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This is my last letter until we meet again in 2024, so I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas. To help yours go with a swing, our fab-u-lous columnist Craig has dressed at Willy Wonka to exclusively entertain you (p14). Try to catch the film over Christmas. It’s good! We bring you Mary Berry party food, the best on the box and some great Christmas fiction, puzzles and a riot of prizes. Like our cover star Linda Nolan, you’ll have things you want to achieve next year but, before we get there, we’ll be thinking of both the stars (see page 90) and the friends and family who are no longer with us. So, however you’re spending New Year’s Eve – with friends, at a party, or just with your…

Following the success of Princess Kate’s beautiful Carol service at Westminster Abbey, the Royals are preparing for a cosy Christmas together at Sandringham. It will, no doubt, be a welcome break from the dramas that have engulfed the family of late. The revelations, said to be mistakenly published in a Dutch version of Omid Scobie’s new book, Endgame, that Kate and Charles were the two Royals who had made ‘concerning’ comments about Meghan’s then unborn child Archie and the colour of his skin. And then there is the latest and final season of The Crown on Netlix. But while the show that chronicled 50 years of our monarchy is finally closing its door, it has left many questioning which tales are true and which are fake... In the backlash over…

1 THE SUPERMARKET SCENT-SATIONS It’s impressive that you can pick up a fragrance while you pick up a pint of milk. Aldi releases new fragrances every year, and its Hotel Collection offerings for Christmas, £4.99 each, cover a broad spectrum. Those wanting a deep floral that holds its own during the cold winter temperatures will love Pure Noir, rich in jasmine and vanilla. If you prefer a lighter note, Amalfi Brilliance is infused with a citrus blend that’ll perk up your senses. 2 THE FRUITY FLORAL Those who remain undecided between team fruity and team floral needn’t pick a camp; M&S Discover Midnight Blossom EDT, £10, is a complex blend of citrus jasmine that develops into deeper notes of tuberose and amber that add a sensual finish to the initial…

British Cheese Board You can’t beat a classic cheese board, and this would be my first choice any day of the week. The cheese suggestions below are simply that – suggestions. Use any British cheeses you like and serve with a large glass of red wine or sherry. Use a jar of store-bought fig preserve if you prefer. Serves 6–8 • Quantity of fig and balsamic preserve (see below)• 200g hard cheese, such as Montgomery’s Cheddar or Lincolnshire Poacher• 200g blue cheese, such as Colston Bassett Stilton• 200g soft cheese, such as Baron Bigod or Tunworth• 200g goat cheese, such as Ragstone• 200g red cheese, such as Sparkenhoe Red Leicester• 300 to 400g mixed crackers, such as oatcakes, water crackers, fruit and nut crackers and digestive biscuits (or Graham crackers,…

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION Vanessa, I’ve put on quite a lot of weight over the past couple of years due to menopause. Ironically, I’m so down about it that I’ve found myself binge-eating in the evening, which has just compounded the problem. I know you’ve had your weight struggles over the years. Do you think it’s feasible to make my new year’s resolution losing some weight, or is putting that pressure on myself in a miserable, cash-strapped January just unrealistic? Any realistic tips from someone who knows would be really appreciated. Jessica, Durham Sweetheart, I feel your pain. I’ve been there many times and only the other night – despite a gastric bypass – was munching a mince pie in bed! Don’t add to the burden by formally making losing…

Hosted by Joel Dommett, who claims this edition of the bonkers singing show is the ‘best series yet’, judges Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan are back in the detective chairs as ITV’s best guessing game – The Masked Singer, kicks off again! Here, the four amigos reveal what they’re most looking forward to about being back, and how they feel about working on the quirky, award-winning show… ‘We’ve gone next level with the clues’ Davina, you made The Masked Singer history last year with the most amount of correct guesses! Feeling the pressure? Oh, I might be a one-hit wonder! I don’t like it when I know 100 per cent who it is. It actually takes the fun out of it for me. It’s much more…

Switching on the kettle, my mind wandered to plans for later in the day – I was meeting my daughter’s new boyfriend for the first time. Jayden was a bright, girly 14-year-old, who loved being outside. I called her my tomboy in a tutu. Born in September 1996, she was the youngest of three. She had an older sister, now 33, and brother, now 32, and they all doted on one another, especially once Jayden reached her teens. My bubbly daughter loved anything sparkly and glittery, and from an early age set her heart on being a hairdresser. She loved to highlight her own hair with flecks of green and blue and she’d often cut mine or pile it up. When she meet Ben Blakeley, he was 19. When she…

SPECIALLY SELECTED KORMA £1.49, Aldi Brilliant curry sauce, this features a separate spice mix (built into the lid) and boy what a difference it makes! Aromatic spices with notes of cloves, cinnamon and nuts, with a good level of heat. The texture and consistency felt authentic – a winner for sure! MILD KORMA SAUCE £2.10, M&S Second place with good texture, not too smooth with pleasant toasted-nutty flavour that set it apart from the rest. Good solid contender for a weeknight curry without the faff. CREAMY 2 STEP CURRY SAUCE FOR KORMA £1.49, Sainsbury’s The second two-stage curry sauce with spice in the lid – these seem to give more depth. Nice level of heat (won’t offend anyone) with a subtle taste of lemon and a good texture and consistency.…

Some years, you can’t wait to see the back of, and while 2023 hasn’t been a total ‘annus horribilus’, it wasn’t the easiest. My mother June died on 3 January 2023, when people were still wishing everyone ‘A Happy New Year!’ I didn’t think it would affect me as badly as it did but, a few weeks later, when I thought I was coping, I caught a nasty chest infection which floored me for weeks. Looking back, it’s obvious that grief was interfering with my immune system. I had underestimated how sad I was, and I just lay under the duvet waiting for everything to heal - and it did, eventually. I still miss my mother, but the shock of her dying has receded. She was 93, she’d had enough.…

ARIES 21 March – 20 April An aspect formed by Mars, your ruling planet, could make you feel all over the place. The more you try to be practical, the more you long for a fairytale. So why not lose yourself in the magic of the season and play with ideas. The Full Moon on 27 December makes you want to share your thoughts with family, but don’t be upset if they don’t ‘get it’! If you are spiritual, immerse yourself in this, and commune with others, but if not you’ll still get a buzz from connecting with something greater – maybe random acts of kindness. What a way to start the New Year! Miracles do happen and there is more in Heaven and Earth than we can dream of!…

Linda Nolan, one of the five sisters who made up singing sensations The Nolans, has had a tough time. First diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 before getting the all-clear in 2006, the disease sadly returned in 2017, spreading to her liver and then, as she revealed in March, to her brain. But Linda’s never lost her fighting spirit, and the chatty 64-year-old (her late dad used to say, ‘Linda, you didn’t kiss the Blarney Stone, you swallowed it!’), who won a best Heroes Award this year in the company of her sister, Loose Woman Coleen, has been given the best early Christmas present ever, as scans show treatment has seen her brain tumours shrink. Linda says, she’s ‘ready for a knees-up’… Linda, you got a fabulous Christmas gift with…

‘It’s no secret that I like a drink….or two, occasionally….or not. OK I love a drink! I love wine, I love Champagne, I love beer when I’m on a beach. I do it a lot. Not every minute of the day, obviously as I have to sleep ( joke!) but not every day either, my liver wouldn’t stand for it. But it’s constant throughout the year which is why, whether you believe it or not, I don’t really drink much at Christmas and New Year. I see it as having a bit of a rest before January – the most miserable month of the year – ensues when you actually need a drink! But for a lot of people, this is the only time of the year they do have…

We all know the benefits of using good skincare and the anti-ageing power and health benefits of a good night’s sleep, but combine the two and you get a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘beauty sleep’. DO I REALLY NEED TO USE A NIGHT CREAM? Yes, you do, because the main difference between day and night creams is the ingredients they contain. Day creams are lighter in texture and contain ingredients that moisturise and protect the skin from the harmful UV rays (with SPF 15 or higher) and are designed to hydrate and protect your skin against external aggressions. Our bodies repair themselves when we sleep, and that includes repairing skin damage. Night creams include a larger concentration of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol and peptides to fight the…

IS HER DIET HEALTHY? M y daughter, 21, still lives with us. She’s always been a gym bunny, but now she’s putting herself on a strict diet, and at 9st (she’s 5ft 5), I don’t understand why! She won’t eat the same as the rest of us, instead, she’ll make her own (usually brown rice, broccoli and a small portion of salmon or chicken) and has said she’ll not even relent on Christmas Day! The healthy food is great – I just don’t want her to lose any more weight or get too fixated. She’s tiny. Does this sound healthy to you? Lana, Southampton DR HILARY SAYS: Your daughter’s BMI Is actually within the healthy range, but it is of concern that, as someone attuned to athleticism, she is on…

I LOVE SINGING CHER’S BIG HITTERS ‘She’s a diva!’ TANIA ALBONI, 46, FROM CHARLWOOD, IS… CHER I’ve been able to mimic voices since I was a child, but Cher was the start of my career as a tribute act. In 1999 I was performing at a corporate gig in Sunderland when I met Darren, who was performing as Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall. We got together and started The Simply Red and Cher Show. This evolved into what we do today, the Ultimate Tribute Show, performing seven acts between us. While one of us is performing, the other runs off stage to transform into our next act. It’s easier for Darren, as I have to change my make-up! I sing as Shania Twain, Karen Carpenter and Amy Winehouse. But Cher is…

It amassed 13 million viewers, won an Emmy and became the UK’s most-watched new TV drama. Here, Suranne Jones – who has a seven-year-old son with her director husband Laurence Akers – tells best how much she relates to her Vigil character, DCI Amy Silva. As a mum, Suranne, 45, is constantly trying to balance life and her career – and like her much-loved character, has battled anxiety... Suranne, Vigil – what tempted you to come back for more? Well, the first series was so wild and brilliant, I didn’t know what the second would be like. But it is the characters and it is about our relationships. In the middle of such a big thriller – the heart of it is the two of us and I was intrigued…

1 Healing heartburn Turns out it’s not always what you eat, but how much, that causes that unpleasant feeling in your chest. ‘Scientists have found that the total energy content of a meal, whether it comes from fat, carbs or protein, may influence the risk of acid reflux,’ explains Amanda Ursell, nutritionist and Rennie spokesperson. Having said that, ‘acid reflux triggers vary from person to person,’ she adds. Amanda suggests starting the day with fibre-rich foods like porridge, or baked beans on wholemeal toast. ‘Scientists have connected acid reflux with low dietary fibre,’ she adds. Distribute your calorie intake throughout the day, but if you get struck, soothe with Rennie Peppermint, £5.70*. 2 Soothe a sore throat It wouldn’t be Winter without a sore throat, and that’s before you throw…

1 GET ORGANISED Know what you spend: Check bank statements and receipts to see exactly how much you’re spending each month. Add up all your fixed expenses (like household bills, rent or mortgage payments, credit card payments) and how much you’re spending on other essentials such as food, petrol, toiletries, pet food, etc. Know what your income is: This isn’t just salary – it could be money from interest on savings, cash gifts, child benefit, rental income or money made from selling things online, for example. Subtract your monthly expenses from your income to see whether you have a shortfall or money over. This will determine your next steps – reining in or making good use of that extra money. 2 FOLLOW A NEW RULE If you’re not into spreadsheets,…

GROW YOUR OWN GOALS Looking ahead to 2024, I’m keeping my gardening resolutions manageable. If you’re looking to get started again, hopefully this will give you some inspiration. I WANT TO.... ● Experiment with different produce – this year I grew mashed potato squash for the first time to great success. They’re small, round, white globes with a nutty flesh that is said to mimic mash. I won’t lie, I can tell the difference, but it’s a brilliant substitute all the same and a nice alternative on the dinner plate. Plus, it won first prize in the Winter squash category at our local show! It’s spurred me on to try other fruit and veg. Next year’s ‘to grow’ list includes shallots. ● Make decent use of my windowsills – salad…

Home renovator and stylist - Miri Khayat, has gained 15K followers since posting about her delightful Dubai home on her @mnk_interior_designs Instagram account. Here, we’ve found just a few of our favourite snaps to get you in the mood for party season! PRETTY POP ART Let’s be honest... You can’t make a room ‘pop’ more, than hanging Pop Art on your walls... especially when it’s as reasonable as rocksaltprints.com... have a look at their Frida Kahlo Doodle Pop Graffiti Poster at £13.60. DINNER PARTY Isn’t this the idyllic setting for a New Year’s Eve dinner party?! Pink, black and gold are the perfect colour combo for a night in with the girls... Miri’s gorgeous glass goblets are from waterford.com (on the pricer end at £188), but we’ve spotted something similar…

Since revealing her ‘devastating’ early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis last year, brave journalist and former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips, 62, isn’t giving up – and has spoken about her hopes for the future. The-mum-of-two recently admitted, ‘I wonder if all the years of getting up so early contributed to me developing Alzheimer’s so young. Getting my diagnosis was devastating.’ The star has been taking part in a clinical trial for a new treatment and said the ‘signs are positive’. In a recent interview, Fiona, whose late parents Amy and Phillip both tragically died from the condition (the TV star had spoken about dementia being one of her secret fears in life), said, ‘It involves a new drug and a placebo. I have no idea which one I am on.’ She added, ‘When…

‘Come with me and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination…’ sings best columnist Craig Revel Horwood as he does a little twirl before striking another pose, a glint in his eye. Wonka, the star-studded prequel starring Timothée Chalamet, is in cinemas and enchanting audiences across the country – and Craig is taking our fun photoshoot, which transforms him into the eccentric chocolatier, very seriously indeed. But that’s the Strictly judge, 58, all over. Whether he’s channelling a madcap Roald Dahl character or giving us his best panto villain impression on Strictly – Craig commits. Here, the Australian, who is engaged to paramedic-in-training, Jonathan Myring, talks dreams, dance and a very special Royal invite… Craig, you look great! So, Wonka is in cinemas now – have you seen the…

PARTY TRICKS It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s pretty stressful in the race to get everything ticked off the To-Do List before Christmas. So how do we still find the time to sparkle and shine at festive gatherings? What we need are quick and easy fixes to get us out of the door with great hair and our party faces on in seconds! And since we’ve probably all busted the beauty budget until next year, we need everything to be affordable, too. These are some of my tips for party make-up, skin and hair – and with all these costing under £10, you can afford to get glammed-up with the best of them. Have fun! 1 SPARKLING EYES Relove Dancing Queen Shadow Palette (£4, superdrug.com) If…

Jumbo Prawns in Teriyaki Sauce Peeled jumbo prawns are available in the freezer department in supermarkets; thaw to use. Makes: 30 • 30 raw jumbo prawns, peeled• Salt• Freshly ground black pepper• A knob of butter• 30 small wooden cocktail skewers TERIYAKI SAUCE 6 tbsp brown sauce 1 Put prawns into a bowl and season. 2 Measure all of the sauce ingredients into a small saucepan. Whisk until smooth then heat on the hob, stirring, until the sauce has thickened. Pour into a bowl and leave to become completely cold. 3 Pour half of the cold sauce over the prawns. Set aside the remaining sauce for dipping. 4 Heat the butter in a frying pan. Fry the prawns over a high heat until lightly golden, pink inside and cooked through.…

Let’s face it. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Call the Midwife, about a group of midwives in London’s East End in the late Sixties. And this time, there’s the birth of a baby (or two), Fred – the handyman at Nonnatus House – dressed as Santa, plenty of tears, joy, and yes, snow. As TV’s most famous midwives see out 1968 in style, the cast talk us through what the festive season has in store… STEPHEN MCGANN (DR TURNER) How’s Dr Turner’s Christmas? All the festive treats that you expect but there’s a lovely central storyline, about somebody who society has rejected and how they have more to them than we think. It is about their struggles, their medical pains and social pains, which we try to help. It is…

Dark, seductive thriller The Serial Killer’s Wife – starring Waterloo Road ’s Angela Griffin and Annabel Scholey (Doctor Who, The Split) – sees Beth’s seemingly perfect existence turned upside down, when a party she’s hosting is interrupted by the police and her husband is arrested for murder. As the series unfolds, we see Beth’s life isn’t as squeaky clean as she lets on – and are privy to the intimate dynamics between Beth and her husband Jack, including Jack’s ‘activities’ outside of their marriage. Set in luxurious country homes and stunning countryside, this gritty drama will hook you in from the start - and the final twist is well worth waiting for. Here, we catch up with 47-year-old mum-of-two Angela who plays DI Aline Edgeworth, to find out more… Angela,…

Walking onto the stage, I felt a rush of excitement. ‘Hi ho, hi ho’, me and the other six dwarfs sang as we marched, carrying our lanterns in a line. As the performance carried on, the crowd got more involved and by the end, the kids watching were itching to have their turn under the spotlights. ‘She’s behind you!’ the crowd shouted at the wicked stepmother. ‘Oh no she isn’t,’ the seven of us giggled in return. I loved seeing each of the kids’ little faces light up with joy as they saw us. Dressed in our waistcoats, colourful trousers, a hat, and shirt, we lit up the stage with our presence. Panto season truly was the best… I’d started my performing arts career when I was just 12, with…

Shake up your party cocktails in style... TOP TIP! If you fancy a fuss-free cocktail, there are plenty of pre-made cocktails available at stockists nationwide. Just pour, add ice and shake!…

This isn’t my most amusing column but, if you can’t look back on your life at Christmas, well, when can you? At least Darcy is out and about! Last week, I watched Deal or No Deal. A chance of a lifetime for many, like Brad Wale, to win a life-altering amount of money. Watching him tell his life story then open the final box – which might have contained £75,000 but held £5 – was emotional. Why? Birmingham-born Brad is just 29 – and suffering from motor neurone disease. ‘My life is just bad luck, bad luck, bad luck,’ he smiled in defeat, shrugging graciously. Thankfully, Rochelle – a friend he met on the show – set up a GoFundMe page that says simply: ‘Help Brad get his Bucket List.’…

PET OF THE WEEK Name: RockyBreed: Jack RussellOwner: Lucy, Justin, Harry and George, Norfolk SLEEPING BEAUTY There’s no fooling us, Rocky, we know you’re listening out for Santa’s footsteps... ORDER UP Forget a bowl on the floor, it’s fine dining all the way for this pup! FAB-EWELOUS! Stealing your owners Winter wool for the Boxing Day walk? Shear genius! DRESSED TO IMPRESS All wrapped up and ready to go, Rocky’s just missing his festive gloves! MANE ATTRACTION Snuggles are at the top of the agenda come night time... BARKING FOR BOARD GAMES If Rocky’s this good at Monopoly, we don’t fancy our chances in a game of poker... TIMBER! Who needs a stocking when you’ve got a basket bursting with toys? CALLING ALL PETS! From funny to cute, we’re looking…

I’d agreed to go to Eddie’s parents for Christmas. I’ve always loved Christmas at home with my parents, my sister Lucy and her brood, but it’s not like Eddie twisted my arm. Fact is, my family are scattered this year, Mum and Dad are having a festive cruise, Lucy is off to visit her in-laws. So, although I’ve only been seeing Eddie a year, when he asked if I’d like to spend Christmas with his parents, what could I do but say yes? It’s nice of him to invite me, for starters, and Eddie’s one of the original good guys. But I know I’ll miss my family’s Christmas traditions. We, the Debdens, have many. Three days before Christmas Day, Eddie picks me up outside my flat (we both live in…

WIN 1 X £200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES The answer will appear in the shaded boxes and this is your prize answer. Enter by using the numbers at the top of the grid or at hearstmagazines.co.uk/bestcross5123 ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 DOWN 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 13 14 15 16 17 19 In Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca, what is the name of De Winter’s estate? The answer will appear in the shaded squares. Phone and online entries open 19 December 2023 until midnight on 5 January 2024. Over 18s only. †Calls cost 65p per min plus your telephone company’s network access charge, and should last no longer than 2 mins. Service provided by Spoke (0333 202 3390). *For full T&Cs see…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Do you ever find yourself so stressed-out when heading on holiday that it takes you the whole week to relax? We know the problem too well, and the antidote we prescribe is the Margaritaville Island Reserve resort at Riviera Maya, half way between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Every detail of this adults-only, all-inclusive offering is designed to help ease your mind and body into relax mode as quickly and completely as possible. The carefree tropical vibe will have you blissed-out from arrival – not just on the last day! INSIDER’S GUIDE The ‘Margaritaville’ brand is a big deal in America, but not so well-known over here – taking its name and carefree tropical vibe from a hit by country legend Jimmy Buffett, who never really troubled the…