Table of contents for 39-2024 in Best

Autumn is heralded in for me by great TV… Obviously, being a co-presenter on best’s new pod/vodcast Suddenly Single: (youtube.com/@best_magazine_ uk,) one of my go-to shows is My Mum,Your Dad. Turn to page 12, where we have Clare’s take on fashion. I’m on the JD William’s website already! They know how to dress us over 50s for sure. Like me, when her personal world fell apart, Clare turned to the world of dating apps, but they left her feeling skeptical about her own judgement and she admits she always fails to see the red flags! Those of us now suddenly single, hear her – but the show is being watched by around 20 million, so it isn’t just us singletons who are fascinated by the world of later dating. As…

It was the split that shocked the nation when, after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together, TV’s golden couple – Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes – announced that they were divorcing in May this year… But perhaps even more shocking – especially to Loose Women anchor Ruth – is how quickly Eamonn seems to have moved on… He’s been busy romancing his new girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, and the pair were recently spotted together enjoying a sunshine break. Eamonn, 64, didn’t seem to mind who saw him indulging in public displays of affection with his new beau – who he reportedly started messaging nine years ago, after she commented on his Instagram photo – and was even spotted in public patting her bottom! Though Ruth, also 64, is…

He looks 10 years younger than 59 when we meet, but insists that, while he’s been on a diet, there is no magic formula. ‘I’m allergic to hair dye – I promise!’ he says, when I question his almost jet-black hair. He’s also grown a beard, ‘Well, darling, I’ve been in Hook!’ he explains. So maybe it’s that. But the bearded-look really works. We’ve met up in a hotel in Lincolnshire, not far from where he lives with his fiancé Jonathan, who also stops by for a quick hello, sporting a similar beard. They’re renovating their home, but every Saturday Craig is back on a train to Elstree, where the live shows are filmed. Here, he tells us who he thinks will do well on the show – and why…

In the twilight, as the torch flames threw shadows at its huge solid stone walls, it looked as though Edinburgh’s iconic castle was breathing in and out in anticipation of the spectacle about to start... Swirls of mist from a fog machine momentarily screened the hundreds of costumed figures waiting proudly for the signal. Then, as the hum of bagpipes and the rhythm of the drums reached the audience, 240 bandsmen and women had begun walking as one, slowly, neatly, filing over a narrow drawbridge into the arena before expanding into a huge, colourful square of mesmerising music. We clapped wildly. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most awesome man-made spectacles in the world. If you’ve never seen it, book tickets now for next year when it…

‘I love this song,’ I grinned as the Nineties hit Show Me Love by Robin S came on. Throwing my hands into the air, I danced and danced, letting the music take me back to the fun, carefree days of my 20s. It was just what I needed, having recently come out of a long-term relationship. It was April 2017, and I’d found myself single again at 40. Just then, a man with kind brown eyes and a lovely smile came over. ‘I’m Neil,’ he shouted as he started moving in time to the music. I was about to tell him to go away – but, boy, could he dance! ‘It’s my birthday today,’ he then continued. Was it just a bad chat-up line? We sat down for a drink…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Follow the menu and feel free to repeat any days you particularly enjoy! 2 Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of energy density (the calories per gram in food), of satiety (how filling a food is) and how easy a food is to overeat. It’s a simple way to cut calories without counting them and to lose weight without going hungry. 3 Free Food is at the heart of the Slimming World plan. These are the foods you can enjoy without weighing, measuring or counting. There are more than 350 Free Foods to choose from, many incorporated into this plan. 4 On top of this, to ensure you’re getting a balanced and nutritious diet, you can enjoy measured amounts of foods…

We’re back in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in the Forties to see more of the wonderful James Herriot stories brought to life. Here, 36-year-old actor Rachel Shenton, who has played the lovable Helen Herriot since the first season, spills the beans on what we can expect... Rachel, where do we find your character at the start of series five? Well, obviously Helen gave birth at Christmas to baby Jimmy, so she’s fully immersed in motherhood, three or four months on, and with James very much away. She’s had to get used to doing things by herself – with help of course around Skeldale from Siegfried and Mrs Hall. You’ve been used to working with animals but now you have a baby as a co-star… how has that been for you?…

PETS OF THE WEEK Name: Louis and LeahOwner: Suzanne, County DownBreed: Louis is a cockapoo and Leah is a toy poodle WALK THE LINE When it comes to fashion choices, the cuddly pair like to stripe it lucky! LYING LOW In the doghouse? There are certainly some sheepish expressions going on here... GOSSIP GIRL We’re not sure Louis is keen on Leah taking the phrase ‘chewing his ear off’ quite so literally! CLEANING UP Never underestimate a dog’s appetite. No scrap will be left unlicked! JUMP AROUND! Louis has got a real spring in his step – must be all that sea air... SLEEPY SNUGGLES Nothing gets between Louis and Leah and bedtime! But who hogs the bed the most? ROAD TRIP We reckon Leah is gunning for a turn in the driver’s…

CHESNEY HAWKES We still know him today, but Chesney Hawkes only had one big song that struck a chord with the whole nation – the rather brilliant, but very aptly named The One And Only. In 1991, then aged just 19, he landed the number one spot – and changed his life forever. ‘It went to number one and stayed there for five weeks,’ explained Chesney, now 52. ‘I was only 19-years-old and I found it really weird.’ But after attempting follow-up singles, he didn’t have the same success, and then disappeared from the music scene altogether, after being dropped by his label. Chesney decided to go behind–the–scenes, trying to write music for other artists. He’s since had some resurgence and now relishes playing gigs up and down the country…

Bonita Melody Lysette Langford (aka, Bonnie) burst into our hearts, age 12, playing Violet Elizabeth in the popular series Just William but that was just the beginning of her long and varied career. Now 60, and a mum herself to Biana, 23 (who has followed mum into musical theatre), she’s taking to the stage once again, this time in a role far from her bubbly image. She is playing Madame Thénardier – ‘a horrible cockroach’ – as the star describes her, in Les Misérables. Yet Bonnie insists she’s having the time of her life. Here, she tells us more about her brilliantly ‘awful’ role… Hi Bonnie, how are you? Oh, I’m great darling. I’m currently walking my four-year-old dog, Poppy (a maltipoo) in the countryside. She’s a real city girl,…

Since she shot to fame on The Cruise in the Nineties, Jane McDonald has become one of the UK’s national treasures. A singer, presenter, former Loose Woman and Celebrity Gogglebox-er (which she appears on with her best pal, Sue Ravey) she certainly keeps busy. But Jane, 61, has undergone dark times, including the death of her fiancé, Eddie Rothe in 2021. After he died she wrote a song called Let The Light In, about overcoming darkness, which is also the theme of her brand-new book. Hi Jane! How are you? I’m good – I’m at home in gorgeous Yorkshire – the weather’s a bit hit and miss – it’s not a ‘pegging out’ day as we say! What gave you the inspiration for your book Let the Light In? I…

Spring 2018 and I’m popping to the shops. But first I need my lucky necklace. It’s not valuable but I’ve heard the semi-precious gem – tiger’s eye – gives the wearer confidence. Without it, I’m unable to leave my house. I wasn’t always like this. Just 18 months earlier, I was the supremely self-confident editorial director of a magazine. My days were spent directing photo-shoots and interviewing A-listers. I was happily married to my second husband. And then one night in October 2016, a freak accident changed everything. Driving along a dual carriageway, a man ran in front of a lorry travelling at 70mph, which – swerving to avoid him – jack-knifed into my car. Incredibly, no-one was killed. My car was a write-off, but I didn’t have a scratch.…

THE CAUSES Are your cheeks and under eyes looking puffy inflamed? There are a wide range of culprits, from overindulging and lack even of sleep, to illness and overuse of cosmetic fillers. Here are a few ways to combat the puff but I'd recommend speaking to your GP if you’re worried. ‘CORTISOL FACE’ Right now, this phrase is hugely popular on TikTok and Instagram – but what is it exactly? The term is being used to describe a puffy and inflamed face, caused by the stress hormone cortisol. It’s naturally produced in the body when we are feeling anxious or worried, and acts like an internal alarm if we are in danger. When we are overly stressed, though, the higher levels of cortisol can work against our body and cause…

Vegetarian shepherd’s pie Perfect for a meat-free Monday. Frying the onions until brown with star anise creates a satisfying depth of flavour. Hands-on time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: about 1 hour 5 minutes. Serves 4 • 1 tbsp olive oil• 2 medium onions, halved and sliced• 1 star anise• 1 large carrot, finely diced• 1tbsp tomato purée• 1 large garlic clove, crushed• 1tsp thyme, chopped• 1tsp rosemary, chopped• 200ml white wine• Vegetable stock cube, crumbled• 400g can chopped tomatoes• 400g can brown or green lentils• 900g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks• 50g butter• 50-75g vegetarian mature cheddar, grated 1 In a large frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the oil and fry the onion with the star anise until browned. Reduce the temperature to low, add the…

TOP TIP! Stacey Solomon’s brand new collection for George at Asda mixes lots of snuggly textures to create a cosy look and feel.…

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING! You know me – always keen to keep up with any fitness trend that might make me instantly toned, slim and limber – and all with the least amount of effort? Which is how I came to be training in Regent’s Park with a friend of a friend who purportedly knew all about walking sticks and, even better, was happy to show me how to use them. And no, I don’t mean I had a session with someone’s elderly relative who had weak ankles and needed a bit of assistance getting about to do the shopping... Noooo. I mean I had a training session in the open air with a person very passionately committed to Nordic walking. I arrived with my new sticks and…

After an explosive end to season five, the Brassic gang are back. They’re busy getting their lives in order, only now the landscape is changing and the question of growing up looms in the air. But what does that mean to a bunch like this? Here, 37-year-old Michelle Keegan (of Ten Pound Poms and Our Girl) tells us more… Michelle, how would you sum up series six? I feel as the series go on, that they become more and more dangerous. The heists become bigger, the stakes are higher, and this one is definitely a lot more dangerous. There’s a lot more at stake. There’s a real emotional thread running through this whole series. One death is particularly gruesome this season. What was that like to film? Well, first, before…

Pastel lover and flower fanatic, Rach inspires thousands of followers with her feminine touch on @kittiwake.home Instagram. Here, we’ve picked out just a few of our favourite snaps! WINE & DINE Even the dining room wallpaper is full of flowers! If you love the look, check out Dunelm’s pressed flower wallpaper at £14 a roll. FOCAL POINT FIREPLACE If it’s not a working fireplace, you can still make your hearth the focus of your room. Ikea is selling its Fladis wicker basket for just £9. LITTLE TOUCHES You can make almost any room cosier with a candle! Amazon’s colourful pack of four long twisted candles costs £6.95. WINTER GARDEN? The weather may be cooling down but we reckon sitting by a chiminea with a cosy knitted blanket would warm us…

“THE MAN’S VOICE EMPHASISED THE WORD ‘EMAIL’ AS IF HE WAS SPEAKING TO SOMEONE WHO WASN’T ENGLISH” Dublin, December 1999 The briefcase had been borrowed from a neighbour, who swore it was a lucky charm. Lucy fiddled with the clasp for a moment before pulling out the letter. She squinted at the address, then looked up again. She was in the right place. Outside one of Dublin’s swankiest hotels, where the interview would be held in just under an hour’s time. Yet, even when the top-hatted doorman caught her eye and gave her a half wink, Lucy didn’t feel ready to go inside. She couldn’t wait in the lobby for a whole hour, she’d drive herself mad with nerves and mess up the whole thing before she’d even begun. And…

IS A MOVE ON THE CARDS? I desperately want to move house but I feel like it’s going to be years before I manage to save enough money. I’m saving each month for costs and have some equity in my house now but still feel like it’s going to take years. Do you see an imminent house move for me? Victoria from Manchester LEE SAYS Hello Victoria, I don’t see a house move for you right away, I feel that it’s going to take time and I’d say it’ll be 19 months from now. I hope this helps and happy house hunting next year. Love, Lee. xx HOW CAN I CONNECT? Hi Lee. Can I reach out to someone that has passed on to encourage them to come and visit…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES The answer will appear in the shaded boxes and this is your prize answer. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross3924 ACROSS 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 17 20 21 22 23 24 DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 13 14 15 16 18 19 The surrealist work The Persistence of Memory is a painting by which artist? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 24 September 2024 until midnight on 11 October 2024. Over 18s only. †Calls cost 65p per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and should last no longer than 2 mins. Service provided by Spoke…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Our 24-hour Alton Towers quest began in CBeebies Land, where you can get up close and personal with all your little ones’ fave characters. You can meet Bluey and family, plus favourites including Postman Pat, In the Night Garden and Hey Duggee. It’s ideal for younger kids, but slightly tame for my nearly six-year-old twins, although it’s worth checking out the Octonauts ride – a fave for all of us! After 10,000 steps, we arrived at the CBeebies hotel, located on site. The boys were excited at the themed hotel and loved the room, donning underpants and pajamas on their head as breathing apparatus, just like the Octonauts. INSIDER’S GUIDE Jasper, Felix and I learnt that there’s a whole world of difference between below 1.1 and over 1.4…

They do say that a dog is man’s best friend, and in the case of James Middleton, the younger brother of the Princess of Wales – this couldn’t be more true. In a moving memoir – published this week, he has revealed how his beloved spaniel Ella saved him when his mental health issues led him to nearly succumb to his suicidal thoughts. In the frank and honest book James, 37, reveals how Ella, who died last year, was at his side during the pivotal events of his life – from his sister’s wedding to Prince William, to Christmases spent with Queen Elizabeth (who let Ella sleep in his bedroom at Sandringham). The spaniel even played matchmaker – bounding up to his now his wife Alizée Thevenet, 35, with whom…

If you’re watching My Mum,Your Dad and it’s given you the confidence to consider dating again, then we’ve got the perfect fashion inspo for you! Contestant Clare has teamed up with JD Williams to share perfect outfits for a coffee shop catch-up or an evening out dancing. We’ve included high street steals to create winning looks, whatever the occasion! CLARE SAYS “I always go for something structured and elegant, although comfort is a must. The blazer and denim combo is pretty much my daily uniform, so it was an easy choice for me when looking for a perfect day-date outfit. It’s just one of those looks that works every time.” CLARE SAYS “My evening style is basically just a more daring version of what I wear during the day. I…

Autumn brings talk of SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder (getting depressed about the darker days) but at least there are GLAD tidings too – with new beauty finds to get excited about! If your Summer foundation is now making you look sallow, swap it for a new shade. Love a quick smoky eye but need a quick way to do it? There’s a new crayon that will do the job. For a treat, it’s worth checking out Lottie London’s x Harley Quinn and Makeup Revolution’s X Emily In Paris collections. We have the buys to cheer about for under a tenner! You can have fun without breaking the bank. Happy days are here! 1 A BLOOD RED PRIMER Lottie London x Harley Quinn Crimson Craze Hydrating Primer £9.95, lottie.london Autumn…

Olly Smith has been sharing his passion for wine and drinks for 20 years! The BBC1 Saturday Kitchen regular has become a food hero for P&O cruises as well as an award-winning author. With his knowledge of all things booze, the only thing Olly is more enthusiastic about – other than the glass of the good stuff – is sharing it! So, in his monthly column, he’s recommending his best buys to help you pick up some boozy bargains and even better – they all cost less than a tenner! LA P’TITE PIERRE ROSÉ 2023 (11%) £7, Tesco This pale rosé looks the part and delivers for the price. As soon as it’s cracked open (at under 400g it’s deliberately light to keep the carbon footprint down) you’ll be greeted…

WHERE SHOULD WE GO? Vanessa, it’s my 25th wedding anniversary next month and I really want to surprise my hubby with a kid-free weekend away. Somewhere we can really let our hair down and feel like we’re 30 again. We’re London-based, so I’d like to go to the country, but I don’t want anywhere too boring! Can you think of somewhere we can go with a bit of balance? Colette, Sidcup Here’s the formula: whatever you normally choose for trips or holidays – do the opposite. If you never camp, break the habit of a lifetime and get under canvas. Try glamping, the glamorous end of the camping spectrum, if you find the idea of pitching a tent a bit too much. If you’ve never done it before, try a…

For 14 years, actress Alice Evans was seemingly happily married to actor Ioan Gruffudd, the father of her two daughters, Ella, 15, and Elsie, 11. Their two-decade long fairytale romance began as two impossibly beautiful people meeting when they worked on 102 Dalmatians, but came to an abrupt end in 2021, with Alice, now 56, claiming that her ‘soulmate’ Ioan, now 50, had blindsided her and walked out on their family, before filing for divorce. She announced his leaving on Twitter. The tweet disappeared hours later and Alice insisted Ioan had deleted it from her account. ‘Hi there. I didn’t delete the tweet from a few hours ago about him leaving. He did. From my account... ‘And hell, yes, when I am being gaslit and mentally tortured then hell, yes,…

1 Cross something simple off your to-do list Pick one thing you’ve been putting off – making that annual check-up appointment, sending a birthday gift to a friend – and just do it. Chores like this can take up space in our brains, causing underlying stress. Taking even one of them off your mental list will give you a sense of accomplishment and a few moments of ‘Ahhhh’... 2 Stretch out Stretching relaxes and loosens your body, of course, but there’s also evidence that it can ease your mind. One study showed that 10 minutes of stretching slowly and mindfully could reduce anxiety. So do some downward-facing dog poses, breathe in and out deeply, and let the de-stressing begin. 3 Use the 3-3-3 rule Many therapists and psychologists recommend using…

MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS TV presenter and former MasterChef contestant Theo is passionate about good quality food! He’s the author of nine brilliant cookery books, such as Canned, which helps transform store cupboard ingredients into delicious meals. Theo has joined best to put those own-brand staples to the test to help you find the best essentials without compromising on flavour! ROWAN HILL, 65P, LIDL A great taste and texture and I really like the addition of seeds; but it also kept the ingredients to a minimum which helped its high score. A good flavoured bread that I’ll be buying more of! WHOLEMEAL BREAD, 75P, M&S Very close second, M&S brown bread had a nice chew to the bread which kept it on the right side of texture (you don’t…

So, I met up with my French ‘friend’ (the one I mentioned was staying overnight in London in my last column) and even though I am terrible – like most men – at picking up on flirt vibes, even I could tell when she offered to cook breakfast that she meant business! So, on the assumption I may have an overnight visitor, I launched into ‘Operation let’s get the house – and myself – dressed to impress.’ In reality, this meant ensuring the cleaner came, the fridge was well-stocked with rosé and nibbles, and I had a haircut. The ultimate goal was to look less ‘Dad’ and more, ‘Come to Daddy’. So what to wear? Now, while I think women over 50 can still wear mini-dresses, leather shorts etc, I…

Nearly 70 years after her execution, the story of Ruth Ellis continues to captivate the public. As the last woman to be hanged in Britain, Ellis’s case remains a significant moment in British legal history, intertwining issues of justice, gender, and societal change. But why does her story – which has been made into a four-part drama for ITV – still resonate so deeply? Ruth Ellis’s life was a tragic cocktail of glamour, heartbreak and violence. Born into a working-class family in 1926 in Denbighshire, North Wales, Ellis was the fifth of six children. Her father, Arthur Hornby, worked as a musician on Atlantic liners – though work was sporadic and often poorly paid – while her mother, Elisaberta Goethals, was a Belgian war refugee working as a waitress and…

LIBRA 24 September – 23 October There’s been a lot left unsaid lately, which is causing tension, but with the chatty Mercury moving into your sign, this weekend is the perfect time to get things out in the open. A tactful but direct chat should help clear the air. Be honest about how you feel, and explain what you want to change, as others will be more willing to compromise than you think. A trip to an art gallery, exhibition or concert will bring you joy and link you up with like-minded people – but you'll need to make it happen. Be more dynamic, because sitting back and waiting for others to act will get you nowhere. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November With the major planets in the emotional…

TOP TIP! Subscribe to best’s brand-new podcast Suddenly Single – available on our YouTube channel and Spotify. Keep your headphones safe with one of these cool cases……

WONDER WALL Fox hanging, £3.50, B&M FANTASTIC FOX Mug, £3.50, Primark BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Nail polish, £3.99, H&M PUT A RING ON IT Rings, £5, Claire’s CHECK IT OUT Cushions, £8, OHS Online Home Shop MAKE A LIST Notebook, £8, Amazon WARM UP! Scarf, £7, Bonmarché TIME FOR CHANGE Card holder, £4.69, Amazon PERFECT FOR PLANT Planter, £5.49, Gifts from Handpicked SERVING UP Plate, £9, The Range WARM GLOW Candle, £5, B&M BATHING BEAUTY Bubble bath, £5, Avon…