Table of contents for 45 - 2018 in Best

The real reason the TOWIE star has signed up for Dancing On Ice… If she can fall through a trap door while attempting to present a gong at the Teen Choice Awards, we can only imagine what entertainment Gemma Collins will bring to the ice rink! But ‘The GC’ has revealed her real reason for signing up for next January’s series of Dancing On Ice – alongside the likes of former Strictly pro James Jordan, Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Love Island’s Wes Nelson – and it’s probably not quite what you’d have imagined. The reality TV star, 37, confessed she’s on a mission to slim down, in the hope she’ll marry her on-off boyfriend, James Argent, 30, looking like a shadow of her former self. Gemma, who is currently house-hunting…

TOP TIP With the party season just around the corner, a velvet trouser suit is a worthwhile investment. TOP TIP Get extra mileage out of your wardrobe by layering a tight knit polo under a glam wrap dress. TOP TIP Swing-style dresses are more flattering than a classic tunic as they emphasise your waist.…

When they tie the knot, most couples look forward to the future and think about everything they’ll achieve as they grow old together. But as my husband, Rob, and I are both in our 90s, I think it’s fair to say we’re not your average newlyweds. Instead, we have the claim to fame of being Britain’s oldest newly married couple, with a combined age of 183. It was not something we set out to achieve, or even thought about. We were just very lucky to get to fall in love for a second time in our twilight years, and are now looking forward to our first Christmas together as husband and wife. Rob and I didn’t meet until we were in our 80s, and had both been happily married to…

TAKE YOUR VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS! We all want to live longer, healthier lives, and vitamins and supplements can help BUT with so many on offer, finding the right ones can be a minefield. On top of that, everyone’s needs are different – age, lifestyle and goals are all factors when deciding what’s right for you. But that said, young or old, I truly believe we can all benefit from taking them. So here are my personal top five choices for a longer, healthier life… 1. A multi-vitamin and mineral: In liquid or capsule form, this will help beat stress – and who doesn’t suffer from that these days! 2. Calcium and magnesium: Again, these need each other to work properly. Magnesium helps the absorption of calcium, which helps alleviate bloating…

GIVE US A TWIRL, RITA Rita Ora, who performed the other week, was adorable. Very funny. She gave us a little dance, and did a double pirouette for the judges! She landed beautifully and we all gave her a 10 – even me. Often stars come on and you wonder if they’ll be divas, but she was so humble and down-to-earth. BOTOX? MOI? NEVER! To paraphrase the judge, Robert Rinder commented recently that I don’t like to move my face much. Ha ha, that’s true – but that’s only because I’m judging! Everyone thinks I’m ‘botoxed’ up as I look youthful, but I’ve never had it. I’m too scared, in case it numbs my whole face. I’d look like Cher in Mamma Mia! Here We Again. She’s a legend, but…

best has teamed up with gorgeous footwear brand Lotus, offering readers the chance to win a pair of shoes for every month of the year. Established in 1759, Lotus is widely recognised as the oldest British footwear brand. From classic staples to exuberant occasionwear, the Lotus AW18 collection presents an eclectic range of styles. Daytime boots and shoes provide the building blocks for any wardrobe, while outfit-enhancing sandals will add the ultimate finishing touch when you’re dressing for that special occasion. Loyal fans of Lotus won’t be disappointed with the selection of co-ordinating handbags, while those discovering the brand for the first time will love this season’s wonderful range. Have a look at lotusshoes.co.uk. And, for your chance to boost your shoe collection by 12 stunning styles, just enter below!…

Durham-born Charlotte Riley, 36, is married to Hollywood heart-throb Tom Hardy. They have one child and are expecting their second at the end of the year. What was it like working with Tom Riley? It was brilliant. We have a real ease around each other. Tom and I are often mistaken for siblings because of our names, and we look quite similar! Some crew members thought we were related. I’m Northern, for a start! Dark Heart features such a strong ensemble cast, and guest actors who all brought their A-game. That makes a huge difference. What’s Dark Heart about? Well, you find out very quickly that Staffe and Juliette experienced the huge tragedy of losing both their parents when they were younger. It’s a tragedy they share and it’s a burden…

This has been a terrible year for Una Healy but, as best discovered last week, the Irish beauty who found fame with girl band The Saturdays is trying her hardest to move on. Strutting down the red carpet at last month’s Daily Mirror Pride Of Britain Awards for the first time as a single lady, complete with a new platinum blonde ‘do’, she looked like a woman who meant business. Una and her rugby star husband, Ben Foden, were, formerly, one of the cutest couples in the public eye. Often photographed in a tender embrace, they seemed like they had a genuine connection. Good-looking, successful and with two equally photogenic children – Aoife Belle, now six, and Tadhg, three – they had it all going for them. ‘I love my music so…

Ex-stationery sales manager Jack Fincham, 26, and ex-barmaid Dani Dyer, 22, melted the hearts of the nation on ITV2’s Love Island, going on to win the Majorca-set reality TV show. Despite rumours last week their relationship may have hit a rough patch, Jack seems to be well in with her famous dad, EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer – and hopes to launch his own clothing range. We catch up with the charming Bromley boy to talk style, love and the hot couple’s future… Former pen salesman Jack Fincham still can’t quite believe his luck since winning Love Island in the summer, and bagging himself The One Things have moved fast since Love Island! Did you ever imagine all this? No, and I’m forever grateful. You think, ‘These things never happen to someone like me,’…

‘My 10-year denial of being middle-aged was shattered last week by a headline, which read, “On a cruise? It’s middle age, ahoy!” A study had found that, while 52 per cent of those surveyed thought knowing what you want and not caring what people think was what defined it, there were other tell-tale signs – like booking your first cruise. Yep, guilty as charged. It’s funny, because I never really thought of myself as middle-aged and I suspect, among women of my generation, I’m not the only one. Physically, of course, I’m there, I can’t change how old I am. But mentally, I’m just not or, at least, I’ve been fighting it. Now thinking about it, I’ve realised I’ve stopped listening to rap, pop or any music radio, it’s speech…

‘JSP speaks to three strangers a day – and one of them was me!’ When Janet Street Porter sat in the same train carriage as best’s features editor, Sarah Whiteley, (left) and her husband last month, Sarah felt a bit daunted. ‘We had our 11-month-old with us, and I had a sneaky suspicion Janet might not appreciate any baby-bawling,’ Sarah says. ‘But we were in for a nice surprise because, not only did she stand up for us when a rude man pushed in front of our pram on the way off the train, she also carried on our conversation up the platform and out of the station.’ And her unexpected friendliness made more sense when we read Janet’s confession that she speaks to three strangers a day to stop…

Looking at the huge piles of toys, games and clothes, I smiled at my daughter, Michelle. ‘Father Christmas is spoiling those kids again,’ I told her. It was typical of Michelle. A devoted mum, she couldn’t do enough for her children. For her youngest, Lia, three, there was a giant Peppa Pig, while Brandon, eight, and Lacie, seven, had mini iPads. The older ones – Lewis, 18, Kyle, 17, and Demi, 15 – who were all about the latest trackie tops, were getting clothes from JD Sports. Michelle, 36, was a single mum with six kids, and she worked hard to give them a good life. We were so close. Her three-bedroom house in Salford, Manchester, was only a 20-minute walk from mine and, even if we’d spent the day…

Palettes have a mixed reputation. They look gorgeous and enticing on the outside, but the reality often means that you’re left with rogue shades you’d never buy. We’ve sought out five where you’re sure to get your money’s worth to see you through the party season. Fake it yourself Energising face and body scrub Halloween may be over, but remember pumpkins are rich in beta carotene, a source of vitamin A that helps to keep the skin in tip-top condition. Put leftovers to good use and whip up a scrub to get your skin glowing. Peel and cut your pumpkin into cubes (for one use, around 10 should be enough). Boil or steam until soft, then mash to a pulp. Add 1½tbsp olive oil, then stir in sugar to create…

Super food three-bean & bacon soup The bacon adds a delicious smoky note and gives it more substance to make it a family meal. SERVES 4 PREP: 5 mins COOK: 15 mins Per serving: KCALS: 351 SAT FAT: 3g FAT: 10g CARBS: 33g 1tbsp olive oil6 slices smoked bacon, cut into chunky pieces(use scissors for speed)1 onion, roughly chopped Few stalks of rosemary, leaves removed and finely chopped3 x 400g cans of beans (kidney, butter and borlotti) or choose your own mix, drained, rinsed and re-drained 900ml hot chicken stock Handful of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional) 1 Heat oil in a pan, add bacon and cook for few mins until golden and beginning to crisp. Remove and put to one side. 2 Add onion and cook for 1-2…

… working such long hours on Emmerdale It can be exhausting, travelling up and down to Leeds from London every day – but, as actors [Fiona plays Priya in the soap], we’re always moving around. I’ve yet to do a job that’s on my doorstep! I miss my mum and partner when I’m away so, lovely as everyone is up north, London will always be home. … staying fit and healthy I’m continually learning scripts, which means I don’t get as much sleep as I’d like to. Making time to work out can be tricky, too, so I’m a stickler for making fresh juices every day. I drink as much water as I can, and I’ve recently really got into yoga. … on playing a total diva There’s always a…

‘You date until you meet the one you want to restrict yourself to, right?’ Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid has finally admitted that she’s ready to get out and romance some men – and it’s all thanks to Love Island! In a revelation that will be music to the ears of many fans, Susanna admitted that watching the sexy ITV2 reality TV show for 20-somethings has made her open to the idea of meeting several different guys, on the way to finding The One. ‘I’m definitely open to dating again. I’m back in the game,’ confessed the gorgeous 47-year-old in a recent interview. ‘The great thing about what happened in 2018 – and everyone will have seen it on Love Island – is you don’t have to date exclusively any more.’…

‘Stop talking about the C-word until December. My children are not allowed to mention it’ Granted, she’s never been a wallflower – but even we were shocked at Denise Welch’s angry rant on ITV’s Loose Women recently! For many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But as the panel discussed the festive season – and those who plan early for it – Denise, 60, totally lost her cool, going on a long rant that slammed the places and people who start getting their Christmas spirit on early. ‘Do you know what it is? I am a real old humbug. It’s not so much the day, it’s the build-up from now for one bleeping, bleeping day, right?’ she began. ‘I went into a big shop in London last year. And…

Nobody really saw it coming, but unassuming Stacey has wowed the Strictly judges with her dynamic performances alongside pro dancer Kevin Clifton. From jiving as a Despicable Me minion to taking the Tango into a new age with her Doctor Who routine, it’s no wonder everyone’s loving her! She’s opening a lead over the rest and is currently 7/4 favourite to win at William Hill. But her incredible energy and contagious laugh has meant that a place in the final is irrelevant at this point. She’s already won over the nation – and that’s about as big as a win gets.…

Jack has an 80s-inspired fashion collaboration coming out early next year, which he’s worked on with his younger brother, Oliver. He tells best it’s about the clothes he’s always loved wearing. ‘The collection’s got an 80s vibe, think old-school Lacoste tracksuits. Really cool stuff.’ He may be fronting his own fashion line, but has Jack always got it right in the style stakes? ‘God, no!’ he laughs. ‘There was a time I used to wear a pair of Nike Air Max from Woolworths with Winnie-the-Pooh things you could put round the laces and Winnie-the-Pooh socks! What on earth were we thinking? It was a South London thing. I have no idea why we thought it looked good.’…

THE SIX-WEEK FESTIVE MAKEOVER The countdown to Christmas is officially on! Whether you want to smooth your skin or shape up for your little black dress, now is the perfect time to invest in treatments. Why now? Some procedures, like body contouring and fat removal, need a course of treatments before you drop inches. Others – like skin rejuvenation – can take up to six weeks before you see final results. Here’s my timeline of the treatments you should invest in to help you look and feel your glamorous best for the big day. LOSE FAT AND SHAPE UP THE TREATMENT Tite-FX TIMESCALE Six weeks minimum THE LOWDOWN There’s been a revolution in body shaping procedures over the last 10 years. Previously, fat removal involved surgery, but now we can…

Pretty in prints Mix and match patterned coats with floral dresses for a feminine look. Long & short of it Perfect for taller figures, a longline coat is guaranteed to keep you cosy and warm from head to (almost) toe. Bright & beautiful Pick a bold shade to brighten up your wardrobe this winter. Sporty chic Athleisure styles that are both stylish and sophisticated. Choose a belted coat to emphasise a waist and side stripe trousers to create a leg-lengthening look. TAP THE APP! Upload a photo of an outfit you love to the ScreenShop App to shop the look. If it can’t find the exact pieces, it’ll suggest similar styles.…

HOW IT WORKS • When we’re hungry, we’re more likely to feel stressed and, according to new research by British Lion Eggs, a massive 79 percent of people in the UK admit they feel genuine anger when hungry, with more than one in 10 confessing they get ‘hangry’ on a daily basis. • Scientists at Canada’s University of Guelph claim it’s down to hypoglycaemia, a sudden drop in glucose levels. It happens when we’re not eating regularly, or not eating the right foods, including enough protein. • Around 74 percent of those who’ve tried fasting diets admit they were grumpier on the days they ate less, while women are the ‘hangrier’ sex, with bad moods peaking at around 2pm each day. • Cath MacDonald, nutritionist for British Lion Eggs, says,…

Too old to be a bridesmaid? A great friend of mine in her early 30s has asked me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding next year. Of course I was thrilled to be asked, but being in my 40s, I feel I may be too old! All her other friends are in their late 20s and I don’t want to feel like the odd one out. I’d love nothing more than to support her on her special day, but I just don’t think I can do it. How do I tell her without feeling I’ve let her down? Laura, 42, Norwich Laura, are you crazy? How can you be too old to be a bridesmaid in your 40s? You would never have been asked in the first place if your…

‘We all need to feel hope’ He’s been through some tough times, but James Arthur is using that to inspire his music and look to the future X Factor winner James Arthur, 30, enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame after winning the show six years ago. Here, he opens up about how his crippling anxiety sent him into a downward spiral that almost drove him to destruction… Tell me about your new single, Empty Space. Is there a personal story behind it? Not really, but it is a ballad that has a message of love and hope. You enjoyed so much success with your last album – did that give you more confidence? I always manage to put enormous pressure on myself by wanting to make my new music better than my…

Take a trip to this Rust Belt city as it’s restored to its former glory TRAVEL SNAPSHOT America loves a comeback kid, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to Detroit. Once just part of the ‘flyover state’ of the Midwest, Detroit now offers plenty of reasons to visit – fab food, funky music, cutting-edge fashion, and hospitality that makes this a city like no other. The Downtown area is just 1.5 square miles, but within it lies many attractions, including access to great restaurants, music venues, sports stadia and, if it’s your cup of tea, casinos. INSIDER’S GUIDE Pick up a rental car or take a cab from the airport to your downtown hotel. Once there, get your walking shoes on, as the area is very pedestrian-friendly. To…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES STRAIGHT CLUES ACROSS 6 ‘A question of -------it’s this or that’ (7) 7 Via the length of (5) 9 Appends (4) 10 Named, tagged (10) 11 Without imperfections (5) 12 Places to sit (5) 14 Vulgar, impolite (4) 16 Settles the bill (4) 17 Wash out soap, etc. (5) 18 Causes damage (5) 22 Bring to full strength by adding (10) 25 Frozen delicacies (4) 26 Thinks deeply about something (5) 27 Stable tackle, etc. (7) DOWN 1 Broadsheets or tabloids (10) 2 A series of links (5) 3 Strongly persuade (4) 4 Flavourful (5) 5 Wild canine creature (4) 6 Paddled (5) 8 Largely (7) 13 Stressed, underlined (10) 15 Military clothing (7) 19 Encounters (5) 20…