Tabla de contenidos para Issue 495 en Yours Magazine

TV is at its best at Christmas! Growing up, I had a tiny black and white TV in my bedroom (mostly so my mum could furtively watch Dynasty on it as my dad refused to) and I loved watching films, especially early on Christmas morning before being whisked off to church. One of my most vivid memories is of seeing Tommy Steele and Julia Foster in the brilliant Half a Sixpence for the first time. I could only have been six or seven, but I was completely captivated – and it’s still one of my favourites. While I no longer have time on Christmas morning for watching films in my PJs, I do love settling down after dinner and pud to relax in front of the TV. This year I’m…

When Charlotte Hawkins’ 10-year-old daughter, Ella Rose, wakes up on Christmas morning, there’ll be a very special present waiting for her. Lovingly wrapped, it will be signed from Grandad Frank, who she’s heard so much about but never actually met. ‘He died on 10 January 2015, and Ella Rose was born almost a month to the day later on 8 February,’ explains Good Morning Britain host Charlotte, 50. ‘He would have been a brilliant grandad. He would have absolutely doted on her.’ To make sure Ella Rose doesn’t miss out on Grandad Frank’s influence, Charlotte’s devised ways of keeping his memory alive, especially at this time of year. On Christmas Eve, she takes Ella Rose to the family service near her Surrey home, where the carols remind her of her…

Tugging at the zip on my overflowing suitcase, I turned to my husband Andy, 54, and asked, ‘Is there any room in your case for these supplies?’ It was November 2024 and we were heading to Cape Verde to celebrate our 21st anniversary. But I was also on a mission to help Bella‑Riu, a sick donkey stranded on our hotel’s private beach. I’d seen Bella’s story on Facebook and, after stuffing fly repellent, brush and plastic gloves into Andy’s suitcase, we set off from our home in Hinckley, Leicestershire. On arrival, we rushed to her side and, as I stared into her big brown eyes, I felt an instant connection. ‘You’re going to be OK,’ I said, stroking her tatty mane. Despite her bony frame, Bella’s belly was swollen and…

Clementine snow martini Makes: 6 Takes: 10min Cost per serving £1.61 Juice of 5 clementines, or use 3 large oranges  80ml vodka  80ml orange liqueur (see Tip)  4tbsp desiccated coconut  Ice cubes  Prosecco or cava, to top up Set aside. Pour the remaining juice into a jug with the vodka and orange liqueur and stir. Dip the rims of 6 Martini glasses first into the clementine juice in the shallow bowl, then into the coconut. Divide the Martini mix between the glasses, then top up with Prosecco or cava. Serve garnished with sugar-coated rosemary, if liked. COOK’S TIP There are lots of orange liqueur variants available – we love Asda Triple Sec Liquer, 50cl, £8.15. Stuffed turkey roll Serves: 6-8 Takes: 2hr, plus chilling and resting Cost per serving £3.32 170g…

YOU WILL NEED Sirdar Snuggly Cashmere Merino Silk DK (70% merino, 20% silk, 5% cashmere (116m per 50g ball) light worsted (DK) yarn 4 balls of 310 Red Riding Hood (A) 2 balls of 301 Mother Goose (B) 4mm knitting needles Tapestry needle Medium-sized crochet hook for attaching tassels (optional) MEASUREMENTS Finished scarf is 138cm long (before folding and stitching the hood part) and 26cm wide. ABBREVIATIONS st(s) = stitch, stitches k = knit p = purl rep = repeat cont = continue st st = stocking stitch beg = beginning WS = wrong side ■ Can’t get this yarn? Find a suitable alternative at yarnsub.com Difficulty rating: The scarf has a simple Fair Isle style border. The centre part of the scarf is sewn together to form a hood. If this is your first foray into…

NEWS YOU CAN USE MAKE A PLAN B The average age people leave the workforce has risen to 65.8 years for men and 64.7 for women, but many are forced to stop working earlier due to sickness, injury or caring responsibilities. The employment rate of people aged 50 to 64 rose to 72% over the past year, but that still leaves more than a quarter economically inactive, according to the Office for National Statistics. Of those aged 50 to 64 who aren’t earning, 45% said it was because they are sick, injured or disabled. Women (18%) are twice as likely as men (8%) to report ‘looking after home or family’ as the main reason for not looking for work. Poor health and caring responsibilities can strike much earlier than you…

There’s no need to be lonely – we can help! Friends of Yours is a completely free way to make connections and help tackle loneliness. Whether you’re looking for a new penpal, someone to talk to on the phone or over coffee; perhaps to share a holiday with – or even a new romance – you just need to take the first step! Rosa, slim, mid-70s, is looking to meet new friends for coffee, meals etc. She is a non-smoker. She enjoys the theatre, antique shops, reading and much more. West Midlands/Redditch areas. DEC1-101 Jeff, 66, a Christian from USA is looking to correspond with like-minded ladies about faith, family and the crazy world we live in. His interests include religion, art, music and fitness. Please include an email address.…

£1,195 WORTH OF PRIZES TO WIN! Win! Snug Buds Even though winter’s closing in, there’s no need to stay indoors! We have five Snug Buds to give away, worth £59.95 each, thanks to Bar-Be-Quick. The Snug Bud is a wearable hot water bottle designed to keep you warm, cosy and stylish. Available in a range of colours, it’s perfect for dog walks, camping, or simply staying snug at home. Each comes with a 2-litre natural rubber bottle in a soft-shell cover you can wear over or under jackets. WORTH £300 IN TOTAL ■ Visit barbequick.com Ts&Cs: 5 prizes, 5 winners. Colour may differ from the one shown and the colour of the product will be sent on availability. ENTERING IS EASY! BY POST: Send the coupon on p88 ONLINE: yours.co.uk/competitions TEXT…

There’s no one quite like Mary Berry to bring a touch of warmth (and plenty of butter) to the festive season. This year, Mary returns to mark Christmas with a sparkling twist: three celebrity guests joining the beloved baking doyenne in her kitchen. As Mary shares her treasured seasonal recipes and time-honoured tips, expect laughter, candid confessions, and some spirited competition as her famous friends don their aprons and get stuck in. From dazzling desserts to heartwarming holiday tales, this special promises to be a delicious celebration of food, friendship, and that unmistakable Berry charm. Do you have any festive traditions? We always went to the pantomime when we were children. I think some kind of performance, whether it’s a school play or a pantomime, is something a lot of…

Persistence pays off You can’t fault the dedication of the learner driver who finally passed their theory test on the 75th attempt last year. According to data obtained by the AA Driving School, the unnamed candidate spent £1725 on applications for the £23 Government driving test. Historically, the record for most attempts belongs to the candidate who passed on their 128th test, spending £2944. Emma Bush of the AA Driving School said it was easy to underestimate the level of knowledge required. Jumping for joy If you’re thinking ahead to New Year resolutions, you might consider adopting broadcaster Gaby Roslin’s habit of jumping in the air. ‘It just lifts the spirit and it’s such a simple thing to do,’ says Gaby, 61, who found fame co-presenting The Big Breakfast on…

With her raven hair and dark eye make-up, Alma Sedgewick was a fan favourite in Corrie for 15 years. Played by Lancashire actress Amanda Barrie, fans watched as she navigated her friendships with Audrey Roberts and co-café owner Gail Tilsley, her tumultuous romances with both Mike Baldwin and his nemesis Ken Barlow – and even how she was once kidnapped and driven into Weatherfield Canal by taxi driver Don Brennan. Announcing her departure from the soap in 2000 – which she admitted to feeling ‘blessed and proud to have been in’ – Amanda said goodbye to the cobbles the following year, in an emotional storyline that saw Alma pass away at Audrey’s home following her terminal cervical cancer diagnosis. An estimated 15 million viewers tuned in to watch Alma’s final…

ONE-PIECE WONDER Opting for an embellished jumpsuit means you’ll get a full outfit with minimal styling. SCARLET SET Wear a matching top and trouser co-ord together to make a colourful statement in the most polished way. METALLIC FROCK Wrap-front dresses are universally flattering as the clever cut will cinch in your middle. WIN A £300 SHOPPING SPREE! We’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a £300 shopping spree so you can treat yourself to a new summer wardrobe. You could win a £300 Love2shop gift card redeemable in store or online at a wide selection of UK stores, including M&S, Matalan, New Look, Peacocks, River Island and more. ■ ENTER online at yours.co.uk/competitions Closing date: 29 December 2025. ■ See p88 for terms and conditions. Online entry only.…

From mulled wine to mince pies and pigs in blankets to Prosecco, this time of year is naturally full of indulgence. And, while it’s wonderful, it can also leave us feeling less than great. Add in the general festive stress and cold dark evenings affecting our sleep and exercise, and we can be left feeling lethargic and bloated. But it is still possible to feel healthier without missing out on all the gorgeous rich food and fun. Registered nutritionist and therapist Thalia Pellegrini (thaliapellegrini.com) says, ‘When it comes to Christmas itself, my first and foremost recommendation is enjoy! Nourishment comes in all forms and that absolutely includes being with loved ones and having wonderful meals. But if you’re hoping to feel a bit less bloated or exhausted this year there…

Black Forest gateau Serves: 12 Takes: 1hr 40min, plus cooling 6 eggs  275g soft light brown sugar  1tsp vanilla extract  125g plain flour  50g cocoa powder  150g unsalted butter, melted FOR THE FILLING 265g cherries, stoned  ⅔ tbsp cornflour  50ml kirsch  50g caster sugar FOR THE DECORATION 800ml double cream  75g icing sugar  150–200g dark chocolate, grated using a box grater Add the flour and cocoa powder and fold through carefully. Pour in the melted butter and fold again. Divide evenly between the tins and bake for 20min. Cool fully in the tins. Simmer for 5min until the mixture has thickened, then pour into a bowl to cool. Spread a layer of whipped cream over each sponge, then add a layer of the cherry filling to two of the sponges,…

IN THE BEGINNING… The very first episode of Coronation Street was broadcast live at 7pm on Friday 9 December 1960. Just over 7.7 million viewers were introduced to the residents of the now famous Weatherfield street including, Elsie Tanner (Pat Phoenix) and her errant son Dennis (Philip Lowrie) at No.11, 21-year-old university student Ken Barlow (William Roache) at No.3, Annie Walker (Doris Speed) the Grand Dame of the Rovers Return Inn and, at No.1, loveable curmudgeon Albert Tatlock (Jack Howarth). DEIRDRE SAYS ‘I DO’ The nation was gripped by wedding fever as we anticipated the nuptials of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. But, just two days before the fairytale royal wedding another couple tied the knot in front of a record-breaking 15,350,000 viewers. For months Deidre Langton (Anne Kirkbride)…

What you’re reading…. A Legacy of Secrets by Lulu Taylor (Pan, £9.99) ‘Sharp, heartfelt and unforgettable,’ says Sam Taylor. The Carrington family is blessed with good looks, brains and money. But they’re also cursed – pursued by drama, addiction and bad fortune. Flick and her daughter, Etta, must face family secrets, heartbreak, and the search for identity. A moving story of resilience, discovery, and what it means to belong. Murder Most Haunted by Emma Mason (Bantam, £16.99) ‘Brilliantly twisty and full of surprises,’ says Rachel Hughes. Retired detective Midge McGowan faces her greatest challenge yet in a snowbound haunted house. With a clever locked-room murder and a cast of quirky suspects, this gripping festive mystery brings chills, humour and suspense that will keep you guessing. The Women in the Shadows…

£10 cheque for every letter published Heartening story ◆ Reading the feature from Sally Dabner on finding love through Yours filled me with joy. It was wonderful to see how the romance blossomed at a good pace with them getting to know each other over daily phone calls. Having used numerous dating sites in my 20s, 30s and 40s, I have found the experience to be an unpleasant one. So it is refreshing to see a different outcome. I wish the ads were for people who were younger as I would try contacting someone myself but, being 46, the majority are a lot older. Nevertheless, I will keep checking on the off chance I will find someone younger and having the same luck Sally had! Susan Cawte, Ilford, Essex Unforgotten…

Christmas TV serves up a comfortingly familiar mix of big dramas, crowd-pleasing comedies and sparkling entertainment shows – ideal for a festive fortnight spent in the very best place in the world… the comfort of your own living room! We’ve selected some of the best Streaming options to keep you glued all festive season, including Harlan Coben’s Run Away on Netflix starring James Nesbitt and Ruth Jones. On our Family Fun pages we’ve got child-friendly options, big animations and the best entertainment to suit everyone gathered together at Christmas, such as the Gladiators special episodes. In our fabulous festive round-up of the best Drama coming our way, Call the Midwife leads the pack with an ambitious two-part special that sends Sister Julienne on a mercy mission to Hong Kong after…

If it’s your birthday this fortnight… You are born under Sagittarius, ruled by adventurous, open-minded, positive-thinking Jupiter, the ‘bigger and better’ planet. You often gallop along towards a goal without too much in-depth analysis or planning, always looking at the bigger, overall picture. You’re a great travel mate, someone who takes folk as they are. ■ Famous Sagittarians celebrating this fortnight include Donny Osmond, Jenny Agutter and Paula Radcliffe (pictured). SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV-20 DEC This is a high-energy period, with matters domestic maybe requiring more than usual of you until 20 December. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705708 CAPRICORN 21 DEC-20 JAN Mars fires energies up from 15 December, adding restrictions, but there’s a sigh of relief around 21st. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705709 AQUARIUS…

Dear readers, Christmas was tops for television. Virtually every programme was a special – even if the only thing that was special about it was holly in the opening titles. It was the era of Carry On films and double entendres, of low-budget prizes and high-camp offerings. It was the era of colour television and hanging out of the window with the TV aerial. And, for one week only, it was the opportunity to gorge on television in our pyjamas without being told to go and do something more constructive. On Christmas Day itself, there was one show that our family never missed… The Morecambe & Wise Show special. We’d get in the mood by Dad moving his glasses sideways to look all cockeyed, just like Eric Morecambe. The rest…

MY LIFE lessons After rising to fame aged 14 with his hit single Walking in the Air, Aled Jones has sold over 10 million records and still performs to sell-out audiences around the world. He also presents TV programmes including Songs of Praise and Escape to the Country and, this Christmas, he’s playing Walter Hobbs in Elf the Musical at London’s Aldwych Theatre. Beyond the spotlight, he is devoted to family and in January will celebrate 25 years of marriage to Claire, with whom he shares daughter Emilia, 23, and son Lucas, 20. Reflecting on his beginnings as a child star and the people closest to him, he reveals what he’s learnt. Remember to take a breath As I get older, I think about things more deeply and question life a…

Back in 1984, Nicki Simpson loved nothing more than a night at the Rooftop Gardens nightclub in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Then 18, trainee hairdresser Nicki and her mates would head there every weekend. One evening, Nicki got to know Barry Newman, or Baz as everyone called him. With his blonde curly hair, cheeky sense of humour and great dance moves, Nicki fancied him immediately, and the feeling was mutual. The pair dated for a few months, but since neither was looking for anything serious, the relationship came to an end naturally. Nicki says, ‘We remained friends, though, and would still see each other at the Rooftop.’ A year later, Nicki met Wayne and three years on they were married. By the time the couple’s daughter Laura came along in 1987, Nicki…

Faux foliage works as well as fresh SEASONAL SCANDI If you prefer a simpler table setting, this pared-back Scandinavian scheme, featuring natural wood, forest green and fresh foliage, is easy to create. CHRISTMAS EVE FEAST Sit back and enjoy a casual dining setting that helps you relax and ease into the busy day of festivities ahead. KIDS’ TABLE If you’re entertaining the kids this season, create a fun and enchanting gingerbread-themed dining space just for them. Avoid candles to keep it safe PARTY TIME Add some sparkle and glamour to your New Year party table and welcome 2026 in style. Glitzy decorations and crystal-clear glassware complete the chic theme.…

Our money advice expert Faith Archer is an award-winning money journalist and blogger at Much More With Less, Faith was deputy personal finance editor at The Daily Telegraph and is a regular on BBC radio. She aims to make money matters such as family budgeting, pensions and tax easier to understand Cruel scammers deliberately target older adults to steal their life savings, but you can take steps to protect your pension. In total, criminals stole more than £17.5 billion from pension savers last year, according to Action Fraud, which is equivalent to more than £48,000 a day lost to pension fraud. The average loss was £33,848 per person, which can have a devastating impact on retirement plans. Senior citizens are often a particularly attractive target for criminals, because pension pots can…

Instead of putting her feet up and reaching for a chocolate on Christmas morning, Rebecca picks up the car keys. She loads two Christmas hampers into the car and then sets off with her daughter, Abigail, 15, to a remote village. Rebecca is a volunteer with Marmalade Trust, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about loneliness and making connections. The organisation distributes hampers to people who are on their own on Christmas Day. ‘I became involved when my mum died,’ says Rebecca. ‘When she was alive, I’d ring her up on Christmas morning, have a chat and then travel to her house. ‘But after she’d died and we’d lost other family members too, there was a gaping hole. Christmas Day was looking quite different to what I’d known, so I…