It’s still pretty cold at home
so, last week, I couldn’t
believe my luck to be invited
to the naming of P&O Cruises
new ship, the Arvia, alongside
Nicole Scherzinger, the ship’s
singing godmother, Olly
Murs, Alex James from Blur,
DJ Sara Cox, Trevor Nelson,
wine expert Olly Smith, the
list went on.
It was the hottest ticket in
Barbados because there ain’t no
party like a P&O Cruises party!
But that wasn’t the reason I was
so delighted. This 19-deck ship
offers, well, pretty much anything
your heart desires. You can eat
almost anything at almost any
time (I adored the sushi in Green
and Co). There is a theatre with
shows, a sky dome where you can
watch movies under the stars, a spa,
shops, excursions galore and even
an escape room experience (let’s be
honest, we all like to escape from it
all now and then).
So, if you, like me, just need to
get away from it all for a bit, pick
up next week’s best
– it really might be
time to say
#HelloArvia.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
SIOBHAN WYKES
•Please let me know your thoughts, siobhan.wykes@hearst.co.uk
ON THE COVER 59 Win! A Majority home 12 Style: Back to basics!
8 Ruth: ‘This is not the life entertainment bundle 20 We’re all talking about
they were expecting’ – 72 Jack Whitehall: Mummy, 22 Style: Ready, set, go!
Fresh fears for daddy & me! 26 Beauty: Shower saviours!
Eamonn’s health 84 Win! £550 puzzle prizes 28 Beauty: Rescue me…
9 Viewers fuming: Lorraine 30 Homes: Faux real!
‘a simpering cringe fest’? SHOWBIZ 36 Recipes: Dinner for two
16 Saving my sanity: Pills 10 Anneka Rice 38 Food in a flash
got me through my 14 Helen Lederer 40 Homes: Bathroom blitz
divorce… 19 Carol McGiffin 42 Pets: Animal instinct!
29 Win! A luxury escape at 51 Elvis Presley mini-mag 46 Dear Vanessa
ITV, SHUTTERSTOCK THIS PAGE: GETTY, NICKY JOHNSTON
COVER PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM/EAMONNHOLMES,
the Celtic Manor Resort 62 Rebecca Fletcher 48 Cash advice: 10 simple
31 Susanna: ‘Polite? I don’t 67 Jenny Eclair steps to overcoming debt
feel the need to be’ 71 Prince Edward 60 Spring clean your mind
34 The vitamin diet: 78 Claudia Jessie 68 Fiction
Knowing your ABC can 85 John Bishop 70 Your stars
help you drop 6lbs 74 Girls’ night in… and out
39 Win! Cadbury’s Creme REAL LIFE 80 Colour therapy
Easter Egg, worth £6 24 ‘I’m so proud of my son’ 82 Puzzles: Fun at home
43 Why DJ Sara Cox plans 32 Reunited with my 86 Travel: Theme park thrills!
to get happily ‘leathered’ long-lost brother 90 Treat yourself for
over family split 64 The Murdaugh murders: under a tenner
44 Rude Britannia! A family destroyed
Whatever happened
Hearst Magazines UK is a trading name
to good manners? REGULARS of The National Magazine Company
54 Lisa Marie Presley: 4 Start your week Limited (Registered in England number
112955) whose registered offices are at
Destined to die young? with a smile 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ.
FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 3
 UR
STAR

eek
T
w
Y
iO
th
w
te
/ la
m re
g ra n _
a a
st _c
In r t s
ve
t ro
in

WE KNOW
THE FEELING!
Introverts, this

1 one’s for you.

We could not
stop laughing at
this hilarious meme
of a panda looking like
he’s done with life. The
caption? ‘Finally having my
own space after hanging
out with extroverts all
day.’ We hear you!

The Instagram/iris.apfel

Iris
Barbie!
Life in plastic
looks fantastic
for Iris Apfel…
Celebrating
National
Barbie Day
4
WORDS: HELEN PIKE, DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD AND RACHEL COPE

(yes, really!)
recently, the
101-year-old
New York fashion
icon revealed her
own personal
Barbie (based
on herself) to her
2.5M Instagram
PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM

followers. She
wrote, ‘Two Barbie
girls living in a
Barbie world!’
Just when we
thought we
couldn’t love this
legend any more.

4 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 Who wowed best this WEEK
the crowd?
The carpet may n
been red at this ye ot have YJDDƠ]&YDųdģĥŴ
but the dress gam ar’s Oscars, Love Island star
ew
We love the train o as still strong. Jack Keating,
Jessica Chastain’s n 45-year-old
Guc
Nicole Kidman, 5 ci dress, while
5
flourish to her Arm , adds a floral
24, became a
dad to a baby
girl last week,
3
ani P with his former
And Jennifer Con rivé gown. girlfriend, artist
ne
doesn’t need jewe lly, 52, Keely Iqbal.
llery w
this Louis Vuitton ith He revealed
the surprise
outfit. news with this
gorgeous black-
and-white
Insta shot –
and it makes
his handsome
popstar dad
Ronan a grandad

Instagram/jackkeating11
– at the tender
age of 46! We
bet the former
The absence Boyzone star is
of a Red proud as punch…

s s wi
Bli LINDTth
Carpet
couldn’t stop
these stars
looking red
hot in their
Lindt Master
Chocolatiers, known
for its irresistible
LINDOR
range of smooth
dazzling melting chocolates,
has done it again
with a new enticing
dresses flavour for Spring –
Lindor Blood Orange
Chocolate Truffles.
Available for £6 in
Lindt stores, online
and at supermarkets
nationwide, the
luxuriously smooth,
delicate Swiss milk
chocolate melts in
your mouth as the
blood orange taste
pops when you hit
the centre, elevating
the taste sensation.
5
Yum!
 UR
STAR

eek
T
w
Y
iO
th
w
Now
Fashion
throwback
From Neighbours actress to iconic
6 pop star, Kylie Minogue, 54, has gone
through many a style transformation
since the Eighties. We have serious
nostalgia seeing Kylie in this cut off waistcoat,
which has been swapped for something far
smarter in the 21st century. Snappy!

GIRLS Twit ter/@Fern_Britton

JUST
WANNA
WORDS: HELEN PIKE, RACHEL COPE, DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY

HAVE We just
FUN… can’t get
Fern Britton and
Zoe Ball looked
like they were
Kylie’s
having a great time
last week, over
smart new
a bottle of vino.
From the looks on
look out
their faces, they
were indulging in
of our
a right gossip-
fest! Former
This Morning
presenter Fern, 65,
8 heads!

posted the snap

on Twitter, writing,
‘Falling into bad
company…’ Is that
you Fern, or Zoe?!

6 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best this WEEK

Instagram/wc2w
]d.{%]+.JDŴ
d+
Crafty reader
Wendy Howitt –
who featured in
best last week,
personalises
7
clothes, as well as
making items out
of crisp packets and
cardboard boxes.
The vintage clothes
lover adores any
excuse to dress up,
especially when
her outfit is made
from issues of her
favourite magazine!

Then
Wendy made this
incredible creation
herself. How
fabulous! Follow
her on Insta at
@wc2wh.
Instagram/shirliekemp

9
Dr Doolittle
Irish ‘Supervet’ Noel Fitzpatrick, 55, took care
of none other than Martin and Shirlie Kemp’s
pooch, Oscar, recently – and even read him
a little bedtime story (his own book!). Singer
Shirlie, 60, referred to Noel in an Insta post as an
‘amazing human’, revealing poor little Oscar had
a back op due to chronic disc problems. He was
clearly in the best of hands, though!
10
Ƙ=%.DV=DdVJuY
It’s time to come clean when it comes to your mani, and Nails.INC is
helping you do just that with its Plant Power collection. Available from
Nailsinc.com at £9 each, the long-lasting, plant-based formulas are
free from parabens and acetone. We loved In My O-Zone, a light peach
shade, which is easy to apply and gives nails a lovely sheer coat of colour.
best for CELEBRITY
Sometimes, life deals the toughest
hand, and you just have to grin
and bear it. Such is the case with
showbiz couple Eamonn and Ruth…
Fresh
fears for
Eamonn’s
health
B
elfast-born
presenter Eamonn
Holmes, 63, has been
battling chronic back pain
for some time.
The GB News presenter,
who had surgery to alleviate his
symptoms, took to Instagram
recently, sharing a photo of
himself in a harness ‘learning to
walk with purpose’. A couple of
days previously he had shared a
rather shocking photo of himself
during a session at a Neurokinex
centre, which offers activity-
based rehab for people living
with paralysis.
Eamonn captioned the shot,
‘Training with my eyes closed.
It’s all about regaining my
balance. Hard work made harder
Instagram/eamonnholmes
Learning to
walk ‘with
purpose’
8 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
balancing on one leg.’
Wife and Loose Women
panellist Ruth Langsford, 63
– who must be worried sick –
simply commented, ‘Keep going x.’
Eamonn’s latest health battles,
which he has described as ‘soul-
destroying’, began in early 2021,
with severe back pain – and he
was left walking with a stick.
He later discovered the cause
was three slipped discs, affecting
movement in his right leg. But the
situation deteriorated last May
while in Belfast to host an event
in honour of Gloria Hunniford.
The news anchor ended up in
A&E at the city’s Royal Victoria
Hospital, after spinal problems
caused bladder and bowel issues –
and was admitted for emergency
Eamonn’s been
walking with a
stick for a while
surgery that was postponed for
being ‘too complicated’.
In an interview, Eamonn
explained: ‘I was crushed. I had
been in severe pain for a year,
and I desperately hoped this
might be the answer.’
After nine days’ observation,
he returned to England and
a packed working schedule,
including live coverage in
September of the Queen’s death.
Eamonn eventually went
under the knife later that month,
revealing that the op went well –
except surgery left him
with a weakened left leg.
Then, just over two
weeks into his recovery,
Eamonn suffered a
devastating accident,
falling down 18 stairs at
the couple’s Surrey home,
hitting the stone floor.
‘Thhiss is nott th
he
liffe th
hey wer re
expectin ng’’
It could have been worse, but
Eamonn broke his shoulder and
his legs were further weakened.
It must be difficult for doting
wife Ruth to watch on and be
unable to help – except, of course,
giving her emotional support.
Online commentators were
swift to offer theirs, too. One
WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: ALAMY, INSTAGRAM, SHUTTERSTOCK
wrote, ‘Sad to see the pain etched
on his face so clearly. At least he
has Ruth to keep his spirits up,
but they will both be aware this is
not the life they were expecting.
For better or worse though. I’m
sure if Ruth had health issues,
Eamonn would support her too.’
Another added, ‘Holmes has
suffered terribly for years with
ailing back and legs. He is a good
man and deserves our sympathy.’
We, too, wish Eamonn the
speediest of recoveries. He’s been
suffering for too long.
 best for CELEBRITY

S
ome perturbed viewers of ITV
chatshow Lorraine were left
shaking their heads recently,
as the bubbly Scot interviewed
acting royalty, Dame Helen Mirren.
During the video call, Helen opened up
about a permanent injury she sustained on
the set of her latest film, Shazam! Fury of the
Gods, in which she plays a vengeful goddess.
But viewers were quick to slam the chat as
‘embarrassing’ and ‘cringe’.
Explaining that it was an injury she would
take ‘to the grave’, Helen said, ‘In fact, I
broke my finger, rather famously.’
The glamorous 77-year-old, who is
married to US director Taylor Hackford,
added: ‘You see that bent finger, that straight
finger. I now call it my Shazam finger. I’ll take
it to the grave with me.’ She said: ‘I’ve worn
some heavy costumes in my life. Nothing
compares to the heaviness of these costumes.
‘But of course, being an actress, it gives
you swagger. That was the great thing about
the cloak and the roman skirt swishing
around, all made of real leather, it was very,
very heavy. We were shooting in Atlanta in
the middle of Summer, which is notoriously
hot and moist. So, we were very hot and
moist in our costumes.’
Responding to Dame Helen’s confession, a

‘A simpering
certain Claire tweeted, ‘Ouch’, while another
viewer wrote, ‘How can Helen Mirren break
the fashion rules for a lady in her 70s? Are
there rules?’ Another fan wrote: ‘Moist still
sounds horrendous as a word even coming

cringe fest’? out of Helen Mirren’s mouth.’

Fans were left fuming after Lorraine Kelly’s
‘embarrassing’ interview with Helen Mirren
WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: GETTY, ITV, WARNER BROS
But others took aim at Lorraine’s
interview style, as she spoke admiringly
to the national treasure.
‘Why is Lorraine chatting to Helen Mirren
like a kid?!’ Ange questioned. While Allie
said: ‘Using every complimentary word in
the dictionary to gush over Helen Mirren,

behave, woman, it’s embarrassing.’

With hubby Another social media user penned: ‘Ugh
Taylor get a grip, Lorraine, you’re such a bloody
sycophant. “It’s amazing, you’re amazing,
your hair’s amazing, OMG, I love you”. It’s
embarrassing. No surprise Helen looked
like she wanted to roll her eyes a few times
in that interview.’
Michelle wrote: ‘The Helen Mirren
interview was a simpering, cringe fest as
always with Lorraine.’
Oh, dear. All we can say is, you could tell
Lorraine is a huge fan, and was clearly
honoured to be speaking to Dame Helen.
Was the actress a little bemused by her
Fans criticised manner? Possibly.
Dame Helen plays a villain Lorraine’s But hey, maybe we wouldn’t be at the
in Shazam! Fury of the Gods interview style top of our game either, confronted by one
of Britain’s biggest stars!

FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 9
 ‘Being useful
makes life less
overwhelming...’
Nineties icon Anneka Rice is back on our screens,
and here, shares some of her biggest challenges...
A
nneka Rice’s
Nineties show
Challenge Anneka
was the highlight of many
a telly fan’s week – so
imagine the delight, 30
years later, that she’s back
on our screens for more
laughter and tears, with
Dave the Soundman and
a team of enthusiastic
volunteers. The 64-year-
old says the show’s
nostalgic format hasn’t
changed much since the
original – and at the heart
of it, as ever, are acts of
kindness. Here, the Welsh
native talks about her
favourite challenges.
Anneka, for new viewers,
tell us about yourself …
Well, I started my career on a
BBC training course, aged 17 and
spent two years working for the
World Service. Then I ran away
With her
youngest
son
rt
Instagram/annekaricea
10 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
to Hong Kong and ended up as a
newsreader, at 21. Refugees from
Vietnam were arriving in small
boats, after treacherous journeys.
Sounds tough…
Oh, I ended up working at a
huge refugee camp. It made
me realise how being useful
was a great thing. It stopped
me feeling lonely and out of my
depth. As AA Milne wrote about
Piglet. ‘Piglet was so excited at
the idea of being Useful that
he forgot to be frightened any
more.’ I thought of this when
I was devising the format
for Challenge. Humans are
hardwired to be altruistic.
It makes us look outwards –
makes life less overwhelming.
What should we expect
from the new series?
Apart from Satnav in the
buggy, and being able to access
people online, rather than
sifting through Yellow Pages,
In Romania,
for Challenge
Anneka
viewers will find it weirdly
similar! It’s still about shining a
spotlight on the disenfranchised
and harnessing the power of
television as a force for good.
Most memorable moment
from the original series?
How attitudes have changed.
We made a commercial for the
British Paralympics Association
30 years ago, when few people
understood about how you
could swim if you had no legs,
or ski if you were blind. Ours
went out in cinemas and opened
the discussion. Now disabled
athletes are our biggest heroes.
One of the biggest
challenges you did?
The renovation of the orphanage
in Romania. When Monica
McDaid, a schoolteacher from
Solihull, wrote in she had no idea
her life would change forever.
The whole of the UK seemed
to get behind this project. Aid
poured in, we were offered an
aeroplane, doctors, builders, the
army came to help. But none of
us knew what would greet us.
And what did greet you?
The orphanage was home
to 700 neglected children of
indeterminable age. All shaved
and badly malnourished. We
were greeted by a horrific sight,
babies tethered, two to a cot,
lying without nappies, rocking
to comfort themselves, in the The show is back,
dark. Raw sewage ran along and so are Anneka’s
famous outfits!
open drains in the corridors.
 best for CELEBRITY
Challenge
Anneka is
always with me!
Challenge Anneka, as its namesa
ke
says, ‘never goes away’! She
adds, ‘When my waxwork hung in
Madame Tussauds, I was hangin
g
off a winch in a jumpsuit in the foy
er.
When I went from Treasure Hunt
to
Challenge, they just swapped the
jumpsuit and put a paintbrush in
my
hand.’ She adds, ‘On Strictly I arr
ived
by helicopter hanging off a wire
before the cha-cha-cha with Kevin
Clifton to ‘Anneka, you’re always
on Anneka’s
the run now’ instead of ‘Gloria’. On
challenges
Bake Off, the producers asked me
to keep coming!
come in full Lycra jumpsuit mode!
’
How heartbreaking…
After the Challenge we were
utterly shell-shocked. Burly
builders were openly weeping.
Monica realised she could never
leave. She stayed on and was there
for 30 years! She’s a true heroine
and has been given the highest
humanitarian award in Romania.
So, can we still expect the
buggy, Dave the Soundman
and some signature outfits?
Everything is as it should be!
This time the truck opens out to
form a giant production office.
I upcycled some old outfits, as I
have a wardrobe full of Lycra, but
we filmed in Winter, so all hopes
of looking glamorous flew out the
window. I got a hair and make-up
lady – exciting – I’d never had
this before. It was lovely for 10
minutes but I quickly realised
I was never going to have time
to see a hairdryer again. So, I
look as I always used to look.
Rainswept and dishevelled.
Tell us about some stories
that touched you…
I was hugely touched by the
dementia project. I work for
Alzheimer’s Research UK and I
know how loneliness and illness
can impact a person and their
families. Our project in the Wirral
was to build an entire memory
village, with everything from
a pub, record shop,
bakers, cinema, you
name it. Ridiculously
over-ambitious, and
we didn’t finish in
time, but in Challenge
tradition, we stayed on.
What did you
base it on?
The Dutch have a
brilliant attitude to the
elderly and dementia,
and this village mimics
what they’ve been
doing for years. It
means that people
with little memory or
capacity can wander
around safely, go into
shops, where they’ll
find care staff to help them.
What a beautiful idea…
There was one lady for whom
Elvis was the only person she
could remember, and to see
her happily sitting in the record
shop clutching an album of Elvis
cracked my heart wide open. We
had a singsong in the pub – the
dementia gang didn’t know why
they were there, but they burst
into word-and-pitch-perfect
renditions of Danny Boy and My
Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean. At
that moment, the rain eased and
a rainbow arched over the village.
It was mind-blowing. Especially
as Dave the Soundman had
dressed up as a Sixties hippy.
Challenge is full of acts
of kindness. Tell us about
unexpected kindnesses
you’ve received…
I brought up my three children
alone, so I was always dependent
PICTURES: C5, GETTY. INSTAGRAM. YOUTUBE
on the kindness of communities.
You can find your community
anywhere. I found mine at the
school gate and among the
Challenge team. My boys grew
up playing in the truck, having
lunch with Dave the Soundman,
digging holes with enormous
hard hats on their heads.
OChallenge Anneka
continues on Saturdays,
at 8.50pm on Channel 5.
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‘I want to be bad !’
Comedian and writer Helen Lederer talks about her
Comedy Women in Print Awards, Ab Fab, her raunchy
new play and why she needs to let her hair down…

the Comedy Women Gallen, who made our judges

H
elen Lederer is
a woman on a in Print awards? laugh – we all need to laugh!
mission. Firstly, I wrote a book on the train The unpublished authors – that’s
to shout loudly with her that I thought was laugh-out- the dream-come-true section.
Comedy Women in Print loud funny called Losing It. They get published by Harper
Awards that women are And suddenly, I realised that a Collins – and the runners-up
fantastically witty, and prize for witty women writers get an MA course worth about
many have books inside did not exist, so I decided to £7,000. The third category is
us that never get written launch my own awards. Wit short stories – some of those
– so get penning, ladies! in women is a powerful tool. winners are going to appear
But also, to enjoy being It makes people happy. in best, so keep your eyes out.
‘bad’ (it’s been a tough
four years), to finish her You say ‘women have long Can you tell us about
memoir – oh, and to dive been under-represented as the ‘never published
into a ‘raunchy’ play drivers of wit’. Great line… before’ book winner?
just after her awards We’ve always been there, society That’ll be revealed on the night,
on 17 April. A dynamo just hasn’t been comfortable with but Rebecca Rogers was last
full of ideas (and funny us having visible roles. I’ve been year’s winner. There were tears
observations on life), a comedian since the Eighties in the room – she squealed and
the Welsh comedian and had my share of rejections. said, ‘I can give up my job at the
and writer, 68 – known I want to fast-track the witty Job Centre now!’ It was moving.
for Happy Families, women that never dreamt of Her book, The Purgatory
Absolutely Fabulous being published. I drive myself Poisoning, is so funny. There are
(she was dippy Catriona, nuts with admin, but I’m a lot of people called ‘Dave’ in it.
remember?!), not to passionate about it. Meera Syal It has such an original twist.
mention her books and was given Wittiest Writer of the
ability to rock at comedy Year last year – she’ll present the And tell us more about your
– tells us more… award to this year’s recipient. comedy novel, Losing It…
It’s written through the eyes of
You’re known as a There are three categories, Millie, a woman not a million
comedian, but what are aren’t there? miles from me – or your Editor-
Yes. One for published authors in-Chief (she won’t mind me
– such as Monica Ali, Michelle saying that) – who finds herself
helenlederer

in debt, divorced and desperate.

She was given the opportunity
to get paid to take a herbal diet
Instagram/Instagram/

pill, but had to lose weight within

a certain timeframe – so the
stakes were high. I just wanted
somebody to laugh on the
Tube, reading it. And somebody
reported they had!

Didn’t it get nominated

for an award?
Yes! The PG Wodehouse
The star Literary Comedy Award –
With Ab Fab friend with hubby great prize, but not just for
Joanna Lumley Chris
women. It was the first time

14 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best for CELEBRITY

The birds
and the bees!
Helen is embarking on a UK tour
of theatrical romp, The Birds
and The Bees, the morning after
her book awards. ‘I’m starring
alongside Michael Starke –
the guy that played Sinbad in
Brookside!’, she says. ‘We’re Helen and Michael
two people finding love second star in a raunchy
time round. It’s… possibly a bit new play
raunchy. Typical me – I can’t
do an ordinary play, can I?! But
I’m a slightly more genteel versio
look, how long have I got left? n
of Miriam Margolyes.’
If opportunities come my way,
The tour kicks off in Guildford
I must leap on them. At a certain
on 10 May. For dates and tickets
age, you just want to let it all out ,
. see thebirdsandthebeesplay.com

I was nominated for anything. You’ve had such a varied

It gave me the idea of creating
an awards ceremony just for
women. Then the author Marian
Keyes offered her support back
in 2018 – it was a game-changer.
We need laughter
more than ever…
Yes, and since Covid people
have been buying more books,
been drawn more to wit. It’s a
no-brainer to have a platform
to celebrate it. But growing up
as a stand-up, when there were
few women doing it, I remember
feeling that I wasn’t seen as
normal – that I was alarming.
career, including Ab Fab…
Ab Fab… I remember laughing a
lot in rehearsals and knowing my
place, very firmly. It was Jennifer
Saunders’ shout – her huge
talent and great relationship
with Joanna Lumley. One knew
what the other was thinking. It
made so many people happy.
You still meet people today, who
remind you of funny scenes.
You’re also writing
your memoir...
Yes, in which I remember all the
disasters I’ve been in. It’s the
disasters that make you in life
(though, I would say that). I’m

WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM, SHUTTERSTOCK

In what sense?
To be funny, you must put
yourself out there. People
weren’t ready for that. These
awards have helped change the
conversation because the basic
truth is, women are really funny.
When did you realise you
could make people laugh?
At school, I had asthma and
was a bit fat. I found laughter a
wonderful escape. Others liked
to hang out with me as we’d play
weird games at break-time. I’d
get amused by teachers. Since
then, laughter’s been my go-to.
I find life hilarious and, when it’s
difficult, seeing the ridiculousness
in it saves me. When I’ve
had a laugh, I feel good. That
heightened state is beautiful.
excited about that happening
at some point next year.
What’s left to tick
off your bucket list?
To get my fat a*** into a
gym and be fitter? It’s about
wanting to live this bit of
my life, the best way I can.
Starting how?
I want to be bad, now! Setting up
the prize has all been about being
good and helping people and I
believe in that. Many years ago,
I was a social worker. I wasn’t a
very good one, but I did want to
help people. So, I’m into being
nice and helpful, but part of me
is a comedian. I like the bad stuff
that goes down, and the freedom
to talk about it. I want to let rip.

OFind out more about the Comedy Women in Print Awards at comedywomeninprint.co.uk
 best for REAL LIFE
Rosie believed
she’d married
her hubby for life
Pills got me
through my divorce
Antidepressants saved her sanity, so why did mum-of-two
Rosie Green feel such shame for taking them?
ave you considered
‘H antidepressants?’
the doctor asked,
her face full of kindly concern.
If she’d have asked me this question
a month before, the answer would
have been a swift ‘No, never’.
Even though life had thrown its
fair share of challenges at me, I knew
that my sadness and anxiety were
in proportion. Even in my lowest
moments, I was always able to feel
hope. I could still see positives and
envisage a future where there could,
and would, be happiness. I counted
myself lucky.
But the situation I now found
myself in? This was different.
Four weeks earlier my life had
changed in a moment. The time
it took for me to read the 10 or so
messages on my husband’s new ‘work’
phone. A collection of words, on a
screen, that changed everything. In
those long seconds, everything I knew
16 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
…but their split
played havoc with
her emotions…
to be true about him and us changed.
Our 15-year marriage shattered into
a million lacerating shards.
I was left bewildered, devastated,
floundering. In a state of extreme
‘If there’s shock. My mind was scrambling.
There was the emotional pain –
one thing searing, gut-wrenching, debilitating –
I’ve but also the overwhelming enormity
learned’ of how life would piece back together.
Where were we going to live? What
As Michelle would happen with the children?
Obama said If the days were hellish, the nights
so brilliantly, were worse. Often my husband stayed
‘When they away and I was gripped with clawing
go low, we anxiety about where he was and who
go high’. he was with.
And those are the loneliest hours,
aren’t they?
I took sleeping pills to get me
through. And I was so grateful for
the blissful respite they gave me.
When they ran out I went to the
doctors to beg for more. But GPs are
wary of prescribing sleeping pills.
Finding a way to
be alone was
tough
…docs
suggested
antidepressants
to help her cope
She told me the zopiclone pills I was
taking can be addictive and besides,
they stop working if taken too often.
She asked me how I was and it all
flooded out. I told her about my rapid
weight loss (2st in as many months),
that I was in a high state of anxiety with
my body in constant fight or flight.
Which is when she suggested
antidepressants.
I was taken aback. Surprised.
Because I knew my sadness and
anxiety were situational rather than
in-built. But she explained that was
not the point, that these pills would
help me think more clearly – to eat,
to rest, to build strength. And most
importantly, to mother my two
teenage children. She hoped they
would stop me spiralling.
Did I feel concern about being
prescribed them? I think I was in
such mental turmoil that I didn’t
really consider it. And part of me
felt validated by the GP recognising

But being strong
for her kids
pushed her on
the severity of my situation and
addressing it. But when I think back,
yes, there was a niggling worry at the
back of my mind. Did I really need
them? Would it be more heroic to
battle through without them? Was
I just plastering over the problem?
I left the surgery with a prescription
for sertraline, a low dose SSRI
(selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor). A quick read on the NHS
website told me they are thought to
affect serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin is a chemical considered
to have a good influence on mood,
emotion and sleep, and having more
of it is also thought to make people
more receptive to other types of
treatment, such as CBT (cognitive
behavioural therapy).
It was later, when I caught a
glimpse of the prescription on the
kitchen cabinet, that I first started to
worry about whether others would
judge me. Then when I handed over
the prescription to the pharmacist
I had another moment of angst. I
wondered what she thought of me.
Would she judge? I didn’t tell my
husband about the pills. I was trying
to be the perfect non-needy wife, and
I thought the pills showed weakness.
I told a few close friends and family.
The people who knew what was
happening in my marriage. They were
all, without exception, supportive.
When it became obvious the marriage
was unsalvageable I was even more
sure of my decision to take them.
She dropped 2st in
as many months
Because they undoubtedly gave
me strength and stability. A Teflon
coating to deal with the brutal reality
of a split. During the first week of
taking them, anxiety still had me
in its grip, plus I felt a few waves of
sickness and moments of dizziness.
Then, around a month in, I felt the
famous ‘click’. I was calmer, my body
no longer in such a heightened state
of fight or flight.
I acclimatised and felt few side
effects – the benefits far outweighing
the negatives.
Life moved onwards and upwards.
Then late last year, four years after
seeing those messages, I thought I
was stable enough to come off them.
And this decision made me look again
at the role of antidepressants in my
heartbreak to happy journey. And
how much I had credited them with.
On reflection I realised I had, and was
still, subconsciously omitting their
contribution to my healing.
Why? Well, because I worried that
people might think me unstable. Or
a liability. Or, shudder, tragic.
This made me feel at best
inauthentic and at worst a fraud.
And so when I finally came off them
I thought it was time to document my
antidepressant journey. (Interesting
that I could only do this once I no
longer needed them… I think it felt
safer somehow).
So, I wrote a post about it on
Instagram. And instantly my phone
started buzzing with messages. It
Now Rosie hopes her
journey from heartbreak to
happy will inspire others
touched so many people. Online I
have gathered a tribe of heartbreak
survivors and mid-life women – many
of whom are navigating hard times
I WAS – and they were supportive, positive
and insightful. Even those who are
CALMER, opposed to antidepressants, who
feel they are given out too easily
MY or are just a placebo, made their
BODY NO points respectfully.
Such was the response I was asked
LONGER to go on This Morning to talk about
it with Holly and Phil and afterwards
IN FIGHT I was contacted by hundreds more
people who said they were grateful
OR FLIGHT to feel less alone, less ashamed.
It showed me that there is still
stigma attached to taking them.
*WEDDING PHOTO POSED BY MODELS. PICTURES: GETTY
Now at 48, the pain of my
heartbreak is fading. The kids are
settled, the house is sorted and I have
a supportive boyfriend – and a life-
enhancing dog. I am happy. Content.
I could have kept the antidepressants
a secret, but I wanted to speak out
about them. Because if I can reduce
the anxiety and shame for one
person who wants to take them
but is struggling with feeling judged,
then I can say something good came
out of my heartbreak.
OHow to Heal a Broken Heart
by Rosie Green is available now.
Follow Rosie @lifesrosie
SUBSCRIBE TO

DIGITAL EDITION

GET IT ON
 best for STRAIGHT TALK
CAROL
McGIFFIN
THE WAY And the award
I SEE IT...
Wise words for the most
from our feisty,
fearless
and funny
meaningless
columnist awards
goes to… THAT AWKWARD
OSCARS INTERVIEW

h dear, Hugh Grant has exposed Bringing up an old film he was literally in for

‘O himself again. Or, has he?

I don’t particularly like Hugh
Grant. But occasionally, he does something
that makes me almost love him. His Oscars
interview with Ashley Graham is one of them.
At first, I thought, “Oh, it’s Hugh being a huge
**** again”. But then I watched it, and now
I think it’s the most hilarious awards
interview I’ve ever seen! It was awkward,
yes, but they were equally to blame. Both of
them should have been more prepared. Hugh
has been to enough of those types of dos
to know that you must submit to banal,
eye-rolling questions that are there for
the sole purpose of showing off outfits,
while filling time and hyping up the
excitement, which they never do.
And Ashley should not be
interviewing people when she
has no idea why they’re there or
what they might be promoting.
OF A.M.P.A .S 20STON
23/
three seconds is pointless and embarrassing.
Media and showbiz awards are always
like this. Vacuous, overly excessive, grossly
ostentatious and wasteful. Packed with people
who can’t smile, don’t eat and make off with
as much free swag as they can manage.
So, maybe it’s time to call a halt on all this
shallow, self-congratulatory nonsense and
make way for ceremonies where awards are
given to people who’ve done something truly
worthy and actually deserve them, like the
best Heroes, or the Pride of Britain.
And while we’re at it, get rid of the
huge chunk of New Year Honours,
too, especially those that go to
useless celebrities and
government cronies to
up their worth.
Literally, no
one would
miss them.’

I’m loving...
HN

I’m loathing...
PICTURES: AB BE .COM, GE TT Y, NICK Y JO

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FLIGHT CHANG 0ml e daft 10
It’s about time th resealable
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plastic bag rule
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anks to new ALLERGIES

was dropped, th Why have so many
A SPOONFUL
chines being
3D scanning ma
OF DRAMA…
orts. They’ve common and widely
installed at airp
on City Airport used cough and cold medicines
ABC – YOUT TU

had one at Lond been withdrawn? Stuff such as

d I can’t tell
for some time an Covonia and Day/Night Nurse
it is not to
you how joyous have been used for decades
hing out of
have to take anyt ait while without any problems. Now,
your bag, or w r because of an ‘extremely rare’
some poor office at possibility of an allergic reaction
searches it for th
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stray lipgloss yo
forgot about. ingredient called pholcodine
that these medicines contain),
AIRPORTS ARE they’re all gone! Strange...
MOVING IN THE
RIGHT DIRECTION
FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 19
 We’re ALL TA L K I NG
JOIN THE
CONVERSATION

abo ut If you h ave n ’t

t
h
h
a d t ime
Twitter,
p u p w i
to kee r I n sta gram,
o
Facebook e it for you…
we’ve don

Are you
using Gen Z
slang to get
down with
the kids?
Do you know if something is extra or it hits differently? If so, you might be
using modern slang to connect – and fit in with – the younger generation.
And you’re not alone… A survey by job website Reed found that one in
three middle-aged people say they’re using the language of those new
to the workplace to fit in. And one in four over-65s have changed their
vocabulary to mimic the youngsters. New phrases, such as ‘hits differently’
(to describe something much better than usual), ‘extra’ (meaning over the WHAT DO YOU THINK?
top) and ‘it’s giving’ (a positive affirmation) are all being used. Do you find Tell us at facebook.com/
yourself using new terms and vocab to fit in with the kids? Let us know. bestmagazine

A waffly good
celebration!
Who needs sponge when
you can make a cake out
of another sweet mix? We
think this creation from
jennycookies.com is
the perfect way to mark
International Waffle Day
(yes, it’s a thing). Instead of
sponge layers, the blogger
has swapped in stacks of
waffles and, as you can see,
there’s no scrimping on
the topping. Tuck in!

20 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 PICK of the best
L
G O IN G V IR A OR
WEIRDRFUL? A picture
WONDE
Horsing around? of positivity
This video couldn’t be any cuter if it tried. Shared If you need a daily
by @donkey_and_minihorse online, it shows dose of uplifting
Peabody who stood at just 16-and-half inches content on your
tall. The miniature was abandoned by his mum phone, we’ve
because he couldn’t reach her udders and was to found the perfect
be put down due to medical issues. But he was account.
rescued and cared for by Faith San Severino and @hollymurray_

Instagram/hollymurray _doodles
trained as a therapy horse. We love seeing him doodles is an
trot through the family home, closely followed by illustrator who
a cat! Sadly, Peabody has since passed away but captures everyday
he brought joy to countless people – us included. feelings and
Find it on Instagram. creates bright,
often tongue-in-
cheek pictures with
brilliant messages,
FIND US ON such as ‘be kind to
INSTAGRAM AT… your kind’ and the
@bestmagofficial one seen here.

Our number one

He’s always been a national
treasure and now there’s
evidence to prove it (not that
we needed any!). Sir David
Instagram/donkey _and_minihorse

Attenborough has been crowned

as the greatest British television
presenter of all time according to
a survey by Perspectus Global,
after receiving 28 per cent of the
vote. And the 96-year-old will
be narrating the immersive BBC
Earth Experience at Earls Court
from 30 March. Get tickets now!

Trending NE’ S … got a secret snack habit

E VE RYO

PICTURES: ALEX BOARD/BBC NHU, GETTY, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER

on Twitter We’ve all got our different
ways of devouring food, but
#SoundsIn it seems that crisps are one
MoviesOrSongs item that everyone has their
own way of eating. New
We don’t mind admitting
WORDS: LOUISE BULGIN AND HELEN PIKE

research from Doritos has

that we’re a little sensitive to
revealed that 20 per cent of
noise, but we could enjoy this
snackers chomp on multiple
Twitter hashtag without our
crisps at once, while 24 per
ears bleeding! We wonder
cent make the effort to suck
how Kylie Minogue would feel
and lick each crisp before
about I Should Be So Clucky?
munching away. Thought that
was extreme? Maybe you’re
FIND US AT… one of the 10 per cent who
@bestmagofficial crush their crisps before
‘drinking’ from the bag…!
 READY,

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 ‘Why I’m so
To mark World Down’s Syndrome Day, Lisa Grattan
explains why she celebrates her extraordinary son,
Ben, and his extra chromosome…
Ben makes Lisa
proud every
single day

Lisa wants to raise

awareness in hospitals

s I looked around the

A delivery suite, I knew

I’d soon be holding my
baby boy. ‘One big final push’,
the midwife beamed.
It was 7 August 2012, and in an
instant, Ben was placed into my
arms. Throughout my pregnancy, my
husband Mark and I were told we’d
have a perfectly healthy baby.
But when I looked at Ben’s gorgeous,
happy little face, I knew straight
away he had Down’s Syndrome. His
almond-shaped eyes looked up at me,
and the room fell silent.
The atmosphere went cold, and
the former excitement of introducing
a new life into the world had
disappeared. As a qualified nurse,
I knew how to read a room – you got
used to what silences were good and
bad, and I knew this wasn’t positive.
There was no ‘Congratulations’ or
‘Well done’, and I would soon find out
this was just the start of a long road…
In 2005, I’d met my Mark on
a blind date that’d been set up by
our families in my hometown of
Belfast. I’d just finished university
in Edinburgh where I’d trained to
be a nurse. Mine and Mark’s mums
arranged the dinner date, and I went
along not expecting to find the man of
my dreams – but how wrong I was!
We clicked straight away, he was
funny, handsome, and charming. He ‘If there’s
told me he was a single dad to his five- one thing
year-old son Thomas, and from that I’ve learned’
moment on we became inseparable.
Within a year, we’d tied the knot JìÜ—®ć›Ü›Æ‘›à„Ü›ø«„çń¼›
and I’d started working in a local ìàìÆ®Ûì›Ű„Æ—ø›à«Í쿗
hospital in the A&E department. ›ÅÜ„‘›竛Åůu›Ơܛ
Despite the long hours, Mark and „¿¿„Å„ă®Æ¦®ÆÍìÜ
ÍøÆø„þŴ
24 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE

proud of my son’
I were excited about expanding our
family. I loved Thomas like my own
and he was excited by the prospect
of having siblings.
In May 2006, I gave birth to our
daughter Madison. I fell in love when
I saw her; she was perfect. Then, as
time went on, Mark and I decided
to expand our family again. But we
were struck with multiple blows
that tested our relationship.
Over a five-year period, we suffered
six brutal miscarriages. After we
miscarried the first three times,
the NHS referred us to a fertility
specialist for an investigation. I felt
broken and numb at the same time.
I’d lost so many babies that I felt like
I wasn’t good enough. With every
miscarriage, my hopes of having
another baby were dashed further.
I went through dozens of fertility
treatments and blood-thinning
medication, which was incredibly
draining. It felt like there was no
light at the end of the tunnel.
After several reviews, our doctor
said Mark and I were both healthy,
so there shouldn’t be any issues
regarding natural conception.
And miraculously in November
2011, I finally fell pregnant with Ben.
It was hard to be happy during the
pregnancy because I was paranoid
that I might lose him.
Mark and I attended an
Ben is a ray of
sunshine for
Mark and Lisa
The 10-year-old
has made amazing
progress
appointment every two weeks at the
beginning just to check everything was
OK. I was terrified any time I was at
work or doing something strenuous.
‘I’m going to lose him’, I’d tell myself.
At 16 weeks, I started having vivid
dreams that my baby was going to
be born with Down’s Syndrome.
I told myself it was nothing, but I
started having them more frequently
and decided to bring it up with my
sonographer at the next scan.
‘You have no need to worry,
everything is great,’ she replied.
A few months later, Ben was born
weighing 6lbs 9oz. And I realised
my suspicions were correct.
‘Oh my goodness, he has Down’s
Syndrome,’ I whispered. You could
have heard a pin drop it was so
quiet. My dreams had been correct,
and Mark looked like he was going
to pass out. A doctor said they
wouldn’t be able to confirm it until
Ben had undergone blood tests.
Laying in the recovery unit, nurses
would come in to do their checks,
and all I felt was pity from them.
‘I’m sorry, he’s still lovely,’ or ‘If
you’d have known earlier you could
have been more prepared,’ they said.
I was stunned, hurt and didn’t
know what to say, so I just sat there
awkwardly waiting for them to leave.
Medics confirmed Ben did have
Down’s Syndrome. ‘He may never
walk or talk,’ the consultant said.
‘You’ll need to attend physiotherapy,
best for REAL LIFE
and speech and language therapy
classes as he gets older.’
As a nurse, I knew what we had to
do, and the risks that the condition
entailed, including infections, thyroid,
and breathing issues. But it only made
me more determined to love and
protect Ben as best I could. Telling
family and friends about his condition
was hard, as no one had been
expecting it, except me, but they were
all incredibly supportive. Thomas and
Madison adored him, too.
But when Ben was two weeks old,
we were dealt another blow when
doctors explained he had a heart
murmur. Scans later uncovered that
Ben had holes throughout the four
chambers of his heart that needed
repairing once he was strong enough.
I felt helpless. Ben was a gorgeous
baby and we all loved him dearly.
What if we lost him? After all we’d
WHEN gone through to have him. In time,
Thomas and Madison learnt sign
BEN WAS language to help communicate with
Ben – just in case his speech didn’t
TWO develop, and he became non-verbal.
WEEKS At 10 months old, he was scheduled
in for surgery in Dublin. It felt like
OLD, WE a lifetime, worrying. ‘It’s been a
success,’ the consultant said once
WERE he’d received Ben’s tests results
back. His heart had been fixed.
DEALT It was the news we’d desperately
been waiting for. It finally felt like we
ANOTHER could resume our lives and give Ben
BLOW
the childhood he deserved. Watching
him come on leaps and bounds was
priceless and although some people
stared or made comments, we tried
to stay calm and educate them.
His speech and physio progressed
amazingly, and I took him to support
groups, alongside an amazing
Down’s Syndrome football group
that he adored.
Now I’m 44, Ben’s 10 and I’ve
vowed to raise awareness about this
condition to challenge the stigma
that still exists in hospitals. Children
WORDS: KAYA TERRY
with Down’s Syndrome should be
celebrated and are truly amazing!
Ben’s our very own ray of sunshine,
and he has changed our lives for the
better. Now, I just sit back and let
Ben lead the way!
OFor more information about Down’s Syndrome or
to donate, please visit, Downs-syndrome.org.uk
 Add bathtime luxury to your daily routine for under £18

W
ith searches

for ‘shower
routine
aesthetic’
rising by a staggering
450 per cent*, it’s clear
that the humble morning
habit has been given a
flashy makeover. We’ve
discovered some brilliant,
hard-working beauty buys
to transform you from
top to toe – no filling
the bath required.
1
IN A LATHER
Not all body washes are created equally. Playing with
textures and scents will help elevate what’s otherwise a
mundane daily routine. Sanctuary Spa Ultra Rich Shower
Burst, £7.50, is a foam that lathers up a treat, allowing for a lot
more coverage than your average gel, so a little product goes
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as overwhelming as you’d expect, but add an indulgent touch
without stripping skin. It also makes a great shaving foam, too!

FAKE IT YOURSELF
2 FAST FACIAL
Our complexions can
harbour a lot, thus
compromising its
glow – pollution, make-up, the
list goes on – and a deep
cleanse effectively wipes the

One-hit slate clean. The multi-tasking

Pixi In-Shower Steam Facial,
£18, should be used as a

wonder
At best we love a homemade
cleanser but works as a mask,
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turning from a gel
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product, and often the simpler, massage it in. We
the better. If you’re looking love the lavender
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the perfect shower solution. ease all
Nourishing for both skin and that
hair, dispersing through a tension
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nozzle makes the product last longer – good
news when we’re trying to spread the cost of
products. If using on hair, keep it to mid-length
and ends to avoid overloading your scalp.
 best for BEAUTY

3 SMOOTH
OPERATOR
It may feel like a
chore but exfoliating
is the fastest route to smooth,
glowing limbs (and makes
everything else applied on top
work more effectively, too).
Dove Exfoliating Body Scrub,
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creamy consistency, while
Plantopia Smooth & Sweep
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nine plant oils to help trap water
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nourishing enough to forgo
moisturiser afterwards if you
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4 MANE EVENT
Damage remains one
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hair, and while
prevention is the best route,
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of us already suffering. Garnier
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good for fine strands –
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WORDS: HELEN PIKE PICTURES: GETTY *PINTEREST STATS

to coat and protect for
a smooth, shiny
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5
MAXIMUM MOISTURE
A genius invention for those with dry, scaly patches, this cuts the time spent
applying lotion when you’d rather be getting dressed. Soap & Glory All The
Right Smoothes In-Shower Moisturiser, £7.95, acts like a moisturiser, with
the benefit of vitamins C and E, plus avocado and Brazil nut oils, but is designed to
be used on wet skin. Just ensure you pat dry to help lock the product in.

FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 27
best for BEAUTY
CALLING ALL
CHOCOHOLICS!
The cocktail of antioxidants, vitamins
and minerals in cocoa-rich chocolate
can do wonders for your skin. A study
shows that dark cocoa chocolates
contain more flavanols, polyphenols,
and other antioxidants than any other
fruits. Rich in vitamins A, B1, C, D and
E, plus iron and calcium, it nourishes
your skin from the inside out.
Mix up these decadent
beauty treats and reap the
glow-boosting benefits,
minus the sugar rush…
OAnti-ageing facial
Chocolate improves
blood flow and boosts
collagen, which can help
delay the appearance
of fine lines.
HOW: Pour one-quarter cup
of melted, cooled dark chocolate
into a bowl. Mix 1 tbsp honey with
2 drops lemon juice. Apply to your
cleansed face and neck for 15-20
minutes, gently massaging the mixture
into your skin every five minutes.
Rinse with warm water and finish
with your moisturiser.
OSpot-zapping mask
Chocolate and honey possess antioxidant
properties that help kill the acne-causing
bacteria without drying your skin.
HOW: Mix 1 tbsp cocoa powder with a
pinch of cinnamon and 1 tbsp organic
honey. If the paste is too thick, add
more honey. Apply to cleansed will help remove dead skin
skin, avoiding the cells and unclog pores, while
eye area. Leave for honey hydrates.
20-30 minutes, HOW: Mix 1/2 cup of unsweetened
then rinse. cocoa powder, 1/3 cup of organic
OExfoliating honey and 2 tbsp fine brown
peel-off mask sugar to form a thick paste.
Cocoa and Apply to cleansed skin and
sugar leave to dry. Peel off and
rinse, then moisturise.

NOURISHING
FACE MASK
Use once a month to
rejuvenate very dry skin
HOW: Place one egg white and six to
seven grapes (not seedless) in a blender
and mix until smooth and frothy.
Apply to cleansed skin with a

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LESLEY AND HER CLINIC VISIT HARLEYSTREETSKINCLINIC.COM

cotton pad. Leave on for 15
Get cracking with Lesley’s simple minutes before rinsing.
Apply moisturiser.
Easter-themed DIY recipes that will
make you look and feel good…

EGG-CELLENT IDEAS
Egg-stra tips
OFor a hydrating boost, once a week apply
a mask made up of one egg yolk (beaten) and
1 tsp olive oil on your face. Leave for 15 minutes,
then rinse off using a moist cotton pad dipped
in lukewarm milk.
OOccasionally, using yolk will help stimulate
skin, boosting cell turnover. The
Moisture-boosting egg and honey facial
If you have dry skin, mix together an egg yolk
and 1 tsp honey. Wash your face and pat dry.
Apply the facemask and leave on for 10-15
minutes. Rinse with warm water.
PICTURES: GETTY, NICKY JOHNSTON

magic ingredient is vitamin A. Hair plumpers

After cleansing the face apply the
yolk all over your complexion
with a cotton pad, avoiding
the eye area. Leave for
five minutes then rinse
with warm water.
Eggs make a natural hair conditioner – beat
three together and massage into cleanly washed,
towel-dried hair. Leave for 20 minutes before
rinsing off. To combat dandruff, mix egg yolk
with olive oil and rub into the scalp. Leave for an
hour and then shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

WARNING. Anyone can be allergic to almost anything, so check out any unfamiliar substance before you use them! To do this, just place
a small amount on the skin of your inner arm, cover and leave for 24 hours. If the patch shows any reaction, such as redness or obvious
irritation... that ingredient just isn’t for you. Use mixtures immediately or within 24 hours if kept in fridge.

28 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best GIVEAWAY
1
to give Worth
away £450!

A LUXURY ESCAPE
AT THE CELTIC
MANOR RESORT!
N
estled in more than 2,000 acres of panoramic parkland at
the gateway to Wales, the Celtic Manor Resort is an ideal
destination to relax in a wonderfully peaceful setting. Along
HOW TO ENTER
ONLINE: Save money by entering online
with one night of accommodation in a luxury suite at the five-star at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best1223a
Resort Hotel, we’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win an by 7 April 2023.
incredible dining experience, before waking up to enjoy a full Welsh PHONE: Call 0901 027 2719
breakfast. The Celtic Manor Resort is home to world-class facilities, by midnight on 7 April 2023.
including three championship Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s
network access charge and will last no longer than two
golf courses, two exceptional minutes. Charges for mobiles may be higher. Phone line
spas, seven restaurants and closes at midnight on 7 April 2023. If you call after this time,
you will not be entered but you may be charged.
activities, such as adventure Service provided by Spoke: 0333 202 3390.
golf, treetop high ropes, forest T&Cs: Winner will be selected at random from entries
received by phone/online. We will use the information
nets and laser combat. you provide to process your entry. For our privacy notice,
To find out more, visit celtic- please see hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice. For full terms
and conditions, see below.
manor.com. To enter, see right.
*TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to UK residents aged 18 and over and callers need the bill payer’s permission. To enter visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/best1223a or call 0901 027 2719 by midnight on
7 April 2023. Entries in the incorrect format will not be considered. This competition opens on 21 March 2023 and closes on 7 April 2023. Entries received after the closing date will not be considered.
The prize is an overnight stay at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales for two people sharing a Deluxe Suite. It also includes full Welsh breakfast for both guests and three-course dinner for each guest
(supplements may apply on some dishes). Reservations for the overnight stay must be booked in advance and dates are subject to availability. The prize must be taken within 12 months of the winner
being notified. Excludes transport to and from the hotel, additional meals, all beverages, activities and other extras, which must be settled on departure. One 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 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. 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.
 best for HOMES

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TOP TIP!
COMPILED BY: RACHEL COPE

Wipe a damp
cloth over foliage
every so often
to keep dust at
bay and leaves
looking shiny.
Brighten up your home
with these no-water lovelies

30 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE

GMB’s Susanna Reid has
admitted she won’t hold back
if she doesn’t agree with
guests – and we’re loving it…
‘Polite? I
don’t feel
the need…’
I
t’s been two years
since controversial
TV host Piers Morgan,
stormed off the Good
Morning Britain set,
live on air, leaving us
wondering who would
fill his shoes…
But we needn’t have
worried, as Susanna Reid
seems perfectly able to take up
that mantel on the ITV show.
With her no-nonsense
approach, the 52-year-old
mum-of-three has proved
time and time again that she
won’t hold back if she doesn’t
agree with something, no
matter the subject.
Oh, Richard!
Susanna’s GMB co- hos t,
Richard Madeley, reassu red
viewe rs rec ently that he
hadn’t ‘got the sack’ after
being absent for two weeks
from the show. His time off was
due to a ‘freak accident’, where
he was apparently working
on his car. The sta r exp lain ed
how a car door had slammed
into him wit h suc h an imp act
that he bit his tongue. ‘I was
talking like that for quite a
long time,’ he lisped. ‘I was
either a freak having an
accident, or I had a freak
accident – tak e you r
Susanna simply put her
pic k!’
head in her hands...
best for CELEBRITY
In a recent interview,
Susanna admitted, ‘I don’t
feel the need to be polite,
and I’ll come out fighting if
a guest is being illogical.’
And it doesn’t stop at taking
question-dodging politicians
to task, either. Susanna’s ever
more fearless attitude has
even seen her thrown into
reporting from the centre
of the conflict in Ukraine,
doing what she can to help
those in need.
Just recently, she also
called out the Duke of Sussex
for streaming a live therapy
session for paying fans to
watch – something she hinted
was rather rich, given
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
his ongoing requests
for ‘privacy’.
Speaking to her
co-host, Richard
Madeley, Susanna
said, ‘The complaint
about invading privacy
becomes weaker and
weaker when you Susanna criticised
allow a live-streamed, Harry for sharing a
ticketed, paid for event, live therapy session
which is about as
intimate as you can get
discussing your own ‘I’ll come out
personal thoughts
with a counsellor.’ fighting if a guest
Here, here,
Susanna… Anyone else is being illogical’
loving this new-found
level of feistiness?
FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 31
 Reunited with
Debbie
grew up an
only child

Debbie
Steele
always knew
she might
have a half-
sibling, and
a chance
etting home after a busy post on
G shift at the hospital,
I was ready to put my
feet up. I worked as a duty
social media
led to some
housekeeper and always
liked to wind down a little
incredible
before cooking and doing the news…
household chores.
Scrolling through social media,
I caught up on the latest posts in the
Brighton People group. I’d grown
up there, and although I was in East
Grinstead now, it didn’t stop me
wanting to keep in touch with what
was happening.
There was one particular post
from a man named Jason Dyke that
caught my eye…
I’m looking for my half-sister and
sadly I don’t have much information,
it read. My heart skipped a beat as I
read the next line. Her name is Debbie
and her mother’s name is Janice, who
was married to my father John David
Smith before he moved to Australia
in 1978. I know this is a long shot
but if this rings a bell I would love
to hear from you.
My whole body tingled as I realised
this post was about my family, about
me. Had we finally found each other?
I’d grown up as an only child and
was really close to my mum, Janice,
now 74. She’d met my dad, John, in
Brighton where they’d both grown
up, but three years after I’d been
born, Dad had left us. ‘If there’s
As I got older, Mum explained one thing
that he’d met somebody else and had
emigrated to Australia, but we had
I’ve learned’
no contact with him. Mum had heard It doesn’t matter how long you’ve After 46 years,
that he might have gone on to have been apart for, family is family and Jason and Debbie
another child, but she didn’t know I’m very lucky to have extended found each other
any details. mine with Jason and his
I’d always wanted a brother or sister loved ones. Janice split from her
husband John when
Debbie was three
32 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE

my long-lost brother
and took comfort in knowing that –
perhaps somewhere – I did have
one. Would we look alike? Would
we have similar interests? Sadly,
I had no way of knowing.
In time, I went on to have my own
kids – Warren, now 26, and Patrick,
23, Fagen, 21, and Ellen, 19 – and
although my marriage didn’t work
out, I was happy and had good
friends and family around me. It
didn’t stop me thinking about my
potential sibling, though.
But now, reading the message
again, I wondered whether I’d
finally have my wish…
Calling Mum, my voice was
shaking as I read the message out
to her and she burst into tears. ‘That’s
him, Debbie. You’ve found him,’
she said tearfully.
Mum told me to double check the
details with Jason, but she was pretty
certain, so, I commented on the post.
Hi, my name is Debbie, my mum
is Janice, and my dad was a John
Smith, I typed nervously. Almost
immediately Jason, now 46, privately
messaged me.
We set up a FaceTime there and
then and, when the call connected,
I felt like I was looking in a mirror.
There was no doubt that we were
siblings – he was the male version
of me! We had the same shaped face,
similar eyes – it was such a special
moment for us.
‘I can’t believe I’ve finally found
you after all these years of searching,’
Jason said, shedding a tear. I was in
complete shock.
We confirmed all the
details from the post, and
Jason explained he’d been
born in Shoreham-by-
Sea, West Sussex, and had
family living in the UK,
which is why he posted
on the page.
Chatting away and
catching up on what
had happened in our
lives was so lovely – and
it felt like we’d known
each other for many
years. I had the brother
I’d always wanted, I just
wished that Brisbane, Queensland,
was a little closer!
‘I’m going to fly back to the UK,’
Jason said determinedly. He did it
every few years to see his family,
which meant we’d finally be able
to meet after all this time.
I was so unbelievably happy, and
my kids were thrilled when I told
them about my brother.
After looking at Jason’s online
profile, I found the rest of his British
family members in Shoreham and
began chatting to his cousin, Rob.
We decided that whenever Jason
planned his visit, I’d go over there
and surprise him.
Jason arrived in the UK on 31
January this year and went to stay
with family. Pre-arranging my plan
with Rob, I decided to drive over on
4 February – unbeknownst to Jason.
As I arrived on the driveway of
Rob’s flat, my nerves started to kick
in. I was finally going to meet my
brother after 46 long years.
Tentatively knocking on the
door, I stood back and watched as
Jason opened it.
‘Oh my God, you’re here!’ he gasped
as he pulled me into a huge hug.
‘I can’t believe this, I was supposed
to be the one surprising you,’ he
chuckled.
We had a lot of catching up to do
and chatted for hours all about his
family and mine.
He had two daughters aged 17
and 18, and he was a teaching aide
for children with special needs.
‘I’m going to be here for quite
a while,’ Jason said as we made
a cup of tea in the kitchen.
Debbie always
wanted a sibling
best for REAL LIFE
Debbie with her
daughter Ellen – who
has gained a new uncle!
He’d decided to stay in Sussex until
November 2023 to really reconnect
with me and his other British family.
‘I want to move back here
WE permanently too when the girls are
a little bit older,’ he admitted. I was
CHATTED absolutely thrilled.
Driving back home that evening,
FOR I was on cloud nine. All those years
HOURS
of wondering had led me to find
the most wonderful, caring brother
ABOUT and I was so grateful.
We met up again a few days later
OUR in Brighton for a long weekend
and it was so funny to gradually
FAMILIES see how similar we really were.
As we sat down to eat in one of
the restaurants, we were sat in the
exact same position.
When our food arrived, we both
used only our forks to
eat. Our mannerisms
and how we spoke were
incredibly similar too.
Now, at 51, I’m
so looking forward
WORDS: EMILY PHILLIPS AND LOUISE BULGIN
to building on our
relationship and making
up for lost time. He’s
met three of my kids and
gets on famously with
my mum. We speak most
days and I still can’t
believe we’ve found
each other.
This is the final piece
of the puzzle and my
Jason grew up long-lost brother has
in Australia made me feel complete.
 best
SEVEN-DAY DIET

MONDAY
B IS FOR A BETTER BREAKFAST:
Scrambled eggs with rocket: 2 eggs,
scrambled, slice of wholegrain toast,
handful of rocket, tomato slices.
LUNCH AND LOSE:
Taste of the East salad: 1 tub of
couscous, tossed with a handful
of chopped kale, 6 walnuts,
grated carrot, 4 olives, olive oil
and lemon juice.

GET GLOWING SPELL-IT-OUT SUPPER:

Medium chicken breast, brushed
with garlic oil, pan-fried for

AND LOSE 15-20 mins, 3 baby potatoes,

handful of broccoli and carrots.

UP TO 6LBS
Spring clean your eating regime,
drop excess pounds and look younger
Losing weight and getting glowing skin this Spring is as easy as ABC. Get the right
balance of vitamins A, B and C found in yellow fruits and veg, wholegrains rich in
magnesium and zinc-loaded fresh fish and you could lose up to 6lbs in seven days
O Fat-soluble vitamins A, One 100g serving contains O Juicing is the easiest
D and E help prevent the 51% of your daily needs. way to get your five or
deficiencies that can cause Whip them into porridge. more a day, including FRIDAY
HOW IT WORKS

hair loss and skin problems,
and reduce your ability to
fight infection. Vitamin D
also works with calcium
to maintain healthy bones
and can boost weight
loss. Up your intake of
red fruits and veg, such as
sweet potatoes, carrots and
mangoes, and find vitamin
D in eggs and oily fish.
O Oats are a great source
of the vitamin B complex,
which helps convert
food to energy and keeps
metabolism ramped up, so
you lose weight more quickly.
O G is for a healthy gut, says
top nutritionist Cassandra
Barnes: ‘Friendly bacteria
is important for controlling
our mood and balancing
digestion. Traditional
fermented foods, such
as kombucha, help keep
tummies happy.
O Iodine found in tuna and
prunes, helps maintain
healthy hair, skin and teeth.
Swap a packet of crisps for
crunchy Shore Seaweed
Crisps, £1 at Holland and
Barrett – rich in iodine and
under 100 calories per bag!
minerals, such as
magnesium, needed to
help regulate mood and
reduce sugar cravings. As
well as selenium, found
in nuts, wholegrains and
shellfish, which can boost
your immune system, and
protect the thyroid gland,
which controls weight gain.
O Finally, zinc speeds up
healing time and slows
down ageing – shellfish and
turkey are good sources.
O Follow our ABC plan
(right) and you could be
6lbs lighter by the weekend!
B IS FOR BREAKFAST:
Super green smoothie: Blend
together handful of spinach, kale,
120ml coconut milk, ½ each of
chopped banana, mango and orange.
LUNCH AND LOSE:
Egyptian egg salad: Fry ½ small
chopped red onion with clove garlic to
soften with 1 tsp cumin, small tin of
fava beans, drained, cook for 5 mins.
Serve with lettuce, 1 chopped hard-
boiled egg, drizzled with olive oil,
lemon and chopped parsley.
SPELL-IT-OUT SUPPER:
Bun-less chicken burger, large
green salad, 1 tbsp coleslaw.

34 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 TUESDAY
B IS FOR A BETTER
BREAKFAST:
Happy-tum porridge: 30g porridge,
3 tbsp almond milk, handful each
of blueberries and strawberries.
LUNCH AND LOSE:
Prawn and egg salad: Toss together
bag of salad leaves, 30g cooked
prawns, tomato and cucumber
slices, 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
olive oil and lemon juice.
SPELL-IT-OUT SUPPER:
Medium salmon fillet, brushed with
chilli oil, 3 tbsp brown rice, handful
of kale and 3 tbsp sweet corn.
SATURDAY
B IS FOR BREAKFAST:
1 slice of wholegrain toast, can of
reduced sugar baked beans. Glass
of unsweetened orange juice.
LUNCH AND LOSE:
Halloumi salad: Bag of
watercress, rocket and spinach,
30g halloumi pan-fried for
10 mins, 3 tbsp tuna, drained,
tomato slices, olive oil and lemon.
SPELL-IT-OUT SUPPER:
Medium chicken fillet, brushed
with olive oil and 1 tsp curry
powder, pan-fried for 15-20 mins.
3 tbsp brown rice, handful of
spinach, 1 chopped mango, grilled.
WEDNESDAY
B IS FOR A BETTER BREAKFAST:
Bananas on toast: Slice of
wholegrain toast, 1 chopped
banana, drizzled with 1 tsp honey
LUNCH AND LOSE:
Large bowl of carrot and coriander
soup. 2 oatcakes. Green salad.
SPELL-IT-OUT SUPPER:
Nutty chicken satay strips: Brush
1 medium chicken breast, sliced,
with 1 tsp olive oil, mixed with 1 tsp
Lazy Garlic and peanut butter,
dash of curry powder and lime juice.
Grill for 8-10 mins, serve with
cucumber and spring onion salad.
SUNDAY
B IS FOR BREAKFAST:
Skinny pepper omelette:
2 eggs, 1 red pepper,
finely chopped and
pan-fried with 2 spring
onions, chopped.
LUNCH AND LOSE:
Wholegrain tortilla, filled
with 3 tbsp tuna, cucumber
and tomato slices,
1 tbsp fresh salsa.
SPELL-IT-OUT SUPPER:
Medium turkey breast,
roasted, 3 tbsp sweet
potato mash, 3 tbsp
spinach and carrots.
THURSDAY
B IS FOR BREAKFAST:
Small bowl of unsweetened muesli,
2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp almond
nut butter and 1 tbsp prunes.
LUNCH AND LOSE:
Bag of mixed salad leaves,
cucumber slices, 2 slices of Parma
ham, 30g crumbled feta cheese,
chopped cherry tomatoes,
olive oil and lemon juice.
SPELL-IT-OUT SUPPER:
Medium turkey escalope, brushed
with garlic oil, pan-fried 15-20 mins,
3 tbsp couscous, handful each
of spinach and carrots.
ABC SNACKS
PLEASE SEE YOUR GP BEFORE STARTING A NEW WEIGHT-LOSS PLAN. WEIGHT LOSS ACHIEVED MAY VARY
Choose one each day:
•Handful of Brazil nuts
•1 banana
•Veggie sticks with
1 tbsp hummus
•1 pear
•Small bottle of green
smoothie or juice
•2 squares of dark chocolate
WORDS: HEARST PICTURES: GETTY
 Beef and Guinness Ragù
Easy to double up and freeze, this hearty
ragù is just what’s needed in the evening.

Hands-on time: 20min Fancy cooking something special this

Cooking time: About 1hr 40min weekend? These delicious recipes will
Serves 2
help you make a meal of staying at home
• 2tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 200g beef braising steak,
cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 1tbsp plain flour
• 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1tsp wholegrain mustard
• 1tsp dried thyme
• 200ml Guinness
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 1tbsp tomato purée
• 150g pappardelle pasta
TO SERVE
• Parmesan, grated, optional

1 Heat 1tsp oil in a medium pan (that

has a lid) over medium heat and
fry onion for 5min, until softened.
Meanwhile pat the beef dry with
kitchen paper, then toss in a bowl
with the flour and some seasoning.
2 Empty onion into a separate bowl.
Return pan to medium-high heat with
remaining 1tsp oil and fry beef until
browned all over, about 10min.
Add carrot and return onion to the
pan. Stir in mustard, thyme and
Guinness, bring to the boil, scraping
up any stuck-on goodness from
base of pan. Simmer for 5min,
then stir in chopped and puréed
tomatoes and some seasoning.
3 Cover and simmer for 1hr, stirring
occasionally, until beef is almost
tender. Remove lid and simmer for
20min, stirring frequently, to thicken.
4 Bring a medium pan of salted
WORDS & PICTURES: HEARST

water to the boil and cook the pasta

according to pack instructions. Drain.
Toss through the beef ragù and serve
with grated Parmesan, if you like.

PER SERVING (without Parmesan):

572cals, 36g protein, 11g fat
(3g saturates), 76g carbs
(17g total sugars), 9g fibre

36 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best
RECIPES

Thai Green 1 Heat oil in a medium pan

Curry Soup
Use shredded cooked chicken
instead, if you like – simply
stir through at step two.
Adjust the chilli amount
to suit your heat tolerance.
Hands-on time: 20min
Cooking time: About 25min
Serves 2
• 2tsp vegetable oil
• 2 spring onions,
roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and
finely chopped
• ½-1 green chilli, deseeded
and finely chopped
• 2tbsp Thai green
curry paste
• 400ml chicken stock
• 200ml coconut milk
• 1 medium skinless
chicken breast
• 50g basmati rice,
well rinsed
• 100g sugar snap peas
• Juice of ½ lime
• Small handful of coriander,
roughly chopped
over medium heat and fry
spring onions, carrot and
chilli for 5min, stirring
occasionally, until veg is
softening. Stir through
curry paste and cook
for 1min, until fragrant.
Add stock, coconut milk,
chicken, rice and plenty
of seasoning.
2 Bring to boil and
simmer for 15min,
until chicken is cooked
through and rice is almost
tender. Lift chicken on to
a board and shred with
two forks. Return to the
pan with the sugar snap
peas. Cook for 5min,
until peas are tender.
3 Stir through lime juice
and check seasoning.
Garnish with coriander
and serve.
PER SERVING:
431cals, 24g protein,
23g fat (16g saturates),
30g carbs (7g total
sugars), 5g fibre

Sweet Potato sweet potato and pasta

Mac ’n’ Cheese
This cheat-y sauce makes for
a relatively hands-off dinner.
Stir through some fried smoked
bacon lardons before grilling,
if you like. Butternut squash
would work well here, too.
Hands-on time 15min
Cooking time: About 15min
Serves 2
• 1 large sweet potato,
roughly 275g, peeled
and cut into 2cm chunks
• 150g macaroni pasta
• 170g tin evaporated milk
• 2tsp Dijon mustard
• 25g Parmesan, or vegetarian
hard cheese, grated
• 75g mature Cheddar, grated
1 Preheat grill to high.
Bring a large pan of salted
water to the boil. Cook
for 8min, until both are
tender. Reserve 50ml of
the cooking water before
draining (reserve pan).
Empty pasta mixture into
an ovenproof serving dish.
2 Heat evaporated milk,
mustard, most of the
cheeses, reserved cooking
water and some freshly
ground pepper in the
empty pan over medium
heat, stirring constantly,
until melted and bubbling.
3 Pour cheese sauce into
the dish and sprinkle over
remaining cheeses. Grill
for 5min, until golden and
bubbling. Serve with a
green salad, if you like.
PER SERVING: 757cals,
32g protein, 27g fat
(16g saturates), 93g carbs
(20g total sugars), 8g fibre
 best for FOOD NEWS

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WORDS: LARA NUGENT PICTURES: GETTY

Fill your freezer with new Ben & Jerry’s cheesy original. Pick up a grab
Dulce De-lish Sundae frozen dessert, bag for £1, in stores now. outside, with fluffy potato
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38 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 7to g5ive
best GIVEAWAY

away

A CADBURY
CREME EGG
EASTER
EGG!
HOW TO ENTER
E
aster is around the
corner, and the question ONLINE: Save money by entering online
on our lips is ‘How do at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best1223b by
you eat yours?’ We’re talking midday on 29 March 2023.
PHONE: Call 0901 027 2709 by midday
about the iconic Creme Egg, of on 29 March 2023.
course! Whether you eat it in Calls cost 30p per minute, plus your telephone company’s
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one go, nibble it, smash it or devour the insides first, let’s minutes. Charges for mobiles may be higher. Please get the
bill payer’s permission before dialling. Phone line closes at
face it – it’s not Easter without at least one Creme Egg to midday 29 March 2023. If you call after this time, you will not
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milk chocolate egg shell and one Cadbury Creme Egg, it’s process your entry. For our privacy notice, please see hearst.
co.uk/privacy-notice.
enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. For full terms and conditions, see below.
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*TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to UK residents aged 18 and over. To enter visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/best1223b or call 0901 027 2709 by midday on 29 March 2023. Entries in the incorrect format will
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time of entry. 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
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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.
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42 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE

Her parenting is ‘done’ and she
plans to get ‘absolutely leathered’…
No, Sara Cox won’t be too sad when
her eldest heads off to uni…
Empty nest
syndrome?
Hurrah!
E
mpty nest syndrome
describes the sense
of sadness and
loneliness of parents
whose children fly the
nest for the first time.
But Radio 2 presenter Sara
Cox has revealed with laugh-out-
loud honesty that she doubts
she will be suffering from it…
The 48-year-old from Bolton
– whose 18-year-old daughter,
Lola Anne, is from her first
marriage to musician Jon Carter
– said she can’t imagine being
upset when her teen leaves home
later this year, but also thinks the
feeling will be mutual.
Speaking recently on the
Parenting Hell podcast, the star
Sara with
hubby Ben
revealed that as much as she
loves her daughter, they’ve
had enough of living under the
same roof – and Lola is ready
for her independence.
Sara said: ‘This September she
will be at uni – hopefully – but
I’ll really be like [makes shoving
motion] “Bye, love you”.
‘Come September I might be
devastated – but I doubt it. She’s
ready to leave the nest, she’s
full-feathered, legs are dangling
over the edge of the nest.’
She added: ‘She can make a
toastie. My parenting’s done.’
Asked how she’ll react when
she drops Lola Anne off to
start college away, Sara said:
‘Celebrate – get absolutely
The radio presenter
can’t wait to enjoy
a pint in peace!
best for CELEBRITY
leathered.’ Funny!
She compared the pair’s
dynamic to how she feels after
spending time with her own
mother – saying they can only
take so much of each other
before wanting to part.
‘It’s the same when my
mum comes down, I don’t even
drop her off at Euston anymore,
I pop her in an Uber –
she’s used to it. She’s
had enough of me, and
I’ve had enough of her.
We [Sara and Lola
Anne] are a bit like
that – “I love you, but
we’re done now”.
‘She’ll be off. However,
that means she’s living her
Fresher year while still
being under our roof. She
just loves making things
with curry powder. We
‘Com
me Septem mber I
migh
ht be devaasta
atedd
– but I doub
bt it’
FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 43
don’t see her all weekend, then
she comes in and curry bombs
our entire kitchen, and in the
morning it’s all still there.’
She added, ‘She’s basically
living her student life, but at
home. She should be winding
up her housemates or in halls
of residence with this behaviour,
but instead she’s still at home.’
Sara still has son, Isaac, 15,
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
and daughter Renee, 13 – from
her second marriage to current
hubby, advertising exec Ben
Cyzer – at home, but describing
her parenting as ‘done’, she
clearly feels she’s on the home
stretch, not having to look
after them 24/7.
Her refreshing take on kids
spreading their wings may sound
a tad harsh, but it’s equally,
highly relatable. We applaud
Sara’s honesty!
 best FOR REAL
LIFE REPORTS
From slammed
doors to bad
drivers, we’re
in the grip of
a rudeness
epidemic.
What (the hell)
happened, asks
Adam Kay…

Rude
Britannia!
The death
of good
manners
ecause I live an exotic,

B jet-setting lifestyle,
I found myself flying to
LA a few weeks ago. Because
my lifestyle isn’t quite as
exotic as I’d like, I was sitting
in seat 37C, two inches away
from another passenger.
As the plane’s take-off thrusters
settled into the purr of hopefully
functioning engines, the man to my left
took out his iPad and started watching
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs &
Shaw. Unfortunately, he’d forgotten
his headphones, so I was subjected to
the sounds of people crashing through
windows and limp buddy comedy.
It took me 20 minutes to muster
up my courage and dampen down
my Britishness enough to offer him
my headphones. ‘I’m all right thanks,
Have you noticed mate,’ he said. I spent the rest of the
Brits getting less film fuming silently and imagining
and less polite?
what terrible fate could befall either
the iPad or its owner without taking

44 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
the plane out of the sky.
Plane guy isn’t an isolated incident
— people are definitely getting ruder.
Doors are being slammed in faces,
nobody’s bothering to hide their
boredom in Zoom meetings, rucksacks
are more likely to occupy a train seat
than the elderly and grab bags of steak
McCoy’s are being eaten in the theatre.
Liz Wyse, etiquette adviser at
Debrett’s, agrees with me, which
is extremely polite of her. ‘In the
pandemic, we were very isolated,’
she says. ‘It was a peculiar situation,
and that has changed us. People now
seem to be very un-self-aware in a
public place. And when you can’t
project what impact your behaviour
has on other people, well, that’s the
cornerstone of good manners.’
It’s long been a complaint of older
generations that the ones coming up
behind are discarding their manners
along with their crisp packets but it’s
not just the young.
‘We’re at a point in history where
a number of issues have converged,
causing numbers of people to feel
increasingly disenfranchised from
the very premise of society,’ explains
Dr Stefan Walters, a Harley Street
psychologist. ‘The more we feel
society is breaking down, the less
likely we are to invest in it.’
A YouGov survey commissioned in
late 2022 claimed 90 per cent of Brits
believe others would say they have
good manners, with only four per
cent admitting other people would
think they’re rude. I’m not sure of the
sample size for this survey, but I can
confidently say that I have met each
of those four per cent.
Driving is worse. My theory is
that Covid deranged our concept
of time and left us in a weird
perpetual hurry. I’ve never seen
a more inventive range of hand
choreography from the windows
of cars. Last year, I was the victim
of (mild) road rage. I found myself
miserably descending a concrete
multistorey helter-skelter as we all
searched for the unicorn parking space.
I spotted one and was reversing in
when I was interrupted by the beep of
a horn. I checked that I wasn’t about
to drive over a nun. Nope, all clear.
Another beep, this time the long
leaning-on-the-steering-wheel
kind. A man old enough to be a
first responder for Archduke Franz
Ferdinand got out of his Hyundai
and screamed that the parking space
was ‘his’.
Even though he was behind me, he
said that I’d ‘tricked’ him by driving
on a bit before I reversed and ‘by
rights’ – I’m not sure which rights –
it belonged to him, or he would
‘have’ me. I drove off.
We clearly all have our own ideas
about the acceptable way to behave.
Walters calls it ‘the social contract
– the unspoken agreement that we
all benefit if we take care of one
another’. Parts of this contract are
easy to stick to because they have
set rules: the Green Cross Code,
Monopoly, wedding vows.
Others depended on your
upbringing and internal compass
– until Covid came along and
introduced a bunch of new rules.
Lockdowns, masks and social
distancing had the pretty crucial aim
of keeping us alive, but this didn’t
change the fact we’d not had our lives
so micromanaged by the powers
that be since the Second World War.
Although Churchill probably didn’t
snog a mistress in his office or send
a lackey out to the Co-op for shiraz.
And when we were finally let out of
Writer Adam
Kay says ill
manners are
everywhere
From noisy
neighbours’
arguments…
…to people
talking in
the cinema…
OKay’s Brilliant Brains by Adam Kay is published by Puffin. Available now.
our houses, people turned into Cnuts
– you know, that king who wanted
to control the tides. Whether our
personal tides were regarding parking
HALF OF or littering, we were a nation totally
fed up with being told what to do.
Vi=.Ƙ The Institute of Customer Service
FACING reports that half of public-facing
workers, such as shop assistants
STAFF and waiters, are verbally abused
and an unthinkable 27 per cent have
HAVE experienced physical assaults.
I caught a glimmer of hope in the
BEEN immediate aftermath of lockdown,
albeit one that was extinguished soon
ABUSED afterwards. Social media functions
as a rudeness barometer, too. As
someone with the good fortune and
bad luck to have a fair-sized Twitter
following, I’m accustomed to tuning
out insults. I barely notice when
someone tells me that a TV show I
wrote made them cancel their licence
fee or that one of my books was as
‘funny as cancer’, but I admit I’ve
never encountered as much hate for
my religion or sexuality rather than
my questionable media output as in
the past couple of years.
It’s fair to say that things seem
worse since Elon Musk fired most of
the people who moderated Twitter
hate speech— homophobic abuse
increased by 58 per cent within weeks,
narrowly pipped by antisemitism, up
61 per cent. Automation and
‘no-contact’ shopping ramped
up during the pandemic, too,
leading to increased verbal
bloodshed. I’ve wasted hours
pressing ones and threes and
repeatedly telling a robot who
doesn’t understand that ‘I
WANT TO SPEAK TO AN
ADVISER’.
We can at least take some
solace that it doesn’t matter
who we are. In his first weekend
in the top job, King Charles
managed two micro-meltdowns
about pens. Uneasy is the head
WORDS: ADAM KAY PICTURES: GETTY
…even planes that wears the crown but doesn’t
are full of social
rule-breakers! have a retractable ballpoint.
But, prince or pauper, it’s likely
things will settle. These things
come in waves. Go back through
every decade and you’ll find
countless news stories decrying
the death of good manners, certain
our future held only rudeness and
fury. This too will pass. Now get
the hell out of my way.
 Felt z, tac kle s your
a g on y au nt, Va n essa our
Our celebrity isd o m an d h u m
it h h er u su a l wi t, w
problems w
PEER PRESSURE – AT 50!
I gave up drinking nearly a year ago –
and I’m loving it. I’m slimmer, healthier
and much more on the ball, but my
friends aren’t on the same page, and
I don’t really like going out with them
anymore! It was my friend’s 50th birthday
last month, and most of my pals spent the
whole time telling me how boring I was
and calling me a ‘party pooper!’ We’re
in our fifties for goodness sake. How
should I handle this going forward?
Ruth, Glasgow

To be brutally frank, your friends are behaving

like immature children. You are feeling the
benefits of not drinking. You are fitter, healthier
and have a clear head. They are jealous of
your self-control and doing their best to drag
you down and ruin your confidence. Tell them
straight. Say a worthwhile friend would be
pleased for you, not taking the mickey and trying
to derail you. If they won’t snap out of it and
start behaving like grown-ups, you’ll have to see
them for breakfast and lunch, and find a more
supportive group to have fun with in the evening.

MY DAUGHTER’S GONE
CRAZY WITH BOTOX
I ’m really concerned about how much my daughter’s
putting into her face at such a young age. She’s
experimented with Botox, filler, eyebrow tattoos
and much more – and she’s only 23. I’m terrified
Vanessa. I’ll always think she’s beautiful no matter
what she does to her face, but the more I try to
advise her against these procedures, the more
she wants to have them! What would you do?
PICTURES: GETTY, NICKY JOHNSTON

Rachel, Leeds

Your daughter is 23 and under huge pressure from friends

and social media to conform to a Love Island ideal of beauty.
All the treatments and tweaks will help her fit in and boost
her confidence. I don’t think there’s any point arguing in
favour of a more natural look. Taste varies according to
fashion and she must be allowed to make the choices she
needs to feel at the top of her game. This is one of the
areas where even the most loving mum must back off.

46 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE O Email your questions to AskVanessa@hearst.co.uk

 What’s up
Doc?
Hilary Jones MBE is a GP, medical writer
and Good Morning Britain’s resident medic

DACHE WON’T we GO
CHRONIC HEAach

I
e for coming up to two eks
have had a chronic head
r, but I’ve had a call-
now. I’m trying to be seen by a docto
mol. It doesn’t seem to
back and been prescribed Co-coda
e pretty much constantly
be helping, though. I feel a dull ach
ad and sometimes around
on the top left-hand side of my he
personal stress recently.
my left eye. I’ve been under a lot of
or something serious?
Could this be a tension headache, Leanne, Cardiff

DR HILARY SAYS:
headache such as this and
Stress could certainly trigger a one-sided
n, lack of sleep, excess
other common causes include dehydratio
neck), irregular meals and
alcohol, bad posture (particularly in the
these lifestyle issues and
caffeine withdrawal. Try to correct any of
check for any neck, eye or
get that doctor’s appointment. They can
begin like this, in which case
jaw problems. Sometimes migraines can
llers may be more effective.
alternative treatments to standard painki
erlying cause. Try to get
Tension headache is the most likely und
k plenty of water and
three or four nights really sound sleep, drin
r neck. Should you develop
invest in a pillow, which will support you
ms, make that doctor’s
any double vision, nausea, or other sympto
appointment an urgent one.

HELP WITH HU BBY’S BLUES! .

M
suffering from depression
y husband, I suspect, is
longer in bed
He’s not eating properly, spending
ing from the
and just generally seems to be hid
ng specific going on
world – me included! There’s nothi
IS MY STYLE TOO that I can think of, but he won’t tal
k to me. I want him to
ne of it. Anything I can
speak to a doctor, but he’ll have no
‘YOUNG’? say, doctor, to persuade him? Carol, Whitley Bay

A t 68 years young, my
friends have always
told me I’m ‘the
glamorous one’ with
the outfits I choose on a
daily basis – and I love it!
A few people have made
snide remarks, though.
Commenting on my
skirts being too short or
Do not dream of listening
to a word these people
utter. You are dressing
for you. You love your
glamorous, empowering
look and that is all that
matters. There is no
reason on earth to rein
in your own highly
individual look. There
DR HILARY SAYS:
Your husband has many typical features
of clinical depression. The lack
of appetite, the lethargy and lack of motiva
tion, the loss of interest in
very typical. Many people
anything and the social withdrawal are all
and feel guilty about feeling
with low mood do not feel any self-worth
not inclined to talk to anyone
the way they do. Consequently, they are
to him and get him to open
else about it or even the doctor. Try to talk
seek help if only for your
up. Perhaps for no other reason he might
pression is common and
sake and to put your own mind at rest. De

y
animal print being too are no rules in fashion. n or talking therapy,

ar
eminently treatable, either with medicatio

i l
bold for ‘someone of my There are no restrictions

age’, and it really cuts
deep. Should I revamp
my wardrobe?
Melissa, Leicester
whatsoever. Age is
irrelevant. You knock your
socks off, have fun and
celebrate style. Rock on!
Dr H
ter.
so the sooner he starts treatment the bet
See drhilaryjones.com
O Got a problem you’d like Dr Hilary to answer?
Email him at AskDrHilary@hearst.co.uk
 OVERCOMING
DEBT
After a year of rising costs, it may feel like keeping
on top of your financial commitments is increasingly
difficult. But you’re not alone. This Debt Awareness
Week, Richard Lane, Director of External Affairs
at StepChange debt charity, shares his top tips...

BUDGET
SURPLUS
Once you’ve
listed all your
monthly
Ċ¦ìܛàŰþÍìܐ엦›ç
is complete. After
this, subtract your
outgoings from your
WORK OUT YOUR LIST YOUR income. This is your
‘disposable income’,
TOTAL INCOME OUTGOINGS and it’s what you’ll
When you’re facing problem debt, it can .¥þÍìƠܛ‘¿›„ÜÍÆþÍìÜçÍ焿ÅÍÆç«¿þ have available to clear
be overwhelming. A budget is key to income, the next step is to look at spending. þÍìÜ—›çů.¥þÍìƠܛ
beginning your debt recovery journey, and Make a note of everything you buy over a
it’s something that a charity like StepChange month, including all bills, rent or mortgage, left with what we call
can support you with. Firstly, add up all food, clothing, travel costs, monthly a ‘negative budget’ –
the income you get each month, this could subscriptions, and so on. Remember to you’ve got more going
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48 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best for CASH ADVICE

ARE SAVINGS POSSIBLE?

Your budget will allow you to identify where you
might be able to make the odd saving. Perhaps you
have subscriptions you no long need, or you can
reduce your food bill at a cheaper supermarket.
It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for any
reductions on essentials like council tax, or whether
PRIORITY þÍ쑄Ʀ›ç„à͑®„¿ç„Ü®ćÍÆþÍìܐÜ̈́—„Æ—ů
DEBTS
It’s really important to
understand the priority of MAXIMISE
each of your debts, as missed YOUR
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who you owe money to. For There may be ways to increase
example, if you’re in arrears your income in the short term
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others, there can be more in online marketplaces are worth considering.
serious consequences, so these It’s also worth checking to see if you’re
are the payments you should getting all of the help you’re entitled to from
„——Ü›ààĊÜàçů—›ç„—÷®àÍÜ the government. Visit stepchange.org/how-
can help you with prioritising ø›ƒ«›¿Ùż›Æ›Ċçàƒ‘„¿‘ì¿„çÍÜů„àÙýçÍĊƗÍìç
whether you might be entitled to support.
LOOK AT YOUR
if you’re unsure.
OTHER DEBTS
Next you need to look at the rest
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BE CAUTIOUS money on your credit card, or hold
other credit debts. Try to meet
If you’re struggling, it can seem tempting to the minimum payment on every
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ELIGIBLE FOR
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10
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þÍìÜ¿®¥›„Æ—ĊƄƑ›à„‘¼ÍÆç܄‘¼ů
 best for
Elvis

The
Presley
special...
Austin
Butler’s award-
winning performance
as Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s
biopic has seen the late
King of Rock’n’Roll’s music,
charisma and legendary dance
moves return in glorious
Technicolour… Here, we take
a look at his most iconic
moments, his troubled
family – and the man
who brought him
back to life
PICTURES: GETTY

Turn over for more

FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 51
 A dream come tr
tragedy & family f
As Austin Butler’s stunning portrayal of Elvis saw his real life leap
skyward, the troubled Presley family experienced quite the opposite…
W
hen Baz
Luhrmann
cast a shy,
handsome 28-year-old
bit-part actor to play
the late King of Rock ’n’
Roll in the Australian
director’s latest passion
project, nobody could
have imagined Austin
Butler would become
the deserved Oscar-
The Presleys are nominee he now is.
feuding over Elvis’ Dyeing his blond hair
Graceland estate black for the career-making
role, the Californian star,
52 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
now 31 years old, seemed to
channel the late singer instantly.
And for anyone who’s seen the
film, his portrayal of Elvis is
magnetic, to say the least.
From his singing and speaking
voice, uncannily close to the
late singer’s, to his mannerisms
and those ‘carved by an angel’
good looks, even Elvis’ ex-wife
Priscilla Presley admitted she
did a double take while watching
him in certain scenes.
The 77-year-old even revealed
that at one point, she’d asked
her daughter, Lisa Marie, ‘Is

ue,
euds
that Austin, or your dad? I can’t
believe I can’t tell!’ It must have
been a bittersweet sensation.
Yet while Austin was relishing
the ‘dream come true’ life that he
so humbly speaks of, the Presley
Divided family: (L-R):
Harper, Lisa Marie, Priscilla,
Riley and Finley in 2022
Austin Butler
family – who at the BAFTAs told lost his mum at 21, and she’d lost
best he’d become close to during
filming – were about to be hit
with yet more heartache.
The beginning of this latest
downward spiral would be
the shock passing of Elvis and
Priscilla’s only daughter, Lisa
Marie, at the age of 54 on 12
January – two days after she
went to support Austin at the
Golden Globes.
In fact, the dapper pair were
snapped smiling on the star-
studded red carpet together –
though Lisa Marie did look frail.
Still grieving over the suicide
of her only son Benjamin three
years prior, Lisa Marie went into
cardiac arrest and sadly, doctors
could not save her.
At the time of her collapse, her the Presleys, with all the history
devastated mother revealed her
torment on social media.
‘My beloved daughter Lisa
Marie, was rushed to the hospital.
She is now receiving the best
care. Please keep her and our
family in your prayers. We feel
the prayers from around the world suggested Riley’s changed the
and ask for privacy at this time.’
Sadly, it was reported soon
after that Lisa had relapsed on
her Opiod addiction – a pain-
Priscilla spoke
at Lisa Marie’s
memorial
relief drug
best for
containing
heroin.
Lisa Marie’s
funeral was held
a few weeks later
at Graceland,
Memphis (Elvis’s
former home) –
the service was
also attended by
as Elvis
Austin (he grew
close to Lisa
Marie having
her 27-year-old son).
Priscilla read a moving poem
on behalf of Lisa Marie’s three
daughters – actress Riley, 33,
(currently starring in Amazon’s
Daisy Jones and The Six) and
twins Harper and Finley, 14.
Holding back tears, Priscilla
said: ‘The old soul, I had no
idea how to put my mother into
words. Truth is there are too
many. Lisa Marie Presley was an
icon, a role model, a superhero
to so many people all over the
world… Even now I can’t get
across everything there is to be
understood or known about her.’
Often, times of such
monumental loss bring a family
together. But when that family is
– and wealth of the late Elvis,
behind them – sadly, it seemed
to prove anything but.
Behind the scenes, drama was
brewing – and had been before
Lisa Marie’s shock passing.
Recent reports have even
locks on Graceland. Michael’s
request for full custody of Finley
and Harper has since been denied.
In the weeks leading up to her
Elvis
death, Lisa Marie and Priscilla
had seemed close at various
events while celebrating the
biopic Elvis. But it’s since been
reported the two were barely
speaking, and their relationship
had been fractured since Lisa
Marie’s split from Michael
Lockwood, 61, in 2016.
After the break-up, the exes
were embroiled in a nasty
custody battle over the twins that
lasted until October of last year.
Reportedly, Lisa Marie
resented that Priscilla sided with
Michael, and the tension trickled
down to Riley, as she always
sided with her mother.
The tension exploded four days
after the memorial, when lawyers
for Priscilla filed a petition in LA,
questioning the ‘authenticity and
validity’ of a 2016 amendment to
Lisa Marie’s living trust.
The change had removed
Priscilla and Lisa Marie’s former
business manager Barry Siegel
as co-trustees and given control
of the trust — the Graceland
mansion and a 15 per cent stake
in Elvis Presley Enterprises
(EPE), which together brought
in a reported $110 million in
2022 — to Riley (who had just
had a baby of her own) and Lisa
Marie’s son Benjamin Keough,
who took his own life in 2020.
Priscilla, who claims she
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, WARNER BROS
didn’t know about the 2016
amendment until after Lisa
Marie’s death, argued it should
be voided because of several
factors, including that Lisa Marie
had not informed her, as required
by the terms of the trust.
But a spokesperson for the late
Lisa Marie claimed, ‘There’s zero
question’ what her wishes were:
‘Lisa wanted Riley and Ben to
be the trustees’ — and for all her
children to be the beneficiaries.’
As they continue to mourn,
Riley and her grandmother are
reportedly still ‘barely speaking’.
We hope that after all they
have gone through and the
unique bond they share, these
two strong-willed Presley women
will eventually make peace with
each other. Because, if anything
proves that life is short, it’s this
famous family.
 Those
Presley
genes
Recent research seemed to
indicate that it could have been
faulty genes – not just pills and
junk food – that killed Elvis.
Perhaps his only daughter Lisa
Marie suffered the same fate…
various health conditions were
E
lvis Presley’s death
of a heart attack in key factors. When he died, Elvis
1977, aged just 42, was out of shape, overweight and
sent shockwaves around barricading himself away from
the world. the outside world and gorging on
But what caused his untimely platters of cheeseburgers.
demise? It has long been It’s widely reported he was on
believed that an unhealthy a cocktail of prescribed drugs –
lifestyle and too many pills for in the seven months before his
death alone there is a note of
9,000 pills, vials and injections.
However, recently, the finger
has been pointed at genetics as
the potential cause of his death.
Sally Hoedel, author of Elvis:
Destined to Die Young, said in
an interview that Elvis’ mother’s
parents were first cousins, with ill-
health running through the family.
Elvis’ mother Gladys, an
alcoholic, died aged 46 from
heart failure – and three of the
Elvis with his With late star’s uncles also died young.
parents Gladys Priscilla and
and Vernon One of the genetic conditions
Lisa Marie
Elvis allegedly suffered from was
54 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
‘alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency’,
which can attack the lungs and
liver. Lung symptoms are usually
similar to emphysema, including
chronic cough, shortness of
breath and wheezing.
‘Elvis had liver and lung disease,
as revealed by his autopsy results,
that’s telling,’ said Sally.
He also struggled with
glaucoma, insomnia,
hypertension, liver damage, and
an enlarged colon, all of which
were magnified and possibly
caused by drug abuse.
‘His health issues were varied
but he hid them so well that over-
medication is all we remember
now,’ Sally continued. ‘It became
a problem, but why was he taking
them in the first place?’
Was the star in constant pain?
‘He took too much at times,
but he was self-medicating
because he was trying to

find a way to be Elvis Presley,’
Sally explains.
‘Elvis is seen as less or more
than human, like an image, and
he’s been reduced to this rock’n’roll
guy who died in his bathroom from
taking too many pills.’
Something else that perhaps
not all his fans are aware of,
about Elvis is that he was part
Jewish. Designing a headstone
for his mother Gladys, it
featured a cross and also a Star
of David.
Young Lisa
Marie with
her father
Like
best for
father, like
daughter…
The king of rock and roll
is long believed
to have
over-indulged in
his
sandwich, a pean favourite
ut butter and
banana creation
fried in butter
– something that
likely did very
little to help his
expanding waist
or his heart heal line Elvis was
th, in his later ye
Shortly before he ars. known to love
r death, Lisa adm fast food
‘I won’t eat a frie it
d sandwich [laugh ted,
but I do like pean s],
ut butter on a ba
nana, just like D
ad…’
Fast forward 200 years and
Elvis’ only daughter – Lisa Marie,
would be born to Elvis and
Priscilla on 1 February 1968.
She certainly inherited her
dad’s dark brooding good
looks, charming smile and star
charisma – but with all that good
DNA, comes the bad… including,
it would seem, the ‘pill popping’
that Lisa Marie was also doing
behind the scenes. Had she
also decided to suffer in silence,
hiding her problems from the
outside world?
Lisa Marie’s only son,
Benjamin – surname Keough,
from her first marriage to Danny
Keough in 1988 – shattered
Graceland’s long-time vice the family world when he shot
president of archives and himself in 2020, aged just
exhibits, Angie Marchese, 27. Unfortunately, it seems
believes Gladys’s great- Benjamin, a budding musician
grandmother was a Mississippi- himself, felt increasing pressure
born Jewish woman called to match his grandfather’s
Nancy Burdine, whose family meteoric success. His sister
moved to America from Eastern Riley, meanwhile, had become a
Europe in the late 1700s. movie star in her own right (she
stars in Amazon Prime Video
series Daisy Jones & The Six).
Lisa Marie with her It seems the Presley name
children, before
Ben’s death casts a colossal shadow along
with the existing history of
depression in the family, and it
all proved too much for rising
star Benjamin.
Lisa, who said she ‘blamed
herself’ for his death, penned
a piece in a US magazine
about her grief, saying such
‘premature, unnatural, or tragic’
loss hurts more, especially if
that loved one is your child.
Little did she know that just
lisampresley
Instagram/
Elvis
three years later, on 12
January, the day after she
stepped out to support Baz
Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic
at the Golden Globes, she
too would be gone.
Though her cause of
death is still deferred
– meaning that after an
autopsy, a cause of death
has not been determined
and the medical examiner is
requesting more investigation
into the death – we do
know the star suffered
a cardiac arrest.
Lisa’s family reportedly
ordered a Do Not Resuscitate
since she was brain dead upon
arrival at the hospital. She
suffered a second cardiac arrest
and was pronounced dead
shortly thereafter.
On 30 January, reports
surfaced that Lisa Marie had
suffered a relapse in terms of her
opioid addiction (a pain relief
drug containing heroin) and
she was undergoing an extreme
weight loss regime in the months
leading up to her death as she
‘wanted to look her best’ to
celebrate Elvis at various
glitzy award shows.
Allegedly, just two months
before the Golden Globes,
Lisa Marie underwent plastic
surgery and began taking weight-
loss meds – losing 40 to 50
pounds in just weeks.
Pills – whether for weight
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: ALAMY, GETTY, INSTAGRAM
loss or as part of an addiction
to painkillers – will surely have
played their part, but perhaps
the saddest thing to note, for
both Lisa Marie and her late
father, is the secret pain that
led them to these dark places,
in the first place.
Certainly, the Presley family
have genes that many would
be deeply envious of. Chiselled
looks, those angelic voices and
a star quality they seem to have
simply been born with.
But other genes seem to have
taken them on a dark trajectory
that gets passed down through
generations. Let’s hope that this
generation is where the chain
is broken – and the heartache
ends for this troubled family.
 The King’s
iconic moments
Elvis may be long gone – but his legacy lives on.
Here, we look back at 10 of the most unforgettable
moments in the star’s colourful career…

star-s tud de d bio pic tre atm ent in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis,
e got the a look
lighting old ones. Now we take
H intro du cing

to the music scene in

him
back at the King of

ve
the
s –
to ne
Ro
Fif
to
w
ck
tie
co nn
fan

s
’n’
–
ec
ho
s
Ro

tin
an

rri
g
d
ll’s
de
sta
fyi
wi th
ng
nd ou
pa
cro
t
ren
mo me nts, from his explosion on
ts with his famous ‘snake hips’
oner Frank Sinatra, lighting up
Las
and suggestive mo g pe rfo rmances on the big screen and
more…
ng tru ly me sm eri sin

2
Vegas and off eri

ELVIS’ FIRST TV
APPEARANCE JAILHOUSE ROCK
When Elvis first appeared on TV in Jailhouse Rock was Elvis’ third
1956 – a day after his first single movie – and it mirrored his own
release, Heartbreak Hotel – showing AIN’T NOTHIN’ meteoric rise to fame (albeit one with
off that trademark wiggle, nobody BUT A HOUND a violent streak, that landed his
had ever seen anything like him before. A new DOG character, Vince Everett, in prison). It
Elvis performed his Big also featured the title song, which
kind of star had been born. Mama Thornton cover,
Hound Dog, on The remains one of his most famous, in
Milton Berle Show in an iconic scene where he dances
June 1956, cementing with other inmates in
his fame – and notoriety.
Berle advised him to striped prison
finally sing without his uniform.
guitar (‘Let ’em see you,
son’) and thus, some 40
million viewers got the
full pelvic thrust – there
was a new sex symbol
in town!

PRESLEY JOINS
THE ARMY
In 1957, at the height of his
career, in news that broke
millions of fans’ hearts, Elvis
received his draft notice for
a two-year stint in the army.
Dubbed ‘Black Monday’,
ED SULLIVAN SHOW tens of thousands of fans sent
US chatshow host Ed Sullivan refused to letters to the army
book Elvis, believing he was too risqué for begging for him
family viewing. So when young Elvis
appeared on Steve Allen’s rival show to be spared, but
performing Hound Dog to an actual Elvis donned
basset hound while wearing top hat and his uniform and
tails,Sullivan retracted his boycott,
leading to one of Elvis’ most iconic reported for duty,
performances in September 1956. in Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas.

56 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 SINATRA’S
best for
Elvis
PEACE
OFFERING
Frank Sinatra
was just
one of the
established stars who
hated this raucous new
genre of music. In 1957
he headed up the anti-rock
’n’ roll movement, saying,
‘It is… the most brutal, ugly,
THE PROTEST
degenerate, vicious form
SONG
Elvis got political for the
of expression it has been grand finale of American
my misfortune to hear.’ channel NBC’s TV special,
Elvis, in 1968. If I Can
But in 1960, Sinatra did Dream revealed the
an about-turn, welcoming singer’s well-known
Presley on his ABC special, fondness for Martin Luther
King Jr., and his ‘I Have A
It’s Nice to Go Traveling, Dream’ speech. Both the
instantly broadening Elvis’ song and the ‘comeback
appeal, to boot. special’ revived a flagging
career, after a series of
dubious B-movies.

THE LAS VEGAS

RESIDENCY
Today it’s Adele’s turn to light up Las Vegas,
but in 1969, it was Elvis – who hadn’t been
on stage in years by the time he began his

WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: GETTY

residency at the International Hotel. The
opening night, filled with Hollywood stars and
other VIPs, must have been nerve-racking, but Elvis rose to
the challenge, and for the next seven years, he would perform
more than 600 shows, selling out each and every night.

ALOHA FROM HAWAII

The year 1973 heralded one of Elvis’s most iconic
live performances – when he played to around
1.3 billion people, thanks to brand-new satellite
technology. Aloha from Hawaii was the first live
satellite broadcast to feature a single performer
in history. From the songs to the gem-studded
white jumpsuit , it was one to remember.

ELVIS IN CONCERT
Released just two months
after the star’s untimely death
on 16 August, 1977, Elvis in
Concert was a heartbreakingly
poignant release. Watching him
perform, it was clear that the
man with bleary eyes, fluffing
many of the lyrics, was not a
well one. But for fans, it was
special – as it was the last
known footage of the
King ever filmed.
best for
Elvis
Elvis’ eldest granddaughter Riley
Keough is enjoying the acting
career and critical acclaim her
late grandfather dreamed of…

The Presley
that cracked
Hollywood
later, it is his first grandchild,

I
t’s no secret that Elvis
Presley dreamed of red-headed 33-year-old Danielle
being a serious actor. Keough – known by her middle
While his singing career sky- name, Riley – who seems to
rocketed, his attempt at acting be realising those Presley
did not hit the same stellar big-screen ambitions – and
heights – no small thanks to his she has certainly inherited
manager, Colonel Tom Parker, her grandfather’s genes!
who put more emphasis on With doe eyes, a cheeky smile
instant money and a string of and some serious charisma,
low-budget films over helping Riley – who has been married
him carve out a long-term, to Ben Smith-Peterson since about a fictional Seventies Special. In a recent interview,
serious Hollywood career. 2015, and welcomed a baby girl rock band that shoots to fame, Lisa Marie’s first-born explained,
Elvis did gain critical acclaim last year – has starred in the likes entangled relationships between ‘It was my personal guitar, and
for his performance as Danny of Mad Max: Fury Road, Magic members included, before I wanted to use it in the show.’
Fisher in King Creole Fisher, Mike and Lovesong. suddenly breaking up – and And costume designer
a 19-year-old who gets mixed But it is her current Amazon seems to be based loosely on Denise Wingate recently
up with crooks and involved Prime Video series, the much- Fleetwood Mac. revealed that the series features
with two women – often cited anticipated Daisy Jones & The series opens with the various homages to Elvis. For
as his finest acting role. But his The Six, which also stars Sam backstories of each member’s two costume pieces, she worked
ambition was never fully realised Claflin, that could propel her respective solo endeavours, and with a rock and roll designer
even though his films were to the big-time. in episode two, chisel-cheeked named Love Melody, who
always box-office hits. The story is based on Taylor singer Daisy (Keough) works designed for the Jailhouse

WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM

But now, two generations Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel, up the courage to perform to a Rock singer in the Seventies.
crowd. Riley’s ‘She actually made two
Instagram/rileykeough

performance jumpsuits for Elvis Presley, so

in this series is I had her make two beautiful,
magnetic – but long coats for the show,’ said
it’s when she Wingate. ‘One is a denim leather
sings that she patchwork long coat and the
truly shines. other a beautiful rust leather.
Eagle-eyed She made those. I thought it
fans have was nice to bring that back
noticed she in the fold and have a little
wears a guitar bit of that history.’
strap in one If he could see her now, Elvis
scene that looks would surely be very proud of his
eerily similar movie-making granddaughter.
Rocking the to one used by
The last photo Seventies look
Riley took with in Daisy Jones
Presley in his ’68 ODaisy Jones & The Six is
mum Lisa Marie & The Six NBC Comeback on Amazon Prime Video now.

58 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
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 List the
good stuff
A University of Miami study
found that people were more
optimistic and felt better about
their lives after writing a ‘gratitude
journal’ for 10 weeks. Next time
something nice happens – your
boss praises a job well done
or you spend an evening
nattering with your best
friend – put pen to
paper.

Avoid
excess sugar
Research from University
College London found that
consuming refined sugar can Give
increase the risk of developing something
anxiety and depression. There’s
no need to stick birthday candles back
in a pot of houmous, though, as With a large amount of evidence
it’s regular sugar intake that’s linking volunteering to mental
problematic. Just be more wellbeing, helping others means
discerning at snack helping yourself, too. People who
time. volunteer experience spikes in
oxytocin (the ‘cuddle hormone’)
so pitching in can lead to less
stress. Try a Facebook

3
group, or check
out do-it.org.

Get
a pet
Some of the country’s
greatest minds have put their
heads together to find out if
dogs really are man’s best friend.
Academics at the universities of

4
Manchester, Southampton and
Liverpool reviewed studies on the
impact of mental health of their
owners, and found reduced
feelings of loneliness to a
heightened sense of
purpose.

Fly
solo
Whether you’re single
or not, time spent alone
is a proven confidence-
booster and stress-reducer.
Pick activities that allow
you to soak up solitude.
Peruse a gallery or
go for a coffee.
Go
with your gut
While studies into the
complex relationship between
the brain and the gut microbiome
continue at pace, researchers are
already sold on the idea of upping
your intake of prebiotics (think
asparagus, leeks and onions), as well
as probiotic (live yogurt, kombucha
and miso) for future-proofing
your brain health. So be sure
to include them in your
meal plans.
best for HEALTH
10
Positive
thinking
Research by the University
of Manchester suggests
metacognitive therapy (MCT)
has promise in treating anxiety
and depression. The next time
you have a negative thought,
recognise it’s just a thought
and it’s separate from
your behaviour. Then
Here’s how to make your move on.
mental health sparkle
this season
Rethink
those chores
Mindful chores are a thing.
It’s about reframing something
you think of negatively as an
opportunity. Menial it may be, but
focus on the warmth of the water
when you’re washing dishes and
the sounds of the suds, and you
may find that you can take delight
in a dull job. Repeat for things
Switch such as vacuuming,
bill-paying and batch
your focus cooking.
Just 10 minutes of meditation
a day is said to ease anxiety and
stress, relieve chronic pain, increase
creativity, boost empathy and make
you cognitively sharper. Sit in a Get
comfortable position, then focus on
some vit D
your breath. Take in the sounds and
Researchers from the
smells around you. Tune in to how
University of Georgia studied
WORDS: HEARST PICTURES: GETTY
your hands are resting and your
the link between vitamin D and
feet are planted, until you’re
seasonal affective disorder (SAD),
relaxed and your mind
and found that the nutrient played
is clear.
an integral role. Spend 15-20
minutes several times a week
outdoors between April and
September. In Winter, we
can’t make vitamin D, so
consider taking a daily
supplement.
FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 61
 Instagram/myenglishcottage
WELCOME
HOME
This is
possibly the
most English
door entrance
we’ve ever
seen! With the
white walls,
red flowers
and blue pots
– we think
Rebecca’s
COTTAGE KITCHEN certainly
It looks like Dottie getting ready
the dog adores this for the
kitchen as much as upcoming
us! The colour Coronation!
palette is giving
off some serious
Bridgerton vibes!
Take a peek on
Amazon for its six
bright coloured
porcelain Tea &
Coffee set, priced
Instagram/myenglishcottage

£48.99 – very

Instagram/myenglishcottage
Rebecca!

ith it’s thatched

W
Instagram/myenglishcottage

roof, floral ANTIQUE TILES

From the vintage-style wood
theme, full of vanity unit to the gorgeous
books and quirky beams, antique tiles and panelled
walls, this bathroom is just
it’s no wonder Rebecca’s divine. For a similar look, try
Instagram account – Homebase Fiore Vintage
@myenglishcountry Floral tiles, £35 per m2.
cottage – has 103K
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abode...
WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: INSTAGRAM

Instagram/myenglishcottage

FLOWER POWER
Fresh blooms and lit candles
make the perfect combo –
adding life (and cosiness) to
any room. Rebecca’s a big fan
of tulips, especially at this
time of year. Anyone else
want to know what music is
laid out to play on the piano?!

62 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best for CELEBRITY

Instagram/myenglishcottage
VINTAGE VIBES
We love the old-school feel of this bedroom. TIME FOR TEA
From the distressed cabinets to the chest Rebecca’s dining area is the perfect
and lantern at the end of the bed, nothing setting for a spot of afternoon tea.
says ‘character’ more than this room. For these country-style chairs and
table, it’s well worth a hunt around
second-hand furniture shops or
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R e b e c c a F l e t c h e r!
Step into interiors influencer
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H&M Home has a great selection of cushion
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SHABBY CHIC
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 Alex protested his innocence
throughout the murder trial

A family destroyed When Mallory

Beach was kill
ed

Continuing our story from last week – a

in a boating Mallor y and
Anthony, far
back, with their
best for REA
accident, it Paul and Morga friends
and Connor
and
n, middle, L LIF E
seemed like on that fateful Miley front,
night
a
tragic mishap
Four years on,.
it looks like

drunk boy, a dead girl and a father standing

anything but
…

Dark Paul

secrets of
Mallor y,right
seemed to , with
best friend Miley

trial for the death of his son and wife… all

escape
took control of justice drive. Instead, he
the
stopped the police situation. They up, zig-zagging
kept speeding
Paul and reporte from interviewing mum) showed then leaving the
across the river,
dly
Connor was driving told officers that

a family
wheel to spin
up,’ she says. freely – a danger
warned the teenag the boat. Alex ‘Before they caused a row.
ous move that
to stay quiet. e survivors
even checked on A row that ended
He was also heard us, they opened Morgan, the boat in him slapping
guard, saying, ‘She’s by a security the Mallory being thrown crashing and

tragedy gone. Don’t back of the truck

and

rather than ruin the Murdaugh family name

worry.’ Was he talking they took out all In the immediate overboard.
Because the Murda about Mallory? guns and of the Connor rang the aftermath,
ughs weren’t they cleared the emergency service
just any family. the truck and the bed of Paul rang his family. s-
Prestig
powerful, they owned ious and beer cans… They
floors of all of these Right away, rumou
the
firm in town, dating largest law
to me and tell me
kept trying to talk spread as to whethe rs started to
great-great-grandfatback to Paul’s 911,
I didn’t need to
call used their connec r the family had

W Mallory Beach
ith her long blond
hair, slim figure e
sparkling smile, and
was
dating a family

cousin, Connor
friend
Miley’s boyfriend Anthony Cook.
was Anthony’s they realised that
Mallory had
‘For over a centur her.
family were law
Michael Dewitt
y, the Murda
and order,’ explain
, an
Hampton County editor at The
ugh
s
because I could
son in trouble.’
The family had
they could make
of gotten their

such sway, word

people
ON THE
NIGHT OF
was
Michael Brock,

and Michael Paul

the
tions – including
of the case for the lead investigator
first 24 hours
Thomas, anothe
the all-American every inch was seeing Paul
Cook, while Morga been thrown into Guardian, on the By this time, Morga disappear. officer and Depart r
graduating high girl. After Murdaugh. Simila n the river…. and documentary. ‘They n and Paul’s Resources agent ment of Natural
working in a clothi school, she was Anthony had been friends
since they were with Paul
rly, hadn’t come up.
Anthony dived
that varied from had a network
judges and lawyer
relationship was
row, and Paul would
deteriorating. They’d
break up with
THE BOAT –
interfere with the to allegedly
search for Mallor
CRASH,
in Beaufort, Southng boutique again and again
IT WAS
kids, to law enforcement s
up together fishing and they’d grown the cold, fast-flo into to her, then beg her To protect Paul, y.
and dreamed Carol ina, Together, they madeand hunting. to find his girlfrie
wing water, desper
ate average man on
the
sheriff s to the He even becam
to come back to him. name. After all, and the family
on the jury. They street who served he
Yet, her life was
of
interior desig becoming an
ner. So, on 23 Februa a cosy group.
six friends planne ry 2019, when the
SEVEN the water search
nd, but even when
and
arrived, she remain rescue team area, and at times,
were the law in
this pinning her
e physic
punching and kicking ally aggressive,
her – once even PAUL WAS to be questioned wasn’t taken to jail
Even when Paul,
or put in handcu
ffs.
short, in started cut tragica lly
a sequence of events roast (a form of
d to go to an oyster
oyster barbeque), DAYS ed
It was seven heartb missing. The Murdaughs
were above the
houses on about owned numerous
law.’ her throat. down and pressing on DRINKING eventually charge then 20, was
d
the influence, causinwith driving under
that led to the eventu before her lifeless reaking days On the night of
powerful family. al downfall of a decided to meet
in Paul’s family
first, then go togeth
boat.
they
er BEFORE recovered. She’d body was eventually
suffered blunt force
the county. They
boats, a landing
1,000 acres of land
had various ponds, in was drinking heavily, downin
the boat crash, Paul
g six
HEAVILY counts of boatin
causing great bodily
g death, and two
g under the influen
day, Paul had used Earlier that
HER BODY
It’s a tale so sensati trauma to her head beers through a ce

‘I need the police and an ambulance

strip
wealth beyond imaginfor their plane…

n February 2019, a group of

funnel before they

I
onal, it could and subsequently injury on 18 April
almost be fiction Buster’s ID to buy his older brother drowned. even arrived at 2019, there was
no
al–
Netflix has release so much so, $50s of alcohol. Yet, while his brotheation. the oyster roast. an orange jumpsu mugshot of him in
documentary, Murda d a true-cr ime
They arrived at
at 7pm and stayed
the oyster roast WAS At first, it had seeme
accident – a devast d like a tragic intended to follow r Buster the time he got
the crash,
footsteps, Paul sawin the family’s legal limit. Yet, he was three times over the
By
to the hospital after held in custody.
it, nor was he ever
A Southern Scanda ugh Murders:
disturbing details l, laying all of the
midnig ht,
until around
eating, drinking
laughing. They and FOUND of drunk kids boatinating combination
during the middle g in the water sheep. He drank himsel f as a black
heavily to the point
despite
from his friends
numer ous requests
Instead, he moved
family’s log cabins into one of the
bare. even stopped off of
almost immediately, the night. Yet, where Anthony his boat behind
, he’d refused to
leave where he contin on the estate,

immediately… My wife and child have

Mallory was a popula

six friends – Paul Murdaugh

a bar on the way at gave Paul’s drunk , or let anyone else ued to drink with
19-year-old with r, ambitious home, where Conno sinister turn. things took a alter ego a name, friends and have

ES: NETFLIX
a and Paul drank r Timmy. run-in
personality. Her larger-than-life shots.
Yet, the night was When the emerge As he grew older,
his behaviour police over his speedi s with the
best
Miley Altman, who friends were end when, on the to come to a tragic arrived, Anthon ncy services had became more reckles Mallory’s friends ng.
since before kinder she had known way home, at about river to look for
y refused to leave
the documentary, Morga s. In the Mallor y’s grave
do nothing but wait and family could
garten 2.20am, the boat Mallory, while Miley, n remembers for a trial date.
a time Paul was

WHITELEY PICTUR
Morgan Dough , and crashed into Archer Connor, Morga driving home drunk, Would they get
ty. She had also Creek Bridge s justice
started and shaken . While the teens, injured n and
to Beaufort Memo Paul were taken crashing his truck but still much-loved for their lost

and his girlfriend Morgan been shot badly!’ The phone call on 64 FACEBOOK
.COM/BESTMAG
AZINE
, called out to one
another, Paul’s dad, Alex,
Randolph, also
rial Hospital.
and grandfather,
arrived and quickly
threw Morgan’s into a ditch. Paul
she tried calling

‘Randolph, Alex
phone away when
911
called his grandf and instead,
ather and dad.
Then, on 7 June

the emergency
the police and an
girl?
father Alex made 2021, Paul’s
a phone call to
services. ‘I need

WORDS: SARAH
and Maggie (Paul’s ambulance
immediately,’ he
sobbed. ‘My wife

Doughty, Mallory Beach and her 7 June 2021 was shocking.

and child have been
shot
Paul and his mothe badly…!’
r were dead...
Read the seco
nd part of this
in next week story
’s issue of best

Because not only was it made by

...

boyfriend Anthony Cook, along

with their other friends Miley
Altman and Connor Cook, had
gone to an oyster roast in Paul’s
family boat. But on the way
home, drunk and aggressive,
Paul had crashed into a bridge
– sending Mallory overboard.
Tragically, it’d taken seven days to
find her lifeless body. As Paul failed
Alex, a member of the prestigious
and powerful Murdaugh family
who had been ‘law and order’ in
Hampton County, South Carolina,
for generations, but because the
‘child’ he was referring to, was his
youngest son Paul.
Netflix’s latest true-crime
documentary, Murdaugh Murders:
Alex and his surviving son, Buster,
offered $100,000 reward for any
information relating to the murders.
This was a tragic culmination of
MAGGIE various problems the family had been
going through. As well as Paul’s trial,
LAY Buster had been expelled from law
school for plagiarising and Maggie
RIDDLED was rumoured to be speaking to a

to be arrested, or even questioned,
after the crash, rumours began
to circulate about whether Alex
Murdaugh – Paul’s lawyer dad – and
his father, Randolph, had used their
connections to protect Paul – and
the family name. Even when Paul
was charged, locals doubted whether
justice would be done.
Two years later, while still waiting
for a trial, the police received a call
from the Murdaugh residence.
A Southern Scandal, has unfolded
the almost unbelievable tale of how
one girl’s death led to numerous
skeletons being discovered in the
Murdaugh’s giant family closet.
Yet now, the 22-year-old had
been killed – with two blasts from
a shotgun at Moselle, the family’s
WOUNDS
sprawling estate. A couple of feet
away, his mother, Maggie, 52, also
lay riddled with five bullet wounds,
this time from a rifle.
WITH
divorce lawyer. Things had got so
bad between Maggie and Alex, she’d
FIVE moved to the family’s beach home on
Edisto Island, nearly an hour away
BULLET from the family’s estate.
Yet, despite Paul having alluded to
receiving threats online, there were
no immediate suspects, no sketches
of suspicious strangers or vehicles to
look out for. Instead, the police gave
the message that ‘there was no danger
to the public’. How did they know the

64 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE

killer wouldn’t strike again?
Just months later – the murders
still unsolved – the town was rocked
by more scandal. Alex was being
forced out of his family’s law firm in
September 2021, for stealing millions
of dollars from the firm and its clients.
The story became stranger still
when, a day later, Alex called 911.
He’d been shot, in the head, on the
side of the road close to his home.
Later, however, Alex admitted that
he had hired a former business client,
Curtis Edward Smith, to kill him in
the hopes that Buster could collect
his $10m life insurance policy.
Both Alex and Curtis were later
indicted on fraud and conspiracy
charges and charged with felonies for
distributing and purchasing narcotics.
It seemed like the actions of a
desperate man. Could he have not
only hired someone to kill himself,
but to have gone one step further –
and killed his own wife and son?
That was what the evidence
appeared to suggest. On the night of
the murders, Maggie met Alex at the
kennels at his request and allegedly
texted a friend that her husband was
acting ‘fishy’ and believed he was ‘up
to something’. It was there she was
later murdered.
And while the shotgun that killed
Paul could not be traced as shotguns
don’t leave a ballistics trail, the
AR-15-style rifle that killed
Maggie was very unusual – and the
Murdaughs owned that type of gun.
Then, while covering the deaths
of Maggie and Paul, journalist Will
Folks got an anonymous tip to look
Paul with girlfriend
Morgan and his parents
Alex and Maggie
into the death
of Stephen
Smith, who’d
been found
in the middle
of a Hampton
County road on 8
July 2015.
He’d suffered
severe head trauma, Alex is serving
and his death had been two life sentences
dismissed as a hit and run – yet,
when the details were looked at more
closely, that didn’t quite add up…
He was lying positioned in the
middle of the road, with his loose-
fitting shoes still on. As Will looked at
the reports, foul play was mentioned WITH A
– but it wasn’t followed up.
Another thing in the reports caught CLOSER
Will’s eye – Buster Murdaugh’s name.
And a private investigator hired by LOOK,
Stephen’s mum was also led to Alex’s
THINGS
eldest son and Paul’s big brother.
When Morgan had started dating
Paul, a girl had messaged her, saying
DIDN’T
she’d reason to believe that Paul or ADD
UP…
Buster had killed Stephen.
There were rumours that Stephen
and Buster were having a relationship
and they wanted to come out to
Buster’s family. Yet, the Murdaughs
would never have accepted that. On
the night of his death, Stephen ran
out of gas in his car and called Buster
for help. Yet, when Buster turned
up, he was with friends. Whatever
happened, Stephen ended up dead
and the case just… disappeared.
And that wasn’t the only other
death connected to the Murdaughs.
On 2 February 2018, Alex and
OMurdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal is available on Netflix
best for REAL LIFE
Buster with his
brother, Paul
Maggie’s housekeeper of nearly
20 years, Gloria Satterfield,
who had raised Paul and who
he loved as a second mum, had
tripped over the family’s dogs
and fallen down the stairs. She
later died from her injuries.
Yet on the documentary,
Morgan remembers that Alex –
who was addicted to painkillers
– was meant to be detoxing when
Gloria had found drugs taped under
Alex’s bed. She’d told Paul, because
she was too scared to tell Maggie.
Rumour had it, she knew too much,
so either Paul or Maggie had pushed
her down the stairs.
Just 15 days after Maggie and Paul’s
deaths, on 22 June 2021, the police
reopened the case into Stephen’s
death because of evidence they found
investigating the shootings.
In October 2021, Alex was arrested
and held in custody for stealing $4.3m
WORDS: SARAH WHITELEY PICTURES: ALAMY, NETFLIX, YOUTUBE
that should have gone to Gloria’s
family after her death. No longer
benefiting from the protection of being
a Murdaugh, he was denied bail.
On 14 July 2022, he was formally
charged with two counts of murder
and two weapons charges, with the
court documents stating that his
motive for killing his family was to
‘divert attention from the looming
exposure of death, fraud and deceit’.
Alex, now 54, vehemently denied
killing his wife and child, but a jury
disagreed. He was convicted and
handed two life sentences – although
he has lodged an appeal against his
conviction. Has justice finally been
served? It seems the Murdaughs are
no longer above the law…
 your
story
with

D
o you have a story you’d like to share with our
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We’re looking for real-life stories from
women just like you and your friends – and will
pay up to £250 for all those that make it into
these pages. Stories can be funny, sad, emotional,
inspirational – just like some of the examples on
this page. The only rule: they must be true.
Have you been on a diet that changed your life?
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PICTURE: GETTY

bestmagazine
 best for CELEBRITY

See the Our fabul

and funny
ous

world through
columnist
,c
Jenny Ecl omedian
air
to tell it li , is here

JENNY’S
ke it
in her own is,
witty way…

FU N-TINTED
LENSES…

RI P E N I N G W I T H AG E
in 1900, the same year as

I
went to an art gallery last
Sunday. I see a lot of art - it’s
more affordable than West
End theatre. Anyway, I live in
my grandmother, starts
getting noticed on the
New York art scene, in her
1960

London and I’d rather get my sixties! At an age when

steps in traipsing around a many people expected
Instagram/jennyeclair

gallery than a park, especially her to retire! And from

when it’s raining. I like a nice then on, she just keeps
‘indoor walk’. on getting better and
In fact, one of my highest recorded better, until her death
step counts resulted not from a country at the age of 84.
ramble, but from a three-hour jaunt There is footage of
around IKEA, in Croydon. Don’t get me the artist in her eighties,
wrong, I love nature and I’m sure if I lived attending the opening A day out in
by the sea, I’d take a beach walk every of one of her shows, London with
the ‘old man’
day, but I don’t. I live in South London – accompanied by her
the easiest way for me to experience granddaughter. The
a sea view is on the walls of a gallery. artist looks like a
... plus
Which brings me neatly back to the sweet little grey- enjoying Alice
exhibition. The old man and I went to haired old lady, the Neel’s art is an
see the American portrait painter, Alice sort you can imagine extra bonus
Neel, at the Barbican. Don’t worry, she’s running a corner sweet
not massively famous, loads of people shop, measuring out Getting the steps
will never have heard of her. That’s not big jars of dolly mixtures. in, while staying
dry, is key...
the point. The point is, she only really In reality, she was painting
became brilliant post middle-age. portraits of New York sex workers.
Walking round the show was a If it was the ‘done thing’ to clap in
PICTURES: ALAMY, GETTY, INSTAGRAM

revelation. Her early work is patchy and
a bit cartoony, and I was thinking ‘meh’.
Then, suddenly, in her sixties, there’s
this massive gear change in her painting,
and the portraits take on this new gutsy
confidence and a woman, who was born
‘When it’s raining. I like
a nice “indoor walk”...’
a gallery I would have clapped and
whistled and cheered. Older women are
so unappreciated, so over-looked and
yet here was a woman who simply stuck
to her guns and kept going until the
critics couldn’t help but take notice.
In 2021, one of her
paintings sold at Christie’s
for over three million
dollars. Dear reader, I
bought some postcards.

FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 67
‘T
here’s been another
one,’ Barry announced
solemnly, as he joined
me and my friends,
Hannah and Adam, in the pub one
evening. He lowered his lanky frame
onto a chair and rested his elbows
on the table.
‘Another what?’ Adam asked.
Having recently moved into the
village to live with my best friend,

and
Hannah, he wasn’t always up to
speed with local gossip.
‘Cats have been disappearing,’
Hannah explained.
The topic had been the cause
of much speculation in the village.
We prided ourselves on being a
law-abiding community, and no
one liked to think there could be
a thief living among us.
‘Cats wander off all the time,’
Adam said. ‘They come back
when they’re ready.’
‘Five were reported missing last
week,’ Barry told him grimly. As the
local policeman, Barry was familiar
with the details of the case. ‘Four of
them were kittens,’ he added. ‘Angela
Norris said her little girl’s heartbroken.
She’s only seven.’
‘Cats are notoriously independent,’
Adam insisted. ‘It sounds to me as
though some people are overreacting. BY LEIGH RUSSELL
I can’t see why the police need to
get involved.’
Barry lowered his voice and
glanced around before saying
that there was more to it than cats they managed not to breathe on she might be able to follow the scent.’
wandering off. ‘One of the owners the paper.’ ‘She’s not a bloodhound,’ Barry said.
has received a ransom demand for ‘Is it possible to avoid leaving any Poppy woke up and barked, as
a thousand pounds.’ trace of DNA like that?’ Adam asked. though objecting to Barry questioning
Hannah gasped, while Adam NO Barry sighed. ‘Only with extreme her ability.
and I stared in disbelief.
‘She was warned not to contact the ONE LIKED care.’
‘The kittens have been kitty-
‘She is really intelligent,’ I added,
and Poppy wagged her tail.
police, but she confided in my Aunt
Maud, and Aunt Maud told me,’
TO THINK napped,’ Adam chuckled.
No one else smiled, and Hannah
‘Emily’s right,’ Adam agreed.
‘I swear that dog understands every
Barry added. THERE scolded him for making a joke in such word we say.’
‘Along with telling half the village,’
Hannah murmured to me. COULD BE poor taste. While we were talking,
my little dog, Poppy, was snoozing
Poppy gazed up at him for a
moment, her head on one side, as
Maud was a notorious gossip.
I wondered if the owner had told
A THIEF under the table. When the weather
was fine, my friends and I preferred
though she was considering what
he had said about her.
her because they knew Maud LIVING to sit outside, and then Poppy would But Barry shook his head. ‘I’m sorry,
would tell Barry.
‘Surely the police can match AMONG attempt to dig up the landlord’s flower
beds when she thought no one was
Emily, but I can’t remove evidence
from the police station to show to a
fingerprints or find DNA on the
note?’ I asked.
US looking. Indoors, she generally
grew bored and fell asleep, except
dog, even one as clever as Poppy. You
can’t tell anyone that I told you about
‘Forensics have checked it,’ Barry when we were eating and she woke the ransom note,’ he added urgently,
replied. ‘They found nothing. Whoever up to beg for scraps. and we all promised not to breathe a
wrote the ransom note was wearing ‘Can Poppy see the note?’ I word about it to anyone.
gloves and probably a mask. Somehow enquired. ‘I mean, if she could sniff it, The next morning, I spotted Angela

68 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE

Norris coming out of the local shop
with her little blonde daughter, Grace.
The child was clutching a yellow
blanket, which Angela told me had
belonged to her missing kitten. While
we were talking, Poppy rolled over at
Grace’s feet, and the little girl giggled
when I told her Poppy wanted her
tummy tickled.
‘That’s the first time she’s smiled
in days,’ her mother told me sadly,
as Poppy seized hold of the blanket
with her teeth and Grace tugged it,
laughing.
Having said goodbye to Grace and
her mother, I walked on, with Poppy
pausing every few steps to sniff at the
ground. All at once she raised her head
and began pulling on her lead. It was
a lovely warm afternoon and I was
in no hurry to go home, so I followed
her down a side street. Poppy stopped
outside one of the houses and then
looked up at me, wagging her tail.
While we were standing there, a car
sped along the road towards us and
pulled into the kerb with a squeal of
brakes. A man climbed out, carrying
a rucksack slung over his shoulder.
Noticing bulges moving inside his
bag, I realised there was something
alive in it. Suspecting Poppy had
followed the scent from Grace’s yellow
blanket and led me to the stolen
kittens, I phoned Barry and started
telling him what had happened.
Poppy barked a warning, but it came
too late. My phone was struck from
my hand and my arm was seized in a
strong grasp, as a rough voice snarled
in my ear. ‘You’ve been spying on me.’
‘I’m just walking my dog,’ I
protested, terrified. ‘Let me go
or I’ll scream!’
The man clamped his hand over my
mouth. Poppy was barking furiously.
best for FICTION
For such a small dog, she had a very
loud bark. I struggled to free myself,
but the man dragged me towards his
house. Poppy snapped at his ankles and
he kicked out, forcing her to retreat. We
reached the front door and he shoved
me through it, slamming it behind us.
Face-to-face with my captor, I stared
at his craggy features and glaring eyes.
Suddenly, Poppy leapt up and seized
his sleeve between her teeth. The man
managed to shake her off. He lunged
at her, but she was too fast for him. She
dashed towards the front door. The
man gave chase. As he reached down to
grab her, we heard the wail of a siren.
+++
‘The cats have been returned to
their owners,’ Barry said, beaming,
when we gathered in the pub that
evening. ‘Luckily, a neighbour heard
Poppy barking. They looked out and
witnessed you being assaulted and
called 999. We were patrolling the
area and responded immediately.’
He told us they had found seven
kittens in cages in the house, along
with several ransom notes waiting
to be sent out.
The next day, Angela came to see
me, accompanied by her little girl.
‘Barry told us what happened. If
it wasn’t for Poppy, we might never
have seen our kitten again,’ she said,
with tears in her eyes. ‘Grace was
inconsolable. She’d been nagging us
for a kitten for months. She insisted
a kitten was all she ever wanted. And
now you’ve got Kitty back, haven’t
you?’ she added, smiling at her
daughter who was standing at her
POPPY side, twisting her fair hair in her fingers.
Her eyes shining, Grace piped up.
BARKED A ‘Mummy, Mummy, can I have
WARNING, a puppy? Please, oh please.’
‘A puppy?’ her mother frowned.
BUT IT ‘What about Kitty?’
‘I still love Kitty,’ the little girl
CAME TOO replied, ‘but I really really want a cute
LATE puppy just like Poppy. It’s all I’ve ever
wanted.’
Poppy’s adventures
continue in Barking
Up the Right Tree,
available from
PICTURE: GETTY
crimeandmysteryclub.
co.uk as an ebook now
for £4.99 and in print
from 23 March, priced
£9.99. For more info
visit leighrussell.co.uk

ARIES
21 March – 20 April
Dirty Dancing and
Ferris Bueller’s Day
Off actress, Jennifer
Grey, Fantasy and Hero singer, Mariah
Carey and other Arians should take
this opportunity to think about what
they really want out of life and then
decide how to make this happen. Don’t
shy away from a challenge and make
those dreams become a reality.
CANCER
22 June – 23 July
New doors are bound
to open up for you now
with so many planets
at the top of your chart. If you are
unemployed, an influential friend will
support you during a job search. Update
your CV and don’t be afraid to pursue
opportunities outside your usual field.
Expanding your skills and knowledge
will be a good path to take.
LIBRA
24 September
– 23 October
You’re making a great
impression on everyone
you meet. Take this opportunity to
interview for a job or audition for a new
role. You’ve always been highly sociable,
and this week will be no different. A fun
atmosphere will develop from nothing,
and the appearance of an old friend
will add to the party vibe.
CAPRICORN
22 December
– 20 January
Keep on the move to
find most contentment.
Happiness is not necessarily found in
faraway places, but you will benefit
from a change of scenery. Spending time
away from familiar places such as your
home and workplace will renew your
enthusiasm for life. Single? A short trip
will put you on the path for romance.
70 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
TAURUS
21 April – 21 May
You’re ready to take on
a new challenge and
you are determined to
succeed. Plan well and this should be
the start of a rewarding phase for you.
You aren’t setting your sights too high
because you will pour your heart and
soul into the goals you are setting
yourself. In addition to personal
success, your romantic life will sparkle.
LEO
24 July – 23 August
Splashing out on updating
your image will make
your confidence soar.
When you feel good about your looks
people will seem to treat you differently.
Your positive attitude attracts more
creative, financial and romantic
opportunities. Expect to make strides
towards your main aims. Life is
improving every day, so aim high.
SCORPIO
24 October
– 22 November
Friends, colleagues and
neighbours play an
important role in your life. Praise for
your talents confirms you are a respected
member of a team. Invitations to parties
flow in faster than you can cope. Your
renewed confidence will open doors. If
you feel overwhelmed by all the options,
take a deep breath and make a choice.
AQUARIUS
21 January
– 19 February
Once you’ve dealt with a
challenging problem you
will be able to let down your guard and
have some fun. Until then, be prepared
to get serious about your career and
other important matters. Try to keep
trips short as you won’t want to spend
too much time travelling. Include a brief
visit to an older relative in your agenda.
For
the week
21-27 March,
with Russell
Grant
GEMINI
22 May – 21 June
You’re a sociable soul
and you enjoy being with
interesting people. You
also have plans that won’t succeed
without a little help. It’s good to have
people to lean on when the going gets
tough. It’s important too to balance your
more pressing concerns with a little
pleasure. Reading, cooking and listening
to music are enjoyable diversions.
VIRGO
24 August
– 23 September
Delays are anticipated.
That’s why if you are
travelling you will double check
transport arrangements and timetables.
Keep a raincoat in the office in case
you have to battle the elements.
You’re waiting to hear news from a new
friend or partner. If it doesn’t come
soon, turn your attention elsewhere.
SAGITTARIUS
23 November
– 21 December
A group effort will get
off the ground. A special
occasion soon to be staged will be the
focus of this exercise. Chances are you
will be asked to lend a hand in the
preparations. This is your chance to
shine, and you will happily go along with
such plans. Hosting a gathering will be a
natural extension of your outgoing spirit.
PISCES
20 February
– 20 March
It is natural to be
nervous about a test or
interview. Try to keep control of your
PICTURES: BIGSTOCK
imagination. You don’t want to be a bag
of nerves when the time arises. Keep
your thoughts in the present and stop
your mind from reaching too far into
the future. You’re worrying about
something that may never happen.
 best for CELEBRITY
King Charles has confirmed
that the Duke of Edinburgh
title will go to Prince Edward…

Edward’s
special
birthday
honour of Edinburgh and the title

W
hen Prince
Edward turned of Earl of Wessex passes to
59 on 10 March, their son James, formerly the
his brother King Charles Viscount Severn, although
gave him a very special there is no change for their
present – conferring on daughter, Lady Louise.
him the title of the Duke On the day of the
Of Edinburgh - which announcement, Edward and
was given to their late Sophie attended an event
father Prince Philip at the City chambers in
by the Queen on their Edinburgh, the new Duke
wedding day, and held describing it as a ‘special and
for more than 70 years slightly overwhelming day’.
up until his death in The understanding had long
April 2021. been, in the past, that the title
The honour means that would one day go to Edward.
Edward’s wife, Sophie, Indeed, it was announced
formerly the Countess of on the day that he married
Wessex, becomes the Duchess the then Sophie Rhys-Jones
in 1999 that ‘the
Queen, the Duke
of Edinburgh
‘Sophie is and the Prince
relieved’ of Wales have
also agreed that
Now a Duchess, Sophie no
longer has to curtsey to Royals the Prince Edward Edward’s promotion
lud es should be given means Sophie no longer
who outrank her, which inc has to curtsey to Meghan
Meghan Ma rkle, the Du che ss of the Dukedom of
Sussex. The rum our is tha t the re’s Edinburgh in due
le love lost bet we en the wo me n.
litt course, when the was considering gifting the his lifetime. After that, William
A friend of the Duchess told a present title held title elsewhere (Princess can bestow it where he wishes.
newspaper, ‘Sophie is relieved.
She no longer has to curtsey to
now by Prince Charlotte was mentioned). It’s a solution that will fulfil
WORDS: DEIRDRE O’BRIEN

someone in the family who has not Philip eventually It was thought that, with the wishes of Philip himself,
spe nt
only left Royal duties but has reverts to the Edward now 14th in line who was said to want the title
the past thr ee yea rs criticis ing the Crown’. to the throne, he was too to go to his youngest son, as an
PICTURES: GETTY

institution Sophie works so hard
to support.’ Should Meghan and
Harry attend the Coronation, which
seems still undecided, it will be the
first occasion when the change in
protocol will be app are nt.
But times insignificant a Royal to acknowledgement of the hard
change, and accede to such a major title. work he has dedicated to the
rumours had been However, the Palace has Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award
circulating that, come up with a solution – Scheme, one of the charities
now King, Charles the title will be Edward’s for always closest to his heart.

FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 71
‘I loved swanning
around Italy in
my chinos!’
Comedian Jack Whitehall talks about sampling
la dolce vita, his jokes about Prince Harry and
the show his mum’s torturing him to do…
T
winkle in those blue
eyes fully intact,
Jack Whitehall,
who is currently dating
model Roxy Horner, lives
up to his ‘posh funny
bloke’ persona in spades
in new series Live Italy
(Jack stars in episode one,
followed by Love Island
host Maya Jama and ex-
England Rugby legend,
Lawrence Dallaglio), as he
cavorts around Tuscany
with his glamorous guide
Chiara, eating his own
body weight in pasta
and making dodgy jokes
about ‘spanking bread’ to
unwitting Italian grannies.
Here Jack, 34, talks about
his experience, working
with his dad on another
telly travelogue and why
he’ll just never have a
‘rippling six-pack’…
Jack’s been taking aim
at the other posh boy
to crack America
72 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
Jack, you eat and drink
your way around Tuscany
in this show. Hard life…
Very tough gig. What can I say?
It was very strenuous.
We saw you trying a
delicious panini. How’s
it compare to a ham and
cheese from Costa?
They were very good paninis,
or ‘paninos’ – but I will not be
bringing the correct terminology
back to the UK. It’s important we
all continue to say it incorrectly.
You learned how to make
bread and pasta, too…
When lockdown happened,
everyone was like, ‘Right, I’m
going to do all the culinary
things I never had the time or
inclination to do.’ Even during
a global pandemic, when I had
no excuses, I didn’t. Now I have
– and I don’t have to again!
Any chance of seeing you
on Celebrity MasterChef?
My mum, Hilary, is desperate
to do Celebrity MasterChef!
She got hold of the celebrity
booker’s number as well and
has been bombarding him.
She’d be great on it, so if anyone
can manifest that, it would
make my life a lot easier.
Would you do other
reality shows?
The dancing ones I’d be terrible
at. The Masked Singer – every
year, there’s one character they
all think is me – I wouldn’t go
near that show with a bargepole.
My singing voice is… well, maybe
the jungle would be better?
Have you been cooking
Italian since you got back?
I haven’t. I go through phases
where I try to be stricter with
my diet, then go off and do
stuff like this and eat heartily.
Before filming this, I’d decided
I wouldn’t eat carbs, as I was off
to film a show in LA called The
Afterparty (out this Summer).
The character description said
he takes off his shirt ‘to reveal
his rippling six-pack’. That’s not
something I’d be bringing to the
character unless there’s a lot of
CGI. But I thought for the first
time, I’ll train and adjust my
diet – then I got offered this, the
week before I was due to fly out.
Were you tempted
to say no?
No, I thought I’d have enough
self-restraint to be in Tuscany
and not eat just carbs. Then
I ate pasta. Every single day.
I arrived on set in LA with a…
one-pack. Then they found a
body double, and shot them
from the neck down. There’s
a lot of nudity, but it’s not me!
How much weight did you
put on?!
Oh, not much – but you have With partner
to be so strict if you want the Roxy Horner
 best for CELEBRITY
me loose. He can’t be bothered
to do any more Travels with
My Father, I said I’m going to
do a podcast – so he can do it
from his living room. It’s weird,
remembering what it’s like to
film something when you’re not
Jack won’t go travelling with a cantankerous
back to hosting …and dad octogenarian. You have to do a
the Brits… Michael has whole day’s shoot, because Dad
had enough of just stops at about four o’clock,
their travels
he can’t be bothered anymore!

What are your thoughts

Marvel body. I don’t know if I
have the self-control, especially
surrounded by the best food
and wine that there is. And I
fell straight back into my old
habits after this show, living
life at 100 miles an hour again
and cramming my diary.
Chiara, your guide,
often looked… bemused
at your humour!
Yeah, but I keep persevering
until I break someone down. Be
it the audience at a stand-up gig,
or one person, if a joke doesn’t
work, if you do it over and over,
eventually they might just give in.
If nothing else, to get you to stop.
How did your dad feel about
not being invited on the trip?
He was fine. To be clear, he cut
‘Another jungle
on the ‘nepo baby’ debate
(children piggybacking on
their parents’ fame)?
I firmly believe I have a ‘nepo
dad’. I’m a nepo baby but he’s
definitely more of a nepo dad.
He definitely opened some doors
for me. But also, some were
slammed in my face because he
was so obnoxious as my agent.
But yeah, he never stops.
You hosted the Brits from
2018 to 2021. Would you
do it again?
No, as with most things, once I’ve
done it, I want to move on. I do
weirdly enjoy the pressure, I’d
like more awards shows. Don’t
know about the Oscars… maybe
the TV Choice Awards.
What about stand-up?
You’ve been telling some
Prince Harry jokes…
Each night on tour in the US

Maybe…’ jaunt? recently I worked out how

quickly it took me to get to
Adven ture rom-com
Prince Harry – the record
Jungle Cruise (2 was 30 seconds before I
021)
starred Dwayne
‘The mentioned his frost-bitten

WORDS: SHELLEY SPADONI PICTURES: GETTY, INSTAGRAM

Rock’ Johnson an you-know-what. Every other
d
Jack Whitehall as night, it was the first joke out
McGregor, brothe
Emily Blunt’s Dr
r to of the gate.
hall

Lily
Houghton, who jo
/jackwhite

in
her on a perilous s Are you happy your
journey into the sitcom, Bad Education,
Amazon. Is Jack got revived last month?
Instagram

still
in touch with The So happy. Watching the kids
Rock, then? ‘We’
still friendly – bu
re flourish is great – I’ve known
t them since they were young. I
he’s not my ride
or dipped into the writers’ rooms
die! We have quit
e different lifesty
more gym-orien le
ted and mine mor s. His is
to meet everyone – I felt so old
He adds, ‘We mes e… pasta-heavy! and irrelevant! They were keen
sage now and ag ’
we might get an ain and are hope to have young writers, to help it
other jaunt down fu
The Rock has bo the jungle at som l
dy doubles, too.
But
e point. feel authentic. Me, meanwhile?
body. I have a bo
dy double with an they match his actual I’m just happily swanning around
and in real life, I amazing physique
look like I’ve been Italy in my chinos!
drawn by a child
…’

OLive Italy, created by Birra Moretti, is available on Prime Video now.

best GIRLS’ NIGHT IN...

This
week’s
must-
see TV

1 Anton & Giovanni’s

Adventures in Sicily
TUESDAY, BBC ONE, 9PM
NEW SERIES
Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du
Beke and Giovanni Pernice embark on
a tour of Giovanni’s homeland, Sicily,
beginning in the port town of Sciacca.
Their first stop is the Valley of the
Temples, the remains of a huge Greek
city. From there, they hit the white
beaches of Porta Bianca before taking
in some more history in Syracuse.
Their final stop is the island’s second
city, Catania, where Giovanni moved
aged 14, to further his dance career.
2 First Dates
Ireland
WEDNESDAY, E4, 10PM
NEW SERIES
Maître d’ Mateo welcomes a
2
fresh line-up of singletons into
the restaurant as they embark on
blind dates. First up are double
daters Mary and Martina from
Limerick, twins who do not
share the same taste in men. Will
clean-cut Silvester and dashing
David be what they’re looking
for? Meanwhile, animation
student Eric is worried that his
stammer might ruin his date.

COM I NG UP QUEEN CHARLOTTE:
A BRIDGERTON STORY
Rolling the clock back,
this six-episode spin-off
(it’s not season three!)
tells the origin of Queen
Charlotte, played by
Golda Rosheuvel (left) in
the main show. We’ll follow
the rise of the young
queen, while also meeting
young Violet Bridgerton
and Lady Danbury.
On Netflix, from May.
P
CATCH U DNA JOURNEY
Line of Duty stars Neil
Morrissey and Adrian
Dunbar met on their
audition day for Guildhall
School of Music and
Drama. That meeting
sparked a 42-year-long
friendship. Now, using
DNA and genealogy, they
are reconnecting with lost
cousins and unearthing
long-held family secrets.
On ITVX now.

74 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 Big
Soap
Story
3
3 Race Across the World
WEDNESDAY, BBC ONE, 9PM NEW SERIES
Five teams race 16,000 kilometres across the breadth
of Canada starting from Vancouver and passing through seven
checkpoints before reaching St John’s on Newfoundland, the most
easterly town in North America. Their skill and determination
are put to the test as they embark on their journey without
smartphones, internet or credit cards. Armed with only the cash
equivalent of the airfare to fly their route, teams travel at ground
level through some of the most remote regions in the world.
EASTENDERS
Chelsea tells Felix and Finlay that they are going to The

4 Shakespeare
in Love
FRIDAY, BBC ONE,
10.40PM
Albert tonight to give Whitney and Zack space. She’s
annoyed to find Ravi is there, and even more irritated when a
mystery blonde joins him. Meanwhile, Lola is fretting about
Emma’s sudden exit and wonders if her mum has rejected
What a romantic way to spend her again. Angry Jay demands an audience with Emma
at the car lot and tells her to either stick around or never
a Friday! William Shakespeare darken their doorstep again. What will Emma choose?
(Joseph Fiennes) is looking for
a muse to help with his writing.
Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) plays
the part perfectly. However, she
is promised to Lord Wessex in
marriage. Judi Dench, Colin
5
Firth and Ben Affleck also star.
5 Identity Thief
FRIDAY, ITV, 10.45PM
Is there a better way to
kick off the weekend than with
a laugh-out-loud comedy?!
4 We think not. When Sandy’s
identity gets stolen, he sets
off to Florida to unearth the
T
perpetrator. Upon finding
Diana (Melissa McCarthy), CORONATION STREE
the thief, the pair encounter Having taken a call from Dee-Dee asking for a witness
a whole load of trouble. Also statement, Peter visits Paul and orders him to back off,
starring Jason Bateman. and stop using Carla’s mental health problems for his
own financial gain. Paul assures him that’s not the case,
but Peter accuses him of faking his injuries. Meanwhile, as
the stags have a low-key do at the Bistro, Christina reveals
THEY DID WHAT?! she’s organised a surprise for Daisy. As two friends from
her past, Samantha and Ellie arrive, Daisy’s mortified.
Are Hailey and Justin Bieber
splitting up? As reports
circulate that Justin is no EMMERDALE Soon Manpreet and Wendy
make a breakthrough in
longer wearing his wedding diagnosing the cause of
ring and has started Cathy’s symptoms, although
the implications leave her
following his ex, Selena concerned. Later, in the
Gomez, again on Twitter, pub, as Mary enjoys her
model Hailey allegedly date with Faye, Mandy hints
that Paddy should make
mocked the star on social things right with Marlon.
media. ‘This is a little silly. Soon Paddy calls round to
I’m 30, I’m too old for this. apologise to Marlon. After
they express their gratitude
But I love you guys so much for each other, Paddy holds
and I will see you sooner Marlon as if he’ll never let
than later,’ said Selena him go. Having Paddy’s
friendship is the best
as she quit social media. birthday gift for Marlon.
What IS going on here?!
 Watch ONE
thing!
BEHIND THE
SCENES WITH
best
In this new six-part thriller,
career-driven and dedicated,
Colette (Paula Malcomson)
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Redemption
‘I became a granny
overnight!’
Here, Northern Irish actress
Paula, 52, tells us more…
Paula, how would you
describe Colette?
She’s a detective inspector,
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to you about this role?
She’s such an interesting
and strong character with
her own agency, and she’s
literally in every scene, which
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does, and I thought it would
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Colette becomes a
grandmother overnight.
How does she react to
finding a family she
never knew she had?
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 ... AND OUT
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& DRAGONS:
HONOUR AMONG
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Disney+ This action-packed

WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: BBC, CHANNEL 4, COLLECTION TRUST/©HIS MAJESTY

A Nineties classic,
always worth a rewatch!
Richard Gere is a rich
entrepreneur, who hires
grandmother overnight
adventure based on
the nostalgic table-
top game follows a
charming thief and

as well, on this job – it’s
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ORedemption continues
Fridays, at 9pm on ITV.
Vivian (Julia Roberts), a
prostitute, to accompany
him to some social events.
After falling in love with
her, the pair try to bridge
the gap between their
vastly different worlds.
ISN’T IT ROMANTIC Put a spring in your step with pop from Little
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 From
Bridgerton
to Bali…
Bridgerton’s Claudia Jessie, star of new ITV
drama, Bali 2002 – based on the terrorist attacks
– reveals how her latest role affected her…

not seizing such a fantastic

A
s gripping as Claudia Jessie. Polly is
it is emotional, deeply committed to her
new four-part husband, Dan, the couple
drama Bali 2002, adore Bali, it’s where they
based on the shocking fell in love – but little
terrorist attacks that did they know that the
shook the country’s honeymoon phase would
tourist hotspots in be cut brutally short.
2002, explores how Here, Claudia, 33, who
everyday heroes from will also be returning
Bali, Australia and for season three of
beyond, defied the smash-hit period drama
odds to bring order Bridgerton, tells us
from chaos, and hope more about the hard-
from despair. Playing hitting drama…
go-getting, successful
equity trader, Polly is Claudia, what attracted
you to this series?
Getting to tell a true story feels
like a rare opportunity, I’ve never
done it before. Alongside what
it would mean to people, it’s rare
that you get to tell true stories.
I would have deeply regretted
The series captures the
horror of the Bali bombings
opportunity to play such an
incredible woman as Polly.
So, tell us about Polly…
Polly Miller, as we call her in
the series, is a businesswoman,
who has only been married for
five weeks. She and her husband
fly out to Bali, a place they’ve
been to before and loved, and
unthinkably, they get caught up
in the tragic events that took
place in 2002. Tragically, the real
Polly [Polly Brooks] was the only
person in her group to survive.
Did you meet the real
Polly, before filming?
No, mainly because of Covid
restrictions, but we spoke on
Zoom and texted and emailed.
I can imagine Polly gets asked
questions a lot and must relive
things about that time – I didn’t
want her to have to do that again.
I basically said, ‘Tell me what
you do want to see and what
you don’t want to see.’ Those
were the only two specific
things I asked. The rest was
getting to know each other.

Were you already familiar

with the Bali bombings?
Not in great detail. These horrific
events happen throughout our
Claudia stars alongside lives, sadly we’ve seen so many.
Tom Golding in Bali 2002 I’m 33 and there are things I look
back on like 9/11, the London

78 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best for CELEBRITY

More than two decades

Love is on
the cards
for Eloise
attacks, the Paris attacks. The
Bali bombings didn’t feel as
plastered across the backdrop
of my life as much as say 9/11,
which felt closer to home. My
mum and family friends had
more of an understanding of the
Bali attacks through experience
and memory, whereas I learned
more about it once I got the role.
Were there things you
were surprised to discover
about the attacks and
their aftermath?
All of it. It’s hard to express
how awful it was. The strategy
of how they intended to hurt
and kill people was awful to
learn. The first bomb and the
second bomb, and how they
planned to get people out into
the streets, in order to have the
van detonate another bomb.
With any of these horrific things
that happen, it’s so unthinkable
that anyone would want to cause
such harm to others. Coming to
terms with that is always hard.
later, why do you feel this is
an important story to tell?
There’s that saying, if you
don’t know history, then you’re
destined to repeat it. What we
wanted was to show the heart of
these heroes who were lost –
or lived through it. We’re so
capable of either/or, by which
I mean we are so capable of
either altruism or destruction.
You see a microcosm of that
in how people behave online
towards each other. When
you’re in the comfort of your
car, you feel like you can shout
anything at anyone, don’t
you? That’s what I feel the
internet is like.
It’s a double-edged
sword, isn’t it?
It is. People are capable of
doing horrible things but then
there are all these people
capable of doing beautiful,
compassionate things. That’s
what the project really wanted
to show – the heart of these
communities. These people who
are at the vanguard of taking
care of others with such a rapid
response. It’s a reminder that we
can take a step towards one thing
or another, can’t we? Ultimately,
we could mean the world to
each other, couldn’t we? And we
should. Sadly, there’s no light
without darkness – and things
like this are a reminder of what
we can be, to and for each other.
OBali 2002 is available
on ITVX.

Wildchild Elois
If you’ve re ad the
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s in on, and
order, then you w her feisty charac
ter: ‘Being
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PICTURES: GETTY, ITV, NETFLIX

before we get a fu with potentially

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mischievous, muc
h-
character in seas loved
on three!
 Take some time out to
relax and unwind…
PICTURES: GETTY

80 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
best for STAYING IN
 AIN YOUR BR AIN
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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…

AT HOME
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ALL ABOUT EVE MOONLIGHT C H R Y A Y S N H L E A P N W
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82 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
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Richardson Puzzles & Games.
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Frame – Calm colouring book
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TURN OVER FOR MORE

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Phone and online entries open 21 March 2023 until midnight on One entry per household. Phone and online entries to reach us by
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3 Essentially, 9 Sheer,
10 The, 11 Right, 12 Works,
13 Observer, 16 Advocate,
All puzzles are kindly supplied artwork out of the book, then NEW! 18 Aware, 21 Large,
by Richardson Puzzles & frame and display! Available 22 Cap, 23 Uncle,
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 best for CELEBRITY
Comedian John Bishop’s son, Joe,
lost most of his hearing at 15. In a
new TV show, father and son share
their journey to acceptance…

‘Life
after
deaf’ is progressive, and it is likely

L
ooking at the Bishop
family – popular that Joe – who also suffers
Liverpudlian from tinnitus – will become
comedian John, his wife completely deaf soon.
Melanie, and their three As this moving documentary The star’s realised
he can’t ‘fix’ his son
sons Joe, 27, Luke, 24, and reveals, it’s been quite a journey
Daniel, 23, you’d never for the whole family – and
know anything was amiss. one that sees John move from Initially, however, the 56-year- As the documentary continues,
Truth be told, the family have wanting to ‘fix’ his son, to old wasn’t so embracing of Joe is delighted to find himself on
had to come to terms with a accepting his life-changing his son being hard of hearing a night out at a pub with the deaf
thunderbolt, which came at them diagnosis. – confessing to his fears in the community, and playing football,
out of nowhere – their eldest The new documentary, Life one-hour programme. a game he loved as a kid but gave
son’s sudden loss of hearing. After Deaf, follows John and Joe ‘I was scared of him becoming up after his diagnosis.
Joe caught a virus 13 years as they try to reconnect and learn part of it [the deaf community] Touchingly, he reveals his
ago, aged 15, developing Cogan’s British Sign Language (BSL) because you’d have to admit he hopes to improve communication
Syndrome – an autoimmune together, with Joe explaining, wasn’t going to get better… And with his famous father. ‘My dad’s
disease that attacks, amongst emotionally, how he felt when he I think we’ve all played with the been trying. I can acknowledge
other things, ear tissue. started to go deaf a decade ago. idea that it’s just going to – go.’ the intention much more.
Sadly, the teen lost a John also aimed to complete John and Joe’s first BSL lesson Something I think he’s realised
substantial part of his hearing a gig fully in BSL by the end of provides their first shared laugh, that it’s a lifelong thing and I

WORDS: DANIELLE SOUTHWOOD PICTURES: INSTAGRAM, ITV

overnight. Worse, the disease the episode. however. Both embarrassed can’t be fixed, but I don’t need
and giggling to be, I never did.’
Instagram/johnbishop100

John and Joe try their at the facial Both John and Joe, opening up
hand at sign language expressiveness with great vulnerability, discover
required to not only that there’s life after deaf
accompany – but that it can be a very rich
signing, Joe is one. What a beautiful, thought-
intrigued by provoking show.
the confidence
of their deaf OLife After Deaf is available
teacher, Bob. to watch on ITVX.

‘I can’t be fixe
ed,,
buut I don’t need
With wife
Melanie to be,, I neve
er did
d’
FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE 85
 BEFORE
YOU GO!
To enter the USA you

Theme park
will need a valid ESTA.
Also make sure there is
at least six months on
your passport before it
expires and have all your
Covid-19 vaccination
certificates to
hand.

There’s nowhere quite like Universal

Studios Hollywood to add a hint of
magic to your next family holiday…
BEST TRAVEL WRITER ALICE PENWILL

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
Universal Studios Hollywood,
based in Los Angeles, is a working
film studio and has been, believe it or not, for
more than 100 years. Since then, the park
has changed year-on-year to become what
it is today. With 20 rides and attractions to
enjoy, it’s a great place to explore with the
family. On the Lower Lot is Jurassic World,
The Transformers Ride, and the (terrifying)
Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster. On
the Upper Lot of the park are the likes of
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, to the
WaterWorld performance, and enter the
Will you brave Jurassic
magical world of Hogwarts where you can World’s roarsome ride?
soar above the castle alongside Harry Potter.

INSIDER’S GUIDE
If you’re planning a visit around the
holidays, aka the busiest time of the
year, consider buying a Universal Express pass.
That will get you one-time express access to
rides, attractions and seated shows. And of
course, buy your tickets in advance to avoid
long queues at the ticket booth.
Also, make sure to download the Universal
Studios App before your visit – it makes
queuing quick and easy! There’s also a ‘child
switch’ programme – each ride and attraction
has a family room where one member of your
Hogsmeade Village is
party can wait with the little ones while the
a magical place to visit rest go on the ride, and then you can switch
places, so no one misses out.

86 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
 best for ESCAPES
GETTING THERE:
Virgin Atlantic flies direct between
London Heathrow and Los Angeles
with return fares from £562 per person,
including complimentary food, drink, and
in-flight entertainment. For further information,
visitvirginatlantic.com or call 0344 8747 747.
This fare is available for selected departures
during 14 Aug-30 Oct, 8-14 Dec, and 22-28 Dec.
The prices given are correct as of 1 March 2023
and are subject to change.

STAYING THERE:
Five nights in Los Angeles from £4,350
for a family of four (two adults, two
children); including scheduled Virgin Atlantic
flights from London Heathrow direct to Los
Angeles, five nights’ accommodation at Sheraton
Universal, and the Universal Studios Hollywood
buy a day, get a second day free special offer
ticket. Price is based on a departure on 17 April
2023. Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of
ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book, visit
virginholidays.co.uk, or call 0344 557 3859.
Prices are correct as of 19 February 2023.

Recharge at the
Sheraton Universal

DON’T MISS FOOD AND DRINK

The brand-new Super Nintendo World
is open for business! Enter through a
warp pipe, to Princess Peach’s Castle and into the
magical Mushroom Kingdom, where you will be
The Mario-themed blown away. There are virtual games at every turn
salad gets five stars!
with points to be earned. But the main event is
the magnificent Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
There’s plenty
ride, where you enter a computer game to defeat
to see and do! Team Mario and win the coveted Golden Cup!
We loved the Mario-themed
dishes in the Toadstool Cafe.
Check out the Three Broomsticks tavern
in Hogsmeade for British favourites.
Head to Springfield for an iced treat from
Lard Lad Donuts. Or try The Toothsome
Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast
Kitchen in CityWalk where you can
enjoy a chocolate in almost every dish!

GO BEHIND THE SCENES…

Not just a theme park, the
Universal Studios is still
used to film blockbuster
movies – so one activity
you need to do is go on the
tour, which is included with
park admission! It offers
a real behind-the-scenes
look at filming as well
as attractions that bring
movie-making magic to life
and you might even spot All aboard for the
some stars along the way. park’s tram tour
 TRAVEL BY EXCLUSIVE TOUR
RAIL FOR
A GREENER
HOLIDAY

Visit serene Discover Geneva’s

Lake Annecy rich history
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Set sail for Getxo, Bilbao and La Coruña on a luxury

ship with two pools, a spa and evening entertainment

Cruise in style
aboard Bolette
SAVE the best for LAST
SIGN OF
THE TIMES SWEET
Hanging sign, STUFF
£1.50, Wilko Dish, £8,
Primark

COOL DOWN
Lolly holder, £5.95, Rex London
BUNNY HOP
Decorations,
£9.99 for
two, Gisela
Graham

Tr e a t y o ur s e l f CUTE FOR YOUR CUPPA

Mug, £6, Wilko

FOR UNDER
A TENNER
Get ready for a hoppy Easter with
these cute bunny buys
SWEET FIND
Bowl, £4.50, PAPER TRAIL
SWEET TREAT B&M Honeycomb decorations,
Milk Chocolate Easter Bunnies, £2.50, B&M
£4.75, National Trust Shop

EGG-
CELLENT!
Egg cup,
£4, B&M
COMPILED BY: LARA NUGENT

FRESH
SCENT
SUNNY Small
DELIGHT candle,
Bunny £6.49,
decoration, Gisela
£6.99, Tk Graham
Maxx

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 Walstead Roche Ltd,
Victoria Business Park, Roche, Cornwall, PL26 8LX. The publishers, editors and authors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be 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.

90 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE