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If you read best regularly – or watch Loose Women – you will know that Carol McGiffin has an opinion on everything, and it’s usually controversial. At Christmas, she can be anything from an utter grinch to a naughty elf and if I ever tell her to ‘stop moaning’, she shouts: ‘What?!! I’m just telling it like it is!’ And every Christmas she shouts, ‘It’s time for our Santa hat shot!’ She is entertaining, funny and – yes – completely outrageous from time to time. But one thing you might not know is that Carol has been having an affair for years – a lifelong love affair with France. So, while it might be a surprise to you, it wasn’t to me when she announced: ‘I love Emily in Paris.…

Ever seen Netflix smash hit, Emily in Paris? Well, it just happens to be one of Carol McGiffin’s favourite series. Who knew?! And Paris is her favourite city. ‘I’ve been thousands of times!’ she says. We aren’t convinced it’s ‘thousands’, but we do know Carol loves Paris – as well as the adventures of a young American, Emily (played by Phil Collins’ daughter, Lily) who, working in a high-class PR company, falls in love with the picture-perfect French capital and everything it represents. Here, Loose Woman Carol recalls the first time she set eyes on the so-called City of Love – and fell head over heels with Paris, and France in general. And, looking every inch a pair of Parisian lovers in best’s exclusive shoot, she and hubby Mark Cassidy look back on…

She loves DIY crafting and is forever sharing her home transformations and top tips with fans on Instagram. Now, with help from her family and friends, Loose Woman Stacey Solomon will show us how to deck the halls with a difference. In a fun and festive one off special for BBC One and iPlayer, Stacey and her family get creative, sharing clever ways to cut costs, upcycle, and spread some homemade cheer at Christmas time. Together with Sort Your Life Out co-star Dilly Carter, the mum-of-four transforms a neighbouring barn into a Christmas grotto for a festive party with her local community. From DIY Christmas crackers to garlands and heart-felt gifts, the X Factor singer-turned-TV-presenter shares her top tips for crafting a magical family Christmas… without, never more important now, breaking the bank. ’Tis…

TOP TIP! Looking for a little extra support and coverage? Then opt for a long-line style that also helps to smooth, making it ideal under fitted clothes.…

TOP TIP! Place a festive side plate on top of a plain white dinner plate to create a stylish tablescape.…

Servings: 6-10; Prep time: 20 min; Cook time: 40 min; Total: 1 hr; Difficulty: Medium YOU WILL NEED • Baking tray about 12 x 8 inches – you want the mixture to be about 3-inches deep FOR THE CAKE • 3 eggs• 150ml vegetable oil• 100ml milk• 250g sugar• 4g ground cinnamon• 0.5g ground nutmeg (or half a teaspoon)• 1 ground clove• 150g brown breadcrumbs• 7g baking powder• 150g coarse ground walnuts• Zest of half lemon FOR THE SYRUP • 200g sugar• 200ml water• 2 cinnamon sticks• 3 drops vanilla essence• 50ml brandy or cognac 1 Preheat oven to 170oc (fan). 2 Whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, sugar and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove). 3 In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, most of the walnuts (save some for…

Baked Tunworth with Roasted Grapes and Crostini Forget Camembert, British Tunworth is our go-to cheese for this indulgent starter. Hands-on time 25min plus marinating Cooking time about 1hr Serves 8 • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced• Small handful sage leaves• 6tbsp extra virgin olive oil• 800g red grapes, on the vine• 2tbsp white balsamic vinegar• 1tbsp clear/runny honey• 1 x 250g Tunworth• 1 loaf olive ciabatta 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/mark 4. Soak garlic and sage leaves in 2tbsp olive oil for 10-15min. 2 Toss the grapes in 2tbsp olive oil, the vinegar, honey and a generous pinch of sea salt flakes, then transfer to a large baking tray in a single layer, and roast for 30-35min or until tender and juicy. 3 Cut a 18cm (7in) circle…

1 Embrace the downtime – this is essential for recovery. Switching the body and mind off contributes to keeping stress levels in check and supports good sleep. 2 Eat well – we don’t have to eat like its Christmas Day throughout December (and beyond). Enjoy party food, but on the days when you’re in charge of what’s on your plate, focus on a more balanced diet. 3 Practice good sleep – there’s a lot to think about at Christmas and that thinking can sneak into our sleep, but sleep is our superpower in building resilience. Whilst being in bed early may not be achievable every night, particularly with a busy social calendar, on those nights where you do have a quiet one, make relaxation a priority before bed. 4 Say…

It seems as surreal today as it was then to think he’s gone – but incredibly, on 25 December it will be six years since we lost the Greek god of pop, George Michael. Aged just 53, his boyfriend Fadi Fawaz discovered his lifeless body lying ‘peacefully’ in bed. Devastated fans and celeb friends the world over shared their shock at the news – Mariah Carey calling the London native ‘an inspiration’, while Simon Cowell said he was ‘always one of the greatest’. Take a walk down memory lane at some of the Last Christmas singer’s greatest moments. George, we thank you for the music… 1 …WE GAVE HIM OUR HEARTS! ‘Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, the very next day, you gave it away…’ Is it really December…

SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December Sagittarians such as Good Morning Britain presenter Ben Shephard and A Beautiful Mind actress Jennifer Connelly are always keen to broaden their experiences through exploring and travelling to new places. Be open to adventures and opportunities, accepting them with open arms – you won’t regret it. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January A partner or housemate is in a generous and extravagant mood, but can they afford this? They’re spending money as if it grows on trees. You’re being especially careful not to overspend this Christmas. Don’t be persuaded into agreeing to plans that exceed your budget. Be guided by instincts in financial affairs. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February A special assignment will fall into your lap at work. You are aware that…

Sheridan Smith is barely off our screens at the minute. And now, the star – who has herself battled issues with alcohol and substance abuse in the past – is playing Manchester girl Rosie Molloy in new bittersweet comedy series, Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything. And Rosie is addicted to everything – smoking, alcohol, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Xanax, Adderall, caffeine… the list goes on. After an embarrassing incident at her brother Joey’s wedding, she wakes up in hospital and decides to change her life by ‘giving up everything’. Here, mum-of-one Sheridan, 41, tells us more – including working again with Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps writer Susan Nickson - and that scene with a bottle of fake wine… Tell us about Rosie Molloy then, Sheridan? Rosie Molloy…

1 A TOUCH OF SPARKLE! The ever youthful-looking EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth, 67, seemed to be having a fabulous time at last week’s Back on Track Charity ball. Thrown by Harley Street’s Lesley Reynolds and Dr Aamer Khan, the night was held to raise money for injured veterans, providing medical care, rehabilitation and support. 2 Who wowed the crowd? There was no lacking in glamour on the Red Carpet. Nancy Sorrell, 48, looked red hot in a one-shouldered wonder from Nazz Collection, while Lizzie Cundy, 54, upped the glam in a Pia Michi sheer, sleeveless number. Meanwhile, Claire Sweeney, 51, stunned in an off-the-shoulder gown from To the Nines. Gorgeous! Nancy, Claire and Lizzie shone bright on the Red Carpet thanks to their glitzy get-ups 3 THE MAIN EVENT… Harley Street’s Lesley Reynolds…

WHAT A STAR Wasn’t pro dancer Johannes just adorable with Ellie when she was voted off? He looks after his partners so well – he never outdances them, always supports and cares for them so much. I absolutely adore him. And what great advice, ‘Embrace your weird’ – I certainly try to, darlings! QUARTER FINAL FUN As a musicals man, I was in heaven last weekend. I was itching to join Helen and Gorka for Mein Herr as Cabaret is my favourite musical, Fleur and Vito’s quickstep reminded me of a musical I was in, in 1993 – and Kym and Graziano’s cha-cha to Fame, well – Fame inspired me to dance. NERVES BUILDING… It’s interesting – in the first few shows, backstage everyone’s chatting, gossiping – it’s noisy. Fast-forward…

It’s the time of year when people place an angel at the top of their Christmas tree or are reminded of the Nativity story, when the Angel Gabriel came down to deliver his all-important message to Mary. It’s a time when, feeling the loss of loved ones, people may look to otherworldly beings for love and comfort. But for me, angels aren’t just something I think about during the festive period. I know we’re surrounded, and supported, by angels, all year round – I can hear and feel them. Ever since I was a child, I felt like I was never completely on my own. Mum told me she’d often see me talking when I was playing in the garden alone and I always sensed there was someone, or something,…

As my daughter Ruby sat on Santa’s knee, she was beaming from ear to ear. I’d never seen her so excited. ‘Why does Father Christmas have two beards?’ she whispered in my ear. I bit back a smile. Typical of Ruby to notice everything – including the fake beard that this particular Santa was wearing over his real one. ‘Maybe he’s cold,’ I suggested. As she innocently accepted my explanation and showed her dad the gift Santa had given her; I breathed a silent sigh of relief. I wanted this trip to Lapland – and this Christmas – to be the most special, most magical one of all. Because the chances were, it was going to be Ruby’s last. Ruby had always been such a special daughter, right from the…

BOOZE-FREE BUBBLES! Treat any designated drivers or mindful drinkers to a bottle of Lyre’s Classico, £9.99, at Christmas. This lovely bubbly is best served chilled on its own or can be used to create a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail, thanks to the fresh and fruity flavours. Plus, if you are looking to gift, it comes in a gorgeous box to make anyone feel spoilt this season. Visit lyres.co.uk for more information. FESTIVE SLICE Keep hunger pangs under control with Soreen Gingerbread Flavoured Mini Loaves, £1.25. These individually wrapped slices are sweet, with a spicy aftertaste that’s guaranteed to leave you in the festive spirit. Plus, at just 101 cals per bar, they are better for your waistline than any coffee bar treat. SWEET SENSATION If an after-dinner mint chocolate is tradition…

Dalkeith Palace, 24th December 1858. Charlotte, Duchess of Buccleuch, stood on Montagu Bridge admiring the view back towards the house. The snow which had fallen overnight had sugar-coated the steep-pitched roofs, and had also created the perfect conditions for tobogganing. She smiled indulgently as she watched her two youngest daughters squealing with joy as they sledged down the sheer slope to the valley floor below. Her four sons were too old for such childish pursuits. They had been born and bred to serve their country, whether they wished to or not, and, as a dutiful duchess, Charlotte had allowed them to be wrenched from her at a young age and packed off to public school. Was it nature’s way of consoling her, to subsequently present her with three girls? The…

Crack out the mistletoe and wine – it’s Christmas, so that means time for Cliff Richard! And thankfully the great man has obliged – recording a new BBC special called, simply, Cliff at Christmas. In the special, Cliff will return to the iconic Abbey Road studios, where his career began with The Shadows, to chat to Sara Cox. He’ll then move to St John at Hackney Church to perform some of his favourite songs and will be joined by some celebrity pals for some magical duets. We caught up with Cliff, 82, to talk about the show, his incredible career, his dream duet – (are you listening, Michael Bublé?) and just what Christmas means to him… Hi, Sir Cliff! What can you tell us about Cliff at Christmas? It was great…

HOSPITALISED WITH FLU! My friend’s grown-up daughter has spent the past four days in hospital on a drip with a bad case of flu. She’s normally healthy and has also had her flu jab, so this has shocked me! Is this normal or is there a very virulent form of it going around this Winter? Candice, Cardiff DR HILARY SAYS: Influenza is a nasty illness at the best of times and, thankfully, most people will only experience true influenza once or twice in their lifetime. Symptoms include sore throat, a hacking cough, headache, muscle and joint pains and a high temperature. Patients are by necessity bedbound for several days and may take 10 to 14 days to fully recover. Complications include ear infections, pneumonia and occasionally septicaemia (blood poisoning). People…

It’s that time of the year, when people start asking you what you want for Xmas. And my answer right now is: ‘Some magic cream to finally rid myself of the fungal rash that’s rampaging underneath my left armpit.’ I don’t need any presents really, my house is full. I don’t need another nicky-nacky-noo, or scented candle, I’ve got seven in the cupboard under the stairs, I don’t need any more. Though, come to think of it, burning scented candles right now might be cheaper than using electricity! If only they really belted out some proper heat. I’m terribly conscious of everyone’s finances this year, so many of us really don’t need the additional financial stress of Christmas on top of everything else. Let’s face it, the cost of providing…

OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS Channel 5, Wednesday, 1.30pm In this delightful festive romcom, Nicky finds an unopened Christmas card from an old secret admirer, and she and her best friend embark on a quest to find the anonymous author. THE CHRISTMAS FIX-UP Channel 5, Thursday, 1.30pm When interior designer Sam returns home during the holidays to help renovate the Bell Harbor Inn, she gets paired with Coop as her contractor. Problem is, he’s the guy who broke her heart – and she’s the one who got away. CHRISTMAS MATCHMAKERS Channel 5, Friday, 1.30pm Two overworked employees hatch a plan to get their difficult bosses to date, in order to have more time for their own festive period. Predictably, chaos ensues.…

Singer and TV presenter Jane McDonald has been grieving since the tragic loss of her musician partner, Ed Rothe, to lung cancer last year. But a ‘new man’, she revealed, is helping her navigate the heartache – and his name, fittingly, is Ed. Yes, cruise fanatic Jane, 59, told her former Loose Women colleagues that her niece Katie had recently given birth to a little boy, who she named after Jane’s late companion. ‘He’s just the light… he’s so beautiful… I’m so in love, I didn’t know you could feel that. I’m loving it and relishing it and spending time with Katie and my family and just seeing this new life. It’s been lovely to spend time.’ Recalling the moment that she found out about her niece’s tribute to her…

TOP TIP This boyish blazer would look just as stylish over a plain white T-shirt and jeans.…

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Pre-loved gifts? They’re in vogue! It’s official – ‘second-hand doesn’t mean second-best’, it just means you put a lot more thought into it! Given the cost-of-living crisis, we’re all looking for ways to enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank. And a lot of us are looking in charity shops for clothes. But a new study, carried out by Vinted, shows that 65 per cent of people in the UK would consider gifting someone a second-hand item in the next 12 months – and 38 per cent said they’d already given a second-hand present in the past year. Natacha Blanchard, Consumer Lead at vinted.co.uk, says: ‘Opting for a pre-loved or second-hand item doesn’t diminish the spirit of gifting, if done right it can be more meaningful.’ Tell…

Q Peri-menopause is playing havoc Q with my skin. One month it’s oily and breaking out, the next it’s really dry. Is this normal and how can I treat it? Eva, Nottingham A Skin weakened by hormonal shifts is not uncommon approaching menopause. Surges of testosterone can cause skin breakouts, while declining levels of oestrogen, progesterone and melatonin can break down collagen and elastin, making skin thinner, drier and wrinkled. First, use a broad-spectrum SPF50 cream every day to protect from UV damage, help prevent collagen loss and pigment changes. Reducing stress will also help skin health. Avoid excess sugar or salt in your diet as these can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Aim for a diet rich in good fats, such as oily fish, nuts, vegetables and fruit. Hydration is vital,…

Every year, as the festive season approached, my mum, Helene, would make her delicious Greek walnut cake. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves would fill the entire house and my siblings and I would eagerly wait until we could all tuck into a slice. For most people, helping their parents in the kitchen came as second nature. But if my mum and Yiayia – Greek for grandmother – were busy cooking up a storm, we’d do our best to avoid the kitchen in case we were given jobs to do! And what self-respecting kid wants to hang around the kitchen when there are Christmas presents to look for?! Sometimes you’d get asked to crush the walnuts and it would feel like the worst job in the entire world, but it’s…

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…

For weeks, Eimear O’Hagan’s calendar has been full of festive plans. Cocktails with friends and dates to see her and her husband Malcolm’s family, all dotted around her children’s nativity plays, school fairs and parties. It’s a sight that fills her, not just with joy, but with fatigue, too. ‘I love Christmas and the build-up to it, but there’s no doubt it’s exhausting,’ admits the 41-year-old from the Scottish borders. ‘It’s just more things to squeeze into the normal work, domestic and mental load that I carry round. ‘Because of the cost-of-living crisis, I started organising Christmas earlier this year. But that means, since the middle of November, I’ve been constantly stressed – keeping an eye out for deals on the presents that are top of my boys’ Christmas lists…

LITTLE CUP OF JOY, WEARELITTLES.COM Be your own barista! Take your coffee to the next level with Little’s Flavour Infused Nespresso compatible capsules. From French Vanilla to Rich Hazelnut, creamy caramel and double chocolate – you’ll have all the energy you need this season. WHITTARD’S CHRISTMAS COFFEE, JOHN LEWIS Whittard’s iconic Christmas coffee is a rich roast, perfect for a Winter evening, with a hazelnut flavour to make it that bit more festive. £12 from John Lewis. CHRISTMAS BLEND, FORTNUM & MASON I Wake up on Christmas morning to a bright, bold blend of the best beans from Central America, Asia and Africa – very posh! £13.95 from fortnumandmason.com.…