Table of contents for 13 August 2024 in Bella

this week in bella They may seem like unlikely friends but after meeting three years ago, Dame Judi Dench and The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades have become best pals. Now, the pair will star in their own travel show, Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple. “Sometimes if you’re very lucky you get to meet someone and find you’re totally on the same wavelength,” Judi said. “What fun I had filming this programme with Jay, sharing memories of our past, both so different, finding we have the same sense of humour. I could have gone on filming for days.” Jay added, “To learn about a new friend’s past really solidifies the future of your friendship. Going down memory lane with someone dear to you is something I would urge everyone…

Joyful return Celine Dion made a triumphant comeback as she performed at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The 56-year-old superstar, who has been battling Stiff-Person Syndrome, said, “I’m honoured to have performed… and so full of joy to be back.” Proud as punch Coleen Nolan couldn’t hide her pride as her son Jake Roche heads to Edinburgh Fringe festival for his one-man comedy show, Neporrhoids. The 31 year old, the youngest child of Coleen, 59, and actor Shane Richie, 60, makes his comedy debut later this month. “So proud of you,” she said. Baby Bieber incoming Parents to be Justin and Hailey Bieber were all loved up as they attended a party. The Baby singer, 30, cradled his wife’s growing baby bump, days after she graced the cover…

REAL LIFE & PUZZLES MINI-MAG! No Helen Wright, 41, travel writer 'It's lazy and selfish not to think of others' Watching people rush to reserve sun loungers is cringe-worthy. I recently went to Gran Canaria and there were more towels than people by the pool until after lunch – it was ridiculous. I want a stress-free holida not to indulge in some form of trench warfare from behind my lilo. If you are leaving the pool area for more than 30 minutes, polite etiquette should be to remove your things and give someone else a chance to relax. The great thing about holidays is that everyone can pick their own schedule. We have younger kids, so are generally up earlier than families with teenagers. We spend mornings by the pool…

Cuddled up in bed with my partner Glenn, I suddenly heard the familiar tapping of tiny trotters. “Here we go,” Glenn said, grinning. Next thing, Babe our mini potbelly pig, bounded into the room, jumped on the bed and nuzzled in between us. “Morning Babe,” I chuckled. If we were having a lie-in, Babe just had to join. Sometimes she’d snuggle right up in my neck or climb under my T-shirt. She’d even been known to jump up on one of us and lie flat out. Babe was our little bundle of joy. We’d both wanted a pet, and after doing lots of research, discovered that a pig would work well with our lifestyles. We found a local breeder who told us that Babe needed a home after her original…

REAL LIFE & PUZZLES MINI-MAG! FICTION WIN £500! “She died just a week after we saw her, Arthur.” The voice of the grey-haired woman sitting next to Anna rises above the hubbub of the packed marquee. Little Snodbury’s ‘There Be Murders!’ Crime Festival is a sellout, as always, and Anna’s Aunt Ginny, better known as detective fiction writer Ginny Asquith, is the star attraction. Really, thinks Anna, if I was a best-selling author, I’d do everything I could to avoid being trapped for the weekend with gossipy middle-aged women avid for selfies, even in a glorious setting like the grounds of the Manor. She sighs. Aren’t writers supposed to be anti-social? Anna’s neighbour on the front row is still speaking. “Just like poor Margaret, gone just days after our visit.…

better health Some people might know of it as the “Angelina Jolie gene” — after the star went public with her diagnosis — but the faulty Breast Cancer gene (BRCA) remains largely unknown and misunderstood. Perhaps due to its name, mutations and variants of BRCA are primarily associated with increased cancer risks in women. However, as a recent Emmerdale storyline has helped highlight, the complicated genetic variant also has possible cancerous effects in men. Here, with the help of Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now, we explain what it is and what inheriting it might mean for you. What is BRCA? Every human, male and female, possesses the “BReast CAncer” gene (BRCA), also referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are vital within our DNA, stop our cells…

Why visit? The beach resort of Saint Cyprien is situated in Pyrenees-Orientales, so you can hit the seaside against the backdrop of stunning snow-capped mountains. It’s very easy to get to – just ten minutes from Perpignan airport. Also, you’re only around 30 kilometres from Spain so you can always do a day trip to a Spanish beach or even visit the vibrant city of Barcelona. A car is essential for getting around with the family (we hired through Sixt.co.uk). Where to stay We checked into the Domaine Du Golfe Du Lion, run by Pierre et Vacances, which felt like France’s luxe version of Center Parcs. The pretty site comprises of numerous self-catering, wood-panelled villas and apartments, set within extensive grounds, covered in colourful flowers. Our well-equipped villa had a…

He’s been the friendly face who puts nervous daters at ease once they’ve passed Fred Sirieix’s lectern since 2013 and, since then, Merlin Griffiths has seen hundreds of singletons meet their perfect match. As well as serving drinks to help put them at ease, the barman has become known for asking the kind of questions that get great answers. So what can he reveal about the contestants we see in the new series of First Dates… Can you believe the show is still going strong after a decade on our screens? No! But I’m eternally grateful that it is because it is so wonderful to do and lots of fun. I’m glad people are still vibing with it as well. The reason it is so successful is that it showcases…

Lupita Nyong'o Worn to a recent talk show appearance, the A-lister turned heads in this crimson mini dress, complete with a matching jacket. Rita Ora Wearing Georges Hobeika while out and about in New York, Rita’s scarlet sequinned frock is a firm favourite. From her lippie to her heels, she’s the ultimate lady in red. Leigh-Anne Pinnock This glamorous Self Portrait gown from Leigh-Anne sure made a statement! The Little Mix star kept her accessories minimal to keep focus on her shimmering frock. Kate Upton The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model made sure she left her mark in this head-turning, vibrant suit. A gold necklace and dangly earrings complete the look. Serena Williams The former tennis pro oozed preppy glam in this red-hot Thom Browne ensemble, pictured here at Paris Fashion…

celeb news Although they’re known for being the ultimate city folk, Victoria and David Beckham escape to the countryside whenever their busy schedules give them a chance -with sources close to the couple describing their stunning Cotswolds mansion as their “sanctuary”. The couple purchased the £6million Grade II listed farmhouse back in 2016, going on to spend huge sums on renovations that have since doubled its worth to around £12million. It was initially the family’s holiday home, instead choosing to spend their weekdays at their £31million London townhouse, in the exclusive Holland Park area. Now, Victoria, 50, and David, 49, are spending increasingly more time at their countryside escape – with some insiders saying the family are considering a permanent move. Youngest daughter Harper, 13, spends her time at the…

Bumps Be Gone If you’re struggling with body acne, ingrown hairs or keratosis pilaris (aka bumpy skin), then you need a chemical exfoliator in your life. Glycolic and salicylic acids work wonders for sloughing away dead skin cells that can cause blocked pores. Opt for a chemical-powered body wash or try a leave-on cream to help tackle pesky bumps and blemishes. Hydration Hit Moisturising your body is a must for silky-smooth skin. Post-shower, slather on your lotion or oil of choice, concentrating on drier areas, such as elbows and knees, for an extra dose of hydration. For a luxurious treat, we love a deeply nourishing oil that will also leave your skin glowing. Or boost your skin barrier with a vitamin-rich cream that provides long-lasting moisture. Scrub Up A physical…

Kicking my diving flippers, I cut through the clear blue waters. It was December 2022 and my husband Chase, now 39, had been working in the US in his job as a stuntman. A week earlier I’d flown out to meet him, spending a few days in Miami, before moving on to Cozumel Island in Mexico. Now we’d been invited to join two other holidaymakers on a diving trip to explore the island’s barrier reef. The four of us had headed out on a hired motorboat, along with a captain and a diving guide. While Chase and the others dived, I snorkelled, taking in stingrays, reef sharks and even a sea turtle. We’d not long moved on to a second location when I felt a bit cold, so I swam…

Tiptoeing across the bedroom, I held my breath as I crept out of the door. I’d spent more than an hour trying to get my little boy Kai, 11 months, and daughter K’zaleigh, two, to sleep, and could barely keep my eyes open. With just 16 months between them, if one woke up and started crying, the other would follow suit. Later, as I crawled into bed beside my hubby Andrew, I turned towards him. “I’m done having kids,” I sighed. “It’s just too hard.” Luckily, he agreed. Although we loved being parents, raising two children under two was physically and mentally exhausting. My days were a whirlwind of nappy changes, housework and broken sleep. Andrew worked away sometimes, so although he helped as much as he could, I was…

Emma The calls are sometimes long and rambling gettingto-know-you chats. Charged with glee that it is going so well and fear that it might go wrong. Other calls are more prosaic, centred around who is picking up supper. We’ve catapulted at a rate of knots into a steady relationship. No games. No miscommunication. No secondguessing. “He’s so straightforward,” I tell my friends. “So wonderfully uncomplicated.” I’m grinning broadly. I perhaps do too good a job of making him sound brilliant, because Gina and Heidi look for the catch. Gina asks, “Is he married?” “No.” “Really, though?” probes Heidi. “You can tell us.” “We won’t judge,” Gina assures me. “We will, but with a level of compassion, keeping in mind your previous good character,” clarifies Heidi. “He is not married.” “So…

TV WEEK Can you really fall in love with someone based on their personality alone? That’s the idea behind this intriguing show – the British version of hit US reality series Love Is Blind. Hoping it might pave the way to their happiness, this gang of singles will be meeting and getting engaged to their perfect match without ever having seen them. And after agreeing to tie the knot, the couple finally meet for the first time to find out if that special chemistry is there – as well as sharing a strong emotional bond. But will their new love survive the pressure of real life and the demands of planning a wedding? What did you make of the singles? Emma: I really felt everyone was genuine and relatable. Well,…

CELEB NEWS & GOSSIP As the Olympic Games kicked off in Paris, Team GB have made it clear that they’re here to win. The first week of the multisports tournament, which kicked off with an extravagant opening ceremony in the French capital, saw the British team taking home their fair share of the silverware. At the time of writing, Team GB have already snagged gold, silver and bronze medals, and have their eyes on plenty more. Two of the most exciting additions to the British tally came from Team GB favourites. Sixteen years after he appeared at his first Olympics in Beijing, and he became the poster boy of London 2012 (and despite effectively retiring from diving after taking home the gold in Tokyo 2020) Tom Daley was back on…

He rose to fame as a popstar in the nineties, before carving out a career as a TV star. But for Peter Andre, his proudest role has always been Dad. In April this year, Peter, 51, welcomed his fifth child – daughter Arabella – with wife Emily, who he married in 2015. Pete is also dad to Amelia, 10, and Theo, six, with NHS doctor Emily, 34, as well as Junior, 19, and Princess, 17, with ex-wife Katie Price. So he’s definitely well qualified for his most recent venture into children’s books, having just released his second tome Super School Kids and the Baby Alien Rescue. And now the Mysterious Girl singer tells Bella about life at home with Emily and the kids and his next project on the big…

As I sang the iconic 9 to 5, my diamanté dress glittered under the stage lights. When the song finished, the audience erupted with cheers. I smiled and waved before the curtains closed. It was yet another exhilarating performance, paying tribute to one of the greatest voices of all time – Dolly Parton. I first heard Dolly’s music as a young girl growing up in Australia. My parents would play her records in the evenings, and I’d fall asleep to her songs. My passion for singing started when I was eight years old. There was a show in Australia called Young Talent Time featuring future stars like Kylie Minogue and Dannii Minogue. I watched it religiously and thought, “That's what I want to do with my life.” My parents recognised…

Violet Our first mistake was thinking that love would be enough. When you build a house, you don’t simply stack up a pattern of bricks and balance a roof over the top; you draw up a plan, establish the foundations, and create a home from multiple layers of careful craftsmanship. A marriage is the same; it needs so many components, a solid framework for all that love to adhere itself to before it sets, cement-like, into the elusive happy ever after. Perhaps if Henry and I had spent more time constructing us and less time fixing up our house, we could have made it. In my darkest moments, I pretended to myself that I blamed the place -hated it, even – but I never truly believed it. Standing proud but…

BUYING… St Ewe’s free-range eggs are laid by hens that are free to roam, have spacious housing and are nurtured with specially developed feeds, giving the eggs their unmistakable taste and golden yolk. Not only that, but they are also packed with extra nutrients. Choose from Super Eggs, Rick Yolk Opulent, Rich Yolk and Original. RRP from £2.15 for six – available at supermarkets nationwide. ORDERING… Slim Lilly fruit smoothie drinks contain the right amount of plant fibre to stabilise blood sugar levels, and block unhealthy carbs in food, so you stay fuller for longer. Available in six delicious flavours, and with only 15 calories per smoothie, they can be enjoyed up to three times a day before your main meals or as a healthy treat between meals. RRP £21.99/6…

LUXE TURKISH RESORT Luxury hotel brand Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts has announced plans for Bvlgari Resort Bodrum, which is set to open in 2026. The resort will sit on its own private peninsula with ten hectares of stunning terraced gardens, 84 rooms and suites, as well as a range of dining, wellness, and entertainment experiences. Bvlgari Resort Bodrum will be the 12th resort in the collection, and there will be an emphasis on sustainability throughout the property, with the hopes of bringing lots of new vegetation to the region. For more information, visit Bulgarihotels.com. FLEXIBLE HOLIDAY SCHEME First Choice Holidays has launched cancellation scheme First Choice Flex to give travellers the opportunity to cancel their trip 48 hours before they travel and still get a refund. Ideal for those who…

FILM It Ends With Us Based on the popular Colleen Hoover novel, this adaptation follows florist Lily, who has overcome a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life and open her own business in Boston. There, an intense connection sparks between her and attractive neurosurgeon Kyle. But as the pair fall deeper in love, Lily sees sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship. FILM Trap A father takes his daughter to a concert for pop star Lady Raven, but he soon learns that the entire event has been set up to trap a serial killer known as “The Butcher”. The catch? The murderer in question is him. Expect more twists and turns in this latest psychological thriller from director M Night Shyamalan. DVD Furiosa: A Mad…