Table of contents for 4 November 2025 in Bella

In January, we were saddened to hear that Pauline Quirke would be retiring from acting following a private diagnosis of dementia in 2021. And now, her former Birds of a Feather co-star Lesley Joseph has exclusively given Bella an update on her friend, 66. ‘Pauline is not too well after being diagnosed with dementia a while ago,’ Lesley told us at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards. ‘She's okay now. I haven't had time, but I'm going to go up and see her next week.’ Alongside Linda Robson, the pair starred in the BBC sitcom for nine years from 1989, and again for another six years until 2020. And as Lesley turned 80 earlier this month, she tells us she is looking forward to marking the occasion with Linda, 67, who…

For years, the Princess of Wales has been seen as the calm centre of the royal whirlwind – measured, gracious, and determined to modernise the monarchy with a smile rather than a speech. But sources now tell Bella that in recent weeks, something has shifted. ‘Kate's had enough of the chaos and tensions,’ our source tells us. ‘She's not angry – she's resolute. She wants her family back on steady ground.’ In the swirl of headlines surrounding Prince Andrew, 65, – who recently relinquished all royal titles except his birthright “Prince” – and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, 66, Palace aides say Kate has been left deeply disappointed. ‘She believed in second chances,’ the source says. ‘But she also believes in accountability.’ The insider adds, ‘Kate feels betrayed. She had hoped…

She has long been renowned as a pioneer for women in sport as one of the first female hosts of events such as the Olympics, Six Nations rugby and many major football tournaments. And Gabby Logan recently made history by becoming one of the few female presenters to become a main host on the BBC's flagship football coverage show, Match of the Day. Gabby, 52, has joined the growing list of stars who are looking better than ever in midlife. Here, the mum of two – who shares twins Reuben and Lois, 19, with her rugby legend husband Kenny, 53, – tells Bella how she keeps in such great shape. How are you feeling in your 50s? My 50s are great so far. Energy wise and strength wise, I feel…

Smooth it out Meet your midnight magic trick: a retinol oil that can smooth fine lines while you snooze. Utilising calming blue tansy, it tackles redness, and even helps with acne. Boost lashes Applied before bed, this clear booster serum quietly conditions, encourages lash growth and even features specialised fibres to prep strands for mascara application. Treat dry skin Laneige's gel mask is a must-have for anyone with a dry complexion. It sinks in instantly, and then works hard overnight, flooding skin with moisture for a softer, fresher-looking appearance. Get glowing This latest facial tanner is an innovation. Packed with hydrating skincare, it's a gradual glow-giver that doesn't just deliver a bronzing boost but also strengthens the skin barrier. Nourish lips This lanolin-rich mask wraps lips in hydration for up…

Tip Spooktacular! Use sweets and liquorice laces to make a spider decoration, if liked Cobweb coffee ginger cake Serves 8–10 Takes 40–45min, plus cooling 225g butter, softened 225g caster sugar 2 pieces stem ginger, finely chopped, plus 2 tbsp syrup 4 medium eggs 3tbsp Camp Chicory & Coffee Essence 225g Homepride Self Raising Flour  1tsp baking powder 2tsp ground ginger BUTTERCREAM 75g butter, softened 125g icing sugar 2 tbsp Camp Chicory & Coffee Essence GANACHE 150ml double cream 100g plain chocolate, finely chopped 4 tbsp icing sugar 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C. Grease and line 2 × 20cm round tins. Whisk the butter, sugar, stem ginger and the syrup in a large bowl until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time and then the Camp until…

She crashed the party! Q My husband and I organised a party for his nine-year-old daughter. We share custody with her mum, but that weekend it was our turn to have her. We made it very special for her, but it was then ruined because her mum, who wasn't invited, showed up. Apparently, my step-daughter had mentioned it to her and she took this as an invitation without even checking with us. I was so gobsmacked when she walked in. I told my husband to ask her to leave but he said he didn't want to cause a scene. She was eating the food I'd prepared, had her arm around my step-daughter when she blew out the candles on the cake I'd made and just took over as if she was…

Get ready for a blast of pop nostalgia and a hefty dose of truth as this three-part docuseries gives us the inside story of what being in a girlband is really like. Produced by Louis Theroux, who also made Boybands Forever, the show celebrates the irresistible highs and the hidden lows of some of the UK's biggest girl groups, with stars from All Saints, Sugababes, Eternal, Mis-Teeq and Little Mix taking part. Also featured are Atomic Kitten, the trio who scored number ones, worldwide tours and tabloid infamy before they were out of their teens. Natasha Hamilton joined the band at 16, and now she's ready to set the record straight. Here, she tells Bella why sharing the whole truth is so important to her… What made you say yes…

She recently lost Ozzy, her husband of over 40 years, and now, just three months after saying goodbye to the legendary rocker, Sharon Osbourne has suffered more heartache after her beloved dog Elvis (pictured above, on the right) passed away. Sharing a carousel of photos with her 2.8 million Instagram followers – which included pictures of the pup with her late partner, who died aged 76 in July – Sharon, 73, wrote, ‘I can't believe I am posting this but my darling Elvis passed away this week. He gave me 14 precious years. He was by my side until the end. Rest in peace my darling boy!’…

Fancy frock Every wardrobe needs a versatile floral midi dress that works for any occasion Denim delight Smarten up your favourite pair of jeans by adding a structured blazer Boho chic A billowy blouse and tailored trousers will take you seamlessly from desk to dinner Party ready Add a belt to your blazer to highlight your waist and create a gorgeous silhouette Retro revival A thin-knit jumper will keep you cosy without adding too much bulk to your outfit…

Yes, what sort of parent would I be otherwise? It's an unspoken understanding that we look after our kids from the day they were born until we die. Molly, London I plan on living my life to the full and I want to see the world before I die, so my kids can help themselves to whatever is left. Nia, Glamorgan My inheritance will first go to my partner, then to my child. It's only fair that I help them in any way I can, especially in this day and age. Grace, Leicester While I'd expect my children to stand on their own two feet and be self-sufficient, I'll also do whatever I can do to help them get on the property ladder. Ruth, Dorset…

SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December Give some thought to your personal concerns midweek. This will give you some valuable clues about what to do next. Tensions at home threaten to create a scary atmosphere on the 31st, but a little love and understanding chase away the shadows on the 1st. Theme of the week: Generosity 0906 650 7238 CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Can you keep a secret? You're put to the test on the 31st, when discretion vies with the thrill of sharing the latest gossip. You're feeling the pressure to be on your best behaviour on the 2nd, yet it would be so much more fun to let your hair down. Theme of the week: Being part of the gang 0906 650 7239 AQUARIUS 21 January…

PRIZE crossword WIN £200 Solve the crossword to find, reading from top to bottom in the shaded squares, the name of a British actor. This is your competition entry answer. See the ‘How to enter’ panel, below right. Across Down COMPETITION AND GIVEAWAY RULES Competitions open to residents of the UK (including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), Eire or BFPOs, aged 18 or over, except Bauer Media employees, its affiliated companies, any promotional partners, or their families and anyone connected with the competitions. Enter by text, online or phone. No purchase necessary. Answers must be the product of own work. Unless expressly stated, travel expenses and spending money is not included. There is no cash alternative to prizes and no alternative holidays can be offered. Prizes are not…

Following Andi Oliver's recent appearance on Saturday Kitchen, the chef's spiced ham hock wasn't the only thing to be praised by the audience – they also went wild for her slimmed-down appearance. The broadcaster, 62, looked amazing in a green button-down dress, and many of her Instagram followers commented on pictures shared to social media. One wrote, ‘Andi, wowzer… you look fabulous!’ as another added, ‘You look fantastic hun, and you have lost so much weight.’ Andi has kept quiet on how she achieved her recent weight loss, but did complete a four day ‘reset’ last December in which she only consumed smoothies, juices and homemade chicken or oxtail broth. In 2006, she fronted the BBC documentary The Truth About Food, on which she lost seven kilograms in three months,…

This year's Strictly has seen a big change to the results show – with head judge Shirley Ballas no longer being the sole person whose decision sends a couple home in the event of a tie. And she tells Bella one judge is loving the power more than the others. ‘I love [the rule change], but Craig gets so excited because that's just what he likes to do. I think it's great.’ Although she needs to stay impartial in her role, Shirley did let slip who has caught her eye in the early weeks of the competition. ‘I think La Voix is really gifted,’ she tells us. ‘And Ellie, of course. It's a really good cast and it's difficult to send anybody home. Everybody is going to be somebody's favourite.’…

Popping the Prosecco open, we all cheered. ‘Turkey, here we come!’ I smiled as I poured some fizz into the bride-to-be Charlotte's glass. ‘I can't wait to be Mrs Thomas,’ she gushed excitedly. ‘And I'm so glad you're all going to be at my wedding. It means so much to me.’ Charlotte was engaged to our friend Paula's son, Daniel, and quickly became part of the group. She'd join us, alongside Sue and Tracey, on our nights out and we always had so much fun. Before Charlotte got together with Daniel, she'd been through a tough time when her daughter from a previous relationship underwent treatment for brain cancer and was thankfully given the all clear. After Charlotte and Daniel had a baby, the two got engaged in 2022. They…

STRICTLY STYLE Power your workouts in these high-waisted leggings, Sainsbury's, £16, from Tu's REAKTIV fitness collection, designed in collaboration with Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. The striking purple snake-print and supportive waistband move with you through squats, stretches and sprints, while the soft stretch fabric delivers comfort and shape retention. Bella loves FUNCTIONAL FIZZ A zingy reset in a sachet, this gut-friendly fresh kombucha, £27, from Davinia Taylor's willpowders.com, is bubbling with live cultures. Naturally fermented for digestive support, it's the kind of pick-me-up that feels as good as it tastes. No more having to lug about a clunky can or bottle, simply tear open the packet, add to water and enjoy! BRIGHT MILES AHEAD With the evenings closing in, light up your miles with this rechargeable LED running vest…

Standing in my living room on Christmas Day, I couldn't keep the smile from my face. My partner, Duncan, was on one knee and even though we'd been together for 13 years, his proposal was the most wonderful surprise. ‘Yes!’ I answered, pulling him for a hug. Immediately, I started to imagine a romantic white wedding in a country garden in the Cotswolds surrounded by friends and family followed by a relaxing beach break for a honeymoon. And the proposal couldn't have come at a better time. I'd been born with hip dysplasia, a condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn't form properly in the womb. After my legs suddenly gave way on Waterloo Bridge at the age of 24, I'd unexpectedly found myself on an…

TINA FEY Funnywoman Tina, 55, showed no fear as she rode the Expedition Everest rollercoaster at Disney World's Animal Kingdom with her daughter Alice. Scream if you want to go faster! HALLE BERRY Actor Halle, 59, went canyon climbing in Utah, asking her 9m Instagram followers, ‘When was the last time you faced your fears?’ SCARLETT MOFFATT The TV star, 35, took the leap to go snorkelling in Antigua, and was brave in more ways than one, as it was the first time she wore a bikini in five years. She told followers to not ‘let your mind bully your body’. GK BARRY Loose Women star GK, 26, didn't shy away from challenges in the I'm A Celeb jungle, or when she walked along a zip line above the Austrian…