meal? It’s time to order Off Menu.…

AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Whatever the challenge before them, Aquarians like Three Men and A Little Lady star Tom Selleck and Oscar winner Olivia Coleman should stand strong and proud and be productive. They will be able to face anything that comes their way. Watch for any gaps that may need fixing and rebuild if needed. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Your practical and organised approach will help you make short work of anything that needs doing. Friends know they can rely on your help and it gives you great pleasure to support those who need it. Later, domestic finances and family matters will need some attention. An older relative will be more communicative than normal. LEO 24 July – 23 August Pause and give yourself time…

As shrieks of laughter echoed around the soft play, I took another sip of my coffee and waved at my two children. ‘Your two are full of energy,’ I observed, smiling at the dad I was sitting next to. He groaned, half-joking. ‘Yes, you’re lucky you can hand yours back at the end of the day.’ I frowned, then realisation struck. ‘Oh no, I’m not their grandma,’ I explained. ‘I’m their mum.’ As the man flushed, I forced down my anger and reminded myself it was an easy mistake to make. After all, I’m 58 and my two children, Jessica and Joseph, are just six and two. I’d never wanted to have them so late in life but, having fought long and hard for them, I wouldn’t change my family…

Ever wondered what it’s like to live the high life? Is it really all manicured lawns, Michelin-starred dinners and quaffing expensive Champagne? Well, ITV’s new series – Keeping Up with the Aristocrats – gives you an insight into just that. ‘This lot really know how to enjoy themselves,’ the narrator tells us – and we have no doubt they do! Following certain members of modern-day blue-blooded, upper crust society, the series focuses on four families. The first we’re introduced to in episode one is that of Lord Ivar Alexander Michael Mountbatten, the second cousin of Prince Charles. He lives at Bridwell Park in Devon and the sprawling 18thcentury Georgian house boasts 100 windows. Yes… 100! Ivar was married to his exwife, Penny, for 17 years and is a father to…

TOP TIP! Pat, don’t rub on to skin to avoid the product pilling.…

A round 4.9 million people live with diabetes in the UK. And, worryingly, Diabetes UK predicts that the amount of people with diabetes (including the undiagnosed population) is expected to rise to 5.5 million by 2030 – that’s more than 18 per cent of the population. The three common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational, and of those living in this country with the condition, 90 per cent have type 2 diabetes. This is where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin, a hormone that breaks down sugar and carbohydrates in the body. But we need insulin to live – it allows the glucose in our bodies to enter our cells to give them fuel. There is a known…

I’M MISSING MY GIRL… I have one child – a daughter. But after some rocky times while she was growing up, she moved out aged just 16. I was ill with depression so I admit I probably wasn’t there for her in the way I would have wanted to be – but she’s 23 now and we have had no contact at all for over four years. It breaks my heart, Vanessa – how can I carry on without her? Agatha, Milton Keynes Your urge is overwhelming. You desperately want to make amends and re-establish a relationship with your daughter. It’s never too late to say sorry. Approach her in whichever way you think might build bridges. You could ask a friend or relative to be your intermediary. You could…

‘You didn’t think about yesterday, and tomorrow may not happen, it was only today that you had to cope with and you got through it as best you could.’ – Iby Knill, survivor of the Holocaust. Powerful words by an incredible woman, they also reflect this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme: the ‘One Day’ when life changed and the hope that ‘One Day’ in the future there will be no genocide. Held on Thursday, 27 January, the day marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp and a potent reminder not only of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and the millions of others killed by Nazis, but also the later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. One survivor recalling those terrifying days is Helen…

BETTY & BIRD If it’s unique, quality, handmade jewellery you’re after, Betty & Bird’s collection ticks all the boxes. Made from recycled precious metals and inspired by nature, these are, as founder Melina says, ‘pieces of art to wear every day!’ See bettyandbird.co.uk SILVER BUBBLE If you like your silver, Silver Bubble has a pretty range of handmade jewellery to suit every style. Each one of its earrings, rings and bracelets is individually made by artisans in Taxco and brought to the UK, adding a dash of Mexico to your jewellery collection! See silverbubble.co.uk BRIGHT ECO VINTAGE If you prefer a retro vibe, Leeds-based Bright Echo Vintage has some striking pieces, like these Art Nouveau/Edwardian-style pearl earrings. Extremely individual, these pieces will help you stand out from the crowd… See…

Star of stage and screen, Michelle Collins made her name in two of the nation’s favourite soaps, playing bad girl Cindy Beale in EastEnders, and Rover’s Return landlady Stella Price in Coronation Street. Today, the glam 59-year-old, who shares her London home with partner Mike Davison, is very much in demand as a character actress and is about to tour the UK in new comedy thriller Cluedo, based on the original board game. Michelle tells us how she struggled during lockdown and reveals her sadness after losing her mum last year, following a two-year battle with cancer. She also opens up on how she overcame depression and an eating disorder. She confesses to looking back fondly on her past success on EastEnders playing Cindy Beale – and reveals how she recently…

Our pets become a special part of the family – so when they leave us, it can be utterly heartbreaking – as one Loose woman knows only too well. On a recent episode of the show, popular panellist Linda Robson, aka ‘Nanny Linda’, spoke emotionally about how awful it was to lose her beloved deaf bulldog, Ernie, in 2020, and that the house ‘was just horrible without him’. The 63-year-old star, who lives with her husband, Mark Dunford, in North London, was left devastated when her pooch had to be put down in July 2020, after suffering a painful spinal injury. When she first announced the sad news, the Birds of a Feather star admitted the decision was ‘one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. I know I…

TOP TIP Layer a denim dress with a slim-fitting polo and chunky tights for Winter.…

1 FAITH IN NATURE Sustainability is easier to buy into when it comes with the weekly shop. This range looks and smells more expensive than it is and is available at Sainsbury’s. The plastic is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable as well as ultra-light, to reduce carbon emissions by minimising freight weight. There are refill stations in health-food stores, and the most popular lines come in a huge fivelitre size. Try its Grapefruit & Orange Hand & Body Lotion, £5.79. 2 GARNIER Garnier isn’t afraid to make sustainability changes. It was one of the first massmarket, global brands to launch a paper-based tube (to package its Multi-Restore Hemp Gel Cream, £7.99) and recently the entire range has been awarded a cruelty-free Leaping Bunny logo. It’s also introduced an online…

HOW IT WORKS 1 There are a few reasons why tummies get bigger as we age. One is that we can lose muscle mass that slows down the number of calories we burn a day, but we can also become less sensitive to the fat-storing hormone insulin. When this happens, the sugar glucose, that we make from food, doesn’t enter the cells where it’s used as effectively and, instead, enters the fat stores – particularly those around the middle. 2 The good news is, you can fight back. Starting a regular exercise programme – particularly one including strength training exercises like body pump classes, weight training or resistance bands – helps build muscle. And, going on a low-carb diet can help fight insulin resistance. 3 Our plan below is one…

Thai Sweet Chilli Pork Burgers This burger recipe was one that came together by chance. So simple but totally delicious. With some minced pork to use up and nothing really planned for dinner, I just grabbed a few ingredients I had that I figured would go well together and what can I say… these yummy Thai sweet chilli pork burgers were born. A huge hit that I now make on regular rotation. SERVES 4 · 455g extra-lean 5% fat pork mince· 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chilli sauce· 3 spring onions, chopped (green part only)· A handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped· ½ teaspoon garlic powder· ½ teaspoon onion powder· Pinch of red chilli flakes (optional for extra heat)· Pinch of salt· Cooking oil spray· 4 small wholemeal buns, lightly toasted·…

COULD THIS WORSEN MY LONG COVID? I had coronavirus pre-vaccines, at the end of 2020. Fully jabbed and boosted, I got it again last week. I am already suffering from Long Covid (extreme fatigue, occasional breathlessness and palpitations), which I’m attending a specialist hospital unit for. I feel like I’ve been run over by a bus and I’m worried that this new infection could make my existing Long Covid symptoms worse. Could it? Sheila, London DR HILARY SAYS: As you have discovered, it is perfectly possible to catch Covid a second time, despite being vaccinated. Some 1.3 million people in the UK are estimated to be suffering from Long Covid symptoms, commonly including fatigue, breathlessness, chest pain, concentration problems, palpitations, joint pains and rashes. It is very unpredictable because the…

Who doesn’t love to people-watch or be a fly-on-the-wall as all kinds of real-time situations play out on the small screen – especially from the cosy comfort of our own homes! Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best reality TV on offer, from famously binge-worthy catch-up shows, to the ones you need to look out for in the coming weeks… So, sit back, put your feet up and get ready to enjoy a whole lot of drama… 1 Katie Price’s Mucky Mansion CHANNEL 4, WEDNESDAY, 9PM NEW SERIES Reality star Katie Price and her relatives try to renovate her home, which sprawls across 10 acres and has fallen into disrepair over the years. Katie tries to put aside the traumatic events that have taken place there in a bid…

THAT’S SHOWBIZ… I truly felt for the celebs in that first skate-off. I could see the shock on Ria’s face when she found out. I was knocked out first, with Candice Brown, in 2018 – it’s not nice. But sadly, this is how it’s going to be, from now on – someone you don’t want to leave is at risk of getting eliminated – that’s why you’ve got to vote for your favourites, people… CHANGING THE PACE We got some amazing messages about Sally’s first skate – lots of people said it was really emotional and made them cry! But I want to show different sides to her – and we have a very different routine for Movie Week – it’s high-energy, fun and has a very personal story behind…

BYE-BYE TO SELL BY RUTH: According to supermarket chain Morrisons, the sniff test is the way forward. Millions of perfectly drinkable pints of milk are thrown away each year, due to a reliance on sell-by dates. So, Morrisons has decided to scrap them altogether. The reduction in waste and potential savings is not to be sniffed at… or maybe it is? Take me, for instance. I love a cup of tea. I don’t just enjoy the taste, but the whole ritual of making it. Eamonn doesn’t share my admiration. In fact, he rarely consumes warm drinks at all! For me, it has to be Earl Grey with a splash of red-top milk (OK, and maybe a chocolate biscuit). The amount and type of milk is all important but, up until…

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…

JENNY ECLAIR – SIXTY! (FFS!) We thank the comedy gods for Jenny Eclair! The best columnist may have done herself a mischief recently and had to cancel tour dates, but rejoice – she’s back! What will her 60s hold for this Sixties babe, and is it a legal requirement to buy Nordic walking poles? See jennyeclair.com for tickets. LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL The largest UK comedy festival outside of Edinburgh, Leicester Comedy Festival is where comics such as Bill Bailey and Jimmy Carr played on their way to stardom. This year sees the return of live performances, with a mix of newcomers and big names – the likes of Stewart Lee, Ross Noble, Pam Ayres, Tony Slattery and Katherine Ryan (left). Also back is the popular UK Kids Comedy festival, with…

LONDON’S EAST END The socially deprived Poplar of old has disappeared. Some of the show’s famous exterior shots have been filmed amid the terraced houses of Theed Street and Roupell Street in Waterloo, South East London. Much of the fiming of Call the Midwife now takes place at the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. The 400-year-old docks – with around 100 original Victorian and Georgian buildings and cobbled back streets – stand in perfectly to represent everything from the surgery of Dr Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann, who is married to series creator Heidi Thomas), to Nonnatus House itself. Nearby HMS Cavalier has appeared multiple times as well. CALL THE MIDWIFE TOUR Book the 90-minute Call the Midwife Official Location Tour (March to October) at the Chatham Dockyard for a wonderful…