Table of contents for 8 October 2024 in Bella

this week in bella We've had our first sneak peek at the new Big Brother house ahead of the series kicking off next month. Sixteen housemates will enter the revamped iconic property – which will be their home for up to six weeks – for the 21st season of the reality show. The promo trailer for the upcoming series gives a little taster of what to expec, showing a herd of guinea pigs entering, exploring and causing chaos on set, as they climb over the green sofa, lie in the diary room and even try to get into the hot tub. And we can't get enough of the latest eye logo – with dripping marbled paint! Lawyer Jordan Sangha scooped £100,000 after he was voted the winner of last year's…

Meghan Markle has been left feeling ‘alone’ and ‘anxious’, royal insiders have exclusively told Bella, as Prince Harry jets around the world for work and to visit friends and family. In the last few weeks, Harry has been on a reported lads’ holiday to celebrate his 40th birthday, before flying to New York for a series of charitable endeavours and then finally touched down in London where he attended the annual WellChild Awards. Amid his solo return to UK soil this week, there has been growing speculation that this will be the first of many returns to his hometown as he attempts to build bridges with his estranged family. But as his wife Meghan Markle remains rooted at their family home in Montecito, leaving Harry to make transatlantic trips alone,…

Jeremy Clarkson The Farmer's Dog opened in the Cotswolds last month with Top Gear fans lining up around the corner. Here you can enjoy the presenter's own Hawkstone lager, but you might want to be on your best behaviour, as Jeremy, 64, has already banned PM Keir Starmer. Jade Thirlwall When the Little Mix singer learned that her favourite nightspot was shutting down, she felt she had to intervene, and the Arbeia Bar in South Shields was born. Jade, 31, admitted, ‘I had no experience whatsoever in how to run a bar, so it's had its trials and tribulations along the way.’ Ed Sheeran Singer Ed, 33, is no one-trick-pony, he also owns a bar in West London, Bertie Blossoms. The pub's name was inspired by Ed's wife's name –…

Digging my phone out of my bag, I sat down on the sofa with a cup of tea. ‘Ooh a friend request,’ I said, seeing the notification. I was new to Facebook having only just joined and was still getting to grips with it. But as I saw who the friend request was from, I almost spat out my tea. ‘Gary Barlow!’ I shouted in utter disbelief. ‘It can't be…’ I quickly accepted and, within seconds, I had a message from him. ‘Hello,’ it said with a waving hand emoji. ‘Hi, you OK?’ I replied. For the next hour we messaged back and forth. He said he had been going through the likes and comments on his fan page and he wanted to reach out to me from his private…

Balmy Nights If you're struggling to get to sleep, try swiping this bargain buy onto your lips. It features shea butter to pamper and nourish your pout, along with calming lavender essential oil to help you doze off. Nivea Lavender Overnight Care Lip Balm, £2.59 Feeling Fruity Antioxidant-rich blueberries are the star of this overnight oil, along with 1% granactive retinoid, which will reduce the appearance of fine lines. Simply apply the fast-absorbing product onto skin and wake up to a visibly refreshed complexion. e.l.f. SKIN Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil, £18 New launch Glow Getter Achieve a golden glow while you snooze by massaging a small amount of this clever product onto your skin after cleansing. It contains Algaktiv Zen to prevent premature ageing, while plant-based DHAs adapt…

Dunelm Frills and layering are key to a comfy, welcoming bedroom. Dunelm has hit the mark with its latest range of bedding and vintage-inspired decor. Primark Make your home a haven for the colder months ahead with candles, diffusers and cosy accessories from Primark's new collection. Matalan Be bold in your home and introduce a splash of colour from Matalan's new range – perfect for the kitchen. Next Add some hygge to your home with neutral colours, mood lighting and tactile fabrics. Next is a great go-to for cosy cushions, soft rugs and nature-inspired accessories.…

This lightweight top features Heatgen™ technology to keep you warm – perfect for layering under a sweater An autumnal night in requires silky pyjamas and the fluffiest footwear Make this indoor outfit work for a trip to the shops by adding designer-inspired shearling accessories…

• FILL UP ON A MIXTURE OF VEG Veg is packed with fibre and polyphenols – rocket fuel for your gut bacteria! Fibre also helps your gut bacteria make SCFAS (short chain fatty acids) which can reduce food cravings. The on-trend recommendation is to eat 30 different plants a week. However, Dr Leeming says this can be hard to achieve, pricey and isn't based on strong science. Instead, she suggests you aim to have half your plate full of veggies at your main meals (or fruit at breakfast). Try different types by having mixed frozen veg (cheaper than fresh and just as nutritious), mixed bags of stir fry veg, and mixed beans in a can. If you think veg is boring, try marinading it before roasting, or roast it with…

FOUR SEASONS ANNOUNCES MOROCCO RESORT Four Seasons has revealed its newest hotel in Morocco. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr will be opening on 1 October. With 200 rooms on-site, there are seven dining options and an ocean-view infinity pool and spa. Dubbed as the ‘palace by the sea,’ the hotel was once the summer residence of Morocco's Sultan Moulay Slimane. To celebrate its new opening, the hotel is giving guests 15% off their room rate if they book on selected dates until 31 March 2025, for a minimum of two nights. Visit Fourseasons.com for more information or to book. DAILY SINGAPORE FLIGHT ROUTES Singapore Airlines has announced it will increase the current five-weekly Gatwick to Singapore service to daily flights next summer. These will operate from 30…

Taking a leaf out of her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes’ book, Ruth Langsford is reportedly ready to navigate the world of modern dating and has recruited her pal of 20 years Coleen Nolan to help her. An insider tells Bella, ‘Coleen wants Ruth to know this isn't the end of the road and that she will meet someone new. The thought of a blind date terrifies Ruth, but she's game for a giggle and Coleen is more than up for trying to set her up with someone. Right now though, Ruth wants to give herself more time before diving in. ‘Coleen has told her that “it's out with the old, and in with the new” – and the two have been going out and having fun. Ruth has no idea how…

Rightly, Sue Cleaver is immensely proud of all that she has achieved. While she's best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street for the past 24 years, she's also thrown herself – literally – into new experiences. The star, who is mum to 28-year-old son Elliot, faced her fear of snakes in I'm A Celebrity in 2022, and returned to the stage in March after 30 years to play Mother Superior in Sister Act. ‘I'm in my happiest decade’ As Sue releases her first book, A Work in Progress, she chats to Bella about getting out of her comfort zone and being kinder to herself. You're very open in your book. Why is now the right time to share? I have revealed all to the world, haven't I? I…

BEFORE 20st Size 26 AFTER 10st Size 8-10 I'd never been bothered by my weight. I'd always been slim at a size 12. But after having a high-risk pregnancy with my twins in December 2022, where I was placed on bedrest for months, my weight crept up – it went from 12st to 20st postpartum. I also had two other children, so as a mum of four – all under three – life was hectic and I didn't prioritise my health. I certainly had no time to exercise. Breakfast would be a large bowl of granola or a chocolate croissant and banana, then for lunch I'd have a fish finger or bacon sandwich. Dinner would be pizza or pasta or a casserole made in the slow cooker. And without fail,…

We're all feeling the pinch. With gas and electricity prices rising by 10% in England, Scotland and Wales and some older people losing winter fuel payments, it's understandable that we're looking for ways to keep cosy that won't cost us too much. Whatever budget you have, it's important to understand that keeping warm is vital for health and wellbeing. Figures show that there were more than 215,000 deaths from cold in England and Wales from 1988 to 2022. Banish draughts Making sure your home is as draught free as possible is the first step to ensuring lower heating bills. You can do your own assessment by checking where the biggest draughts are. ‘You can block unwanted gaps that let cold air in and warm air out,’ says Joanna O'Loan, knowledge…

The Cheviot Hills, Northumberland Set within 600 acres of regeneratively farmed land, with views over the Cheviot Hills, Tiptoe Retreat features two modern tree cabins, Howlet and Brock, each sleeping two guests. Underfloor heating provides the ultimate comfort, and the cabins are kitted out with a wood-burning stove, outdoor copper bath and a sleek living and bedroom area. As well as providing all the ingredients for a relaxing break, Tiptoe Retreat hosts lots of activities, including bread-making, stargazing, art classes and Pilates. • Prices for a stay at Tiptoe Retreat start at £195 per night (minimum of two nights). Book at tiptoeretreat.co.uk Woodbridge, Suffolk Bullfinch Lodge is a traditional two-bedroom log cabin, similar to those you'd find in Scandinavia. Authentically crafted using a Swedish building method, the cabin has excellent…

DRINKING… Convenient healthy hydration options still rely heavily on single-use plastic bottles. Cano Water is a sustainable option for those needing an on-the-go water fix without any harmful microplastics found in plastic bottles. Available in still and sparkling, the 300ml cans are available from Tesco and Amazon (from 67p per can). EATING…. Nutritionist and wellness expert Madeleine Shaw has partnered with American Pistachio Growers to reveal a budget-friendly hack to achieving radiant, glowing skin – pistachio nuts! Packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats, these nuts can help nourish your skin from within, promoting a healthy complexion. So, forget expensive creams and throw a bag of pistachios into your shopping basket. For recipe ideas, visit Americanpistachios.co.uk. SIPPING…. Calling all sauvignon blanc fans! Wise Wolf has launched a delicious new…

One million women in the UK are living with ADHD, but up to 75% of them are undiagnosed – partly because we're so good at masking the symptoms. Ellie Middleton, activist and author of the new book How To Be You, explains, ‘From being very young, women and girls are socialised differently from boys. We're taught to be polite, to sit still, be meek and mild and helpful to people. Because of that, we mask a lot of the stereotypical ADHD traits that boys or men might present more outwardly. The experiences that we have are more internal, rather than visible and external.’ Studies indicate that people with ADHD have approximately a 30% delay in the development of their executive functions (things like working memory, emotional regulation and organisation), and…

Best for families: Magic Kingdom The perfect place if you love full-on nostalgia. Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a family-friendly log flume ride, has just opened and features a 50-foot final drop, so be prepared to get very wet! The high-speed Tron Lightcycle Run launched last year, and sees you race around the grid on a futuristic motorbike. The super-fast but smooth ride has a thrilling launch and is Disney's fastest coaster to date. INSIDER TRICK: Disney Magic Kingdom fireworks are spectacular, although they can get really busy. Utilise the resort areas around the Seven Seas Lagoon for amazing views without the huge crowds. Best for adults: Epcot Foodies will love the Instagram famous snacks and drinks on offer here. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a fun coaster with a…

For over two decades, Charlotte Bellamy has been bringing the character of Laurel Thomas to life in Emmerdale – and Laurel ‘s recent fling with vicar Charles Anderson has left viewers shocked. Now, Charlotte, 51, tells Bella about what's in store for Laurel, who's the most fun to party with, and whether she'll ever leave the Dales. ‘They're loving our soap!’ How is everything in Laurel's world? Laurel's fling with Charles comes out the blue really, but it's all a bit of fun. After her messy break-up with Jai, this is a bit of a distraction. Charles has got his own stuff going on with Manpreet, so they just found a bit of solace in each other for a moment. I had no idea this was on the cards, as…

New love Kelsey Parker has shared this loved-up pic with her new boyfriend Will. After losing her husband, The Wanted's Tom Parker, to brain cancer in 2022, the 33 year old had said she knew Tom would ‘send the right man for her’. ‘I'm a Peaky Blinder!’ David Beckham is obsessed with TV shows and can't help slipping into the characters’ shoes. ‘Victoria will always laugh at me because whatever TV show that I'm watching, I kind of morph into a character,’ David, 49, said. ‘I just wore everything Peaky Blinders, and then we watched Yellowstone, and I was a cowboy.’ Getting lippy Eva Longoria strutted her stuff on the catwalk for L'Oréal during Paris Fashion Week, pausing to top up her lippy. The 49 year old was joined on…

bella debate No Elaine Hayward, 43, writer ‘It feels completely overzealous’ Yes, I know – smoking is bad for me. But every now and then, I still enjoy the odd cigarette, especially while I natter away with friends in a pub garden, Savvy B in hand. When the indoor smoking ban was introduced in 2007, I was all for it. No more coming home from a night out smelling like an ashtray – hurrah! But when smokers were pushed outside something magical happened – the birth of the outdoor smoking area. It was a chance to meet new people and exchange stories. The smoking area has become a beloved part of a night out. Taking that away is dismantling part of the social fabric of nightlife. And it's not just…

Three of the best: Rustic hues will add a touch of warmth to cosy up any room…

Winter warmers Best for simplicity Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket This double blanket's handy elasticated ties made it easy to attach, even to our deep memory-foam mattress, and ensured it stayed firmly in place. There are just three heat settings on offer, which is a lot less than others on the market – but great for those looking for something simple to use. We also found that the three options gave us everything we needed. The first setting was great for eliminating chill, the third was quite toasty, and the second somewhere in between. Some electric blankets can make the bed feel a bit clammy, but this was breathable and cosy at the same time. While it doesn't offer some of the bells and whistles of its counterparts, it does…

Research is showing more and more that a healthier gut microbiome (your ecosystem of gut microbes) is the secret to achieving a positive impact on your digestive health, appetite and cravings. Not only does it help rev-up your energy levels, but it can also lift your mood. In the new book, Genius Gut, UK dietitian and microbiome specialist Dr Emily Leeming reveals the eating rules and healthier habits that can work wonders. She tells us, ‘Gut health recommendations have generally become overcomplicated and pricey. I want to reassure everyone that you can make easy, inexpensive long-term changes that you enjoy to help you get positive results. Focus on adding in healthy extras, rather than taking things out of your diet.’ She says the key is to eat more fibre, which…

My fiancé Josh grabbed his motorbike helmet and keys, then headed for the door. ‘Enjoy your last ride before becoming a daddy,’ I joked. ‘Be safe.’ It was 2021 and I was 36 weeks’ pregnant, so we were on the final countdown. Childhood sweethearts, we'd been together for 12 years when I conceived and we couldn't have been more excited. It had been a tough pregnancy, but Josh was amazing, rubbing my swollen feet and taking on all the housework. Although I worried about him going out riding with his mates Jon and Levigh, he always wore a full set of safety gear. And with our baby on the way, it was his last ride before he planned to sell the bike. But three hours later, my phone rang. It…

DNA discovery DNA Journey, Wednesday 9 October, ITV Six new celebrity duos are embarking on an adventure of discovery to find out where they come from using advanced DNA technology and genealogy. Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston, Jo Brand and Julian Clary, Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris, Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes, Sarah Parish and Jimmy Nesbitt plus John Simm and Philip Glenister, are unearthing secrets from their past. The series takes the celeb pairs to countries they didn't expect, including Canada, France and Jamaica, as they unlock the stories of their ancestors – and some even go on to meet living relatives they never knew existed. TRIAL TRUTH Showtrial, Sunday 6 October, BBC1 The second outing of the BBC's engrossing legal anthology series centres on high-profile climate activist Marcus…

There's a topical edge to Sarah Parish's new drama – which has women's safety as its backdrop. Set in an alternative reality, it's a world where men are tagged and put under a strict curfew overnight. But when a woman is brutally murdered, veteran detective Pamela Green (Parish) is convinced that only a man could have done it, despite resistance from her boss. Adapted from Jayne Cowie's novel After Dark, Pamela is paired up with rookie cop Eddie Wilson as they hunt for a killer. Sarah, 56 – who first appeared on our screens 30 years ago in The Bill – reveals why her character is unique, and how one scene in particular had her in tears… What attracted you to the drama? Purely because I've never really seen a…