Table of contents for 34-2020 in Best

I remember – as I’m sure most of you do – Linda Lusardi being a top model back in the Eighties. A Page 3 sensation who went onto marry the best-looking man to ever star in Channel 4’s Brookside (Sam Kane) and have two lovely children. Back in March, Sam and Linda fell victim to Coronavirus and Linda almost lost her life – but look at her now. She’s living proof that keeping fit and healthy is one way of fighting this terrible disease, especially as it seems all over-40s are vulnerable now! So come on ladies – 40s, 50s or 60s – she’s my inspiration to at least get swimming this summer! Turn to page 9 for more on how she stays in shape, plus her amazing Eighties memories…

TOP TIP A striped T-shirt looks great worn under a blazer when the days - or nights-are cooler.…

Throughout lockdown, Denise Welsh has been using social media to vent her feelings about the Coronavirus crisis – once declaring she was turning into grumpy TV character Victor Meldrew! Now, she has released her most impassioned rant yet – dismissing the entire situation as a ‘s***show’. ‘It is such a complete s***show. I am getting myself in such a state and so angry about everything that it is not doing me any favours,’ she confessed, in a video to her 140, 000 Instagram followers. Instead of letting news raise her blood pressure, the ex-Corrie star, 62, who lives in Cheshire with husband Lincoln Townley, decided to seek out positivity. ‘So, I’ve been concentrating today on looking at all the amazing comments I’ve had from the people who’ve read my book,’…

TOP TIP! Splash out now for this summer and the next!…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Perhaps it’s the combination of anxiety and boredom, but even people used to drinking regularly have admitted their intake has gone up by 18 per cent this summer. Dr Emma Derbyshire, nutritionist at the Tea Advisory Panel (teaadvisorypanel.com), says: ‘It’s worse for women, as the high sugar content of wine contributes to the visceral fat that lies on our bellies. This is not only hard to shift, but can lead to serious health problems including diabetes.’ 2 A new UK research review, by Dr Tim Bond, reveals drinking Red Bush tea can help reduce this kind of fat as the aspalathin compound it contains has been shown to help increase fat metabolism and block fat cell formation. Sipping green tea has been linked to belly-fat loss,…

FINALLY SEEN THE LIGHT I’ve been a terrible wife for years. Uncaring, selfish and twice unfaithful. My husband has finally had enough of me taking him for granted and, out of the blue, has said he wants a divorce. I didn’t see it coming and I’ve realised I’m devastated. I truly thought he’d be with me forever. I should never have treated him so badly but, now, I’m about to lose him. I have told him I will change, and I mean it but what can I do to convince him? Grace, Dundee Wow! You have been thoroughly enjoying having your cake and eating it. It’s hardly surprising your husband will take some convincing that you have truly turned over a new leaf. You have been cold and complacent, you…

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, want to brighten up the home, or simply cheer yourself up after a long day, there is nothing quite like a beautiful bouquet of flowers to do the trick. But when they are guaranteed to bring so much joy, why leave treating yourself with flowers to once in a blue moon? Award-winning independent online florist, Serenata Flowers, who produce a stunning range of lovingly hand-arranged bouquets, are partnering with best to offer one lucky reader the chance to have a breathtaking bouquet delivered to their door every month for an entire year! To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best3420 by 4 September 2020. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2718 by midnight on 4 September 2020. Calls…

RHINEFIELD HOUSE HOTEL, NEW FOREST There’s no better way to enjoy this beloved English tradition than in a stunning country house – and this one has terraces so you can enjoy al fresco during warmer months. From £26.50 per person, it’s no wonder Rhinefield is known as ‘the jewel of the forest’. See handpickedhotels.co.uk/rhinefieldhouse/eat-drink/our-services/traditional-afternoon-tea. LUTON HOO, BEDFORDSHIRE Make afternoon tea extra special by adding champers and chandeliers, enjoyed on Luton Hoo’s period sofas and armchairs. Available weekdays, 1.30pm-5pm, it’s a tad pricey (£40 per person) but from the background classical music to a walk in the grounds after, it’s an unmissable experience. See lutonhoo.co.uk/afternoon-tea-bedfordshire-luton-hoo. THE BALMORAL HOTEL PALM COURT, EDINBURGH At £45 a head, this is not cheap, but if you are celebrating a special occasion, why not try it?…

LEO 24 July – 23 August Gavin and Stacey writer and Carpool Karaoke presenter James Corden, as well as The Stranger actor Richard Armitage and other Leos may need to be as flexible as possible as they are asked to assume duties they have never done before. If you believe in yourself, you are more than capable. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November You have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help your employer through difficult times. Now you’re exhausted. It is understandable that your work performance is a bit inconsistent. Scale back obligations and take precautions to protect your well-being. It is time to start looking after yourself. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Travel plans are prone to sudden alterations or complications. Challenges facing you…

Lisa Armstrong, head of make-up on Strictly Come Dancing, looks to have found love again – after a messy divorce from TV host Ant McPartlin. The 43-year-old has been seen out and about with her reported squeeze, James Green – who, at 37, is six years Lisa’s junior. It is, as far as we know, Lisa’s first romantic relationship since splitting from long-term partner Ant in January 2018 – and she looks positively glowing. As for Ant, we’re sure he’s happy for Lisa, but he’s said nothing publicly. Indeed, the BGT host is in the midst of a ‘one-month social media break’ to spend more time with family. Lisa and Ant, 44, who had been together for 23 years, were granted a decree nisi last October. Their 12-year marriage was officially…

‘It’s relentless. Hot, hot air – everywhere. Nothing blowing hot or cold, it’s just hot, hot, hot. Excuse my language, but I’m talking about the bloody weather. Like everyone. Although, I’m not coming to it from a position of surprise, as is the case with the other 99 per cent of Brits, who seem genuinely perplexed when the weather changes. And yet, in the British Isles it happens all the time. “It’s the hottest it’s ever been”; “Why don’t we have air-conditioning?”; “I can’t sleep!”; “It’s got to be global warming!” And everyone you talk to, from shop assistants to call centres, feels the need to tell you. Sometimes, I feel like replying “Is it? I was trying to find my goose down puffa coat earlier!” And then, in a…

LAVENDER A natural skin superhero, with more uses than you can count. There are about 47 species of the lavender plant and besides its wonderful fragrance, the oil can help relax and aid sleep. It’s also shown to be effective in repairing skin wounds, soothing sunburn and easing insect bites. TRY: Boots Sleepeaze, £6, spritzed over your pillow before going to bed to encourage a peaceful night’s sleep. LEMON OIL Cold pressed from the peel of the fruit, lemon oil is renowned for its draining qualities. Used during a deep tissue massage it will help disperse fluid retention and help to firm skin. Studies have shown that the aroma helps improve concentration, too. It’s also a natural source of vitamin C, bioflavonoids and antioxidants. TRY: Holika Pure Essence Lemon Mask…

Homework was strewn across the dining room table, there were piles of paper mounting high next to pots of pens, scraps of card, scissors and sticky tape… I’d renamed the room the Home School Nightmare Room. I was not enjoying my new role as teacher to my children, Arthur, 10, and Heidi, eight. I was supposed to be Mum, there for fun, play and support, but now I was nagging them to do maths and they quickly bored of the sound of my voice. ‘If we can just finish this lesson school sent over…’ I trailed off, knowing I’d lost their attention. It was March and the country had gone into lockdown. As an author, I had a busy life full of promotional tours and book readings, but every event…

SIBLING RIVALRY My sister and I, both in our 40s, have always had healthy competition between us – we’re both ambitious ‘go-getters’. But her marriage broke down last year, and now she seems to feel, in comparison to me, that she’s ‘failed’ and our relationship has grown toxic as a result. I hear her tell people that she thinks I’ve ‘succeeded’ with my hubby and she hasn’t – but it doesn’t stop her trying to bring me down about everything else in my life, at every opportunity. Naturally, in retaliation, I do the same. How can we break this vicious cycle? Faith, Nottingham MANDY SAYS: A vicious cycle like this is rarely only one person’s doing but it can take only one person to change the dance. Retaliation does not…

HOT DOG! Is your pup feeling the heat? Animal behaviourist Kirsten Dillon shares advice on keeping your canine comfortable during warmer weather… SEEK THE SHADE: The temperature can vary alarmingly between direct sunlight and shaded areas, so make sure your pet has access to shade wherever you are. Choose woodland walks or invest in a parasol for the beach. CONSIDER YOUR POOCH’S PAWS: Dogs’ paw pads are not dissimilar to our thumb pad. Check ground temperature by pressing your thumb against it for 20 seconds and see how it feels. Utilise shade, grass and earth surfaces as concrete and asphalt get hot much more quickly. DOGS NEED SUNSCREEN TOO: If your pet has white fur, a thin coat or exposed patches of pink skin, use pet-friendly sunscreen. Human sunscreens have…

Lesley Manville, 64, best known for playing Cathy in hit BBC series Mum, plays her polar opposite in Harlots – as Lydia Quigley, the ‘Lady Macbeth’ of brothel keepers… What’s Harlots about? It’s a fully-fledged story about what it was like to work as a prostitute in 1763, in Georgian England, at every level of society. Along the way, you get humour, bitterly sad stories, revenge, pain, women hating women, a bit of everything. But it’s coming from an angle of truth. And not titillating in any way. And tell us about Lydia… Lydia is a very high-class, top-end madam, who runs a bawdy house. She is powerful and ruthless. Lydia doesn’t seem to care about very many people, and she does terrible things…she has a strange dual personality. Alongside…

As the regular face of entertainment news on ITV’s Lorraine, Ria Hebden is part of a new wave of exciting TV presenters hitting our screens. With her own production company, she produces an online show, Wonder Women TV, in which she highlights her passion for telling stories that celebrate diversity, champion women and inspire the next generation. She has interviewed a host of celebs including Sandi Toksvig, Kim Cattrall, and Ruby Wax. Here Ria, who lives in Ealing, London, with her producer husband and two children, Noah, 10, and Lula, two, tells best why breaking into TV was her childhood dream… Ria, you are such a busy lady – what drives you? I’ve always been very ambitious and set myself goals that I want to achieve. I’ve always wanted to be in television, which is…

In an exclusive chat with best magazine, Linda Lusardi talks about how she’s managed to maintain the jaw-dropping figure that made her a star of the Eighties. Married to ex-Brookside star Sam Kane, 51, since 1998, she talks about her memories from those heady model days – and how she is still recovering after an almost-fatal battle with Coronavirus… Linda, you still look incredible in a white one-piece! What’s the story of the original picture? It was a photo shoot in Ibiza in the Eighties, with five other girls. I was with my best friend, Angie Lane–we had a wild time! I was pretty naughty – always have been! Angie and I would often sneak out after everyone had gone to bed and hit the clubs. We’d be out again at 6am, make-up…

PAUL SAYS: 16 May, 2017. It’s a day that’s etched into my mind – for all the wrong reasons. I’d just finished some training for my job as a police officer, when I phoned my wife, Suzy, to tell her I was on my way home. It was a call I’d made hundreds of times before – only this time, it wasn’t her who answered. ‘Is this Suzy’s husband?’ asked the unknown voice. ‘What’s going on?’ I demanded. ‘I’m a paramedic. Suzy has collapsed,’ came the reply. It’s the sort of phone call you never want to have. In those few words my day went from mundane to life-changing… ‘Oh…’ was all I could manage. After arranging for family to take care of our son, Charlie, three, who had witnessed…

MEDITERRANEAN SEA BASS & POTATO We ate some beautiful baked fish on our journey around the Mediterranean. One of the most memorable was in Corsica – a whole baked fish served simply on a bed of potatoes and onions. Sometimes, it’s the simplicity of dishes that make them taste so delicious; pared-back cooking really allows the ingredients to shine. This is also great with bream or snapper, or you can bake a whole fish on top of the potatoes for 18-20 minutes instead of using fillets. Try throwing in some capers, if you fancy. SERVES 4 Sea bass fillets, skin on2 lemons: 1 thinly sliced; 1 for squeezing4 large waxy potatoes (Désirée work well), peeled and thinly sliced1 red onion, thinly sliced2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced1 large garlic clove, finely chopped2tbsp…

EASTENDERS ICONIC EPISODE As they gear up to return to our screens, this week, EastEnders screens another classical nostalgic episode – this time with Pat, Roy, Peggy and Frank. In this one-hour special, there are fireworks of a different kind for Albert Square’s frantic four on Bonfire Night. This episode was originally broadcast on 2 November 2000 and has gone down as one of the most iconic EastEnders episodes of all time! Catch it on Tuesday, 18 August at 7.30pm. On the following Monday in Secrets From The Square, Stacey Dooley is joined by Walford favourites Linda Henry and Luisa Bradshaw-White – aka sisters Shirley and Tina Carter – for a rare interview, spilling the beans on their time on the Square. The duo – who are close friends on and…