Table of contents for Bella 2 January 2024 in Bella

It was business as usual for Kate Middleton as she put on a show of defiance earlier this month following the storm surrounding Omid Scobie’s controversial book Endgame, which contained damaging allegations. The Princess of Wales let her outfits do the talking as she attended engagements in the wake of the book’s release on 28 November, in which the author made some snide digs at her – including calling her “Katie Keen” and saying she was “coachable”. She and King Charles were also named in reference to alleged conversations around Harry and Meghan’s son Archie’s skin colour in the Dutch version of the book, which was later pulped. While all eyes were on the Princess as she stepped out for the Royal Variety Performance in London two days after the…

January Strictly couple Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton’s 2023 got off to an adorable start when they welcomed their daughter Minnie on 17 January. “My little masterpiece. I’m completely obsessed,” the new mum said. The new year meant a fresh beginning for Vanessa Feltz, who became single after she ended her 16-year relationship with fiancé Ben Ofoedu, 50, amid allegations of his infidelity. “My relationship with Ben is over after 16 years,” said the This Morning agony aunt, 61. “I really do feel that once the trust in a relationship is gone, then you can’t get it back.” February It was a wonderful month for Pauline Quirke, who was honoured with an MBE for her services to young people with her acting academy, as well as to entertainment and charity.…

Opening the familiar paper bag, my mouth watered at the smell. Rather than ordering just one McDonald’s burger with fries, I’d bought two – just because I could. Aged 16, I’d started my first job, and I spent all my spare cash on takeaways. I’d always been bigger than my friends, and I thought that was just the way I was. Six years later, I was loading buffet food on to my plate at a christening when the man beside me caught my attention. He was attractive and we got chatting. “Hi, I’m Neil,” he said. When I left, he called after me in the street. “I think you forgot something,” he said. “My number!” It was cheesy, but it worked. I was smitten, and soon after, we became a…

The healthy way to lose 5lbs in one week We’ve teamed up with Jane Plan, a fabulous preprepared healthy meal delivery company, to offer you a delicious plan to get you on track to achieve your health and weight loss goals. This one-week plan is designed by founder Jane Michell to give the right number of calories to lose weight without feeling deprived. Jane tells us, “With my perfectly portioned and beautifully balanced plan, you’ll see results in a matter of days and could lose up to 5lbs in your first week, kickstarting your weight loss goals. The meals are totally delicious, and the plan has been designed to nourish your body and mind – you’ll feel slimmer, healthier and happier.” HOW TO FOLLOW THE PLAN • Eat around 850…

The sozzled sandwich This is what I like to call drunken cheese on toast. It’s exactly what you need as a post-night out treat. Just make sure you don’t leave the stove on… Serves 2 Ready in 25 mins, plus pickling 2tbsp mayonnaise 1tbsp gochujang 2tbsp butter 4 slices of sourdough 75g kimchi 75g Cheddar, grated 75g Monterey Jack, grated FOR THE PICKLED CUCUMBER 1 small cucumber, sliced in half lengthways 2tbsp salt 1 red and 1 yellow chilli, halved 1tbsp picked dill 1tbsp coriander seeds 3 black peppercorns 200ml white wine vinegar 4tbsp caster sugar 2 garlic cloves, peeled and bruised 1 Begin by making the pickled cucumber. Scrape out the seeds of the cucumber and sprinkle over the salt. Leave for 30 mins, then pour off any liquid and transfer to a bowl. 2 Place a small saucepan over a medium heat…

The times they are a-changing, and in 2024 we begin to see some of those changes in action. Let Jane Struthers guide you through the year so you can understand how the positions of the planets will affect you astrologically. She explains the trends in love, work, health and money for your sign and gives you some key dates when you can expect good things to happen. The planets are always moving through the heavens and in 2024 it’s Jupiter and Pluto who are most active. They both switch signs and, in doing so, alter many aspects of our lives. Jupiter is the planet of expansion and good fortune, and he’s in Taurus until late May. This is great news for Taureans, but Virgos, Capricorns and Scorpios also get a…

Denise Welch is not one for slowing down in her 60s. The actress and TV presenter continues to be very busy, with Loose Women, various theatre roles and projects keeping her on her toes. But despite her hectic work schedule, the star always makes time for her family. And now she’s a grandma, courtesy of her husband Lincoln Townley’s son Lewis, who welcomed a little boy into the world with partner Lizzie earlier this year – she does have different priorities. With new play The Gap in 2024, plus her continuing work on TV, we were lucky enough to get a few minutes to catch up with Denise – who has sons Matty and Louis Healy with her ex Tim – to talk Christmas plans, resolutions, and what kind of…

No ‘I want them to feel listened to’ Mel Fallowfield, 50, writer Ever since my first son was born 17 years ago he became my priority. He was a tiny helpless baby and of course I was going to make sure he was fed and watered and happily asleep before I did anything else. We’re capable of waiting for our needs to be met – at a few days old he’d struggle to grasp why I’d need to eat my sandwich before he got his milk. And I haven’t changed my ways since then. I juggle between prioritising him and his younger brother. But they will always come first. Recently my husband wanted to watch an 18-rated movie and thought our 13-year-old – who doesn’t enjoy extreme violence – should…

WORK PARTY A colour-pop blazer and statement earrings are partyperfect finishing touches. Matching trousers and skirt available! LUNCH WITH FRIENDS Yes, you can wear sequins during the day! Simply layer on a chunky knit. DATE NIGHT A feather detail bag will make a serious statement. Grab yours and get ready for the compliments to roll in. SEEING FAMILY Don’t be afraid to play with textures. Shearling and suede will make this glam frock feel more cosy and casual. CHRISTMAS EVE DRINKS Really up the glamour factor with a fauxfur coat.…

Negroni Short, sweet, bitter and boozy Serves 1 Ready in 5 mins 30ml gin 30ml sweet vermouth 30ml Campari Orange slice and orange twist, to garnish Ice cubes 1 Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, fill with ice, stir briefly and strain into a lowball glass. 2 Fill the glass with ice, garnish and serve. Raspberry bellini Fruity, tart, sparkling Serves 1 Ready in 5 mins 6 fresh raspberries, plus 1 extra to garnish 10ml raspberry liqueur or raspberry syrup Ice cubes 60ml prosecco 1 Add the raspberries to a shaker and muddle to a pulp. Add the raspberry liqueur or raspberry syrup, fill with ice and shake hard. 2 Slowly pour Prosecco into the shaker and stir gently. Fine strain into a coupette, garnish with the extra raspberry and serve. TIPS We’ve specified raspberries, but you could use blackberries, for example.…

My son dislikes my husband! Q We have two young children, (four and one) and our eldest always prefers to be with me, to the point that he won’t let my husband do anything for him. For example, at bedtime, if I’m feeding the baby, and putting him to bed, my son won’t let my husband read him a story – he’ll wait until I’ve finished and insist that I then read to him. This isn’t working out for either of us as I’m exhausted from having to do all the parenting myself, and my husband wants to be more involved. My husband works full time, whereas I work part time and am therefore around more to be with the kids, but he’s a great dad, and just wants to…

Stacey Solomon She’s gone all-out with her decs at Pickle Cottage – and they’ve all been hand-crafted by Stacey Solomon herself. The Sort Your Life Out presenter, 34, created two giant Nutcrackers, Neil and Norman, as well as giant Christmas bells and bauble wreaths. “It’s taken me weeks but I’m so proud of our Christmas door 2023 handmade by me,” she said. The mum-of-five, who got into the festive mood on 1 November, even made bespoke crackers and baubles for husband Joe, 41, and their kids – Zachary, 15, Leighton, 12, Rex, four, Rose, two, and Belle, ten months. She also gave their bedroom a Nordic feel. “I can’t tell you how excited I was to get Christmassy in the bedroom,” she said. Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan Mark Wright…

Going out Terrific Tresses You can’t beat glamorous curls for a big night out. To achieve a flawless ’do, prep with Amika’s Blockade Heat Defense Serum, £26. Not only does it offer heat protection, it also helps to prevent moisture loss, banish frizz, and add a healthy-looking shine. For classic voluminous curls, invest in the ghd Curve Classic Curl Tong, £149. The 26mm medium barrel and ergonomic lever ensures consistent curls. Once your hair is styled, shake it out to give maximum volume and add a volumizing spray. Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Perfect Finish Hairspray, £8.99, offers a non-sticky hold that lasts all night. Skin Saviours Alcohol can leave your skin dehydrated. Treat your parched complexion to a thirst-quenching mask like Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask, from £25. Apply…

These recipes are taken from Glorious Boards by Jassy Davis (HQ, £22) The in-laws are coming It doesn’t matter if they’re in-laws, friends, colleagues or family, or if they’ve breezily insisted you don’t need to go to any trouble. Easily assembled from ingredients you have in your fridge and cupboards, or from a quick trip to the local shop, it’s a low-effort but impressive board. Serves 4 Ready in 10 mins 300g houmous 150g beetroot houmous  200g tzatziki 200g mixed olives, drained 200g almonds 75ml clear honey 200g petit Brie de Meaux 200g Cheddar 16 savoury crackers 125g mini breadsticks 6 Grissini 1 apple, cored and sliced A handful of strawberries A bunch of grapes Fresh rosemary and sage sprigs, to garnish 1 Place a few bowls on your board and spoon in the houmous,…

PARTY AT HOME FAMILY FILM NIGHT NEW YEAR DINING OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING…

£50 Star letter Cat's back Cat Deeley was such a breath of fresh air on This Morning, and I wouldn’t be surprised if your story about her joining the show came true (issue 49). Your festive issue was really good. I found a present for my husband, and really enjoyed your quiz! Thanks for so many exciting issues in 2023, I can’t wait to keep reading in 2024. Maria Tusk, Dover Life after love I was so pleased to read about Jane McDonald looking forward to the future (issue 49). I’ve been to see her on every tour she’s done, and am excited to see her make a comeback to the stage next year. She’s had such a difficult time, having lost her mother and partner. It’s nice to see…

AQUARIUS 21 January - 19 February You’re feeling much more sensitive than you’re letting on, so it might help to steer clear of anyone who’s hard work at the best of times. On the 31st it makes you feel good to share your deepest feelings with someone who understands. Theme of the week: Kindred spirits 0906 650 7240 PISCES 20 February - 20 March Get together with existing friends and welcome the opportunity to make some new ones. Try not to let regrets about what seems to be a wasted opportunity get you down because you could soon get another chance. Live it up on the 31st. Theme of the week: Ambitions 0906 650 7241 ARIES 21 March - 20 April You’re all set for a fabulous festive season, especially…

YOU could be in with a chance of winning £200 PRIZE crossword WIN £200 Solve the crossword to find, reading from top to bottom in the shaded squares, the name of a US actress. This is your competition entry answer. See the ‘How to enter’ panel, below right. Across 1 Afternoon nap — in Spain? (6) 4 Asian spice, anagram of RISE SATAN (4,5) 8 Expenditure plan such as the Chancellor of the Exchequer would deliver (6) 11 Artist’s studio (7) 12 Black-and-white tag scanned at the checkout (7) 13 Hunchback of Notre Dame’s name (9) 15 Variety of wheat used to make pasta (5) 16 Oliver’s Army singer, - - - Costello (5) 18 Ice cream-based dessert (6) 19 Playing-card jack (5) 21 Green growth on rocks and trees, anagram of EL CHIN (6) 23 Clock that’s not analogue? (7) 24…