Table of contents for 5-2026 in Best

When you are over 50, most of us start to think : “If this is the last third of my life how do I want to spend it?” So it’s a priviledge that we have seen the wonderfully colourful Prue Leith on our TVs until 86! She has explained that she is quitting Bake Off to spend more time in the garden. I, too, have asked myself the question: “How many Summers do I have left?” But I’m a bit younger than Prue- with a mortgage - so it’s not on the cards for this week. And it looks as if Nigella is in ‘final talks’ to join Paul Hollywood when filming starts again in April, which would be a sure fire hit. It’s been a week of breaking news…

At 65, former Countdown star Carol Vorderman is still considered one of the sexiest women in the country! Vorders, who is known for her voluptous curves and revealed last year she has ‘five special friends’ who she dates from time to time, has collaborated with department store JD Williams to look at attitudes into ageing and the label ‘MILF.’ Though we all know the original racy term, Carol stated on set with JD Williams, ‘Today, the word MILF should stand for Midlife Is Living Fearlessly.’ The star, known for her saucy looks, recalled the vast backlash after she wore a mini dress to the BAFTAs in 2000 when she was 39, saying: ‘Well, you would think I’d murdered my grandmother. The BBC did a special Kilroy show about it! ‘I…

HAPPY HOARDER! I know decluttering is all the rage, but I am an unashamed hoarder - and it works! I have lost count of the number of times people have asked me if a dress is new when I have rescued it from a decade’s languishing in my spare wardrobe. I still occasionally wear a skirt with a stretchy waist from my time at Oxford and even some socks with my school name tapes still sewn on. Indeed, if I lose weight, there are plenty of clothes which suddenly fit and vice-versa and although styles can indeed date, they can also come back. When I moved into my current house in 2008, the loft was a tiny space with a hatch above the hall. The building is a bungalow with…

1 SWIPE FOR GLOW More often than not, the matte, high coverage finishes traditional foundations offer created a caked-on, dull finish that can hide the distinguishing features that makes your complexion look more natural. Enter skin tints, which provide a sheer coverage that creates a brightening effect that enhances while disguising the redness and pigmentation that can age you. Revolution Beauty Skin Silk Glow Tint Foundation Stick, £9.99 (10 shades), is designed to be swiped on, making it a great option to touch up on the go. Blend around your nose the edges of your face with fingers for a truly seamless effect. 2 FAKE A FLUSH Blush and bronzer fall into the intimidating category but formulas and shade ranges mean you’re more likely to achieve a realistic healthy look…

HOW IT WORKS 1 New research by Young’s seafood reveals there’s been a 170% spike on Google Trends searching for fish recipes this new year and, according to Joel Carl, Development Chef at the brand, swapping a few meat-based meals for tasty fish rich in good quality protein, omega fatty acids and vitamins, is flexible and more sustainable than following a traditional restrictive diet. 2 ‘White fish such as cod, haddock and sea bass are naturally low in calories but high in protein making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to lose weight,’ explains Ann Garry, Director of Nutrition training at Health Coaches Academy, healthcoachesacademy.co.za. She says: ‘A typical 100g portion of white fish contains between 80-100 calories, providing 18-20g of protein, supporting muscle maintenance without the excess calories.’…

CO-OP IRRESISTIBLE CARMÉNÈRE 2023 (16%) £8.65 Chile’s signature red grape variety Carménère is the perfect mellow winter warmer to enjoy in these colder months. Aged for eight months in French oak, the wine takes on a velvet richness with gentle peppery spice that’s gorgeous to pair with anything from hearty stews and tasty burgers to Rogan Josh curries or mushroom stroganoff. From the Maipo Valley, the quality achieved in the vineyards is outstanding, and for under ten quid, it’s a standout gem – if you’re already a fan of Malbec, Carménère is your new best friend. LEMON CREAMS In a medium pan, bring 450ml (15fl oz) double cream, 125g (4oz) caster sugar and 1tbsp crushed edible lavender to boil, stirring, then simmer for 3min. Remove from heat and whisk in…

‘While the world hots up for a real war, the only war anyone’s interested in is the one between the Beckham family and their estranged son, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, as seen on pages 14 and 15. Although at the moment, it’s a one-way war as we’ve only heard his side. It’s a story alright, he posted it on Instagram Stories to prove it. But still, EVERYONE is interested and EVERYONE ELSE has an opinion. Even ex-PA Rebecca Loos has come out of the woodwork again declaring she’s glad he’s speaking up for himself and ‘the truth will out’ about how terrible David and Victoria are, because she knows! I have my doubts. Why is everyone so keen to see the downfall of this super-successful, super-rich, super-happy couple? Maybe they just…

MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS TV presenter and former MasterChef contestant Theo is passionate about good quality food! He’s also an author of eight brilliant cookery books, including Canned, which helps transform store cupboard ingredients into delicious meals. Theo has joined best to put own-brand staples to the test to help you find the best Essentials without compromising on flavour. PILAU RICE 68p, Lidl Another good-quality contender, light rice but still with plenty of ‘chew’ factor and nice light colour without looking synthetic. The spicing was really good, again with plenty of whole spices like cumin seeds to make it look and taste good. PILAU RICE 65p, Morrisons Slightly less flavoursome than some of the others but by no means bland; this also had a lot more whole spices such…

With nearly 40,000 Instagram followers, self-described fashion, flower and food lover, Savannah Miller, inspires with her colourful account. Take a look at her home, here...…

World-renowned past-lives expert David Wells answers your questions. This week he’s chosen Lifestyle Magazine Designer, Natalie Dourado, 41, from North West London. Here she tells us what came through in their encounter… Have you always believed in the spirit world and past lives? Yes, I have. I love everything related to past lives and spend a lot of time thinking about what I might have been like in them. Sometimes I do question my beliefs as well, because I am conscious of the scepticism some people have about spirituality. I’ve just always had that spiritual feeling, especially when I do tarot or palm readings. During them, I don’t tend to share too many details because I want to hear what the person doing the reading is going to say without…

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ‘Utterly compelling and powerful’ Sisterhood, sacrifice and survival, The Nightingale charts the path of two sisters in Nazioccupied France. Viann and Isabelle have always been close but have chosen very different paths in life. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Viann is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Viann finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her. As the war progresses, the sisters’ relationship and strength is tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Viann and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take…

Fancy a luxury break to relax and recharge? Find the ultimate coastal destination in south west Turkey... TRAVEL SNAPSHOT January blues got you hard? A Spring break is within reach. Located in Olundez, Turkey, is all inclusive Liberty Lykia Adults Only, a child-free resort. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse into a child-free world of relaxation, fine dining and wellness. A secluded environment, you can sunbathe in your own private cosy cabana, and take in the scent of the pine trees hanging overhead. Or stroll directly to the beach to soak up the dramatic coastline. Everything from food and activities is catered for, all you have to do is go with the flow. INSIDER’S GUIDE The hotel is spacious but feels intimate, with sunloungers in secluded areas where you can…

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his Royal titles in October due to his links to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, is said to be ‘devastated’ over the loss of contact with his youngest daughter, Eugenie. It’s been widely reported that the 35-year-old is refusing to speak to her father and did not visit him at all over the Christmas period. The mum-of-two, who has been married to marketing executive Jack Brooksbank since 2018, established The Anti-Slavery Collective nearly a decade ago, to help counter sex trafficking, and is said to be horrified that the 65-year-old, who walked her down the aisle on her big day, is refusing to apologise to the late paedophile’s victims. Meanwhile, older sister Beatrice, who’s always been known as a daddy’s girl, invited their father to…

To anyone driving past, my house looks much like any other cottage nestled in the rolling hills of Gloucestershire in the Forest of Dean. But when visitors walk through the front door for the first time, they gasp in amazement. And as they enter the magical world I’ve created inside, I love to watch their faces as they take it all in. For every inch of my home has been hand-painted by me in a rainbow of colours – the walls, ceilings, floors and even the furniture. Each room has its own unique style, filled with giant roses, neon polka dots or fluorescent stripes. The result is a carefully curated cross between Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and the Mad Hatter’s tea party from Alice in Wonderland. It might not be…

Born in the summer of 1982, I spent my childhood mud-paddling in the creek near my Isle of Wight home. My dad filmed our tree-climbing escapades on his snazzy camcorder, but it never occurred to us to watch the footage back. I’m not saying 1980s’ parents got everything right – I’m glad we don’t smack kids anymore and hurrah for seatbelts and the smoking in cars ban. But as a 2020s’ parent, I’m battling screentime (mostly my husband’s!) and my mum’s quips that ‘It’s time’ to get my three-year-old son, Heli, out of my bed and into his own. To raise Heli in a world without Netflix, WhatsApp, selfies and scrolling? Give me the keys to your time machine! Delayed gratification Describing film night ‘back in my day’ to Heli,…

MULTI-TASKING MARVELS There’s nothing I enjoy more at this time of the year than a good old clear out. Before I even think about binning beauty products, I will have thrown out all the tins and packets in the fridge and kitchen cupboards that are past their use-by dates and gone through my wardrobe. Then I will tackle my jam-packed make-up bag and overcrowded bathroom shelf. I decide what I need, versus what I actually use, then simplify my regime with skincare and make-up by choosing things that do more than one thing. Anything that saves time, space and money is always going to be at the top of my must-buy list. All of these are multi-tasking and are all under £10. 1 THE MAKE-UP MIRACLE Sleek Feelin’ Flush Cream…

Throwing off my muddy boots and damp coat, I felt as grey as the jumper I was wearing. It was January 2021 and, with the country under another lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19, I was trapped in a Groundhog Day existence. My life had become a blur of trying to juggle my work as a freelance journalist with motherhood, barely allowed further than my three-bedroom terraced house in York. If I wasn’t doing phonics lessons with my eldest son Ralph, then four, and getting my one-year-old Max down for a nap, I was cooking meals and taking freezing walks with the buggy. My outfits were a uniform of practicality, warmth and comfort, not style. The colourful dresses I used to love wearing to the office or for nights…

Scottish star Natalie J. Robb is best known as Emmerdale’s troubled farmer Moira Dingle, a role she’s played for the past 17 years. The 51-year-old actress, who’s beaming smile and infectious laugh never waver, began her career as a teenager in Scottish soap Take The High Road and has since starred in The Bill, Doctors and EastEnders. Natalie, who lives in north Yorkshire, talks to us about laughter lines, murder charges and her rescue dog Buddy! Were you worried that your days at Emmerdale were numbered when you heard that Moira was going to be charged with double murder! Well, I’m really delighted that I’ve just got another year’s contract, but I don’t look too far ahead. I live in the present. As far as I know they’re happy with…

Over the years, Amanda Owen has made a name for herself as the Yorkshire Shepherdess. For those already familiar with Amanda from TV, her name is likely one that brings the Ravenseat Farm, sheep herding, and her nine children – yes, nine! – to mind. But for the uninitiated, you might not know that Amanda Owen, 51, who has made farming her entire world, was not born into this way of life. The Owen family first gained notoriety on The Dales, a 2011 ITV documentary about life in the Yorkshire Dales during the Summer months, when Amanda’s still-burgeoning family was one of many featured on the show. At the time, Amanda and her then-husband, Clive, now 70, had five children. In the years that followed, their family grew with four…

INTERNATIONAL ZEBRA DAY 31 JANUARY PETS OF THE WEEK Azizi and Grace are Grevy zebras, which are both the largest and most endangered subspecies of zebra. Born in 2019 and 2018 respectively, they currently reside at Edinburgh Zoo. 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.*…

The year is 2026. Pierce Brosnan, at 72, is still being hailed as one of the most handsome men to walk the planet – yet his wife of 25 years – Keely Shaye Smith – has been attacked for not looking exactly like the woman she was in the nineties. A cruel troll online recently posted two pictures of the former 007 star with Keely – one from way back when in 1996, and then a less-flattering 2008 shot. The caption read, ‘Dear men, this is your daily reminder to avoid marriage.’ Thankfully, swarming with defensive messages, many insisted they were an advert for true love, with one user stating: ‘I don’t get some men on X devotion to degrade Brosnan’s wife. They’re both happy, aging gracefully, and she was…

TOP TIP You really can’t go wrong with classic stripes teamed with dark jeans…

SKIN AGEING – WHAT REALLY WORKS? DR AAMER KHAN FROM THE HARLEY STREET SKIN CLINIC SAYS: Ageing is a privilege, but no one wants it to show before it has to. While lines, texture changes and pigmentation are all a natural part of the skin’s life cycle, science and medical aesthetics offer us more options than ever to slow, soften and even reverse, some of these features. But what really works? As a cosmetic doctor with over 20 years of experience treating skin at every stage of life, I can tell you with certainty that the key to ageing well isn’t perfection. It’s prevention, maintenance and personalisation. It’s important to understand why skin ages. From your mid-20s, collagen, responsible for firm, plump skin, starts to deplete by one per cent…

You know a brand is a cult classic when it spawns so many dupes. This is the case for Sol de Janeiro, whose Brazillian Bum Bum Cream has legions of fans thanks to its rich but non-greasy texture and sweet scent. At £48 it’s one for special occasions, though, and if you’re looking for something with a less hefty price tag, Treaclemoon Brazillian Love Body Butter, £4.99 (see what they did there?) is a worthy option.…

Chicken and Squash Pasta Bake Rustle up this chicken pasta when you want something a little more impressive. The giant pasta shells- conchiglioni - add real wow factor. Hands-on time 35min. Cooking time about 45min. Serves 4 300g butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into 1.5cm pieces 3tsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 250g conchiglioni pasta 2 large skinless chicken breasts (about 350g), cut into finger-sized strips 150ml chicken stock 200g crème fraîche 2tbsp finely chopped fresh sage, plus extra leaves to garnish Finely grated zest 1 lemon 150g Gruyère, grated 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 250g ricotta 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. In a large, shallow ovenproof serving dish or roasting tin toss the squash in 1tsp oil and some seasoning. Roast…

LIKE A VIRGIN! Hello Vanessa. I’m a virgin and worried I won’t please a new partner. Should I lie about my experience level and hope for the best? I’m worried it will put him off if I tell him I’ve no experience with it. Maggie, Dublin Lying to a new partner is never a good policy and lying about being a virgin makes no sense at all. Having sex for the first time can be exciting and enjoyable, but only if you like and trust your partner and he knows he needs to be gentle and understanding. Of course lots of women lose their virginity in far from ideal circumstances, but there’s no reason why you should. If you are sure this guy is the right choice for first-time sex,…

America’s closest thing to a Royal couple revealed their happy news in the most enchanting way possible, with a fairytale photo shoot shared to Instagram and a caption composed in perfect bard fashion: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨.” The stunning (Easter egg-laden) photos posted on 26 August 2025, of the engagement – which actually happened two weeks earlier – shows the couple and their lovestruck smiles as they hug, hold hands, and pose in the garden of Trav’s Leawood, Kansas, estate, which he turned into a flower-filled fantasy. Exactly the kind of storybook setting you’d expect for the ‘Today Was a Fairytale’ singer. While the engagement news came as a surprise, it wasn’t a shock, as rumours of an impending commitment had surrounded the…

Nine years ago, after constant pleading from my two children, I finally gave in and decided to get them a puppy. I visited the litter of a nearby seller in Kyiv, Ukraine where we lived at the time, and that’s when I saw her, a little black Labrador, aged just two months old. For so long, I’d been intent on getting a golden pup, but when I saw Taffy, all my plans went out the window. It was love at first sight. I held her in my arms, and she settled into them without so much as a stir. Her fur was soft and she had this indescribable new puppy smell. I knew she was coming home with me. Of course, when I brought Taffy home, the kids fell utterly…

1 SWITCHING FOOD... It sounds obvious, but pet food is expensive. Take a moment to work out how much pet food costs are setting you back, and then look into the alternatives. If you can afford to make a bigger payment upfront, buying dry food in bulk (it lasts longer) might be the answer- and, therefore, cheaper in the long run. (Check with your vet before swapping). 2 MAKE YOUR OWN PET TOYS ... Toys are essential for enhancing our pets’ skills and development, but they’re often pricey and ruined quickly. So why not embrace your crafty side and make your own? The RSPCA has some inventive DIY tutorials to make toys for all kinds of pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and more. Dog tug toys can cost as…

WHAT: choose an edible variety (some aren’t, so always check the label!). Salvia rosmarinus is the most commonly known one. WHEN: rosemary isn’t as sensitive to temperatures as coriander and basil, so while you don’t have to wait until the warmer months, it’s still worth starting any new growth inside to give it a chance to thrive. HOW: growing from seed can take longer than it’s worth, so buy plugs (when the plants are baby seedlings) from the garden centre and move into a small container that’s free-draining. Leave on a windowsill for an optimum location. The soil should never be wet, so be sure not to over-water. WATCH OUT FOR: unpruned rosemary has a tendency to go ‘woody’, a bit like lavender can, so ensure you take cuttings regularly…

‘Are you sure you want the car?’ Angie asked her granddaughter. They were in the garage, looking at the soft-top Beetle that had been in the Miller family as long as receding hairlines (on the male side). ‘Gran,’ said Chloe, ‘I know what Mabel means to you–’ ‘Mabel?’ echoed Angie. Chloe blushed. ‘Er – the first time you and Gramps took me out in her as a kid, I called her Mabel,’ she confessed. ‘I didn’t think Gramps would be pleased, so I asked Mabel to keep it to herself.’ Angie laughed. ‘He’d have loved it!’ she exclaimed. ‘Maybe not at first…’ Here she stopped to do an impression of her late husband, Pete. ‘“You can’t call a model of this calibre after a Victorian parlour maid!” Then he’d have…

best magazine, ISSN 0954-8955, is published weekly by The National Magazine Company Ltd, t/a Hearst Magazines UK, c/o USACAN Media Dist. Srv Corp at 26 Power Dam Way Suite S1-S3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. All rights reserved. No part of best may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Not to be resold, lent, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended retail price (subject to VAT in Republic of Ireland) or in a mutilated condition. Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, Victoria Business Park, Roche, Cornwall, PL26 8LX. The publishers, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be…