Table of contents for 19 March 2024 in Bella

this week in bella Mark your calendars because 15 March is Red Nose Day! The star-studded night of telly, hosted by Sir Lenny Henry in his final year, includes an all-star line-up with The Traitors: The Movie comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders giving viewers a special Comic Relief message and the return of Alan Partridge on our airwaves. Alongside exclusive sketches, live performances and special surprises, the cast of a famous TV show will reunite to find Lenny's replacement host. There will also be a programme celebrating Lenny's contributions over the past 39 years. “I love Comic Relief but I think it is time to hand over the reins because there is an extraordinary new generation of talent,” he said. Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Paddy McGuinness, David Tennant…

With Kate Middleton being a relatively active member of the royal family – completing 128 engagements in 2023 – the fact that she hadn't been seen in public for months became a major topic of fascination. An outing with her mother Carole Middleton on 4 March was the first the public had seen of Kate since Christmas Day. Being driven around in Windsor, the Princess wore a pair of shades and a solemn expression as she reportedly did the school run with her mum. Kensington Palace's attempts to balance keeping the public informed whilst also protecting her privacy has simply fuelled speculation about what is wrong with her and why she is being kept away from the prying eyes of the press. Previously, the last public appearance had been on…

celeb interview A lison Hammond's back in the tent, dishing out her famous Hammond hugs, wise words and a comforting ear in this year's celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off. The star, 49, reunites with her This Morning co-presenter Dermot O'Leary, as well as 19 other big names including Mel B, Oti Mabuse and Danny Dyer, who are all hoping to be named Star Baker for the show, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. Ahead of her return hosting alongside Noel Fielding, with Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood as judges, Alison tells us about the celebs, her pride at being part of it and who she'd really like to see in the tent… Who were you most excited to have in the tent? I was really excited…

AFTER 10st Size 10 BEFORE 18st 1lb Size 22 As the ride attendant tried to bring the harness down over me, I felt a wave of anxiety. At 18st 1lb, I was too big to fit on the roller coaster Stealth at Thorpe Park. “Sorry love, you'll have to ride without me,” I said to my ten-year-old son, Cole, who was sat next to me. Luckily, we were with one of his friends and his mum, so he that didn't make me feel any better. I got up out of the roller coaster cart and had to walk past everyone in the queue as I made my way to the exit. That moment in June 2021 was my wake-up call. I knew I had to lose weight. Over the years,…

HM Government NHS In England, approximately 350,000 people are referred by their GP for specialist care every week and, according to the NHS e-Referral Service open data dashboard, there were almost 1.8 million referrals made in January alone. While we might expect to be referred by default to our local hospital, we actually have a legal right to choose where we're treated. Taking ownership of our healthcare can make things easier on a practical level, but it is also empowering and some studies have even shown it can improve patients’ outcomes. Here, we explain what options you have, what happens at your GP appointment, and the factors to consider when making your decision and taking control of your care. How it works In England, if your GP or other healthcare…

The initial symptoms of measles develop around ten days after you've been infected. These can include: • Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough • Sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light • A high temperature, which may reach 40 degrees (104F) • Small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks. A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. It will usually start on the head or neck before spreading out to the rest of the body. You should contact your GP – by phone – as soon as possible if you suspect that your child has measles, or if you've been in close contact with someone with the disease and have not been fully vaccinated with both does of the…

style week Sienna Miller This year's PFW gave us plenty of mono moments, with Sienna putting her own spin on the style, adding a boxy leather jacket to her boho slip dress. Trés chic! Naomi Campbell Who said all-black outfits are boring? Supermodel Naomi shows us how to stand out in the look, by finishing off her sleek ensemble with glitzy details, including that gorgeous bag! Ashley Graham Timeless, elegant, and easy to throw on, you'll find a little black dress in every French woman's wardrobe. It's also a go-to for Ashley Graham, who pairs hers with stud heels. Natalie Portman Channelling one of her on-screen roles – Jackie Kennedy – all eyes were on Natalie Portman at the Dior show, as she stole the spotlight in this sophisticated tweed…

celeb news Exclusive It's been ten years since Jane McDonald left Loose Women but she could be making her comeback to help the show celebrate a significant date. The Cruising star, 60, quit ITV's lunchtime programme in 2014 to focus on her music career but insiders reveal that telly bosses are hoping to entice her back for the show's 25th anniversary in September. “In September, Loose Women will celebrate 25 years on air, a feat nobody, especially the critics, thought they could achieve. But they have proved everybody wrong and bosses want to go all-out with the celebrations, including bringing back some Loose Women legends. And top of the list is Jane McDonald,” the source tells us. “For many she is the ultimate Loose Woman and they will do anything to…

1 Have a cup of tea Tea contains polyphenols and catechins which can help regulate hunger hormones and increase fullness. Teas particularly rich in these compounds are green teas, especially matcha and sensa. Drink three to five cups a day for maximum benefits. 2 Sniff grapefruit oil Sounds weird, but it's a trick Jennifer Lopez apparently uses for up to 15 minutes a day to help reduce cravings and appetite. And, if it's good enough for J-Lo, it's good enough for us! Research shows this citrus scent can affect the gastric vagal nerve to help to lower appetite and food intake. The scent can also help balance mood, so may help limit emotional overeating too. 3 Get spicy Chillies, and other spicy foods like hot sauce, can help suppress your appetite…

real life For the first eight years of my life, I grew up in foster care. It was far from idyllic, but everything changed when my parents Jennifer and Neil adopted me. They loved me very much and as I grew up, I dreamt of having my own family one day. I wanted to give my children all the love and happiness that I'd missed out on. When I met my husband Sam in 2007, he wanted a family too and almost a year into our marriage, we planned to start trying. But one day, shortly before our first wedding anniversary in June 2012, I suddenly became very ill. I kept vomiting and had terrible lower back pain. I went to the GP, who sent me to A&E and, by…

escapes Family fun Whilst there is plenty to keep the adults entertained, kids are really at the heart of this holiday. Surfside neighbourhood has been created with little ones in mind, with an arcade, sweet shop and carousel and eateries serving unlimited ice cream and churros. Check out the new Big Shark Block Party, and Admiral Awesome is a new addition to the team, creating entertainment by day and leading Once Upon a Bedtime Story to help little ones wind down. Kids will also love looking out for the adorable the on-board dog, Rover! Kids’ cabins have been creatively designed to feature bunk beds with TVs and even handy hooks and storage. However, there are a range of options depending on your budget, from family cabins and luxe suites, right…

FILM Origin While investigating the global phenomenon of the unspoken caste system, a journalist embarks on an adventure to experience different continents and cultures. While she's grappling with great personal loss, she finds beauty and bravery in the people she meets along the way. Based on the true story of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson and her bestseller Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontents. DVD Ferrari In 1957, Enzo Ferrari is reeling from the death of his son, his deteriorating marriage and his company's imminent bankruptcy. Desperate to save his business, he decides to wager it all by entering his racing team into a treacherous 1,000-mile race across Italy. BOOK The Brothers by Kimberley Chambers (Harper Collins) Beau and Brett Bond are making their name in the world and…

You look shattered,” a voice beside me said as I spooned some soup into a bowl. “I am,” I replied. “But we're nearly done now.” Ronan and I were both volunteering at a homeless shelter and we'd been serving food all evening. There had been an immediate spark between us and we became good friends. I was intrigued by his background. He told me he'd been adopted and had spent his early years in Ireland, before moving to the UK where he'd joined the RAF as a combat medic. But for all his toughness, there was something fragile about Ronan that drew me in. I found myself falling for him, but I wanted to take things slowly as I was a single mum of two and my kids were my…

beauty secrets Retinol boost Derived from Vitamin A, retinol is a beauty wonder ingredient, mostly found in night-time anti-ageing products. It's proven to boost cell turnover whilst stimulating collagen production, repairing UV damage, fading pigmentation, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. If you use retinol, remember to wear an SPF during the daytime as your skin will be more sensitive. Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum, £59, is formulated with two types of salon-grade retinol that effectively fights wrinkles, with the added benefit of aloe juice to soothe your skin. Packed full of low-irritation retinol, the Q+A Retinol Facial Serum, £12, delivers all the benefits of a high-end formula without the hefty price tag. Use a high-potency treatment once or twice a week to target deep lines and…

Bright Red Be bold and make a statement with a ruby red kitchen. It will add energy to your cooking space and can be softened with beach and oak accessories. Try the Haddon Kitchen in English Red, from Kitchen Makers. Passionate Pink Introduce a sense of fun and romance into your kitchen with a soft shade of pink. Try Harpley Kitchen from Naked Kitchens Zesty Yellow Whether you go for bright zesty shades or softer primrose, a yellow kitchen will brighten up the darkest space. Try a Bespoke Kitchen in Mid-Century Modern Style 11, from Searle Taylor Kitchens Cool Blue One of the most popular kitchen colours, it's easy to live with and can make a statement that won't date. Try funky flooring to give the space a co-ordinated feel…

better health According to the World Health Organisation, the UK had successfully eliminated measles by 2016, but it has returned and there has been a rapid escalation in cases in recent months. According to data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 347 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England since 1 October last year, with 127 of these cases confirmed in January alone. 75 per cent of these cases have been in the West Midlands, 13 per cent in London and seven per cent in Yorkshire and The Humber. The majority of cases are in children aged under ten. “The ongoing measles outbreak in the West Midlands remains a concern,” says Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist. “MMR vaccine coverage has been falling for the…

TV interview Emma Willis and Fred Sirieix are giving their taste buds a treat and taking us with them on The World Cook. In collaboration with travel company TUI, 16 chefs from around the world, including professional chefs and passionate amateur cooks, engage in head-tohead culinary battles in incredible locations. After whipping up treats in Turkey, Crete, Iceland and Thailand they will be judged by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, and Bake Off finalist Crystelle Pereira. The winner will be honoured with a restaurant named after them at TUI BLUE Sarigerme Park Hotel in Turkey, where they will collaborate with the brand to curate a tasting menu for the restaurant, ensuring that at least one dish is personally created and credited to them on the menu. We caught up with Emma,…