Table of contents for 37-2023 in Best

She split from Ben Ofoedu seven months ago but viewers watching Vanessa Feltz on E4’s fun reality show, Celebs Go Dating, have been wondering if the TV star is ‘arrogant’ and ‘awful’ or if the broadcaster entered the dating world too soon, after witnessing her, well, impassioned outbursts… The truth about TV shows is far more complicated than it may first appear. All shows are edited, often for entertainment, and as Vanessa herself explained: ‘The episode where I look impossibly rude, leaving the table and looking at my phone – and I get it – was very unfortunate. The truth was, I had been called unexpectedly in to work, which is why I was staring at my phone. I did say goodbye but it seemed as if I walked off…

As he won the Rising Star gong at the National Television Awards, it’s little wonder that EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier’s proud dad, Jeff, 44, broke down. The 20-year-old model-turned-actor picked up his first TV plaudit at London’s O2 for his portrayal of Freddie Slater – quite the achievement, considering he only joined Albert Square earlier this year. And as he picked up his gong, young Bobby – looking strikingly like his mother, the late Big Brother star, Jade Goody – he couldn’t contain his emotions, reflecting on what his late mum would have made of it all. As for Jeff, who has helped both Bobby and his younger brother, Freddie, navigate the grief of losing Jade at the tender ages of five and four, the enormity of the moment overcame him. Tears…

Opening my online banking, I beamed with pride. ‘We’ve done it!’ I smiled to my husband Shane. It was October 2017, and I’d finally cleared my debt of £10,000. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Being in the red had haunted me for years – often leaving me unable to sleep, filled with anxiety. ‘How will we make it till the end of the month?’ I’d ask Shane on the verge of tears. I felt trapped in an endless hamster wheel, repeating the same cycle month after month. But when I decided to stop hiding from the numbers, my money woes miraculously got lighter. Before I knew it, instead of avoiding checking my account, it became addictive watching my debt diminish. Month by month, I…

TOP TIP! Brushes can leave sweep marks if you don’t blend carefully, so try using your fingers after placing concealer on the delicate eye area for a more effective blend.…

Dr Amir Khan is a GP working in inner-city Bradford but he also enjoys a parallel career as a TV doctor, appearing on Lorraine, GMB, Dr Amir’s Sugar Crash and You Are What You Eat. The only boy in a family of seven siblings, he was raised after his father’s death by his mum, who he has made famous on social media as ace chef ‘Mama Khan’. Amir’s first book was the memoir The Doctor Will See You Now, but he has followed it up with How (Not) To Have An Arranged Marriage – a romantic comedy about a young Muslim medical student who, while his family are planning an arranged marriage, falls in love with a fellow student. We caught up with Dr Amir to talk marriage, TV fame…

I KEEP SEEING SPOTS I’ve been to my optician three times in the past few months about my vision. They keep saying they can’t see anything wrong with my eyes, but despite this, I am still seeing multiple little dark spots. It’s more than just the odd floaters, it’s many, and constant. Now I’m starting to think I should see a GP about it if the opticians aren’t doing much. Any advice before I do? Jane, North London DR HILARY SAYS: You are obviously aware of floaters, which are cobweb-like shapes, consisting of clusters of cells or flecks of protein which float about in the fluid in the clear gel-like liquid in the rear two-thirds of the eyeball. These are common and benign and drift across your field of vision,…

It’s the huge soap comeback that nobody saw coming – but more than a year after its emotional ‘final’ episode, Neighbours is back on our screens this week! It’s cause for celebration for the soap’s millions of fans around the world, as well as the cast returning to roles that many of them have played for more than two decades. Here, fan favourite Jackie Woodburne, aka Susan Kennedy, tells us how much Neighbours’ return means to her, and reveals what we can expect from the new series… Hi Jackie! How did you feel when Neighbours ended? The lead-up to the final day was just sad. We were all heartbroken the show was ending, it was not our choice. It was like something had been taken away from us that we…

Heartthrob and former EastEnders star Nigel Harman, 50, makes no secret of the fact that he is all about the ‘zen’ lifestyle. Telling best about his meditative routine, the dad-of-one revealed, ‘I did a little bit today when I was here because I could feel myself going, ‘Why am I here? What am I doing? Why was this a good idea?!’ So yeah, a little time to breathe. I think on Saturdays, it’s going to be crazy… So it’s a good way of just getting your feet back on the floor in this high-octane, crazy environment!’…

The old man and I live in a modern house. We used to live in a Georgian house and when we built this new simple black wooden box, we retired some of our ‘antique stuff’ to a lock-up. This was a temporary solution… 15 years ago. Now and again, we attempt to sort it out. Geof (the old man’s real name) has a business selling 20th century prints but he also has a sideline in selling decorative items at vintage fairs. These aren’t regular, because we’re too old and knackered to travel around the country, setting up stalls wherever, so we keep it casual and local. We did one this week, which involved delving into the lock-up and yours truly doing a sort of mini climbing expedition, right to the…

Boosting body and soul doesn’t need to be complicated – here’s how 1 The simple spice Studies show curcumin – the active compound in turmeric – is anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and cell-protecting, plus it may help ease joint pain and lower cholesterol. That said, the theoretical promise of curcumin hasn’t consistently translated into human health benefits in clinical studies. It’s important to note that curcumin can react with blood-thinning agents like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. If you want to try a cucurmin capsule, look for one with added piperine (black pepper), which enhances its action*. 2 The flow finder Do you struggle to relax? ‘The reason is because our brains continue to worry, so our nervous system is constantly on high alert,’ says mindfulness teacher Amy Malloy (theworldofamy.com). But small creative…

VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Someone needs your help so fit whatever you can into your schedule, for the rewards will be heartwarming. There may also be a charitable or environmental project that draws you in. You may feel resentful at first but do it with a good grace for there will be long-term benefits and unforeseen opportunities arising for you. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Undercurrents in your social group could make things difficult, but only if you let them. People have hidden motives and may try to manipulate and manoeuvre to get their own way. Plus, there could be financial issues bubbling under the surface. Keep smiling, have as much fun as you can and be clear about who pays what! SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21…

EXIT STAGE DEATH: PICTURE PERFECT MYSTERIES Wednesday, Channel 5, 2.15pm While backstage, photographer Allie Adams discovers the body of the show’s leading lady, murdered before the curtain went up… Intrigued? Watch this Wednesday! REVENGE FOR MY MOTHER Thursday, Channel 5, 2.15pm Audrey teaches postnatal fitness to a group of mothers who bring their pushchairs to the park, but when her recently hired assistant secretly starts exacting revenge, Audrey’s perfect world erupts into madness. CHARMING BUT DEADLY Friday, Channel 5, 2.15pm A successful entrepreneur scores a meeting with a famed prince about a possible investment. But the perfect partnership soon turns into a nightmare when she discovers he’s not what he seems.…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Grand Baie, once a fishing village and now a busy tourist resort, is situated on the north west of the island, about 25km north of the capital Port Louis. Grand Baie is its French name, but it was once called De Bogt Zonder Eyndt (Bay Without End) by the Dutch in the 17th century. With glorious white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and stunning scenery, combined with lively restaurants and bars, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular holiday destination. INSIDER’S GUIDE Veranda Grand Baie is a beautiful hotel that has just been extensively revamped to convey a new and exciting creole chic concept. The rooms feel fresh and vibrant, yet homely and very aesthetically pleasing. The staff can’t do enough for you, making you feel welcome…

‘I started shoplifting at a very young age. When I was three, I used to pop along to Woolworths and steal mouth organs and stash them in the cupboard. Later, at age 12, me and a bunch of friends went on a Christmas shoplifting spree, again in Woolworths, where I was caught with Sellotape and a pottery horse in my bag. The police were called and took me home, where they proceeded to scare the pants off me with threats of a criminal record, which would probably have ruined my life. I never did it again. So, when I read the headline “Shoplifters must face law, even for sub-£200 crimes” I did a double take. What? So as long as you tot up your haul as you go and keep…

Like most of us come September, Holly Willoughby was no doubt hoping for a ‘new term, new start’ return to the This Morning sofa but one ITV viewer slammed the star as ‘peak cringe’, and others agreed with the sentiment, with the daytime show continuing to face scrutiny after Phillip Schofield’s abrupt departure this year. Dancing to ABBA’s Dancing Queen with the cast of Mamma Mia! alongside co-host Alison Hammond, Holly left fans less than impressed with her return from a two-month break, which included a holiday in Portugal… Twitter users didn’t hold back. ‘I’ve had surgeries less painful than this,’ wrote one. Another slammed, ‘They couldn’t have possibly opened the show worse than this…’ And one even said it was ‘peak cringe!’ Others came to the mum-of-three’s defence, writing,…

1 CUSTOM COLOUR Remember learning about pH levels, acid and alkaline charts in science class? It’s wormed its way into make-up over the years. The products use ingredients that react to the pH levels in your skin, creating a colour bespoke to your skin tone, with the intention that one product literally suits all. KIKO Milano Create Your Balance Lip Gloss, £10.99, adds a sheen that gives the illusion of fuller lips, while Lottie London dispels the fear of choosing the wrong blusher shade with its pH Cream Blush, £5.95. 2 DRAW-ON MAKE-UP If you’re too busy to consider brushes and tools, streamline your kit. Eyeshadow sticks do the hard work for you, delivering a wash of colour straight from the product. We love the pointed nib on e.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Research shows that ‘normal eaters’ think about food 15-20 per cent of the time during the day, but would-be slimmers can devote as much as 65 per cent to thinking about it – a waste of time and energy! 2 Eliminating food groups including fats can drive cravings – your brain sends messages to your body suggesting you need certain foods – while skipping meals can trigger constant food thoughts. 3 Pictures of food stimulate our basic senses like salivation and even palpitations. The practice of posting images is often not just about the food but how it makes us feel: many ‘best moments’ are celebrated on facebook including some big food moments. 4 Swapping to a low-sugar, low-carb plan loaded with healthy fats including eggs,…

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING ON THE TELLY? Catastrophe, the comedy with Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney. It is brilliant and so funny, I am loving it. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? Pizza, by a long shot! It’s not particularly healthy, but on a Friday night it is exactly what the doctor ordered. DO YOU HAVE ANY BAD HABITS? I am a chocoholic – like, a monster. I can easily eat a whole box in an entire sitting. And yes, I know that goes against NHS guidelines. But if a patient gives me a box of biscuits, I’m not sharing.…

As I popped the cork on the bottle of fizz, the room erupted into cheers. There was nothing unusual about having a big party at our house – I’d just made dinner for 25 friends and family and loved every minute of it. We’d had so many parties at our home over the years with friends, children, grandchildren – even complete strangers had asked to pop in for a drink and we’ve obliged! Our place was pretty unique – it was a pub which we’d turned into our home. That may conjure up visions of sticky, beer-stained carpet, musty smelling seats, and toilets that even the local spiders didn’t want to frequent. When we’d told family and friends our plans they were completely bemused. It’d all began back in 2016……

The surprise highlight of Neighbours’ big finale was Eighties favourites Jane Harris and Mike Young rekindling their romance. Annie Jones – aka Jane – is returning to the Street full time, and is thrilled to confirm that Guy Pearce will be making some special appearances. ‘Guy and I had a bit of a chat, threw up some possibilities of what could have happened,’ she cheers. ‘Guy’s such a beautiful person, he wants to do right by all the fans who loved the Mike and Jane story so much.’ And Annie tells us that Jane’s in a pretty good place when the new series begins. ‘Jane has her man, a new stepdaughter, and it’s all happy families,’ she beams. ‘I think the fans are going to be delighted!’…

Craig Revel Horwood – the adored Strictly Come Dancing judge known for his catty but honest comments yet who, in real life, is a total pussycat (‘Gosh, don’t tell people that!’ he laughs) – is back for a new series of the glitziest dance show on telly, and he can’t wait. Here, the 58-year-old Australian, who has been touring as Miss Hannigan in Annie, talks about the celebs he’s got high hopes for, and dressing-room shenanigans with Claudia and Tess… Hi Craig, how are you? It’s been a busy Summer. I’ve been touring with Annie, and now back to Strictly… And as ever, darlings, I can’t wait to bring all you best readers the backstage gossip. Are you looking forward to it as much as ever? I’m now the same…

Strictly Come Dancing, is easily one of the most entertaining shows on TV, so when you’re talking iconic moments, there are plenty to choose from. We’re sure you will have your own personal favourites – but these are just some of the best, and worst that, as soon as they happened, went down in Strictly history. Who knows which celebs will be offering those special memories this series… THE FIRST EVER 40 Every celebrity contestant dreams of scoring a perfect 40 for their routine, and while nowadays it does happen occasionally, back in the early days of Strictly it was not a common occurrence. So, the very first celeb to get top marks from all the judges was something of a watermark. And it happened in Series 2, with actress…

Linda wished Madame Stella would hurry up. ‘It’s all in the stars!’ the pop-up ad on her Facebook page had proclaimed. ‘Instant answers to your heart’s desire!’ What did Linda desire? A lovely new man, that’s what – or rather who. It was six years since she’d lost Ron and while she’d loved him with all her heart, she didn’t want to be alone forever. She’d tentatively dipped a toe into the murky waters that were online dating, but so far, no good. Fate needed to lend a hand – and that’s where Madame Stella came in. But once Linda had revealed her star sign was Pisces, this so-called teller of fortunes had promptly fallen into a kind of trance. Suddenly Madame Stella came to. ‘There will be instant attraction,’…

When former Gogglebox star, the likeable TV vicar Kate Bottley, sat down to talk about her new book Have A Little Faith, you could tell the 48-year-old mum-of-two was incredibly proud – but also ‘terrified’, as she puts it – about seeing her face on the front cover of her own hardback! Kate, who lives in Sheffield with hubby Graham (they’ve been happily married since 1998) presents a show every Sunday morning, 6am-9am, on BBC Radio 2. This weekend, she will be heading to Radio 2 In The Park in Leicester to see and chat to some of her favourite stars, including Kylie Minogue, and hopefully meet some of her faithful listeners, too… Hi Kate! Are you looking forward to BBC Radio 2 In the Park? I’m really excited about…

THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE: THE MUSICAL APOLLO THEATRE, LONDON. FROM 7 OCTOBER 2023 The Time Traveller’s Wife: The Musical, based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger and the New Line Cinema film screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin, will open at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End this October. The musical is said to be a joyous, uplifting celebration of the strange wonder of love, however and whenever we experience it. For more info, see timetravellerswife.com THE GAP HOPE MILL THEATRE, MANCHESTER. 9 FEBRUARY 2024 – 9 MARCH 2024 Matthew Kelly and Loose Women’s Denise Welch star in the world premiere of new play The Gap. The show delves into the audacious adventures of Walter and Corral. He’s back up north, she’s still down south. They haven’t seen each…

Lisa Riley recently took to Instagram to congratulate herself on a very important anniversary – eight years since she quit the booze and embraced sober living. Lisa, who plays loveable Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, posted: ‘CELEBRATION DAY TODAY 8 YEARS SOBER – true meaning of the word…. PROUD…I have a celebration of the finest kind……FEELING REALLY HAPPY…..collecting moments that I will remember FOREVER!!!’ While Lisa has never described herself as an addict, in the past she has talked about using alcohol as a ‘comfort blanket’ but that it ultimately brought her misery. Also, in her wilder years, the star says it led to her house becoming ‘party central’. ‘I remember thinking to myself, “Why does everybody come back to my house?”’ the soap star said. ‘Well, because there was a…

Last Summer, I attended a lovely gathering. There we were, a gaggle of middle-aged women enjoying the warm weather, and sipping cocktails in an enchanting pub garden. Soon, as had become customary of late, I was asked to flash the ring. ‘He picked it out for me, isn’t it lovely,’ I’d say excitedly, as I flashed my dazzling rock. And then I’d tell them how my fiancé took me to a top jewellers in Bond Street and bought me an antique ring of white gold with a beautiful turquoise stone. There was only one problem, I am not really engaged. I’m a fraudster. Last April I took to wearing a divorced friend’s engagement ring and pretended that I was promised to an amazing photographer called Max. I have not lost…

WHAT ARE CERAMIDES? Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up 50 per cent of our skin’s structure. They act like a sealant or barrier that will help keep the skin barrier strong and healthy by preventing environmental aggressors from getting in as well as preventing trans-epidermal water loss. However, ageing and external factors, such as pollution and seasonal weather change, can deplete them, leading to more chances of wrinkles, dullness, and dry, flaky skin. WHAT ARE THE SKIN BENEFITS? Ceramides really are the unsung heroes in the skincare world, helping to strengthen the skin’s barrier and protect against sensitivity and irritation. When applied topically they will slip straight into the skin’s protective barrier to help reinforce it – leaving skin hydrated, plump, supple and more resilient. They can also…

Walking up the hill towards my home, my thighs were rubbing together and I could already feel I was bright red. Stopping to catch my breath, I pretended to be taking in the sea view, but really, I was waiting for my heart rate to slow. It was only a short walk, but it was getting increasingly difficult with my size 22 weight. I hated the way I looked and the way I felt. This wasn’t really me… Growing up, I’d never had a problem with my weight. I’d eaten healthy home-cooked meals my mum made and never snacked. I was always running around horse-riding and doing ballet. When I left school at 18, I was 5ft 4in tall and a size 8. In time, I met a man, got…

MY FRIENDS HAVE IT TOGETHER – AND I DON’T As a divorced single mum, I feel like my friends just can’t relate to my life anymore. They’re all married and quite well-off, and one would still rather stay with her hubby even though he’s cheating, than have a life like mine. I just feel very different to everyone right now and feel myself drifting from them, and the ironic thing is now that I’m single, I need my friends the most. I’m really struggling. Any advice? Julie, Cardiff You are at a different place in life from your married friends. They seem smug and settling. Their concerns are a million miles from yours. Good mates will always be in your corner but this is your moment to branch out and…

Peanut butter cheesecake This no-bake recipe is easy to make and will disappear in seconds as it’s not too sweet or too rich, but delicious Serves 8-10 Prep: 30 min, plus chilling FOR THE BASE • 300g fully coated chocolate digestive biscuits• 50g butter• 3 leaves of gelatine• 600g cream cheese• 200g crunchy peanut butter• 100g caramel sauce or caramel condensed milk FOR THE TOPPING • 150ml double cream• 25g dark chocolate, melted• 50g honey roasted peanuts YOU WILL NEED • A 18cm round springform cake tin 1 Roughly break up the biscuits and pulse them in a food processor to make fine crumbs. Melt the butter in a medium pan, then add the biscuit crumbs and stir well, heating gently for 1 min more. Tip the mix into a…

Available in-store at The Works & online at theworks.co.uk Prima is thrilled to bring you its 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 upcycling 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 QR code…

It feels like this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants are some of the most well-known the series has ever had – including national treasure Angela Rippon (the oldest-ever at 78), Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 51, comedian Les Dennis, 69, and Downtown’s valet, Nigel Harman, 50. We can’t wait… ANGELA RIPPON ‘Why didn’t they ask me 10 years ago?!’ Angela, have you been keeping up dancing since performing with Morecambe and Wise years ago? No, it was 47 years ago! But I’ve been involved with dancing a lot and I’m the one of the ambassadors for the Royal Academy of Dance’s Silver Swans’ programme. So, I go to a ballet class whenever I can, because dance really is the best all-around exercise for mind and body. You’re never going to suffer…

MUSCLEFOOD THAI GREEN CURRY POT, Heron Foods, 3 for £9 or £3.50 each Perfect for when you want something tasty, quick, and nutritious. Their extensive range means they have something to suit every taste. Delicious! ★★★★★ GOUSTO, £34.99* per box which works out at £4.27 per person based on four meals We loved the huge menu they had on offer. Our personal favourite was the Bang bang chicken with a delicious crunchy rice salad. ★★★★★ *GOUSTO are currently offering 20% off all boxes in your first two months. gousto.co.uk HELLO FRESH, £34.49* per box which works out at £4.31 per person based on four meals We loved their creamy chicken and mushroom pot pie recipe that’s on offer this week, featuring a crunchy potato topping. ★★★★★ hellofresh.co.uk *Currently offering 60% off…