Table of contents for May 19, 2015 in Best

‘I was completely terrified about doing Strictly’ On Thursday night, Claudia Winkleman will open up onWatchdog about the horrific burns suffered by her eight-year-old daughter, Matilda.The Strictly Come Dancing host missed three weeks of the show after Tilly was taken to hospital following a Halloween incident, and now wants to warn other parents of the dangers of flammable fabrics, and call for tougher safety tests. Here, she tells us about family life... CLAUDIA ON SON JAKE… He’s 12. He was the first person I called when I won my Best Entertainment Presenter at the Royal Television Society Awards – and my mum. (She also has a fouryear-old son Arthur). ON HER FAVOURITE THINGS… I like going to art galleries with my kids and saying, ‘Look, that’s important’ – I love…

FROM FLAB TO FAB Melissa Foreman, 44, shed an amazing 12st in just 18 months – but was left with another huge problem Bumping into a friend I hadn’t seen for ages, she stared at me in astonishment. ‘I hardly recognised you!’ she gushed. Thanks,’ I replied, but I felt like a fraud. Although I’d lost 12st in just 18 months, my new size 12 clothes hid a horrible secret. Beneath them I looked like a deflated blow-up doll. Folds of skin as wrinkled as elephant hide hung off my body like a layer of baggy clothes. The joy I expected to feel at losing weight had turned to shame at how awful I now looked in the mirror. I’d been big since I was a child.Throughout my childhood my…

POUNDING THE PAVEMENTS Emotions often run high at the London Marathon, but one couple hugging at the finish line, Ben and Louise Ashworth, had more reason than most for the tears of pride to flow. Because, by all accounts, Ben shouldn’t even be alive. Two years ago, the dad-of-three was given just sixmonths to live after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. But, incredibly, he has defied the odds by embarking on amission to run a marathon eachmonth in a bid to see his daughters, Skye, 10, Isobel, five and two-year-old Heidi, grow up. His determination has seen himcomplete 14marathons in between gruelling chemotherapy treatment, raising over £22,000 for cancer charities in the process. ‘I wanted to show my girls anything is possible’ But,most of all, Ben says he wanted…

MR&MRS SURGERY COSMETIC DOCTOR AAMER KHAN and anti-ageing expert LESLEY REYNOLDS lift the lid on cosmetic treatments Thanks to the rise of quick-fix, non-invasive treatments, you can knock years off your face in a flash. No wonder most stars look younger, the older they get. The problem is, some take it too far and end up erasing the small facial expressions that make them look human, especially before a big event. We call it the red carpet freeze. Too much of a good thing can make you look stretched and a bit robotic. Some stars – with glassy skin and mask-like faces – are cautionary examples of overdoing it. The key to successful treatments should always be a natural result you can’t notice. The correct technique for fillers and wrinkle-smoothing…

Carte D'Or Layer Cake Make this ice cream cake the day before you want to serve it, to give it enough time to set. Hands-on time 20 mins, plus freezing. Cooking time about 5 mins. Serves 12. ● Butter, to grease ● 400g jar chocolate hazelnut spread ● 2 x 900ml tubs Carte D’Or in your favourite flavours (we used Gelateria Chocolate Inspiration and Rum & Raisin) ● 75g amaretti biscuits, roughly crushed Grease and line the base and sides of an 18cm round loosebottomed cake tin with baking parchment. Gently heat the chocolate hazelnut spread in a small pan until runny. Spoon half the first tub of ice cream into the tin and spread in an even layer to cover the base. Spread a quarter of the softened chocolate…

‘When it comes to beauty, she’ll try anything’ According to my brother Simon, Alesha Dixon just gets better every year. He told me, ‘She’s cool, calm and very dependable – I love working with her.’ Alesha’s been turning on the style during the BGT auditions with her edgy outfits and smoky eyes. She’s my favourite judge (apart from Simon, of course!), and has gone from strength to strength on this show. I just hope she stays on next year. I spoke to her friend and make-up artist Francesca Neill, who is responsible for getting Alesha ready for the live shows. She told me Alesha is a joy to work with: ‘I love her energy – she’s always so full of beans! We’ve just finished the video shoot for her new…

This week’s BREAKING NEWS TALKING POINT Mum’s the word Eamonn Prince Charles and Camilla came to see the new arrival the day after Princess Charlotte was born. However, it seems they were pipped to the post by Granny Carole, who’d arrived more than an hour earlier and – shock, horror! – stayed for a few hours longer. Ruth Good on her, I say! Her status might not be Royal but, as grandmother, it’s certainly an elevated one. Wouldn’t any daughter want her mum around, for advice and reassurance? Some sectors of the media seem concerned over which relations are getting the most time with the little princess. But why make an issue of it? Prince Charles and Camilla don’t seem to mind. In fact, the family on both sides seem a…

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS Jonathan Strange &Mr Norrell Based on the bestselling novel by Susanna Clarke, this new fantasy series is set in 19thcentury England, where the reclusive Mr Norrell (Eddie Marsan) is determined to put magic back on the map. Bertie Carvel co-stars as the very charming Jonathan Strange. Oprah: Where Are They Now? The talk-show legend sits down with former American Idol judge Randy Jackson to find out what he’s learned from music greats like Quincy Jones, and what really happened between his Idol colleagues Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. She also catches up with Kim and Krickitt Carpenter, the couple whose love story inspired 2012 movie The Vow. Mary Berry’s Absolute Favourites The Bake Off queen and all-round national treasure shares a selection of recipes that hold a special…

THE A-LIST INTERVIEW WITH SARAH GADON Hi, Sarah. In A Royal Night Out, you play the then Princess Elizabeth – your first major role. Did you feel a lot of pressure to get it right? Yeah, I’d say so. But I always take my work seriously, no matter how big or small the part is. Have you always been a fan of the Royal family? I used to watch the Queen’s Christmas speech when I was growing up in Canada, but I didn’t really have an understanding of everything she and her family had been through. She was an amazing woman for me to discover, and I hope other people of my generation feel the same after watching the film. It centres on her wild night out to celebrate VE…

Ask the vet JOE INGLIS HAS THE BEST ADVICE Q My 12-year-old cat Arnie sometimes seems to be stiff when he gets out of his bed. Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable? Debbie, London A Cats are prone to arthritic joints as they get older, although the condition is less well recognised than in dogs. In Arnie’s case, I suspect he could well be suffering from arthritis, and it would be worth taking him for a checkup. As well as assessing his joints and potentially prescribing pain-relieving medication, your vets might also discuss a blood test to check his general health – a good idea for older cats, who can be prone to conditions such as kidney disease. If he is diagnosed with arthritis, there…

‘I still miss her terribly; she was a massive influence’ When Pauline Quirke’s mumHetty passed away of bone cancer, the star was left inconsolable. Distraught, the actress – who was just 30 at the time – struggled to come to terms with life without the woman who had single-handedly brought her up, along with her brother and sister. Since then, Pauline has revealed that, over two decades later, her mum remains in her thoughts. “I stillmiss her terribly,” she said poignantly. “She was a massive influence onmy life.” Recalling the pain she endured when her mum lost her fight with cancer 26 years ago, the mum-of-two said: “I was a grown woman, but it doesn’t matter how old you are; that was still your mum. “But there was nothing left…

GRUESOME MURDER RIPPED FROM PAGES OF A TV SCRIPT Elizabeth Thomas’s boyfriend, Steven Miles, was a little ‘different’. But she always stood up for the 16-yearold, who she’d started dating after they met at sixth-form college, where they both studied politics. Steven had previously been diagnosed with autism, which had at timesmade their relationship difficult. He also loved horror films and was obsessed with the US TV drama Dexter, about a forensics expert turned serial killer. In January 2014, Steven sent Elizabeth a text saying she would see ‘similarities’ between the personality of Dexter and himself. When she went over to his house a few weeks later, she discovered the full horror of what he meant. Steven took her up to his bedroom, where he launched a ferocious attack, stabbing…

WORTH up to £24.99 each Here at The Tanning Shop we know exactly how to keep you looking your best and feeling even better! For over 20 years we’ve been growing our salon experience. From the humble beginnings of a single salon in Ireland, to branches all over the UK – from Brighton to Manchester – we’ve worked hard to give you the best service possible. We are now the UK’s number 1 tanning company – with us, you get great value and a luxurious tan at the same time. Our experts are on hand to help and advise you on how to use our wide range of world renowned sunbeds, too. Visit your local store and let one of our experts guide you through your very own tanning plan…

Well, I reckon if we’d been told years ago that cauliflower was to become the superfood that it is today, we would have thought theworld had gone barmy! The only attention most of us ever gave the vegetable was to slather it in cheese sauce and hope for the best... But, now, it’s being used as a great carb alternative and makes a great pizza base. So, be brave and have a go! CRAZY FOR CAULIFLOWER WHO KNEWCAULIFLOWER COULD BE SO VERSATILE? FLUFFY ‘RICE’ A great lowercarb option – blitz the veg in a food processor until it resembles rice, then steam for 3-4 minutes. Serve with casseroles, stir fries and curries in place of the demon white stuff! CRISPY CHILLI Steam cauliflower florets, then dip in egg and next…

ON YOUR DOORSTEP During a staycation, you can have great fun without travelling too far. If you fancy catching a flick, look out for cheap cinema tickets from Vue, Odeon and Cineworld. You can even get family film tickets for just £1 at some cinemas during school holidays. Meerkat Movies is a new reward for customers of comparethe market.com, who can get 2 for 1 cinema tickets every Tuesday or Wednesday for a whole year. Going outdoors? English Heritage has lots of exciting attractions for all the family, and TheWoodland Trust website has some great activities. A visit to a National Trust house or garden is always fun – and, if you buy membership (around £100 for family) through Top Cashback, you earn 3.15 per cent cashback. BE LOYAL For…

We’ve all made the mistake of dipping into the biscuit tin or grabbing a chocolate bar when we get the urge to snack but, according to Australian scientist Sheila Zhou, “we often opt for calorie-laden foods rather than nutritious choices.” And she believes it’s these slip-ups that can tot up to hundreds of extra calories a day, as well as hiking up the body’s insulin levels. This makes us crave more sugar, setting up a spiral that could spell disaster for your diet. Zhou believes our between-meal bites should be foods like nuts, which are a good source of protein and fibre; tuna, rich in omega oils that help curb hunger; milk, which contains an enzyme that stops us storing excess fat; and popcorn, which, at 100 calories per 30g…

Coronation Street, Wed, 7.30pm; Fri & Mon, 7.30pm & 8.30pm, ITV Actress Beverley Callard on the future for Liz and cheating Tony We’re about to see Tony trying to convince Liz to move to Spain. How is she feeling? She does want to start this new life Tony, but she’ll always put Steve over other man, and knows he’s still fragile, so she needs to make sure he and Michelle are OK first. Michelle then convinces Liz that Steve will be fine… Yes. Liz is very fond of Michelle – she sees her as the daughter she never had – so she wants to know that Michelle is doing the right thing for herself, as well as Steve. Michelle is adamant that Steve’s on the right path, and that she’ll…

Standing in front of the mirror, I can’t stop smiling because, finally, I see a curvy, perfectly proportioned woman looking back at me. It’s taken five years and 13 operations to get here, and there were times when I thought I’d never look normal again – but my reflection no longer repulses me. In fact, for the first time ever, I’m happy in my own skin. My body issues began as a teen, when my friends developed boobs and I didn’t. Still in vests, I begged my mum to get me a bra. ‘You don’t need a bra; you need corn plasters!’ my older brother teased. I told myself I was just a late developer, but I only made it to an A-cup. To give me some shape, I wore…

‘The start of Big Brother is like a test of intuition’ How much do you like to know about the contestants before the launch show? Emma: Before, I would always have said it takes the fun out of it to know everything ahead of time but, of course, this year they housemates have already been announced! Rylan: Emma’s the complete opposite of me – I’m too nosy for my own good! So even in past years I’d know who was going in and what the theme was. I’m the fan on the inside! We’re hoping for a hot summer. Does good weather make for a good Big Brother? Emma: It makes for a better everything, doesn’t it? Rylan: The more the sun’s out, the more the housemates are out to…

‘My co-host Chris Kamara is a bad influence!’ The presenter reveals all about his TV takeover… You seem to really enjoy presenting Saturday night’s Ninja Warrior UK… I’ve been the biggest fan since I discovered it on Challenge many years ago. I watched the Japanese version, and even considered going there to compete! So, of course, I was like a kid in a sweet shop when I got asked to do the UK series. Have you had a go on the assault course? I did – and I completed it! I’d havemade it to the semi-final if we’d been doing it for real, much to the annoyance of Kammy [Ben’s co-presenter Chris Kamara]; he feigned injury and refused to do it! You seem to love it when people fall… It’s…

YOUR WEEKLY STYLE FIX 3 OF THE best GLOW GIVERS 1 pür Minerals Illuminate & Glow Correcting Primer, £22.50 Apply underneath make-up to lighten up your complexion 2 Barry M Afterglow Light Bronzer, £5.69 Sweep in a figure of three down each side of your face for chiselled cheeks 3 Clinique Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator in Blush, £22 Dab onto cheek bones or apply all over for a foolproof boost While a tan might seem OTT right now, we’re all craving a healthy glow. No chance to bask in the sunshine? Fake it!…

GOING FOR PRAM POWER WALKS We’ve been missing her from our screens over the past few months. But Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins has every reason to be away – as she’s relishing her new role as mum to threemonth-old Ella Rose. Dropping into the ITV studios to catch up with her colleagues last month, Charlotte, 39, looked every inch the doting new mum. Dressed in amulticoloured dress, which complemented her tiny frame, the TV host said motherhood was like “a mini tornado”. But the breakfast TV star revealed slimming back to her petite figure has been far from her number one priority. Speaking about losing her baby weight before she gave birth, Charlotte said, “I take our dogs for walks and do pregnancy yoga. I’ll be conscious of losing weight,…

‘The benefits scrounger wants to be fat and famous’ Big Brother returned this week for a whopping 16th series and there’s a buzz around Stephen Beer entering the house. The 25 stone benefits scrounger is hoping a stint there will allow him to continue his quest to be fat and famous. The 45-year-old, who appeared on Too Fat To Work, admitted he receives about £2,000 a month from the state and wants to use the show to prove to the nation he’s “not a scumbag.” But is Big Brother the route to stardom? After all, there have been 253 housemates and only a handful have built any sort of career – including Brian Dowling, Josie Gibson, and Nikki Grahame. While others haven’t fared that well. Remember Pete Bennett? The winner…

Episodes returns on Monday 11 May at 10pm on BBC2. The DVD box set will be released in the summer You’re back for a fourth series of Episodes. Was it a nobrainer to be involved? I only want to work on something that I believe will make audiences laugh, and Episodes really lets me exercise my funny bones. You filmed for three months in London last summer.What do you make of Britain? I like it, and I’ve made some good friends here. It’s like being in Europe, except you can understand everything they say! This time I was here for two-and-a-half months with hardly any time off, but I did the odd thing here and there – I went to the Grand Prix at Silverstone, and to Oxford Castle one…

Treat yourself to one of our amazing-value overnight London theatre breaks starting at just £99 – combining the greatest shows in the West End with a fantastic selection of central London hotels. You can also choose a two-night London weekend break, plus a top-price theatre ticket from £149pp*. Regional & international: We have theatre breaks in regional destinations including Manchester, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh and Cardiff. You can also experience New York theatre breaks including tickets, hotel and flights – call for details. TREAT YOURSELF TO A GREAT VALUE LONDON THEATRE BREAK TOBOOK CALL 01904436026** ANDQUOTE BESTMAGAZINE (LINES AREOPEN FROM8AM-10PMDAILY) OR VISIT SUPERBREAK.COM/BEST Terms & conditions Prices based on two people sharing a twin/double roomfor one night and are subject to change accordingly to the date of travel, hotel and show…

ARIES 21 Mar to 20 Apr A pie-in-the-sky scheme could be just promises, so stick with tried and trusted approaches. With your planet Mars in the Gemini Twins, a 50-50split could halve current hassles – so trust someone. CALL OUR STARLINES 0906 654 2310* (UK) 1550 776 967* (ROI) TAURUS 21 Apr to 21 May You like life to unfold steadily, but now that someone is in a sink or swimsituation it’s time to take a risk and give thema lifeline. Neptune encourages you step outside your comfort zone. CALL OUR STARLINES 0906 654 2311* (UK) 1550 776 968* (ROI) GEMINI 22 May to 22 Jun Notmuch is happening about a possible venture. You’re in a strong position, but the ball’s not in your court. Bide your time and getmore…