Table of contents for 43 - 2022 in Best

Two men I know have books out today. Michael Ball is a superb singer, wonderful personality (listen to his radio show) and, as it turns out, he can turn his hand to writing pretty well, too (turn to page 14). The other is Scott Mitchell, Barbara Windsor’s husband (page 76). Scott is a good friend and at a recent lunch, we spoke pretty much exclusively about ‘loving Barbara’ – and her iconic laugh, which was genuine. The book is a ‘warts and all’ love story because Barbara asked one thing of her husband before she died. If he told their story, she wanted him to tell the whole truth. She was like that. She shared her life with journalists openly and loved her job. ‘I’ve been incredibly lucky,’ she once…

TOP TIP Embroidered knits look great with a faux-leather skirt for work or play.…

Sitting across the table from the gorgeous Toby* in a restaurant, the sparks of attraction were flying. It had every element of a normal, successful date, except for one thing… our age difference. Because I was 51 and he was 22. If it shocked the waiter I didn’t care. I was a cougar and incredibly proud of it. Meeting up with attractive young men has transformed my life for the better and perhaps it’s always been on the cards for me… I was born with a fierce independent streak that has been prevalent throughout my life. Raised in a traditional family I was told that a woman’s life meant marriage, motherhood and making a home. But I rejected all of it. While I knew I didn’t want babies or a…

TOP TIP! Group decorations together to create a spine-tingling display!…

HOW TO STOP PANIC ATTACKS? What is the best way to stop or calm down a panic attack? My daughter suffers terribly with them and we’ve still not figured out a way to prevent them. We’ve tried slow breathing and touching fingers, etc, but nothing as yet has worked… It’s so upsetting. Debbie, Surrey DR HILARY SAYS: Panic attacks can induce all kinds of unpleasant mental and physical symptoms and can be triggered by many things, or come on out of the blue. Avoiding stressful situations, however, is not the answer as this curtails her daily life and creates a kind of fear of the fear. Tell her that next time it happens she should stay where she is, practice slow and deep breathing and remind herself that by thinking…

LIBRA 24 September - 23 October A fundraising project or volunteer work will be a great success for you. Businesswoman and reality TV star Kim Kardashian, Game of Thrones actor Emilia Clarke and other Librans will be basking in the public’s admiration right now. You have earned this praise – so enjoy every moment of it. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January You may be entertaining important visitors in your workplace. Swallow your anxiety if asked to give a presentation – you have been chosen because you are the best person for the job. Romance will have a creative slant later in the week when your partner will be impressed by your imaginative suggestions. ARIES 21 March – 20 April A serious proposal should be carefully considered. You might be…

WITCH, PLEASE! Make an impact at your Halloween party with this creepy witch balloon, complete with a pointed hat, it’s ideal for any October celebration. Fill it with helium and position it in your front window to frighten trick or treaters! £4.99 from partypieces.co.uk PINK & BLACK IS WHERE IT’S AT! These disposable tableware pieces will add a touch of style to your Halloween bash. The party pack contains black plates and matching napkins, all with fun, pink starry designs. Serves up to 16 guests. £3.96 for 56 pieces at cardfactory.co.uk DISNEY MAGIC… For £50, this stunning Disney Mickey Mouse Halloween wreath would make a magical addition to any home this season – worth breaking the bank for! direct.asda.com/george…

Write about what you know, isn’t that the saying? So, it should come as no surprise that Michael Ball’s debut into the literary world centres around the ‘glamour, greasepaint and glory’ of Britain’s musical theatres. Growing up in Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, the theatre he creates is set in the North and the people living between World War I and II, where everything from the class system to the role of women is rapidly changing. Here, the twotime Olivier and Brit award winner shares his excitement about his first novel, his popular radio show and his future plans… Hi Michael. You’ve written your first book! You’ve said, ‘The theatre has been the soundtrack of my life…’ Did you want to put that magic on the page? Well… yes. They say we all…

TREAT YOURSELF REDUCE REDNESS – Honey Rich in antioxidants and a pH skin balancer, honey can help smooth fine lines and tighten skin. Its antibacterial and antifungal benefits can also be good for acne-prone skin. DIY – Zap spots: Mix ¼ cup of oatmeal, ¼ cup of water and 2tsp of honey (ideally manuka, due to its antibacterial properties) and pat over spots. Rinse off after 15 minutes. PLUMP & HYDRATE – Pumpkin Packed with wrinkle-fighting vitamins A, C and E, along with zinc, potassium and antioxidants, pumpkins can help nourish and brighten. Research has also found that it can help skin retain moisture, fight free radicals and control acne. DIY - Radiance-boosting mask: Apply in the bath as the enzymes are more active when moist. Mix two cups of…

Life really had never been better,’ Sammie McFarland remembers. ‘I’d just received two prestigious awards, including Woman’s Wellness Coach of the Year and had achieved my life-long dream of opening my own wellbeing studio.’ The 46-year-old from Dorchester had an Instagram account, showing her in Pilates poses that displayed her amazing physique, and filled with gushing reviews from the women she had helped achieve their potential. But just weeks after winning Woman’s Wellness Coach of the Year, in March 2020, Sammie’s life as she knew it was over. Visitors to her business website are now greeted with the message, ‘Thank you for finding your way here. I am currently taking an enforced break from coaching while I recover from Long Covid. I miss my clients and coaching and very much…

The former First Lady of the United States broke records with sales of her autobiography, Becoming. One of the best-selling memoirs of all time, we are all now eagerly awaiting her new book, The Light We Carry, out in November. Her first book reflected on the experiences that have shaped her – from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. As First Lady – the first African-American in that role – she helped create a welcoming and inclusive White House, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls. Here, mum-of-two Michelle, 58, speaks openly about her marriage, her husband and balancing the demands of work and motherhood… Hi, Michelle. Why the title Becoming? I would tell my younger self,…

Could it be a case of ‘I’m a Royal – Get Me in Here?’ Champagne corks must be popping at the HQ of jungle challenge I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! as the rumour is they have bagged one of their biggest signings yet – Mike Tindall. As the husband of Zara Phillips – the granddaughter of the late Queen and, of course, the daughter of Princess Anne – former rugby international Mike, 43, is the first Royal to have signed up for the hit ITV show. He will appear in a starry line-up that is rumoured to include Eighties singing superstar Boy George, comedian Seann Walsh and DJ Chris Moyles. Mike, a member of the England squad who lifted the World Cup in 2003, wed Zara in…

Strictly Come Dancing co-host Claudia Winkleman has previously insisted she fails to meet the basic requirement for contestants on the show – because she does not consider herself a celebrity! ‘Absolutely not,’ she said. ‘Maybe celebrity is a state of mind. I don’t go out, I don’t do Red Carpet stuff, I don’t know famous people [well, she knows Tess]…’ She wondered if maybe people make a conscious effort to be in the public eye, and everybody who is in it, good luck to them, but she prefers to stay home, admitting: ‘I love my bed!’ And there was another reason she says she would never take to the floor as a contestant on the hit BBC show – her terrible dancing. ‘You haven’t seen me dance, but if you…

WHAT’S YOUR TIPPLE? Always a gin and tonic, nice and cold with ice and lemon – or an Aperol spritz. WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? Ryvita and cottage cheese? I am not one of life’s cooks. My daughter’s just gone back to uni and I miss her cooking – she’s brilliant and she did all of it. WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING ON TELLY? I have just started Bad Sisters and I am loving it. Nadia [Sawalha] did try and get me into Married at First Sight but I just don’t have the level of commitment for that.…

Waking up on 31 October, I feel the magic in the air. It’s Halloween – the most important day in a witch’s calendar. It’s the day we believe the veil between the living and the spirit world is at its thinnest. I spend the holiday honouring family members who have passed away by placing flowers in a vase near their framed photos. I cleanse the house to get rid of any bad energy by burning sage – it’s a practice as old as time. And when the moon rises in the sky, I cast a spell for luck and prosperity. Lighting a green candle, inscribed with my name, I chant the words three times and close my eyes. I leave the candle burning until it reaches the end and, by…

HOW IT WORKS We’ve come up with the perfect plan to help you slim down and cut out the hidden calories in booze. To help get you motivated, just think of the health benefits when it comes to turning down a tipple. They include better quality shuteye, increased energy, a healthier liver, heart and kidneys, improved skin and a reduced risk of several alcohol-related cancers. Our plan also features plenty of foods to help you feel good, plus sweet treats to keep you going because research shows we often crave sweet things after ditching booze. It’s thought that alcohol and sugar have a similar effect on the brain, both releasing dopamine, making us feel good. So we end up craving sugar if booze isn’t on the menu. • Follow the…

Plum Crumble Cake Make this moreish cake with apples, pears or whatever fruit is in season Serves 12 Hands-on time: 20 min Cook time: 40 min • 150g butter, at room temperature• 200g soft brown sugar• 3 medium eggs, lightly beaten• 100g sour cream• 300g self-raising flour• 6 plums, stoned and cut into wedges• 50g Demerara sugar 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/mark 4 and line a rough 20.5cm x 30.5cm roasting tin with baking parchment. Put 100g of the butter into a bowl with the soft brown sugar and beat together with a handheld electric whisk until pale and fluffy, about 3 min. Whisk in the eggs and sour cream, then use a large metal spoon to fold in 200g of the flour. Spoon mixture into the prepared…

Looking at the attractive brunette, I sank onto the sofa and began reading her story with interest. It was the first time I’d come across Deborah James, aka Bowel Babe. She was in her late 30s, was into fashion and loved running, just like me. For the first time in weeks, I suddenly didn’t feel quite so isolated – or as terrified. Because, just like Deborah, I also had bowel cancer. ‘Look, she’s had 10 operations,’ my friend, who was reading the article over my shoulder, pointed out. Suddenly, I felt a surge of determination. If Deborah could have 10 operations, I could get through one. My diagnosis came out of nowhere, knocking me off my feet. For years, I’d had a sensitive stomach. I believed that the diarrhoea and…

DAUGHTER-IN-LAW EXCLUDES ME Vanessa, my son married a young lady I thought I got along really well with – but since they tied the knot in May, I’ve barely been invited over at all. Usually it wouldn’t bother me, but I’ve heard from my other son that they’ve had a few family dinners that I’ve not been included in! I still hear from my son and he pops in every now and then, but I’ve not seen my daughter-in-law since the wedding day. It’s really quite hurtful. How would you deal with this? It’s still early days so I don’t want to rock the boat… Lynn, Hastings I know exactly what I’d do. I’d invite the happy couple over for a slap-up dinner. You want to build a close connection…

SIR SEAN CONNERY When a working-class Scot, who’d worked as a bricklayer and coffin polisher, was cast as Bond, Old Etonian author Ian Fleming (who created the spy) was irritated, dismissing Sean Connery as a ‘ditch digger’. But Connery, who appeared in the first official Bond film Dr No, in 1962, was blessed with so much charisma and confidence – as well as drop-dead gorgeous looks – that he made the role his own. He went on to portray Bond in six more movies, finishing with a return after a gap for Never Say Never Again in 1983, as an ageing Bond. He was knighted in 2000, and died in his sleep in 2020 at the age of 90. SIR ROGER MOORE Handsome and suave, Roger Moore played the British…

So, here we are again… Daniel Craig is out of MI6-we will miss him! But the question of the day is: who will be the next 007?!! Could it be a woman? Is your favourite among one of the stars on the right, where Ladbrokes is offering these odds (at the time of printing anyway). Let us know who gets your vote…. 8/1 Taron Egerton Best known for his roles in the action-comedy series of Kingsman movies, as well as the film Rocketman, where he took on the role of Elton John so convincingly, Taron Egerton is one of the newer names in the mix for the next Bond. As the youngest of the bunch, at 32, the Welsh-born star might have the greatest advantage. Though, speaking recently on Heart…

PET OF THE WEEK Name: George Owner: Karen from North Yorkshire Breed: Golden cocker spaniel CALLING ALL PETS! From funny to cute, we’re looking for more pets to star in our ‘Day in the Life’ series. If you think your animal is the perfect match, email bestpets@hearst.co.uk with details of your pet, plus a series of snaps.*…

‘Quiet please, studio. We’re live in five. Camera one, closeup on Dan. Pan to Tamsin. Camera two. Close-up on the poodle.’ ‘The poodle’ indeed! My name’s Petal and, I’ll have you know, mother was a Crufts finalist. Still, I’m not about to let one ignorant producer spoil my first appearance on Breakfast Television. I’ll make sure it’s not the last either. Appealing glance to camera. Head tilted winningly to one side. Slide pink tongue across button nose. Gratifying Ahhhhs echo round the studio floor. I sense Dan, the oily presenter, isn’t keen on me hogging the limelight. When the camera swivels back to him, he grins like a wolf before introducing Tamsin, my human, to millions of viewers. Before we went on air, he had the cheek to ask if…

FAKE FOAM Amazon, £17.99 How pretty are these artificial pumpkins, that you can get out year after year?! With various colours and sizes to choose from, you can’t go wrong… LIGHT IT UP Shein, £3.25 This gloriously quirky pumpkin light is just £3.25! If less is more in your house – this is the Halloween dec for you… TAKE THE MICK! Disney Store, £18 Enjoy a ghostly glow this season with this votive holder, featuring a spooktacular Mickey Mouse pumpkin design – frightfully good fun!…

DARK HOUSE For crime junkies who love a good ghost story, Dark House shines the spotlight on America’s most notorious homes – from infamous crime scenes to abandoned mansions. On Spotify. THE NO SLEEP PODCAST If you’re too scared to listen to true crime podcasts, you should give The No Sleep Podcast a try. Showrunner David Cummings describes it as ‘telling spooky stories around a virtual campfire’. On Apple Podcasts. PARCAST PRESENTS: HALLOWEEN Every episode of Parcast Presents: Halloween is dedicated to a different freaky topic: ghosts, ghouls, urban legends, serial killers, and much more. On Spotify!…

Honesty was vitally important to Barbara Windsor. She was 26 years older than her husband and had thought long and hard about their future together – and how things would inevitably end. She was 55 when they met, he was 29. ‘One day, Scott darlin’,’ she said, sitting in a chair in the front room of their London mews house, ‘when I’m no longer around, they will ask you to write a book about us. Make sure you tell the truth – that’s all I ask. If you tell them how we really were, you can walk down the street with your head held high.’ And that is exactly what he has done… Hi, Scott. Was it difficult living with such an icon in the early days? We were always…