Table of contents for 9 April 2024 in Bella

Kate Garraway has opened up about the six-figure debt she has incurred after the long-term care of her late husband Derek Draper, who passed away in January. Derek needed round-the-clock care after contracting Covid in 2020, leading to a number of health complications and ultimately a cardiac arrest in December last year, after which the former lobbyist died aged 56. Good Morning Britain presenter Kate, 56, undertook a large proportion of the care duties amid her husband’s ailing health and she estimates that it has racked up a debt of between £500,000 and £800,000. She said, “It’s supposed to be a system that’s meant to catch you if you fall. But actually, it feels like it’s trying to catch you out. You feel like you’re in the dock answering questions…

Sitting in the police car, my stomach should have been in knots. But the man in the driving seat had put me instantly at ease. It was September 2017, and my first day as a constable. As a new recruit, I’d been paired with a more experienced officer to respond to 999 calls. Mark Dempster, who had been with the force for over 20 years, was a perfect crime-fighting partner. Not only was he great at showing me the ropes, but he was funny and friendly – the best tonic for my new job jitters. From car crashes to domestic assaults, we were called out to some harrowing incidents. Going through that together, we formed a connection. And during the long night shifts, Mark and I opened up to one…

Looking to update your wardrobe with the latest must-have pieces this spring? Two lucky readers are in with a chance of winning £500 to spend at British heritage fashion brand, Cotton Traders! The new collection is filled with chic and timeless patterned pieces and lightweight knits, which are perfect for this transitional season. There are endless ways to style the new range. You only have to check out Cotton Traders’ Brand Ambassador, Alex Jones for inspiration! For more information, visit cottontraders.com. Terms and Conditions: This prize is for a £500 Cotton Traders gift voucher that can be redeemed online or at any Cotton Traders Stores (exclusions apply) – visit cottontraders.com for full terms and conditions.…

Everyone’s talking about gut health. In fact, Google searches have risen by 400 per cent in recent years! Medical experts say it can have a massive impact on our physical and mental health, including weight management. So, we’re delighted to reveal the new book The Gut Stuff, written by identical twin sisters Alana and Lisa MacFarlane. They were part of groundbreaking gut health research at King’s College, London, (you may have seen them on TV!) and have assembled an expert team of scientists, doctors, nutritionists and dietitians to give the information we all want and need. They told us, “We got fed up with gut health being associated with swanky, expensive health food products and ingredients. So, we wrote this book to prove you can get all the ingredients in…

better health Access to NHS dentistry has been a hot topic recently, with reports that some areas of the UK have become “dental deserts” and think tank Nuffield Trust commenting that “NHS dentistry in England is at its most perilous point in its 75-year history”. Recent data has shown that four-in-five dental practices in England are not registering adult NHS patients, while 71 per cent are not taking on new patients under the age of 18. When one new NHS practice in Bristol opened its doors, it was so overwhelmed with people desperate to register that police were called to control the crowds. “Good oral health is essential for good general health,” says Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer, England (interim). “Dental and oral health teams have been working hard to…

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 Amazing surrogates Your story “I had a baby with my two best friends” (issue 10) brought tears of joy to my eyes. Surrogates are amazing women. How lovely that Ariel became a surrogate for her two friends, Monte and Mario, to give them a daughter. One wonders what drives these incredibly motivated, generous and giving women to do such a thing? Changing other people’s lives has to be top of the list. Daisy Truby, Chipping Barnet Gorgeous Graz I loved reading your interview with gorgeous Strictly star Graziano Di Prima (issue 12). With all the drama around what the professionals do on and offscreen, his relationship…

While the world continues to reel from Kate Middleton’s shock cancer diagnosis, we can reveal that her health battle has brought her closer than ever to her father-in-law King Charles. Both the monarch and the Princess of Wales are currently undergoing treatment for unspecified cancers, which is said to have deepened their bond further. It comes after they were both treated at the London Clinic in January – Charles for an enlarged prostate and Kate for planned abdominal surgery. Sources reveal that the royal pair would often have “hospital heart-to-hearts” while they were at the London Clinic, with Charles, in his dressing robe, visiting his daughterin-law’s bedside. “When they were in hospital together, there was a lot of toddling down the corridor to spend time with her. He has been…

celeb interview Katherine Ryan has us in fits of giggles from the moment she answers the phone for our exclusive chat. The comedian, 40, is a delight, especially when we get her on the topic of motherhood and her marriage – things she’s extremely passionate about! The Canadian born stand-up, who has risen to fame thanks to her no holds barred routines and laugh-out-loud appearances on endless panel shows, is mum to Violet, 14, from a previous relationship, and Fred, two, and 15-month-old Fenna with her husband Bobby Koostra. Katherine and Bobby have one of the most romantic showbiz relationships, having been highschool sweethearts and then finding each other again after 20 years apart. And the key to keeping that spark very much alive? “If a year goes by and…

real life Standing on my landing, clad in leggings and a sports bra, I faced my boyfriend Ollie and tried not to scowl. “Hurry up!” I hissed at him, feeling exposed. “OK, now turn to the left, let’s get a photo side-on,” he instructed, snapping away with his phone. It was 2021 and I was starting yet another fitness plan -the latest in a long line of failed attempts to lose weight. I’d signed up with a new personal trainer, and as usual they had asked me to take so-called ‘before’ photos to chart my progress. But as usual I didn’t make any progress. Within a few weeks I’d let my gym subscription lapse and had Dominos back on speed dial. I’d begun piling on weight in my mid20s, after…

Skin Flooding Our skin can become more prone to dryness as we age, which is where this hydrating trend comes into play. The aim is to layer products on to wet skin, rather than dry, hence the name “flooding”. Create a nourishing, damp canvas with a spritz of Curél Deep Moisture Spray for Dry Sensitive Skin, £19.50, before applying a fine-line targeting serum like Caudalie Resveratrol-lift Instant Firming Retinol Alternative Serum, £52. Quickly follow with a generous helping of a deep moisturising cream like Vichy Minéral 89 100H Hyaluronic Acid Rich Hydrating Cream, £22.99, for a youthful, hydrated look. New launch New launch New launch Barrier Repair Overusing active ingredients such as retinol can cause serious skin damage. If your complexion is feeling the toll of anti-ageing products, then a…

Lemony chicken & quinoa bowl with watercress, cucumber & avocado Serves 4 Ready in 30 mins, plus marinating 60ml unsweetened plain or coconut yoghurt 120ml extra-virgin olive oil  3 cloves garlic 2 lemons Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 × 115g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm pieces  ½ small shallot, peeled and finely minced 1tsp wholegrain mustard  1tsp honey 115g bunch watercress  300g cooked quinoa 1 cucumber, cut into 6mm half moons or slices 1 avocado, peeled and sliced Handful fresh mint 1 In a large bowl, combine the yoghurt and 60ml olive oil. Grate the garlic into the bowl, followed by the zest of 1 lemon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Leave to marinate for 15 mins at room temperature or overnight in…

• Cavity (or decay) which is a hole in the tooth • Gum problems (periodontal issues) • Tooth sensitivity which can be caused by wearing of the enamel or exposure of the root of the tooth • Bad breath, which can be caused by sulphur-containing compounds. Also, bad breath can be due to bleeding gums, bad bacteria in the mouth or even stomach problems (for instance, those that cause reflux) • Wisdom tooth problems, which can cause pain and swelling and may sometimes need removal • Chipped tooth from an accident…

Will my daughter forgive me? Q My daughter is six and is such a good girl. I didn’t think I’d enjoy being a mum as I didn’t have the best childhood and my mum made me feel like I was a burden. I try my best not to let my depression affect my daughter, but the other day, she told me that I was having a “happy Mummy day” and I asked her what she meant. She said that some days I am “sad Mummy” or “cross Mummy”. I burst out crying and ran out of the room. She cried too, telling my husband that she was sorry and wanted to make me happy. I felt awful. I have since said sorry to her and told her that I was…

Matt Baker is in his happy place – down on the farm. But this time it is not his own, it’s a tenant farm in Northumberland owned by the National Trust. They are looking for a farmer to take on a ten-year lease at Gallows Hill Farm on the National Trust’s Wallington estate. Matt, 46, has seven hopeful applicants who, throughout the new series of Our Dream Farm, will get the chance to work on the smallholding and spend time in the farmhouse they hope to one day call home. Deciding who will win the tenancy is the Wallington Estates General Manager, Sally Richards, and Giles Hunt, the Land and Estates Director for the whole of the National Trust. And although Matt is merely the presenter of the show, he…

Strictly 'in chaos' Strictly Come Dancing is said to be “in chaos” with planning for the 2024 series “on hold” following recent reports around Giovanni Pernice’s alleged behaviour towards former celebrity contestants. After Amanda Abbington, 52, claimed she was diagnosed with PTSD following her time partnered with the 33-year-old dancer, it has been claimed that two more of his former partners – Laura Whitmore, 38, and Ranvir Singh, 46 – met to compare notes on their experiences. It’s believed no decision has been made yet on his return, nor whether or not he’ll have a celebrity partner. Normally the line-up of professionals is confirmed in spring ahead of intense rehearsals. When asked recently if he would quit the show, Giovanni replied, “Why would we do that? We love our jobs.…

Give even the simplest outfit a luxe edge with this chic bouclé jacket Vertical stripes will instantly make you look taller Make these trousers work for the office by pairing with a silky blouse and heels…

Create a calming sanctuary in your bathroom with natural wood and plenty of botanicals. Plants not only look good, but they boost your health and mental wellbeing. Use botanical printed fabrics to make your own curtains and cushions.…

TAURUS 21 April — 21 May You have high expectations of a friend or social event early in the week, but will your hopes be justified? Disappointment will result if you are being unrealistic. From the 5th you’re tuned into other people’s emotions in ways you can’t always explain. Theme of the week: Peace and quiet 0906 650 7231 GEMINI 22 May — 21 June Are you ready for an adventure? Well, there may be several in the pipeline for you! They’re connected with friendships, outside interests, hobbies and your long-term hopes and wishes, and they make a magical combination. Who knows where it will lead! Theme of the week: Excitement 0906 650 7232 CANCER 22 June — 23 July Early in the week you’re intrigued by ideas and a quest for knowledge.…

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 - - - of fortune, turnaround in your run of luck (8) 7 Mixture, or outdoor prison area (8) 11 The Hobbit star, Martin - - - (7) 12 Juice box? (6) 15 Fruit such as a lime or an orange (6) 18 Razor mollusc? (4) 19 Fake (4) 20 Inoculate (9) 21 Festive tree decoration (6) 22 John le Carré novel, - - - Tailor Soldier Spy (6) 23 - - - Perkins, comedian and presenter, pictured above (3) 24 Crime film starring Daniel Craig and Sienna Miller (5,4) 27 Nocturnal bird…