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Comedian Ruby Wax bared her soul recently, by admitting to fans she is suffering from her first big bout of depression in 12 years. The star, 69, who has battled with her mental health over the years – quitting TV 25 years ago as a result – said she is ‘frazzled’ and ‘didn’t spot the signs’. Taking to Instagram Monday week ago, Ruby shared two images of herself, writing: ‘A sure sign of depression is dead eyes (first picture). In contrast to me when alive and well (second picture).’ The mum-of-three also told her fans just a few days ago that the bout of depression had taken her by surprise. Alongside a zoomed-in image of her eyes, she wrote about her work for the past 15 years, fighting the stigma…

Sitting opposite my husband, Fabrizio, we were enjoying an incredible meal, chatting and laughing away. I always loved our holidays together. We’d talk for hours and relish each other’s company as we know each other inside out. That’s what comes with being happily married for almost 40 years. But when our holiday is over, we return to our homes – in two different countries, 1,100 miles apart. I first met Fabrizio in 1982 when I was 20, an aspiring actress living in New York. He was 25, a cool, charismatic, ambitious Italian filmmaker at the start of his career. I successfully auditioned for the leading role in his first movie and we fell for each other quickly. When Fabrizio suddenly needed to return to Rome and said, ‘Come with me!’…

Hearing the doorbell go, I opened the front door to see a Royal Mail worker delivering a big box – and it was for me. ‘Thank you,’ I said, signing for it. I hadn’t ordered anything, so I excitedly ripped open the package to see what was inside. It was crammed full of snacks and soft drinks, and I smiled. It must have been from one of the freebie giveaways I’d entered. Getting a delivery like that always lifted my spirits – and as a family, it’d helped us make huge savings too. And with the rising cost of living, that was more important than ever in most households. It’d all started when I’d moved to Liverpool back in 2019 with my husband Gunnar, and our son, now three. I…

HOW IT WORKS • Haylie Pomroy, author of best-selling books including The Burn (£6.79, wob.com), believes we should ditch calorie counting. She says: ‘Calories are a lie, they are a mono-focused chemical calculation of how much energy it takes to incinerate something and counting calories doesn’t take into account how hormones and our bodies work.’ • Eat often. Haylie suggests our metabolism is nutrient dependent, with them being released from the food particles we eat. She says: ‘One of the ways to entice or stimulate your metabolism is to eat and snack often, up to five times a day.’ • Fall in love with food. Reversing age-related hormonal weight gain means supporting your liver and thyroid gland, both responsible for regular hormone production, so you turn your body into a…

She’s famous for her tongue-incheek outtakes of celebrities and their poses, and yes, Nadia Sawalha has struck again! She had us in stitches last week with an Insta video, mimicking toned US influencer and YouTube star Sommer Ray. The 25-year-old American beauty – who has more than 26 million followers on Instagram – posted a film of herself relaxing on a sun lounger in a skimpy bikini and bandana–enjoying gummies – presumably from her own skincare range, Imaraïs, and brandishing them at the camera. In response, Nadia also donned a brightly coloured bikini and knotted a bandana on her head, using the same background music for her film. Like the model, she did a little dance, but rather than a tube of gummies, she brandished a carton of Sour Cream…

SUMMER FLARE-UPS I suffer from eczema and have noticed that my flare-ups tend to get worse in the Summer. Why is this, and should I be avoiding direct sunlight? Or can it be good for the condition? I have been given conflicting advice so would be keen to know what you think. Grace, East London DR HILARY SAYS: It’s important to remember that each individual with eczema is different. Some people react because of exposure to sunlight or higher temperatures, whereas others experience improvement in their symptoms. Also certain drugs, chemicals and even plants can lead to photosensitive eczema. Remember that sunshine causes drying of the skin, which you do not want with eczema, so I suggest slipping on a shirt, wearing protective clothing, hat and sunglasses and applying high…

Do you have a story you’d like to share with our amazing army of best readers? We’re looking for real-life stories from women just like you and your friends – and will pay up to £250 for all those that make it into these pages. Stories can be funny, sad, emotional, inspirational – just like some of the examples on this page. The only rule: they must be true. Have you been on a diet that changed your life? Have you battled against tough times and come out fighting? Have you found love or happiness against the odds? If you – or a friend – have a story to share, whatever the subject, do drop us a line, with your contact details, a photo and a brief outline of your…

See the world through JENNY’S FUN-TINTED LENSES … I’ve been on my holidays, the old man and I went to Cornwall for four nights and stayed in a great boutique hotel in Penzance, where we ate ourselves silly and saw all the sights. God, I love Cornwall – I particularly love the area around Penzance and St Ives, which has the most glorious golden sand beaches. Not that I’m a beach girl, I’m too old, fat and prone to skin cancer for beaches, and in any case sitting on beaches bores me. When I go on holiday, I like to tick things off my ‘must do and see list’, I like to have a plan. It’s not so much of a holiday as a military operation. My Cornish highlights include…

Renowned actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson plays a new character in riotous comedy Man vs Bee. When lovable, but bumbling, dad Trevor lands a new job as a housesitter, his first assignment is a luxurious mansion filled with priceless artwork, classic cars and a very adorable dog named Cupcake. However, when a bee lands on the scene, can Trevor keep everything under control, or will their raucous rivalry just lead to increasingly disastrous consequences? Here, the 67-year-old talks bees and Mr Bean… You are known to be quite selective about your work! How did you get persuaded to do this? I need to work on something in which I have total faith, belief and understanding of it. It’s all about the joke, and the character and the situation. It has…

BEST’S CELEB INSIDER TALKS TO TANYA BARDSLEY In 2015, Tanya Bardsley burst onto our screens as one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of Cheshire. But behind the scenes, the no-nonsense mum-of-four has been at the centre of her own personal drama – a battle with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, which left her feeling suicidal. Last year, the devoted mum and businesswoman decided to quit the show, following a series of mental health battles. Here, the millionairess opens up to Tony Cowell about why she quit and how her condition has made her change her lifestyle forever. She also reveals how discovering the power of prayer helps support her, emotionally – as she prepares to return to our screens…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Athens is known for its iconic buildings and temples to the gods, but the most famous is the Parthenon that stands proudly upon the Acropolis citadel, dominating the city skyline. It is a must-see up close, but equally spectacular by night from afar when it is beautifully lit. The hike up to the site is one to be taken early in the morning, before it gets too hot. Make sure you look out for the Theatre of Dionysus on the way down from The Parthenon, which is nestled into a side slope of the hill. There you will find a breath-taking amphitheatre to inspire your soul. INSIDER’S GUIDE If you find yourself in Athens on a Sunday, watch the spectacular changing of the guard in Syntagma parliament square.…

Walking home from school with friends one afternoon, I turned the corner into my road, and shouts of ‘Fatty’ and ‘Emily Elephant’ filled the air. I blushed and stared at the ground, willing it to swallow me up. There were always kids playing outside my house and they’d tease me relentlessly. My friends were all slim, but I’d always been a chubby child. I’d indulge in secret eating and squirrel away sweets. And my weight only got worse… My first job, aged 19, was working in a school with autistic children. I loved it but I worked long hours and it was exhausting. I didn’t have the energy to cook when I got home so ate chocolate bars instead. Then at 21, I fell pregnant with my girls, Tiana and…

Blackberry and Blueberry Cheesecake This is super easy to make and tastes so decadent. Hands-on time: 25min, plus (overnight) chilling Cooking time: About 15min Serves 12 • 50g butter, melted, plus extra to grease• 250g Oreo biscuits• 200g blueberries• 350g blackberries• 150g caster sugar• Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon, keep separated• 400g full-fat cream cheese• 300ml double cream• 250g pack mascarpone• 3 sheets of fine leaf gelatine TO SERVE, OPTIONAL • Blackberries• Blueberries• Gold leaf 1 Lightly grease and line a deep 20.5cm round cake tin with baking parchment. Whizz Oreo biscuits in a food processor until fine crushed (alternatively bash them in a food bag with a rolling pin). Add the melted butter and whizz/mix to combine. Firmly press the mixture into base of the lined…

CANCER 22 June – 23 July Killing Eve and Harry Potter actress Fiona Shaw, Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, and other Cancerians won’t get the full benefit of new experiences if they don’t take those first baby steps now. They need to be brave, draw on their inner strength and, eventually, they will reap the rewards of their actions. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October A friend or partner’s strange behaviour is making you wary. Any sign of insincerity from others will cause you to put up your guard. If it turns out they are deceiving you in any way, you aren’t likely to let them get away with it again. Trust your instincts, even if this leads you down new pathways. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January You can…

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS (2021) PREMIERE C5 Catch Up Rachel Collins is about to celebrate her 16th birthday, but a shock murder at her party unravels a dark web of lies in her family. Thriller, starring Megan Elizabeth Barker. FLOWER SHOP MYSTERY: SNIPPED IN THE BUD C5 Catch Up Abby happens to meet her old rival while delivering a bouquet of roses ordered by an anonymous person. However, things get worse when the man is later found dead and all evidence points to Abby. KILLER MOTHER: SWITCHED AT BIRTH C5 Catch Up Brooke, a woman who leads an ideal life, discovers that her daughter is not her biological daughter, but that she was swapped at birth with another baby.…

During a debate on Loose Women recently, Denise Welch caused widespread horror when she admitted to peeing in a swimming pool, while on holiday. The feisty panellists were discussing the current petition or a Spanish city to start fining people who wee in the sea. As they debated on whether they had done the same before, mum-of-two Denise, 64, went further – and admitted to weeing in a swimming pool, to the disgust of her co-hosts! Ruth Langsford began the conversation, with: ‘Now I am going to ask you a question, have you ever weed in the sea? ‘If the answer is yes, then you might want to strike Spain off of your holiday list because authorities there want to fine swimmers £645 if they pee in the sea.’ Ruth…

Q The skin on my arms is so thin that I hate wearing short sleeves. It looks so ageing. What do you suggest to improve the look? Deborah, Skipton A Just like our complexions, the skin on our body tends to lose its elasticity as we age due to a reduction in collagen production. Sun damage is the most common cause of crepey skin, but ageing, genetics, a lack of moisture, or extreme weight loss can also cause it. Use a rich body moisturiser daily. Formulas containing elastin, vitamin C retinol, antioxidants, and peptides are a plus, since they help improve the skin’s appearance and make crepiness less obvious. Dry brushing daily before you shower will also improve circulation, boosting firmness as a result. Good nutrition is extremely important for…

When it comes to festivals, they don’t get any bigger than Glastonbury. And when it comes to iconic stars, they don’t come bigger than Paul McCartney. The former Beatle’s history-making set – performed on the famous Pyramid stage to a crowd of 100,000 people – has been hailed as one of the greatest headline performances of this generation. And at 80, McCartney became the oldest headliner in Glastonbury’s 52-year history – and he was in good company. Performing with rock icons Bruce Springsteen, 72, and Dave Grohl, 53, and a set from 78-year-old Diana Ross, meant this year, for the first time, the average age of headliners at the famous festival was 45 years and two months. But it’s not just the performers who are getting older… Once considered a…

SISTER JEALOUSY – IN OUR 50S! Being the middle child is never easy – no matter what the age. I’ve always been a lot closer to my younger sister than my older one. We are much more compatible – pretty much peas in a pod, both fun-loving and easygoing. My eldest sis, who is a ball of anxiety and doesn’t enjoy letting her hair down, not so much, she’s the total opposite. Yet she still gets insanely jealous if we do things without her, even though every time we ask, she’s bound to say ‘No thanks.’ I’m at my wits’ end! It’s like we’re all 10 again for goodness’ sake. Bethan, Cardiff Don’t act like a 10-year-old – even if your big sis does. Let her be petty and childish…

1 In the shade Keep your cool with an awning or sail. They’re relatively easy to construct – just put posts in the ground and attach fabric. Alternatively, you can buy ready-made versions from most garden centres and DIY stores. Sail, £20 from B&Q. 2 Lounge around Creating an outdoor room will maximise comfort and make you really chill out. Steal this look with a classic arrangement of seating around outdoor rugs and a coffee table, and incorporate other elements such as lanterns, cushions, and a firepit. Sofa from £599, and firepit from £149.99, Dobbies. 3 Perfect pop-up To enjoy your garden whatever the weather, consider investing in a portable garden igloo, which can be used in Summer and Winter. This is because it retains heat on cooler days, and…

It says something about Jenny Agutter’s evergreen allure that, as she looks ahead to her 70th birthday this year, she still has a note on her website warning fans that any, er, ‘unsuitable’ photos they send in will be returned, unsigned. You might think she means stills of her naked swimming scene in 1971 film Walkabout, images inked in the adolescent memory of many middle-aged men. But she doesn’t. She gets the occasional cannibalised shot of her head, attached to a model in a tame glamour pose. There’s a mini shudder. She’s a grandmother in real life and about to turn one of her best-loved characters, Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Waterbury from The Railway Children, into a grandmother in The Railway Children Return. Besides, she’s been a nun in BBC period drama…

Paula pulled open the curtains, coughing at the dust that billowed up from the thick velvet fabric. Light flooded into her mother’s sitting room, highlighting a single plate on the table by the armchair, a half-eaten sandwich and a cold cup of tea. This, more than anything, made Paula’s heart wrench with sadness. Her mum was still in hospital, but the nurses had made it clear that she would need more care than could be given at home. She would not be coming back here. Paula took the plate and mug to the kitchen, emptying the cold tea into the sink, her eyes catching on the faded lettering emblazoned across it. ‘Best Mum’. She remembered, she had been six years old when she bought the mug for a Mother’s Day…

This month, Running Up That Hill reached No. 1 on the UK charts, boosted by its appearance on Netflix juggernaut Stranger Things, which is back for another season. This was just the latest development in the song’s revival, and it led to Eighties icon Kate Bush making history – on a few counts. The Bexley-born star is now the oldest woman to have a No. 1 single in the UK, and she broke records for the longest stint between No. 1 singles, as well as a song’s longest journey from release to the top spot. Here, the 63-year-old mother-of-one gets nostalgic about the Eighties and reveals what makes a good show… On being back at No 1 in the charts In a recent radio interview, she explained, ‘It’s just extraordinary. I…