Table of contents for 2 December 2025 in Bella

The festive season wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the pantomime – and this Christmas, some of our favourite stars are performing around the UK. This year, Catherine Tate will join Julian Clary and Nigel Havers to tread the boards at the London Palladium in Sleeping Beauty. Strictly fans will be delighted that La Voix will be performing at the Wycombe Swan with Scott Mills, and in Nottingham, we’re sure judge Craig Revel Horwood will be ‘fabulous, darling’ as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella. Call The Midwife star Helen George will appear in Richmond’s production of Cinderella – alongside Basil Brush! He’s not the only puppet to be stealing the limelight, though, as Sooty and Sweep are set to star in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol…

Ten months after announcing her retirement due to dementia, Pauline Quirke’s family have opened up about her condition. In an emotional TV interview, the star’s husband Steve Sheen and their son Charlie spoke about the 66 year old’s health. Pauline – who was awarded an MBE in 2022 – was diagnosed with the debilitating disease in 2021. ‘It’s so gradual that for the first year, two years, you’re thinking, “Ah, she’s alright”. Now, we’re three or four years in, and it’s a little bit different,’ Steve said. ‘We didn’t know how long it would last or how long you have with it, or how bad it is or how quick it is. ‘Unfortunately, we are not in the state where we can do much about it. Just take every day…

No 'We've given him a safe, harmless introduction' Kim Willis, 43, writer After countless years acting like a prat and suffering unbearable hangovers, I gave up drinking six years ago. But I still enjoy the cold, crisp taste of a 0% cider on a summer’s day – and my three-year-old son Heli, loves to have a swig. His water is untouched as he gulps down what is essentially apple juice, and I’m fine about it. I’d rather he drank his water, but that’s only because 0% cider is full of sugar and not because I have any problem with him enjoying the taste of something that mimics an alcoholic beverage. He’s not about to turn into a toddler booze hound! He’s just having a harmless sip of Mummy’s drink, just as…

Prince Harry, Madonna and Oprah are all fans of EFT tapping – and it’s easy to see why. This simple yet powerful technique promises to reduce stress, stop emotional eating and help you reach a healthy weight, all without cutting carbs or counting calories. The best bit? It takes just minutes a day. ‘Tapping isn’t about restriction, it’s about regulation,’ says emotional freedom coach Carys Andersson, founder of the new wellbeing app VYBLY. ‘It helps calm your body’s stress response, which naturally leads to better food choices, less emotional eating and easier, long-term weight loss.’ Tap away the stress EFT – or Emotional Freedom Technique – involves gently tapping on specific acupressure points on the face and body. Think acupuncture, but without the needles. ‘These points send calming signals to…

The Marvellous Miniatures Workshop Monday 1 December, BBC1 People’s special memories are brought back to life in miniature form in this new daytime show hosted by Sara Cox. Talented model-makers recreate significant scenes from the contributors’ lives in the eight-part series. And Sara hopes that viewers will be moved. ‘I want them to get that fuzzy feeling in their belly when they see and hear people’s stories, and when we unveil the model at the end,’ she says. The show also touches on history, with one person, Sandra, recalling how her grandparents lived in Glasgow’s tenements. ‘It really brought a different time to life, showing us a snapshot of a society where everybody knew each other,’ explains Sara. MAMMOTH S2 Monday 1 December, BBC2 PE teacher Tony Mammoth spent decades…

Ariana DeBose At the CFDA Fashion Awards, Ariana, 34, wore a metallic gold gown with a draped asymmetric neckline and daring thigh-high slit. We love the statement gold earrings. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu The Emily in Paris star, 62, looked chic in a draped shoulder dress with matching gilded jewellery and bag. Gorgeous! Vicky Pattison Rewearing one of her wedding dresses, Vicky, 37, attended the Pride of Britain Awards in a metallic champagne gown with a structured corset bodice and flowing train. Viola Davis Viola, 60, opted for a gorgeous crystalembellished frock with an off-theshoulder neckline, complemented by metallic heels and dazzling jewels. Cindy Crawford Supermodel Cindy, 59, simply shone in a structured Bardot dress adorned with intricate sequins and fringe detailing. Beautiful! Montell Douglas The Gladiators star, 39, rocked a glitzy…

With just weeks to go until Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman say goodbye to Strictly, it has been reported that Holly Willoughby is the firm favourite to take over. Claiming ‘with great confidence’ that the former This Morning host has landed the gig, a celebrity hairdresser is said to have spilled the goss after learning the news from a client. Speaking at Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park recently, Holly teased, ‘At the moment, I’m just having a lovely time at home watching Strictly.’ Meanwhile, it has also been claimed that, in a recent meeting, a BBC boss ‘really got behind’ Paddy McGuinness, urging him to go for Claudia’s role of interviewing the contestants.…

Lucy says yes! There were double celebrations for Corrie’s Lucy Fallon, as her partner Ryan Ledson proposed on her 30th birthday. The mum-of-two, who plays Bethany Platt, shared the news on Instagram, saying she ‘can’t wait’ to marry footballer Ryan. Princess of Recycling The Princess Royal proved you can be both sustainable and stylish during her recent two-day tour of Singapore. Anne, 75, was seen sporting a beige suit, which she first wore back in 1973 while attending a polo match. Rachel's mini-me S Club singer Rachel Stevens shared a gushing tribute to her lookalike daughter Amelie, 15, to mark her birthday. Describing her as ‘resilient’ and ‘caring’, the mum-of-two also revealed the teenager has ‘the voice of an angel’. Like mother, like daughter!…

Wedding drama is unfolding for Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and his fiancée Holly Ramsay – the daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay. Adam, 30, and Holly, 25, who met when he competed alongside Holly’s sister Tilly on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, got engaged last September, but as they gear up for their December wedding, a nasty feud is threatening to tear the family apart, with Adam’s mum Caroline reportedly banned from the ceremony. ‘It’s highly unlikely that Caroline will go to the wedding. Too much has happened,’ a source tells Bella. ‘If she doesn’t attend, she’ll follow it on social media like everyone else. It’s very sad. Her heart is broken.’ The tension reportedly began when Caroline, 59, wasn’t invited to Holly’s lavish hen do at the exclusive Soho…

Making a beeline for the mirror in the jeans shop where I worked, I spotted my colleague Mark already checking himself out and rolled my eyes. ‘Out of the way,’ I giggled, shoving him aside so I could backcomb my hair to perfection. It was 1979 and we were trendy teenagers in Camberley, Surrey. I was in my tight drainpipe Levi ’s and Jelly shoes with odd socks – I looked the part. Similarly, Mark rocked denim Liberty dungarees and it wasn’t long before we were flirting behind the boss’s back. Staff romances were frowned upon, so Mark and I kept things under wraps – when our boss drove us to meetings, we’d hold hands under Mark’s coat in the back seat. It felt so romantic. At 17 and 19,…

Define lips No festive look is complete without a statement red lip. This classic buy delivers vibrant colour and features nourishing vitamins to help keep lips feeling oh-so-soft. Primed to party Not only can this radianceboosting buy be used as a lightweight foundation during the day, but it also doubles up as a primer for those big nights out. Revive cheeks Achieve a healthy, youthful-looking glow with a touch of blusher. We recommend applying the cream option first, followed by the powders for a long-lasting, rosy finish. Add volume After curling, mist this texture spray onto hair to create extra volume and help your style last longer. The best part? It’s incredibly lightweight, making it suitable even for the finest hair types. Master your mani Treat nails to a DIY…

Struggling to get out of bed? You’re not alone. As the days get shorter and the cold weather creeps in, many of us feel our get-up-and-go has just gone. Whether it’s hitting snooze more often, struggling to stay alert mid-afternoon or feeling constantly drained no matter how much sleep you get, winter tiredness is real. And while it’s tempting to blame the darker mornings or general gloom, there are often deeper reasons at play. From nutrient deficiencies and disrupted sleep to post-party fog, blood sugar crashes and a natural shift in our body clocks, several surprising factors can negatively affect your energy levels at this time of year ‘Gut health, blood sugar and energy are all linked’ The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference. We’ve…

When Sarah Beeny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, life as she knew it was put on pause - but not for long. Throughout the 53-year-old’s chemotherapy, double mastectomy surgery, hair loss and the emotional fallout that comes with a life-altering illness, she admits she ‘went into overdrive’, becoming even more productive than usual. She also bravely chose to let cameras into her home for a Channel 4 documentary, Sarah Beeny vs Cancer, where she opened up about her journey to help others feel less alone. Now, two years on, she tells Bella about that period of her life – with a frankness that few can match. And it’s this grit and pragmatism that have shaped her entire career. From building a property empire in her twenties to becoming…

Mistletoe ready Treat the beauty lover in your life to this luminous trio of MAC lipsticks. The silky formula glides on with ease, leaving lips drenched in lustrous colour and ready to shine all party season long. Glow ho ho Dreaming of radiant skin for Christmas? This glow-giving bauble is your festive skincare fix, featuring a brightening Vitamin C serum and eye cream duo designed to hydrate and illuminate dull-looking skin. Sweet dreams Infused with organic lavender and geranium essential oils, the soothing bubble bath and pillow mist help to ease the mind and relax the body for a blissful night’s sleep. Silent night skincare Estée Lauder’s nighttime kit, with the best-selling Advanced Night Repair, helps to smooth fine lines, banish dryness and brighten dullness overnight so you can wake…

Bardonecchia, Italy Recently named Europe’s cheapest ski resort for 2025 by the Post Office Ski Resort Report, Bardonecchia proves you can enjoy ski luxury for around half the price of the Alps. Set in Italy’s scenic Susa Valley, it offers 100km of sunny slopes, charming cafés and a relaxed, family-friendly feel. Non-skiers can unwind at Hotel Rivè’s spa, complete with sauna, hot tub and Turkish bath, or stroll through the pretty town. Evenings mean hearty Italian food, local wine and fireside cosiness – all without the hefty Alpine price tag. • From £790pp for a week’s half-board stay in February, including flights and transfers from Manchester. Book at crystalski.co.uk Ellmau, Austria Tucked in Austria’s SkiWelt region, Ellmau combines postcard-perfect scenery with greatvalue skiing. Its wide, gentle runs are ideal for…

FILM Zootropolis 2 Nearly 10 years on from when we first met rabbit police officer Judy Hopps and her fox friend, Nick Wilde, the duo are back at it again. This time they must crack the most intricate case of their careers, following the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who plans to turn the mammal metropolis upside down. It’ll test their partnership like never before, as they go undercover in new parts of town. Great family fun. EVENT St Pancras International Christmas Tree This year’s much-loved tree has been revealed in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. The theme ‘Powered by Dreams’ brings to life the imagination of 38 seriously ill children from GOSH, whose hand-drawn dreams have been transformed into baubles on the gently rotating mechanism. A…