Table of contents for 17-2020 in Best

Hands up whose house is now way cleaner than pre-lockdown… Mine is and I’ve found all sorts as I’ve cleaned: Old love letters, baby pics of my daughter I’d forgotten, framed prints now adorning my walls… A wealth of treasures amid the dust. This issue is full of our columnists sharing their cleaning ideas and experiences from Carol’s To Do list on p21 to Ruth’s exclusive pictures at Castle Holmes, p46. Plus, we have a heart-wrenching story of how one woman scrubbed her pain away finding comfort in her spotless home and making her fortune along the way, p18. And don’t forget, ladies, the growing trend – putting the bins out in your best frock (p16)! Send me YOUR cleaning tips and pics, if I get enough we will print…

Rumours are now swirling that it isn’t just Meghan that may have a difficult relationship with the Duchess of Cambridge… Over the years, hints have been made that the York sisters have often felt a twinge of jealousy towards Kate Middleton. For despite being the daughters of a Prince, it was the effortlessly beautiful Kate (daughter of an air stewardess and a party planner), who would grow up to marry a future king. Used to privilege their whole lives, destiny didn’t smile so kindly on Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Even before their father was removed from Royal duties and linked to the Epstein scandal, their uncle, Prince Charles, had encouraged his nieces to get jobs to slim down the monarchy. Then last week, a story was unearthed by a national…

It’s back and we are loving it! Now more than ever, the nation could do with some ‘old school’ variety entertainment. Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, both 44, are back behind-the-scenes to congratulate or commiserate the hopefuls on Britain’s best talent show. Here, the double act, best-known as ‘Ant and Dec’, spill the beans on the judges, the acts and admit it’s 30 years in October since they first stepped out on Byker Grove… ‘If you had told the 14-year-old us that we’d still be working together on some of the biggest TV shows in the world, we’d have laughed you out of Byker Grove,’ said Ant. No longer neighbours, but still ‘best pals’, Dec is now married to Ali Astall and the pair have a one-year-old daughter, Isla. Meanwhile Ant, who…

The windows of Lynsey Crombie’s home in Peterborough sparkle like diamonds and you can see your face in the spotless polished worktops. You wouldn’t expect anything less, though, from the UK’s Queen of Clean. Mum-of-three Lynsey, 41, is a ‘cleanfluencer’ – one of the new band of women storming social media while cleaning up financially… from, literally, cleaning up. With 186,000 Instagram followers, regular appearances on ITV’s This Morning and two books to her name, Lynsey – who first came to fame on Channel 4’s Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners – is in a great place, career-wise. But the passion for cleanliness that brought her here comes from a very dark place. For Lynsey’s obsession with cleaning started 17 years ago after the horrific discovery that her new husband was a paedophile.…

Former Gogglebox star turned singer Sandi Bogle, 55, has a skill for making people laugh. The South London star became famous for her one-liners and infectious laugh on the popular Channel 4 show. A much- missed sofa favourite alongside her BFF Sandra Martin, Sandi is also a mum of four, a grandma, and a cousin of supermodel Naomi Campbell. Here, she explains why laughter is the best medicine in these strange times and why we all need to count our blessings and, as the song says, ‘keep smiling’… Hi Sandi! How are you doing in these crazy times? Oh my God… it’s actually reminding me of going back to the old days with my family – my mum and grandparents, when they used to have blackouts and we’d always have candles in our…

LEMONS: Drinking lemon-infused hot water first thing in the morning helps kick-start the digestion process for the rest of the day. It also aids healthier-looking skin STRAWBERRIES: The high vitamin C content reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system. The juice or pulp of strawberries contains malic acid, which can lighten surface stains. as vitamin C promotes collagen production. Try: Nail Brightener – Rub a slice of lemon over your nails and cuticles once or twice a week and rinse with lukewarm water, to naturally whiten them. Try: Natural Teeth Whitener –Mash up a couple of ripe strawberries, then spread over a tooth brush and clean for two to three minutes. Use daily for a couple of weeks to see results. ORANGES:  A great source of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)…

White Bean Salad A simple, quick and healthy white bean salad that is the perfect accompaniment to a main meal, or works as a delicious, healthy and vegetarian meal for two. And the best bit? It only takes five minutes to make! PER SERVING CALS 244 FAT 16.65g ¼ red cabbage, shredded1 spring onion, thinly sliced1 tin cannellini beans (drained weight 240g)1 courgette1 ball (210g) mozzarella2 tbsp olive oil2 tbsp red wine vinegar1 tbsp dried oregano Dozen ripped basil leaves 1 Finely shred a quarter of a red cabbage and place into a mixing bowl along with a finely sliced spring onion. 2 Drain and rinse the cannellini beans and add to the bowl. 3 Trim the ends of the courgette and then, using a potato peeler, shave strips from…

It was an unlikely setting for a massacre. The smartly renovated 18th-century pottery barn on the eastern limit of the Peak District was home to Gill Moran, 38, her husband, Richard, 41, and their daughter, Sarah, 10, plus her mother, Amy Minton, 67, and father, Arthur Minton, 74. The extended family lived together comfortably and it was a setting for many happy evenings. But the day Billy Hughes turned up – January 12, 1977 – changed everything. Hughes, 28 – aptly known as ‘Mad Billy’ – was an escaped prisoner and a violent man who’d been in and out of prison since childhood. Earlier that day, he’d attacked two prison officers who were transferring him from Leicester Prison to Chesterfield magistrates’ court, to go on trial for rape and GBH.…

GROOMING Among other things, Ruth worries about her hair and nails during lockdown. I, though, have seized the opportunity to let my whiskers grow. For the first two weeks I was only seen in public on a Friday. Ample opportunity to dodge shaving, my least favourite daily chore. Ruth’s not keen, but the dog seems to still love me! DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? What will change when this is over? Although we may think we will be different, or that the world has to change, I still believe that, despite the horribleness of what is happening, people have short memories and self-interest will again take priority. I hope I’m wrong. Not least because anytime I open the window, I am so aware of birds singing. No airplane noise,…

We adore them but time locked up with loved ones can put the best relationships to the test. Even our newly married columnist Carol McGiffin is wondering if life cooped up with hubby Mark can stay harmonious when she doesn’t feel like washing her hair and wine o’clock is getting earlier. Here, Paul McKenna looks at ways to stop the conflicts boiling over in the style of TV’s Victora Meldrew and his long-suffering wife Margaret… SPOT TROUBLE 1 PERSONAL CRITICISM When either party repeatedly labels the other person as bad, the relationship is threatened. It is perfectly possible to disagree, or dislike what someone does, without being critical of who they are. In other words, it’s vital to distinguish between someone’s identity and their actions. For example: Jane says, ‘Let’s…

Are you an aspiring author? Do you have a story you’re longing to tell? best is searching for the next fiction star of the future. We are looking for short stories (no longer than 1,200 words). The subject matter is up to you – be it romance, family drama or clever crime. The winning entry will not only be published in a future issue of best, the author will win £500, too. If you think you’ve got what it takes to win, see how to enter, right. HOW TO ENTER Send your story along with your name, email address and phone number to: bestfiction2020@hearst.co.uk with ‘Best fiction competition’ in the subject title by 25 May 2020. Entries will be judged by 15 June and a winner will be picked shortly…

A BIT OF ALL WRITE Are you a committed bookworm or will you wait for the film version to come out? Either or, you ain’t got nuffink without an author! Look for the writers of classic novels in the grid. All are hidden in the usual way, bar one – which one? Solution on page 78. AUSTEN BRONTE CARROLL DEFOE DICKENS ELIOT FIELDING FORSTER HARDY HUXLEY ORWELL SHELLEY STEVENSON STOKER TOLKIEN WAUGH WELLS WOOLF 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. See if you’re right on page 78. FACE TIME Have a look at the motley crew below. Who are they and what connects them all? Solution on page 78. CODE NAME Loose…

Acid attack survivor Katie Piper, 36, is keeping her spirits up – even in these very trying times. Her podcast, Extraordinary People, is full of brave interviewees who have faced all sorts of hardships, giving us all a little perspective. Here, the Hampshire-born star tells us why we should be making the most out of our isolated situation, because life will always be tough, it’s just what we make of it that counts… You’ve launched the third series of your podcast. Tell us more… I interview people who have faced adversity and gone on to make a new normal – something we’re all having to do now. Their stories aren’t always about the happy ending, because… life isn’t like that. It’s about how they’ve learned to adapt, which is what’s being…

Ella Chadwick, right, is just one of the kids that left us in pieces when she sang and signed This is Me from The Greatest Showman, but Ella had met Simon before… ‘I have to confess I have a friend of mine in this choir, Ella. Remember Pride of Britain?’ beamed Simon. Having admitted she has a crush on him, the 12-year-old (who raised £3,000 for the hospital where she underwent 40 operations for a kidney disorder) shone with pride and nodded. The group was put together by 18-year-old Jade Kilduff, who was told that her four-year-old brother, Christian, would never talk and she refused to accept that meant he wouldn’t communicate. ‘It’s an audition I will never forget,’ said Simon. Neither will we. Maybe David’s Golden Buzzer act can…

‘Like most people, I suspect, I have a lockdown list of things to do seeing as I have copious amounts of time to fill while I’m imprisoned in my own home. And, like most people, it’s getting longer as things get added but not much gets ticked off. Spring cleaning, done. Delete all rubbish from iPhone, done. That’s it. In three weeks. I’m not sure what the reasons are for this exactly, but lack of motivation usually comes from an absence of hope. Which sounds fatalistic, but realistically hope is thin on the ground when there’s no end in sight, which there isn’t. So, I still need to write my second book, learn to speak better French, do three months of accounts, sort out my computer’s photo library of 59,000…

Lava Brownie Cake What’s better than a rich, fudgy, chocolaty brownie? How about a rich, fudgy, chocolaty brownie with a gooey Nutella centre? 1 tbsp butter2 tbsp chocolate chips1 tbsp all-purpose flour2 tbsp granulated sugar2 tbsp whisked egg (about half of 1 extra-large egg)1 tbsp Nutella Topping and decoration, optional (serves 2):120ml heavy whipping cream2 tsp granulated sugar1 tsp cocoa powder chocolate shavings 1 Place butter and chocolate chips in an oversized microwave-safe mug. Microwave for about 40 seconds and mix with a small whisk until chocolate is melted. 2 Add remaining ingredients except Nutella and whisk until batter is smooth. 3 Place Nutella in the centre of the batter and push down until it is no longer visible. 4 Cook in microwave for about 1 minute. Let brownie cool…

Bake Off judge Prue Leith has spoken movingly about a trip to Cambodia, the birth country of her adopted daughter, Li-Da. ‘Li-Da had an increasing desire to know about her birth family,’ Prue explained. ‘And as I get older, I want to know that I did everything I should have as her mother. Maybe it was time to lay those ghosts to rest.’ Accompanied by a film crew, mum and daughter set off in an attempt to trace Li-Da’s birth mother. Now 46 and a mum herself, Li-Da had escaped the Cambodian civil war when she was just a baby and knows nothing about her biological parents. Prue, 80, and her late husband, Rayne, adopted Li-Da when she was 16 months old. A sickly child, she was airlifted out of Phnom…

HOW IT WORKS Dig deep and take a look at what’s in your freezer, as chances are it is packed full of nutrient-rich fruit and veg. These can be used in smoothies, soups and family meals and will help you lose weight, too. Follow our freezer plan and drop pounds. • While we’re all striving to stay well with regular shopping trips off-limits, using items from your freezer could be the answer. Frozen veg and fruit is nutrient-dense as it’s picked and frozen fresh. You can turn frozen meat, such as mince, chicken pieces and even fish fingers into tasty low-fat family meals. • Mark Gilbert, nutritionist for 1:1 by Cambridge Weight Plan, says: ‘You can wash several different fruits and veg – enough to blend up a smoothie –…

When my boyfriend, John, now 52, got down on one knee, I gasped. We were at home – in the bathroom of all places – but I didn’t need a moment to think. ‘Of course I’ll marry you!’ I squealed. As he placed the sparkly silver-diamond ring on my finger, I looked down at my big frame, and my excitement vanished. ‘I don’t want to be a fat bride,’ I said to John, deflated. ‘You’re beautiful as you are,’ he said, kissing me on the hand. I couldn’t wait to marry John, an RAC worker, who I’d met in 2012. He’d come to my rescue after my car broke down. He was funny and handsome, and we clicked right away. I was smitten. After he towed my car back to…

It may feel like day-to-day life has lost its sparkle at the moment. But every cloud has a silver lining, and now we’re all at home more, there’s more opportunity to get lost in the wonder of storytelling. As well as suggesting some books that will chase away your lockdown blues, we have three inspiring short stories for you to enjoy, an interview with an author giving tips on how it’s done – plus a chance to see your own work published in best and win £500, with our brand-new short story competition. So, get reading and get writing!…

THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, 19-23 MAY The flower show that welcomes the great and the good and puts a smile on everyone’s face has, of course, been cancelled this year for the first time in its illustrious history. But, while we won’t see Charlie Dimmock extolling the virtues of water features on the small screen, the Royal Horticultural Society will be hosting an online flower show on the dates planned for the festival. And in the meantime, an A to Z of all the exhibitors who would have been at the show is available so you can admire their wares and buy online. rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show FABULOUS FRAGRANCES Nothing makes your home feel more like a haven than for it to smell gorgeous. So why not add some magic with this wonderful…

Former Corrie star Reece Dinsdale, 60, left the famous cobbles 10 years ago and has now moved over to join the cast of Emmerdale. He is currently at home self-isolating with his Northern Irish wife, Zara Turner, daughter Elwy, 19, and son Luca, 15. He talks about his friendship with Lisa Riley, aka Mandy Dingle, his thoughts on the Coronavirus, and the lasting sadness of losing his dad last year… These are difficult times for TV soaps right now, aren’t they? Very strange times indeed… Emmerdale has temporarily stopped filming, as you know. But we all must keep safe. That’s what is most important right now. How are you coping, day to day? I’m trying to stay positive. We are all in a situation where none of us know what is going to…

Coronavirus is making headlines daily. But thankfully, among the tragic stories of loss, there are also stories of hope – one of those is Linda Lusardi. At one point, Linda was so ill with Coronavirus, she feared she was going to die. But she fought a hard battle – and won. Speaking from the home she shares with her talent agent husband, Sam Kane, the emotional 61-year-old recalled the start of their nightmare. ‘We were in separate rooms, vomiting with diarrhoea. When we phoned 111 they said they are not Corona symptoms – they weren’t at the time – so we carried on battling through. ‘They said take paracetamol and drink plenty of water. But every time we drank water we were vomiting it up, until I was getting breathless…

TOP TIP! A biker-style jacket is the ultimate in casual cool. It looks great teamed with trousers. TOP TIP! Invest in this classic short Trench-style and you’ll be wearing it for years to come. TOP TIP! An over-sized blazer works well with jeans and flats. It’s also a great way to smarten up a frock.…

TOP TIP! Prep your lips with a scrub first – you can make one with sugar and honey!…

WORRIED FOR MUM My elderly mum is at home, alone and self-isolating. She lives about 30 minutes away from me, but it might as well be another planet. She’s 82 and very frail, but most of all I’m worried about her getting scammed during this crisis. Last week, she gave two men, who said they were from a local Covid-19 Support Group and wanted to know if she needed anything, £20 to get her some shopping – and they never came back, the scumbags. I’ve told her to be vigilant and not trust anyone, but what else can I do? Vicky, Brighton Talk her through all the scams you’ve heard about. Explain clearly that, even in these frightening times, not everyone is who they claim to be. Emphasise the need…

SIDE ORDER! Just when you thought Pizza Express Dough Balls couldn’t get any better, along comes the new Cheese and Garlic Dough Balls, £3, from Waitrose. The oozy cheese and garlic filling make the perfect TV snack, side with a salad or enjoyed with a favourite pizza. IN THE CAN A well-stocked store cupboard has never been more important. Enter Napolina’s canned quinoa – drained and ready to serve, it’s perfect to give salads a bit more bite. Just 70p at Morrisons. BEAN THERE, DONE THAT COFFEE BREAK For a WFH caffeine fix, splash out on Carte Noire’s Classique Instant Coffee, £3.99. The delicious blend of beans can be enjoyed with milk for a creamier taste and squares of chocolate for the perfect midmorning treat. LOLLY GOOD FUN! Fancy a…

TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Breaking taboos will give Taureans like The Stranger and A Confession actress, Siobhan Finneran, and Scottish singer Sheena Easton of For Your Eyes Only, a great deal of pleasure. Keep pushing the envelope and you will make a name for yourself in your desired field. Persistence is key. CANCER 22 June – 23 July Accept an invitation to a seminar or professional gathering later in the year. If you’re looking for work, your plans may have to be postponed. Trust your intuition as you’ll know the right moves to make and when to make them. You don’t have to keep fingers crossed as everything’s going as well as can be expected. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Taking regular exercise helps keep you on…

LOCKDOWN LIFE I’m not a super mum – but I am a mum. I’m not here to paint the way I’m dealing with social distancing, lockdown or how to keep occupied as some gospel to follow, to preach to you or hold Ruth’s way up as The Way. It’s just My Way. As it became clear how serious Coronavirus was becoming, I knew our lives would change. Although we work together at least one day a week on This Morning, outside that, Eamonn and I are often like ships in the night. We are not just a ‘TV couple’. Throughout our careers, we have been separate presenters, had separate work commitments that involve long hours and travel. It wasn’t lost on me that I like my space, my routines and…

ISLAND ESCAPES A Theatre For Dreamers Polly Samson Bloomsbury, £14.99 Get swept away to the Greek island of Hydra in the Sixties, a mecca for artists and writers. Teenager Erica arrives, grieving for her mother, only to find a complicated world of adult relationships to navigate. Gloriously escapist. The Bookshop on the Shore Jenny Colgan Sphere, £7.99 Cash-strapped single mother Zoe is struggling in London when salvation comes in the form of a job in the Highlands, as a book seller and au pair to a gang of motherless children. It’s another charmer from an author who never fails to lift the spirits. SPIRIT LIFTERS The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Taylor Jenkins Reid Simon & Schuster, £7.99 An ageing Hollywood actress looks back on her glamorous and scandalous life…

Louise’s new book is a spooky mystery set in a theatre that is said to be haunted by the ghost of a beautiful actress who was murdered in her dressing room on the opening night of a musical, I Am Dust. Louise has drawn on her own experience as a theatre usher to spark just the right spooky note. She says, ‘One thing you know from working in theatre, a lot of the drama takes place backstage. I thought with all those shadows, corridors and velvet curtains – what a great place for a haunting.’ I Am Dust by Louise Beech is published now by Orenda, £8.99…

1 The Big Night In BBC ONE, THURSDAY, TIME TBC When it comes to a charity telethon, no one does it better than the BBC and they are hosting this spectacular event to raise funds for the Coronavirus crisis, bringing Children in Need and Comic Relief together for the first time. Sir Lenny Henry is a big name on board, among other stars, and there will also be appearances from Davina McCall, Peter Kay, Gary Barlow and Catherine Tate. Of course, it will all be recorded remotely – but there’s no doubt it promises to include tears and laughter, making it a night to remember. 2 Killing Eve BBC ONE, SUNDAY, 9.15PM NEW SERIES Welcome back Miss Villanelle, we have been expecting you! What could be more delightful than the…

Rachel Lugo, 45, is best known for being the warm yet feisty figure on ITVBe’s Real Housewives of Cheshire. Though the mum-of-five went through a painful break-up last year, series 11 shows Rachel putting herself first. What is it about RHOC that keeps you coming back? I genuinely see these girls as my friends. I know we have our fall-outs and friendships change, but I care so much about all of them and we have far more ups than downs. What can we expect this time? We have a new Housewife, Nicole, who has fitted into the group really well. I’ve had some fall outs which probably could have been avoided, but at the end of the day it is reality! And Lauren’s back! It’s so nice to have Lauren…

Created by foodies for foodies, Charlie Bigham’s dishes are lovingly made following the same attention to detail that you would if you were to cook them yourself at home. Using top-quality ingredients, chosen for their deliciousness, his goal is to help people steal back quality time by doing all the dinner prep for them. And with more than 60 savoury dishes to choose from, inspired by British classics and world flavours, as well as a new range of gloriously indulgent Proper Puds, you’ll find a dish for you. best magazine is offering 25 lucky readers the chance to win a Charlie Bigham’s meal for two, redeemable in store. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best1720 by 8 May 2020. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2735 by midnight…