Table of contents for 6 - 2022 in Best

Goodbye January and HELLO February. Please be a good month and bring happiness and smiles to all my friends and family. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we have gift ideas for you (page 106) and your pets (page 79). We’ve asked the GHI to test Prosecco (page 41) and if you are single our monthly columnist Not So Bridget is being joined by ‘Dating Mr Darcy’ telling you the bloke’s point of view (page 82) on finding love over 50! We have a heart-health quiz (page 76) and three romantic reads written by you (pages 49-55)! Plus, a new competition where we’re asking you to send us in your purr-fect short stories (page 56) about pets. And we’re showing you how to shop in an entirely new way! Turn to…

When radio presenter Adele Roberts joined her friend Kate Garraway on GMB last week to talk about her ongoing battle with bowel cancer, both appeared emotional. ‘My lovely friend,’ Kate began, with a wobble in her voice. ‘Do I look alright?’ a shaven-headed Adele asked. ‘You look amazing,’ Kate said warmly. ‘But was it a shock?’ Adele replied honestly, ‘Yes. It may sound silly but it is only now I realise cancer can happen to anyone…’ Adele, 42, ‘pretty much a vegetarian’ and a keen runner, is undergoing chemotherapy, following surgery to remove the tumour last October. Kate first met the presenter in the I’m a Celeb jungle in 2019 – and they were soon reminiscing about their time Down Under. Adele admitted that their unusual jungle diet had left her wondering…

This season is all about sharing the love for cleaning with the special edition heart-shaped cloth and sponge by cleaning brand, spunj. These products are ultra-thirsty and great for soaking spills, wiping up liquids, demisting shower screens, damp dusting and much more! The amazing thing about these products? They are super absorbent and can hold up to 8x their weight in liquids, completely drip-free. To share the love for the new launch, spunj are giving away 10 spunj bundles containing the new collection plus a £40 voucher to spend in B&M! The special edition heart-shaped products are available from B&M, Poundland, Savers and The Range for a limited time. The competition is not affiliated with B&M. To enter, see right. 10 to give away HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money…

Standing on the scales, I took a deep breath and looked down. 16st 2lbs… Although I wasn’t happy with the number staring back at me, I couldn’t say I was all that surprised. ‘At least you’re doing something about it,’ I told myself. It was June 2016, and I was at my first Slimming World meeting near my home in Liverpool. I was determined to make some changes in my life, focus on leading a healthier lifestyle and shed the excess weight I was carrying. Armed with information, recipes and the support of my Consultant, Claire. I hoped this would be a turning point for me. After all, it’d been a long time coming… Growing up, I’d always been a sporty kid and loved dancing, swimming and cross-country. My mum,…

Helen regretted saying ‘yes’ the instant she put the phone down. She’d told her daughter at the time that getting a dog was a big mistake but she wouldn’t listen and now she was asking her to mind the creature. She looked at her fireplace decorated with angels and glass vases and wondered which items she would have to remove out of the living room in order to protect them from getting damaged. Looking at her grey fabric couch she decided she wouldn’t let it in here at all. The weekend soon arrived and Helen opened the door with a painted smile on her face. She wasn’t looking forward to this at all but her grandson waved at her from the back of the car, excited to be going on…

‘I’m giving my iPad away,’ my then-17-year-old son, Sebbie, announced. I was surprised. He’s always been generous – but with the start of the pandemic, schools closing and then the lockdown in March 2020, it was a lifeline against loneliness and for staying in touch with friends. But I soon discovered his reasoning – he was worried about a classmate who didn’t have a device of his own to use. That’s Sebbie. Always generous and thinking of others, despite his own challenges. Born with a rare chromosome anomaly, he has faced physical and learning difficulties all his life. But that isn’t how you define him – he seeks the joy and positivity in everything. He always has. I explained if he gave his iPad away, he wouldn’t be able to…

Funnyman Alan Carr, 45, looked downcast recently as his split from husband Paul Drayton was confirmed. A shock announcement from his spokesperson read simply: ‘After 13 years as a couple and three years of marriage, Alan Carr and Paul Drayton would like to announce they are separating… They have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go their separate ways.’ More shockingly still, just five days later, Alan’s ex was sent to jail for 14 weeks, over an incident last October which saw him drunkenly reversing into a police car with an alcohol test reading ‘off the scale’. He plans to appeal. Alan – currently appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – and party planner Paul, tied the knot in 2018 after 10 years together, with the…

ARIES 21 March – 20 April You may need to remind yourself that Rome wasn’t built in a day. If you don’t achieve all you set out to do this week, don’t stress about it, remember there’s always next week and even the week after. Think of your health and your own needs and you will do OK. If you push yourself to the limit, the opposite is going to be the case. Slow down and take regular breaks – don’t burn yourself out. Outgoings are increasing. Get together with family to decide on how you might economise and be sure everyone is contributing their fair share. It’s easier when everyone plays their part. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Your partner or someone who is equally as close to…

It’s chilly out there, so what could be nicer than curling up by the fire with a great book? Deirdre O’Brien picks some hot reads… HISTORICAL HITS TREAT FOR AUSTEN FANS Cassandra: The Cousins of Pemberley Linda O’Byrne Spellbound books, £6.99 This entertaining series picks up the baton of Pride and Prejudice’s Bennett girls. First, we meet Cassandra – the child of Lydia and Wickham – who avoids a loveless marriage and seeks help from her aunt Lizzie, now mistress of Pemberley. The Leviathan Rosie Andrews Raven Books, £14.99 With England torn apart by civil war in 1643, reluctant soldier Thomas Treadwater is summoned home by his sister, who is concerned about their widowed father and suspicious that one of their servants is a witch. A subtle, spooky tale with…

Welcome to the hilarious, hairraising adventures of Dodger, Fagin, his gang and a colourful gallery of fantastic Victorian characters. In this Oliver Twist prequel, starring Christopher Eccleston, we follow the gang as they are down on their luck, ducking and diving their way through the tough London streets, trying to keep one step ahead of the police as they embark on Dodger’s latest madcap scheme. Whether it’s acting in a haunted theatre, sneaking into Madame Tussaud’s, posing as a long-lost boy, printing their own dodgy money, a daring rescue from a hellish carnival, running the gauntlet with an obsessive Egyptologist – even breaking into Buckingham Place – will the law finally catch up with Dodger and send him to the gallows? Hold on to your top hats, Dodger’s going to…

HOUSE OF GUCCI Inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire, starring Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider who marries into the Gucci family. Her ambition begins to unravel the family legacy – triggering a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence… and murder. On DVD from 21 February. BELFAST A powerful, moving, semi-autobiographical film from Kenneth Branagh. Belfast chronicles the lives of a close, working-class family during the Sixties in the Northern Irish capital. With stunning turns from Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench, it is quite rightly getting Oscars buzz. In cinemas now, and on DVD from 1 March. WEST SIDE STORY In this stirring new Steven Spielberg adaptation, love strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a school dance in 1957…

1 MAKE THE MOVE We’ve all heard the saying, you’re more likely to get divorced than change your bank account. But if you’ve been with the same bank for a while, you could be missing out on a better deal. Fewer of us have been switching our current accounts since the start of the pandemic, but now could be a good time to see what other accounts are available. Thanks to the Seven-Day Switching Guarantee, it’s quick and easy to make the move. 2 START SHREDDING Ditch bank statements and financial paperwork over a year old. Make sure to shred or rip up old paperwork if it contains your name and financial details. The tax office recommends keeping self-employment records for five years, but this needn’t be a hard copy.…

Ringing the doorbell, I took a step back – and a deep breath. Squeezing my baby daughter, Leila, I tried to control my nerves. When the door opened, a man stood there. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he could only be Leila’s dad, Scott. But this was the first time I was meeting him. You see, I’d conceived Leila by way of a sperm donor, and once she was born, I’d decided to find him. Now, after months of emailing, here he was. ‘Come inside,’ he invited, smiling. As we went in, I sat Leila on the floor and Scott’s 18-year-old son started to play with her. We looked at each other and smiled, my nerves evaporating. To an outsider, it may have seemed like a happy family…

TOP TIP! Frame your card for a little piece of artwork.…

The skin around the eyes is very delicate, in fact, it can age up to 36 times faster than the rest of your face. The skin is also 10 times thinner, making it more vulnerable. Eye bags, dark circles, wrinkles and hooded eyes are among the biggest concerns during Winter. But thanks to the latest tweakments and a host of wrinkle-erasing and dark-circle fading eye creams, you can banish the curse of Winter eyes. CROW’S FEET The skin here does not have much support structure, so sun damage, a decrease in collagen and facial expressions, like squinting, contribute to all these lines. Dream Cream: Look for ingredients like retinol, Coenzyme Q10 and peptides, proteins that stimulate collagen growth to help strengthen skin. Try Embryolisse Smoothing Eye Contour Care Cream, £24,99.…

OVERALL WINNER La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC, Treviso, £9.99 (majestic.co.uk) ‘Gioiosa’ is Italian for ‘joyful’ and our winning Prosecco delivers just that. It’s full of classic Prosecco flavours – think tart lemon, green apple and peach – with expressive bubbles and a crisp, refreshing finish. 84/100 BEST ALL-ROUNDER Selfridges Selection Prosecco, £13.99 (selfridges.com) Selfridges Selection wines often score highly in our taste tests and this Prosecco – made by award-winning winery Adami, in Treviso – is no exception. Bringing light citrus aromas and a smooth mouthfeel, our panel felt it would suit all palates. 78/100 JOINT RUNNER-UP SUPERMARKET OPTION Waitrose & Partners Blueprint Prosecco DOC, £6.99 (waitrosecellar.com) You should find all the classic components – crunchy green apple, white blossom and pear – along with a touch of biscuit. Well-rounded, with…

Dearest darling Ben, Valentine’s Day is coming. Yes, I know you think it’s a dreadful state of affairs that my birthday also happens to be in February. You’ve often expressed your horror at the thought that I could possibly expect you to commemorate St. Val and my nativity on the 21st, just a week apart. Blame my parents. I didn’t plan it this way. You find it incomprehensible that a woman of my vintage could hanker for a Valentine’s Day laden with romance. You can’t believe I still long for cascades of roses, exciting surprises or dream of being whisked away to a surprise secret destination to be wined, dined and treated like a queen. You think I should have snapped out of all that childish stuff by now. I’m…

We asked you to turn your thoughts to romance for our latest fiction competition, which has a Valentine’s Day theme – and you didn’t disappoint. We were overwhelmed with stirring stories of hearts and flowers, reminding us that romance is always just around the corner. Congratulations to our winner Sylvia Taylor, whose Valentine’s Day had plenty of va-va-voom, and to the two runners-up. We are sure you will love them as much as we do. Turn over for more…

Josie was feeling decidedly miserable whenever she thought about the upcoming Valentine’s Day. She couldn’t walk through the town centre without seeing offers for romantic breaks, exquisite pieces of jewellery or a candle-lit dinner for two. After 33 years of marriage to Paul she had accepted that although he was a hard-working and caring husband he would never have any inclination towards a spontaneous romantic gesture. She had, however, secretly hoped that now the children had all left home they could add a little sparkle to their marriage. Only last night, he’d informed her some ‘mate’ at work had asked him to be his best man. To add to the romance, the couple had arranged the wedding for Valentine’s Day. At this point any slim hope she might have harboured…

Here’s some good news! These days, when it comes to skincare, you don’t have to pay a fortune to find the right products for your skin type. And if your skin is more mature, there’s greater choice than ever to tackle everything from fine lines to dryness. Here’s how to put your best face forward – and, best of all, every product is under £10! 1 THE EYE CREAM Revolution Skincare Brightening Ginseng Eye Cream (£8, boots.com) Ginseng is said to have brightening properties, so this is the perfect eye cream if you suffer from dark circles. With a moisturising formula that includes shea butter and glycerine, the creamy texture can be easily smoothed under eyes. It doesn’t sit in lines, which also makes this the perfect base for concealer.…

With her blonde hair, beautiful smile and a longing for adventure, Gabby Petito had everything to live for. The 22-year-old came from a loving family and although her parents – Joe and Nichole – had split when Gabby was just a year old, they’d remained friends. Nichole went on to marry Jim, while Joe wed Tara, and Gabby was blessed with four parents who loved her dearly. ‘Jim was just as much her dad as I was,’ Joe said. Gabby had been popular at school in her hometown of Blue Point, in Long Island, America. A baton-twirler who ran track and was artistic, she embraced social media, sharing images and videos of her life online. ‘It didn’t matter how old she got, she was still my little girl,’ Joe says…

I hate to break this to you, but dark clouds are gathering on the fashion front. Brace yourselves, ladies, because – according to ‘those in the know’ (the dreaded fashion gurus) – the belt is back. This means the waist is back, which means, come the Summer, the shops will be full of frocks with waists, for women who have waists - and most of us will scuttle home trying to remember when we last had a waist! Fashion is a fickle beast and for the past couple of years we’ve been able to ignore what’s in and out, because who cares about fashion when you’re mostly stuck indoors and barely out of your pyjamas? As I say in my stand-up show, ‘By the end of lockdown one, I had…

TABLE 19 Channel 4, Wednesday, 2.40am You’ll want to hit the record button for this one, but it’ll be worth it! Eloise (Anna Kendrick) decides to attend her best friend’s wedding after the bride’s brother breaks up with her – but she has to sit with a group of strangers because her seat has been taken. Also with Friends star Lisa Kudrow. BAD NEIGHBOURS 2 Channel 4, Friday, 12.10am One for the laughs! As Mac and Kelly think they can live peacefully again, a sorority moves into their neighbourhood and creates disturbance. They ask a former fraternity member to help drive them away. Starring Zac Efron and Seth Rogen, on top form. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 2 Sky Showcase, Wednesday, 10pm Tom Cruise’s action franchise needs little introduction, but we’ll give you…

BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO SALLY MORGAN Psychic Sally Morgan, who did readings with the late Princess Diana, spent much of the pandemic writing an uplifting book to help people deal with dark times and the grief of losing a loved one. But in a cruel twist of fate, on the day the book went to press last September, the renowned medium suffered a tragedy of her own, when her husband of 46 years, John, died from Covid aged 71. Here Sally, 70, says she still talks to John and reveals how going back out on tour will be ‘her saviour’ and help her over her grief of losing him after being together for almost five decades. Sally also offers Tony and his family a few surprise predictions, following the recent…

Straight-talking panellist Janet Street-Porter jokingly bit back at fellow presenter Judi Love, during a fiery debate on Loose Women. On one of last week’s shows, an amused Janet was recalling the time fellow panellist Brenda Edwards showed her up, by overdressing and stealing the show, with her glitzy look. On a night out together, the redhead, 75, revealed that she opted for a simple combo of jeans and puffer coat, while Brenda rocked up in a distinctly more glamorous number. She explained, ‘I wore jeans, designer jeans, and a puffer jacket,’ as fellow panellist journalist Jane Moore, chipped in cheekily, ‘So, you didn’t make an effort…’ To which Janet replied, ‘I did! I wasn’t wearing any old trash, I was wearing designer… But Brenda burst into the pub in a sequin-encrusted…

QUEEN OF HEARTS Go bold and copy Emily by embracing a statement heart-print this February DAZZLE ON DATE NIGHT Showstopping accessories are key to Emily’s look. Update your favourite LBD with bold new buys ● Emily in Paris, season two, is available on Netflix now…

GOODBYE, EYE CANDY… I was sorry to see Ben Foden go so soon, but that’s the competition! He had the beginnings of a great skater – in past series, the rugby boys do well – they’re pretty fearful. Let’s be honest, he’s also a beautiful man – when that button ‘popped’ on his shirt, as Holly put it, I think the entire studio – men and women – went, ‘OH! OK…!’ IT’S ALL ZEN BACKSTAGE… I have to say, it’s all very relaxed and Zen backstage this year – maybe it’s early days, wait till the competition heats up! There’s normally a celeb singing loudly or someone’s music pumping out of a dressing room. I might have to mix that up and bring in some serious beats soon! BOYS ON…

Feeling fed up? Lost your smile for a while? If so, you’re not alone. A massive 57 per cent of Brits report their overall mood is worse in Winter.* Symptoms include anxiety, low energy, weight gain and wanting more sleep. But the good news is we’ve devised a diet to help you feel happier. Our plan is based on boosting your body’s level of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter (or chemical messenger), which is made from amino acids found in specific foods. It’s believed that dopamine can be a great mood-booster and help you feel brighter. Our diet is based on dopamine-friendly foods which includes lots of dairy products, lean meat, fish and eggs, which are also great at keeping you feeling fuller for longer and helping you eat less overall.…

Princess of Puddings This light twist on the classic Queen of Puddings combines a fluffy low-fat whisked sponge, no-added-sugar jam and low-sugar meringue. But you’d never know! Serves 8 Prep time: 30min Cook time: 25min Per serving: Cals 124; fat 2g; sat fat 1g; carbs 24g FOR THE SPONGE Oil, to grease75g caster sugar, plus 1tsp50g plain flour, plus 1tsp2 large eggs¼tsp vanilla extract½tsp baking powder FOR THE FILLING 125g raspberries4tbsp no-added sugar jam FOR THE MERINGUE 1 large egg white40g caster sugar 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/mark 6. Lightly grease the base and sides of a 4cm deep, 20.5cm round loose-bottom cake tin. Line the base with baking parchment. Dust the sides of the tin first with the 1tsp sugar (tap out any excess), followed by the…

FEEL-GOOD FOODS? I am feeling a real slump in my mood. It’s not depression, I just think it’s the time of year and the iffy weather. A friend was talking to me the other day about ‘feel-good foods’ and how bland and ‘beige’ my diet is (she’s right, I live on pasta, bread and potatoes). Aside from generic fruit and veg, are there any specific foods that actually boost the mood? I’ll buy them in bulk! Jen, Liverpool DR HILARY SAYS: Lots of people experience low mood at this time of the year due to something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), caused by restricted hours of daylight. This affects about 15 per cent of the population – who report depression, fatigue and a craving for starchy foods. Get as much exercise…

Isn’t it romantic, spending Valentine’s ‘Day in Paris?’ ‘It would be a lot better if I hadn’t got my eyes closed.’ ‘You’re missing the view. It’s a gorgeous day out here.’ Marie lunged forward, stepping up to the glass. ‘You can see the entire city, look!’ Val steeled herself, taking a few deep breaths for courage. She peeled one eye open, then the other. Through the iron frame of the Eiffel Tower, Paris stretched out like a feast on a picnic blanket. Her stomach churned, she’d been dubious about that crêpe when she’d ordered it using a succession of extravagant hand gestures and Google Translate. It didn’t taste any better now; lodged in her throat. Paris was beautiful, but the taste of it was bittersweet, each landmark reminding her of…

Got a paw-some story up your sleeve? Are you feline creative? We’re looking for a brilliant short story (maximum 1,200 words) with a pet theme that will melt our hearts. Whether it’s a pup, cat, bunny or even a pet iguana, we want to read your brilliant stories. So what are you waiting for? Get writing! Our winner will receive £500, and two runners-up will get £200 each. HOW TO ENTER Send your story along with your name, email address and phone number to bestfiction@hearst.co.uk with ‘Pet fiction’ in the subject title by Friday 11 March 2022 and a winner, plus two runners-up, will be picked shortly afterwards, chosen by a team at best. T&Cs: We will use the information you provide to process your competition entry. For our privacy…

Kym Marsh, host of BBC breakfast show Morning Live, must be hoping for better times – after a 2021 full of dramatic ups and downs. On the one hand, there was pure joy as the former Hear’Say singer tied the knot with her husband, army man Major Scott Ratcliff (the pair only recently returned from a sun-soaked honeymoon), and each of her two sons got engaged. But Kym, 45, also learned the shattering news of her father Dave’s terminal prostate cancer diagnosis. It was recently revealed that, after a two-year break due to the pandemic, the MEN Pride of Manchester Awards would be back in person – and the gym-loving actress would be hosting them in her home city for the fourth consecutive year. Movingly, asked who she would nominate…

Nicole Kidman is the hot favourite to win Best Actress at this year’s Oscars for her role as the beautiful, funny and feisty I Love Lucy star Lucille Ball, in Amazon Prime movie, Being the Ricardos. Nicole, 54, plays the iconic US TV comedy actress – who died in 1989 – alongside Penélope Cruz’s other half Javier Bardem, as her husband and sitcom co-star, Desi Arnaz, with whom Lucille had children Lucie Arnaz, now 70, and Desi Arnaz Jr, now 69. It explores the Hollywood power couple’s complex romantic and professional relationship – and the crisis that threatened to end their careers and marriage. Here, Nicole talks about taking on the role, getting daughter Lucie’s blessing, and her marriage to Keith Urban, with whom she has daughters Sunday, 13, and Faith,…

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…

TASTY TREATS PAWFECT GIFTS ALL HEART…

It’s official. I’ve been thrown off a dating site for impersonating – wait for it – myself! How do I know? Well, first of all, this ever-hopeful-for-love nearly-50-year-old logged on to the site only to perplexingly find out I was blocked. Strange, but I put it down to my sparse technical expertise and would try again later. But no, over the next week, several well-meaning female fellow singletons on the same site messaged me on Instagram to let me know there was a imposter using my pictures. Why did they even think that? Well, having been on TV and radio, I think people can’t believe a ‘celeb’ would go looking for love on a dating site. But we do. Believe me, I am not the only one. ‘Er, no, it’s…

Glamorous, successful and very funny herself, Nancy Sorrell has been married to comedian Vic Reeves (real name, Jim Moir), 63, since 2003 and the couple share twins Elizabeth and Nell, 15. Still as gazelle-like at 47 as she was 20 years ago, Nancy opens up about the new female-interest website she’s involved with (The Fabulous Me Company), life with one of Britain’s most famous funnymen, and how she feels about the march of time… Nancy, how are you? You and hubby were at Jools Holland’s Hootenanny! Ah, spotted! We go every year – we couldn’t the year before last because there was no live audience, and Jim and I had Covid. But Jim did a Zoom call with Jools – he likes to know Jim’s New Year’s resolutions. This year,…

THE MISSING PIECE? If you’re looking for a fun way to show you love someone, keep them guessing by creating your very own personalised jigsaw! Print a photo and along with some text on the puzzle – and they’ll be able to piece together a picture of your favourite memory… From £24.99 at cewe.co.uk LOVE IS IN THE AIR… Do something different this Valentine’s Day and say it with a balloon! From £22, this luxurious bunch of hearts will make your beloved skip a beat on the 14th. Head to bubblegumballoons.com for a vast variety of options to choose from. Cute! HAMPER FOR HIM Does your other half appreciate a brew as much as their chocolate? Gift two cacao-infused ales as the perfect pairing from this indulgent pack from hotelchocolat.com…