Table of contents for 24 December 2024 in Bella

Fiona Phillips’ husband Martin Frizell has quit his role as the This Morning boss, sparking fresh speculation about the family's priorities into 2025 as she continues her tough battle with Alzheimer's disease. The 63-year-old former GMTV presenter has been dealing with the condition since 2022, and Martin has hinted he's cutting back on work to support Fiona more over the next 12 months. ‘Next year, I'm expecting my family priorities to change so I need to free up time for them,’ he said in his resignation statement. ‘I love my team at ITV and will miss them and the thrill of live telly, but it's an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment and I won't be able to do both.’ A source said, ‘It is…

Just one year after he wrapped up his farewell tour, Elton John has shared the sad news that he has lost his sight. The Rocket Man singer, 77 – who has written the music for new West End musical The Devil Wears Prada – admitted to crowds at a gala night for the stage show last week that he has been unable to watch the musical after a severe eye infection in the summer has left him with severely limited vision. ‘I've lost my eyesight and cannot see the stage. It's hard for me to see it but I love to hear it and it sounded good tonight,’ he said, as husband David Furnish helped him off stage.…

It's been quite a year for Bella favourite Linda Robson. Following the end of her 33-year marriage to Mark Dunford in 2023, the Loose Women star has been living her best life with family, work and travels. She's loving spending time with her children Lauren, 41, Louis, 32, and Roberta ‘Bobbie’, 28, being ‘proud Nanny’ to granddaughters Lila, 12, and Betsy, seven – and let's not forget her beloved dog Dolly! We caught up with Linda, 66, to find out about what she's looking forward to at Christmas and beyond… What are your Christmas plans? We'll be at my daughter Lauren's this year. In between Christmas and New Year, we're going to Center Parcs. We thought we'd do that instead of buying presents. I'm also going to Thailand – Bobbie…

Listening with pride, I watched as my 14-year-old daughter, Summer, chatted on Zoom about her fundraising achievements for her youth club to our future King and Queen, Prince William and Kate. It was 2020 and Summer was being recognised for the work she had done during the pandemic. During lockdown she had doubled up on her efforts because she knew how badly the situation had impacted young people's mental health. Her commitment to the youth club cause made her speak up in a confident and clear manner because she wanted to help other people so much. But at school her life was drastically different… There, her quirky and intelligent personality made her a target for bullies. She was bigger than her classmates, taller and heavier, and at first suffered name-calling…

For her For him Kinds & teens Stocking fillers…

He doesn't understand why I'm so sad Q When I was 14, I got pregnant, and my mum forced me to have an abortion. Looking back, I know I was too young, but there wasn't even a conversation. I didn't have a choice. And I was told never to mention it again. I have thought about that baby every single day of my life. I'm now 24. my boyfriend is 34, and we've been together for three years. I want to start having a family. We're at the stage of ‘if it happens, it happens’ and last month, I was a few days late, so I took a pregnancy test, and it was positive. I was so thrilled, but the next day, I started bleeding, did more tests over the…

The best present My mother-in-law has just recently passed me a couple of Bella magazines that she reads. I thoroughly enjoyed these issues, full of celebrity news, fashion and competitions – and I particularly enjoyed the gift guide in issue 45. A subscription to Bella will definitely be on my Christmas list this year… Laura Smith, Exeter £50 Star letter A right royal Xmas I love reading about all the plans that Charles and Camilla have for their royal Christmas gettogether this year. Who doesn't love a turkey buffet? It's nice to see that they are all a bit more normal than maybe we sometimes think they are. Happy Christmas to them! Rachel Randall, Colchester THIS WEEK Bella LOVES… It's the time of year for cocktails, and if you are…

STACEY SOLOMON Presenter Stacey, 35, allowed her children to choose the festive greenery this year, and they're as Christmas mad as their mum – coming home with several firs! Five-year-old Rex chose a tiny tree while Rose, three, picked one three times her size. KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN Did anyone expect the Kardashians to go low-key this year? Kourtney, 45, recently shared pictures of her Christmas tree-filled Los Angeles mansion, full of foliage of all different shapes and colours. Although perhaps not traditional, it is very LA. SARA DAVIES MBE Dragons’ Den star Sara, 40, has been doing ‘12 days of Craftmas’, which included some charming baubles for her tree. She'll be working overtime to fill all of the five Christmas trees in her extensive home. THE ROYAL FAMILY It's no surprise…

Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, 53, has split from boxer Ricky Hatton, 46, after the pair met while competing on Dancing on Ice earlier this year. The duo got together after the show, and have been on several trips abroad together in 2024. However, sources have claimed that they have simply grown apart, and that there is no bad blood between them. Speaking about the split, Claire, who has been married twice and has son Jaxon, nine, said that she and Ricky were still close. ‘We were friends, we dated and now we're friends again. It's all good!’ she revealed.…

Ashley Jensen is a much-loved face on telly, having starred in Extras, Ugly Betty, Nativity! and currently Shetland, as DI Ruth Calder. Off-screen, the Scottish star, 55, is married to director Kenny Doughty, 49, and is mum to 15-year-old son Frankie – from her marriage to late actor Terence Beesley. Bella catches up with Ashley as she launches Save the Children's latest Christmas campaign. What are your Christmas plans? We have quite a traditional Christmas – watching reruns of festive editions of Father Ted and The Vicar Of Dibley and eating Quality Street until we fall asleep. What was the best present you ever received? A digital photo frame. I get lots of pleasure from that. And the worst? Years ago, I got a pan from a boyfriend – not…

Half Updo Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly or coily, a half updo – like Salma Hayek's – provides a stylish and effortless solution. This versatile look adds height and volume at the crown while keeping hair neatly out of your face, making it perfect for party season and beyond. To achieve this style, wave your hair using the Mark Hill Pick ‘N’ Mix Handle and Mermaid Waver Bundle, £41.98. For added oomph, add Vo5 Hair Styling Powder Instant Volume Root Boost, £5, to the roots and tease. Secure the look with festive embellishments, like Kitsch All Dressed up Rhinestone Bobby Pins Set, £11. Sparkly four-piece Wavy Bun At this year's BAFTAs, Emily Blunt wowed with a ‘60s-inspired updo reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot. The look featured an effortless loose…

Christmas ‘tree’ salad starter Serves 8 Takes 30min • 10 baby new potatoes • 150g back bacon rashers • 1tbsp olive oil • 2 iceberg lettuces, each sliced into 15 wedges • 4 eggs, boiled, cooled, peeled and quartered • 30g feta, crumbled • 200g ranch dressing • Freshly chopped chives, to garnish 1 Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water for 15min or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. Cut each potato in half. 2 Meanwhile, use a 5cm star cutter to cut a star out of one of the bacon rashers. Use a 5cm square cutter to cut a square out of another bacon rasher to create a ‘base’ for the tree. Roughly chop the remaining bacon. 3 Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook…

Pretty pastels are on-trend and make for a magical tablescape Keep it simple with a chic monochrome look. Add fresh foliage and lighting to soften your dining experience Try glam dining with rich opulent colours for a mystical Christmas setting…

AQUARIUS 21 January — 19 February You're only too happy to help someone who's struggling but you also need to check that what they say is true. The 20th is all about having a wonderful time, preferably with at least one very special person, and there's more for you to appreciate on the 23rd. Theme of the fortnight: Your tribe 0906 650 7240 PISCES 20 February — 20 March Someone is expecting you to take the lead but you may have to explain they can't push all their responsibilities on to your shoulders. Be attuned to any undercurrents at a social event on the 22nd. Thankfully, everyone is much easier to deal with on the 23rd. Theme of the fortnight: Standing firm 0906 650 7241 ARIES 21 March — 20…

James Corden and Ruth Jones are stepping out for one last hurrah as Smithy and Nessa in what is sure to be a very emotional final Gavin & Stacey episode. We last met the Welsh/Essex gang in 2019 with the mother of all cliffhangers: Nessa proposing to Smithy in the street. Did he say yes? One thing is sure, baby Neil is all grown up and about to start work with his dad, Pam is still worried about being the perfect hostess and Stacey and Gavin are looking for new ways to spice up their 17-year marriage. Most importantly, we might finally find out what happened on that fishing trip… We caught up with James, 46, and Ruth, 58, who are understandably very emotional to be saying goodbye to the…

The shake-up over at ITV could spell the return of some old favourite faces to This Morning, with rumours suggesting close friends Ruth Langsford and Rylan Clark may be making a comeback. Following the news of Martin Frizell ‘s exit, reports claimed that the pair, who have presented from the sofas individually and as a duo, were being eyed up to rejuvenate the brand. Amanda Holden is another face reportedly being considered. And Ruth, 64, did little to quash rumours when asked about the suggestion that she could return. ‘Never say never,’ she teased. It's been suggested current associate editor Vivek Sharma might take over Martin's role, and he is said to be a big fan of the three. A source said, ‘They are all hugely successful and experienced presenters…

Family arguments are as much a part of Christmas as peace and goodwill, and Josie Gibson has admitted that sometimes a strong drink can be the best way to take the edge off on the big day. The This Morning presenter, who shares son Reggie, six, with ex Terry, told Bella, ‘If anybody in the family gets on your nerves, I think the best thing to do is just have a tipple. Not too much, but be a bit merry so you can deal with them. Christmas is not about holding yourself back!’…

1 Where did Kate Middleton make her return to public duties after announcing she had cancer? A Festival of Remembrance B Wimbledon final C Trooping the Colour 2 Which gameshow was rebooted on ITV with hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern? A The Price is Right B You Bet! C Strike It Lucky 3 Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes announced they were divorcing after how many years of marriage? A 14 B 18 C 20 4 Which TV star won Celebrity Big Brother in 2024? A David Potts B Colson Smith C Louis Walsh 5 How old did King Charles III turn this year? A 74 B 75 C 76 6 Which British girl group reunited for an arena tour in 2024? A Spice Girls B Girls Aloud C All Saints 7 Which pop star represented the United Kingdom at this year's Eurovision Song Contest? A Dua Lipa B Olly Alexander C Sam Smith 8 Which Broadway star played Elphaba in the Wicked movie? A Cynthia…

DIET BEFORE Breakfast Sugary cereal, pastries or toast Lunch Triple sandwich and chocolate bar or crisps Dinner Big portion of spaghetti Bolognaise with garlic bread, or takeaway curry Snacks snack bags of chocolate, large chocolate bar, cakes DIET AFTER Breakfast Weetabix, yogurt and fruit or omelette Lunch Tuna and egg salad, small protein wrap with chicken and salad Dinner Homemade chicken kebabs, tzatziki and salad Snacks 1:1 pop squares, protein crisps, 1:1 bar As my husband John handed me a box of Christmas decorations, I sighed. It was December 2020, and John and our son Jarvis, were excited to put up our tree. Every year, it was tradition for me to place the Santa topper on the tree. But at 5ft 5in and weighing 21st 7lb, my weight had become…

NARS Powermatte lipstick in Dragon Girl, £28.50 Emma Hawkins, Life & Style Writer, says, ‘The vibrant hue is perfect for any occasion and suited my skin tone perfectly. It glides on smoothly, delivering rich, long-lasting colour without drying my lips. The buttery-soft pigment is so lightweight, it's like you're not wearing anything, but equally it didn't budge when I ate. I'm not usually into red lipstick, but if I were, this would be the product I'd reach for.’ L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Lipstick in 400 Spill The Tea, £11.99 Carly Honeyfield, Lifestyle Content Editor, says, ‘I'm not normally a lipstick wearer, so this gel-like option seemed a great choice. It went on easily, leaving a matt finish which didn't feel drying. It lasted well and didn't leave any marks,…

Tip This can be made up to a week ahead. Fill with cream and fruits up to 4hr ahead. Cranachan pavlova wreath Serves 8-10 Takes 1hr 30min-1hr 45min, plus cooling • Knob of butter • 25g light muscovado sugar • 75g old-fashioned porridge oats • 600ml double cream • 2tbsp whisky • 450g raspberries • 200g blueberries • 55g pomegranate seeds • Small sprigs of rosemary • Icing sugar, to dust FOR THE MERINGUE • 6 large egg whites • 350g caster sugar • 1tsp white wine vinegar • 1tsp cornflour 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C/fan 140°C. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking paper and draw a 30cm circle in the middle of the paper. Draw a 15cm circle in the centre of the…

Gift bags are ideal for awkwardly shaped pressies Nordic styling Create a simple evergreen theme with craft paper, bags and natural ribbons. Alternatively, try adding sprigs of fresh greenery tied with ribbon and a homemade tag for a personal touch. Cue the colour Go for funky colours and fun designs this year and make a statement with your gift wrap. Add a trim Pretty tags, co-ordinated ribbons and bows will instantly jazz up your gifts. These quirky honeycomb toppers (left) will be a hit with little ones. Personalised wrapping adds that extra special touch Get creative Homemade paper, recycled bags and upcycling boxes is a great way to keep costs down. We love these paper bags from Hobbycraft that have been decorated with fun designs. It's a great way to…

As the fairy lights twinkled and the tinsel glistened, I felt a familiar fizz of excitement. I loved Christmas, and this year it was going to be the perfect distraction from what was going on in my life. It was 2017 and my husband and I were discussing divorce. It was a sad time. ‘Why don't you go shopping to take your mind off things?’ my daughters Celine, 18, and Shania, 17, told me. ‘Yeah, I think I will. There's a new Christmas pop-up shop in town so I'll pick up some presents there,’ I replied. I wrapped up warm, grabbed my handbag and headed out of the door. Wandering around the shops, I was drawn to a store that had a gorgeous display of mugs. I walked in and…

PRIZE crossword WIN £200 Solve the crossword to find, reading from top to bottom in the shaded squares, the name of a US film actress. This is your competition entry answer. See the ‘How to enter’ panel, below right. Across 1 Try (7) 4 Black - - -, Marvel film set in Wakanda with Chadwick Boseman in the title role (7) 8 Domestic coal container (7) 12 Edible sea fish (8) 14 Clark Kent's alter ego (8) 17 Grumble, complain (4) 18 Cairo's country (5) 19 Attic (4) 20 Midlife emergency? (6) 21 Type of insect, or secretly listen to a conversation (6) 23 Truck (5) 25 Church passageway (5) 26 Gear, kit (9) 27 Proverbially greedy seabird (6) 29 - - - Le Bon, model wife of Duran Duran singer Simon (6) 32 Lilac genus, anagram of ANY RIGS (7) 35 Rented garden plot (9) 37 Protected…