Table of contents for 18-2023 in Best

It’s been a week of highs and lows. As someone single on-and-off since my divorce at the age of 34, the story of Lillian Droniak on page 19, and her one million TikTok followers, really made me smile. I haven’t been on a date for months. Lillian had not been on a date for 25 years, but agreed to have dinner with a man she met at bingo, despite being 93! Picking out a dress and applying her lipstick, she said, if he doesn’t like what he sees ‘he can leave!’ Yet it was Lillian who decided not to go on a second date. ‘You don’t have to text him just because he buys you dinner,’ she explained. Wise words. Words not needed quite yet by our heartbroken columnist Vanessa…

Following his admission that he did cheat on Vanessa, Ben Ofoedu has said, ‘I just want it out there, me apologising to her for the pain I’ve caused. Of course I want to be with her, if she wants me back.’ But the musician found himself in hot water recently, as he took to Twitter to address losing his ‘blue tick’ in the recent verification cull by owner Elon Musk. He commented, ‘Where the hell is my blue tick? This not going out with Vanessa thing has gone too far!!” But it did not go down well with some Twitter users. One wrote sarcastically, ‘Don’t stress yourself, I hear she’s got herself a new chap, Elon something or other’, while another slammed, ‘Why bring Vanessa into it – you should…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION What do you wish would make a comeback? First a Vinyl revivial. Now tapes and cassette players are making a comeback! Okay, it’s inevitable that things move with the times, especially as technology improves, but we still remember how excited we were to get our Walkman out or to listen to cassette tapes in the car. And it seems that Gen Z are catching on (don’t forget to tell your daughter or granddaughter, she may need a pencil to wind them in when it all goes wrong…). According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), around 195,000 cassettes were sold in the UK last year, representing a yearly growth of 5.2 per cent. We’re very happy to hear this! What else would you like to see make a…

1 SUPERCHARGE YOUR SKINCARE We all have bad skin days, whether it’s a breakout or a thirsty complexion, but changing your entire routine is a long-term process. Pai Concentrated Booster, £19, acts as a ‘power up’ button by giving you an extra dose of what you need. Its hyaluronic option features different sized molecules to target different layers of skin, and later this year it’ll add retinal and salicylic acid to its range, too (be sure to check what ingredients are OK to mix together first). Just add a drop to your usual moisturiser before applying. 2 GET THE GLOW Tanning drops revolutionised a daunting regime once filled with opportunities for a patchy, fake finish. Your level of colour is left up to you; two drops provides a subtle effect, deepening the…

Dear Felix, You were my firstborn, the one who made me a mum. Born in February 1997 with your shock of thick, dark hair, you were adorable and as I held you in my arms, I experienced a love so intense I never knew I was capable of. Over the following months, my love for you only grew stronger. Even as a toddler, you were hilarious, sitting down at my piano, bashing away at the keys, only pausing to turn the pages of the music book the way that you’d see me do and making sure me and your dad, Alex, now 52, were still watching. Just over three years later, we had another son, Lucian. You were the perfect big brother, instant partners in crime. Life rolled along happily…

Sausage meatball orzo Simple sausage meatballs always go down a treat with my children, while adding easy-to-eat orzo and haricot beans with simple flavours turn them into a great, balanced meal. Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes • 500g (1lb 2oz) lean minced pork (5 per cent fat)• 1 tablespoon Italian-style mixed dried herbs• 1 carrot, grated• 1 teaspoon baking powder• ¼ teaspoon salt• Spray oil• 200g (7oz) orzo pasta• 400g (14oz) can of haricot beans, drained and rinsed• 600ml (20fl oz) hot chicken stock• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped• 1 onion, finely chopped• 2 garlic cloves, crushed• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup• 1 teaspoon dried thyme• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds• 2 large handfuls of kale leaves, coarse stalks removed, roughly chopped 1. To make the meatballs,…

MY DAUGHTER IS PREGNANT AT 17 My teenager is 12 weeks pregnant (yes, biggest shock of my life) and I’m trying to be as supportive as I can, but I’m so worried about her. She’s adamant she can do this. She and her boyfriend have been together for a couple of years and seem very happy about it, but they’re meant to be focusing on A-levels and uni! I’ve not slept for weeks thinking about it. As a mum, how would you feel? Gillian, Poole This pregnancy is not what you wanted or planned for your daughter, but it’s your family’s new reality. She is in a relationship that seems to have staying power, and is determined to give her all to being the best mum she can be. Your…

Just over 30 years ago, on Sunday 28 March 1993, a dog walker stumbled across a partially clothed body, dumped in reeds and undergrowth at the side of Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. The body was that of 32-year-old Carol Clark. Tragically, she’d been strangled, and her neck had been broken. A large-scale murder investigation was launched but, as the years rolled by, nobody was ever charged with her murder. Carol had grown up in a loving home with her parents Pete and Phyliss on the outskirts of Bristol. Her dad worked for Rolls-Royce and Carol dreamed of becoming a model and travelling the world. After doing well at school, aged 17 she found a job at a hotel in Bristol and moved out of home. Her parents were happy for…

‘Ready, set, go!’ Standing on the deck of the brand-new cruise ship, I pressed the large red button as instructed. A bottle of Champagne attached to a pulley swung into the side of the boat, smashing triumphantly. Claps and cheers followed, as well as sighs of relief – it was deemed unlucky if the bottle didn’t break. As I watched the spray fade over the glistening surface of the Danube, I was struck by how bizarre and wonderful this moment was; it had only happened because I’d entered a competition to launch travel company TUI’s new river cruise ships. The two winners would not only launch the ships, they’d also be taken on cruises in order to ‘test’ all of the excursions. As an illustrator, I’d set about completing the…

Well, my good mood from my holiday in Italy last month hasn’t disappeared. In fact, I’m on a plane to get back there now – this time to Pisa to be precise. Who knows… maybe I will fall in love with an Italian and never return…Isn’t life grand? That could be the title of the book I one day intend to write. Meanwhile, in real life, this is a long-planned weekend away with my daughter. We’ve booked a four-star hotel in the centre of town andIcan’twait. It’s ‘girl time’, which can be just as good for the soul as sunshine or dating. Did I ever meet up with the man I mentioned in my last column? No. Not for want of trying but, first he developed Covid (thankfully, he hadn’t…

GET SET TO GROW! It’s National Gardening Week, and weather conditions mean more outdoor opportunities. Some crops are easier to grow than others, of course, but don’t let that put you off; half the fun of growing your own is trying it in the first place! Here’s how to get started….. EASY WINS Not sure where to start? Gain your confidence with these tasty greens: COURGETTES Never sow more than four seeds, because if they take, the plants are prolific. People often end up with a surplus that they can’t give away! Sow in individual seed trays, then once they’ve germinated and grown a bit, transplant into bigger pots. Once they’re stronger, and frosty nights have passed, move them outside. If you don’t have space in the ground, use an…

YOU CAN’T ESCAPE ME Tuesday, Channel 5, 2.15pm An aspiring artist is finally done with her abusive husband. She knows she must start over, or he will find her. She thinks she’s safe in Portland with a friend she has been out of touch with, but soon finds herself in grave danger. A DEADLY ENGAGEMENT Thursday, Channel 5, 2.15pm A girl begins to suspect that her dad’s new love is rather more sinister than anybody else realises, and she is quite right. Definitely get the snacks ready for this edge-of-your-seat watch… FRAMED FOR MURDER Friday, Channel 5, 2.15pm Another great afternoon thriller. A gold medal gymnast gets caught in a web of lies and deceit, when her mother and stepfather are found murdered in the family home……

She’s read for many celebrities and at £60 for 30 mins, she can read for you too. Visit PsychicB.co.uk TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Your love of food, comfort and natural beauty are your focus right now. You’re more compassionate, empathic and sensitive, with an increased energy and renewed confidence. Your sharp intellect may have you living in your head, thinking about where you’re going, how you fit in, or even a career change. It may be time to put boundaries in place with friends, but you could also establish a serious friendship with someone you meet. Be careful about taking risks. Finances are favourable. Short journeys are plentiful. A lunar eclipse on 5 May is likely to test relationships. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June You’re feeling softer…

1 EXERCISE It increases your heart rate, pumping more oxygen to the brain and reducing inflammation and the risk of diabetes. It processes memories and may stimulate the growth of new brain cells and connections between them. The ideal is five 30-minute sessions of aerobic exercise and two sessions of weight training per week, but any is better than none. 2 NOURISH Oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood feeds our brain s. High blood pressure, diabetes or high blood sugar, high cholesterol and smoking contribute to narrowed arteries, preventing our brain and heart from functioning properly. Have blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes checks and if you smoke, quit. 3 REST A good night’s sleep is critical to the memory- making process. Poor sleep may be a risk factor for dementia and leads to…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Located in Northeastern Florida, around a three-hour drive from Orlando, Amelia Island offers a totally different side of the sunshine state. Named after Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II, the island has a vast history, with eight flags flown over the Island including French, Spanish, British and Mexican. It’s only 13 miles long and two miles wide, the same size as Manhattan, which makes exploring the breathtaking beaches and taking in the charming city an absolute breeze. INSIDER’S GUIDE It’s easy to wander around downtown Fernandina Beach by foot, home to many locally-run boutiques, making it the perfect spot for retail therapy! Check out The Salty Local (thesaltylocal.com) and Twisted Sisters (twistedsistersamelia.com) for truly unique pieces. For an hour or so well-spent, swing by The Marlin…

best columnist Carol McGiffin has been a lively panellist on daytime chats how Loose Women since the early 2000s. Here, she tells best about why it’s the end of an era… We haven’t seen you on Loose Women recently – why is that? I haven’t been on the show for two months now because I’ve had to step away from it. Why did you have to? It was causing me too much stress, which was mostly down to a difficult contract issue I’d been challenging since January. The problem was, ITV were insisting, for the first time since I went back in 2018, that if I wanted to carry on doing the show, I would have to sign a contract that was totally unjust and unworkable for me, so I…

Lying in bed with my cup of tea, I wonder what I’m going to do that day. Go for a run? Practise piano? Meet a friend for a coffee – or a cocktail? Or simply blast Kylie all day? My day – and my life – stretch out before me like an open road that I’m so excited about. I felt like I could skip. Surprising, really. Because just three years ago, the worst thing I could have possibly imagined happened. I discovered my husband was having an affair and, in an instant, my whole world came crashing down around me. I spent days and nights in a stupor, wondering what my life would be like, and what my next chapter held. Now, though, I couldn’t be happier. Getting divorced…

It is more than 20 years since her husband, fellow actor Michael Williams, passed away - but you never get over losing a husband and, speaking about her beloved hubby in an interview, Dame Judi Dench broke down in tears. When the interviewer, documentary-maker Louis Theroux, asked if she was comfortable talking about the death of Michael, she said, ‘I’m not good at it actually,’ and struggled to hold back the tears. Going on, the actress composed herself and gathered the strength to say: ‘Yes, he died in 2001 of lung cancer. Smoking you see, all that smoking when we were young…’ Judi, 88, and Michael were married for 30 years. They met in 1971 when they were both cast in a production of The Duchess of Malfi – and…

LESLEY Blusher is one of the quickest ways for cheating a youthful, rosy complexion and restoring sculpted cheekbones, but use incorrectly and it can add years by dragging the face down. My mum used to apply a bright pink shade on the centre of the cheeks but, back then, blusher only came in matte, powder formulas. Nowadays, there’s a much broader spectrum. Here’s how to get cheeky… ● If your skin is dry, look for a gel, liquid or cream formula for a luminous glow. Oily skins should opt for powder formulas with shimmery tones. Avoid matte blush, which can flatten. ● Add a matching colour to lips. Use your fingertips to add a subtle dash of colour. ● On paler skin, opt for light pinks, while peachy nudes are…

Available in-store at The Works & online at theworks.co.uk Prima is thrilled to bring you its brand-new collection of craft kits, on sale exclusively at The Works. Everything you need is included in the box, so you can learn new skills, make beautiful keepsakes and even give your finished creations as gifts. The joy doesn’t stop there, as every kit includes clever ideas for up cycling the cardboard box, as well as links to further crafting inspiration online. PRODUCED WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND All Prima’s craft boxes are 100% FSC certified and fully recyclable, and you’re encouraged to reuse all the packaging, too, from the tissue paper to the cardboard box. Prima has also worked to reduce the number of plastic components in its crafts. Exclusively at Scan the…

best essentials in association with best EVERYDAY EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 500ml, £7 At this price, Sainsbury’s fresh and fruity Taste the Difference extra virgin olive oil is ideal for everyday use. Our testers loved the depth of flavour, noticing a slight sweetness and powerful, peppery kick. best UNFILTERED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Unfiltered Olive Oil, 1L, £9 Presented in a large one-litre bottle complete with traditional stopper, Filippo Berio’s latest oil is unfiltered, creating a slightly hazy appearance. It’s a blend from Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, however the flavour was surprisingly subtle, with some testers picking up on basil, lemon and sweet apple notes. best SICILIAN EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Tesco Finest Sicilian Extra Virgin…

RECURRING SHINGLES PAIN My mother got shingles when she was in her early 80s and has never managed to shake it off. I know she suffers quite badly from it with recurring pain. I recently turned 50 and someone told me there is a vaccine available for this condition. Is this right, and if so, would you recommend I get it? Is it available from my GP? Also, is there anything you might suggest my mum could try? Alison, Hitchin DR HILARY SAYS: Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which lies dormant in the nerves and flares up when immunity wanes. It mostly affects people over the age of 70. It causes a blistering, painful, itchy rash on one side of the body. It usually lasts…

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 story –…

● DO YOUR RESEARCH The weekly competitions run by magazines, newspapers and countless brands are updated on several online websites and communities dedicated to comping. The main websites that seem to be the most up to date, which are all free to join, are: loquax.co.uk, forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/competitions-time and rosemaryandporkbelly.co.uk/holiday-competitions. ● KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED Many competitions are only open for a few days, so checking in regularly to catch these is worthwhile. A lot of them also close at the end of the month, so doing a sweep on the final day of the month is always fun. ● THE MORE COMPLICATED the entry process, the greater the chance of winning. Many people will get bored with the ones with too many questions. Anything that takes a bit of extra time…

Lighter nights mean no excuses to stay at home and watch The Night Agent on Netflix with an Uber Eats pizza again, it’s time to get out and about. So, in an effort to finally find ‘the one’ as Bridge say, I’ve arranged to go on several dates. So far, I’ve been stood up, or to be more precise, texted and unceremoniously dumped, as I arrived at the bar. Luckily, my bad mood didn’t last long after I arrived home and rang for another pizza and opened a bottle of red. My second date was surprisingly successful. We chatted for hours about life, work, parenthood, and travel. So, why wasn’t I rushing to arrange another date? Well, to quote Bridget again, ‘the heart wants what the heart wants’. There was…

THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET, SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE This version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s modern classic, takes you back to the roaring Twenties with flapper girls, glitz and Golden-Age glamour. From 16-20 May, seesadlerswells.com/whats-on/northern-ballet-the-great-gatsby/#book. STRICTLY COME DANCING: THE PROFESSIONALS, EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE Your favourite Strictly pros are on the road again, bringing this electrifying dance-fest with them! On 7 May, there are still tickets available… see atgtickets.com/shows/strictly-come-dancing-the-professionals CINDERELLA IN-THE-ROUND, ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON Enter an enchanting kingdom, where Cinderella’s wit and generosity get her to the ball – all with the help of a little bit of magic, of course! From 15-25 June, book now at ballet.org.uk.…

The other day, coming home from the park with my grandson on the bus, I watched a woman, late 30s, possibly early 40s, eat an entire raw yellow pepper – just munching into it, as though it was an apple. When I mentioned this on Twitter, several people asked whether she was pregnant? ‘Not visibly’ was my response and then I sat back and laughed as my timeline filled up with ‘strange things seen being eaten on public transport’. These included a bag of raw (but pre-prepared) spouts, an entire cabbage, an uncooked bulb of fennel, lettuce leaves with mayonnaise, a large pot of yogurt (by hand), and a woman who spent a coach journey from London to Aberdeen taking alternate bites from a big onion and a massive block…

KILLER THRILLERS THE FAMILY RETREAT Bev Thomas Faber, £8.99 (11 May) After a stressful year, Jess and her family rent a cottage for the Summer. But as she gets involved in the local community she realises that she is not the only person hiding secrets… An emotionally powerful and deftly plotted thriller. DON’T LOOK BACK Jo Spain, Quercus, £16.99 On a Caribbean island, Luke’s wife confesses to a crime she’d hidden from him – unleashing a chain of events that cause chaos in his perfect life, leading him to call on his ex-lover, the only one who can help him. This will keep you gripped. BITTERSWEET ROMANCES BETWEEN US Mhairi McFarlane HarperCollins, £8.99 (11 May) When Roisin’s scriptwriter boyfriend becomes a big deal, there are implications – including doubts about whether…

Janette Manrara was a talented pocket rocket as a professional dancer on Strictly. But in 2021, the 39-year-old hung up her dance shoes to co-host sister show It Takes Two with Rylan Clark – and has since been enthusiastically embraced by British viewers. The Cuban-American star from Miami is married to fellow ex-pro Aljaž Škorjanec, with whom she is expecting her first baby (the couple were about to begin their IVF journey when Janette fell pregnant naturally). Here, Janette reveals her excitement for the parenting adventures ahead – and her upcoming ‘dream gig’ hosting a series of concerts across the UK celebrating 100 years of Disney, featuring songs from The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins and more! Tell us about the Disney100 concerts you’re hosting……

Life has its ups and downs – but TV presenter Christine Lampard might well argue she’s in one of life’s ‘downs’ right now, given recent events. The Northern Irish beauty was watching with a downcast look on her face from the stands at London’s Stamford Bridge recently – seemingly sharing the misery of her other half Frank, as his team was defeated by Real Madrid. And last Wednesday night, he was booed by fans after another defeat against Brentford, making five in a row. Chelsea FC manager Frank set a 118-year record in the previous match against Real Madrid – the kind of record nobody would want to make. The Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid meant the Loose Woman’s hubby of seven years lost his first four games in…

Vanessa Feltz has been through the mill since the start of this year, following her unexpected separation from ex-partner, Phats and Small singer Ben Ofoedu. The pair had been together for 16 years when, at the start of February, Vanessa announced their separation after it came to light that Ben, 50, had been unfaithful. The broadcaster ended her relationship, making him leave her North London home – later revealing that she’d cut ties with her ex after a supposed lover contacted her daughter on Christmas Day. And just about every woman in the country felt for her, as Vanessa posted heart-wrenching updates on her Instagram account on how she was feeling immediately after the split, saying her heart had ‘snapped into a million pieces’ and she wasn’t able to sleep… best’s…

If you don’t know Grandma Droniak, you should… the 93-year-old has nearly nine million followers on TikTok. Known as the ‘Grandmother of the Internet’, influencer Lillian lives in Connecticut, US, and has built up a huge fanbase, sharing her wisdom about the world of dating! With celebrity fans including Kate Beckinsale and Lily James, Lillian has taken social media by storm with the help of her grandson Kevin, who initially set up her account. She’s just been on her first date in 25 years, and is now teaching people about life as a single nonagenarian… In a recent video, she said her date was picking her up shortly. ‘I’m getting nervous now,’ she told her viewers. ‘I met him at bingo, and that’s the way it goes. He’s really handsome…

TOP TIP! Make sure your product protects from both kinds of ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB rays) to help avoid damage to skin.…

This Morning seems to be going through a turbulent time when it comes to its star presenters. And one journalist who has certainly not been timid with his thoughts on Phillip Schofield and the current situation is GB News’ Dan Wootton – who last week sensationally called for the long-standing This Morning host to be replaced. The 61-year-old’s prolonged absence saw him depart at the beginning of March and return to the daytime show just after Easter, following his brother Timothy’s conviction of 11 sex offences last month – and his public disowning of him. While Phillip was off, his good friend and co-host Holly Willoughby fronted the show with the likes of The Masked Singer host Joel Dommett, and Friday favourite Alison Hammond. Alison and Holly seemed to go down…

As I stood at the starting line of the London marathon, I smiled as the sun shone warmly on my face. ‘This one’s for you, Nan’, I said quietly. It was April 1998, and I was raising money for the charity Parkinson’s UK. My lovely nan, Maud, had been diagnosed with the condition 20 years earlier, and I’d watched as she’d slowly disappeared into herself. But as I ran, I’d felt my worries fade away. Cheers from the crowd helped me concentrate on keeping one foot in front of the other as I sailed past the barriers. When I crossed the finish line, I was overcome with emotion. I knew my nan would have been proud. But six months later, our family was dealt another cruel blow when my mum,…

HAIR PERFECTORS 1 BEST FOR INSTANT SHINE Hair Proud Glass Hair Heat Activated Smoothing Shine Spray (£8.95, iamproud.com) Sleek, shiny hair is in fashion this season and this heat-activated spray works instantly to help you get the glassy locks look. This is packed with moisturising ingredients that include hyaluronic acid, ginseng and pomegranate extract. All you need to do is mist before using straighteners and it will add a glossy finish to your at-home do that will make you look like you just stepped out of the salon. 2 BEST FOR BOOSTING VOLUME Charles Worthington Thicker & Fuller Thickening Mist (£5.99, boots.com) Our hair gets thinner as we grow older, so anything that helps to plump up the volume gets our vote. This is an easy way to give fine…

1 BASIC BUDGET You’re probably sick of hearing the ‘spend less than you earn’ speech, but it’s more important than ever to have a good level of control over your finances. A basic budget can be simple… Draw a line down the middle of an A4 piece of paper. In one column write down your monthly income and in the other all your monthly expenses. This should include all your direct debits, subscriptions, and all those sneaky reoccurring card payments. If it goes out regularly, write it down. 2 CATEGORISE YOUR SPENDING Now that you have all your monthly expenses out in the open, categorise them in to three distinct pots: ● Essentials include things such as your rent or utility bills ● Non-Essentials include subscriptions, gym memberships or eating…

Long-haired lothario Pete Wicks was a massive hit on reality show The Only Way Is Essex for seven years – until his recent revelation. He’s stepped back (amidst rumours he wasn’t ‘gelling’ with some cast members), and was only going to return to film the occasional episode. Here, the 35-year-old with a penchant for tattoos opens up about his ‘new chapter’, his maddest TV moments and his zany yet heartwarming friendship with former Made in Chelsea star, Sam Thompson… Pete, you stepped back from TOWIE, the show that made you famous. Why? I’ve been on it such a long time, it just felt like the right moment. I’ve got a busy year coming up and it’s become increasingly difficult to give as much time to TOWIE as I needed to. Was that decision somewhat…

ENGLISH SPARKLING ROSE, BOWLER & BROLLY AT ALDI, £15,99  Rosé lovers (isn’t that everyone?) this is for you. Filled with bubbles and notes of raspberry, the perfect girls’ night in, we say! ★★★★★ ULTIMATE CHICKEN MEXICANA, FROM £6.65 The latest pizza to join the Domino’s menu is inspired by flavours of Mexico, featuring spiced pulled chicken. We couldn’t eat this quick enough… ★★★★★ ALL BUTTER CINNAMON SUGAR PALMIERS, M&S, £1.30 One is not enough for these thin pastry bites! Covered with the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar, they satisfy your sweet and salty cravings at the same time! ★★★★★…

Trish blinked to get used to the dimness of the station, after being dazzled by the sun’s rays reflected against the white stucco façades and tourist-filled pavements outside. When she did, she saw that Roma Termini had hardly changed in the 30 years since she’d last been there – a shy and gawky 18-year-old, clutching a well-creased map of Southern Italy, and looking over the top of her sunglasses in awe as she savoured her last few precious hours in Rome. Taking off her wide brim straw hat, she pushed her sunglasses up on the blonde bob that was now dyed and highlighted to hide the grey. The huge departures board was flashing with trains leaving and arriving, and milling around her were cool Italian youths in soft leather jackets…

SMALL WORLDS, BY CALEB AZUMAH NELSON, PENGUIN, £14.99 This beautiful novel about fathers and sons, faith and friendship – and the small worlds we all build ourselves in order to get by – will win your heart. A love story to music and the joys of youth, it is set over the course of three Summers in budding musician Stephen’s life, from London to Ghana and back again – Summers that will change his life. As touching as it is vibrant, Small Worlds will have you desperate for the heat of the Summer sun, and the sounds of your favourite record on the stereo.…

WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE My partner passed away recently after a short illness. It left me emotionally drained – we never really said a proper goodbye. He fought to stay, but it wasn’t to be. Could he at least be happy now? He certainly deserves to be. Belinda LEE SAYS: Thank you for your message, Belinda. I feel he has a very strong energy and I can see that you were very close to each other. The relationship was full of fun, but his illness came straight out of the blue. He tells me that you’re feeling lonely at the moment, and communication with spirits would be very good for you. He is at peace, he’s just watching over you for you to move forward in a positive way. He…

• 31 large print, easy-colour illustrations.• Perforated page edges to enable you to cleanly tear your artwork out of the book.• Pages can fit in a standard 25cm (high) x 20cm (wide) picture frame.• Designed for adults, but can be enjoyed by all! £6.99, paperback, from Richardson Publishing. Large Print Colour & Frame - Calm available now from all good book retailers. Mindfulness and Relax available July 2023.…

Rylan may have stepped down from co-hosting the show, but Janette has every intention of diving back into It Takes Two this September – even if it means she has a little baby waiting in the wings! ‘Yes, I will – with Aljaž and the baby in the dressing room, probably!’, she says. ‘I’ll have had a chunk of time at home, and I love that show. I’ve also got a TV project in the works, looking back on my life that I can’t say too much about yet. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself. It’s been hard work to get here, don’t get me wrong, but to know that all that hard work has paid off is amazing.’…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT The Star – Alex Polizzi’s high-profile venture showcased on Channel 5’s My Hotel Nightmare – thrust Alfriston into the spotlight when it opened in 2021, but this East Sussex village offers so much more besides. The high street’s lovely collection of flint, brick, tile and timber-framed cottages have a scattering of independent shops, cute cafes and centuries-old pubs, and it’s all surrounded by the unspoiled scenery of the South Downs National Park. INSIDER’S GUIDE As its ages-old buildings attest, Alfriston is steeped in history: from Saxon roots via a medieval port to a hideout for 18th-century smugglers. Its location, where the River Cuckmere carves through the chalky South Downs, puts it within a couple of miles of the landmark Seven Sisters Cliffs. With country walks, sea swims, pub…