Table of contents for 15 October 2024 in Bella

this week in bella Get ready to cringe at the awkwardness of a terrible and blundering boss once again – The Office is back! But forget about OG David Brent and his US counterpart Michael Scott, there's a new sheriff in town and she's in a pair of sensible court shoes. The Office Australia is a spin-off with a difference as it follows female managing director Hannah Howard (Felicity Ward) receiving word from Head Office that they will be shutting down her branch at the packaging company Finley Craddick, which is based in Sydney. After Hannah makes promises that she can't keep, her team - including Rings Of Power star Edith Poor as receptionist Lizze Moyle and Cold Feet ledge John Thomson, who plays head of HR Martin Katavake –…

Jane of the jungle? I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is just around the corner, and Loose Women favourite Jane Moore, 62, is rumoured to be heading off down under this series. We'd root for you, Jane! Friends for life Having first met back in 1989, Elizabeth Hurley and Patsy Kensit celebrated 35 years of friendship last week. Elizabeth, 59, celebrated by posting a recent selfie and early modelling photo with Patsy, 56, with the EastEnders star replying that she loved her friend 'so much'. Drink up! Beyoncé proved once again that she's still music's golden girl as she launched her new whisky brand, SirDavis. The singer, 43, who recently went blonde, has teamed up with Moët Hennessy for the drink, and named it after her great-grandfather.…

As a self-confessed Strictly Come Dancing 'super-fan', Sarah Hadland was always going to be excited about competing on the BBC dance contest. And after being paired with reigning champion Vito Coppola, the Miranda star is having the time of her life. 'I've lucked out with Vito' So far, Sarah, 53, has showed off her surprisingly light feet in everything from a frothy quickstep to a moody paso doble. Here, she tells Bella about the sweet gifts her partner brings to rehearsals, and why Strictly is another ball game when it comes to fitness. Hi Sarah! You're a long-time Strictly viewer – does that come with added pressure? Yes, 100%. That's why I think I've held out for so long from doing it. It's a double-edged thing, isn't it? If you're…

AFTER 10st 6lb Size 12 BEFORE 15st 10lb Size 18-20 Folding up an off-the-shoulder black top and putting it in my suitcase, I sighed. It was October 2023, and I was packing for a holiday to Turkey with my husband Andy. But I just knew my size 18 clothes were getting too tight. I longed to be able to wear slinky dresses and bikinis, but I could barely look at myself in the mirror. When we were on holiday, we went for dinner one night and Andy snapped a picture of me. I was wearing the off-the-shoulder black top and, when I saw the photo, I bust into tears. I didn't like the way I looked and couldn't believe I'd let myself go so much. Growing up, I'd been slim…

1 Going too low-calorie 'One of the most significant weight-loss mistakes is the tendency to drastically reduce caloric intake, a practice that can severely backfire. When women do this the body adapts by slowing down the metabolism, a protective mechanism designed to conserve energy during times of perceived famine. This not only makes it harder to lose weight, but also increases the risk of losing lean muscle mass, which is vital for maintaining a healthy metabolism,' says Registered Dietitian Rimas Geiga, (glowbarldn.com). He points out that a moderate calorie deficit, which is 10-20% reduction of your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure), combined with nutrient-dense foods, is far more effective than extreme restrictions. To calculate your TDEE use an online TDEE calculator, like the one at forbes.com, which factors in age,…

better health Suffering pain in your lower back? You're not alone. 'Two-thirds of my clients come to me because of back pain, mostly affecting the lower back,' confirms James Davies, a renowned osteopath, whose client list includes Olympic athlete Linford Christie and singer Kylie Minogue. 'In fact, 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their life. We have so many problems with our lower back because we don't do the things our backs were designed for. Backs weren't meant to be stationary in a chair for eight hours a day.' The joint connection Add to this the fact that more than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis affecting their joints, and you can see why so many of us are feeling aches and…

Taylor Swift Pop sensation Taylor, 34, made a statement in this yellow Dior corset dress at the MTV Video Music Awards. She's our winner! Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu The 61-year-old actor could give her stylish Emily in Paris character a run for her money wearing this metallic tweed Rochas set. Magnifique! Poppy Delevingne At the premiere for In Vogue: The 1990s, the model, 38, committed to a grungy retro look wearing this blue and black plaid dress with knee-high biker boots. Clara Amfo TV presenter Clara, 40, paired a classic taupe trench coat with checked tailored trousers at Burberry's London Fashion Week show. Effortlessly cool. Ciara The 38-year-old singer looked chic in an oversized head-to-toe neutral ensemble by Willy Chavarria while out and about in New York for Fashion Week. Shailene Woodley…

He's kept a relatively low profile since leaving This Morning, but last week Phillip Schofield made his TV return – much to the shock of his former best friend and co-star Holly Willoughby. While appearing on the Channel 5 show Cast Away, Phil made several negative references to ITV colleagues, which many speculated were about Holly, and he even appeared to mock the apology she'd made to viewers after his exit from the show. And now an insider exclusively tells Bella Holly wants to get her version of events heard. 'Holly wants justice. She cannot believe Phil is trying to play the victim. She's currently consulting with her lawyers over what she can actually say, but she's fuming that her legacy risks being further tarnished by Phil and his antics.…

Try these simple exercises to relieve the pain from lower back issues. Start off slowly with minimal movements to check your body's reaction. If they are painful or make your injury worse, stop them immediately. • Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet on the floor. Use both hands to lift one knee towards your chest and hold it there for a few seconds – do the same with the other. • Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet on the floor. Place your arms on the floor with your palms facing down. Gently rock your knees from side to side for a few minutes. • Try the side stretch. While standing, place your feet wide apart. With one arm, reach your…

Lying on the grass with the sun on my face I suddenly shrieked as my little boy, Mason, splashed me with water from the paddling pool. It was July 2022 and I was having a wonderful time in the garden with my husband Mark, 44, and Mason, three. Our nine-month-old daughter Robyn was sleeping in a small tent to keep her out of the sun and I'd been especially protective of her as she'd been born seven weeks early and had suffered complications. She'd been in and out of hospital since her birth by emergency C-section. When she was just one day old, she needed a life-saving operation after her feeding tube tore her tiny stomach. After eight weeks in hospital, she was discharged but her skin seemed so fragile.…

escapes Go galactic Do aliens really exist? We're still wondering after visiting the Extraterrestrial Highway – otherwise known to Earthlings as Nevada State Route 375. This 98-mile road, which runs alongside the infamously secretive Area 51, attracts 'visitors' all year round, with stop-offs including the iconic E.T. Highway Sign, the Black Mailbox – a mysterious meeting space for UFO hunters – and the Little A'Le'Inn, a diner-meets-motel in the small town of Rachel. As a day trip from Vegas, it's perfectly doable, but to split up the driving we'd suggest staying here. There's a flying saucer outside and they serve delicious alien-themed burgers. For snacks, supplies and selfies, visit the friendly humans at E.T. Fresh Jerky or the Alien Research Centre, where you can pick up UFO-themed everything, from magnets…

FILM Portraits Of Dangerous Women One day in the English countryside, the lives of three strangers collide in a bizarre road accident. After the initial turmoil, they decide to handle the aftermath without involving the police. As the unlikely trio forge unusual alliances and unravel their pasts, they grow closer, discovering a deep sense of friendship. Full of humour and real characters, and an exploration of the consequences of loss. PODCAST Proper Tasty Pub Quiz Brought to us by M&S Food and hosted by chef Tom Kerridge and broadcaster Chris Star, this is a foodie podcast with a twist. Every week, Tom and Chris are joined by a celeb – such as Pixie Lott, Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott – to test their knowledge, chat about food and sample some…

Most people will tell you to take it slow in a new relationship, but Eamonn Holmes is going full steam ahead with his girlfriend, Katie Alexander - despite only confirming their romance just a few weeks ago. The duo recently enjoyed a luxury cruise around the Mediterranean and, according to sources, they're planning more holidays in the near future, and are even talking about buying a home together. But, apparently, Eamonn's whirlwind romance is tinged with pain – as his reliance on Katie, 42, is as much fuelled by his poor physical health as it is his affection for her. The GB News presenter, who's been suffering chronic pain after back surgery last year left him using a wheelchair, recently opened up about his ongoing health struggles, saying he can…

As I walked through the door, I saw my granddaughter Aoife's little face lit up. 'Nanny! Nanny!' she gabbled, crawling towards me. She was my first grandchild and I adored her. Aoife had started crawling early and now there was no stopping her. Aquarobics helped me stay fit enough to keep up with her. But in February 2023, I climbed out of the pool with aching legs. 'I must have overdone it,' I told my friends over coffee. Back home in Purley, London, my legs were like jelly and I felt ropey, so I made a GP appointment. The next morning, I was getting dressed for the doctor's when, halfway through pulling on my trousers, my legs just gave way. I called out for my husband, Tom, but he couldn't…

Combat dryness As temperatures dip and our skin becomes dehydrated, so does our scalp, causing dryness, itchiness and – worst of all – flaking. To restore lost moisture, get to the root of the problem with The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £15. Just a small amount of this lightweight serum pre-shower will stop the need to scratch, while Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment, £32, will restore lost moisture thanks to its hyaluronic acid formula. For a pre-shower treat that also smells great, apply Umberto Giannini Scalp Serum, £9.95, massage, then wash hair as usual. Treat oiliness Excessive brushing or over-washing can contribute to a greasy scalp, but it could also be also down to genetics. Some of us produce more sebum – a natural oil…

The Eighties are back! Rivals, Friday 18 October, Disney+ The TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rivals finally lands. Set in the fictional county of Rutshire, it's all about the ruthless world of independent television in 1986 – with various people caught in the crossfire between a Tory minister (Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black) and the MD of a TV company (Lord Tony Baddingham, being played by none other than David Tennant). There's a hearty dose of sex, scandal and more sex from the get-go (the opening scenes see The Split's Annabel Scholey as a ruthless Fleet Street journalist joining the Mile High Club – followed later by a glimpse of Emily Atack enjoying a game of naked tennis). Danny Dyer, Aiden Turner, Katherine Parkinson and more make up an incredible…

TV interview It's time to take a walk down the very stylish memory lane of Absolutely Fabulous, as the cast of Jennifer Saunders (Edina 'Eddie' Monsoon), Dame Joanna Lumley (Patsy Stone), Julia Sawalha (Saffron 'Saffy' Monsoon) and Jane Horrocks (Bubble) reunite for the first time since 2016 to look back on an era of fun and frivolity and celebrate the show's groundbreaking influence on female comedy. From original scripts to unheard anecdotes to never-before-seen moments from the rehearsal room, viewers will be given a behind-the-scenes peek into the magic of how Ab Fab was made. And celebrity guest stars and famous fans, including Ruby Wax, Tom Hollander, Emma Bunton, Meera Syal and even Richard Curtis, share their personal reflections. Jane, 60, says Ab Fab will always have a special place…