Bargain bathroom buys
Inside week
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T H IS
Ben and J-Lo reunited?
Wedding bells for Denise?
EDITOR SIOBHAN WYKES
Cool clothes for warmer days
4 Lisa’s style is spot-on
ON THE COVER 8 Kate Silverton: Midlife crisis? I haven’t got time! 9 Claudia’s big 5-0! I’m Alice (Cooper) in the Looking Glass 10 ‘Call me Duchess’ Meghan… 14 Corrie legend Julie Hesmondhalgh: Looks, female friendships & shows old and new 16 Like mother, like daughter: ‘Most people couldn’t work with their mum but we love it’ 28 Meal deal diet! 40 Life begins at 40! I lost 7st to look fit & fabulous 47 The cool bride’s guide 86 Win! An all-inclusive Princess Seacation
SHOWBIZ 19 Carol McGiffin 56 Ben and J-Lo 58 Russell Watson
60 Kylie Jenner 62 Eamonn & Ruth 76 Brian Conley 89 Janet Street-Porter
REAL LIFE 24 A stranger gave me her womb 30 Sign here for Sharon 64 A despicable crime 68 The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club
REGULARS 4 Start your week with a smile 12 Style: Softly does it! 20 We’re all talking about 22 Style: Step into Summer 26 Beauty 33 Say it with a slogan! 34 Recipes 36 Food in a flash 37 Bored? Bake! 38 Homes: A wildlife garden 42 The big beauty questions 44 Dear Vanessa
O Please let me know your thoughts, siobhan.wykes@hearst.co.uk
46 Win! Products from A Beautiful Life! 54 Cash advice 66 Pets 67 Your stars 70 Fiction 72 Girls’ night in… and out 78 Colour therapy 80 Puzzles 84 Travel: Seacation 90 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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Watching GMB last week (with the hilarious Alastair Campbell, can they give him a job?!), Denise van Outen admitted, she was going to propose last year – it was a leap year – but didn’t because of the pandemic. ‘Eddie [Boxshall, a commodities trader] will be surprised when he watches this,’ she laughs, ‘but the conversation did happen in lockdown, and we would like to get married, so it would be nice to cement the relationship in this way.’ Denise doesn’t want an engagement, she just wants a small wedding with all her friends and family. We suggest someone buys her a copy of this week’s best if she doesn’t read us already! We are packed with ideas for those of us – possibly not on our first wedding – who want a mini rather than a maxi affair (page 47). As we say, it’s the Cool Bride’s Guide to getting married without breaking the bank. There’s outfit inspo for guests, too! Or anyone who just fancies a white dress this Summer – let’s face it, who doesn’t want to celebrate just getting out? Enjoy your new found freedom!
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How gorgeous are these beautiful birds?! The male Splendid Fairy-Wrens were snapped by Mark Eatwell in Australia and we’re mesmerised by their striking markings and regal hues. They definitely won’t go unnoticed!
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We’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for rocker Rod Stewart, and he’s been making us laugh this week. The fatherof-eight shared a snap on Instagram, taken in the dead of night last weekend, showing off his domestic skills. Rod, 76, was pictured at an ironing board, looking dapper in a waistcoat and tie. It was captioned: ‘Ironing out the creases of life.’ We know what the singer-songwriter means. Only trouble is, the iron doesn’t seem to be plugged in…!
Instagram/lisa_snowdon
art Instagram/sirrodstew
WORDS: HELEN PIKE, LOUISE BULGIN PICTURES: GETTY, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
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Do ya think I’m sexy?
Who wowed the crowd?
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We’re dotty for th ese frocks! Lisa Snowdon, 4 9 the high street du , represented ri on This Morning ng a recent stint in this monochro me dress from the la te st c o ll a b o ra tion between Ghost a nd M&S, while F ran Bridge, 32, adds a Spring-like tou kie ch o pink in this Oasis number. It’s Stric f tly judge Motsi Mab use, 40, who add s some serious gla m, though – with this stunnin g off-theshoulder gown.
3 CHEERS!
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imabuse
She’s a lifestyle guru and A-lister, but we’re pleased that even Gwyneth Paltrow struggled in lockdown. The 48-year-old admitted to drinking seven nights a week during the pandemic – having a cocktail she named ‘Buster Paltrow’ after her grandfather, made up of quinoa whiskey, lemon juice and maple syrup. ‘I was making pasta and eating bread. I went totally of the rails.’ We’re with you on that!
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Lisa keeps it clean with black and white but we also love pink lady Frankie and Motsi’s stunning gown too
Marc Jacobs’ Daisy has had countless reinventions since the original hit shelves in 2007, and the latest one doesn’t disappoint. Like the original, Daisy Eau So Intense EDP, £66 (30ml), offers a blend of pear, strawberry and bergamot leading into jasmine and vanilla, but in a more intense concentration. Expect a fruity, floral mix that’ll linger for hours. Find it at theperfumeshop.com
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Fashion throwback
Having turned 45 this year, Reese Witherspoon must have some sort of magic potion that means she doesn’t age – the only real difference between these two pictures, taken nearly 30 years apart, is her fashion choices. Shapeless boots and a short skirt have paved the way for a series of stunning red carpet looks, including this sleeveless Roland Mouret gown worn to the Golden Globes in 2020.
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WORDS: HELEN PIKE AND LOUISE BULGIN PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM, ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST/HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2021
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DOUGH YOU BELIEVE IT? A long list of Hollywood A-listers have been part of baking dynasty Warburtons’ advertising campaigns and George Clooney is the latest to join the ranks. The 60-year-old appears in its current ad… calling in via Zoom to talk to Jonathan Warburton, only to be told: ‘He can wait.’ Nothing should interrupt a delicious slice of toast slathered in butter! George is donating his fee for the advert to charity – the Clooney Foundation for Justice. He’s certainly risen to the occasion. Sorry… 6 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
Ageless beauty Reese looks more elegant than ever
LOVING HOLDS
best this WEEK
Instagram/emmawillisofficial
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Then
She’s a vaccine volunteer, a qualified maternity care assistant, a presenter and model. There’s no doubt Emma Willis, 45, has always been a firm fave of ours, and we adored the snaps she shared on Instagram recently. Posting an image of her after giving birth to her youngest, Trixie, Emma also shared a picture of her holding her daughter in the same pose on her fifth birthday. ‘Holding her the same way, since she was born,’ she wrote. Emma and husband Matt are also parents to Isabelle, 11, and Ace, nine. Gorgeous!
9 10 Puppy power Sue Ryder – an incredible palliative, neurological and bereavement support charity – is looking for its next Ambassadogs. The campaign to find new therapy dogs for the hospices and neurological centres across the UK is under way. Find out how to enter at sueryder.org
A ROYALLY GOOD BEVERAGE Looking for a delicious collector’s item? The Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, has unveiled a sloe gin now on sale. Sloe berries have been steeped in Buckingham Palace gin, resulting in a rich-coloured, intense flavour. Snap it up from rct.uk/shop for £30.
best for CELEBRITY BBC broadcaster, mum-of-two and author Kate Silverton is busier than ever since turning 50. So with no time to worry about angst, is happiness just mind over matter?
The glamorous star is also a child counsellor
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Busy Kate presents BBC Weekend News
also just written a book, entitled There’s No Such Thing As ‘Naughty’: The Groundbreaking Guide for Parents with Children Aged 0-5. It focuses on how, in the early years of parenthood, raising your children right can set them up for life. The news presenter, who wowed on Strictly in 2018 with pro partner Aljaž Škorjanec, revealed that the pandemic’s effect on her family had given her the impetus to pen the book – an Amazon bestseller. ‘When lockdown hit, Mike’s security business – which takes him all around the world doing hostile environment training with journalists and NGOs – was brought to its knees. ‘I thought, “One of us has to do something” so I decided
Instagram/katesilverton
ews anchor and author Kate Silverton, who turned 50 last Summer, has admitted she’s busier than ever – and has too much on to be suffering from existential angst over the milestone! The mum-of-two – who’s been married to hubby, former Royal Marine Mike Heron, since 2010, revealed recently, ‘Mike always says we’re too busy for a midlife crisis!’ Fresh out of home-schooling children, Clemency, nine, and Wilbur, six, while presenting BBC Weekend News, the TV star has also been counselling other childen, as part of her training to become a child psychotherapist. And Kate’s
With hubby Mike and her children
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to write this book, which had been bubbling away in my head forever.’ Kate’s path to parenthood wasn’t easy – she went through four unsuccessful rounds of IVF and suffered two miscarriages, before the natural arrival of daughter, Clemency, when she was 41. ‘It got to a point where I thought I couldn’t have children myself, but I always said to Mike, “we will have children in our lives. Maybe we’ll adopt, maybe we’ll foster, maybe we’ll set up an orphanage”. I still had this yearning…’ she explained. In fact, when she finally fell pregnant, the star thought missing her period was quite possibly a sign of menopause. Happy that wasn’t the case.
‘I’ve had two kids and gone into the menopause in the same decade,’ she revealed. Perhaps that stoic side is what keeps Kate going. Or maybe it is her motto for life. ‘Denzel Washington said a great thing: “When you get to where you want to be, you reach back and you pull the next person up,” and I thought that was perfect. Be in love with life. Every minute of it. If you’re not having fun, change it, which sounds terribly easy, but that’s the way life should be.’ We like your thinking, Kate. ● There’s No Such Thing As ‘Naughty’: The Groundbreaking Guide for Parents with Children Aged 0-5 is published by Piatkus, £14.99.
‘IIf yo ou’re e not ha avin ng fun, cha ange it… th hatt’s s th he way liife sh hou uld be’
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: BBC, GETTY, INSTAGRAM
Midlife crisis? I’m too busy!
best for CELEBRITY Known for glossy locks and panda eyes as much as presenting, Claudia Winkleman is ‘fine’ with turning 50 – and resembling an ageing rocker…
I want to look like Alice Cooper F
Mum Eve brought Claudia up in ‘a house without mirrors’
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia – who turns 50 next January – explained she’d been brought up to believe her looks were the least interesting thing about her. ‘It’s not that I want time to go fast, but I’m absolutely fine with it, and I’ll still look the same,’ she mused. ‘I was brought up in a house without mirrors… What I look like, how I’ve done my eyeliner – that’s not the shiz, the stuff is the inside, the chat, the brains, the laughs, the loyalty, the kindness, the cooking an extraordinary roast chicken. ‘What you look like is the least interesting thing about you, it’s got to be, because it
is all going to fall apart, and I hope I’ve passed that on to my kids as well.’ Speaking previously about her unique style, mum-of-three Claudia – whose own mother is journalist Eve Pollard – said of her glossy black locks, ‘An actual hair genius cuts my hair. He’s called Michael Charalambous and his salon is Nyumba in London. Swapping He gives me that “Has notes on she just woken up?” panda hair that I love.’ eyes with an expert! And what of the signature eyeliner? She previously explained, ‘Well, I do it extremely fast – which is why it looks like my four-year-old has done
We think Claudia could rock Alice Cooper’s style easily
it. I want it to look like it’s five days old. Not neat, not clean and not perfect – that’s an eyeliner crime.’ Once admitting she’s naturally so pale she’s ‘blue’, Claudia is also a bit of a fake tan addict. ‘When orange, I feel better’, she said. ‘Fake tan is amazing. That whole “pale is interesting” is, quite frankly, not very interesting. ‘Krystle in Dynasty was never ever pale. She was often in sequins and often chucked in a pool. But she wasn’t pasty.’ Claudia, don’t ever change…!
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WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: GETTY
requently hilarious BBC Radio 2 presenter Claudia Winkleman – famed for her smudged black eyeliner, choppy fringe and obsession with fake tan – has said she ‘can’t wait to be 50’ and ‘loves getting older’. The 49-year-old, who never lets us down with her unique take on life, added that her hope was to resemble ‘rockers like Gene Simmons or Alice Cooper’ when she gets older – and that she’s not a bit concerned with looking ‘young and bouncy and fresh’. Speaking to the Women’s Health Going for Goal podcast,
‘Duchess’ Meghan
family fortunes & Harry’s new bombshell Meghan’s new book exploring ‘the warmth, joy and comfort of the relationship between fathers, and sons’ and Harry’s Oprah show have raised eyebrows… the dads depicted as a redheaded soldier in combat gear, bearing more than a passing resemblance to Harry. Some have conjectured that it hints to Harry’s unhappiness at having been stripped of his military titles. Harry, who served in Afghanistan and founded the Invictus Games for injured service personnel, was Captain General of the Royal Marines, but the Queen removed his honorary associations when the Duke stepped back from Royal duties. On the inspiration for the book, Meghan said, ‘The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born. That poem became this story.’ The former Suits actress said she hoped to portray ‘the warmth, joy and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life.’ Adding, ‘This representation was particularly important to me… and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an Meghan has no inclusive lens. contact with dad
he has various strings to her bow but, recently, Meghan Markle has cast herself in a new role – that of children’s author, with the upcoming publication revealed of picture book, The Bench. The story book, which will be published on 8 June, is described as ‘a modern children’s book about the special bond between father and son – as seen through a mother’s eyes.’ The book, which is attributed to ‘Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’, includes illustrations by award-winning artist Christian Robinson of fathers playing with their small children, with one of
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Piers called Meghan’s book ‘vomit making’
Thomas
My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make-up.’ However, that subject matter – of ‘family’ – has come as a surprise to many, who have questioned Meghan’s choice of the bond between parents and children – particularly regarding fatherhood. Meghan is estranged from her own father, Thomas, and Harry’s relationship with Charles appears fragile now. Former GMB host Piers Morgan was not backward in coming forward with his thoughts on the new book, saying he ‘laughed out loud’ – describing the topic as ‘beyond parody’. One Twitter user blasted: ‘Why is she still using the title of a family she so detests? She is not the Duchess of Sussex – she left that job after a couple of weeks, found it too hard, she preferred being a celebrity so the book should say Meghan Markle.’ Although they now live only 70 miles apart, there is said to be no contact between Harry and Meghan, and her father, Thomas, who has not met his grandson Archie. Meghan and Thomas, who
were once said to be close, fell out after he was involved in staging paparazzi pictures, and he did not attend the couple’s UK wedding. In fact, Meghan’s mother, Doria, was the only member of her family in Windsor on the day. In the Oprah interview, which aired in the UK on 9 March, Meghan said she found it difficult to discuss her father’s actions, adding: ‘I can’t imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child.’ But, Meghan’s fall-out with Thomas aside, there is also the troubled relationship between Harry and Charles to consider. They once shared a close bond – with Charles congratulating ‘Darling Old Harry’ in the speech he made at his wedding to Meghan. Harry, 36, complained to Oprah, that he felt ‘really let
best for CELEBRITY
What impact will Oprah’s new show with Harry have?
e world awaits of Harry and Meg news ha imminent arrival, n’s the couple’s second child, a little girl born in Cal – a world away, in ifornia so many ways, from her re latives in the Royal Family in Britain – the documenta ry A Very Royal Baby: From C Crown (Wed, 9pm radle to , Channel 4) will explore w hat it means to be born Royal . In the case of Archie’s baby sister – she will be eighth in line throne, and eligib to the le to run for president. W ho knows what the future w ill for Harry and Meg hold han’s children. Let’s ju st hope the arrival of this littl brings Harry happ e girl iness – and perhaps will help build bridges across th e pond…
an
A baby girl, eigh t line to the thronh in As th e…
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down’ by Charles, saying there was a ‘lot of hurt’ between them. Speaking about his relationship with his father, he said: ‘There’s a lot to work through there. I feel really let down because he’s been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like, and Archie’s his grandson. ‘At the same time, I will always love him, but there’s a lot of hurt that’s happened. ‘I will continue to make it one of my priorities to try to heal that relationship, but they only know what they know.’ Harry added: ‘My family literally cut me off financially. But I’ve got what my mum left me and without that we would not have been able to do this.’ Charles was described as ’devastated’ and ‘deeply saddened’ by the revelations, which sent shock waves
through the House of Windsor. So we doubt he is less than delighted to learn that Harry has already sat down for a new show with Oprah, this time called The Me You Can’t See. Airing on Apple TV on 21 May, Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry guide discussions about mental health and emotional well-being while opening up about their mental health journeys and struggles. ‘The majority of us carry some form of unresolved trauma, loss, or grief, which feels – and is – very personal,’ said Harry, adding he hoped people will learn from it that there is ‘strength in honesty.’ Time will tell how the programme will affect his wider family. Eyebrows have also been raised at Meghan’s willingness to use the title that, some argue, she should no longer be entitled to, having effectively quit Royal duties. It does seem contradictory to be trading on those Royal credentials. As ever, ‘Call Me Duchess’ Meghan continues to divide opinion…
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WORDS: DEIRDRE O’BRIEN PICTURES: APPLE TV, CHANNEL 5, GETTY, INSTAGRAM, ITV.COM
Focusing on father-son relationships
y DOE l t f o S £8.50, Next
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Best known as Coronation Street legend Hayley Cropper, Julie Hesmondhalgh is now in a tense BBC thriller. Here, she opens up about female friendships, complicated relationships and the masks we wear… hat happens when a group of friends has to deal with a sudden death and the toxic web of lies that follows? When a young brewery boss is found dead, a chain of events is triggered that draws four of his female employees into a fragile pact of silence, bound by a secret that will upend their lives forever. Brand-new BBC crime thriller The Pact stars Corrie actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, now 51. Here she talks about life on and off screen as mum to 19-year-old Martha,
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As Hayley with Roy Cropper (David Neilson)
her gripping new show, falling for Cardiff, and why she feels the pandemic has reminded people who needed to hear it that the arts are more than ‘a bit of fluff’… Hi, Julie – what attracted you to The Pact? It’s set in Wales – and I’m a complete Welshophile. I got married in Wales and holiday there every year. My husband [screenwriter Ian Kershaw, with whom she has daughter Martha] is a graduate of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, so having the opportunity to work here was a massive bonus for me.
The female-led cast of The Pact
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Tell us about Nancy, your character… Nancy is one of the women that works at the brewery – she is a part of ‘the pact’, which is so much a part in the unravelling of all their lives. I think she’s a little bit more… buttoned-up than I am! She’s the mum of the group, the moral compass. I love anything that’s woman-led, especially if they’re flawed and complicated – with female friendship at the heart. I’ve seen a few shows that fall short. They start really powerfully, then fizzle out… This one’s full of twists and turns right to the end. These women make a pact to stay quiet in the first episode, don’t they? Yes, and you would hope that viewers would understand to an extent where our motivation comes from – but even playing Nancy I’d find myself thinking: ‘Just go to the police – just sort it out, please!’ Nancy’s the driving force behind not going to the authorities
Winning Baftas with the Corrie cast
Julie made lockdown videos to cheer on NHS staff
– and forming this pact. She’s very concerned with how she presents to the world and being an upstanding person. I think that exists in us all, to varying degrees. So how was filming in your beloved Wales? We filmed in lots of different places but were based in Cardiff, which I’d never actually been to – a city I absolutely fell in love with! It was the end of Summer when we started, so doing scenes at the brewery, it was boiling – we were getting sunburned in-between takes! Then a good while later filming these dramatic scenes in the woods, the weather was wild. I was constantly soaked, and because my hair is the shortest in the cast, it really showed! Was it strange filming with Covid restrictions? Making telly in the time of Covid... I don’t know what anyone looks like from the nose down, so if I bumped
STOP THE HAT E!
Known by many fo r her iconic role of Hayley Cropper, Julie will always be remem bered for playing the fir st transgender ch aracter on a British soap . The mum-of-on e is a also a patron of Th e Sophie Lancas ter Foundation with her was set up after th husband, Ian, which e death of 20-yea rgoth Sophie – be aten to death in 20 old 07 for ‘looking differ ent’. Last month, it was revealed that Sop hie’s mum, who sa ys she ‘wouldn’t wis h Sophie’s injurie s on my worst enemy’, ha s been working w ith Corrie producers on the storyline of Nina Lucas, which has similarit ies to the hate cr ime Sophie suffered. Julie tweeted, ‘A s a proud patron of @soph ie_charity… know ing how telly can change hearts and minds , I’m so, so pleased that @ itvcorrie are deal ing with this massively im portant issue.’
Sophie Lancaster died in 2007
into any of them in the future, I wouldn’t have a clue who they are! But seriously, us four girls are friends for life now – they’ll never get rid of me. During the pandemic, you made some videos for NHS workers, didn’t you? Yeah, because I’m such a great person! Ha, no – I did them because I was asked, of course. And it was mostly because of Coronation Street. I spent a lot of lockdown doing little videos for NHS staff, and getting ribbed badly by my family. There’d always be a point in the day when I’d put a bit of lipstick on, the eyes would roll, and they’d go, ‘Oh is it that time…’ And I’d be like, ‘yeah, ’fraid so!’ To be fair, I’d also be thinking, surely a doctor who’s just done a 12-hour shift on a ward doesn’t want to see Hayley from Corrie wishing them well and thanking them?! But no, apparently there is a need for that service. I’m a key worker, actually… OK, but it must have felt pretty good to help our NHS heroes… Jokes aside, it was a lovely thing to do at a time when we were stuck at home and couldn’t do much else. Also deeply mortifying – I’m sure these NHS workers were having a right laugh at me! But people need entertainment, good storytelling and art – whether that’s in TV, radio, music, film. In terms of young people who want to do something creative and have maybe been told by parents that it’s just ‘a bit of fluff’, I hope this pandemic has shown them just how central the arts are to people’s lives and to our happiness. No, we’re not key workers saving lives but the arts are a much-needed part of society. O The Pact started on Monday at 9pm on BBC One. Catch up on iPlayer.
WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: BBC, GETTY, ITV, SHUTTERSTOCK, YOUTUBE
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As a paramedic, Nicky Broszek’s working day often involves traumatic scenes. So she felt a strange mix of pride and anxiety when her daughter, Maisie, wanted to follow in her footsteps
hen Maisie told me she was thinking of joining me at the London Ambulance Service three years ago, I wasn’t surprised. She’s always loved looking after people and making things better – and I knew driving on the wrong side of the road would appeal! From being a child, Maisie, now 21, has had the qualities you need for this job. She’s mature, capable and caring. Even so, I still had mixed feelings. I knew she’d be brilliant – she has the levelheadedness you need to keep calm in volatile situations – but I didn’t want her seeing the sad things we deal with. I also didn’t want her subjected to the physical and verbal abuse that comes on a regular basis, or to be in danger. But she took to the role like a duck to water. At 18, she joined the London Ambulance Service as emergency ambulance crew, who support paramedics like me, and she loved it. We don’t get to choose who we work with, but Maisie and I were paired together 15 to 20 times before she was sent to a different station base. She was a dream to work
Two peas in a pod: Maisie and Nicky
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‘We’re a mum and daughter comfort team’ with – she looked after me and wouldn’t let me lift the heavy equipment. We were together when we were sent to the Orpington bus crash in 2019. A car and two buses had collided, a bus driver died and lots of people were injured. When Maisie read out the call, we knew it would be a big job with trauma and high emotions.
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I knew Maisie wouldn’t have seen anything like it, and I worried she’d be overwhelmed. When we arrived, it looked like a war zone with debris and cars everywhere. I was pleased I could be with Maisie – I felt like I could protect her – but quickly I was needed for my paramedic skills, leaving her on the scene.
We were being filmed for BBC One’s Ambulance programme that day, and I later saw on TV just how sensible and caring she was with the less seriously injured and the bus driver who survived. I was proud of her and in awe of how capable she was for her age. I’d always wanted to be a paramedic, but at school they
With hubby Steve and daughters Maisie and Ashley
With Maisie as a child
put me off, saying I was too small at 5ft 2in. So from the age of 20, I ran a beauty salon, then worked from home when Ashley and her sister, Maisie, came along. But I was still interested in health and used to do firstaid courses until I became a community responder, carrying a defibrillator and being told where to go to help people. I got the bug aged 40 after I did my first cardiac arrest and joined the London Ambulance Service as emergency ambulance crew. I then qualified as a paramedic. When Maisie joined, it didn’t change our relationship. We’ve always got on well, and it was nice to spend more
time with her. We know instinctively how the other will be feeling about certain situations. I was worried about her when Covid first happened. I’ve never seen that many unwell people in my life and I thought: ‘Am I going to take the virus home? Is Maisie going to look like that?’ Thankfully, neither of us has had it. Maisie and I, now 52, talk about the job at home, but not constantly, and our friends and family aren’t surprised how well we get on when we work together – we’re very close. The pair were called to the 2019 Orpington bus crash
Maisie says: A lot of people have said, ‘How do you work with your mum? My mum and I couldn’t spend that much time together!’ But we love it. My first memories are of her running her beauty business from home and being a community responder. She’s incredibly caring and will give everything she’s got. Then, about 10 years ago, Mum joined the London Ambulance Service. She’d come home with stories of arriving at a scene where someone was in cardiac arrest and how she’d helped them. You could see she was so proud. I was in absolute awe of what she did. I’d always wanted to do something in medicine so, at 18, I applied to join the London Ambulance Service. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. You see some pretty bad stuff, but also do things that are 10 times better than any other job, such as delivering babies in weird and wonderful places, helping the elderly back into bed in the middle of the night and aiding patients in pain and discomfort. I remember walking into Mum’s workplace – now my own – for the first
time and it was surreal. Her colleagues were so welcoming. We get on with each other’s work friends and often all meet up. I was lucky enough to do a lot of training with Mum – everyone had told me what a good medic she is. It’s with complex medical jobs that Mum really shines. She’s knowledgeable and I feel proud watching her. I remember once we saw an elderly patient with a slow heart rate and Mum had treated him by the time I’d returned from the ambulance with the trolley bed. My first cardiac arrest was with her. I started resuscitation and was nervous but Mum told me to crack on – and it worked. It was amazing to see how much she trusted my clinical judgment. We were together again on the day of the Orpington bus crash. It would have been tense anyway, but that day we had a camera crew with us. I was apprehensive about what I’d be seeing, and was going through my training in my head. We were split up when we got there but it didn’t worry me. I had a small part to play as I treated a patient with minor injuries and provided emotional support. We’ve seen a lot of Covid and it was a worry that Mum would become unwell. I’ve never seen anyone as ill as people with the virus. Working with Mum means I can relate to her a lot more. We’re often spotted as being mum and daughter on jobs – patients are always delighted and find it comforting.
WORDS: LORRAINE FISHER PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK, YOU MAGAZINE
best for REAL LIFE
best for STRAIGHT TALK
CAROL McGIFFIN THE WAY I SEE IT... Wise words from our feisty, fearless and funny columnist
We’re not going on a …Summer holiday
o, after much waiting and excited anticipation for the famous Green List of where we will be allowed to go on holiday without doing time… I mean quarantine, we have been granted 12 countries with only four realistic possibilities – Portugal, Gibraltar, Israel and Iceland. Although Gibraltar is tiny so has very few hotels, Israel will only allow entry with two vaccinations and digital proof, and Iceland, while exciting and stunning, isn’t exactly known for its sunny beaches and high temperatures, only high prices. Portugal it is then. The other places on the list: Australia, New Zealand and Singapore won’t let you in; and the rest, well does anyone know where they are? South Sandwich Islands, anyone? Nope, me neither. No sign of Turkey, hot, affordable and with arms wide open for us Brits, because it’s been dumped on the Red List where, on return,
‘S
PICTURES: GE
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HNSTON
I’m loving... BORIS
s said Finally! Boris ha ue, s tr something that’ pletely honest and com ddress sensible. In his a id last week, he sa se people should u nse’ ‘basic common se y for bilit to take responsi t wait for no themselves and ts to tell government edic do! Bravo them what to ould Boris, but you sh r a have said it a ye ago, then we wouldn’t be in this mess now. MANY WILL WELCOME A HUG
FORGET SUN, SEA AND SAND…
after a likely 10-hour wait at immigration, you will have to pay almost £2,000 to be locked up in a government-sanctioned hotel for 10 days. Greece wants us too, so does Spain (even without a test!) but both are on Amber. Of course, if you can afford the time to quarantine, then the world is almost your oyster although no one, not even the doublejabbed or Green-goers, can avoid the multiple Covid tests required to return, which can add many hundreds of pounds to the cost. So, while the mantra of “we can travel again” sounds good, it’s nothing of the sort and, worse, the scaredy-cats and smug “staycationers” will still shoot you down for being upset about it. But people deserve a holiday after the past year, and they should be allowed to go on one, without it being so difficult. But I’m guessing many people won’t bother, and maybe that’s the point.’
I’m loathing... GETTING OLDER
DUA LIPA MIGHT NOT BE CAROL’S CUP OF TEA
Every day, something reminds me that I’m old and not cut-out for this world. Right now, it’s the BRIT Awards. Not only because I don’t know who any of the winners are, but because every single one of them feels the need to spout woke, PC nonsense. Honestly, what happened to just getting p***** and slagging each other off?!
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E JOIN TH T SA ION CONVER
We’re about A L L TA L K I N G
If you haven’t h a to keep up wit d time hT Facebook or In witter, sta we’ve done it fo gram, r you…
Forever in blue jeans Nick Kamen was an Eighties heartthrob
Oh how we swooned! When Nick Kamen stripped down to his crisp white boxers in that launderette to the sound of I Heard It Through The Grapevine, he started a revolution. A blue jean revolution! We rushed out to buy Levi’s 501s in our masses. With the sad news of the passing of Nick, the star of
Bakers’ delight! While modern cooking has paved the way for all manner of sophisticated plates, sometimes a bit of simple nostalgia is what we need. What better example of a retro classic than Angel Delight? The whipped-up mousse has once again become a store cupboard staple, most recently finding its way into cheesecake recipes on Pinterest, as seen in this tempting dish from myfussyeater.com. Just pass us a spoon…
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possibly the most iconic advert of the Eighties, we’ve all been talking about our denim habits. The Levi’s ad from 1985 reportedly boosted sales of the brand by 500 per cent. Did you own a pair? How did you wear yours? Do you remember the ‘shrink to fit’ craze when we all sat in the bath in our jeans? And what about now? There
are so many styles available and such great prices on the high street – how many pairs do you own? What’s your jeans style – Mom, skinny, boyfriend, or do you still favour a classic boot cut? WHAT DO YOU THINK? Tell us at facebook.com/ bestmagazine
PICK of the best L G O IN G V IR A
Pups away! We’ve seen many an animal video in our time, but this one really made us laugh! The video by @dancingnathan was shared on the Pawsup Instagram account – part of Ellen DeGeneres’ social media reach. It shows an older lady behind a music stand dutifully playing the accordion. Next to her is a very energetic dog – Nathan – who (sort of!) dances in time to the music, all whilst on a swivel chair. The question is… is he dancing, or really trying to scratch his back?! We’ll leave you to decide... Find it on Instagram @pawsup.
Psychedelic nails OR WEIRDRFUL? WONDE
Time to get your sunniest shades out, along with a very creative hand, as candy swirl manicures take centre stage. The more contrasting the colours the better, as seen in this impressive picture from @nailsbyashleighr. As each nail is unique, symmetry isn’t an issue – so if it doesn’t quite follow a pattern, it doesn’t matter. Now all we need is our sunshine back!
FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AT… @bestmagofficial
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Trending on Twitter #humblebrag If we’re being entirely honest, we all enjoy the little wins when we have them – even if they are few and far between! The Twittersphere has been entertaining us of late with tongue-in-cheek wins and gently bragging about them…
FIND US AT… @bestmagofficial
NE’ S E VE RYO OR… GIDDY F
‘Grown-up Disney’ Proof that being a fan of Mickey and Co has no age limit, the bosses at Disney have launched the Ultimate Princess Celebration, a campaign celebrating the importance of courage and kindness, qualities the Disney Princesses share. As part of this they’ve created the Adult Belle range, including bags and jewellery in sleek, sophisticated designs based on Beauty and the Beast that you’ll treasure forever. It’s on sale now, with prices starting from £9. Watch out for Pocahontas in June and Snow White in August…
WORDS: HELEN PIKE, LOUISE BULGIN AND NICKY DAWSON PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TWITTER, YOUTUBE
It was an open topic for discussion in series one of Sex and the City, especially when Charlotte bought herself a Rabbit – and started cancelling plans to have some ‘alone time’ with her new device. It’s hard to believe, but the world’s most popular sex toy for women – the Ann Summers Rabbit – has just turned 30 years old and one is still sold every three minutes! There are now 23 models in the range… who knew?!
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A stranger g Becoming a mum was all Kayla ever wanted
A medical condition made pregnancy impossible for Kayla Edwards – until a selfless stranger stepped forward to help…
itting on my hospital bed, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I knew that somewhere nearby sat a woman, also struggling with pre-surgery nerves. I couldn’t picture her face. I didn’t even know her name. But this kind stranger was about to gift me the chance of motherhood. Most teenagers worry their bodies are different. But when my periods hadn’t started by 16, I learnt that mine was hiding a secret. Tests showed that although I had ovaries and could produce eggs, my cervix and uterus had never developed. ‘You’ll never be able to carry children,’ the doctor said bluntly. ‘What about hysterectomies?’ I asked, grappling for the little information I knew. ‘Can’t you transplant a uterus that someone else no longer needs?’ ‘Impossible,’ she replied. ‘It would be far too complicated.’ It was hard to process the enormity of what I’d been told but, as the years went by, reality sank in. When I went to university to do a pre-med course, I’d watch friends start serious relationships and think, ‘Who will want me?’ Then, in 2013, when I was 21, I reconnected with an old classmate, Lance, over social media. He was kind and thoughtful and when we went on our first date, I fell for him right away. But I knew what I had to do… ‘I have to tell you something,’
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24 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
Jonna (left) gave Kayla the greatest gift
‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned’
‘No matter how many times you get told no, your dreams are always worth chasing.’
Lance and Kayla before her surgery
best for REAL LIFE
ave me her womb
The couple were over the moon to be pregnant
operation would happen in just weeks, I sobbed. ‘We’re going to have a baby,’ I cried to Lance. While my head was in the clouds, Lance’s feet were on the ground. While I was talking about what baby names I liked, Lance reminded me that we had a long journey ahead. And he was right. On the drive to Texas, my phone rang. The surgery had been cancelled and they couldn’t tell me why. It was devastating.
excited to know that, soon, one of them might be positive. But despite having a working womb, my first embryo transplant failed. Then my second. And my third. So many tests and all negative. When I had my fourth transfer and didn’t feel any different, I was sure it hadn’t worked either. While Lance was shopping, I used the last pregnancy test, just to get it out of my system. This time, though, as I
‘The joy of becoming a mother was greater than I’d ever dreamed’ The next year was the hardest of my life. I got a job with 911 emergency and Lance managed to find similar work and, somehow, we kept going and stayed hopeful. In August 2017, the call finally came. They had a match. As I was wheeled into the operating room, I swung from excitement to gratitude for my selfless donor. I’d written her a letter that day, thanking her from the bottom of my heart for what she was doing. The five-hour operation worked, but we still hadn’t reached the finish line. I stocked up on pregnancy tests,
Kayla feels blessed to have her little girl
checked the result, I started to shake. Positive… I ran out to meet Lance’s truck as soon as he returned. Crying, we went straight to the shops to buy another three, which I couldn’t wait to get home to take. In the shop’s toilet, they were all positive. Through it all, I’d written to my donor, anonymously through the clinic. I was delighted to tell her, finally, that I was pregnant with a little girl. ‘You helped make this beautiful girl,’ I wrote through tears. ‘I owe you everything.’ My pregnancy was incredible, and Indy Pearl was born in September 2019. Every moment of heartbreak and hope had brought me to that moment. At 6lbs 5oz, she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. The joy of becoming a mother, of watching Lance become a father, was greater than I’d ever dreamed. But there was still one more thing to do. To meet the woman – Jonna – who’d made it all possible. Three months after Indy’s birth, at a reunion arranged by the hospital, seeing her
Kayla and Lance with daughter Indy
face, hugging her hello, was magical. ‘Thank you,’ I said when the words finally came. Seeing Jonna hold Indy, hearing about her own four amazing boys, I knew we’d have been friends even if we hadn’t met this way. Covid has kept our friendship online, although, before the pandemic, Indy met her four ‘wombmates’, which was amazing. Today, at 29, I watched 19-month-old Indy play happily in the garden, and I’m still overwhelmed she’s mine. As for Jonna, when she took the leap to donate to a stranger, she changed my life forever. I will never be able to thank her enough.
Jonna Hawkes, 42, is a registered nurse and lives in Texas: ‘I’m a nurse at Baylor, so heard about the trial through work. With four boys, I knew the magic of pregnancy and birth. I wanted to help someone else experience that. My mum didn’t understand why I wanted to put myself through surgery for someone I didn’t know. So, I showed her the letter Kayla wrote on the day of the transplant. She was onboard after that! Meeting Kayla and Indy was incredible. To think that my uterus had housed this little girl was unbelievable. It’s amazing what science can do!’
WORDS: KATE GRAHAM PICTURES: ELLIE NISBET PHOTOGRAPHY AND PAIGE RANCE PHOTOGRAPHY
I said after our third date. ‘I have a condition called MayerRokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome. I’ll never be able to get pregnant.’ For a second, he took it in. Then he spoke with such love and care. ‘Whatever our journey is,’ he said. ‘We’ll do it together.’ I was so happy to be with this incredible guy. We married the next year. We looked into surrogacy, but it was so expensive, and I never stopped dreaming about a transplant. Even when a second doctor told me it would never happen. I’d regularly google it, in case there’d been a breakthrough. Then, suddenly, in late 2015, there was. At Baylor University Medical Center in Texas, a young woman was undergoing a uterus transplant. The hospital wanted other women to take part in the programme. ‘Lance,’ I cried giddily. ‘This could be our chance.’ It would mean selling our home in Vancouver, USA, leaving our jobs as a carer and a property remodeller and moving somewhere where we knew no one, but I didn’t waver for a second. We sold our house to fund IVF to create our embryos as well as our move. When the call came that I’d been accepted on the trial, that there was a matching donor and the
r e t t e b k o o L in minutes!
The face mask has had a serious revamp in recent years. These super-charged formulas give skin some much-needed TLC…
1
YOU NEED… A HIT OF HYDRATION
If skin’s feeling dry and tight, nothing beats a nourishing sheet mask. ‘It gives skin essential moisture,’ explains skin expert Nichola Joss. Look for ones with key hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. ‘I also recommend cellulose or hydrogel sheets. These stick to the skin, allowing ingredients to sink in more deeply for a plumper effect.’ best loves Superdrug Bio-Cellulose Hydrating Sheet Mask, £3.49, with coconut and lychee fruit extract that acts like a drink for thirsty complexions.
Fake it yourself!
Radiance booster Kiwi contains a lot of vitamin C which helps stimulate collagen production, while yogurt acts as a skin smoother. You’ll need: half a kiwi, 1tbsp natural plain yogurt, 1tbsp runny honey. Blend all the ingredients together and massage into skin. Leave for two minutes and remove with a warm muslin cloth or flannel.
2
YOU WANT... A CLEARER COMPLEXION
Blackheads aren’t just for teenagers! ‘As we age, pores become larger because the collagen and elastin fibres that support the wall linings break down, which means excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells clog them up,’ says dermatologist Anjali Mahto. A clay-based mask makes them appear less visible. Try nSpa Warming Detox Clay Mask, £1.50, which is enriched with exfoliating papaya and hopes to gently remove dead skin cells.
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WHEN YOU’RE PUSHED FOR TIME
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HERE’S TO YOUNGERLOOKING SKIN
No time for make-up, let alone a mask? That’s where overnight treatments come in. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, £22, combines skin-loving ingredients such as natural plant oils and hydrating acid to strengthen the skin’s own defences while you rest, turbocharging your beauty sleep. All you have to do is close your eyes and wake up to a plumper, fresher-looking complexion.
Masks won’t reverse wrinkles, but if you have fine lines you can see temporary results with an antiageing formula. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Hyaluromask, £19.99, helps plump-up your complexion. If it’s dull skin that you’re keen to target, Pixi Vitamin-C Remedy Mask, £20, helps to create a brightening effect.
‘More people are coming to see me with sensitive skin because they’re over-cleansing, which strips natural oils,’ says skin specialist Dr Anita Sturnham. ‘When skin has a flare-up, use a mask with cooling ingredients.’ Look out for ones with cucumber, vitamin E or aloe vera, which calm redness. Try Simple Kind to Skin Rich Moisture Sheet Mask, £2.99.
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WORDS: HEARST PICTURES: GETTY
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KEEP IT CALM
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SEVEN-DAY DIET
WORDS: HEARST PICTURES: GETTY PLEASE SEE YOUR GP BEFORE STARTING A NEW WEIGHT-LOSS PLAN. WEIGHT LOSS ACHIEVED MAY VARY
Despite our best intentions, dieting’s an uphill struggle when you’re timepoor! We can ditch our good intentions because making healthy meals feels like a hassle! So we’ve come up with a plan featuring meals you can make in five minutes or less… and there’s not a ready meal in sight!
HOW IT WORKS It’s estimated we used to spend a whole hour cooking each meal back in the Eighties. These days we spend an average 17 minutes cooking a meal. So, if you are time-poor but still want to shift the pounds, we’ve packed this seven-day plan with speedy kitchen solutions. Follow our seven-day meal plan (opposite), which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and one snack a day. Drink at least 2ltrs of fluid daily including tea and coffee (taken black), water, herbal tea and diet drinks. Stick to the plan to lose up to 7lbs in seven days but no longer. Try to include some of these meals when you’re busy in future to prevent weight gain.
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Lose 7lbs on the 5-minute meal deal! 28 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
Breakfast:
Breakfast:
2 eggs scrambled on 1 slice of wholemeal toast.
50g All-Bran with 200ml skimmed milk.
Lunch:
Lunch:
Can of soup, with a wholemeal roll.
Blend 2 handfuls of spinach, 1 banana, 6 strawberries, juice of ½ lime and water. 2 Ryvitas.
Dinner: In a pan, heat a small can of kidney beans and chopped tomatoes with 1tsp chilli powder. Serve with 80g of microwave rice.
Dinner: Mix 1 cup of cooked quickcook pasta with passata, ½ can mixed beans and cooked chicken pieces.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Breakfast:
Breakfast:
1 sachet of Oat So Simple with 200ml skimmed milk. 1 pear.
Bowl of berries topped with granola and 1 low-fat yogurt.
Lunch:
Lunch:
A wholemeal pitta filled with salad and ½ can of tuna.
2 slices of wholemeal bread with low-fat spread, a slice of ham and salad. 1 apple.
Dinner: Omelette: Mix 2 eggs, a chopped slice of turkey and spinach. Fry in low-fat spray oil.
4 pieces of falafel with 100g premade couscous and salad.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Breakfast:
Breakfast:
Blend a handful of strawberries, 1 banana and 1 low-fat yogurt. 1 oatcake.
2 slices of wholemeal toast with low-fat spread and Marmite.
Lunch:
Lunch:
2 boiled eggs. 1 slice of wholemeal bread.
Any premade wrap under 350 calories.
Dinner:
Dinner:
Mix together 1 cup cooked quick-cook pasta, 2 slices of chopped ham, lettuce and tomatoes.
Stir-fry a small bag of stir-fry veg, 100g of fresh egg noodles and a glug of light soy sauce.
SUNDAY
SNACKS
Breakfast: 2 Weetabix with 200ml skimmed milk.
Lunch: Can of veggie soup with ½ can of mixed beans added. 1 oatcake.
Dinner: 1 medium jacket potato (cooked in the microwave), topped with a little low-fat spread and 2tbsp coleslaw.
Dinner:
Choose one each day
1x
O Apple O Pear O Ryvita O Low-fat yogurt O Cup-a-soup
best FOR REAL LIFE REPORTS
Twenty-three years ago, Sharon Lester was stabbed 100 times. Her twoyear-old daughter, Jade, was sexually assaulted then kicked to death. Sharon’s brother, Robert, wants to stop their killer’s release from prison…
Sign here for Sharon he double killer Thomas John Park is about to go before a parole board to be moved to an open prison. Twenty-three years ago, Park had been dating 22-year-old Sharon Lester for just a few weeks, when he stabbed her more than 100 times in the early hours of Sunday 13 December. It was a frenzied attack with a pair of scissors. No one but Sharon and her attacker will ever know exactly what happened that night but, in a six-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it emerged that he had also sexually
T
Sharon and daughter Jade were brutally murdered
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tried to sell them. She was discovered rolled up in a blanket under the stairs after Sharon’s mother let herself into her daughter’s house in a frantic search for her missing child and granddaughter., accompanied by Sharon’s 10-year-old sister Jane. Robert, then 21, was living in a flat in the city centre. He recalls: ‘My nan called me, but she was making no sense. She kept repeating: “Your mum’s found Sharon and she’s had to ring the police.” ‘In the end, I took myself down to my sister’s house. It was cordoned off but I said to the officers: “I’m not stopping here, that’s my sister’s place.” It was then they told me there was a body inside and my mum had been taken to the police station and they could drive me there. That was when it started to sink in that the body might be Sharon… but no one knew where the baby was. No one found Jade for another 24 hours.’
Thomas John Park was found that evening in a pub. He led police to Jade in the early hours of the morning but continues to deny that he had committed the murder, despite his conviction and the fact the body was found on the route from his house to Sharon’s. ‘When CID arrived at my mum’s house, she collapsed screaming,’ Robert recalls of the morning they were told of Jade’s death. ‘She had been clinging on to a hope that the baby was still alive but now we just had another body…’ Robert agreed to identify his niece.
Horrifying ‘I will never ever forget that. That last image in my mind – Jade didn’t even look like a two-year-old but you know your own and, later, CID told us she had been sexually abused. It’s sick. Horrifying…’ Det Supt Russ Walsh led the search for Jade’s killer
Assist Chief Con Paul Stephenson and Det Supt Russ Walsh took on the case
Murderer Thomas John Park
No remorse Park has never been prosecuted for robbery. It’s believed he returned to the house several times after Sharon’s murder to remove property, including rings from her dead body and
‘We couldn’t live with ourselves knowing he could prey on another little child or mum’ Recalling growing up, he said: ‘There were four kids, three now, and we were a close-knit family in Everton. There was only a year between Sharon and I and she was a really quiet girl, introvert really – a lovely person, soft hearted… ‘Her relationship with Jade’s dad was short-lived and they drifted apart, so I helped her decorate the home she had by then and I was close to the baby. She was a lovely little girl. I saw her regularly. ‘But that Christmas, I’d just turned 21 and moved into my own apartment and we hadn’t seen each other for a while. I never even met Park and I’ve beaten myself up so many times about that… but you can’t change the facts.’ Sharon was buried in the same coffin as Jade with her arm around her daughter. ‘There is nothing we can do to change what happened to my sister,’ Robert says simply. ‘But we couldn’t live with ourselves knowing he could prey on another little child or another mum. I just can’t see how, if he came out, he could be normal person. That is just how we feel.’ O Robert is calling for Park to be handed a whole life tariff, please sign it: change.org/sharon-jade
Sharon’s body was found in a rolled up carpet in her own home
PICTURES: PA
assaulted, then shaken and battered to death her two-year-old daughter, Jade, brutally kicking her repeatedly in the head. It’s an allegation that – despite leading police to her body – he denies to this day. Jade was wearing just a pyjama top, and her body was in a bin bag Park found in the kitchen, which he subsequently dumped on waste ground. Park was jailed for life for each murder, and sentenced to three years, to run concurrently, for having indecently assaulted a child. But the convicted paedophile is now due for a hearing that, if successful, will see him moved to an open prison for the remainder of his sentence and then released back into society. Open prison has minimal security and can allow eligible prisoners to spend most of their day away from the prison on licence. Meanwhile Sharon’s family fear that as he has not shown any remorse he may still be a danger to women and children and feel a life sentence, in this case, should mean life. Sharon’s youngest brother, Robert, 43, says: ‘Good behaviour? He has never shown remorse. Despite all the evidence against him, he has never even admitted the full extent of his crimes. ‘Our family, especially my mum, live with this every day and it doesn’t sit right with me that he would spend the remainder of his sentence in an open prison which, presumably, means he is then looking at release in 2023.’
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best
RECIPES Mango-Chicken Chaat L COO Y R CUR
Light and fresh, this easy and fun salad is a great midweek idea. Hands-on time: 15 mins Serves 4
400g cooked skinless chicken breasts, shredded 1 mango, peeled, stoned and chopped 1 small red onion, finely chopped Large bunch of coriander, chopped 150g cherry tomatoes, halved 1tbsp mild curry powder Finely grated zest and juice of 2 limes, plus extra wedges to serve 4 large poppadoms 4tbsp Bombay mix, optional 1 In a large bowl mix all the ingredients, except poppadoms and Bombay mix, if using. Season to taste. 2 Put a poppadom on 4 plates and pile a quarter of the chicken salad on to each. Sprinkle 1tbsp Bombay mix over each, if using, and serve with lime wedges. Per serving:
367cals, 36g protein, 15g fat (3g saturates), 20g carbs (10g total sugars), 6g fibre
Ham Hock and Pea Cousotto With a creaminess that is similar to risotto, but without constant stirring, this is the ultimate speedy dinner! Hands-on time: 15 mins briefly then cover for Serves 4 1 min. Reboil the kettle. 2 Stir cream cheese and 250g couscous Parmesan into the couscous 150g frozen peas and continue to let the 1 chicken stock cube couscous absorb the liquid 170g tub light garlic and become creamy for a and herb cream cheese few minutes. Stir through 25g Parmesan, finely ham hock and 50-100ml grated, plus extra to serve just-boiled water to make 125g cooked ham hock a creamy consistency. or chopped ham Check seasoning. Handful of pea shoots 3 Divide between 4 shallow or rocket bowls. Top each with pea Extra virgin olive oil, shoots or rocket, Parmesan to drizzle gratings and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately. 1 Boil the kettle. Empty couscous into a medium Per serving: heatproof bowl with the 327 cals, 22g protein, frozen peas and stock 10g fat (5g saturates), cube. Pour in 400ml of 36g carbs (2g total just-boiled water, stir sugars), 3g fibre
CHE RISOAT’S T TO
best for FOOD NEWS
LET SUMMER INfo!r a BuE’re loG oking
If yo mer, great gin this Sum ew r’s n check out Warne ry. It’s recipe, London D -grown packed full of farm ing botanicals, includ na rbe lavender, lemon ve nd a and angelica root rved tastes amazing se d a e an with tonic, over ic A . sprig of rosemary and bottle costs £30 u can for an extra £2 yo , d get it personalise gift making it a perfect it is for any gin lover. V om warnersdistillery.c
A BETTER BURGER
Food in a
MAKE LIFE EASIER IN THE KITCHEN WITH THESE SPEEDY MEAL IDEAS AND SUPERMARKET BUYS
flash Struggle to slice a pitta bread evenly? Now you don’t have to, thanks to Warburtons! The new range is soft, easy to slice and roomy. They make a great alternative for a traditional sandwich – or stock up for next time you grill kebabs on the barbecue. Choose either plain or wholemeal at £1 a pack.
BRILLIANT TO BAKE Cheat a batch of fresh cookies with a little help from Doughlicious Chocolate Triple Chip Cookies, £2.99. Available in the frozen aisle at Waitrose, the dough comes sectioned into six even balls, all you need to do is pop in the oven for 12 mins. Great with ice cream and chocolate sauce for a DIY sundae. 36 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
m a e r c e c I ! break
Fans of the classic KitKat will love this ice-cream version, as it tastes just like the bar, thanks to the wafer pieces and chocolate sauce that is rippled through. It’s also not overly sweet, making them a great choice for all the family. Pick up a pack of four for £3.50 from Tesco and supermarkets nationwide.
PICK AND MIX SNACKS! If you love crisps, you’ll love the new Pick and Mix subscription box from Fairfields. You can choose either eight x 150g bags or 24 x 40g bags from delicious flavours, including Roast Rib of Beef, Cheese and Onion and our favourite, Sea Salt & Cyder Vinegar. The subscription costs £22 per month and is available from fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk
WORDS: LARA NUGENT PICTURES: GETTY
PERFECT PITTA
Instead of classic ketchup or mustard, upgrade your burger topping with the new Bonne Maman Onion with Sichuan Chutney, £2.60. Thanks to the blend of sweet onions and heat from the peppercorns, it totally transforms beef, chicken or veggie burgers. It’s also delicious served with a classic pork pie or cheddar cheese in a ploughman’sstyle lunch.
best
RECIPES
SALTED CARAMEL BAKED CHEESECAKE Don’t be tempted to open the oven door after the initial cooking time – gentle cooling helps to prevent cracks in the cheesecake. Serves: 8 Hands-on time: 25min, plus cooling and chilling Cooking time: About 45min
175g bourbon biscuits 700g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature 200g caster sugar 397g tin Carnation caramel 3 medium eggs, beaten
Bored?
! e k Ba A delicious treat for any salted caramel fans
WORDS & PICTURES: HEARST
YOU WILL ALSO NEED Sunflower oil Sea salt flakes, to sprinkle – we used Maldon 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/mark 3 and put a roasting tin filled with hot water in the bottom of the oven. Grease a 20.5cm diameter round springform cake tin with oil and line the base and sides with baking parchment. 2 Whizz the biscuits to fine crumbs in a food processor. Add 2tbsp oil and pulse to combine. Press the mixture into the base of the tin and chill until needed. 3 In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar and 200g of the caramel until smooth. Add the eggs and mix until just incorporated (try not to add too much air); pour into the cake tin. 4 Put the tin into the oven on the shelf above the roasting tin. Bake for 45min, then turn off the oven (without opening the door) and let the cheesecake cool completely (about 2hrs). Once cool, chill in the fridge (still in tin) for at least 4hrs. 5 To serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin and transfer to a board or plate. Mix remaining caramel to loosen, then drizzle over the cheesecake. Sprinkle with a little salt and serve in slices. Per serving:
791cals, 9g protein, 54g fat (31g saturates), 67g carbs (60g total sugars), 0g fibre
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It’s easier than you think to create a haven for birds, bees and butterflies this Summer…
Leave a section or sections of lawn uncut. Long grass provides an excellent habitat for grasshoppers, beetles and insects, and is an important food source for caterpillars and butterflies. These in turn will attract birds, bats, and hedgehogs. Plant wildflowers within it to provide extra pollen and nectar; choose buttercups, oxeye daisies and cowslips, or go for a wildflower seed mix to give a good variety of plants.
SIMPLE ST
create a wild Choose plants for pollinators. Many plants – including apples, pears, plums, blackberries and strawberries – rely on pollinating insects in order to produce fruit. Invite these pollinators into your garden by providing a feast of plants, such as yarrow (Achillea millefolium), echinacea, angelica and lavender. Many insects are attracted to nectar-rich plants. For optimum results, plant your flower borders in a sunny but sheltered spot and choose a range of plants that flower at different times throughout the year, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar. And don’t be quick to cut back plants once they’ve finished flowering, as berries and seed are an important food source for birds. A list of plants for pollinators can be found at rhs.org.uk.
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Grow sunflowers. They’re easy, and great for all types of wildlife, including bees, butterflies and hoverflies, while birds will feed on the seeds.
n e d r a g e f i l d Throw out the pesticides. It can be tempting to reach for the chemicals to defend your favourite plants when they’ve been attacked by slugs, aphids or other pests. But chemicals don’t just kill the pests you want to get rid of – they harm the beneficial insects and wildlife we want to see more of in our gardens. Hoverflies, ladybirds and birds eat aphids, so using a chemical spray to get rid of aphids deprives other wildlife of food, putting a hole in the food chain.
Wildflower lawns are increasingly fashionable, but make sure you sow a native seed mix, including meadow staples such as oxeye daisies, knapweed and marjoram. Yellow rattle is particularly useful because it parasitises grass, allowing other flowers to flourish. But blooms aren’t essential – simple long grass is just as good: the caterpillars of meadow brown, gatekeeper, ringlet and species of skipper butterflies feed on grasses. Leave it long until September to allow caterpillars to pupate (this might go against your natural inclinations as a gardener, but you can still keep things orderly-looking with neatly mown paths).
Butterflies desperately need our support, and even the smallest of gardens can provide a refuge. Pick among the list below to attrac t them to your outdoor space. BUDDLEJA DAVIDII All forms sustain up to 22 species of butterfly when the y’re laden with nectar in July and August. ORIGANUM VULGARE (marjora m) Purple-pink clusters of blooms pro duce highly concentrated nectar; adore d by small tortoiseshells, small coppers and others. VERBENA BONARIENSIS Wi llowy lateflowering perennial that forms a perfect landing platform. LUNARIA ANNUA (honesty) April- and May-flowering biennial, popular with early butterflies such as orange-tips; Lunaria ‘Corfu Blue’ flowers later for longer. DIPSACUS SYLVESTRIS (teasel) Small purple flowers in Summer, adored by butterflies and bees, mature into seed heads that attract goldfinches. ECHINACEA PURPUREA (purple coneflower) Perennial daisies with nectar-packed centre s; ‘White Swan’ and ‘Magnus’ are easy to raise.
GET TY
TEPS TO
best for GARDENING
WORDS: HEARST PICTURES:
The Bee Barn provides a safe home for solitary bees in your garden, £19.99, ywtshop.org.uk
Approaching a landmark birthday, Becky Hinton decided it was time to be the best version of herself…
40, fit and fabulous! iking up Snowdon, I struggled to keep up. My daughter, Willemina, then six, had boundless amounts of energy and at 17st – although I wasn’t doing badly – the excess weight definitely slowed me down. ‘You have to treat Mummy special,’ Willemina told people. It came from a good place… she and my husband, Albert, always had my best interests at heart, but I didn’t want to be big forever. I was quite fit considering my size, but I could only remember being under 11st twice in my adult life and I wanted to be that again. My weight had been a struggle for as long as I could remember… By the time I was eight, I was self-conscious about my size and categorised myself as carrying extra weight. It didn’t help that I wasn’t very active, ate stodgy school dinners and snacked on chocolate cereal… When I reached 17, I was determined to change my body shape, so I cut out snacks, walked more and took ownership of what I was actually putting into my body. I lost weight and finally fitted into a size 14. At 5ft 3in tall, I was still bigger than my mates and hated my wobbly bits – but I was happy with what I’d achieved! I went off to university and
H
studied geology, where my weight fluctuated. After graduating, I volunteered for over a year in India and Mexico with Girlguiding UK, helping girls and young women with peer and non-formal education. I met a South African guide leader and talked to her about my plans to become a geologist. ‘Rocks don’t talk back,’ she said. ‘You need to be with people who talk – you should teach.’ It got me thinking… When I returned to the UK, I continued my support of girlguiding and in 2005, began a PGCE conversion course (teacher training). I was 13st then and a size 14-16. By the following year, the intense hours, lesson plans and marking meant that the six exercise classes I’d been doing a week went out the window. I’d grab food as and when I could – crisps, buttered toast, pastries… anything I could eat during my car journey to school. By March 2006, I’d stacked on another 3st, was a size 18-20 and burning the candle at both ends. I’d self-medicate with sugary food to get me through the day or suck on energy tablets, which definitely didn’t help my size. I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid too, which I knew would make
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Becky could run 5K after a 15-week course
Before
17st 6lbs
She felt uncomfortable in her body
weight-loss even harder. It took months to get my medication right and often I’d have to lie down for 20 minutes after a shower because I was so worn out. Then, in 2006, I was volunteering at an international guide camp near East Grinstead, where I met Albert – a fellow volunteer and teacher. He was kind and thoughtful and, despite me being at my biggest, never once judged me. We fell in love and he spurred me on when I took up running. We married in 2011, and I used the Cambridge Weight Plan to help me slim down to 10st 7lbs for my big day. People who hadn’t seen me
for months were shocked at my new, slim frame. It really was the perfect day. Not long afterwards, I discovered I was expecting and slowly, the weight crept back on. ‘I’m pregnant, it’s allowed,’ I told myself when I snacked on crisps and cakes. My thyroid function was out too. Still, it didn’t seem to matter when Willemina arrived in April 2012. We were utterly besotted with her. As she grew, I’d finish off her leftovers and if we went out for lunch, we’d order a child and an adult meal when one would have done. I tried various diets and lost a few pounds here and there, but nothing that lasted. ‘I love you for you,’ Albert always insisted. By 2018, though, I knew I needed to make a change. I felt uncomfortable in my own body. I couldn’t keep up with my daughter. Albert hid the scales from me, and I joined a walk-torun course. I was bigger than anyone else in the group, yet I
best for REAL LIFE
‘I didn’t set a target, but the first 3st came off quickly’ completed the 15-week course and was able to run 5K easily – even if I hadn’t lost any weight. Next, I focused on stopping snacking and eating healthiersized portions and it paid off – I managed to lose 14lbs. But in January 2019, I wanted to focus on slimming down and taking control of my health. As the Cambridge Weight Plan had worked before, I decided to give the 1:1 Diet a go. At 17st 6lbs, and a size 22-24, I had four of their products, totalling 800 calories, and drank three litres of water every
‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned’ ‘Loved ones might love you whatever your size – but you have to love yourself!’
day. I didn’t really set myself a target, but the first 3st came off quickly, and by September that year, I was down to 12st and a size 12-14. I was approaching the big 4-0 and wondered if I’d be able reach my magic 10st 7lbs dream by then… And by December, I’d done it! Celebrating my birthday, I wore a sparkly size-10 jumpsuit. ‘You look incredible,’ everyone one said, and I felt so proud of what I’d achieved. Since then, I’ve been maintaining my weight and have re-introduced other foods into my diet. I exercise regularly, have more energy and confidence than ever before and am really excited about this next chapter in my life. Now, at 41, I’m still teaching and am a Consultant with the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan. I hope I can help others fulfil their dream. I’ll never look back – the new me is here to stay.
Typical day, before
…and after
BREAKFAST Buttered toast LUNCH Chips, cheese, banoffee pie DINNER Curry, naan bread, rice, ice cream SNACK Toast or cake
BREAKFAST Smoothie LUNCH Soup DINNER Chilli con carne SNACK Cambridge bar, apple and peanut butter
O Follow Becky on Facebook @beckythedietlady
WORDS: LOUISE BULGIN PICTURES: GETTY
Now 10st 7lbs
With Albert and Willemina, who Becky can now keep up with
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 skincare specialist Lesley Reynolds argue it out in the pages of best…
Q
My breasts have started to droop and I can no longer ‘pass the pencil test’. I don’t want implants but want to improve their appearance. Is this possible? Eleanor, Newquay
DR AAMER SAYS: We’ve seen a rise in requests for ‘natural’ breast enhancement, without implants but using breast tissue instead. Called auto-augmentation, it restores fullness and shape by relocating breast tissue into the upper portion of the breast, to give the desired lifting and shaping effect. This achieves fullness without the volume or weight of an implant. The procedure takes around two to three hours and costs around £12,000. Alternatively, fat transfer augmentation procedures are ideal for patients who are a dress size 10 or above and only want a subtle change. There is a standard, often unnatural look that you get with silicone implants but this technique appears more natural. Fat is transferred from one area of the
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body – usually hips, thighs or abdomen – and injected into the breasts. The procedure takes up to three hours and can be done under sedation so you can go home that day. From £8,000. LESLEY SAYS: A regular workout can help stop the droop and improve the shape. Try palm pushing – in which you press your palms together in front of your breasts for five seconds, relax and repeat 10 times. Do this every day for at least three months. Push-ups and dumbbells can also strengthen the pectoral muscles below the breasts. Eat foods that contain phytoestrogen, which is said to increase the size of the breast tissue in pre-menopausal women. Find it in walnuts, cashews, strawberries, Winter squash, green tea and more. Once a week make a DIY breast mask, which can make the décolletage firmer and brighter. Mix 1 tbsp natural yogurt, an egg and a spoonful of oil, like evening primrose or vitamin E, in a bowl and massage into the breast tissue. Wear an old shirt and leave the mask on for 20 mins. Rinse with warm water. Finally, a correct size bra and good posture can help transform the shape of your bust.
best for BEAUTY
Gwen, Cardiff DR AAMER SAYS: Collagen, a protein, keeps skin plump, youthful and wrinklefree. But, as we age, our supplies dwindle. By our 50s, our skin will have lost around half of collagen reserves. I’ve seen great results using Microneedling. A peptide solution is used, then a Dermaroller is rolled over to spike the skin, leaving pinpoint punctures which activate a wound-heal response to regenerate the skin, thickening ageing, fine skin. A course of six treatments, a month apart, will give you best results. From £250 per treatment.
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LESLEY SAYS: Collagen-producing ingredients include vitamin C, retinol, amino acids, and copper peptides. A serum containing any of these can penetrate deeper than moisturiser. Avon ANEW Skin Reset Plumping Shots, £18, is specifically aimed at boosting better quality collagen. Designed to be used once a month, it comes as a seven-day course of serum. Diet helps, too. Eat more high-quality lean protein, fibre, fruits and vegetables and spices, salmon and tuna. Orange veg are rich in vitamin A and can help regenerate damaged collagen. Consider supplements. When taking, avoid consuming caffeinated drinks an hour either side consumption. I’ve tried Veggiecol® 60 Capsules, £39.95 (rejuvenated. com), formulated for vegetarians. Pollution and sun exposure will cause damage
Kerry, Washington DR AAMER SAYS: The short answer is yes! Stress is second only to the sun in its damage. It can show as dehydration, dullness, breakouts and uneven skin tone. A monthly HydraFacial Skin Detox with LED is a hit with celebs and renowned for leaving skin healthy and glowing. It uses deep cleansing techniques to remove toxins, along with antioxidants that help detoxify and fight free radical damage. Finally, LED light therapy settles inflammation and stimulates cellular regeneration. From £140 a session.
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LESLEY SAYS: Stress is unavoidable but a positive mindset can help. Look at your lifestyle: O Exercise will help release endorphins, which can banish anxiety, as well as boost circulation. O Avoid sugary snacks, which elevate glucose levels. O Learn to unwind and do something for yourself. Say no sometimes – set yourself limits. Simplify your routine. Use Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel, £10.80, which helps boost skin’s hydration and a weekly exfoliating treatment like e.l.f. Superbrighten Pads, £10, or HSSC Skin Renewal, £25, which can be used daily (harleystreetskinclinic.com). Then Garnier Moisture Bomb Green Tea Hydrating Face Sheet Mask, £2.99, will help to rebalance your complexion. Essential oils act on the deepest parts of the brain. Frankincense, sandalwood and lavender calm and hydrate all skin types. Try Garnier Organic Lavandin Glow Facial Oil, £11.99.
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 54 and my skin seems to have lost it’s elasticity to a large degree in the past few years. How do I make it look thicker and plumper?
Q
Can stress cause skin problems? I’ve had a very anxious six months and my skin is looking so dull and dehydrated. Is there anything to make it look ‘alive’ again?
a s s e n a r V a e D r u o y s e l k c a t , z t l e sa F s e n a V , t n u a y n r o u g o a m y t u i h r b d e n l a e c m r o u O wisd , t i w l a u s u r e h h problems wit
FRIEND’S DAUGHTER CAUGHT STEALING
I
’m in such a predicament. I saw my friend’s daughter, who’s 12, stealing sweets from our local shop. I cornered her outside and told her I’d seen what happened – she laughed nervously at me, but promised it wouldn’t happen again. I don’t believe her for a second. I didn’t go to the shop-owner but should I – or go to my pal? I’m very fond of this little lass but this has shocked me. Ruth, Leeds Whether she showed it or not, there’s no doubt your warning will have given her a right old shock. She now knows she’s not going about her grubby business undetected. It must have crossed her mind you could shop her to her parents or the newsagent. I reckon you don’t need to take this further. You’ve already shown her that her number’s up. She’ll probably call time on her criminal career and live life on the straight and narrow from now on.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
PICTURES: GETTY, NICKY JOHNSTON
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his may sound silly, but I’m so smitten with my other half that I’m worried I’ll get separation anxiety when we both start going back to the office and just… go out more! I’ve absolutely loved being able to spend time with him that I never did before – lunch together, a quick walk in the park. I’m even dreading him spending time with his mates again and not with me – am I being daft? Hannah, Kent
You are one lucky lady. When most people are longing to escape their partners after the best part of a year stuck at home, you are aching to spend even more time with yours! Don’t worry, as soon as you both get out and about as lockdown lifts, you’ll find time together is even more 44 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
precious, as you both bring your experiences apart and some serious gossip to the table. There’ll be more to talk and laugh about, and all the fun of reuniting at the end of the day to look forward to. You are in the most wonderful position – a woman in love. Just try to relax and enjoy it! O Email your questions to AskVanessa@hearst.co.uk
a
What’s up Doc? Hilary Jones MBE is a GP, medical writer and Good Morning Britain’s resident medic D COLD FEET NUMB ANuro pathy around five
was diagnosed with peripheral ne that my feet are always years ago. My biggest problem is not very good. I have numb and cold – and my balance is s, had physiotherapy and spoken to my GP on many occasion se class twice a week – do try to stay active, with an exerci else that might help? but could you advise me on anything Alice, Middlesex
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HE’S FAT-SHAMING ME!
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y brother is in my bubble, and any time he sees me, he manages to makes some nasty comment about my ‘extra lockdown pounds’. I’ve put on probably a stone since the pandemic – I’ve definitely turned to food for comfort, but I told him belittling me with snide comments won’t help! I feel like saying, ‘You’re no Brad Pitt, Simon!’ but I don’t want to stoop to his level. How do I make him stop? It’s so insulting from someone that’s supposed to love me. Charlie, Maidenstone
You are in good company
with this – Will Smith posted pics of his spare tyre and Susanna Reid says she’s gained a few pounds. Almost all of us have taken refuge in the biscuit tin during lockdown. Your brother probably reverts to childhood mode when he sees you, taking the mickey out of you as he did when you were little. Don’t rise to the bait. Don’t take it personally. If he wasn’t teasing you about your weight, it would be your hair, your freckles, your cooking or anything else he could think of. I suspect this is more about him feeling comfortable in the role of ‘annoying brother’ and, therefore, is pretty much nothing to do with you at all.
DR HILARY SAYS: in the extremities of the Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves of pain and touch. It body, leading to disruption of the sensation coordination and muscle can also cause problems with balance and plications of diabetes are weakness, especially in the feet. The com cy and physical injury may the commonest cause, but vitamin deficien actually, with about one in 10 also be responsible. It is not uncommon apy and walking aids can people over 55 experiencing it. Physiother neuropathic pain relief from certainly help, but so can acupuncture and , pregabalin or gabapentin. medicines such as amitriptyline, duloxetine need to take good care of your Staying active is very important and you and injury which you do not skin to avoid ulcers arising from damage underlying cause – so find out notice. Treatment much depends on the cific treatment. more about this and ask your GP for spe
ITCH EMBARRASSINboG ttom for a few months,
r Hilary, I have had a sore, itchy diverticulitis, and I which will not go away. I suffer with d me Buscopan – but have been to my GP, who prescribe serious? Sometimes the should I be worried this is something there is slight bleeding as area is very sore and, occasionally, e. I’m very worried. well as itchiness, mostly at night-tim Louise, Nottingham
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DR HILARY SAYS: ritus ani – is extremely This condition – known medically as pru ent! It can be intensely itchy common and, as you know, very inconveni scratching you do and the and sore and the more you itch, the more n worse after going to the more inflamed the skin becomes. It is ofte ed by heat, woollen clothing, toilet and, at night, and may be exacerbat eczema or haemorrhoids may moisture, stress and anxiety. Pre-existing as thrush, may occur. If more be responsible and fungal infections, such d think about threadworms than one person in the household is affecte to see if anything specific and have them treated. Keep a food diary ble bath and use moistened makes it worse. Avoid perfumed soaps, bub , a combination tissues instead of dry toilet paper. Usually steroid and antifungal cream or suppositories for haemorrhoids will help.
See drhilaryjones.com
y r a l i Dr H
O Got a problem you’d like Dr Hilary to answer? Email him at AskDrHilary@hearst.co.uk
1 to give
best GIVEAWAY
away
! n i W PRODUCTS
FROM A BEAUTIFUL LIFE! A Beautiful Life (ABeautifulLife.co.uk) is a new one-of-a-kind online shopping destination which showcases the very best of British beauty and wellness brands. The e-tailer only stocks the ‘bestsellers’ and ‘hero products’ of each of these brands, so if it’s on their site you know you are buying tried and tested recommendations. Discover a curated selection of products including skincare, body care, make-up, hair care, tanning and fragrance, with exciting new brands and products added every week. A Beautiful Life is offering one lucky reader the chance to win an exclusive collection of full-size premium award-winning beauty products, pictured here, worth over £400.
Worth over
£400!
HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best2121 by 4 June 2021. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2712 by midnight on 4 June 2021. Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and will last no longer than two minutes. Charges for mobiles may be higher. Phone line closes at midnight on 4 June 2021. If you call after this time, you will not be entered but you may be charged. Service provided by Spoke: 0333 202 3390. T&Cs: Winner will be selected at random from entries received by phone/online. We will use the information you provide to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice, please see hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice. For full terms and conditions, see below.
*TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to UK residents aged 18 and over. To enter, visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/best2121 or call 0901 027 2712 by midnight on 4 June 2021. Entries in the incorrect format will not be considered. This competition opens on 18 May 2021 and closes at midnight on 4 June 2021. Entries received after the closing date will not be considered. The prize is the beauty products pictured above from ABeautifulLife.co.uk, worth over £400. If any pictured products become unavailable, other products of similar or greater value will be offered. 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 will be contacted personally using the contact details provided upon entry. Winner will be notified. Winner will have five (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 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-notice. Hearst 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.
! o d I
best for INSPO
The cool bride’s guide From fabulous wear-again frocks to the best-dressed guest, we’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to get hitched in style. All you have to do is turn up…
e d i s n i s ’ t a h W
S + THE BRIDAL BRAND YOU NEED TO KNOW + HOW TO BE THE BEST-DRESSED GUEST + THE JOY OF AN INTIMATE CEREMONY Turn over for more FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 47
Ready, set,
wed!
Shopping for the big day? Here are the bridal brands you need to know
F
orget pouffy gowns that cost a month’s wage – trends show that we’re more likely to buy an outfit that can be worn again. Restyling with different accessories will give your dress a new lease of life. Check out our top picks…
1
Best for: Vintage-inspired RIXO A brand loved by the likes of Lisa Snowdon and Holly Willoughby, Rixo’s bridal collection offers convenience with its off-the-peg, ready-to-wear selection. At £650 this cowl-neck midi dress is an investment piece, but its timeless style lends itself to countless opportunities beyond its first wear. Rixo has an online bridal specialist ready to help with your needs. Visit rixo.co.uk for details.
2 Solace London ‘Larin’ dress, £150, bridesmademodern.co.uk
Best for: Affordable designer BRIDES, Made Modern For something to stand out from the crowd, bridesmademodern.co.uk is worth bookmarking. The website offers a mix of vintage, luxury and independent designers, with prices starting from £75 and going up to £750. Add statement heels to this high-neck dress to make an impact on a night out.
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Ana dress, £650, rixo.co.uk
best for INSPO
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Best for: The ‘micro wedding’ PHASE EIGHT For the style conscious, Phase Eight’s designs add a special touch without the designer price tag. Their sister brands – Damsel in a Dress and Studio 8 – offer an extension in both design and sizing, too. Our top pick? The Annie dress. From the button back to the embellished fabric, no detail goes unmissed. And their sheer sleeves are the perfect compromise for those desiring a little extra coverage. Add a blazer to smarten up the look beyond the big day.
5 Annie dress, £325, phase-eight.com
4 Best for: High Street heroes MONSOON Founded nearly 50 years ago, Monsoon remains a firm favourite for designerstandard occasionwear at High Street prices. Their pledge to become more sustainable over the coming years makes them a go-to brand for the eco-conscious, and their offerings remain stylish but practical – the classic style pictured here is machine washable. Available up to a size 22, wear this again paired with embellished sandals and a sheer, short-sleeved top.
Tulle maxi dress, £119, coastfashion.com
Best for: Brides on a budget
Deja dress, £249, Monsoon
Looking for dresses for the whole bridal party that won’t break the bank? Coast’s online offerings can cover both bride and maid, with a myriad of colourways, prove white and ivory aren’t the only bridal option. For those consicous about strapless frocks, Coast offer an array of sleeve lengths and hemlines in sizes 8-20. This particular maxi dress is idea for summer and beaches weddings, comes in six shades and can be worn after with flats for daytime events and heels for evenings.
WORDS: HELEN PIKE
COAST
BE OUR Dress, £49 Heels, £29 Kaleidoscope
£55, Phase Eight
£85, Dune
TOP TIP A mix of bright and dark shades contrast for maximum impact.
£129, Hobbs
£99, Monsoon
COMPILED BY: HELEN PIKE
£69, Kaleidoscope
£29, Monsoon
£75, Dune
£14.99, TK Maxx 50 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
! t s e gu £120, Phase Eight
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An invite anywhere but especially a micro wedding requires a new outfit! Dress to impress with our High Street picks £39, Accessorize
Dress, £49 Kaleidoscope
£59, M&S £20, Matalan
£22.50, M&S
£14, Accessorize £62, Office
£69, Coast
£49.50, Oliver Bonas
Our (not so) bi Lynne never expected to get married again
alking across beautiful sand dunes on the Welsh coast, my partner, Simon, looked at me and suddenly dropped down on one knee. We were blissfully happy together, but I’d certainly never expected this – especially as Simon was so laid-back! Pulling out a white and rose gold diamond ring, he grinned and said, ‘If we’re going to be together forever, you might as well wear this,’ slipping it on to my finger. I was so happy; I couldn’t believe it! Throwing my arms around him, I stared at the ring – then he went into the sea and off for a surf! We’d met in 2012 in a pub, four years earlier, when I was 39 while watching the Six Nations Rugby final. I was with my friends and he’d been with his, but we’d got talking – it was so natural and easy. He was kind, attentive, gorgeous and a good listener… it felt like we’d known each other for years. I told him I was a divorcee and about my two wonderful kids, Amy and Rhys, that I was a nursery nurse and lived nearby in Wales. He loved the outdoors as much as I did and was a brewer. At the end of the evening, we’d exchanged numbers, but I didn’t think I’d hear from him again. I’d never been lucky in love, but when he’d called and we’d had lunch two weeks later, I’d known then and there that Simon was the one for me. In time, he’d met my kids
Planning her wedding, Lynne Jackson didn’t want to worry about guest lists, colour schemes or seating plans – she had something much more simple (and less expensive) in mind…
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‘If there’s one thing I’ve learned’
ld ‘Your special day shou be about you and your partner celebrating how you want to. All good things come in small packages.’
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g n i d d we
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and they got on brilliantly. We all moved in together after two years, bought a campervan and often spent time in Devon and Cornwall – we loved being at the beach and hiking. I’d never expected a proposal, especially as I’d been married before. But Simon had well and truly surprised me! Later that day, in June 2016, we’d told the kids our news and they were thrilled. My thoughts immediately turned to our big day and I knew I wanted things to be entirely different this time around. In 2003, I’d had all the trimmings: a strapless silk gown, with a tiara and veil… there had been over 100 guests, and it felt like most of the decisions on how the day would pan out were made to keep other people happy. I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted my union to Simon to be about us, becoming a family and celebrating our love. Not a big blow-out day that takes years to pay for. Simon had never been married, but he wanted a no-fuss ceremony too. ‘It should be about us and the kids,’ he said. We started researching venues, and I came across petiteweddings.co.uk, run by a wonderful woman named Jane, who specialised in small, intimate weddings. We explained we wanted to get married in Cornwall as it was
special to us. Our guest list would be minimal – just us, the kids, and our parents. ‘We can organise everything for you,’ Jane said, reassuringly, as I didn’t know the area enough to know decent florists, bridal make-up artists, catering… We decided to wed in an old, converted Wesleyan church and surrounding grounds, where we could have everyone – and everything – under one roof. ‘It’s called Dreamcatcher,’ I marvelled to Simon. We chose a date in July 2017; Amy was going to give me away and Rhys would be best man and ring bearer. I found a pre-loved wedding dress I liked in a local charity shop, but something about it just didn’t feel right. Instead, I settled on a £250 white, boho-chic dress from Debenhams that really felt like me. My heroic mum, Jan, took the dress up for me as it was incredibly long! Simon and I wrote our own vows, and I couldn’t believe how lucky I’d been to find him. I couldn’t wait to be his wife. Being a family, making the most of our time together, and being a real partnership was so important to us. While wider family and friends were disappointed not to be part of the day, they were understanding and knew it
The minimal guest list fits in one photo!
was the right decision for us. We didn’t want to get lost amongst a sea of guests. So, in July 2017, we travelled to the venue, and Jane had organised everything beautifully. The night before we married, my dad, Brian organised tickets for us all to go to the open-air Minack Theatre nearby, which was wonderful. The following morning, the make-up artist arrived to beautify me and Amy. It was incredibly relaxed, the family enjoyed a few drinks and at 12.30pm, in front of seven guests, Simon and I exchanged vows in a beautiful library room at the venue. I was barefoot, had a small bouquet from a local florist and a garland in my hair. Simon promised to always be there for the children, to look after me and love our family. Amy, now 20, and Sally’s dog, Peggy-Sue, was even allowed at the venue as a guest
Lynne’s kids stepped up to big roles
A simple day was all they needed
Rhys, 17, both made speeches and were our witnesses. Jane made sure everything went off without a hitch and had organised the entire wedding breakfast in the rustic kitchen. Simon’s mum, Sally, bought an incredible daisy cake. We even had pictures taken in the beautiful grounds and organised a Spotify playlist, including our first dance to The Pogues’ Love You Till the End. It was the most wonderful day; I married my soulmate and it really had been about us and our family. ‘It was perfect,’ Simon said, and I couldn’t agree more. The following day we went home, all on cloud nine. A year later we had a short honeymoon at a venue organised by Jane called Fallen Angel – a private, cosy cottage with beautiful views in Cornwall, while the kids were with their dad. Now, we’re both 48, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have a wonderful husband and two gorgeous kids. I didn’t think I could be this happy. Having a small, personal, wedding was special to us and it was all done for under £5,000. I’m already hoping we can do it again on our 10th anniversary! O For more info, see petiteweddings.co.uk
WORDS: LOUISE BULGIN PICTURES: EMMA GRIFFIN/GRIFFIN-PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK
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best for CASH ADVICE With married people able to grow their wealth by 77 per cent more than those living alone, when it comes to love, Rob Gardner, director of investment at SJP Wealth Management, says it pays to tie the knot. Here’s what to consider…
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AGREE YOUR WEDDING DAY BUDGET The average cost of a UK wedding last year was £21K, with some couples splashing up to £40K – and for 40 per cent of those Brits, these costs were over their initial budget. Ask yourselves as a couple what’s essential to your dream wedding. Do you need a huge guestlist? Can you cut back by getting married on a Monday? You can make an average saving of £7.3K if you choose to get married in January over June. Focus on what’s important to you, while sticking to your budget.
TREAT YOUR ENGAGEMENT AS YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING Twenty-four per cent of couples are engaged for more than two years before their wedding, so why not use this time to analyse what you’re spending and earning each month, so you can understand where you can cut back on unnecessary costs. Whatever sacrifices you make won’t last forever and will help to build up that wedding day budget.
FIVE ways to beat the rising cost of love
PICTURES: GETTY *WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
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MERGE AND GROW TOGETHER Many newlyweds don’t know that embarking on this new phase of life together offers numerous financial benefits, specifically applicable to married couples. For example, your combined incomes may lead to better mortgage rates, you may be eligible for tax benefits by transferring some of your personal allowances to your spouse each tax year, and if you both put money towards your pension – in the event of death, you’ll be entitled to inherit some of your spouse’s nest egg. While many see merging bank accounts as a bigger commitment than the marriage itself, it’s a great way to simplify joint expenses.
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IT’S GOOD TO TALK The double-edged sword here is that money accounts for the third most common reason for divorce in the UK and that itself is expensive. The average cost for a UK divorce is around £15K. A recent study showed that married people have the fewest conversations about money out of any type of couple, including those who are co-habiting. Make sure you share any money concerns with your partner and bring in a third party to help if needs be. Getting this right is essential to seeing your marriage prosper through to retirement and may be fundamental to its survival.
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MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU Aligning in values and communicating about money is key to planning, saving for and investing in your retirement together. On average, men run out of money 10* years before they die, and women 12.5 years. If you’ve been able to talk about money and plan properly together, you’ll most likely be living out your golden years comfortably and happily.
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Having enjoyed a secret break together, fans are wondering if Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have kissed and made up…
Ben and J-Lo were an ‘it’ couple in the Noughties
Ben and J-Lo ince officially splitting from her former fiancé, Alex Rodriguez, just weeks ago, it looks like superstar Jennifer Lopez may have found comfort in the arms of her ex, actor Ben Affleck, nearly twodecades after calling off their wedding! J-Lo, 51 and Ben, 48, who ended his romance with Cuban actress Ana de Armas at the beginning of the year, sent fans into a frenzy after they were spotted on a secret getaway in Montana last week! The former couple dated from 2002 until January 2004 and were even briefly
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engaged – before splitting up, just days before the Big Day. Ben went on to marry Yes Day actress Jennifer Garner in 2005 and they had three children (Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12 and Samuel, nine) before the couple broke up in 2015. They divorced in 2018, amid rumours the actor had an affair with the family nanny – a rumour Ben Affleck dismissed as ‘complete garbage and full of lies’, though the parents claim to still be friends, and he later called his divorce ‘the biggest regret of my life.’ Now, with J-Lo and Ben both single again, could it be that they have been drawn back to each other?
Ben with ex-wife, Jennifer Garner
J-Lo has only recently split from Alex Rodriguez
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Last week, ‘Bennifer,’ as they became known during their relationship, were pictured enjoying what looked like a romantic break in Montana, where Ben owns a chalet. The duo looked relaxed when Ben was spotted driving them in his SUV, Jennifer sitting in the passenger seat. Back in April, Ben was seen arriving at the singer’s home in a car that is said to belong to the Love Don’t Cost a Thing singer. He was later spotted being dropped off at his home by her security. On another occasion, Ben was reportedly seen
leaving his car at the Hotel Bel-Air and being picked up in Jennifer’s vehicle, hours later. And fans are convinced that Jen hinted at their reunion when she performed at the event VAX LIVE. She performed her song I’m Glad, thought to be about her relationship with Ben. The lyrics include the line: ‘I found you and I’m bound to find happiness in being around you.’ According to fans on Instagram, the mum-of-two hadn’t showcased this song since her split with Ben, as it reminded her too much of their painful breakup. They say time is a great healer – and they did make a damn cute couple. Guess we’re about to find out…
‘I fo ound you and d I’m bound to o fin nd happ pin ness in beiing g around yo ou’
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM
– back together?
‘Showbiz mates? I don’t have any’ Singer Russell Watson talks family, friends and why he’d rather see his pals of 40 years for a pint in the local than hang out with famous faces… alford-born opera singer Russell Watson – dubbed ‘The People’s Tenor’ due to his roots – had his first performances at a working men’s club and has since sung for everyone from the Queen to Barack Obama. So, it was a dramatic lifestyle change when the pandemic cancelled every single one of his concerts – and the 54-year-old was forced to stay home, armed with
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With wife Louise
Facing his fears on I’m a Celeb with Mo Farah
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odd jobs to complete around the house, courtesy of his wife, Louise Harris, who is 22 years Russell’s junior. Here, he opens up about family life and performing again… You’re performing Last Night of the Proms this Summer – it must feel amazing, live gigs again! It really does – honestly, singing is part of who I am. All the struggles I’ve had in my life, I’ve always ended up going back to the stage, where I feel most comfortable. It’s where I come to life. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve missed that! It’s going to be emotional. Tell us about your special guests, NHS Voices and NHS Chorus-19… Oh God, yeah, I was thrilled to hear the NHS choir was going to be on board. It’s a great opportunity for the public to show a little bit of appreciation for all the incredible work the NHS, particularly the frontline workers, have done in the past year and more.
The NHS treated you, when you were diagnosed with a brain tumour – it must have a special place in your heart, too… Yes. I spent a lot of time in The Christie Hospital in Salford, particularly when I was having my radiotherapy treatment. That was a monthand-a-half, I got to know a lot of the staff very well. I will always be incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for me. And for helping my mum, Nola, who recently got the all-clear from breast cancer. We’ve got a lot to be thankful for. Just don’t get me started on pay-rises for NHS staff…! Things are looking up in the world but, looking back, how did you do in lockdown? I remember when lockdown
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RUSSELL’S ANIMAL FARM The popular teno r shares his sp
was first imposed, I thought, ‘Crikey, what do I do with myself now?’ I was so used to being on the road, travelling from one country to the next, never really stopping. People would ask, ‘Russell, when does your tour finish?’ I’d say, ‘It doesn’t really, I just have a few little gaps
years, and never got around to. One was to sort the garden shed – it’s huge, and it was packed full of things. I started emptying it, and it was like the bloody Tardis! We have an acre of land surrounding the house – I covered up every inch with stuff from this shed. I found three bikes in there
‘I miss per rform ming g– itt’s wher re I come e to life’ in-between’. Then, bang, it all stopped… So, what did you fill that gap with? Oh, my wife soon sorted that out. She came to me early on with a long list of all the odd jobs I’d promised to do around the house over the past 10
that I didn’t know I owned. On a serious note, what have you struggled with most? One of the worst things of this pandemic, for me, beside the tragedy of so many deaths in this country, was not being able to see my mum and
Russell’s hounds kept him active in lockdown
give her a hug for such a long, long time. She’d not been well and, with all the restrictions, I just wanted to be there for her – it was such bad timing. Thankfully, we’ve been reunited now. I still speak to her on the phone twice a day, to make sure she’s OK. You did a stint on the Welsh I’m a Celebrity… and got on well with most of the campmates... You know, I’ve never really had a problem in my life being just me. As a performer, you have to make a distinction between what’s real and what’s bull. There’s a differentiation between who you are on stage and who you are off it, that’s crucial. When I see my pals in the pub – I don’t have showbiz mates, can’t be bothered with that, I’m just me. I have a group of friends I’ve known 40 years.
You were very funny… I’m not just saying this, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. I think it was predominantly because I felt like I’d been extracted from a world that was grown-up and put into an environment that felt… like my childhood. Everything was about the adventure, having a laugh – without the pressures of modern life, emails, social media, watching the news (which was mostly bad). There are no mirrors, not even a clock on the wall. I get on with everyone in there, too. We still have a WhatsApp group. They’re just a great bunch of people. O Last Night of the Heritage Proms with Russell Watson takes place 18 July, West Sussex; 25 July, Berkshire; 15 August, Saffron Walden, Essex. For more info and tickets, see heritagelive.net
WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: INSTAGRAM, SHUTTERSTOCK
Instagram/officia
lrussellwatson
rawling Cheshir not only with Lo e home uise, his wife of almos a menagerie of fu rry friends. Laugh t six years, but missus is animal ing, he says, ‘M y -mad. We’ve go t three excitable and a cat who’s dogs a laugh-a-minut e, honestly. But of the dogs, I’ve , because genuinely had a reason to get ou house and go fo t of the r a walk – that’s be past year. My w ife’s got a horse, en so important in the too, she does dr riding. I don’t ge es t involved, thou gh. I like to keep sage permanently on my feet the ground…’ And that is why we love you, Rus sell!
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THE BATHROOM (WELL, ONE OF THEM!) More like a spa than a humble bathroom to most of us. Check out the stand-alone tub and giant shower cubicle.
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WORDS: NICKY DAWSON PICTURES: INSTAGRAM
THE SITTING ROOMS A house this size is bursting with reception rooms… but there’s a simple colour scheme throughout of nudes, creams and grey, with a splash of gold!
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THE PLAYHOUSE Everyone is catered for in this residence – even the kids’ play area is amazing.
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THE BASEMENT How’s this for a great space to relax? There’s a bar and a personalised ping-pong table!
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THE ENTRANCE HALL A double-height entrance hall and a wide staircase with a glass banister. It reminds us of a hotel lobby!
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Instagram/kyliejenner
ANYONE FOR TENNIS? There’s no excuse for not getting some exercise when you have your own tennis court.
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THE POOL Wow! Twenty-three-year-old Kylie’s show-stopping swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees, runs through the centre of the house. With various sunbeds and entertaining areas…
r e n n e J Kylie
Kylie Jenner’s £29million home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, is more like a five-star resort than a house… 14 bathrooms, a cinema room, a tennis court, a bar and a pool. We (enviously) take a peek around…
THE KITCHEN Super chic white marble worktops, black cupboards and a double range cooker. Perfect for baking with Stormi… but there’s a chef’s kitchen for the professionals if Kylie’s not in the mood.
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THE ULTIMATE FIREPIT! Obviously, this house is all about entertaining outside, and when the sun goes down the firepit comes on. It creates a good spot for an Instagram shot, too!
Eamonn & Ruth
, s y a s He s y a s e sh uple Britain’s best-loved co uth Eamonn Holmes & R ugh Langsford talk us thro this week’s news…
PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM, NICKY JOHNSTON
LOW POINT ON THE HIGH STREET RUTH: I love a day out at the shops. It’s just one of my things. I like to browse, I like to buy, I like the feel of things, the smell of things, the help from assistants, the big store experience, the small store experience, the corner shop – basically, I just like Could browsing at the shops become a novelty? shopping. The pandemic has had many casualties and every human life is more important don’t think it has really dawned on us what than a shop, but gosh, have we lost a lot of is happening. What if it goes on like this? them. It doesn’t matter whether it’s where What will your village, town or city look like you or I live, shopfronts are being boarded in 10 years from now? Maybe we will just up everywhere, and there is a sadness about evolve and become more insular. Maybe our shopping streets now. we’ll stop being so sociable and shops as we Property experts say don’t worry, we’ll know them will just seem old-fashioned. simply find a different use for the empty Working from home took the customers units, that the make-up of high streets away from the coffee and sandwich bars will simply change and evolve. Into and the big city centre stores seem to be what? The only regeneration I’ve seen is on their last legs. I hope there is a recovery retirement flats. Streets that used to be that finds tenants, new types of businesses bustling, that once boasted shoe shops, and new customers, but the phrase, ‘I’m just jewellers, fishmongers, petrol stations and nipping down to the shops’ may also, I fear, greengrocers, are now apartment blocks be becoming a thing of the past… for people who want to downsize. They now have somewhere to live, but nowhere to go. We’ve all played our part to some degree. Online shopping, greedy landlords… but I
‘There’s a sadness about our shopping streets’ Ruth
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SERVICE WITH A SMILE
RUTH: No sooner do the pubs and restaurants reopen, than there is a massive shortage of people available or willing to work in them. Most of us have had a job doing something in the hospitality industry at one stage or another. Both Eamonn and I credit our days serving customers as giving us good communication skills. I know my waitressing days meant I was never shy of hard graft! Working at a beach cafe in Cornwall will never leave me. Carrying trays with pots of tea, cups and saucers, and jugs of milk was hard enough but over sand, shouting out the order number and then trudging over when someone held their ticket up to deliver their tea, prepared me for anything I’ve ever faced on TV.
Serving customers is a valuable life skill
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UNITED IN FOOTBALL
It was team Man U for Eamonn and his brood!
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EAMONN: As some of you may know, I am to be a grandparent for the first time in July. My eldest son, Declan, and his wife, Jenny, are the parents-to-be. And Declan has taken to posting pictures like this (below) on Instagram. Honestly, where did he Who will get that idea of Declan’s baby support?! deciding which football team his child will support? All of my children supported Man Utd voluntarily... or so I tell them.
THE GATES ARE CLOSED
Eamonn: ‘Bill and Melinda Gates’s reasoning made a lot of sense to me’
EAMONN: We don’t know the ins
COUCH TO 5K
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RUTH: If I can do it, you can do it too. I don’t like to get all preachy about exercise, but I knew I wasn’t doing my body and metabolism justice. Yes, I’m an active person but the Couch to 5K challenge has given me a structure and a goal to aim for. The progress report is that I’m still on track and I’ve got to the stage where I can’t believe that I didn’t think I could do it. I know I run like a camel, by the way (!). It mightn’t be pretty, but I’m running, ladies, and it feels good.
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and outs, but we do know that Bill and Melinda Gates, one of the world’s richest couples, are to be divorced. Their reasoning made a lot of sense to me – ‘we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple’. It’s a fair statement that maybe more couples should admit to, and if going separate ways leads to a fulfilling stab at happiness, then why not ? We should be glad for any couple who will remain friends, still work together and be parents to their children, but feel they’ve still got a lot of living to do, just not as Mr and Mrs. Moving on: Melinda and Bill Gates
Ruth is on track with her running
best for REAL LIFE
A despicable crime Phoenix Netts had her whole life ahead of her, until she met Gareeca Gordon…
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was recorded on their bodycams – they made a grim discovery. Inside the suitcases were Phoenix’s remains. She’d been stabbed four times in the torso and her body had been dismembered and partially burned. Gordon was arrested on suspicion of murder and police began trying to determine what had happened to Phoenix… The women had been staying at the same refuge and forensic examinations of Phoenix’s room found that the bed, mattress, carpet and underlay had been removed – yet blood was found in the kitchen, living area and shower. The circular saw that Gordon was suspected of using to dismember Phoenix’s body – which she’d purchased from Gumtree for £45 – was in her room. Also in her room were notes about removing the body from Coleford and moving it to Wales to burn further. Phoenix’s parents were understandably devastated by her death, later speaking of the
Gordon purchased a circular saw to dismember the body
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The 28-year-old stayed at a hostel while Covid restrictions eased
Phoenix loved horse riding
‘profound…and enduring loss experienced through the loss of a much-loved daughter’ who they had expected to share the next chapter of her life with. Not only had Gordon cruelly taken Phoenix’s life, but she had then impersonated her victim too. Using her mobile phone, Gordon had contacted Phoenix’s friends and family, claiming to be safe and well, for weeks following her murder. ‘Our lives have been irreversibly changed and the anguish is indescribable,’ Phoenix’s father, Mark Netts, said in a statement. Her mother, Saskia, described herself as ‘forever devastated, forever empty’. When Gordon, 28, appeared at Bristol Crown Court in May this year, the judge said that days before the murder, she had ‘demanded sex’ from Phoenix Netts and became aggressive, pushing her around the room, when she’d refused. The sexual interest
continued, and Phoenix told a friend that the behaviour was scaring her. Days later, on 9 April 2020, Gordon had called the Samaritans and appeared to be ‘tipsy’ while explaining that she liked another woman and wanted to have sex with her. The last known contact Phoenix had was a phone call with a friend in the early hours of 16 April. He tried to ring her back that afternoon but couldn’t get through. Police believe she died that same day and was killed at the property where both women lived. The circular saw Gordon had purchased was delivered on 17 April and dismemberment had taken place when Phoenix was clothed or partially clothed. ‘Dismemberment took place at five different locations of the body, dividing the body into six parts,’ the prosecution told the court. Gareeca Gordon was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years and six months. But it won’t bring back Phoenix Netts, whose life was ended for seemingly no reason at all.
WORDS: LOUISE BULGIN PICTURES: GETTY, PA, WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
t 28 years old, Phoenix Netts was looking forward to moving back to London to live with her parents. The caring young woman was the granddaughter of iconic music photographer Barrie Wentzell – who snapped the likes of Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles – and had her whole life ahead of her. She’d been a keen horse rider as a child and did well at school. Phoenix had been staying in a Birmingham refuge until Coronavirus restrictions lifted and she could travel back to be with her family. Only she never made it home. Instead, Phoenix met a grisly end. On 12 May 2020, police received reports of a car driving around the Forest of Dean area, Gloucestershire, during lockdown. They found Gareeca Gordon in a quarry near Coleford with two suitcases. When officers opened the bags – footage of which
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best for PET NEWS
ON THE MOVE! Moving home can stressful for your four-legged friend, so here’s how to help... + Try to keep at least one room as an unchanged, quiet ‘safe’ zone where your pet can escape to for a bit of normality. In the days leading up to the move, place your pet’s food and water bowl, plus bedding in this area.
If you’re planning to move house, it’s worth considering how this change can affect your pet. PDSA vet Anna Ewers-Clark said: ‘Worries about whether your pet is going to struggle to settle into a new home can add yet another layer of stress to the moving process.’ Make it as smooth as possible with these tips.
THE BIG DAY + If you have a long journey, get them used to travelling in a car by taking small trips in the lead-up to the move. + Avoid feeding pets close to travel time, as it could cause sickness. Small amounts of food throughout the day is better if they’re anxious.
WORDS: HELEN PIKE PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM
BEFORE YOU GO + Animals who don’t respond well to change may benefit from being out of the house when cleaning and packing. Consider a pet care service or ask a friend/ relative to look after them (if guidelines allow).
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PETS AT HOME
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Country singer Shania Twain shared a gorgeous pic of her new addition, Camper, on National Pet Day. But he’s not the only hound to share the singer’s attention, as the 55-year-old is also mum to Melo, who she regularly shares snaps of too. That does impress us much!
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We pets ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FURRY FRIENDS + On arrival, place some toys and bedding into one room with a piece of clothing that smells of you. + Be guided by your pet and their personality. Dogs may prefer you to spend time with them, while cats often prefer time alone to explore. + Keep your pets in one room to start with, then, as their confidence grows, open up the rest of the house. Perhaps walk around it with your pet to get them used to new areas,
Pet lead and collar, £5, Primark
and help spot any potential hazards. FIRST FEW WEEKS + Cats should be kept indoors for a few weeks so they become familiar and recognise their new home as their ‘base’ when they go outside. + A pheromone diffuser or spray may help your pet become more relaxed. Your vet can advise the best one. + Microchipping will help identify your animal should they get lost due to the move.
Pet bed, £120, Next
. . . w e n s ’ t a h W S T R O F M O C CREATURE Fill your new abode with pet-friendly items
Ceramic bowl, £3, B&M
Squeaky dog toy, £2 each, Pets at Home
TAURUS
21 April – 21 May It might seem as if Taureans, like Great British Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding and iconic singer Cher, are getting no closer to their goals – but they should keep putting one foot in front of another and trust they are going in the right direction. They are moving slowly, even if it feels they aren’t moving at all.
LEO 24 July – 23 August Luck is with you now. There’s no need to carry around a lucky charm. You seem to naturally attract good fortune wherever you go, so enjoy it. Allow your thoughts to wander. Find fun ways to exercise your imagination and, before you know it, you will have come up with a great way to get started on a new ambition.
SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November A generous sum of money is making its way to you. Whether you invest it, spend it or give it away, the choice is yours. Most pleasure and entertainment will come through family-related activities. It feels like a blessing to be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life with those you love.
AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February You could learn something interesting and useful about someone you have known for years. Pay extra attention to everyday chores as the week begins and this will give you more time later to take up an exciting challenge. Arrangements now being made will give you a lot to look forward to.
GEMINI
22 May – 21 June Keep your plans secret. A rival is keen to know your intentions. By moving your schedule around, you will avoid people who could stand in the way. Working towards a cherished goal will make you positively sparkle. Your versatility, together with your practical skills, will help you surpass your expectations.
VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Your job and commitments to others will take up a lot of your time. Just keep reminding yourself that your needs are important too. Responsibilities are heavy but this shouldn’t stop you from having some fun in the evenings. An unexpected invitation will bring a breath of fresh air into your world.
CANCER 22 June – 23 July Exciting offers will mean new starts. Be sure to tie up loose ends. You will want to begin with a clean slate as you step into a new future. It might all seem a little unsettled at the moment but you will start feeling more secure once long-term arrangements are agreed. Keep telling yourself you are doing fine.
LIBRA 24 September – 23 October What is the point of having dreams if you don’t make any attempt at making them real? There is more scope now to try new things and meet different people. Decide on your short-term and longer-term goals. Think about how you might achieve these and devise a plan of action that will take you there.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
23 November – 21 December People are impressed by your easy charm. Friendship activities will be fun. Someone you bump into will have a big impact on you and you instinctively know you’re going to form a close and special relationship. With everything going your way, don’t be surprised if you’re offered an exciting money-making opportunity.
22 December – 20 January Making friends will come easily now. If some relationships have been neglected, you will get a chance to come together as you used to do. You’re taking steps to bring improvements into your life and relationships. Doing something positive to help yourself will release tension and worries and improve your health.
PISCES 20 February – 20 March Expect to hear some uplifting news regarding someone you love. A risk you take on Tuesday could result in an exciting joint undertaking. Someone will try to influence your decisions as the week ends. If you don’t feel good about what they are suggesting, trust your intuition. You know best what’s right for you.
ARIES 21 March – 20 April Strokes of luck will occur in many areas of your life. In particular, finances and romance will benefit most from the happy consequences of recent decisions. Don’t pack too many appointments into the week. You will want time for yourself and to spend with your loved ones. Quality moments shared will improve your relationships. FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 67
PICTURES: BIGSTOCK
your stars
For the week 18-24 May, with Russell Grant
The Cancer La When Josie Lloyd was diagnosed with cancer, she entered a world she didn’t want to be part of, until she met some ladies who changed everything… Josie went to Brighton seafront for her initial run
was a very healthy, albeit busy, mum-ofthree, when my world came crashing down at 47. I discovered a tiny dimple in my left breast which, at first, my doctor said was nothing to worry about. But an off-chance mammogram trial in our local area for women under 50 revealed different. I was half woman, half Prosecco, following a big New Year’s Eve party, when they scanned me and revealed the ‘If there’s bad news in January 2017. one thing ‘It doesn’t look good,’ I’ve learned’ the nurse warned. ‘We need to make A week later, cancer less scary. With tests showed it our amazing cancer was breast cancer. le treatments, many peop Like many people, I ”, are not just “surviving could barely say the word but positively ‘cancer’, let alone talk thriving.’ about it – I was so terrified. I didn’t want to have to go home and tell my husband, Emlyn Rees, or our girls, our family’s rock, reassured us. Tallulah, 20, Roxie, 17 and But it was hard. I went from Minty, 14. being a successful author, wife Telling Tallulah was the and mum to being ‘someone hardest, but also the funniest with cancer’. It felt like part of because of her reaction. a club I didn’t want to be in. ‘Can I have a word, Tallulah?’ I was scheduled for a I said. ‘I’ve got some news.’ mastectomy, six rounds of ‘Oh my god, you’re chemotherapy and four weeks pregnant,’ she gasped. of radiotherapy. I burst out laughing. Sitting at the hospital for my ‘Definitely not!’ I said. treatment felt horrendous. It broke the ice for revealing ‘I’m still me,’ I wanted to the dreaded C-word. shout, when I lost my hair. ‘It’s nothing to worry about, Well-intentioned friends it’s been picked up early and and family sent so many we’ll get through this,’ Emlyn, flowers that I ran out of vases
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and my house began to look more like a mausoleum. People expected me to be serious, but I’ve always liked to find the humour in things. ‘Come meet my running group,’ my friend, Ros, suggested, when I told her I was struggling. ‘They’re all going through cancer treatment, but they’re a hoot.’ I’d done a bit of yoga and a bit of running, but definitely wouldn’t class myself a runner. But I decided to go along. We met at Brighton seafront, and started our plod.
Her lovely life was disrupted by cancer
best for REAL LIFE
adies’ Running Club
Josie ran the 10km race while bald
I was instantly drawn in by their gallows humour. They were hilarious. They’d warn me when I was going to feel ‘sh*t’ after treatment and when I’d be ready for a G&T again! ‘You’ve got this, Josie,’ they’d encourage. These ladies weren’t sitting back staring mortality in the face, they were brilliant, funny women just happening to be going through treatment. We became great friends. It felt so good to have someone to laugh about it with who knew what I was going through. We entered the Brighton 10km race together in April 2017. It was a beautiful bright day, and we were laughing and egging each other on. I was between rounds of chemo, running bald, and everyone was so nice. All these runners kept coming past me – women mainly – calling out ‘I’m clear, five years, keep going!’ Then, ‘I’m clear, three years, keep going!’ It was powerful and uplifting. Then this one runner ran with me for a bit. She was a picture of health with gorgeous glossy black hair. ‘I had stage-four cancer, I thought I was a goner,’ she told me. ‘I ran all the way through my cancer and look at me now.’ ‘Wow,’ I said, gobsmacked. It really did give me hope. We ran for a bit together chatting
The group also makes time to enjoy less active moments
Josie had to break the news to husband Emlyn, plus their girls Tallulah, Roxie and Minty
‘I was drawn in by their gallows humour’ before she headed off – she was much faster than I was! Shortly before the finish line, struggling with the final kilometre, I was surprised to see her waiting for me. ‘Can I have a chat?’ she said, when I got to her. ‘Yes,’ I said, wondering what on earth she would say. ‘When I was at my lowest ebb, a woman in a cafe told me she’d been in exactly the same position,’ the woman said. ‘She took off her necklace with a silver butterfly on it and gave it to me, telling me to believe my life would be better than ever the other side of cancer. She called the necklace her “little butterfly of hope”.’ Then the ebony-haired runner, whose name I still don’t know, took off the same necklace and handed it to me. ‘Now it’s your turn. I’ve been wearing this for three years and now it’s your butterfly of hope. Your life will be better the other
side,’ she said. We hugged, cried and then off she went. This extraordinary moment of kindness and solidarity from a stranger inspired me to go home and write a book. I wanted it to be about the positive experiences that cancer brings – ones people don’t know about as they’re too busy being scared of it. I called it The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club, based on my experiences with my running gang. It’s a fictional novel but I did include the ‘butterfly of hope’ story. Now I’m 52 and thriving. I’ve got my all-clear and I still wear my butterfly of hope every day. I’m delighted that Posh Totty Designs, a jewellers in Brighton, are making butterfly necklaces to go with my book, so others can enjoy one too. One in eight women get breast cancer in this country and one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetimes, so it affects us all. I want to send the message that it doesn’t have to be frightening. It can help you realise what’s important in life and you will make the most amazing friends through it. My running ladies taught me that. O Josie Lloyd’s novel inspired by her experiences, The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club, is out now (HQ, £8.99).
WORDS: CLAIRE MCATEER
The lively ladies encourage each other to run far
KARMA BY: GABRIELLE MULLARKEY
rundling round the supermarket early on Saturday morning, looking at items now classed as ‘luxuries’, Trish felt a surge of frustration. She was tired of being skint, robbing Peter (the once optimistically christened ‘holiday fund’) to pay Paul (gas and electric) while haunting the ‘last chance to buy’ shelves. Of course, beggars couldn’t be choosers – lately she was always quoting that to Andy, her 15-year-old son. Since losing her job three months ago, it had become her official mantra. Her ex-husband Rob was neither mean nor detached from his son’s life, but he was somewhat… unreliable, including financially. His ‘unreliability’ had been a factor in him and Trish splitting eight years ago. Ever since, Trish had gone it alone, successfully. Until she’d been made redundant from her job as a PA. She’d loved that job, been good at it, but the Corona crisis had seen her edged, ever so gently, out of a revolving door with her yucca, personalised mug and a month’s salary in lieu. She’d applied for lots of jobs since, so far in vain. Hence her belt-tightening and new mantra. But now a surge of defiance complemented her frustration. Which propelled her
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towards the meat deli counter (one of the reasons she liked this supermarket). Under the circs, couldn’t they have a carnivorous treat this week? For example, those chilliinfused, farm-cured sausages she and Andy were partial to. ‘Careful, there’s still this month’s mortgage,’ murmured her inner Jiminy Cricket. ‘Oh come on!’ she snorted (mentally). ‘A few sausage butties are not going to break the bank!’ Besides, she still had a couple of irons in the fire – two jobs she’d interviewed for and had yet to receive the royal thumbs-down from.
She’d loved that job, but Corona had edged her out of the door Of course, it was a bit fatalistic anticipating the thumbs-down, even if neither job was exactly what she wanted or was qualified for. Still, beggars couldn’t be choosers… ‘Ah,’ said the nice man working at the deli counter. ‘Haven’t seen you darkening
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my slicer for a while. What’ll it be?’ She smiled and asked for the sausages, Deli Man handing over her tissue-wrapped purchase. Then, as she turned to go, something caught her eye at the edge of her trolley wheel. She’d almost run over it. A crumpled £10 note, edged with white fluff. Hah, nice one! What a find. That would more than pay for her impulsive treat. She was about to bend down and pick it up when she felt someone watching, and looked up. An elderly man met her eye, then looked away, embarrassed that she’d noticed the look of hope on his face. He must have seen the money at the same moment as her. He turned away, clutching his wire basket. In her mind’s eye, she saw him trudging home to a one-ring gas hob, money-off coupons propped against tea caddy… No – that was pigeonholing people! True, his coat had seen better days (just like hers) but that didn’t mean anything. He could be an eccentric trillionaire in disguise! Oh heck… In a moment of impulse, she about-turned and angled her trolley away from the money. ‘Miss! Wait up! Excuse me!’ Now flustered, the elderly chap
was following her, holding out the tenner he’d picked up instead. ‘Think you dropped this just now.’ She peered at the note. ‘Don’t think so.’ ‘But it was near you on the floor.’ ‘No, not mine,’ she shrugged. ‘Hand it in to customer services if you like. Or that gentleman on the deli counter. But do you mind taking responsibility for it? I’m in a terrible rush. Thanks!’ As she turned to go, she caught the eye of Nice Deli Man, who was frowning at her in a slightly knowing way. She sped off to an automated till and got out of the place as quickly as possible, her dignity
slightly compromised by a squeaky trolley wheel. On the way home, she reflected that she hadn’t been very gracious about surrendering the mini windfall. She’d shoved money at someone while assuming he needed it more than her, then legged it. She just hoped Nice Deli Man would intervene and make sure the elderly chap got the benefit. A tenner wasn’t going to change his life or anything, but might pay for an impulsive treat. Back home, Andy looked up from the lawnmower she’d asked him to take a look at fixing (unlike his dad, he was good with his hands). He wiped grease from
his cheekbone and said, ‘An envelope came for you. I left it behind the kettle.’ She was alert at once. They both knew this could be ‘news’. Job rejections usually came in the form of one-line emails or else you never heard back at all and eventually took the hint. Communication by actual letter was an exotic rarity. ‘Thick envelope?’ she asked nervously. ‘Not very,’ he admitted. ‘Ah.’ Thin was a bad sign. Like the one-line email, it usually indicated a short, ‘we regret to inform you’ missive. ‘Still,’ she said, ‘not like either job was right up my boulevard.’ One was for an office
manager (she lacked the right experience) and the other for a glorified dogsbody (she had too much experience). ‘Right,’ she decided. ‘No time like the present.’ She snatched up the envelope and ripped it open like ripping off a plaster, extracting and unfolding the letter, steeling herself to read it aloud for Andy’s benefit. Her eye ran down the page. ‘Well?’ asked Andy impatiently. ‘Which job is it for?’ ‘Office manager,’ she mumbled, then took a deep breath and read out, ‘we regret to inform you that you were not a suitable candidate at this time.’
‘Oh. Sorry, Mum.’ ‘Hold on, you haven’t heard the “however”,’ she said with a dazed expression. ‘There’s a “however”?’ ‘There is. However, we have recently recruited a new senior partner, Susan Jarvis, who is in need of a PA. Susan was a member of the panel at your interview and would like you to come in to discuss the role of PA further. If you are interested, her direct line is enclosed.’ ‘Mum, that’s awesome!’ gasped Andy. ‘That’s the sort of job you’ve wanted anyway.’ ‘It’s not in the bag yet,’ said Trish. But they both grinned at each other, Andy remarking, ‘Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, Ma.’ Hmm. She could have said the same thing to the chap in the supermarket. She left the letter propped against the kettle, then slipped off her seen-better-days-coat. If she did land this job, she’d buy a new coat straight off. Because, just as she’d suspected at the deli counter when she saw the tenner, there was a hole in the right pocket, which must have been deepening over time, sucking in a tenner she’d forgotten was there, until it fell out on a supermarket floor. She pulled out some more white fluff with a good chunk of lining. She didn’t believe in karma – officially. Rob even had a mantra of his own that sprang to mind: namely, that ‘no good deed ever goes unpunished’. Well, nuts to that, Rob, she thought with an inner chuckle. Maybe now and then a good deed or intention – even a small, impulsive gesture – did swing the balance in a person’s favour. She had given, and had received an unexpected windfall in return. Now she just had to make the most of it.
PICTURE: GETTY
best for FICTION
best GIRLS’ NIGHT IN...
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This week’s mustsee TV 1
Promising Young Women SKY CINEMA AND NOW TV
Carey Mulligan delivers a barn-storming performance in this feminist revenge thriller, played out in technicolour with a fabulous soundtrack. As Cassie, she is a medical school drop-out who spends her days working in a coffee shop and her nights intent on getting justice for her best friend, who died after being brutally raped. With a crackling script (which won an Oscar for writer Emerald Fennell), you will be hooked. Bo Burnham, Alison Brie and Laverne Cox also star.
UP G N I M O C
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The Witches of Eastwick
In this classic 1987 dark comedy, three single women in a village have their wishes granted at a cost, when a mysterious and flamboyant man arrives in their lives, to satisfy all their desires. Will good triumph over evil? With an exceptional starry cast, including Jack Nicholson, Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon.
1899 Netflix Eight episodes follow the mysterious circumstances around the voyage of a ship travelling from Europe to New York. When passengers discover a second ship adrift that has been missing for months, their journey takes an unexpected turn. What they find on-board will turn their journey into a nightmarish riddle. Starring Dunkirk’s Aneurin Barnard (left).
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BBC ONE, FRIDAY, 10.45PM
P CATCH U
THINGS HEARD AND SEEN Netflix Artist Catherine (Amanda Seyfried), her art lecturer husband George (James Norton) and their daughter leave city life in New York for a new beginning in the country. But once settled in their new house, Catherine begins to sense a darkness – both in her once-loving husband and their new abode. A ghostly tale.
Big Soap Story
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Inside the Balmoral: Scotland’s Finest Hotel FRIDAY, CHANNEL 5, 7PM NEW SERIES
Get your poshest frock on and prepare for some serious glamour, with this documentary which goes behind the scenes at one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious hotels. In the first episode, staff host France’s national rugby team and their entourage, in town for their Six Nations clash with Scotland. Ooh là là!
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When Natasha discovers from Sam that he’s been in touch with Nick, she confiscates his phone. Meanwhile, Sharon clocks that Sam and Natasha are due to have tea with Gail and tips off Harvey. As Sam approaches No. 8, Noddy lures him into his van, slams the doors shut and drives off. Meanwhile at No. 6, Cathy ignores Brian’s calls and tells a dismayed Yasmeen and Elaine that she has no intention of going anywhere. Simon gets concerned when Sam goes missing and Johnny is delighted to be home with Jenny.
Naked Attraction: Best Naughty Bits
TUESDAY, C4, 10PM NEW SERIES
A romp through the archive of the unconventional dating show, beginning with an episode of assorted ‘oh my God’ moments, and catching up with past participants including Judith, the breast cancer survivor from series five who played The Lord Is My Shepherd to potential dates.
T CORONATION STREE
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A Very Royal Baby: From Cradle to Crown
WEDNESDAY, C4, 9PM
As the world awaits the arrival of Harry and Meghan’s second child – a Californian girl who will be eighth in line to the throne, and eligible to run for US President – this film celebrates what it means to be born Royal. With archive footage and interviews.
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SHOWBIZ NEWS Emmerdale villagers will be celebrating Pride next month and who better to join the cast for the day than Drag Race UK’s first winner, The Vivienne. Playing her fabulous self, The Vivienne will make an appearance at Emmerdale’s first Pride day, which will see the village church and LGBTQ+ communities join forces for a day of celebration. ‘I am so happy that I will be part of Emmerdale’s first-ever Pride.’
EASTENDERS Sonia’s long-lost father, Terry Cant, arrives in the square (see page 76 for more on Brian Conley). Elsewhere, having come clean to Linda about his statement, a nervous Mick prepares for his day in court, Sharon pores over ideas for launching the gym and Frankie feels conflicted when Kathy asked her for a reference.
EMMERDALE
Kim makes a difficult phone call, as she asks her doctor for a proper dementia test. The next day, when Gabby spots the dementia appointment in the notebook, she urges Kim to keep it a secret from Jamie. Elsewhere, Vic talks to Ben and learns he’s not as over Aaron as he claims to be. She soon persuades Ethan to look for romance on dating apps. Matty is taken aback when Amy blurts out that she loves him – and doesn’t get the response she was hoping for.
Watch thing! ONE
Unbeatable BEHIND THE SCENES ‘Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne WITH best would be my ideal guests!’ In this new quiz hosted by 39-year-old funnyman – and dad-of-six! – Jason Manford, four contestants can give an answer – but can they give the ‘Unbeatable’ answer, and streak ahead of the competition to win a cash prize? Jason tells us more... Tell us about Unbeatable, what makes it different to other quizzes? What’s great about Unbeatable is that you can’t ever look stupid, because the answers are already on the screen – you just have to pick the best one. What attracted you to the role? Well, having done a lot of
game shows and big Saturday night shows you only get to do about six to eight per series. What’s nice about this is being able to do 50 of them, and get your teeth into it, Monday to Friday, and really be a part of people’s lives for a few weeks at a time. If you could go on any quiz show (apart from Unbeatable) as a contestant, which would it be? Well, if I’m honest, I’ve done most of them! I think the most fun is one like Catchphrase, which is just a bit silly. Mastermind, there’s too much pressure, and too much of a chance
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of looking stupid – although I’ve done that too. If there was going to be a celebrity version of Unbeatable, who would you invite on? It lends itself to a celebrity version at some point, definitely! But what I think it really lends itself to is a celebrity couples version. Especially couples who disagree with each other. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne would be my ideal guests – you can just see how that would play out, with them disagreeing with each other!
... AND OUT
3 FAB FILMS
TIME TO PUCKER UP! K.I.S.S.I.N.G VELVET UNDERGROUND, CHARLOTTE TILBURY
LIP GLOW GLOSS, TRINNY LONDON A real glow-getter, Sheer Shimmer is the little pot of temptation that adds a dewy glow and iridescence to anything it touches. For £16, this multitasking product can also be used as a blusher enhancer for cheeks. Head to trinnylondon.com
BERRY COLLECTION – MATTE LIPSTICK QUAD, BEAUTY BAY
What would be your best or worst topics for quiz questions? Ooh, well after watching 50 shows and speaking to all the contestants, you naturally think your best topic would be what you know most about, but I actually think what’s hard is the pressure of your strongest subject coming up and feeling like you have to know the answers. So, I think I would say football would actually be my worst topic – it should be my best, because I know most about it – but it would be my worst because the pressure to get it right would be high. O Unbeatable continues on BBC One, weekdays at 2.15pm.
TERMINATOR GENISYS 9pm, Friday, E4 In this Terminator reboot, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Emilia Clarke, John sends Kyle to the year 1984 to protect his mother from being killed. When the timeline is altered, Kyle asks her to travel to the year 2017, to stop an AI system that wants to end mankind.
This Matte Lipstick Quad features four pink, plum, and red hued matte lipsticks, to add that glam finish to any look. With an ultra-creamy, intensely pigmented formula, their smudgeproof finish lasts all day long, and has a sweet vanilla scent, for extra oomph! £24 for four at beautybay.com
SPRING CLEANING! HINCH YOURSELF HAPPY… Discover how to transform your home – aka ‘Hinching’ – with fabulous tips from the queen of clean herself, Mrs Hinch! Housework will no longer be something to dread, after you read her hit book, at £12.99 from amazon.co.uk. ’Tis the season to Spring clean, after all!
A QUIET PLACE 11.05pm, Friday, Channel 4 A brilliant postapocalpytic horror. The Abbott family are forced into a life of silence, as they hide from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing. But to survive, they must face the outside world. Starring real-life husband and wife, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt.
CLEANING MUSIC, SPOTIFY What better way to get motivated to do that mountain of dishes than in the company of Aretha Franklin, Fleetwood Mac, Shania Twain and more?! Head to the Cleaning Music playlist on Spotify and you’ll be singing the dirt away in no time. ALLURE DIFFUSER… Cleaning wouldn’t be complete with the finishing touch of a gorgeous home scent. At £16 from dusk.com, this Amber and Sandalwood reed diffuser has notes of tonka, vanilla and amber, creating the perfect ambience to unwind in.
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD AND DEIRDRE O’BRIEN PICTURES: AMAZON, BBC, CHANNEL 4, CHANNEL 5, FOCUS FEATURES, GETTY, ITV, NETFLIX, PARAMOUNT PICTURES, SKY, TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX, UNIVERSAL, WARNER BROTHERS
THE HEAT 9pm, Friday, ITV2 Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock star in this fun cop action comedy about an FBI agent. Sarah (Bullock) arrives in Boston to track an elusive drug lord. But before she can interrogate a lead, she must deal with Mullins (McCarthy), another cop who prefers to work solo.
It may be at the pricier end of the lippy market, but why not push the boat out, with this stunningly bright fuchsia moisturising lipstick?! At £25 you can wow the crowd after a year of no make-up. If red isn’t for you, there are 18 other colours to choose from at charlottetilbury.com
My dad? He’d say, ‘Good on yer, son!’ As he joins EastEnders to play Sonia Fowler’s dad, actor Brian Conley opens up to Tony Cowell about his career, depression and why laughter is always the best medicine in bad times…
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With his daughter Lucy
gets on with actress Natalie Cassidy, and pays tribute to his late dad - a huge EastEnders fan… In fact, he says: ‘I know for sure my dad’s looking down from above and saying “Good on yer, son!”’ Were you nervous about joining such an iconic soap? When they told me I had the part, I genuinely cried. To have that opportunity after sitting at home for so long was wonderful. I found lockdown so difficult and I think my wife and daughters were just happy
Instagram/realbrianconley
n a career spanning more than 40 years, Brian Conley, now 59, has presented the Royal Variety Performance eight times, starred in multiple awardwinning TV sitcoms and appeared in West End musicals including Me and My Girl, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Oliver! and Hairspray. Now he’s joining the cast of EastEnders as Sonia Fowler’s long-lost dad, Terry Cant. Here he opens up about playing the character, how he
Wife Anne-Marie helped Brian through lockdown
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to see me get out of the house. But, of course, I was nervous on my first day on the set. Weren’t you offered a part some years ago? I was, but the dates didn’t work out. I was doing a tour of the musical 9 to 5. So, I’m lucky to be able to join EastEnders now. What is it like to be playing alongside Natalie Cassidy? I was sitting in The Vic, surrounded by all these people I grew up watching and I thought to myself, ‘I can’t believe I’m here and I’m playing Natalie’s dad!’ It’s great to be guided by her because I have never done a soap before. She’s an incredible actress and we have some very emotional scenes together. Although there are some strange rules because of Covid – you have to bring in your own mug for tea and wash it up yourself, for example. I hear that EastEnders was your dad Colin’s favourite programme… It was, and when he got cancer and was housebound for the last six months of his life, he became obsessed with EastEnders, so it’s lovely to think he would have been so proud to see
Brian’s dad was a big fan of EastEnders
best for CELEBRITY
me in this show. I feel like I’ve come home. As you can imagine, being a Londoner and now being part of EastEnders is an incredible moment for me. You lost your dad 20 years ago, but you’ve been very open about the depression you suffered afterwards... We were incredibly close. My dad was a cabbie, but he’d worked in television before that. He had bowel cancer and died at 59 – the age I am today. He was my biggest fan and gave me the confidence to achieve my dreams. So, yes, I went into a bit of a depression after he died. You have achieved so much in over 40 years in the business. Is there still something that you’re determined to do? I’ve done everything, I’ve even done ballet for a charity show! The only thing I hadn’t done was a TV soap – so now I can cross that one off my list, too. I will hopefully do some more
Instagram/realbrianconley
The night Prince Philip winked at me! Brian encountere d
the late Duke of Edinburgh ofte n at the Royal Variety Performan ce. ‘I met him four times, to be exact,’ he recalls . ‘On the last occa sion we met he and the Queen ca me backstage to shake hands w ith the cast and I was last in the lin e-up. I chatted briefly to the Que en then he came up to me and said , “A you do in the show nd what did tonight?” Of course, he knew I hosted it – he was just being hi s normal cheeky self. As he walke d away, he looked back at me and w inked.’
Philip was being his ‘usual cheeky self’
Brian says he wouldn’t do Strictly again!
musical theatre, but right now I think I’m in the right place at the right time. Is it true you would love to be a judge on Britain’s Got Talent? [Laughs] I think I could contribute to that just because of all the things I have done in this business. I did a show on BBC Two years ago called Let Me Entertain You – which was way before BGT – so I love nurturing talent. You competed on Strictly in 2017 – how do you look back on that? Well, they call that show the best-known laxative in showbusiness. You are suddenly propelled into this incredible journey. I was a lot worse than I thought I would be. But, of course, I have some lovely memories of it, too, and made so many friends. Would I do it again? Probably not. You come across as a family man – and your videos of your mum on Twitter are very funny! Thank you. I just felt we are all in the same boat at the moment with Covid and the lockdown rules and I thought the only way I can get through this is to have a laugh and just hope people enjoy seeing us and get something out of it. Comedy is very important when times are bad. O EastEnders is on BBC One weeknights, except Wednesday.
PICTURES: BBC, GETTY
In the musical 9 to 5
r u o l o C therapy PICTURES: GETTY
Take some time out to unwind with one of these beautiful projects…
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best for STAYING IN
AIN R B R U O Y N I A TR
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If you need something to help keep your brain busy – look no further. Grab a pen and flex those intellectual muscles with these tantalising puzzles…
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SEARCH ME!
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an you find the words in the grid? They will be placed only once and may be either horizontal, vertical or diagonal and go either forwards or backwards. There is one word listed that isn’t in the grid – can you work out which one it is?
AUTHOR CHAPTERS CHARACTERS GLOSSARY GRAMMAR HARDBACK IDEAS IMAGINATION INDEX MANUSCRIPT
PAPERBACK PERSONIFICATION PLOT PROOFREADING PUBLISHER SPELLING STORY SYNOPSIS WORD PROCESSOR WRITER’S BLOCK
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WORD WHEEL
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ill the grid using the numbers from 1 to 9 only. Each number must appear once in every column, row and 3x3 square. Now, off you sudok-go! 7 6
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SUDOK-GO! 5 8 4 7 3 6 9 7 3 1 3 1 8 7 1 4 3 1 5 7 2 9 6 1 7 6 7 2 9 3 4 2 9 1 6
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ind as many words of three or more letters in the wheel as you can. Each word must use the central letter and a selection from the outer wheel – no letter may be used more times than it appears in the wheel. Can you find the nine-letter word?
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TURN OVER FOR MORE SOLUTIONS SEARCH ME Not hidden: Manuscript
WORDWHEEL Answer: Deceiving Words that can be made from the wheel include: ceding, cine, deceiving, deign, den, dicing, din, dine, divine, diving, end, endive, envied, even, evince, evinced, gene, genie, gin, given, icing, nee, need, nice, niece, vein, veined, vend, vine
SUDOK-GO! 5 6 4 3 8 2 9 1 7
8 9 3 7 6 1 2 5 4
1 7 2 5 4 9 3 6 8
9 5 1 4 3 7 6 8 2
4 3 6 2 1 8 5 7 9
7 2 8 9 5 6 1 4 3
KRIS KROSS
6 1 9 8 7 3 4 2 5 G R E N V I L L E
3 8 5 6 2 4 7 9 1
2 4 7 1 9 5 8 3 6
8 1 9 6 7 4 2 5 3
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E V A L T H P M A Y E E T C E C A L L A G H A N S E N Q R I F O U R N I B G I T L H E A T H I M A J O R
CODE NAME Key word: Acrobat R E P E R Q U O U J I N E R C E A T M E C N O T W I N R C I I D E R N T X A L O B S C U R E D
A I R M A N A A T A M I T R AW L R T A E P I S C E N R T A X P A H I F V T N E S N M H E S T R A S N E S T E P S W H C O R G I A A P M S Z E M E R G
M B L I B I S C A N Y P C O P A L R E Y E R S H R E K S N E U D N S H E L V E S H S L C Y I C H E A S A T E E N
All puzzles are kindly supplied by Richardson Puzzles & Games. Download your FREE (T&Cs apply) printable Giant Crossword Map of the World from richardsonpuzzlesandgames. com/free-puzzles
Love puzzles? an you fit all the words into the grid to complete the puzzle? Some words may initially fit in more than one place, but there is only one way to fit all the words together to complete the grid. The solution is below.
7 LETTERS ASQUITH BALFOUR CAMERON CANNING JOHNSON WALPOLE 8 LETTERS DISRAELI PERCEVAL THATCHER 9 LETTERS CALLAGHAN GRENVILLE
3 LETTERS MAY 4 LETTERS EDEN PEEL 5 LETTERS BLAIR HEATH MAJOR 6 LETTERS ATTLEE PELHAM WILSON
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KRISS KROSS best for STA AYIN NG IN N
Puzzles WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES
Use the anagrams, straight, cryptic, quiz and picture clues to solve the crossword. When completed correctly, the pink squares, reading top to bottom, left to right, will reveal the answer to the following question:
What big birthday does PICTURE C celebrate in August this year? (8) This is your prize answer. See below for details on how to enter. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross2121
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PICTURES: GETTY
ACROSS 1 PICTURE A Name this private investigator (6) 4 Which Margaret is a Canadian poet and author of The Handmaid’s Tale? (6) 7 Species of tall deciduous tree (3) 8 BUB HUB made a real racket! (6) 9 What type of chocolate, introduced in 2017, is marketed as the ‘fourth’ variety after milk, dark and white? (4) 10 Farewell, goodbye for now (5) 11 What is the French word for ‘black’? (4) 13 What is the name of the Japanese wine made with fermented rice? (4) 15 Spitting ___, satirical puppet
C show that returned for a new series on BritBox last year, after an absence of 24 years (5) 17 Look before you ___, expression (4) 19 Like a ___ to a flame, saying (4) 21 Which Prince is married to PICTURE C? (5) 23 Lima is the capital of what country? (4) 24 See 23D 25 Go wrong (3) 26 ANAGRAM RETTLE 27 Oloroso, Manzanilla and Fino are all types of what tipple? (6) DOWN 1 & 19D PICTURE C Who is she? (6,6) 2 I’m looking after ___ one!, expression (6) 3 Peach dessert
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E RY WEEK
TO ENTER CALL 0900 100 0334 (UK 65ppm)† / 1550 787032 (ROI 97cpm) †
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named after Australian soprano Dame Nellie (5) Astounding (7) What animal connects the nickname of soul singer Barry White to a Beatles song? (6) ANAGRAM FYED Naturally occurring mineral (3) What is a baby ferret called? (3) Complete the title of this epic poem
by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: The Rime of the Ancient ___ (7) 18 What is the name of Thailand’s largest island? (6) 19 See 1D 20 Period of a person or thing’s greatest success (6) 22 Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m ___, hit in 1970 for Stevie Wonder (5) 23 & 24A PICTURE B Who is this? (4,6)
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and current government guidelines, we are removing postal entries to our crossword for the mean time. This is to ensure our readers’ safety so that you don’t have to leave the house in order to enter the crossword competition. You can still enter using the numbers or website address at the top of this page. Please note, it may take longer than usual for us to process entries and select and award prizes to winners, due to the current situation. One entry per household. Phone and online entries to reach us by closing date of 4 June 2021. Winners will be drawn at random from correct entries received by phone and online. Names and counties of winners available on request. No correspondence can be entered into. The editor’s decision is final.
WINNING CHEQUES WILL BE MADE PAYABLE AND POSTED TO THE NAME AND ADDRESS PROVIDED IN THE PHONE ENTRY. *For full T&Cs see p3. We will use the information you supply to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice visit hearst.co.uk/ privacy-notice.
ANSWERS MEGA CROSSWORD
16/2021 PRIZE ANSWER: TOGETHER ACROSS 6 Locum, 8 Eager, 10 Loire, 11 Catalan, 12 Ebb, 13 Anagrams, 15 Melville, 16 Nee, 19 Romania, 21 Shell, 22 Erode, 23 Leave. DOWN 1 Billie, 2 Alfie Boe, 3 Acre, 4 Meat-free, 5 Trunk, 7 Michael Ball, 9 Gel, 13 Advanced, 14 Monterey, 17 Eilish, 18 Greed, 20 Moo, 21 Seal. Phone and online entries open 18 May 2021 until midnight on 4 June 2021. Over 18s only. †UK Calls cost 65p per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge; ROI 97c per min, and should last no longer than 2 mins. UK SP: Spoke (0333 202 3390). ROI SP: Spoke (0818 205 403).
For more information on advertising call 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk
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6Summer
reasons to take a
Seacation! Fed up of being grounded? Then why not try a short break with a difference and stay-cation at sea on the Regal Princess…
Premium drinks are included, so bottoms up!
1
THIS SHIP IS SUPER GLAM… & AFFORDABLE!
She’s longer than the Shard and just as glamorous, with 19 decks ready to explore. The new Princess Plus package offers allinclusive premium drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi and gratuities, plus fine dining. For an extra treat, book yourself in for an indulgent treatment at the ship’s Lotus Spa (extra costs apply).
2
THE FOOD IS (MOSTLY) FREE
PICTURES: GETTY
Take advantage of 24-hour room service, and fine dining in the main dining rooms, featuring menus created by a team including celebrity chef, Curtis Stone. It’s all included in the package. The ship offers options to suit all taste buds, from croissants at the 24-hour International Cafe to the Best Pizza at Sea.
3
Don’t fancy a dip? Chill out by the pool
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NEED TO UNWIND?
Find a spot by the freshwater pool and enjoy the breathtaking sea views, and don’t forget to order a drink while you’re at it, to – the ship’s OceanMedallion technology allows you to order direct to your sunlounger. Looking for the ultimate escape? Pay a visit to The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat offering a relaxing paradise.
There’s nothing like soaking up sea air in style
best for ESCAPES A magical light show under the stars will dazzle
The SeaWalk adds a touch of ‘glass’ to ocean cruising
Don’t miss a lavish show
With lavish West End-style shows nightly, a cabaret lounge, music and dancing, whether it’s tapping your toes to cover bands, singing along in the piano bar, relaxing to classical strings or dancing the night away in the club, you’ll find something to suit!
5 6
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
Most nights (weather permitting) films are shown in the main pool area, so grab an ice cream, a snack or a cocktail, settle down on a lounger or enjoy the dazzling WaterColor Fantasy light show and a nightly film.
WALKING BACK TO HAPPINESS
The Regal Princess has a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship! So take a stroll and view the ocean without leaving the ship! Called the SeaWalk®, it’s the perfect place to do your daily steps. And for the super-fit there is an onboard gym, so pack some trainers!
Princess Cruises are offering you an all-inclusive three-night Summer staycation in a room with a balcony from just £389 per person! Only available to those of us who have been fully vaccinated – and we are giving away a trip for one reader and their guest. Turn over for details.
*ALL PRICES WERE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS
4
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
NOW SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
best GIVEAWAY
! n i W
Worth over
The Sanctuary is the perfect place to unwind
£1180!
A 3-NIGHT SUMMER SEACATION WITH CRUISES! Longing to get away from it all? One lucky best reader and their guest can win an all-inclusive three-night Scenic Summer Seacation on Regal Princess. The Regal Princess boasts a number of state-of-the-art facilities to ensure your break is plain sailing…
B
oarding at and returning to Southampton, the ship will sail for three nights, during which time you’ll able to enjoy everything the Regal Princess has to offer. The winner and their guest will have a choice to depart on the Regal Princess on one of three dates – 7 August 2021, 14 August 2021 and 21 August 2021. You will receive the all-inclusive full-board package which includes fine dining in the main dining rooms, casual eateries, 24-hr room service, drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Take advantage of the unique and exclusive
OceanMedallion technology, a wearable device which enables everything from touch-free boarding to easily locating your guest on the ship. Order drinks to your sunlounger by using the MedallionClass app, and take in the scenic sea views by the pool. For a truly relaxing experience, take to The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat, or indulge in some me-time at the Lotus Spa. As for entertainment, you’re spoilt for choice. The lavish Princess Theatre will be showing their production, Bravo, an extravaganza that promises to bring you to
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your feet with the perfect blend of classic light opera and pop music. The ship also boasts a poolside amphitheatre to enjoy Movies Under the Stars. The Regal Princess will also be home to celebrity guest speakers including Judge Rinder (7 August), Eddie the Eagle (14 August) and Valerie Singleton (21 August). Finally, unwind before bed at Vines wine bar, enjoying a selection of drinks from around the world, with complimentary tapas and antipasti with any wine purchase. You won’t want to leave! To be in with a chance of winning, see ‘how to enter’.
Catch Valerie Singleton on 21 Aug
Judge Rinder will make an appearance on 7 Aug
Cosy up for a movie – or the footie – under the stars
Delicious cocktails are on offer
HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best2121a by 4 June 2021. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2736 by midnight on 4 June 2021. Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and will last no longer than two minutes. Charges for mobiles may be higher. Phone line closes at midnight on 4 June 2021. If you call after this time, you will not be entered but you may be charged. Service provided by Spoke: 0333 202 3390. T&Cs: Winner will be selected at random from entries received by phone/online. We will use the information you provide to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice, please see hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice. For full terms and conditions, see below.
*TERMS & CONDITIONS: PRINCESS CRUISES VACCINE POLICY: Given the advanced progress of the UK vaccination programme and strong expressed preference on the part of Princess Cruises’ guests for the limited series of UK coastal cruises, including the UK sailings on Regal Princess on departure dates 7 August 2021, 14 August 2021 and 21 August 2021, will be for UK resident, COVID-19 vaccinated guests only. For these cruises the definition of ‘vaccinated’ is a minimum of seven days following the second dose of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines being administered. Proof of vaccination and the dates given will be required (approved forms of evidence will be confirmed closer to time of departure) and this will be required to be shown at the terminal prior to boarding. Failure to provide this evidence will result in denial of boarding. There is no age restriction on this series of UK coastal cruises but all guests of all ages must meet the requirements of the COVID-19 vaccination policy. All other Princess Cruises holidays currently on sale do not require guests to be vaccinated. HEARST: Open to UK residents aged 18 and over. To enter visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/best2121a or call 0901 027 2736 by midnight on 4 June 2021. Entries in the incorrect format will not be considered. This competition opens on 18 May 2021 and closes at midnight on 4 June 2021. Entries received after the closing date will not be considered. The prize is an all-inclusive three-night Scenic Summer Seacation on Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess for two people in a balcony cabin, with ‘all-inclusive’ including; full-board dining, premium drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi and gratuities. The prize is provided by Carnival plc trading as Princess Cruises (“Princess Cruises”). One (1) winner will be selected from all of the correct entries. The winner will win a three-night Summer Seacation for themselves and a guest, sailing round-trip from Southampton (UK) with a choice of departure dates on either; 7 August 2021, 14 August 2021 or 21 August 2021 and is subject to availability including accessible cabins. Full details of the ship and cruise can be found at: princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/uk/summer-seacations. The prize includes accommodation, on board main meals (excluding speciality restaurants in which a cover charge will apply), entertainment and most facilities onboard. Prize does not include travel insurance (adequate insurance is a condition of travel), travel to or from the ship, parking in Southampton, shore excursions, spa treatments and personal expenses. The winner and their guest must have a full valid passport (with validity for six months or more beyond the date of travel), to take the trip, be vaccinated in line with Princess Cruises COVID-19 vaccination policy as set out above and will be bound by Princess Cruises’ booking terms and conditions (visit princess.com). Princess Cruises reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value and reserves the right to withdraw the prize where it becomes necessary to do so, including but not limited to where the cruise is cancelled for reasons outside of Princess Cruises’ reasonable control or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 or Princess Cruises, or their immediate families, Princess Cruises’ 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 will be contacted personally using the contact details provided upon entry. It is assumed that you have the permission of your employer for any time off work which is required to claim the prize. The dates specified for the prize cannot be altered and Hearst Magazines or the third party are not liable in any way to any winner who cannot attend. Winner will be notified once selected. Winner will have five (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 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 and the prize cannot be transferred. We will use the information you supply to process your competition entry. For our privacy notice visit hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice. Hearst 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.
*ALL PRICES WERE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS
Soak up the sea views as you dine
best for CELEBRITY
She famously loves a ramble, and for Janet Street-Porter, walking has helped her through some dark moments…
Walking back to happiness I
Reese goes rambling in the film Wild
your way,’ she insisted. ‘It’s cheaper than therapy and just as effective!’ And if you’re lacking in motivation, Janet recommends the 2014 film Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon – about a troubled young woman who hikes more than 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. ‘It tells the true story of Cheryl Strayed, a young woman whose life had hit rock bottom. Her beloved mother had unexpectedly died of cancer, her unsatisfactory marriage had ended in divorce, and Cheryl obliterated her pain using heroin and having sex with total strangers.’ But Cheryl’s gruelling journey ultimately heals her. ‘Gradually, not just her blisters and her grazes heal, but her mind calms, and she finds inner peace. It’s a story that will resonate with lots of people,’ Janet explained. Walking has always helped Janet in the most turbulent times in her life, as the fourtimes-married presenter revealed, opening up about a painful break-up. ‘A few years ago now, to escape a horrible marriage,
Janet walks to clear her head
I walked out of my house in Central London with just a small rucksack, not telling my partner where I was going,’ she recalled. ‘I’d decided to follow water, so I walked down to the River Thames, turned right and followed it all the way to Brentford in West London and the start of the Grand Union Canal. ‘I spent the first night at a friend’s house and the next day walked right around North London, following the canal up to Watford. Over the next
few days, I followed towpaths to Northampton.’ The walk cleared her mind. ‘Gradually, I forgot all about this destructive relationship. I started listening to birds and the water was extremely calming. It only took four days to exorcise that awful bloke from my mind — he would inflict no more pain or negativity in my life.’ Sometimes, as Janet says, the path to a better life is just about taking that vital first step.
‘Itt’s ch heap per than thera apy and d justt as efffec ctive e’ FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 89
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY, YOUTUBE/SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
t’s National Walking Month, and straighttalking Loose Woman Janet Street-Porter, 74, has called on the nation to forgo the diet, and get moving! ‘Forget the dieting, yoga, juicing or meditation. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep up a steady pace – and you will be able to deal with anything life throws
SAVE the best for LAST
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Indulge in a little me time with these bathroom buys SOFTLY DOES IT Body firming gel, £3, Primark
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ROUGH AND TUMBLE Tumbler, £3, George at Asda
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LATHER UP Soap, £5.49, Dr Bronner’s
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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