ontents Inside
27 Red-hot looks for Valentine’s Day
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week 58 12 Dazzle your date in a flirty frock
EDITOR SIOBHAN WYKES
Kate, Phillip and Eamonn at the NTAs
Behind the scenes… ON THE COVER
REAL LIFE
9 Fern splits... from her ‘life’s great love’ 10 Jennifer Saunders: ‘I’d rather be funny – it’s better than sexy! 14 Kate V Meghan: Dads & daughters: Tensions, tears, tantrums & trust 16 Coronavirus: Is it time to panic? 28 Life in the dog house: ‘We upsized to suit our 14 pups’ 30 Love your diet: Eat chocolate, drink wine AND lose 1st! 50 Win! Double Dozen Doughnut boxes
32 ‘Going vegan ruined my health’
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REGULARS 4 Start your week with a smile 12 Style: A dress to impress… 19 Carol McGiffin: ‘Woke’s on the way out…’ 20Big beauty questions 22 We’re all talking about 24 Celebrate your shape 26 Beauty: All of a flutter! 27 Your stars 34 Fragrances to fall back in love with 36 Dear Vanessa 38 For the love of puddings…
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SHOWBIZ 8 Laura Whitmore: ‘Iain’s a liability!’ 56 Coleen Nolan’s horror at bloody attack
O Please let me know your thoughts, siobhan.wykes@hearst.co.uk
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Laura’s worry over Iain
40 Food in a flash 41 John Barrowman: Breaking the Ice 42 Homes: Love is all around 44 Girls’ night in… and out 48 Tony Cowell chats to Perri Kiely 51 Cash advice 52 Travel: Amazing Morzine 57 Crossword: Win £550 58 Treat yourself for under a tenner Hearst Magazines UK is a trading name of The National Magazine Company Limited (Registered in England number 112955) whose registered offices are at 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ. Terms and conditions: Entrants must be 18 or over. Employees of The National Magazine Company trading as Hearst Magazines UK, Spoke and associated companies are excluded from taking part. Hearst Magazines UK retains the right to not award prizes to claimants or consortiums who in the opinion of Hearst Magazines UK have not entered into the spirit of the promotion. Should more prizes be claimed than are available in any prize category for any reason or claimed as a result of a technical error, a simple draw may take place for the prize. The editor’s decision is final. Suppliers cannot be held responsible for breakdown in communication systems or networks. Images are for representational purposes only. SP: Spoke, www.Spoke-Interactive. com. Data Protection: We will use the information you supply to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice visit hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice.
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COVER PICTURES: GOFF, BACKGRID, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, MERCURY PRESS THIS PAGE: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, NICKY JOHNSTON
Last week, GMB’s Piers Morgan sat at home finding the NTAs laughingly predictable (true) and David Walliams unfunny. He wasn’t wrong. It seems the real fun at the awards was to be had off-screen. After their win on This Morning, our lovely columnist Eamonn Holmes went up to David Schwimmer (with his mortified wife, Ruth, looking on), as he was ‘worried that he thought I was George Clooney and would have questioned why George didn’t speak to him . So I was just pointing out that it wasn’t George and was, in fact, Eamonn Holmes, the famous Irish broadcaster… then it clicked with him.’ Meanwhile, Little Mix star Jesy Nelson kept everyone waiting on the red carpet, while her personal stylist adjusted her dress, and her hair and make-up person ‘topped her up’! Elsewhere, the Pet Shop Boys should have won for most demanding divas. ‘They did no press, had three security guards and demanded three dressing rooms – one for their make-up artist, one for their dancers and one for them,’ said our source. Maybe next year, they need to film behind the scenes…
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WORDS: LOUISE BULGIN AND HELEN PIKE PICTURES: CATERS, GETTY, INSTAGRAM, TKMAXX.COM
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR… It looks like these gorgeous big cats are getting in the mood for Valentine’s Day! Cuddled up together, spooning each other, the male lion lies with his paw over the lioness while they nap. The picture was taken on a sunny day in Lisbon Zoo, Portugal. That’s pretty much what we want for 14 February, too – some sun, a cuddle and plenty of sleep!
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Brad chats to actress Cynthia Erivo at a pre-Academy Awards event
Brad, who? He’s probably one of the most recognisable actors on the planet, which is why this had us in stitches! Brad Pitt, 56, was seen wearing a name badge at a recent pre-Academy Awards lunch last week. He’s nominated for his role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and, although the name tag didn’t seem to bother him, we can’t help but wonder if it was really necessary!
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The famous star was spotted wearing a name tag
Who wowed the crowd?
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These lovely ladies looked hot to trot at last week’s NTAs
We all love a good cause – especially one that helps others and gets rid of our clutter in the process! Laura Whitmore is supporting TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes for Good in support of Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. You can help more children and young people survive cancer by donating a bag of pre-loved quality clothes, accessories and homeware to your local TK Maxx store. Visit tkmaxx. com for more info.
SPOIL YOURSELF! Need a little TLC this month? Leave this page open near your loved one to hint at this gorgeous Sanctuary Spa Lost In The Moment collection, £16. The heart-shaped box is filled with bath and body treats to pamper you from top to toe. Don’t forget to put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the bathroom door! Available from Boots, Superdrug and Sainsbury’s.
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h t i w k e e w Jumping 6 for joy?
We get it, jumpsuits – and boilersuits, while we’re chatting about all-in-ones – are really hard to wear. Too long in the leg, too short in the body; there’s a lot which can go wrong. In terms of fabric, there’s one that we wouldn’t dare go near and that’s satin, which has even made Frozen star Kristen Bell, 39, look shapeless. On the other hand, Amanda Holden, 48, styles it out with a streamlined, structured suit.
WORDS: PAULA JONES AND HELEN PIKE PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM
WHOOPS-A-KATEY! Just look at those smiles! The Duchess of Cambridge delighted adults and children alike when she visited Birmingham’s Science Museum to launch a new project for her Early Years campaign. The royal mum-of-three, 38, met local children during a tour of the museum’s MiniBrum – a childsize interactive mini-city, where Kate brought the house down when a door of a cupboard in the exhibit came off while she and her new pal were playing with it. ‘I think we’ve broken the café!’ she laughed. So adorable!
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Structured lines and varied fabrics keep Amanda Holden looking hot, while US star Kristen Bell’s jumpsuit looks frumpy
E IM T K C A B S N R U T A SUSANN
best this WEEK
Instagram/susannareid100
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Whatever Susanna Reid is on, we want some, too! We can hardly tell the difference between the presenter aged 29, and now 20 years on aged 49. In fact, when the Good Morning Britain star posted this shot of her on her first national news bulletin in 2000, many fans reckoned she looked younger now! ‘Like a decent bottle of Bordeaux, you get better with age,’ said one. We agree! It was love at first sight for GoT star Emilia Clarke and new pup Ted
Instagram/emila_clarke
9 Puppy love…
Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen, is in love – with new gorgeous pup Ted. ‘He physically cannot stop being the MOST BEAUTIFUL PUPPY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD,’ Emilia, 33, wrote on Instagram while introducing the dapple dachshund pup to her 27million followers. Co-stars Richard Madden and Nathalie Emmanuel agreed.
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THE MOST DELICIOUS BOUQUET OF ALL
Forget flowers; this is one bunch of roses we’re far more interested in. Co-op have created Strawberry Rose Cones, £2 for a pack of four, which are strawberries and cream-flavoured ice creams shaped into roses, served in a green wafer cone. When it means we don’t have to rinse out old vase water afterwards, we know what type of roses we’ll be after this year…
best for CELEBRITY Trouble in paradise? Iain surprised Laura in South Africa
A joke can go too far, even when your boyfriend’s a comic it seems... as Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore admits...
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Does the show need more ‘Maura’?
Last year’s Love Island finalist Maura Higgins, 29, believes the show’s dramatic drop in ratings – over 1 million viewers – is down to two things… ‘I don’t find the boys as hot this series. I don’t fancy any of them,’ she explained, then added: ‘And maybe it’s not getting as many because they need Maura Higgins.’ Well, she was the talk of the last show – so maybe she’s got half a point here...
The Irish beauty, 34 (who is standing in for Caroline Flack), admitted it ‘could be the end of our relationship!’ ‘I have no idea what he is going to say and no control over that because I record the coming-in stuff before he does the voiceover…I will be back in London when he is doing the recording.’ Laura, who has been dating Iain since 2017 after meeting at an ITV party, went on to reveal that the sassy Scot isn’t the most reliable… ‘He is a bit of a liability, so I don’t know what I have let myself in for, but he has to come back and live with me, so…’ Over the past few years, the beautiful blonde said she’s noticed ‘sneaky’ references about her making their way into the comedian’s routines more and more – though admitted ‘I come off better than he does…he knows what line not to cross.’ With that warning in mind – let’s hope Iain watches what he says over the next few weeks... After all, this is the same man that once claimed, ‘I’ve got someone who’s like me, but much, much better… I’m dead happy because she’s lovely…’ O Tune into Love Island every night (except Saturdays) on ITV2
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Laura met Iain at an ITV party in 2017
‘I don’t know what I’ve let myself in for,’ says Laura about ‘sneaky’ references
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM
ast Monday was cheeky chappy Iain Stirling’s 32nd birthday, and it seemed his girlfriend and Irish presenter Laura Whitmore had papered over the cracks that started to appear in their relationship – at least for the day. ‘Happy birthday to the best person I know,’ she gushed, posting a picture of the couple kissing behind the South African villa. But the current Love Island host had revealed earlier that she worries the ITV show could impact on her love life with the narrator – especially if he cracks too many jokes about her…
Instagram/thewhitmore
‘Iain’s a liability!’
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After two decades of marriage, Fern Britton and Phil Vickery have decided to go their separate ways…
fter more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways. We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children,’ was the shock tweet released last week by Fern Britton and her husband, TV chef Phil Vickery. The sad news comes just a month after the former This Morning presenter lost her beloved father, Tony Britton. The much-loved actor passed away at 95, days before Christmas – and it must have been a terrible blow for the star, who has spoken openly
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about her struggles with depression over the years. Phil, 58, and Fern, 62, who share a daughter, Winnie, 18, tied the knot in 2000, after Fern’s split from first husband Clive Jones. She had been married to Clive for 12 years, and the pair have twins Harry and Jack, 26, and Grace, 23. Just two years ago, Fern said the secret of their almost 20year marriage was ‘freedom’ from one another – and that sometimes Phil would tell her he will be out for half an hour when, in fact, he wouldn’t return for days. Perhaps that desire for freedom had grown in recent times? Fern’s fans responded online, with comments like, Fern and Phil enjoyed ‘freedom’ from one another
Fern with first husband, Clive Jones
‘So sorry. Always thought you two would be together forever’, and, ‘Oh, Fern, I’m so sorry to hear this especially so soon after losing your dad. Take good care of yourself.’ Fern, who had once called Phil ‘my life’s great love’, hinted that their life had grown to be more cosy togetherness than passion in later years. ‘Sex is great but a cup of tea is great, too. There’s nothing nicer than getting into bed with a cuppa and having a hug and a chat – that’s love.’ She added that
she always gave Phil his space: ‘He goes and has a pint with his mates, he works, and he does what he loves. If he’s happy, I’m happy.’ Last autumn was the one time Fern hinted at re-evaluating her life. ‘I talk to a lot of my friends, and we’re all feeling the same. The children are getting sorted and we can stop being quite so responsible as adults… We can go back to who we were at the beginning. We’re re-powering,’ she said. One wonders if that new sense of freedom triggered this seeming sudden change of heart about staying together? They won’t be the first couple to split when the children leave home... But whatever the truth, it just seems desperately sad.
‘Always thought you two would be together forever!’ FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 9
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK
Phil & Fern shock split
‘I’m interested in being funny, not sexy’ Ageing? No problem. Marriage? It’s a compromise. Friendship? Non-stop chatting. JENNIFER SAUNDERS explains what keeps her smiling at 61 ennifer Saunders recently found grandson Bertie, five, staring at her. ‘I asked, ‘Is there something wrong?’ Bertie’s gaze was focused below her chin. ‘Are you growing a beard?’ he asked. ‘I had one black hair - but I couldn’t see it. It made me laugh so much!’ At 61, Jennifer is strikingly gorgeous – chin fluff and all. Her skin is so unlined. ‘I do as little as possible. I always used Clarins and a light moisturiser – it’s genes and luck. My grandmother had good skin.’ Does she consider herself beautiful? ‘Not really. But I don’t worry
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about being older. It catches you by surprise sometimes. You’re walking towards the mirror going, “There’s an old woman! Oh, it’s me…”’ She was 29 when she and Dawn French started their sketch show, French and Saunders, which ran for 20 years on the BBC. Then, aged 34, she wrote and starred in the award-winning Absolutely Fabulous, alongside Joanna Lumley. Throughout, she was raising three daughters on a Devon farm with husband, fellow comedian Ade Edmondson: ‘We had a nanny. But if I was on tour he’d be at home, and vice versa. There was rarely a time one of us wasn’t there.’ Her daughters, Ella, Beattie and Freya, are
Hit: With Dawn French in French and Saunders
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33, 32 and 29 respectively, with families, partners and homes of their own. These days, Jennifer says yes to work whenever she feels like it. ‘As you get older, things matter less. Not so much rides on it.’ For her latest role, Jennifer plays a non-comedic part in Netflix series, The Stranger. Adapted from a psychological thriller by Harlan Coben, a man’s world is shattered when a stranger tells him a secret about his wife. She was nervous on day one, joining a cast that includes Siobhan Finneran and Richard Armitage. ‘At one point I thought, “I’m feeling faint,” but everyone was terrific.’ Apparently, Coben begged her to take the part. ‘Weirdly, he was an Ab Fab fan,’ she says.
In Ab Fab, with her ‘old mucker’ Joanna Lumley
‘At school, I was often happier in my own company than with a big gang’ Jennifer’s work has always had broad appeal. She was once listed as one of the 50 Funniest Acts in Britain, and named 93rd Sexiest British Star by entertainment channel, E! A funny, sexy role model. If she had to choose one, which would it be? ‘I have no intention of being a role model or a sexy thing. I’d like to be a funny act.’ As a child, Jennifer and her three brothers moved a lot. Her father, Robert, was an
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Jen’s first non-comic role as Heidi in The Stranger
radiotherapy and a chemically-induced menopause. But to hear her, you’d think it was mild flu. ‘My mother’s very “just get on with it”. The doctor is telling you, “It’ll be fine, here’s what we’re going to do.” The worst is coping with others’ reactions. So your hair falls out – worse things happen.’ She was helped by female friends – she refers fondly to Joanna Lumley as ‘me old mucker’ and she and Dawn French are currently filming an adaptation of Death on the Nile, directed by Kenneth Branagh. ‘I’m having the best time,’ Jennifer says. ‘A van picks us up and takes us into Longcross Studios in Surrey, and back. It’s hours of non-stop yak. The driver must think, “Do they ever stop talking?” ‘Female friendship is really important. I love my friends. Women get on with women in a very un-tricky way – and it’s not often presented like that.’ Why is that? ‘It’s a way of keeping women down. Of course, there are rivalries, but in most female friendships are incredibly supportive and extraordinarily fun.’ Indeed, time in Jennifer’s company feels just like a gossipy catch-up, with a thoughtful friend. O The Stranger is on Netflix now.
WORDS: ELIZABETH DAY © YOU MAGAZINE PICTURES: CAMERA PRESS/PEROU, GETTY, NETFLIX
RAF pilot, her mother, Jane, a biology teacher, and the family were posted to different airbases around the world. Jennifer changed schools frequently. Did she develop comedic skills to make friends quickly? ‘No, I just detached myself. I was often happier in my own company than with a big gang. I loved getting the school bus – you could
just get into your own little daydream.’ Is she an introvert, then? ‘Yes. More introvert than extrovert. Now, I talk more. Twenty years ago, I’d have jammed up by now,’ she grins – she used to hate interviews. ‘But as you get older, you get chattier.’ In fact, when Jennifer first met Dawn French, Dawn found her aloof and uptight, while Jennifer had Dawn pigeonholed as ‘a cocky little upstart’. They overcame this and became close, joining comedy collective The Comic Strip, which until then had only male performers. One was Ade Edmondson; he and Jennifer were friends for six years, before becoming romantically involved. They’ve now been married for 34 years. Asked what their secret is, she jokes, ‘moving a lot’. They have two bases: the Devon farmhouse and a London pied-à-terre. Jennifer’s favourite pastime is ‘shopping for houses online without ever thinking I’m going to move’. As a couple, do they tend to avoid conflict? ‘We do. Compromise is one of the great things in life. Ade loves stoicism. It’s fantastic. There’s this constant idea that we deserve something: “I deserve to be happy.” Do you? I think we make our lives happy or sad, or things happen that make them that… There’s a danger in thinking life owes you. It’ll come back and slap you in the face.’ When Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, this Jen and Ade have been married attitude saw for 35 years her through. She had chemo,
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A tale of two dads
As Thomas Markle and Meghan’s relationship becomes more toxic, Kate’s happy bond with father Michael couldn’t be more marked... ne thing, as far as recent ‘Markle’ developments go, is very clear – although Meghan was once a selfproclaimed ‘daddy’s girl’, those days are long gone. ‘I don’t know who she is any more,’ her father Thomas said in a recent television documentary. For her part, in the letter that has raised the possibility of them coming face to face in court, she wrote, ‘You have broken my heart into a million pieces.’ The formerly devoted pair have had no contact since before Meghan married Prince Harry in May 2018, unless you count the regular interviews the 75-yearold former lighting director gives to the media, in which he slams his famous daughter. He has not met Harry or his grandson, Archie, and he dramatically declared he ‘doesn’t think he will see Meghan again’
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Meghan and dad Thomas were once close...
before he is ‘lowered into the ground’ at his funeral. The contrast between these lurid, headline-grabbing shenanigans to the quiet, calm and dignified behaviour of Kate Middleton’s multi-millionaire father, Michael, could not be more marked. In fact, so discreet is Michael that very little is known about the former British Airways flight dispatcher. The one thing we do know, however, is that the 70-year-old father-ofthree enjoys a close relationship with all three of his children – one of whom just so happens to be the future Queen of England. ‘Kate is a daddy’s girl, absolutely. She adores him, and he dotes on her. After all, she is the eldest daughter, so it is a very special relationship, not one you get to see much of, but special, none the less,’ says Katie Nicholl, author of Kate: The Future Queen.
...but it was father-in-law Charles that walked her down the aisle
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Thomas has never met Harry
‘She is devoted to Michael and there is a lot of her father in her. Like him, she is cool in a crisis, calm, and is a bit of a thinker.’ And, according to Katie, having children of her own has only brought Kate closer to her father. ‘The Middletons are very hands-on grandparents and I think Kate sees Michael at least once a fortnight. A couple of weekends a month are earmarked to be with them in Berkshire, which William loves – he adores the roast lunches.’ In stark contrast to Thomas, Michael avoids speaking to the media. Even when Prince George was born, he stood quietly in front of the cameras and let his wife do the talking. The Middletons have always been close, as
best for CELEBRITY Michael with Kate, left, and Pippa...
Michael and Kate in close contact
was emphasised when James Middleton revealed that, as he battled depression and anxiety, the whole family united to attend family therapy that has helped him reach a happier place. Certainly, the atmosphere in the Middleton family home is said to be warm, relaxed and full of laughter. At Christmas, Michael is said to don fancy dress (one year, it was rumoured he sported a gorilla suit), and all the guests must wear fun Christmas jumpers. For William, beginning to spend time with his girlfriend’s family was a contrast to the more restrictive atmosphere at Sandringham, or the Palace. He has a warm relationship with Michael and, indeed, it is claimed he used to call him ‘Dad’. Says Katie, ‘William knows how much Kate adores her father, and he is incredibly close to him, too.’ Perhaps it is the warmth, security and love of the Middleton family upbringing that instilled in Kate the quiet confidence that we see today. The story goes that, when Kate was going out with William at St Andrews University and a friend remarked on how lucky she was, with a toss of the glossy Middleton mane, she quipped back, ‘He’s lucky to be going out with me.’ No doubt, Michael was the
proudest man alive on that auspicious day, in April 2011, when he watched his daughter walk up the aisle of Westminster Abbey, to wed William after their 10-year courtship. And later at the reception, he hit his speech on exactly the right note – joking about how he knew the relationship was going to be serious when William landed his helicopter in the back garden. It is a stark contrast to Meghan and Harry’s wedding, which Thomas watched on a small television set in America – unable to attend the wedding, due to a flight ban following a heart attack. To this day, Prince Harry has still not met him. In 2016, Meghan posted on Instagram, ‘Happy Father’s Day, Daddy. I’m still your buckaroo, and to this day your hugs are still the very best in the whole wide world. I love you xo – Bean.’ Now, she is begging that he allows herself, Harry and Archie to ‘live our lives in peace’. But it appears Thomas has no intention of doing that. ‘It’s time to look after Daddy,’ he claimed. In fact, in an interview last week with GMB, he threatened to keep speaking out. ‘I pretty much will give an interview and wait for 30 days for some kinda answer back. If I don’t get one back, then I’ll try another interview.’ It is a prospect that must fill Meghan, who is trying to build a new life abroad with Harry and Archie, with absolute horror.
WORDS: DEIRDRE O’BRIEN PICTURES: CHANNEL 5, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, TIM STEWART NEWS LTD
...and walking Kate down the aisle in 2011
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Medical staff wear protective clothing to prevent spreading the deadly virus
s u r i v a n o r Co - IS IT TIME TO PANIC? The news is dominated by the spread of this new virus that can cause pneumonia and kill. Here’s all you need to know… 16 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
t the time of going to press, it had killed 170 people, infected nearly 8,000 and dominated global headlines as well as shutting down some of the planet’s biggest cities and rattling financial markets. The unpromisingly named 2019-nCoV – better known as the Coronavirus – has become a household name. Its story started on New Year’s Eve, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan in the Hubei Province of China. This new virus did not match any other known virus. A week later, on 7 January, Chinese
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a local delicacy in Southern China, this new virus is thought to have been transmitted from either a bat or a snake in the livestock market in Wuhan. Also like SARS, this virus causes pneumonia, with those who have fallen ill suffering coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. And, as this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. Recovery depends on the strength of a patient’s immune system – those who have died so far were already in poor health. Within a month, Coronavirus has spread to 18 countries, with cases reported as far afield as Australia and the USA. Last week, the first three European cases were confirmed in France – all from people who had recently visited the Wuhan area and brought it back with them. Then Germany confirmed its first case on 28 January; a 33-year-old man who caught the virus from a Chinese work colleague who visited the country last week. So, should we be worried here in the UK? At the time of going to press, there had been no confirmed cases here; although people have reported symptoms, all tests have come back negative. So far. Dr Ellie Cannon, a Londonbased GP, cautioned against panic when we spoke to her last week: ‘It’s always very difficult not to over-panic and always very difficult not to underplay in regard to people’s
worrying infection.’ Reassuringly, she says that frontline NHS staff, like herself, are constantly being updated on the situation: ‘The most important thing is identifying people who could be at risk. ‘Obviously, those who have returned from Wuhan, where most of the cases are. And to look at a patient’s travel history. ‘The current guidance is to concentrate on people from that region and those who have been in contact with them. ‘But on the whole, it’s a pretty Roads are deserted as Wuhan residents are advised to stay indoors
Vigilant checks are underway
A London man wears a mask in an attempt to stay virus-free
It is thought the virus started at a livestock market
returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days to self-isolate. Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people – and to contact NHS 111. If you are in Northern Ireland, you should phone your GP. ‘If you develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel to the area, and are now in the UK, call your GP or ring 111 informing them of your symptoms and your recent travel to the city. ‘Do not leave your home until you have been given advice by a clinician.’
A family torn apart As the first airlifts of Brits from China went ahead, Jeff Siddle, 54, told of his agony at seeing his family torn apart. He and his nine-yearold daughter were offered flights out of Wuhan – but because wife Sindy, 42, is a Chinese national she was not allowed to leave with them. ‘My wife is distraught,’ he told BBC Radio 4. ‘I had to make a decision where it’s either my daughter, who’s got a British passport, and myself to leave – and leave my wife here in China – or the three of us stay. We’d have to have a nine-year-old child separated from her mother. Who knows how long that could be for?’ Jeff and his daughter were expected to be among the first airlifted out of the virus epicentre. Both of them face 14 days in quarantine after arriving in the UK due to new rules aimed at containing the spread.
WORDS: PAULA JONES PICTURES: BBC, GETTY
‘The whole world needs to be on alert’
low risk to anyone else.’ At Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, a ‘health hub’ has been set up to screen passengers coming from the affected area who may be showing symptoms. The NHS has already set up four centres for isolation and treatment if needed – two in London, one in Liverpool and one in Newcastle. WHO’s advice to avoid transmission is to ‘frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water’. Also to avoid anyone who has a fever and cough and to cover your nose and mouth with tissues when coughing and sneezing. Bin used tissues immediately and wash hands. It has issued a stark warning: ‘the whole world needs to be on alert’. Officials are desperately trying to track down 1,500 people who are still in the UK after landing from Wuhan in the past three weeks. Heath minister Matt Hancock said last week, ‘We are asking anyone in the UK who has
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worries,’ she said. There are two important things to remember, she says: ‘One: there have been no cases in the UK as yet. ‘Secondly, so far with this new respiratory virus the fatality rate does not appear to be as high as it was with the SARS virus which was a very
sidney siddle/faceboo
authorities confirmed that it was a new coronavirus, from a family of viruses that include the common cold and viruses such as SARS, which killed over 700 people in an outbreak between 2002 and 2003. Like SARS, which was transmitted from civet cats,
CAROL McGIFFIN THE WAY I SEE IT... Wise words from our feisty, fearless and funny columnist
hings are changing – and it looks like, at last, the tide is turning. It started, of course, with Brexit, going right back to the original vote, when the people rose up and showed the do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do establishment that they weren’t going to take it any more. It was a defining moment. Since then, there’s the election result, Piers Morgan on GMB talking sense and taking to task some of the brainwashed moronic woke-preachers, and the gamechanging Laurence Fox who singlehandedly dismantled the argument for Meghan being hounded out by racism in about three swift sentences, and spoke for millions of white Brits who are sick to death of being labelled racist, for everything from voting Brexit to, well, just being British. And all on Question Time – previously the BBC’s flagship
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I’m loving... HOLIDAYbSrating
I’ve been cele ar, because Chinese New Ye ear of the this year is the Y I spent it in e. Rat, and that’s m the whole in my favourite city w Mark . No world, Bangkok off for a quiet and I have gone bi, an island two weeks to Kra d. Do you ilan in Southern Tha its me?! We’ll think the name su d of this never get bore to place. Then it’s Australia – where we WON’T be celebrating my bloody 60th birthday! CHINESE CELEBRATIONS
best for STRAIGHT TALK
Woke’s on the way out...
LITTLE BRITAIN IS SET TO RETURN
woke/Remainer-infested debate show, which now regularly has Brexit-supporting panel and audience members. Even Andrew Marr sounds like he’s been told to rein it in. Ricky Gervais, too, has contributed to the sea-change, and has been toiling away at it for years with his hugely un-PC presentations of the Golden Globes and his deliciously daring comedy After Life. And now, Little Britain, with its monstrous characters, revolting stereotypes, bad-taste humour, and amazing disregard for the perpetually offended, is set to come back. Not that long ago it would have been unthinkable that it would. And, as long as David Walliams and Matt Lucas don’t change it too much, then surely the time is right? It’s time– our time – at last, but the battle isn’t entirely won yet, so let’s keep going, folks. The unwoke, unselfish, patriotic, patient majority is finally being heard.’
I’m loathing... THE NTAs
I’m losing the will to live with the SAME OLD, National Television SAME OLD... Awards and not just because Loose Women didn’t win – again. I’m not saying all the wrong shows get the prizes, but why do the same shows/people win, year after year? Ant and Dec, 19 years in a row, This Morning 10, Mrs Brown’s Boys six out of the last eight; I’m A Celebrity, 10 years. And on, and on, and on. I’m sorry, but it’s just so predictable and boring! FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 19
The BIG beauty
QUESTIONS We all want to look youthful, but why have surgery when softer options can be just as effective – and much cheaper? Husband-and-wife team Dr Aamer Khan and skin care specialist Lesley Reynolds argue it out in the pages of best…
Q
The skin on my face looks blotchy and make-up never looks right. What can I do about this? Charlotte, Ipswich
DR AAMER SAYS: Redness and blotchiness usually occurs because our bodies are trying to heat themselves, bringing blood close to the skin’s surface and dilating capillaries. Your skin could benefit from a treatment facial using cannabidiol (CBD), a substance found in the cannabis plant. There are no psychoactive effects and it has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm your skin. Three drops of CBD oil are administered, then skin is double-cleansed, followed by a deep, relaxing tissue massage. Finally, a mask is applied, removed with a tonic, finishing with a light application of CBD cream. From £120 per facial.
A
LESLEY SAYS: Ensure that skin is effectively cleansed without harming the already delicate skin barrier. Eucerin UltraSensitive Soothing Cleansing Lotion, £11.50, contains SymSitive, especially developed for sensitivity. SVR Sensifine Masque, £12, is an anti-flare-up treatment which won’t over-burden skin. Apply a thin layer and leave on overnight to calm and soothe your complexion. If your
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skin is looking blotchy and red, try keeping Eucerin AtoControl Face Care Cream, £12, in the fridge to calm any redness. Once a week, break open an evening primrose oil capsule and smooth it over clean skin. It’s very high in essential fatty acids, which will help reduce redness in hours. Honey is another great hydrator, as it will attract water to your skin cells and then lock it in. Massage a teaspoon of it on to clean skin. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. As for make-up, use a colour-correcting concealer underneath foundation like B Cosmetics Colour Corrector in Peppermint, £8.99, to help to neutralise any discolouration.
Mandy, Durham DR AAMER SAYS: A shapely backside seems to be on every woman’s wish list but beware, some bottom-enhancing procedures can be dangerous. The Brazilian butt lift technique usually involves taking fat from another part of the body and injecting it back into the bottom but it can be a risky procedure, especially when carried out by someone unqualified. If you want a little uplift, without adding volume, try a radio-frequency body shaping procedure instead like Reaction. It deepheats both the skin and the septa (the bands of connective tissue running through the fat layer), boosting collagen to tighten everything up. You’ll need six 20-minute sessions for optimum results, which will last up to a year depending on lifestyle. From £1,200 for a course of six sessions.
A
LESLEY SAYS: Keep moving your body as much as you can! Squats and lunges and sitting less should be your top priorities. Leg-focused cardio such as running, cycling, walking and swimming (breast stroke) are all great bottom boosters. Buttock clenches can firm up those muscles. Simply stand with your feet hip-width apart and clench your bottom muscles, hold for a few seconds and repeat for one or two minutes. Incorporate an exfoliating body brush into your routine and use a grainy body scrub a couple of times a week to boost circulation. Aim to keep muscle tissue firm by eating protein every day. A low GI diet – wholegrain foods that release energy slowly – is a good way to start. Otherwise, cheat! Bottom-shaping underwear can instantly add extra inches and curves. Try Marks and Spencer for the best selection.
I’ve lost weight but instead of looking healthy, my face looks hollow, lined and tired, as I’ve lost a lot of weight from this area. Beryl, Lincoln
DR AAMER SAYS: Silhouette Soft is a thread lift that’s ideal for those with loose skin, volume loss, and sagging jawlines. During the one-off procedure, sutures are inserted into the skin through a miniscule hole. The threads form a trellis effect to improve skin structure. As the threads dissolve, collagen and elastin levels increase, improving skin tone and texture. Expect mild swelling, redness or bruising initially. You’ll see an immediate natural, rested and rejuvenated appearance, lasting up to two years. From £1,800.
A
LESLEY SAYS: Give your skin time to recover from weight loss. How much it returns to its former tautness depends on age, skin condition and speed of weight loss. You don’t have to resort to the scalpel. Exfoliate with YourGoodSkin Energising Facial Scrub, £4.50, to even out skin tone. Then apply Neutrogena Ageless Boost Hydrogel Recovery Mask, £2.33. No7 Protect and Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum, £26, is a great all-rounder. Swap face powder to a creamy formula to give skin a glow. Switch dark eyeliner for a violet or blue, and invest in a new lipstick shade. Dark colours can make the mouth look smaller so opt for bright reds, coral and pinks.
READERS SHOULD TAKE THE ADVICE OF THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY ADVICE GIVEN IN THIS COLUMN O For more information on Dr Aamer, Lesley and their team of doctors, visit harleystreetskinclinic.com. Got a question? Email LesleyandAamer@hearst.co.uk
PICTURES: GETTY
Q
I’m in my 50s and my bottom has lost a lot of definition – it just looks flat! Bum lifts sound daunting, what are my options?
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What’s your perfect first date?
WORDS: PAULA JONES, HELEN PIKE PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM
Planning a date on 14 February? Well, it turns out food isn’t the way to someone’s heart – according to a new survey most of us want to skip dinner and get stuck into drinks, instead! When FarawayFurniture.com asked 1,546 people what their perfect first date would be, the response was surprising. Forget candlelit dinners – most of the respondents voted for casual drinks, especially alcoholic beverages which, they said, ‘made them more talkative and social’. Almost as popular was a night at a comedy show – one way of having fun on a first date, we suppose, if your date is less than stimulating company! Coming in at third fave was... walking! Well, it’s certainly cheap and can be very cheerful – if you are with the right person. This was also the fave date in the 50s-60s age group who also gave a big thumbs down to going bowling or to a theme park with a new suitor. Going for a picnic and visiting a museum were faves among the 50-pluses, though scored low with the under 30s. What’s your idea of a perfect first date? Let us know!
We heart fruit Ever the classic combination, strawberries and chocolate just had a super-cute makeover. While we’re all for trying to make our food look nice, the less effort required the better, quite frankly. We love these heartshaped strawberries, created by California Strawberries, that simply require a little precision when hulling, and there you go, it’s done. Add a lollipop stick and dip into melted chocolate for added indulgence.
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Trending on
PICK of the best L G O IN G V IR A Shares in Kleenex must be going through the roof as You’re Beautiful singer James Blunt has got all of us sobbing with his emotionally raw video for new single, Monsters. The song is a tribute to his dying dad, Colonel Charles Blount, a former cavalry officer with stage 4 chronic kidney disease, who features in the video. James made a plea for donors to come forward for his dad on TV, after offering to give him one of his kidneys – but, sadly, he wasn’t a match and time is running out. In the video, the singer openly cries while singing: ‘While you’re sleeping, I’ll try to make you proud. So Daddy, won’t you close your eyes. Don’t be afraid. It’s my turn to chase the monsters away’. The heartbreaking track, from James’ new album Once Upon A Mind, has had more than four million views on YouTube. Proceeds from the song will be donated to Help For Heroes and the British Legion. Find it by searching ‘James Blunt Monsters’ on YouTube.
Tree-mendously romantic OR WEIRDRFUL? WONDE
Instagram/turtlecreeklane
Pass us the tissues…
We reckon this’ll divide readers, but there’s a new trend in town to mark Valentine’s Day, and it involves your Christmas tree. Browse #valentinestree on Instagram if you don’t believe us. American @turtlecreeklane has kickstarted the trend by switching her festive baubles for an overwhelming amount of heart-shaped paraphernalia. Sure, it’s a good way to recycle your Christmas tree, but if you’re already a V Day cynic, this might not be one for you.
FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AT… @bestmagofficial
Meat your match Who needs an innuendo when Asda have done all the hard work for you? Turns out there’s a way to make even the humble sausage look relatively romantic. Asda’s Extra Special 4 Love Heart Cumberland Pork Sausage, £3.70, is what it is – heartshaped sausages made from British pork, seasoned with thyme, sage, nutmeg and cayenne pepper, ready to cook and add to your English breakfast. Now that’s a wake-up call…
n Twitter #SeduceSomeone InFourWords With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we just had to discover what lines the Twitterati were spinning to weave those romantic spells... Hmmm. Maybe a shot of yourself in the buff with ‘I love being naked’ is a bit full on, but we like ‘Martini. Shaken or stirred.’
FIND US AT… @bestmagofficial
NE’ S E V E RYO L OV I N G …
Lego Friends!
If you’re having withdrawal symptoms now that Netflix has stopped streaming Friends, cheer yourself up with this brilliant Lego take on the show. The setting is Central Perk café – including that famous sofa – and yes, there are also Lego versions of Ross Geller, Rachel
Green, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Phoebe Buffay and Gunther. Check them out! Lego’s Friends: The Television Series is not suitable for children under 16 and RRP is £65. The series returns to TV on HBO Max in May.
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An all-in one dress needn’t mean an all over print!
Take this combo out of the office Below: 1. Jacket, £39, M&Co 2. Heels, £49.99, H&M 3. Trousers, £26, M&Co, 4. Earrings, £15, Oliver Bonas 5. Top, £25, Roman
Main image: Jacket, £50 Dress, £50 Heels, £25 All JD Williams
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Above: 1. Dress, £70, Roman 2. Jacket, £69.99, bonprix.co.uk 3. Heels, £39.99, Zara 4. Ring, £5, Accessorize 5. Bag, £17.99, Mango
best for STYLE Main image: Dress, £50, Evans Boots, stylist’s own Below: 1. Dress, £45, Wallis 2. Earrings, £19.50, Oliver Bonas 3. Bag, £29, Accessorize 4. Belt, £10, Glamorous 5. Boots, £45, Dorothy Perkins
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Bloomin’ lovely
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Add romantic drama with a flowing floral frock
CELEBRATE YOUR SHAPE Feel the love in these gorgeously glam outfits 1 Left: 1. Top, £28, Miss Selfridge 2. Bag, £25, JD Williams 3. Heels, £24.99, H&M 4. Trousers, £35, River Island 5. Necklace, £3, Primark
Ditch the dress Date night doesn’t need to mean a fancy frock
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Main image: Top, £35 Trousers, £29 Both Kaleidoscope Shoes, stylist’s own
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your stars 21 January – 19 February When Aquarians like American singer/ songwriter, Carole King, and This Morning presenter, Holly Willoughby, feel as if they’re being pushed from varying directions they will find it easier to cope by focusing on one thing at a time. It’s important to take a break when you need it.
TAURUS 21 April – 21 May A new project piques your curiosity. Working with a team of creative people sounds like a great idea but before jumping in, look more carefully. New activities could put you in touch with an old rival or an ex-lover. You might think you’re over this, but you need to prepare yourself psychologically for such a meeting.
LEO 24 July – 23 August Making changes to your routine does not have to be a sudden move. You know this is needed but you can do it in a slow, experimental way. This is also a good approach to take if you’re trying to get to the root of perplexing problems. More money for you to buy luxuries with will soon become available.
SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Your relationships will impact on your health. Two words are important to bear in mind to stay happy and healthy: respect and cooperation. Good listening skills will encourage harmonious relationships. When everyone is respectful towards one another, you can relax, feel at ease and enjoy life more.
PISCES
20 February – 20 March Your money prospects are improving. If you’re struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, news about a financial opportunity will make you hopeful for the future. A generous offer from an older relative or loan application approval could be the answer to your prayers. Creative projects will go well.
GEMINI
ARIES 21 March – 20 April Accept the chance to take on an unfamiliar role. You will do well with this challenge and you will find the confidence to carry it out successfully. Even if you have to bluff to appear more poised than you feel, no one will know. You can be persuasive when you want to be, and people will respond to your charm.
CANCER
22 May – 21 June Your versatility will help you deal with a spot of bother or two. Someone who always wants their own way needs to understand they can’t dictate your decisions. Your resourcefulness will be put to the test and you will surprise everyone by your success. You aren’t looking for praise. You just enjoy the challenge.
22 June – 23 July Just because a friend or workmate says they agree with you, doesn’t mean they do. Not everyone or everything will be as they appear. Stay alert because deceptive people are coming out of the woodwork. Someone is about to change their tune and you need to have contingency plans to fall back on.
VIRGO
LIBRA
24 August – 23 September You could have a lot of fun going on a spontaneous trip. Bumping into an old friend will bring a blast from the past. Conversations evoke some powerful emotions. It might help to put your feelings on paper or confide in a diary. This is a good time to strengthen bonds with workmates and neighbours.
24 September – 23 October You will get a lot of fun from joining in with new creative pursuits, especially with a romantic partner. You might also share their delight as you introduce them to a hobby they’ve never tried before. You love the feeling of being in love and you offer unconditional fondness to your lover.
SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December Good preparation is the key to your success. If you have prepared well for events that are about to take place, you will do well. If you failed to gather the necessary materials and ignored the need to plan in advance, it’s going to be a struggle. Remind yourself that honest effort is never wasted.
CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January You’re ready to step out of the stereotyped Capricorn role and do something impulsive and exciting. You’re tempted to shirk your responsibilities, but this could upset someone who respects you. Delegating tasks will be the answer, allowing you to do your own thing while knowing jobs are being taken care of. FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 27
PICTURES: BIGSTOCK
AQUARIUS
For the week 4 - 10 February, with Russell Grant
‘We bought a bigg Mandy and Alec in their new home
witching on the kettle, I waited patiently for the water to boil – and I wasn’t the only one. Fifty-six little legs flitted around me, 14 tails wagging, knowing they wouldn’t get fed until I’d had my cuppa. I got most of the way through my brew, before our gorgeous dogs started pestering me. ‘Come on then,’ I said, getting up and going back into the kitchen. Our gorgeous pets – 13 sausage dogs and one Jack Russell – lined up as I put down their bowls of food, each in their assigned place and they gobbled it up. Afterwards, they played together, before scrambling on to their eight-seater leather sofa and cuddling up to each other, before I started their round of walks – three or four canines at a time! It kept me fit and healthy and I’d do anything for my four-legged friends… I’d grown up on a smallholding in Cambridgeshire surrounded by horses, sheep, dogs, ducks – any animal you could think of. I really enjoyed it and always cared for them as best I could. The love they gave back in return was incredibly rewarding. So, by 2004, when I was 22, I was going to get a Dachshund from a breeder in Yorkshire, only there were two of them. ‘I can’t leave one on its own,’ I told my mum, Diane, so I took them both! I adored Tia and Sally, each
S
Mandy Whitnall up-sized to a three-bed house for her ever-growing brood…
had their own personality. They were maternal, loved being together and were great company. I thought nothing of getting Joey – a third sausage dog, in 2006. Then, two years later, Mum asked me to take some dog food round to a friend of hers. They both had Great Danes and I was more than happy to help. When I got to Mum’s friend’s house, her son, Alec, now 46, was there – and we hit if off straight away. He adored his Staffie, Odie, and invited me on a date to a dog agility course, of all places! He was kind, funny and loved animals as much as I did. Thankfully Tia, Sally and Joey gave him the lick of approval, too! Six months later, in December 2008, Alec proposed. Of course, I said yes! We married in September 2010 (without our dogs, unfortunately) and we were so happy together. We lived in a two-bed bungalow,
28 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
and our hounds were like our children. ‘Training dogs is easier than raising kids,’ Alec laughed. I couldn’t agree more. In time, Saffie, Maisie, Dolly, Lady, Teddy and Sophie joined our brood. Teddy had a cheeky little personality and was a bit of a plonker. He’d always talk to me and scamper to the back of the sofa, before sliding down on to my neck and wrapping himself around me like a scarf. We bred a few of the dogs and, by 2018, Piper, Rosa, and Shelby had joined our pack, along with Ruby, a Jack Russell, that we’d got. Her mother had died, and a Dachshund had looked after her. Our sausage dogs had welcomed her with open paws and took great care of her. We made our precious pups a huge dog bed, so they could cosy up together at night and they slept in our spare room. They were incredibly well behaved, and I loved brushing their coats – they never failed
‘Alec invited me on a date to a dog agility course!’ to make me smile. They were adorable in the evening, too, waiting by the door for Alec to come home from his window-fitting job. They always gave him a very enthusiastic welcome! But, as our brood grew, we started to get very cramped in our two-bed home. If my sister came to stay, as she often did, we’d move out of our room to sleep on the sofa, rather than disturb the hounds. They didn’t have much space to play in, or for feeding time either. So, Alec and I started house hunting for more space and put our property on the
best for REAL LIFE
ger house for our dogs’ The couple dote on their dogs
The bigger kitchen makes feeding easier
Mandy says the hounds are like her children
‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned’
market in February last year. We found a beautiful threebed bungalow in Cambridge for £230,000. After the first viewing, Alec and I got back in the car and immediately agreed we wanted it. It had a huge kitchen that our pups could easily be fed in, the lounge would fit a sofa for them and there was the opportunity to extend, giving them more space to explore. ‘Let’s do it,’ Alec said.
We offered the full asking price and thankfully, we got it! ‘You’ll love your new home,’ I told our little ones later that day, patting their soft heads. When we finally moved, in September last year. We had to shut the dogs into a makeshift pen in their new bedroom while we unloaded our furniture and belongings. Once the front door was firmly shut, we let the dogs
‘Animals have always been a big part of my uch life and they are as m my family as children would be. I adore our pampered pets.’
loose and they had a blast exploring their new space. They loved it! It didn’t take them long to claim our new eight-seater leather sofa as their own, although they liked being huddled together at least they had the option to spread
out when they wanted to. There was more space in the kitchen at feeding time and they still all lined up, waiting for their grub. It only took a couple of days for them to learn where their new spot was. They loved their new bedroom, too, and were happy in their massive bed with Dachshunds stitched on the front. In November, Piper gave birth to a litter and we kept little Luna, a black and tan long-haired pup. All the dogs made a fuss of her and there’s no doubt we pamper our precious pups. Now, I’m 37, and we spend £80 a month on vet bills and a further £80 a month on dog food, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. My dogs make me incredibly happy and now we have the space to have even more sausage pooches!
WORDS: LOUISE BULGIN AND CHARLOTTE NISBET PICTURES: MERCURY PRESS
The pampered pooches even have their own sofa!
best
SEVEN-DAY DIET A little of what you fancy will do you good this Valentine’s Day…
HOW IT WORKS
WORDS: CATHERINE MORTIMER PICTURES: GETTY PLEASE SEE YOUR GP BEFORE STARTING A NEW WEIGHT-LOSS REGIME. AVOID ALCOHOL IF PREGNANT. WEIGHT LOSS MAY VARY.
Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without a bit of chocolate and maybe a tipple or two, would it? We’ve put together the perfect diet plan that includes red wine and chocolate with a treat every day, so you can make the most of this time of year without worrying about your weight. What’s more, you could lose up to a stone along the way. So, whether or not there’s someone special in your life, it’s time to treat yourself because you deserve it. Get ready to indulge while you lose the bulge...
GETTING STARTED
O Follow the plan (right),
Drop 14lbs and spoil
! f l e s oy ur
which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, one snack and one treat per day. O Drink at least eight glasses of fluid daily, including water, sugar-free squash, tea and coffee. O Your daily milk allowance is 250ml of semi-skimmed milk, which you can use for drinks or however you like. O Don’t add salt, sugar, sauces or dressings unless stated. O Try to up your activity levels. Not everyone can turn into a gym bunny overnight, but small stuff like parking further away from the shops or work all helps. O Stick to the plan for up to a month.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Breakfast:
Breakfast: 1 apple
1 small bowl of porridge made with 250ml of semi-skimmed milk (use your allowance for extra). 1 apple. Lunch: 1 can of soup. 1 wholemeal roll. Dinner: 1 haddock fillet, cup of roast butternut squash chunks and green beans. Treat: 1 Milk Chocolate Digestive Thin.
and 1 banana, chopped and topped with 1 small low-fat yogurt. Lunch: Spanish omelette: mix 2 eggs with chunks of cooked potato and cooked veg. 2 crackers. Dinner: 1 Quorn burger, 4 new potatoes and broccoli. Treat: 1 small glass of red wine.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Breakfast:
Breakfast: 1 small
1 scrambled egg on 1 slice of wholemeal toast with low-fat spread. Lunch: 1 mediumsized jacket potato with low-fat spread, 3 tbsp of baked beans, salad. Dinner: 1 cod fillet (baked in foil), ½ small roasted sweet potato and steamed asparagus. Treat: 2 Cadbury Dairy Milk Fingers.
bowl of porridge with 250ml semi-skimmed milk (use your allowance for extra). Lunch: Any salad under 350 calories. 1 cracker. Dinner: Stir-fry 1 chicken breast, ⅔ cup of cooked noodles and vegetables. Spoon over some chicken stock to serve. Treat: 1 square of Green & Black’s chocolate.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Breakfast: 2 slices of wholemeal toast with low-fat spread and Marmite (optional). Lunch: 1 avocado, halved and each filled with prawn cocktail, salad and 1 cracker. Dinner: 1 pork chop, a dollop of mash and green beans. Treat: 1 small glass of red wine.
Breakfast: Small bowl of Bran Flakes with 250ml semi-skimmed milk (use your allowance for extra). 1 apple. Lunch: 1 wholemeal pitta with 2tbsp of lowfat hummus, 1 slice of ham with salad. Dinner: A medium jacket potato with a little low-fat spread, salad. Treat: 1 fun-size Milky Way.
SUNDAY
SNACKS
Breakfast: 1 poached egg with 2 Quorn sausages, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes fried in low-calorie spray oil. Lunch: Any pre-made sandwich under 350 calories. Dinner: 1 cod fillet (baked in foil), a handful of roast sweet potato cubes, 1 tin of cooked ratatouille. Treat: 1 Jaffa Cake.
O 1 apple O 1 pear O 1 small
banana O 1 cracker O 1 low-
calorie yogurt
FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 31
‘Going vegan ruined my health’ Last month, around 350,000 of us took part in Veganuary in the hope of feeling healthier. But this alarming story from a former editor of a vegan magazine offers a cautionary tale about making such a radical change to your diet....
Partner Andy told her to dump the diet...
ho’d have thought a sardine could make me cry? But opening a tin of the tiny fish, my eyes filled with tears. I did not want to eat the dead creatures inside. Yet I was under strict doctor’s orders to do so. For three years I’d endured blood tests,
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unpleasant examinations, a biopsy and seemingly endless visits to the GP, hospitals and specialists. I’d even (alarmingly) been referred to an oncologist. Yet the cause of my mysterious medical issues turned out, simply to be… my diet. Last month around 350,000 people took part in Veganuary, giving up any foods containing meat, dairy or animal products to save the planet, animals and their health. I know from experience that it’s not a decision that should be made lightly – and certainly not without medical advice.
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My problems began in October 2016. I had been editing Vegan Living magazine since June that year. A long-term vegetarian, I ate no fish or meat but I did eat cheese and drink milk. When I got the job, it was the trigger I needed to go vegan. I love animals. I couldn’t look the nearby cows in the eye while supporting an industry that enforces pregnancy then takes away their calves. My move chimed with national trends. According to one survey, 2016 was the year it really took off in the UK, with numbers leaping from
around 540,000 then to an estimated 3.5 million today. I also had plenty of help via my new job. I was bombarded with delicious-looking cookery books, and information about the latest vegan products. Numerous studies have found huge health benefits attached to a vegan diet – it lowers the risk of heart failure, strokes and certain cancers. So when I started to feel unwell it never occurred to me that my problems could be related to my diet. The trouble began with a stinging pain whenever I went to the loo. When it didn’t clear up, I went to see my GP, thinking it
‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned’
‘Veganism isn’t a bad choice – but know what reful you’re doing and be ca dy to monitor your bo ’s reactions, or you could have a problem.’
could be a form of cystitis. After undergoing a slightly embarrassing examination, I was prescribed some barrier cream. As the weeks went by, though, it got worse. I made another GP appointment. She took a look, told me the problem was probably due to perimenopause, and prescribed mild HRT. Nothing improved, and I’d also developed bleeding gums every time I brushed my teeth. I had no idea why I was suddenly emerging from my teeth-cleaning routine looking like Dracula after a tasty feeding session. I had morning headaches
and an odd, stippled patch of skin near my mouth. At 48, I was beginning to worry that something was seriously wrong. My GP suggested it was a chronic candida infection, and prescribed Canesten. It was no help at all. Two months passed. My sex life was on hold, due to the almost constant pain, and I began to think it might be permanent. In desperation, I turned to Google. ‘Could be cancer – have you asked your GP for a referral?’ someone suggested on a forum. A few weeks later, I was in hospital, having a painful biopsy. It was a huge relief
when the results came back clear – but, of course, I was no closer to finding an answer. It was only when I was sent back, yet again, to the hospital, for another cancer specialist to ‘definitely rule it out’ that things changed. He was sympathetic, and he listened. Then he asked: ‘Tell me, do you wear jewellery?’ He carefully bent back my right ear and looked behind it. ‘Hmm. Red,’ he said. We established that most cheap jewellery gave me a rash and made my skin itch. ‘I think we have the answer,’ he said, ‘you have a nickel allergy.’ He explained that a great deal of food contains the chemical element nickel. The body can’t absorb it – and the excreted nickel from my food was causing a painful rash. My gums were bleeding for the same reason: my soft tissue was being attacked by nickel. I was so relieved to have an answer, I almost hugged him. We backed up the diagnosis with a patch test, which revealed a severe nickel allergy. Back home I Googled ‘nickel in food’ and the results shocked me to my core. The most nickel is to be found in soy – a mainstay of a vegan diet – pulses (tick), nuts and seeds (I ate them daily, thinking I was being healthy). Other culprits were kale, dark chocolate, tofu (made from soy), tomato seeds (I ate tons of tomatoes) and oats. Nickel had, effectively, become my entire diet. I had dramatically worsened a mild allergy by turning vegan. My
Anne Hathaway gave up being vegan after feeling ‘weak’...
partner, Andy, immediately pointed out, ‘You can’t be vegan any more.’ I refused to believe it. I was committed to my cruelty-free regime – and, if I wasn’t vegan, how could I edit a vegan magazine? I tried to cut out all the nickel-based food. My symptoms improved almost overnight – but diet-wise it was utterly miserable. And while my rash disappeared, my overall health did not improve. I called my GP again. ‘You have to at least eat fish,’ she told me. ‘You’re not eating enough protein, what you’re eating is not a sensible diet.’ With the universe’s mischievous logic, that week I found out my magazine was closing. I reluctantly decided to listen to my GP’s advice. And, within a couple of days of reintroducing fish, I felt better. My energy came back, my skin improved, and the headaches disappeared. A few months on, my rash and pain have entirely gone and my gums are fine. I have been in two minds about revealing what happened to me. I would love to be vegan again. I feel guilty about the fish, though I eat only those that have been ethically caught such as line-caught tuna and sardines, and I won’t ever be persuaded to eat meat. While being vegan can be healthy, my consultant suggested that anyone with a nickel allergy – said to be as many as one in 10 of us – should beware. This year I cheered on those doing Veganuary. I didn’t join them – because the diet I believed was the best turned out to be the worst for me.
...Beyoncé made it mainstream – but follows the diet part-time
The cover of the magazine Flic edited
WORDS: FLIC EVERETT PICTURES: GETTY, FACEBOOK, SOLO SYNDICATION/NATASHA PSZENICKI © DAILY MAIL
best for REAL LIFE
s e c n a r g a r F to fall back
in love with D 1 Be my Valentine - new twists on perfume classics
o you have a habit of committing to the same signature scent? It can be hard to prise ourselves away from an old favourite, especially when the number of perfumes on offer are so overwhelming. But maybe now is the time for you AND your man to step out of your comfort zone with an updated fragrance for the new decade....
A ROMANTIC BOUQUET
Nothing beats a classic floral fragrance, right? Traditionalists will love Flower by Kenzo Poppy Bouquet EDP, £47 (30ml), a strong, punchy scent for those who like their florals with added oomph, rose being dominant. If you prefer your florals on the lighter, sweeter side, Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Daze Limited Edition EDT, £59 (50ml) combines gentle outdoorsy wisteria with fruity longan berries for a fresh, juicy scent.
Fake it yourself
Make your own scented moisturiser The key to a fragrance lasting all day is to layer it but if you’ve saved up for a pricey perfume, it may be a stretch too far to buy the accompanying body lotion. So try mixing the two. Add a couple of drops of fragrance to your moisturiser just before applying. According to experts, the best time to put scented moisturiser (or perfume) onto your skin is just after a shower. Shake lotion beforehand so the liquid mixes well. It’s also a great way to use up dregs in old bottles.
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HEATED MOMENTS
Mugler Alien Mirage EDT, £59 (60ml) is the fifth version from the Alien dynasty and is a blend of the previous ones, with spicy notes reigning supreme, in a similar nod to its Fusion launch last year. If you like your perfumes with an aromatic touch, one spritz of this unveils pink peppercorn, giving way to a smoky yet delicate scent.
best for BEAUTY
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UNIVERSALLY APPEALING
Can you believe it’s been 26 years since the original CK One? CK’s latest incarnation, CK One Everyone EDT, £42 (100ml), is in keeping with previous versions with its fresh appeal, but this time orange oil is blended with cedarwood for a zesty scent with a woody undertone. This will be one your partner will swipe from your bedside table!
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If you long for a big brand scent without the associated price tag, hot foot it to Superdrug, whose collection of fragrances have been designed to mimic the classics for under a tenner. Men who love the spicy yet citrusy Paco Rabanne 1 Million would love Artiscent For Him Musk Dore EDP, £9.99 (50ml). Those who love the floral appeal of Chloe should try Artiscent For Her Spring Fleur EDP, £9.99 (50ml), which uses similar notes.
HIT THE HAY
Sometimes it’s not what you wear, but where it’s worn. In this instance, the bedroom, an often neglected place but with the right fragrance, can boost both you and your partner’s mood. This Works Love Sleep Pillow Spray, £30 (50ml), is a romantic version of the brand’s original mist that has an intoxicating blend of ylang ylang, patchouli and frankincense, activating areas of the brain associated with pleasure and relaxation. That’ll transform a drab February night...
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WORDS: HELEN PIKE PICTURES: GETTY
TOP TIP!
Dab Vaseline behind the ears before spritzing your scent to help your fragrance last longer
SNAP UP A ‘DUPE’
a s s e n a r V a e D r u o y s le k c a t , z lt ssa Fe e n a V , t n u a y n o ur g o a m y u it h r d b n le a e c m r o u d O it, wis w l a u s u r e h h it problems w
STILL A VIRGIN AT 46
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hate admitting this on paper, but here goes – I’ve got to 46 without ever losing my virginity. I’m not sure why. I’m single, but I have a strong faith, which has put me off sex outside marriage. Now it’s become such a huge elephant in the room, I wonder if I ever will. I do date but as soon as we grow close, I worry he will think I’m a freak, if he discovers the truth. My very patient friends tell me I should just get it over and done with, before it consumes my life any further – go out, get drunk and have some no-strings sex, but I don’t like the idea of that. Should I just do it?! Mary, Portsmouth This is your life story. You are the author, producer, director and star. You have held out this long because of your beliefs. Stick to your guns. If you want to wait to be married to someone you are deeply in love with before having sexual intercourse, you should do exactly that. It’s no-one else’s business. Your friends have made their own choices. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Of course, if you are suddenly overwhelmed with a giant wave of lust for a passing hunk and feel an urgent need to do the deed, feel free to take the plunge!
AM I TOO CLINGY?
PICTURES: BIGSTOCK, GETTY, NICKY JOHNSTON
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find myself getting very emotional and panicky whenever my partner – who lives in his own flat – goes home after we’ve a few days spent together. There’s no rush for us to move in together. In fact, our relationship is pretty new and we both have young children but I just want to be with him all the time. I’m like a giddy teenager! I’m torn between asking him to move in – and feeling cautious over whether our kids are ready. My head’s all over the place. Lorraine, Perth Keep calm, and suppress your desire to hang on to your new partner’s leg and beg him never, ever to leave you. Most men find that kind of clinginess unappealing. The quickest way to bring this promising relationship to a premature end is to make him feel trapped and as if you are a burden. Tell your mum and your mates. Cry into a pile of Kleenex. Just don’t lay your neediness on him quite so early on. And watch out for all the children involved. Don’t foist new housemates on them until you are absolutely certain of his commitment. 36 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
O Email your questions to askvanessa@hearst.co.uk or write to: Ask Vanessa, Best Magazine, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ
On the couch with Mandy… Therapist Mandy Saligari, from Channel 5 show In Therapy, is an addiction, parenting and relationship expert.
IS IT NORMAL TO AIR? CRAVE AN AFFgro wn-up kids
ee wenty-odd years together and thr ark back in my sp later, and I desperately want the I’m not getting it marriage. But despite my efforts, nt to leave him, I do love from my hubby. I’m not saying I wa the intimate side of our him – but it’s like he’s given up on to feel loved and adored relationship – and I haven’t. I want ’t felt desirable for and feel like I’ve still ‘got it’. I haven -strings-attached years. I’d just love one night of no this normal? passion, without him knowing. Is Chrissie, Belfast
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I WANT A BABY – SOLO
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’m 44, and I’ve basically been single for the past six years. I’ve toyed with babies for a long time, but since the new year I’ve just felt, if I’m ever going to be serious about becoming a mum, it has to be now. If I went down the sperm donor route, I do worry how fair it would be to bring a child into the world without another parent, and if I’m underestimating how tough it would be to go it alone. I want to be a mother, but I’m not sure if I can cope. Am I just being selfish? Phoebe, Manchester
Every parent is selfish. Hand on heart, no one ever gets pregnant for the sake of the unborn baby. We all do it because we want to be mums and dads. So, don’t beat yourself up unnecessarily. Can you afford a baby? Can you organise childcare, when you go back to work? Do you have a support network of friends and family you can rely on? Most importantly, do you passionately want to be a mother? If you can answer ‘Yes’ to all those questions, go ahead and get cracking. Time is of the essence.
MANDY SAYS: e ‘strings’ exist within the Yes it is, but that doesn’t make it right. Th choose might be unattached, marriage, and although the person you nt. Too often I have met it is you who is betraying your commitme s, realising as they speak that couples hurt by one another’s infidelitie so the focus in therapy is not all they had to do was to communicate – communication. Thus, I on the betrayal, but on effective, intimate a space to talk and reconnect, suggest that you and your husband find o discover that their as over and again, I work with people wh lease of life and deepened relationship is enriched with a whole new difficulties. intimacy as a result of working through mon – when people sense Your husband’s withdrawal is not uncom tion kicks in and people shut there is something wrong, self-preserva ssage. He may feel inadequate, down which can send out the wrong me of failing; he may be losing taking sanctuary in ‘not trying ’ for fear l of losing you, or he may be confidence in his sexual ability, be fearfu unless you ask. fantasising himself. But you won’t know but it can be very Reclaiming your relationship takes work, in the desire to work things rewarding as your commitment is shown that partners can react badly through and talk. However, it’s also true midating in its intensity and to being asked to ‘talk’, as it can feel inti tified to act out in some way, lack of boundaries, leaving you feeling jus also be that ‘talking’ focuses on believing you’ve done your bit. It might ve a person feeling cornered the problem and blaming, which can lea or the situation feeing worse. tively: A few tips on how to talk construc for the other person 1. Focus on yourself rather than talking (‘I’ or ‘we’, not ‘you’). 2. Ask open questions and listen. ’d like to add, and ask your 3. Say what you already like and what you partner the same. 4. Be prepared to make changes, too. 5. It’s your relationship to shape to suit you both, so enjoy the process! See mandysaligari.com
x y d n Ma
O Got a problem you’d like Mandy to answer? Email her at AskMandy@hearst.co.uk.
For the love of puddings… Whip up a sweet for your sweet on Valentine’s Day
Chocolate and raspberry fondants Be careful not to overbake these oozy puddings. Serves 2 Prep: 15 mins plus cooling Cook: 15 mins Per serving:
PICTURES: HEARST
419cals, 8g protein, 29g fat (16g saturates), 30g carbs (28g total sugars), 2g fibre 40g (1½oz) butter, plus extra for greasing 50g (2oz) dark chocolate, chopped 1tsp flour
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1tsp cocoa powder, plus extra to decorate 2 medium eggs, separated 25g (1oz) caster sugar 6 raspberries, plus extra to serve Dried raspberries, to decorate (optional) 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) gas 4. Grease two 175ml (6fl oz) pudding moulds. 2 Melt the butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cool
slightly for 10 minutes. Stir in flour, cocoa and egg yolks. 3 In a bowl, whisk egg whites until medium peaks form, then whisk in the sugar. Mix a third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to loosen it, then fold in the remaining egg whites. 4 Half fill the pudding moulds with chocolate mixture, then put three raspberries into the centre of each. Top with remaining mixture. Bake in the oven for 9-10 minutes. Invert on to a plate, dust with cocoa and scatter with dried raspberries, if you like.
best
RECIPE BOOKS Red velvet cupcakes Food colouring paste gives these American classics their red-brown shade. If you don’t have any paste, simply leave it out – liquid colouring won’t work in this recipe. Perfect to share or give as a gift 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C Makes 12 fan) gas 4 and line a 12-hole muffin Prep: 35 mins, plus cooling tin with paper cases. In a bowl, Cook: 25 mins sift the flour, cocoa and a pinch of Per serving: salt, then set aside. In a jug, mix 341cals, 4g protein, 23g fat the buttermilk and food colouring (14g saturates), 30g carbs paste and set aside. (20g total sugars), 1g fibre 2 In a separate bowl, use an electric handheld whisk to beat 150g (5oz) self-raising flour together the butter and sugar until 1½tbsp cocoa powder pale and fluffy. Add the eggs and 150ml (¼ pint) buttermilk vanilla and beat again. Alternately, ¼tsp red food colouring paste beat in half of the flour mixture, 100g (3½oz) unsalted butter, and half of the buttermilk mixture. softened Continue until all the flour and 150g (5oz) granulated sugar buttermilk have been incorporated. 2 medium eggs 3 In a cup, combine the vinegar 1tsp vanilla extract and bicarbonate of soda, then fold ¾tsp white wine vinegar through the cake mixture. Divide ¾tsp bicarbonate among the cases and bake for 25 of soda minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool. FOR THE ICING: 4 For the icing, beat the butter in 125g (4oz) unsalted butter, a bowl until smooth, then add the softened cream cheese and sift over icing 300g tub full-fat cream cheese sugar. Mix until combined. Beat in 75g (3oz) icing sugar the vanilla. Pipe or smooth icing 1tsp vanilla extract over the cooled cupcakes and Red sugar sprinkles, optional scatter with sprinkles, if using.
Coffee crème brûlée Laced with coffee liqueur, this is the perfect pick-me-up after dinner. Serves 2 Prep: 20 mins, plus cooling and chilling Cook: 35 mins Per serving:
442cals, 5g protein, 34g fat (19g saturates), 25g carbs (25g total sugars), 0g fibre 100ml (3½fl oz) double cream 100ml (3½fl oz) whole milk 1-1½tbsp coffee liqueur 2 large egg yolks 25g (1oz) caster sugar 1tbsp demerara sugar 1 Preheat the oven to 140°C (120°C fan) gas 1 and put a shallow oven-proof serving dish with roughly 400ml (14fl oz) capacity
on a baking tray. 2 Heat the cream and milk together in a pan until nearly boiling. Take the pan off the heat and mix in the coffee liqueur, to taste. 3 In a medium heatproof bowl, mix together the egg yolks and caster sugar until combined. Gradually stir in the hot cream mixture, then strain into a jug. 4 Pour the mixture into the serving dish and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the custard is just set. (Tap the dish lightly – the custard should wobble seductively!) Allow to cool, then chill for at least four hours. 5 To serve, preheat the grill to medium. Scatter the demerara sugar over the chilled custard in an even layer, then grill for 2-3 minutes or until the sugar has melted and caramelised. Cool and chill for 10 minutes before serving.
best for FOOD NEWS
Food in a flash
Theo’s meals in 20 mins MasterChef finalist and dad-of-three Theo Michaels knows time’s short in the kitchen. Here, he shares a simple and delicious recipe…
£1
MAKE LIFE EASIER IN THE KITCHEN WITH THESE SPEEDY MEAL IDEAS AND SUPERMARKET BUYS
PER SERVING
Veggie delight Enjoying plant-based meals just got more convenient! Check out Co-op’s tasty range called GRO, it features alternatives of favourite dishes such as chilli con carne. Our fave is the Kashmiri pizza, which combines cauliflower and a mozzarella-style vegan cheese. Pick one up for £3.50.
High in fibre and low in calories, these delicious Birthday Cake Squares, £2.89 for a box of five, have a sweet vanilla and marshmallow flavour and are just 90 calories each! Limited edition, so grab a box while you can. Check out fibreone.co.uk for more diet treats to smile about...
Percy gets saucy… If you can’t leave M&S without a pack of Percy Pig sweets, then you’ll love the new Percy Pig sauce, £2. It tastes just like the sweets and is heavenly drizzled over just about any dessert. It also makes the perfect topping on pancakes, so stock up now ready for Shrove Tuesday.
TIME FOR FIZZ. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s well worth checking out Freixenet Italian Rosé, £12. This delicious sparkling wine contains a blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes to create a fruity tipple that isn’t overly sweet. Perfect to enjoy on a cosy night in.
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This is a simple filling recipe that can be whipped up in no time. Reminiscent of humble village food found on many a Greek kitchen table, halloumi can easily swapped for equally delicious crumbled feta... PER SERVING CALS 319 FAT 22g SERVES 4 2tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 medium onion, diced 1 clove garlic, finely sliced Pinch of smoked paprika 100g baby plum tomatoes (about a handful), halved 1tbsp vinegar 390g tin green lentils, drained and rinsed 100g baby spinach Juice ¼ lemon, plus zest 15g of mixed fresh herbs (parsley, mint and coriander) 1 packet of good quality halloumi, cut into eight slices widthways 1 Fry the onion and garlic in half of the olive oil until they start to soften (about five minutes), then add the smoked paprika, tomatoes,
vinegar and lentils and cook for five minutes until they are warmed through. 2 Remove from the heat, fold through the spinach, season, decant into a bowl and squeeze over the lemon juice and fold through all the fresh herbs. 3 Give the pan a quick wipe, pour in the remaining olive oil and place on a high heat. Once hot, lay the slices of halloumi in the pan and cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes each side or until slightly browned. Remove from the pan and scatter over the top of the lentils. 4 Top with a drizzle of olive oil and zest of lemon. Tip: The secret to perfect halloumi is to cook on a high heat for a short time, this ensures the outside is coloured quick enough without drying it out.
WORDS: LARA NUGENT
GO LOW!
Warm lentil and halloumi salad
g n i k a e Br the Ice
Dancing on Ice judge John Barrowman gives you the insider’s guide to the coolest show on TV… It looks like magician Ben Hanlin might be coming into his own... Lifting his partner Carlotta above the shoulders, rotating her on the dismount while still skating? That was an extremely difficult lift and he pulled it off. And Joe Swash seems to have done his homework and come back with a vengeance, too. I think, bar Lisa, the ladies should really watch out, because they’re still looking a little wobbly – and the guys mean business …
BEN’S GOT THE MAGIC TOUCH
OH NO, SHE DIDN’T… Look, I love Maura Higgins, but she’s been stumbling. When she comes out of a lift, she kind of lands on two feet and locks her legs. The audience booed me when I critiqued her but you know what? I can boo back! That element to the show is all a bit of harmless pantomime – it’s fun.
BACK TO THE ISLAND...
HANGING OUT WITH THE LOVE ISLAND LADS
I’m a big Love Island fan, so it was fun to meet Joe Garrett and Chris Taylor, two of the cast of 2019, who came along with Curtis Pritchard to support Maura. We chatted, and by the end of the evening the conversation had turned to women, and I was offering them my own tips about dating. They were like, ‘John, you’d be the perfect wingman!’ I said, ‘If you ever need me on a night out fellas, I’m your man!’
Follow @dancingonice on Twitter
ageorgeactor
CORRIE CAPERS! How fabulous was Lisa George’s Corrie-themed routine?! She came out like a bull in a china shop – and what I mean by that is, she threw everything at it, even bringing a little bit of her character, Beth, into it. She embodies every performance, it’s phenomenal. It was lovely to see the Corrie stars involved, especially Antony Cotton, pulling pints – he and I go way back, we had a great little catch-up backstage!
Instagram/ lis
PICTURES: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
COULD IT BE MAGIC?
CAPRICE TO ‘TELL ALL’? Like everyone else, I’ve heard the rumours that Caprice plans to do a big ‘tell-all’ interview, about what happened between her and Hamish, when she gets voted off. There is a sense of unease behind the scenes about it. None of us know anything about any of it – but I really hope all this is, is a rumour. Nobody has to choose any sides and they should be allowed to move on.
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£12 Giant jazzie, Getting Personal
£2
Heart light, Sainsbury’s
Card, .50 Paperchase
£16.99 Socks, Getting Personal
£5
SET THE SCENE!
Candle, Sainsbury’s
Celebrating at home? Why not decorate your table to set the mood!
£3 £4
Get the COMPILED BY: LARA NUGENT
Heart stamp, Paperchase
Chocolate hearts, M&S
Look
LOVE IS AL Celebrate the most ro
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best for HOMES Hanging heart decorations, £1 for a pack of two Heart candles, £1 each Heart bowls, £1 each Heart plates, £1 each Felt runner, £1 each, Champagne flutes, £1 each Fabric roses, £1 per bunch Heart confetti, £1 for a jar, Rose dome, £1 all poundland.co.uk
£1.50 Chocolate medal, Primark
£3.50 Valentine’s banner, Paperchase
£1 Mug, Poundland
£1 Duck, Poundland
£16 Heart pyjamas, Matalan
LL AROUND mantic day of the year
Beauty box, BirchBox
£12.95
best GIRLS’ NIGHT IN...
Instagram/piersmorgan
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This week’s must-see TV 1
GMB Oscars Special MONDAY, ITV, 6AM-9AM
It’s the most glamorous night in the showbiz calendar, as the great and the good gather to discover who is walking away with the top gongs. And on the red carpet to report on all the action are Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, who are broadcasting live from The Beverly Hills Hotel. Piers says: ‘We have some great guests, we are going to drip-feed them out to you.’ Bearing in mind that last year. Susanna ended up swigging martinis with Leonardo DiCaprio (well nearly), it should be a night to remember.
2
Finding Joy
Irish actress Amy Huberman stars in this quirky comedy drama about a young woman trying to get over a break-up, who is thrust into the limelight. Also starring David O’Doherty and Love Island’s Laura Whitmore.
CORONATION STREET
Big Soap Story 44 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
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WEDNESDAY, W, 10PM NEW SERIES
Alya realises Ray has designs on her. Bethany and Daniel have a kiss, while Maria confronts Gary about his shady dealings.
EASTENDERS Mick and Linda are visited by a social worker and, amid fears over Ollie’s safety, their tensions reach breaking point. Whitney apologises to Kat and the pair
have a heart-to-heart. Meanwhile, Kathy puts pressure on Ian.
EMMERDALE Rhona still suspects that Kim is responsible for Graham’s death and sneaks into Home Farm to look for evidence. Meanwhile, Laurel receives a shocking phone call, and while Doug attempts to comfort her, he reveals Sandy’s died.
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3
Barrymore: The Body in the Pool
10 MINUTES WITH…
THURSDAY, CHANNEL 4, 9PM
LOUISE REDKNAPP
Nineteen years after the shocking death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found drowned in Michael Barrymore’s swimming pool after a party at his home, this documentary pieces together the events of that night and the tragedy’s after-effects.
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The Goop Lab With Gwyneth PaltrowNETFLIX
ON...
CATCH UP THE OUTSIDER
5
Ever wondered where Gwyneth Paltrow gets the weird and wacky ideas for her ‘lifestyle’ company, Goop? (Vagina candles anyone?). Well, now you can discover for yourself in this documentary that goes behind the scenes of her working world.
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Never Seen a Doctor
4
FRIDAY, W, 10PM
Katie Piper hosts this new medical show that finds folk who are wary of seeking help for their ailments – and encourages them to get it. In the first episode, she meets a couple who both have a mouthful of rotten teeth, a dadof-two despairing of his hairloss and an 80-year-old man whose nose keeps growing.
THEY SAID WHAT… Martin Kemp revealed that after his brain tumour diagnosis in the Nineties, his son Roman, now 27, once found a group of strangers chanting in their living room. ‘Shirlie (my wife) was looking for everything to help me – there were shamans and witch doctors, everything. Roman came home to find five shamans in orange robes making noises on these bowls… He walked in and thought, “oh no, not again” and walked out.’
Jason Bateman stars in this moody adaptation of a Stephen King chiller, that starts with a brutal murder of a child. Very gripping, but also gruesome – you’ll want to leave a light on. Sky Atlantic
P U G N I COMQUIZ The notorious tale of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’s coughing scandal has been dramatised with a fabulous cast, including Helen McCrory, Michael Sheen and Matthew Macfadyen. ITV later this spring.
….her new album, Heavy Love I never thought I’d do music again, so being here in the position where I’ve just released an album after 20 years means the world. And I’ve bared my heart and soul a little bit on it too… …her sons realising Mum is a pop star It’s been suggested that they don’t like me wearing a leotard, but it’s all in good jest. What’s been so lovely is them being able to come to live gigs and the studio. I really involved them in it. …loving her Strictly stint It’s a mad circus of a show. It’s good and bad, but it was really nice all of a sudden to have a real purpose every morning and turn up to a show I loved doing – not feeling a bit selfish that I was going to do something I’d grown up loving. But I feel lucky I had 15 years at home. I just missed doing my thing. …starring in 9 to 5 The Musical It took a lot of guts to go into the West End on the back of everything. I was really nervous and wasn’t sure how things would go. I’m going back on 10 February, though. I get to perform on stage at the Savoy Theatre! ● Louise appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Watch thing! ONE
Emma Watson
Florence Pugh
Saoirse Ronan
aoirse Ronan, 25, has been acting since she was nine. She’s been nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, for her performance as Jo Marsh in hit movie Little Women – director Greta Gerwig’s take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel.
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Little Women
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH best
‘This film reflects our lives’ Saoirse, how was it making Little Women? It’s been wonderful to watch Greta Gerwig take on this huge film – I don’t think any of us realised how big it was until we were in it! It’s brilliant and I never say that about my films, but it’s really special. Was it great teaming up with Timothée Chalamet, who you worked with on Lady Bird? It’s lovely working with the same people again because you
develop a really good rapport with them. Timmy and I had loads of scenes together this time and lots of fun. It’s amazing we’re not sick of each other yet. How did it feel to provide a new take on a story as well loved as Little Women? It’s maybe more relevant today than at any other time because of the #MeToo movement and how women are demanding that our voices be heard. We need to make more films that reflect our lives
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and tell our stories. Greta has always loved Little Women, and she wanted to make this film as a way of exploring sisterhood, and female friendship and love. Those are timeless things, and she’s done an amazing job. Your father, Paul Ronan, is an actor. How much of an influence has he been on your career? He was a bartender in New York and got discovered by another Irish actor, who just asked him to go in and audition for a
... AND OUT
DON’T MISS CLASSICAL RECORDING S Eliza Scanlen
ELGAR – SHEKU KANNEH-MASON Award-winning young cellist Sheku continues to bring classical music to new audiences, and Elgar saw the 20-year-old become the first cellist in chart history to make the Official UK Top 10. Decca Classics, £10.99.
OUT AND ABOUT DOLITTLE Robert Downey Jr squeezes every drop of eccentricity out of Dr John Dolittle in this all-singing, all-dancing adaptation of the famous story about a semireclusive doctor in 19thcentury England. He has a gift for speaking to the exotic animals he shares his home with – including the unmistakable voice of narrator Emma Thompson as his faithful parrot, Polly. Forced out of hermit-hood when the Queen falls gravely ill, he and his furry friends must take to the high seas to find a cure. Expect magical adventures aplenty. Little ones will love this. + + + + +
FILM
‘Little Women is about sisterhood, female friendship and love’
play. He’s incredibly proud of everything that has happened for me, although I feel bad for my mum, as she is stuck with two actors! Now you’ve hit the big time, do you feel added pressure each time you go to work on a new film? I’m often nervous just at the start of a production. The first few days on the set I’m thinking, ‘This time I can’t do it. I don’t know how I’m going to manage.’ But then I settle down. ● Little Women, in cinemas now, has been nominated for Six Oscars.
ICON: DAME JANET BAKER Discover the magnificent mezzo-soprano, with this wonderful five-disc box set that offers more than six hours of her glorious voice, covering some of the most famous pieces in the classical music canon. EMI, £7.99
ART DECO BY THE SEA Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich (9 February – 14 June) Celebrate the golden age of the Great British seaside holiday with this exhibition
ROYAL FIREWORKS – ALISON BALSOM Trumpeter Alison Balsom explores the baroque era, which she calls ‘the golden age of the trumpet’ in this recording of Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks. With works by Bach, Telemann and Purcell. Warner Classics, £10.99
that explores the explosion of popularity of coastal resorts between the wars. With more than 130 items including ceramics, textiles, posters, photos and fashion – it’s gloriously nostalgic. Sainsburycentre.ac.uk
MANCHESTER GIN FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL
Manchester Cathedral (21 and 22 February) Are you a fan of mother’s ruin? If you are partial to a drop of gin, then get along to this party where more than 100 different types of the botanical spirit can be sampled. To add to the fun, there’s giant Jenga, live music and fabulous food. Eventbrite.co.uk
WORDS: DEIRDRE O’BRIEN PICTURES: CHANNEL 4, GETTY, ITV, NETFLIX, UKTV
EXHIBITION
Tony Cowell BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO PERRI KIELY ERRI KIELY, 24, was 13 years old in 2009, when he back-flipped his way to fame on Britain’s Got Talent as part of street dance group Diversity. Now, after topping the leader board on Dancing On Ice, he tells best what it would mean to him to win, how his partner, Vanessa Bauer, helps him beat the pressure, and treasuring the support of his mum and his 77-year-old granny…
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PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM, ITV
You must be very pleased with your recent performances on DOI? I am, but I was so nervous the day I topped the leaderboard! I don’t know why. I just thought everything was going to go wrong and I would fall over! But as soon as I got on the ice, it all seemed to fall into place and, at the end, I
‘People expect so much of me’
Perri shot to fame at 13 when he won BGT with Diversity
was buzzing. I think the nerves show that I really care about each performance – that I want to do well and not let my partner down. What made you decide to compete – was it a challenge you simply couldn’t refuse? Yes, because I’ve always loved the show, and then Ashley (Banjo) joined the panel and I thought, I’ve got to do this. Also, I wanted to
The dancer appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2017
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learn an entirely new skill. You are thrown into the deep end on this show, so it is very challenging. People say, ‘Oh he’s a professional dancer’ – but you still have to learn a completely different skill! How do you cope with the pressure? I think people expect so much of me because of my dance experience, so I feel I don’t want to let anyone down. I do feel the pressure but, at the same time, I’m determined to do my best. It’s asking a lot and it does get stressful, but I’m learning how to deal with it.
How much has your partner, Vanessa, helped you? She has been amazing. She’s got that perfect balance of being fun, but she wants to do really well, too. Like me, she’s a perfectionist and wants to win. Luckily, we get on together as friends, so that makes it easier. What’s the mood backstage, does everyone get on? Definitely. We are like a tight-knit family. It would be horrible if everyone was just competitive because it’s a TV show. But we’re not, we help each other through. When we watch other celebrities
studio a few times. She is very supportive of anything I do. My nan, who is 77, is really proud of me and she came to see me as well, but I think she only came because she wanted to meet Torvill and Dean! But, the truth is, I really need to have my family there. I need that support.
‘When we watch other celebrities perform, we are genuinely willing them to do well’ perform, we are genuinely willing them to do well.
on the top. I am very driven, so all I can do is my best.
Who’s your biggest competition? That’s difficult to say because people up their game every week. For example, Joe Swash has had some falls, then suddenly he gets it right and puts in an amazing performance.
Does it feel weird being judged by Ashley – your Diversity pal? Not at all. Sometimes, I will even show him a new move I’ve learned and ask his opinion, just like we would do in Diversity. I am used to it and I respect his opinion.
What would it mean to you to win this? It would be amazing! To be honest, there’s nothing I do half-heartedly. So, having put in all this work and then go on to win it would be the cherry
What does your mum, Christine, think about you being on the show – has she been to see you perform live? Yes, she’s been down to the
You were only 13 when you won BGT with Diversity – do you still remember that moment? Haha, I don’t actually remember it all! It’s a bit of a blur and because I was so young, I couldn’t be in the building for that long, so they rush you off the stage and into a car. I remember winning – that’s about it. But, of course, my life changed after that. You appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2017 – how did you find that experience? It was weird because people still think of me as that little kid from Diversity – as if I’ve never grown up. So, before doing that show I had never been on a date, ever. In that way, it was a weird experience, but it did help my confidence. I’m not in any hurry to have a relationship and all my friends have kids, so I’m busy with uncle duties.
Instagram/realperrikiely
With radio co-star and Diversity member Jordan Banjo
Perri chills out with pug, Barry
Instagram/realperrikiely
Enjoying some downtime with mum, Christine
Instagram/realperrikiely
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You have competed in other reality TV shows – what would be your dream job? I have been doing a radio show for Kiss FM with Jordan (Banjo). We really get on together and our chemistry is great. I think one day, in the future, it would be cool for us to have a TV show together. Dancing On Ice continues on ITV, Sundays at 6pm.
Perri and Vanessa make a dynamic duo
1to0give
best GIVEAWAY
away
! n i W A ‘DOUBLE DOZEN’ f the way to your heart is through your stomach, then hotfoot it to your nearest Krispy Kreme store. This February, the doughnut company is introducing three limited-edition flavours; Nutty Chocolatta Heart, White Chocolate Berry Heart, and Dark Chocolate Mint Heart, presented in a deliciously appetising heart shape. It will also be turning its entire signature range into Hugs & Hearts – circle and heartshaped doughnuts (13-14 February only). Krispy Kreme is giving away a gift card worth £18.45 – enough to snap up its Sharer & Original Glazed Double Dozen doughnuts – to 10 best readers. To enter, see right.
HOW TO ENTER
ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best620 by 21 February 2020. POST: Send a postcard with your name, address, email and contact number to best/Krispy Kreme giveaway, GVBSTL20080, Hearst Magazines UK, The Data Solutions Centre, Worksop S80 2RT by 21 February 2020. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2727 by midnight on 21 February 2020. Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and will last no longer than two minutes. Calls from mobiles may be higher. Phone line closes at midnight on 21 February 2020. If you call after this time, you will not be entered but you may be charged. Service provided by Spoke: 0333 202 3390. T’S & C’S: Winners will be selected at random from entries received by phone/post/online. We will use the information you provide to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice, please see hearst.co.uk/privacynotice. For full terms and conditions, see below.
*TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to UK residents aged 18 and over. To enter visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/best620 or send a postcard with your name, address, email and contact number to best/Krispy Kreme giveaway, GVBSTL20080, Hearst Magazines UK, The Data Solutions Centre, Worksop S80 2RT or call 0901 027 2727 by midnight on 21 February 2020. Entries in the incorrect format will not be considered. This competition opens on 00:01 4 February 2020 and closes at midnight on 21 February 2020. Answers received after the closing date will not be considered. The prize is a Krispy Kreme gift card credited with £18.45. The gift card can only be redeemed in Krispy Kreme stores nationwide and is NOT valid at Krispy Kreme concessions. The winner will be randomly selected from the entries received. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these Terms and to have agreed to be bound by them. This competition is not open to any employees of Hearst Magazines, the promoter or their immediate families, the promoter’s advertising agency and sales promotion consultancy, or anyone else connected with the creation and administration of the competition. Only one competition entry, fulfilling the eligibility requirements above, will be accepted per person. Once selected, only the winner(s) will be contacted personally using the contact details provided upon entry. Winners will be notified once selected. Winners will have 5 working days to respond in full or another winner will be selected. Hearst Magazines’ decision is final in every situation, including any not covered above and no correspondence will be entered into in respect of the validity of any such decision. Hearst Magazines shall be permitted to exclude or disqualify any entrant at any time at its sole discretion. Hearst Magazines reserves the right to exclude late, incomplete or multiple registrations, or registrations made by third parties or agents. Hearst Magazines does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt. The name of the winner(s) will be available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ, indicating the name of the competition. Entry to the competition and acceptance of the prize constitutes permission to use any entrant’s name, image and any competition entry photograph, for promotional and/or editorial purposes in any format in print and non-print media without additional consultation. No purchase is necessary. Once entered, entries cannot be returned / withdrawn. Spammers will be disqualified prizes must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred although Hearst Magazines reserve the right to change the prize in the event of unforeseen circumstances. There will be no cash alternative. We will use the information you supply to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice visit hearst.co.uk/privacy-noticeHearst Magazines reserves the right to (i) cancel and/or withdraw this competition and/or (ii) amend these Terms, at any time without notice. Where Hearst Magazines runs a competition with a promoter such that the promoter is responsible for the selection and/or the provision of prizes then Hearst Magazines shall not be responsible for or have any liability for the provision of such prizes. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in no event will Hearst Magazines be liable, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, for any loss, damage or injury arising under or in connection with this competition. These Terms are governed by English law, and entrants agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts in relation to all matters arising under or in connection with these Terms.
PICTURE: GETTY
I
SET OF DOUGHNUTS WORTH £18.45
best for CASH ADVICE While saving money is still the priority for many people when it comes to energy, the way we think about it is starting to change. Reviewing the way you use energy in your home will not only save you money, but help protect the environment. Here’s five changes you can make around the house…
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INSULATE YOUR HOT WATER TANK According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), insulating your hot water tank could save you around £20 a year. But, while most of us know about the cost benefits of insulating tanks and pipes, doing this can also make your home more sustainable, too. Insulating tanks and pipes reduces the amount of carbon dioxide they emit. Ensuring you have the correct amount of insulation is key to saving money and making your tank more sustainable. ‘A hot water cylinder jacket should be at least 80mm thick,’ says Laura McGadie, head of consumer advice at EST.
Join our campaign and get your finances sorted at hearstmagazines.co.uk/ ffbest for money-saving tips and brilliant advice on being financially savvy.
2
GO GREEN! Green energy refers to energy that’s generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar or hydroelectric energy. It can also be made from non renewables, but the provider pays to offset carbon emissions. If you’re unsure of how green your energy supply is, start by asking your current provider for information on your tariff. If you decide you want to switch, make sure you do your research. Use comparison sites such as moneysupermarket.com or uswitch.com, to compare suppliers to make sure you get a good price, too.
5 energy saving tips that’ll make your house more sustainable
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SMALL STEPS ‘You’d be surprised at what small steps can make a big difference – both to energy bills and your contribution to climate change… whether it’s changing lightbulbs, switching provider or turning down the thermostat – to cut emissions and bills,’ says Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom. Visit simpleenergyadvice.org.uk to see what changes you can make.
WORDS: SUSANNE NORRIS PICTURES: GETTY
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DRAUGHT-PROOF YOUR DOORS Draught-proofing your home is an easy way to save money on your bills. According to EST, draught-proofing your windows and doors could save you £20 a year and you could save £15 a year for an unused chimney. Block unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out. Saving warm air means you’ll use less energy to heat your home, so you’ll save money. If you’re looking for sustainable excluders, you can buy products made from fabric rather than plastic.
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SMART LIGHTS Smart bulbs use LEDs, which use 80 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs. Some have the potential to last for years, meaning they’re less wasteful and you get your money’s worth. Smart lights work by connecting to your smartphone or voice assistant device (like Alexa) to allow you to perform a range of functions without ever touching a switch. This includes allowing you to turn lights on and off. While these sound like a wonderful invention for tech-lovers, they’re also better for the environment.
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The views of Morzine are breathtaking
Amazing Morzine Do you like adventure but dread the idea of skiing? Then look no further than summertime in the actionpacked French Alps… BEST TRAVEL WRITER GEMMA BILBE
PICTURES: GETTY, GEMMA BILBE, PAUL TOMKINS
Canyoning is a great way to get the blood pumping
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
BEFORE YOU GO!
Visit en.morzine-avoriaz. com to check out what activities and events are on Morzine is a thriving over the summer. And don’t forget Alpine village set deep in the to look into getting a Multi Pass, Chablis mountain range between which gains you access to the ski Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. lifts, pools, tennis courts and more! It’s a ski resort in the winter but Prices start from €2pp per day, when the snow melts it becomes a free for under-fives! For more info visit en.portesdusoleil. popular destination for biking, hiking, com/activites/multialpine climbing – and adrenalinepass
fueled activities that are not for the faint-hearted! But it’s not just for the super fit, if you prefer to explore at your own leisure, or take a guided walk that includes cheese tasting, it’s all on offer.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Morzine offers scenic routes for hikes and rambles
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From abseiling down waterfalls to jumping in cold rivers, prepare to go wild and try ‘canyoning’. If that sounds a little out of your comfort zone, you could just hire an e-bike and follow the famous Tour de France route through the mountains to enjoy the breathtaking views. That said, a casual walk through the town soaking up the atmosphere and stopping at boutique shops is equally as enjoyable.
Melted snow reveals the village’s beauty
best for ESCAPES
Hire an e-bike and follow the famous Tour de France route through the mountains
GETTING THERE:
Return flights to Geneva are available from multiple cities across the UK with easyJet, priced from £59pp. easyjet.com. Transfer to Morzine is approx 1hr 30m by car.
STAYING THERE:
We stayed at The Farmhouse, which is the oldest building in Morzine, built in 1771. It’s run by Dorrien, Di and James who are very welcoming and simply can’t do enough for you and, if you ask nicely, they’ll happily give you a tour of the building, which is full of character and charm with lots of original features and great views. A seven-night stay B&B only is priced from £235pp based on two people sharing a double room. Visit thefarmhouse.co.uk
The India suite is stunning
FOOD AND DRINK
La Chamade is simply a delight
Believe it or not, Morzine is home to some microbreweries. Be sure to check out Bec Jaune, where the brewer brought the beers to the mountain from London. The menu is to be expected from a typical gastro pub (the burgers and beerbattered pickles are particularly good!), so for something a bit more special, head to La Chamade, with top-notch cuisine that’s as creative as it is sometimes surprising. If you’re a cheese fan, head downstairs to the cheese bar where there’s an unbeatable selection of the region’s cheese..
BIKER CHIC Home to the famous Harley Days Festival which is where the Harley-Davidson owners group descend for its long summer weekend of all things rock ‘n’ roll! Approximately 3,000 bikes arrive at the town for demonstrations, stunts and a great music line up. It runs every other year, so the next one is in 2021 – but be warned, accommodation books up quickly. For more info check out hog-france.fr
DON’T MISS Even though the snow has melted, the ski lifts are still in full swing. Take one up to the top to see 360° views and, if you’re lucky and it’s a clear day, you’ll get to see Mont Blanc. When you come back down, Le Tremplin is perfect for al fresco dining and a cocktail or two.
best for CELEBRITY
Coleen Nolan shocked everyone when she revealed the fate of a beloved family pet on Loose Women…
COLEEN’S HORROR AT BLOODY ATTACK WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD
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Rabbits make great pets for young children
‘We got up one morning and some horrible, horrible kids, teenagers, had climbed over the garden wall and decapitated the rabbit.’ That a twisted killer could have sneaked into Coleen’s garden while she and her young family were at home, is chilling, to say the least. Asked how she knew the animal had been decapitated and not simply attacked by another animal, Coleen, 54, explained in more gory detail, how she was convinced it was a sick human behind the hideous act. ‘When I first saw the body, I was like… it was just so clean. It wasn’t like a dog or a fox or
With a young Ciara and the family pooches
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Her Loose Women pals were aghast at the tale
something had ragged it… I spoke to the vet and he said, “Yeah, it’s definitely been severed.” ‘We got the police round, who were horrified, but they said to me, “There’s no point, they’ll get a £20 fine and a slap on the wrist.” ‘It’s classed as criminal damage! It wouldn’t even be classed as a cruelty case.’ As shocked colleagues Saira Khan, Ruth Langsford and Denise Welch discussed the horrific story with the mumof-three, they were swift to point out that torturing animals is seen as a ‘warning sign’ that deviant behaviour may escalate. In fact, serial killers such as Jeffrey
Dahmer and Ed Gein began their bloodthirsty missions as youths, killing animals. Dahmer, the ‘Milwaukee cannibal’, cut up dogs and cats, while Ian Brady, the Moors murderer who killed five children in the Sixties, boasted of killing his first cat when he was 10, and also cut off rabbits’ heads before going on to target people. Scary, scary stuff...
‘They’d get a slap on the wrist - it wouldn’t be classed as a cruelty case’
PICTURES: BACKGRID, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
oose Women’s Coleen Nolan horrified her fellow panellists – and viewers at home – when she revealed that thugs had once decapitated her now 19-year-old daughter Ciara’s rabbit. The revelation came about as the panellists debated the controversial Netflix series Don’t F*** With Cats – which tells the brutal story of psychopathic animal killer Luka Magnotta, who filmed himself killing cats. ‘When Ciara was very small, about two or three, we got her a rabbit and it used to run around the back garden,’ recalled Coleen.
Puzzles
Use the anagrams, straight, WIN cryptic, quiz and picture , clues to solve the crossword. 1 X £200 0 0 1 When completed correctly, 2X£ 0 5 the pink squares, reading OR 3 X £ top to bottom, left to right, PRIZES will reveal the answer to the question below: This year marks the twentieth-anniversary of one of 7A’s best-loved films – which one? (8,6). This is your prize answer. See below for details on how to enter.
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17 US intelligence agency (1,1,1) 19 Which Roman emperor built a ‘Wall’ to defend Britain against invasions from Northern tribes (7) 21 ANAGRAM LURES 22 Collision – of egos? (5) 23 What is the medical name for the breastbone? (7) DOWN 1 Quito is the capital of which South American country? (7) 2 Almond-flavoured liqueur made in Italy (8) 3 PICTURE B Name this bird (4) 4 Which African
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mind (3,5) 14 Garment detail that can be square, sweetheart or boat, eg (8) 15 Look AT MS USA differently – she’s a tangerine dream! (7) 18 As ___ as thieves, saying (5) 20 See 7A 21 The Great Barrier ___, largest coral system in the world (4) WINNING CHEQUES WILL BE MADE PAYABLE AND POSTED TO THE NAME AND ADDRESS AS WRITTEN LEFT. PLEASE TAKE CARE WHEN COMPLETING THE COUPON!
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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 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 York Mailing Ltd, Brinkworth Rush, Airfield Business Park, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. The publishers, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue, or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references. is distributed by Frontline Ltd, Midgate House, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 1TN. Prices are correct at time of going to press.
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