Best Magazine UK: Suddenly Single

Best magazine's columnist Carol McGiffin talks about Christmas, New Year’s Eve oysters, bubbles and wine, taking the Joan Collins approach of 'if he dies, he dies' to her 44-year-old husband, Mark, her mate Denise Welch; Jane McDonald’s fans, and her South of France neighbours Richard and Judy … as well as her guide to being a good wife.

Carol also explains why she prefers staying in with Mark, shares her thoughts on keeping a relationship on track, and talks about writing her second autobiography. Plus, she and Siobhan get into television opinions, celebrity crushes, slow mornings and the Suddenly Single honesty box.

Chapters

00:00 Carol’s opening thoughts on relationships

01:00 Catching up and the Best Heroes night

03:00 Holidays, Greece and Mark’s crush on Lizzie Cundy

06:00 Carol’s TV plans and why she left television

09:00 Relationship advice for Siobhan

11:00 How Carol and Mark make it work ❤️

13:00 Christmas plans and New Year’s Eve oysters 🦪

15:00 Champagne, rosé and romantic dates 🍾

17:00 Celebrity crushes and Denise Welch

19:00 Carol’s second autobiography 📚

22:00 Richard and Judy in the South of France

24:00 Joan Collins, slow mornings and being a good wife

26:00 Bordeaux, Frenchmen and the honesty box 🍷

32:00 Jane McDonald live and her devoted fans 🎤

33:00 Carol’s final relationship advice

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BEST talks to smarter, sharper women. From financial tips and fashion advice to the latest celebrity stories, it’s a weekly date with your best mate.

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He keeps Matthew Perry’s autobiography on his bookshelf, wishes Elvis Presley had “a little more happiness in his life” and admits that his five fiancées earned him the “Lord of the Rings” reputation. Here, Million Dollar Quartet star Darren Day concludes our interview with an honest account of his memories, including “going cold turkey in front of a whole country” and Piers Morgan’s infamous (and ridiculous) headline: “Even his own mum hates him.”

In part two of Darren’s chat, he talks about how Robbie Williams helped save his life, his recovery from addiction and the impact of Matthew Perry’s death. He also reflects on meeting his fiancée Sophie, the “I don’t do family” headline he says he never uttered, and the relationship regrets he still carries. Darren answers the Suddenly Single Honesty Box questions about dating, love and what he’d tell his younger self.

00:00 Robbie Williams’ offer of help 🤝

02:00 Rehab, recovery and how Robbie helped save his life

05:00 Relapse, sobriety and putting recovery first 🌱

06:00 Mental health, neurodivergence and creativity

07:00 What fame taught Darren about validation 🎭

08:00 How recovery changed what he looks for in a partner

09:00 Addiction, blackouts and psychotic episodes ⚠️

11:00 Darren’s memories of losing time

11:30 Matthew Perry’s story and the danger of relapse 🕊️

13:00 Going cold turkey on Celebrity Big Brother

14:00 Elvis Presley, fame and the headlines Darren feared 📰

15:30 Meeting Sophie after rehab

17:00 Sophie’s support and Darren’s “Lord of the Rings” reputation 💍

19:00 Darren’s best and worst dates

21:00 The Suddenly Single Honesty Box 🎤

23:00 The “I don’t do family” headline Darren says he never said

26:00 Regrets about past relationships 💔

27:30 What Darren would tell his younger self

29:00 Sophie, lasting love and Darren’s recovery ❤️

30:30 ADHD medication and life on stage

31:30 Thanks for watching 👋

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He didn’t find fame until 25, he hardly drank until he was 28 - but the night actor and singer Darren Day partied with the likes of Jonny Depp & Liam Gallager was the first time he took coke…and if it wasn’t for Robbie Williams intervention, the drugs would almost certainly have killed him…in fact, it bought him so low he tried to take his own life twice. Here’s Darren opens up about his Love Rat image, wine, women, songs, his endearing lack of confidence & constantly being mistaken for Jason Donovan…

In Part One of this extraordinary two-part conversation, Darren takes us from life on an Essex building site to becoming an overnight West End sensation after landing the lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He reveals what it was really like to be thrust into fame, dating some of Britain’s biggest stars, partying with Hollywood royalty, and how one decision at a celebrity party changed the course of his life forever.

With remarkable honesty, Darren reflects on the media’s infamous “Love Rat” label, the pressure of fame, crippling self-doubt, addiction, and the moment Robbie Williams stepped in to help save his life. This is a candid, funny and often heartbreaking conversation about celebrity, mental health, recovery and resilience.

This is Part One of a two-part interview. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Part Two.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Darren’s return to the West End 🎭

01:00 Why Million Dollar Quartet means so much to him 🎶

04:00 From building sites to starring in Joseph ⭐

08:00 Overnight fame changes everything 🤯

10:00 Dating Anna Friel and life in the spotlight ❤️

12:00 Johnny Depp, Liam Gallagher & the party that changed his life

20:00 The first line of cocaine and losing his confidence 💔

22:00 Becoming Britain’s most famous “Love Rat” 📰

25:00 How cocaine became a daily addiction

27:00 Robbie Williams’ advice about ignoring the critics 💬

29:00 Fame, relationships and why celebrity changes everything 💕

31:00 Meeting Robbie Williams and an unlikely friendship 🤝

34:00 Marriage breakdown, ADHD and mental health 🧠

36:00 The desperate phone call that saved Darren’s life

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and leave a comment. It really helps the channel grow and means we can keep bringing you honest conversations with fascinating guests.

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BEST talks to smarter, sharper women. From financial tips and fashion advice to the latest celebrity stories, it’s a weekly date with your best mate.

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Lizzie Cundy returns to Suddenly Single for a hilarious, honest and glamorous chat with Siobhan Wykes.

From towering heels, fake tan and Korean beauty treatments to dating disasters, celebrity friendships and life after divorce, Lizzie shares why she’s still a romantic—and exactly what makes her run a mile on a first date.

The conversation also turns to the Royal Family, where Lizzie gives her thoughts on Sarah Ferguson, Prince William and Prince Harry, explains why she believes Fergie deserves to tell her own story, and discusses the latest rumours surrounding Simon Cowell and the return of The X Factor.

Along the way, there are stories about Bruno Tonioli, Ruth Langsford, Patsy Kensit, Mick Jagger, Shayne Ward, Christmas in Barbados and plenty of laughs.

In this episode:

* Why Lizzie refuses to wear flat shoes

* Her surprising dating deal breakers

* The man who ate cornflakes in bed…

* Why she prefers meeting men the old-fashioned way

* Sarah Ferguson and whether she’ll ever tell her side of the story

* Simon Cowell, X Factor rumours and Bruno Tonioli

* Korean skincare, facelifts and beauty secrets

* The Suddenly Single Honesty Box of Truth

If you enjoy celebrity interviews, honest conversations about dating after divorce and behind-the-scenes stories from the worlds of television and royalty, don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a comment.

#SuddenlySingle #LizzieCundy #Dating #SarahFerguson #SimonCowell #XFactor #Royals #celebrityinterviews 

Chapters

00:00 Welcome back, Lizzie Cundy 👠

01:00 High heels, fake tan and glamour secrets ✨

03:20 Korean skincare and facelift plans 🇰🇷

05:00 Dating after divorce and the cornflakes deal breaker 🥣

07:00 Why Lizzie refuses to use dating apps ❤️

10:00 Blind date disasters and what her sons taught her 😂

13:00 Sarah Ferguson, friendship and telling her side of the story 👑

18:00 William, Harry and famous family fallouts 👑

20:00 Simon Cowell, X Factor and Bruno Tonioli 🎤

25:00 Celebrity crushes and Christmas in Barbados 🌴

28:00 The Honesty Box of Truth 📦

29:00 Fate, dating apps and first impressions 💘

31:00 Makeup, confidence and life lessons from her mum 💄

32:30 Lizzie’s ultimate dating deal breakers 🚩

34:00 Why she’d never join Real Housewives of London 🍸

36:00 Final thoughts and what’s next ❤️

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BEST talks to smarter, sharper women. From financial tips and fashion advice to the latest celebrity stories, it’s a weekly date with your best mate.

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Real Housewives’ of London Juliet Mayhew opens up about life on and off camera, from her 20-year marriage to Anthony ‘Tiggy’ Mayhew to the reality-TV rows that require “crocodile hide”. She reveals why modern dating would terrify her, and how her ‘Shakesperian’ family keeps her grounded. Juliet also talks treatments, make-up, solo trips, her Aussie soul and British heart, and admits a Housewives finally is far scarier than performing on the WestEnd stage and why Portia the dog is the real queen at home….

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He’s been married for 28 years to one of the most successful Page 3 girls of all time, Linda Lusardi. Now both actors and panto season favourites, Sam opens up about their marriage, before he is joined by his wife to set the record straight on love, life – and the reason for their firm belief in psychic mediums.

Sam reflects on growing up as the youngest of eight children in Liverpool, his early love of music, and the unlikely story of how his dad nearly became The Beatles’ driver. He shares how a packed audition at Pineapple Studios landed him his first musical role, before a successful career in Brookside, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

He also reveals the heartbreaking moment his mother died while he and Linda were on honeymoon, why family has always come first, and how the couple first met during a pantomime that changed both of their lives.

The conversation turns to their remarkably strong marriage, why Sam believes no one ever really wins an argument, and the secret to staying happily together after nearly three decades. He also speaks candidly about playing controversial roles, the homophobic abuse he received after Brookside, and why taking on one of Coronation Street’s most notorious storylines was a risk worth taking.

In one of the episode’s most emotional moments, Sam relives the terrifying experience of nearly losing Linda to Covid. He describes believing she had died in hospital, the extraordinary nurse who reunited them, and why that experience strengthened their shared belief in spirituality, psychic medium June Field and the possibility of life beyond death.

Linda then joins the conversation for the Suddenly Single Honesty Box, where the couple reveal the secrets behind their enduring relationship, dating before apps, whether they’ve ever checked each other’s phones, their funniest dating disasters, favourite memories together, and why companionship becomes even more important than passion as the years go by.

They also chat about family life, starring in separate pantomimes, their talented son Jack’s success in Miss Saigon, and why, after 28 years together, they’re still each other’s favourite person.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Suddenly Single with Sam Kane 🎭

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With four weddings and four divorces under her belt, Real Housewives of London star Amanda Cronin is aiming to be the next Elizabeth Taylor. Here, she tells us about her life – from her own glamorous granny to her “disappointing” divorces, giving up booze, sleeping pills and Xanax, and finally finding her peace in the church, as well as why lunch is the better choice for a first date.

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Elton John? He won’t act as a cash machine for Prince Harry or Liz Hurley. William? Apoplectic probably sums up his mood – not least because he’s fiercely protective of his wife. Joan Collins? Still a head turner. Feisty, fearless opinions from TV broadcaster and former Daily Mail columnist Andrew Pierce on royal relationships, celeb friendships, and what really goes on behind his own closed doors…In this episode of Suddenly Single, Andrew and Siobhan Wykes get into the latest twists in the Harry and Meghan saga – from their surprise return to Britain and the speculation over Harry’s US visa, to the reported fury of Prince William and the future of the Sussexes’ royal status.They discuss Harry’s court battles, Meghan’s rumoured move into The Gentlemen, their new life in Portugal and whether the couple are giving Britain one last chance. Andrew also shares his views on Camilla, Princess Anne, Diana and the ever-changing dynamics of the Royal Family.Away from the royals, Andrew reveals what it’s like holidaying with Dame Joan Collins, recalls an unforgettable encounter with Elton John, and talks about his forthcoming second book, which will continue his search for his birth father through DNA testing.And then there’s the personal stuff… Andrew lifts the lid on his 16-year relationship with Russell in the Suddenly Single Honesty Box – covering separate bedrooms, celebrity crushes, their wedding at The Ritz, and whether companionship beats passion.⏱ CHAPTERS00:00 Harry & Meghan return to Britain 👑01:00 Private jets, jam and publicity02:00 Harry’s visa and the drugs controversy 📄03:00 Why William is reportedly furious04:00 Diana, the Queen and family tensions 👑06:00 Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and royal titles07:00 Meghan and The Gentlemen 🎬08:00 Portugal, property and the Sussexes’ finances10:00 Is this Harry & Meghan’s last chance? 💔11:30 Andrew’s South of France escape with Joan Collins 🌴13:00 Elton John, celebrity parties and court costs14:30 Harry’s Daily Mail court case ⚖️16:00 Portugal and the future of the Royal Family17:30 Nature, nurture and Andrew’s search for his birth father 🧬23:30 Andrew’s new Finding Margaret book26:30 Andrew & Russell: 16 years together ❤️28:00 Separate bedrooms and the secrets of long relationships29:30 Roger Federer, The Ritz and their best day ever 🎾31:00 Passion or companionship?

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Best known as the youngest member of Bucks Fizz, Jay Aston talks about her days in the band alongside Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Bobby G, the infamous coach crash that changed all their lives, being single until her late 30s, believing The Land of Make Believe is a place we would all be happier to live in – and why she’s finally singing with Cheryl Baker again…

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Fearless newspaper editor, TV producer, and now the feistiest woman left on the Loose Women panel, Janet Street-Porter talks frankly about her five marriages, the seven-year itch, cheating regrets and why jealousy should never eat you up. She also hilariously admits she learnt nothing about relationships from her mum, who once told TV presenter Russell Harty, ‘I don’t know what TV people see in Janet!’

In this brilliantly candid episode of Suddenly Single, Janet Street-Porter looks back at the love, marriage, divorce and heartbreak that have shaped her extraordinary life. From marrying her first husband, photographer Tim Street-Porter, at just 20 to admitting her own infidelity and revealing why she believes she saved the best husband until last, Janet holds very little back.

The Loose Women star also talks about putting her career before relationships, why she never wanted children, her complicated relationship with her mother, and the tragic circumstances surrounding the breakdown of one of her marriages. She shares her refreshingly practical attitude towards ex-husbands, jealousy, anger and moving on after a relationship ends.

Janet also reveals why she has never tried dating apps, how she met her current husband Peter, what she really thinks about separate bedrooms, and why curiosity and independence have kept her moving forward throughout her life.

Plus, there are stories from Janet’s incredible career in British television, newspapers and magazines, her love of London, art and opera, her Off the Leash tour and even a fabulous endorsement from Elton John: “The bitch is back!”

And stay to the end as Janet takes on the Suddenly Single Honesty Box, answering quick-fire questions about passion, kissing, snoring, saying sorry, checking a partner’s phone and the realities of long-term relationships.

Suddenly Single is the podcast about starting again after love, heartbreak and divorce, featuring honest conversations with famous faces about relationships, dating, break-ups and finding happiness again.

If you enjoyed our conversation with Janet Street-Porter, please like, comment and subscribe to Suddenly Single for more revealing celebrity interviews and relationship stories.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Meet Janet Street-Porter 👋

00:15 - Five Marriages 💍

01:21 - Dumping Her Fiancé

02:24 - Affairs & Regrets 💔

03:19 - The Party Years 🥂

03:59 - Growing Up Bolshy

04:57 - London & Soho

05:39 - When the Dog Comes First 🐶

06:33 - Best Husband Last? ❤️

07:23 - Fear of Being Alone

08:08 - Career Comes First 💼

08:52 - Janet’s Daily Rituals

09:44 - Self-Help Is Rubbish! 🙄

10:47 - Boxing & Keeping Fit

11:27 - Marriage & Tragic Loss 💔

12:45 - Affairs & Heartbreak

13:56 - Don’t Let Jealousy Win 👊

15:02 - Janet & Her Mum

16:04 - Why She Never Had Kids

16:47 - Friendship Matters ❤️

17:34 - “The Bitch Is Back!” 🔥

18:29 - Ageing Her Way

19:16 - Growing Up in the ’50s

20:00 - Advice to Her 19-Year-Old Self 💡

21:05 - Are Screens Making Us Lonely? 📱

21:37 - Dating Apps? No Thanks!

22:36 - Janet’s Love of Opera

23:55 - The Honesty Box! ❤️‍🔥

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