Table of contents for 02_2020 in Best

Last January, I gave up booze for the entire 31 days and was delighted with myself. To quote Piers Morgan, I was ‘smug’ but ‘irritating’? I’m not sure. That was his other thought on his co-presenter Kate Garraway and the rest of us who manage to abstain for a month… I may well be feeling smug by the 31st BUT unlike last January, I now know I can do this. Truth be told, it’s been good for my health and apart from the odd overly boozy lunch or late night with my mate Carol McGiffin (turn to page to 19 for her thoughts on the matter), even I’m amazed by how much I prefer ending most nights without a glass in my hand. So while Piers can continue to give…

Talk about a message with a sting in its tail… Radio presenter and BGT host Amanda Holden made a vow as she rang in the New Year, to stop ‘people pleasing’ – and putting up with ‘fools’. In a lengthy Instagram post, the glamorous 48-year-old – who was embroiled in a bitter feud with This Morning’s Phillip Schofield last year, revealed her ‘top nine’ photos from 2019. Sharing the images, Amanda’s comment stated, ‘I started 2019 with great determination and a new head space which was to suffer no fools, to put my energy into good people and honestly not give a damn about the rest! ‘It’s hard because I’m naturally a people pleaser… but it’s paid off and I have never felt stronger or happier…’ But who could she…

‘It’s that time again, when everyone’s doing Dry January and normally, I’m moaning about how pointless the whole exercise is – and how daft and boring they all are for doing it. But this year – and don’t judge me – I’m doing it, too. Well, sort of. I’ve got a big birthday holiday that involves a very long flight on the 25th, and I know I won’t get through that without a booze or two – but until then, I’m abstaining. Still, 25 days out of 31 is pretty good, I think! Not that it’s difficult, and after the past couple of months I’ve had of non-stop socialising, it’s not even a challenge. The only problem is, I’m worried I might get to enjoy it too much, and never…

Sports luxe Upgrade your leisurewear with a relaxed look Go spotty! A classic polka dot blouse is versatile and elegant. Simply sophisticated This colour palette is a great way to get the luxe look for less. Smarten up Step into 2020 with a touch of tailoring.…

We had an old saying in our family and it was something I seemed to live by for a very long time: ‘tummy touch table.’ It meant eating until you were so full, you could burst. That was always my problem, you see – portion control. I’d have huge amounts of food for dinner and thought nothing of dishing up the same sized meal for myself as for my 6ft tall husband, David. By the time we’d had four children together, my weight had spiralled out of control. I tried every diet going, even joined slimming clubs, knew the calorie content of most foods – and while they were a quick fix, they never changed my mindset… and so the weight piled back on. It was something I’d struggled with…

Butterbean masala Serves: 4 Prep: 10 mins Cook: 10 mins Per serving: Cals 314; fat 8g; sat fat 1g; carbs 44g 2tbsp vegetable oil4 shallots, sliced3 garlic cloves, crushed4tsp garam masala1-2 red chillis, deseeded and finely chopped8 tomatoes, roughly chopped4 × 400g tin of butterbeans, drained and rinsed2 handfuls of fresh coriander or spinach, chopped 1 Heat oil in a pan and gently cook the shallots for 5 mins. 2 Stir in the garlic, garam masala and red chilli. Cook for 1 min, then add the tomatoes and 400ml (14fl oz) water. Simmer for 3 mins, occasionally squashing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. 3 Stir in the butterbeans and heat through. 4 Stir through coriander (or spinach, if using) and check the seasoning. Serve immediately. TRY THIS: For a meaty twist,…

MIKE BOWS OUT I was so looking forward to Michael Barrymore bringing something special to the ice – but unfortunately, due to his broken wrist, he will no longer be skating. But he’s still one of the Dancing on Ice family and will be at some of the live shows. Michael said this was one of his big moments to get back in the game – but I say to him, ‘This is not the end! You’ve proven you’re game to do what you do best – entertain people. I look forward to the future – be well…’ LOOK OUT FOR LISA Out of the girls’ team, Trisha, is doing great – but she needs to not let her partner guide her around the ice. I’m really excited about Corrie’s…

Freddie Fox, 30, is a member of the famous Fox acting clan. Following many successful stage roles, he is playing Jeremy Bamber in White House Farm. What were your thoughts about playing Jeremy Bamber when the role came up? I had heard of him, it was just one of those names I knew but didn’t know why. Then subsequently reading the script I brought myself up to date. Because I didn’t know much about the case I didn’t approach it with any trepidation, when I first read it could have been a piece of fictitious writing because I didn’t have any personal connection to the story. Was there extra pressure playing a real-life person? Initially, I wasn’t particularly worried about it being a real-life story, those thoughts started to manifest…

1 UNWANTED ITEMS If you’ve been given a present that doesn’t suit your needs – and you don’t have a gift receipt – speak to the retailer. Some may offer you an exchange if the item is unopened/unused, but each store will have its own policy. Many shops extend their returns period following Christmas, but if that fails, you may have to ask the person who gave you the item for the receipt! 2 UNFIT FOR PURPOSE? Under the Consumer Rights Act, you can return something within 30 days and get your money back if it’s faulty, not as described or unfit for purpose. This includes items bought at a reduced price (except where something is discounted due to a fault). 3 WHEN IT’S NOT FAULTY You can only return non-faulty…

I TV’s golden girls Ruth Langsford, Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway may differ in their feelings on giving up their favourite tipple for Dry January – just like the rest of the nation. According to Alcohol Change UK, the one-month booze-free challenge, which millions of Britons take up, sees 88 per cent of participants save money, 71 per cent enjoy better sleep, 67 per cent have more energy and, wait for it – 58 per cent lose weight! So is it all worth it? Let’s find out… KATE GARRAWAY: ‘The difference without booze is dramatic!’ I’m A Celebrity finalist Kate Garraway’s jungle diet – which saw her shed a stone – has certainly contributed to her cracking new body. But avoiding booze more often than not, no doubt got her…

Q I have really sensitive skin. What options are there to give my face a lift? Nina, Salisbury A DR AAMER SAYS: Regenerative medicine is the next big thing. You can now use your own body’s blood, stem cells and fat to help fight the ageing process. Lipogems uses your body’s own fat, and as there’s nothing else added, there’s less chance of there being an allergic reaction. Fat is removed from the stomach, hips or thigh through liposuction. The extracted fat is treated using the new Lipogems system, removing any impurities before this concentrated fat – full of growth factors, plus something called cytokines, an anti-inflammatory – is reinjected. The one-off treatment is ideal to use for the hollows of the eyes, the folds either side of the nose, smoker’s…

TOP TIP! If possible, take off your rings when washing your hands to avoid soap sud build up…

Going vegan is bang on trend right now. There’s a whopping 17.9m mentions of #veganfood on Instagram and celebrity fans have included Ellie Goulding, Simon Cowell and Beyoncé! The Vegan Society believes 600,000 people in the UK are currently vegan – and that figure is rising fast. Each January, and a growing number of us sign up to Vegan-uary to go vegan for the month. And it’s estimated that 25 per cent of us will be vegan or vegetarian by 2025. According to numerous studies, following a plant-based diet and ditching meat, dairy and other animal products can come with health benefits. In particular, it can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers. HOW IT WORKS Follow our seven-day meal plan (right) for…

I REGRET NEVER HAVING CHILDREN Throughout my 20s and 30s, I never really felt broody, nor detected the merest pang of maternal instinct. Now, in my mid 40s, it’s hit. I look at friends and family who have kids, and feel I’ve really missed out. I can’t seem to shake this thought, and it feels cruel that Mother Nature decided to make maternal instinct only kick in now. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life and I don’t mind being single in my gorgeous dream home, but even my single mum friends never regret being a mother. I regret not being one. How do I fill this void? Lisa, Leeds The French warbler Edith Piaf sang ‘Je ne regret rien’ – I regret nothing – and she must have…

Fancy a pizza this? January needn’t mean deprivation. Dr Oetker Momenti Pizzas, £2.29, are the perfect pizza-for-one, at under 450 calories each. Choose from Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto, Grilled Vegetables & Ricotta or Salami Calabrese. Available at all supermarkets. Snack attack! Need something between meals? Nairn’s new Gluten-Free Oats, Apple & Cinnamon Chunky Biscuit Breaks, £1.75, will hit the sweet spot without affecting your waistline. They contain 50 per cent less sugar than the average gluten-free biscuit, and only 63 calories per biscuit. Get them at Waitrose and Morrisons. WINTER WARMER Plant Power For those trying to reduce their meat intake, take a look at Aldi’s new Plant Menu Vegan Ready Meals; the ultimate winter warmers that at £1.99 each, won’t break the bank this January. Choose from Smoky BBQ…

5 to give away Worth £249! Looking for a helping hand with your diet? Jane Plan is a weight-loss delivery service that provides your own personal nutritionist. Each box includes 28 breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks – from pecan and maple granola for breakfast to chicken tikka masala for dinner – so you can eat delicious food and lose weight, too! The bespoke recipes are created using only the highest quality, fresh, carefully sourced ingredients, so all you need to do is simply enjoy them. best is giving five readers the chance to win a one-month box from Jane Plan. To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best220 and ticking ‘Jane Plan’ by 24 January 2020. POST: Send a postcard with your name,…

…playing gangster’s wife Ros in new Guy Ritchie film The Gentlemen Ros runs a car dealership which she inherited from her father. The accent came very easy to me. My family originate from the East End so it’s my roots. It’s closer to where I come from. We had a lot of fun on set, and Ros was a really fun character to play. I had a great time. Guy wants the set to be fun and for it not to be taken too seriously. I think that should the case for every job! …the enduring popularity of Downton Abbey I’m always surprised by the type of person that likes Downton. Often, I will get in a cab in London and the driver will say a general ‘Hi!’ Then give…

Fresh from her amazing Strictly win with Kelvin Fletcher, Oti Mabuse takes her seat on the panel for series two of BBC’s The Greatest Dancer. Oti won the show last year with Ellie Fergusson. Here she tells best why she is looking to win the contest again and explains the brand new twists to this year’s series. Oti joins Cheryl and Glee star Matthew Morrison, together with new dance captain, choreographer Todrick Hall, with Love Island star Curtis Pritchard taking his seat in the show’s reception. Hi Oti, it’s the second series of The Greatest Dancer – tell me about the new twist to the format. How’s that working? I love it. It really put me on the edge of my seat. Each dance captain gets to pick one act…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT OK, strong sunshine isn’t a given in January, but it’s way more likely in Palma de Mallorca, and there is so much to do besides sit on a sunbed. From hillside hikes to beach clubs and the ancient charms of the city, Palma’s endless shops and must-see cathedral, whatever you’re looking for in a short-haul break you will find it. The best way to navigate your way around the labyrinth of city streets is with a private walking tour (activities.easyjet.com). Alternatively, explore by yourself or buy a bus pass for the hop-on, hop-off tour that leaves every 45 minutes from the cathedral. A ticket conveniently lasts 24 hours. INSIDER’S GUIDE If you – or your son or daughter – want to marry in the impressive cathedral and you…

Could you see yourself wearing a Harry and Meghan hoodie? Or a pair of Sussex Royal socks? That is the rather eye-popping prospect revealed as a possibility, after news broke that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have trademarked ‘Sussex Royal’, the brand for their charitable foundation, on more than 100 items. While the goods and services that come under the brand include worthy and ‘on message’ products, such as charitable fundraising, teaching materials and social care services – they also cover more ordinary everyday products – such as pyjamas, socks, journals, notebooks and greeting cards. Though there is no indication that the goods could be sold for personal rather than charitable profit. It is an indication that Harry and Meghan could be planning to expand their empire and put…

TOP TIP! Wanting a coat that will last years? Choose a neutral colour rather than a bold or neon shade. TOP TIP! Slim cut bottoms help flatter your figure and balance the puffiness of the jacket. TOP TIP! If you are worried about bulk, opt for a long coat rather jacket, as they tend to be more figure forgiving.…

I like being single, being my own person and making my own decisions. I can shop, eat, sleep, spend what I want and travel when and where I want to go – without having to consult another person. Unlike my single friends, I am not actively looking for a date, the companionship of a man or love. In fact, if any of the above presented themselves on a plate I have vowed to turn them down. Say no to the man, is my new motto. It hasn’t always been like this. I have been married twice. My first marriage ended tragically when my husband of three years passed away following a car accident. I remarried and that lasted 21 years until we divorced. Following the divorce, I was single for…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Do you dress like your pet? It’s often said that we all eventually end up looking like our pets – and judging from this picture, it’s 100 per cent true! When Aldi launched a social media campaign to find the UK’s best owner and pet lookalikes, it was inundated with entries, from doting owners who dyed their hair to match their pooches, and those who planned their wardrobes around what their four-legged friends were wearing. We love this lady (Eleanor Jane Toomey), who brightens up winter days with her yellow jacket and cute matching Staffie. Seriously, growing to look like your pets is not a myth. In a study undertaken by University of California-based psychologist, Michael Roy, it was found that nearly 64 per cent of all…

CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January A new beginning is possible for Capricorns, such as Cheers actress Kirstie Alley and Madness singer Suggs. This may involve taking a leap of faith to get to where you want to be. A bold act will attract lots of attention and making plans for the future will fill you with excitement. ARIES 21 March – 20 April A tense family situation will come to a head. With you feeling so sensitive, you might prefer to follow the line of least resistance. You’ll find it easier to go along with the majority, especially in matters you aren’t too bothered about. Friends and family will join in your efforts to make this an eco-friendly start to the year. CANCER 22 June – 23 July A…

I’ve already admitted in this magazine that I’m a shopaholic who hoards clothes. My wardrobe(s) were bulging – but I still felt I had ‘nothing to wear’. So, I agreed to put myself and my clothes under the scrutiny of a specialist. Rachel Gold has dressed hundreds of women – from household names who want to dazzle on the cover of magazines or on the red carpet to businesswomen and then women like me – who like clothes, buy too many, but who still wail every morning: ‘I’ve got NOTHING to wear.’ Before she comes to see me, I send Rachel a feature I wrote on why I have so many clothes. She emails back: ‘I see I’ll have my work cut out with you…’ I promise to be on…

£1.18 PER SERVING Pork burgers These Mexican-inspired pork burgers pack a punch and make a change from the usual beef burger. Infused with lots of fresh aromatics and smoky chipotle, you can add sweetcorn and black beans to the bun for a bit of extra oomph! Or just a dollop of barbecue sauce! Serves: 4 PER SERVING CALS 506 FAT 26g 500g pork mince2 inches ginger, grated1 clove garlic, grated1 lime1 tbsp chipotle pastePinch of saltSmall handful coriander, choppedSmall handful mint, chopped2 spring onions, finely sliced4 brioche buns, halved2 tbsp olive oil 1 Add the pork mince to a mixing bowl followed by the rest of the ingredients, except the olive oil and the buns. Season with a little salt and pepper and mix together until well combined. 2 Form…

PLUS ALL best READERS CAN CLAIM A FREE 3-DAY PASS Worth over £400! National gym provider Anytime Fitness is offering one best reader the exclusive chance to win a year’s membership! Anytime Fitness has more than 165 clubs across the UK, offering 24-hour access, seven days a week, 365 days a year with state-of-the-art equipment, private changing rooms and showers, personal training and group fitness classes. Anytime Fitness prides itself on supporting its members and helping them discover their reason for fitness and is also offering ALL best readers a free three-day pass to any of its nationwide locations. To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best220 and tick ‘Anytime Fitness’ by 24 January 2020. POST: Send a postcard with your name, address,…