Table of contents for 21 May 2024 in Bella

Joanna Page has us wondering if there could be a wedding in the newly-announced Gavin & Stacey special. The actress, 47, will reprise her role as Stacey in the festive finale, which will air this December – five years after the last special in 2019, when Ruth Jones’ character Nessa proposed to Smithy (James Corden). “I'm so excited to see the gang again and start filming, and I can't wait to find out if Smithy has said yes,” she said on her Off The Telly podcast. She later posted on Instagram, “O my God it's happening! So excited! Last ever Gavin and Stacey!” Writers Ruth and James shared, “Some news… It's official! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC…

Loose Women star Linda Robson has opened up about the difficulties she had writing her memoir, as she recalls how hard it was reliving the battle she had to overcome to beat her alcoholism and depression. The 66-year-old actress revealed that it wasn't easy to go over her lowest points, which at times even left her in tears. “The depression and the suicide watch I was on was really hard [to write about], especially when I recorded the audio,” she tells Bella. “I had to stop because I was crying my eyes out. They told me to go and sit down and have a nice cup of tea and then come back afterwards, and I did.” Linda suffered a breakdown in July 2018 during a trip to Ibiza with her…

Saying goodbye to my boyfriend after a lovely weekend together, I felt him tense and take a deep breath as if he was about to make an announcement. “If I asked you to marry me, what would the answer be?” he said. I stared at him for a moment and then gave him the most honest reply I could. “I don't really know,” I replied. I was fond of Jason but he was 17 and we'd only been together a couple of months, so it seemed like a big commitment – especially as I was three years older than him. I went home and told my mum, who said if I thought he was The One, I should go for it. So we got engaged on his 18th birthday, before…

Red remedy If you're finding yourself battling with rosacea or skin sensitivity, then you're not alone. Hormonal changes during the menopause can play havoc with your complexion, causing redness, which can be counteracted with green colour correctors. Contains SPF50 Complexion filler While make-up is great at covering up a multitude of complexion problems, it can also emphasise fine lines and wrinkles – which is where clever prep and finishing products come into play. If you're not already using a primer, now is the time to start. Lift & sculpt You may think that contouring is a make-up technique reserved for the pros, but this age-old method is perfect for creating the illusion of a lifted, more youthful looking bone structure, like Eva Longoria's. Used by Eva Lip service Over the…

GET IN TOUCH Write: Have Your Say, Bella, The Lantern, 75 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 2PL. Email: bella.letters@bauermedia.co.uk facebook.com/bellamagazineUK twitter.com/bellamagazineUK instagram.com/bellamagazineUK £50 Star letter Impressive Gloria It was impressed and inspired by reading your interview with Gloria Hunniford (issue 17). It was interesting to read how she was taken on by BBC Belfast as the first female broadcaster in 1969. “Remember, you're not coming here to do recipes and knitting,” said the producer. Nearly six decades on, she still tells herself she's as good as any bloke. And the proof is that, even at 84 years, she continues to be a muchloved face on TV. Sally Wilton, Bournemouth Return to work I can understand the Queen's concerns about the King returning to his duties (issue 18). The sooner cancer is…

CANCER 22 June — 23 July You're still enjoying the company of kindred spirits. On the 18th you might have a sudden change of heart about someone, especially if you start to feel the relationship seems stale. Wait to see if this is a temporary blip before taking action. Theme of the week: Companionship 0906 650 7233 LEO 24 July — 23 August This is a fabulous phase for thinking about some of the things you'd like to achieve over the coming weeks and maybe even months. On the 17th and 18th, don't underestimate your power and the effect you can have on others, but don't abuse it either. Theme of the week: Confidence 0906 650 7234 VIRGO 24 August — 23 September Any activities connected with travel and exploration…

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton took their burgeoning relationship to the next level with their first romantic getaway. The new couple, who met on Dancing On Ice earlier this year, spent May Bank Holiday weekend abroad. “Great few days in Tenerife. #goodtimes,” Claire wrote, sharing a number of photos of them together. Ricky added, “Tenerife, it's been emotional.” The holiday came days after the Coronation Street actress, 53, and the retired boxer, 45, made their red-carpet debut. Claire recently revealed that she “feels like she's won the lottery” with Ricky. “It just felt right and natural and she's really happy,” a pal said.…

Bikini babe Judi Love couldn't resist pouting as she posed in her floral bikini. The Loose Women star, 43, said, “My hot girl summer is about wearing the clothes that suit my body, being comfortable in myself, looking as fabulous as I can.” Bride to be Vicky Pattison, 36, celebrated her upcoming wedding with an epic joint hen-stag do with fiancé Ercan Ramadan, 30, in Dubai. They were joined by their family and friends. “The best sten do ever. A week we will never forget,” she said. Baby ready Emily Atack looked ready to pop as she showed off her baby bump in a red swimsuit. The mum-to-be, 34, enjoyed a woodland retreat in Stoke-on-Trent ahead of the arrival of her baby boy. “Like a hen sitting on an egg,”…

celeb interview Exclusive With his boyish charm, it's hard to believe that This Morning's new golden boy Ben Shephard has been a TV favourite and a mainstay in our homes for nearly three decades. Typifying English manners with an Essex charm (he hails from the county), Ben, 49, helps guests open up about their most personal stories. In February, the broadcaster made one of his biggest career moves to date – leaving Good Morning Britain for This Morning after ten years. And Ben has been the first to admit that his new adventure has been bittersweet as he leaves behind his GMB co-star and best friend, Kate Garraway. The pair began working together nearly 25 years ago and, as Kate, 57, navigated her late husband Derek Draper's health following his contraction…

I'd always been overweight. At school, I was the biggest in my class and when I became mum to my boys, both under five, I was the biggest mum in the playground. Taking the kids to the park after school, I'd watch in awe as the other mums dashed about after their kids. ‘I wish I could do that’, I thought. I was barely able to run 30 seconds before getting out of breath. At 5ft 5in, I was 20st 7lbs and a size 18-20. I was worried I was setting a bad example to the kids and knew I had to make a change. I'd tried all sorts of diets, but while each worked for a while, as soon as I'd reached my goal weight, I'd stop the diet…

If you often feel stressed, this could be why you're battling to manage your weight. “High stress levels can lead to elevated levels of the hormone cortisol, which in turn can promote weight gain, especially around the middle. Additionally, stress often triggers emotional eating and cravings for comfort foods, sabotaging weight loss efforts,” says weight loss specialist and trainer Christianne Wolff (Thebodyrescueplan.com). Christianne has therefore created a short cleanse, especially for Bella readers. Full of stressbusting nutrients, you could lose up to 3lbs in three days too – perfect as a weight-loss kickstart. Day 1 Breakfast Apple and ginger porridge Serves 2 Cook 75g porridge oats in 500ml water, according to package instructions. Meanwhile add an apple, peeled, cored and chopped, to another pan, with just enough water to cover…

Sitting on the sofa with my best friend Laura, I had no idea that what she was about to say would change my life forever. “I'll be your surrogate,” she said out of the blue. “I'll carry your baby for you.” My husband Thomas and I sat in stunned silence. I'd recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and because of the treatment I was on, we knew I wouldn't be able to carry a baby myself. Laura knew we'd been looking into surrogacy, but I hadn't expected such a generous offer… The two of us met at school. We got on brilliantly from day one and, as we got older, our friendship went from strength-tostrength. Even when I moved away for university, we remained close. I was Laura's bridesmaid when…

Now really is Penelope Featherington's (Nicola Coughlan) time to shine as Bridgerton returns for a third series. She has realised her crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) is futile and she wants to take a husband who will allow her the independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. Colin is surprised his friend is snubbing him when he returns from his travels, though, and works hard to win back Penelope's friendship – by helping her improve her dating game. But as his advice turns into results, Colin questions whether his feelings are more of a romantic nature. Nicola, 37, said her character's journey has been terrifying but also a lot of fun. How did it feel being back on set? It's…

CHISELLED CHIN TWINS Either they are secretly long-lost twins, or genes count for nothing when it comes to Matt and Henry's spitting images. In any case, they both won the genetic lottery. MUM KNOWS BEST According to Zoe, even her mum can't tell her and Thandiwe apart on screen – but then again, as the blue alien Neytiri in Avatar and its sequels, we don't recognise Zoe either. MISTAKEN DAD According to Cat Deeley, one of her and Patrick's sons once mistook Gordon for their dad. Can't say we see it, but maybe Patrick's a whizz in the kitchen. DOUBLE DUCHESS Meghan may not be able to mirror former footballer Alex's dribbling skills, but – off the pitch – the two do share an uncanny likeness. We're sure Alex gets…

CELEB NEWS & GOSSIP Fern Britton was left “disturbed and scared” after a stalker targeted her in a “prolonged” two-year campaign. James Haviland, 63, has admitted and pleaded guilty to stalking the Celebrity Big Brother star between November 2021 and September 2023 – even driving 200 miles to stay in her holiday cottage in Cornwall on several occasions. Haviland, who appeared in Bodmin court via video link, sent the former This Morning presenter, 66, unwanted cards and flowers in November 2021, June 2022 and June 2023, before travelling from his Basingstoke home to get closer to her. He stayed in her village near Padstow on three occasions – in February, May and November 2022 – and rented out her holiday cottage last September. He tried to book the accommodation again…

celeb news Exclusive She's known and loved for her open and honest nature on screen, but Alison Hammond has always kept her cards closer to her chest when it comes to her love life – until now. Last week, the This Morning presenter confirmed the news after weeks of speculation: that she's got a new man in her life, 26-year-old Russian masseur David Putman. Speaking about the relationship for the first time on the podcast Parenting Hell, Alison told hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe: “I'm not single… I'm dating!” But while the 49 year old went on to gush about her new relationship, revealing that her son Aiden, 19, who's normally sceptical about her partners, has given David his seal of approval, we're told that she's now been hit for…

Soft, cotton chino trousers are a great way to stay stylish and comfy We're lusting after this supermarket steal – a dress that can be worn for any occasion As the weather hots up, take the opportunity to wear bold, bright prints…

Loaded twice-baked potatoes Serves 2-4 Ready in 45 mins, plus cooling 4 slices of streaky bacon 2 baking potatoes, of average size  Olive oil, as needed Salt, as needed 2 shakes of garlic granules Black pepper, to taste ¼ tsp dried dill 50g Red Leicester, grated 50g soured cream 1 tsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard 1 dash each of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce (both optional) A handful of chives, finely chopped A few pinches of paprika, plus extra for garnish 1 Lay the bacon out flat on a plate and cook, uncovered, on power level 6 for 4 mins, turning the bacon and moving it around the plate halfway through. Drape a piece of kitchen paper loosely over the top of the bacon, and continue to cook in 1-min intervals until the bacon is crisped…

Simple white china with a scalloped effect is an easy and affordable way to create an elegant dining experience Fresh white linen will always add a dreamy feel to your bedroom Invest in elegant pieces in the dining room – this fauxmarble table set with bouclé chairs is the right balance of chic and comfy…

Should we say ‘no touching’? Q My son is 15 and has been with his girlfriend for over a year. We also have two much younger kids. My husband and I are struggling to know what rules to lay down when his girlfriend comes over. They seem unable to keep their hands off each other. Even when we're just sitting watching TV, their arms and legs are all tangled up with one another. My husband thinks we should tell them “no touching” whilst they're with the rest of the family. We already tell them not to shut the bedroom door, and they're not allowed under the covers. She's going to be 16 in a few weeks, and he's not far behind. Once they're of legal age, I don't know how…

PRIZE crossword WIN £200 Solve the crossword to find, reading from top to bottom in the shaded squares, the name of a TV presenter and radio DJ. This is your competition entry answer. See the ‘How to enter’ panel, below right. Across 1 Culinary herb, or TV chef Shrager (8) 7 Gather — like the Avengers? (8) 11 Prolonged period with no rain (7) 12 Bond film starring Daniel Craig, Quantum Of – - - (6) 15 US currency unit (6) 18 Spoof broadcaster from Norwich created by Steve Coogan, – - – Partridge (4) 19 Camping shelter (4) 20 Traditional English Sunday lunch (5,4) 21 Seductive appeal (6) 22 Guy – - -, conspirator in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (6) 23 Tall deciduous tree (3) 24 River flowing into larger one (9) 27 Sense of self (3) 28…