Innehållsförteckning för 24th Nov 2025 från Woman's Own

A calmer you in 60 seconds? In a season of festive frazzleness (is that a word?!), it sounds like a pretty good promise to me. Turn to p22 to find out more, but these simple techniques can help you de-stress, fast! It’s so important to look after your body and mind (not just at this time of year) and if you have any burning questions for our brilliant Dr Dawn or our always-ready-to-listen amazing agony aunt Anita, do get in touch with them (see p24 for details). A problem shared really is a problem halved, so don’t hesitate. For a bit of fun and sparkle, on p40 we have 30 bargain Christmas buys – I’ve really got hooked on little festive bits and bobs, which is unlike me. But how…

Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley has shockingly spoken about his fear of becoming a drug addict because of his personality. The 69-year-old star opened up in a conversation with Busted singer Matt Willis - who has been sober for eight years- revealing his own issues with smoking and revealing that he has never taken drugs because ‘I’ve always been terrified’. While interviewing Richard on his podcast, Matt spoke about his own experience using drugs, to which Richard responded, ‘I never have, I’ve never even smoked a joint. I was a very heavy smoker until I was 40. At one point I was on 60 a day, which is ridiculous, because I have a very addictive personality, and cigarettes proved that to me, and so I’ve always been terrified of…

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS ON THE BOX The good, the bad and the frankly scary Nothing says it’s nearly Christmas more than the Nativity scene in your local church, carol singers on the high street and a fervent wish for peace on Earth. Oh wait. Sorry. Meant to write that nothing says it’s nearly Christmas more than wall-to-wall TV adverts selling the perfectly packaged festive feast of gifts and grub. It starts with the big two going head-to-head – John Lewis and M&S. A battle that’s become so iconic it makes headlines. Seriously, how many other advertising campaigns make national news bulletins? We end up talking about them until the adverts for January sales take over and full confession, I must admit that I think this year’s John Lewis ad is a…

Camembert cauliflower and cheese SERVES 6 An old-school favourite with a fancy twist. YOU WILL NEED 2 large cauliflower heads, broken intoeven-sized florets100g butter50g plain flour1tsp dried English mustard powderPinch of cayenne pepper500ml whole milk100g Gruyère or matureCheddar, grated250g Camembert, thickly sliced3tbsp dry white breadcrumbs HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan. Steam the cauliflower for 4-5 mins until just tender, then put in a baking dish. 2 Melt half the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour, mustard powder and cayenne pepper, stirring to make a thick paste. Cook for 2 mins, stirring the pot continuously, then pour in a little milk, stirring until the mixture looks smooth but very thick. Gradually fold in the remaining milk, then bring to the boil and simmer, stirring,…

Mesmerised by the deep blue eyes staring back at me from my screen, I typed out a message. ‘When can we meet?’ I said. It was February 2019, and after seeing pictures on social media, I’d fallen in love. Coco was the most beautiful kitten I had ever seen. My partner Dave, then 53, and I had often discussed getting a cat, but living in a one-bed flat, we’d agreed it wasn’t the right time. Until I’d spotted this post on Facebook advertising a kitten looking for a loving home. ‘COCO BECAME THE MAIN MAN IN MY LIFE’ Some local teens had found a cat abandoned by the side of the road and called him Coco. He was the cutest brown and white ball of fluff and, as soon as…

CLUES & ARROWS Fill in the clues in the direction of the arrows. Sudoku To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each column and each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Wordsearch Since the 90s, Milwaukee Brewers baseball home matches have often featured a foot race in which all competitors are dressed as what? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ALIENBIGFOOTBLOBCRICKETDAISY GHOSTMONSTEROTTERPANDAPIGEON RHINOROBINSAUSAGETREEVIKING Wordwise You have 15 minutes to find as many words as possible using the letters in the grid. Each word must contain four or more letters, one of which must be the central square. No proper nouns, plurals or foreign words. There is one nine-letter word, for which the clue is: male group member. 20 = average. More than 40…

Film WICKED: FOR GOOD In cinemas 21 November The second installment of Wicked is finally here after months of waiting! As an angry mob rises up in opposition to the Wicked Witch, Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) must work together one final time if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good. Event CHRISTMAS AT CHATSWORTH Until 4 January 2026, Chatsworth House, Bakewell With a spectacular light trail, a market with more than 100 stalls and seasonal crafting workshops, Christmas at Chatsworth has put in motion everything possible to ensure that visitors of all ages have a magical experience. Tour THE RED SHOES - UK TOUR Until 9 May 2026, multiple locations including London, Birmingham and Glasgow, tickets from £15 A timeless fairy tale and…

LORD SUGAR AND RITA SIMONS Yes, you read correctly, the Apprentice legend Lord Sugar and former EastEnders star Rita are related. He is married to her aunt, Ann Simons, making him her uncle. Fans were shocked when they saw, Rita, 48, with Lord Sugar, 78, who she calls Uncle Alan, on a TikTok where he urged her to return to EastEnders. That might be tricky, seeing as her character Roxy died in 2017 – although stranger things have happened on the Square! CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN AND TRACY-ANN OBERMAN The Strictly host, 53, and ex-EastEnder, 59, are cousins – as Tracy-Ann discussed with Richard Arnold in his Woman’s Own column last week – with their grandmothers being sisters. ‘Claudia Winkleman is my cousin, but her side of the family were the arty…

STRICTLY SPEAKING Could Strictly icon Kevin Clifton take up hosting duties now Tess and Claudia are hanging up their sequins? The bookies say he’s a hot favourite. ‘I have been told this, but I’m sure they have something in place already,’ reckons Kevin. ‘I fancy myself more of a judge on Strictly one day, but we will see.’ Kevin is touring with partner Stacey Dooley in 2:22 A Ghost Story. ‘I thought it might be difficult dragging Minnie [their daughter] everywhere, but she is loving it. We know every park in Great Britain now!’ THEY RAISE ME UP! Westlife trio Shane, Nicky and Kian hit the road next year for their Westlife 25 World Tour – complete with their key change and stool rise, the gimmick that keeps on giving.…

Meghan UNDER FIRE It seems there is more trouble in paradise for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Meghan is said to have come under fire from her husband Prince Harry, who is said to be ‘not loving’ her recent posts on social media. He is reportedly especially unhappy that the duchess has started sharing more content of their children with her 4.2 million Instagram followers. ‘He doesn’t love the social media displays,’ said one insider. The source added that Harry is also not happy with Meghan tying her latest As Ever products to their royal wedding. The lifestyle brand is launching a new product, called Signature Candle No.519, which appears to reference their anniversary on 19 May. ‘The shine has worn off,’ added the source. Insiders also claim that…

COULD SUPPLEMENTS AID MY ARTHRITIS? Q My doctor says I’m likely to need knee replacement surgery at some point in the future as I have arthritis in both my knees. I’m keen to delay this for as long as possible. I have been reading about glucosamine and there seem to be mixed reviews, but I’m happy to give it a try if you think it’s worth it. A Some studies have shown glucosamine to reduce pain and slow down the progression of arthritis, but the NHS feels there is insufficient evidence to support its widespread use. If you would like to try it, I would recommend using glucosamine sulphate at a dose of 1.5g a day for three months to see if it eases your pain. Is timing everything with…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr If you’ve been in conflict with someone close, try viewing the situation from their perspective. See through the eyes of compassion to find a resolution. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. It’s safe for you to empower yourself. Know that by doing this, you’re leading by example. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Remember that you deserve the very best that life and love have to offer. So, be brave, reach for the stars with your hopes and dreams and believe in yourself. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Be patient with a certain situation in your life. Now’s the time to learn new skills. Enjoy the journey and trust that the outcome…

Growing up in rural North Yorkshire, I kept myself busy with paper and pen. ‘Writing stories again, Liz?’ my mum smiled in 1968 when I was 15, as I scribbled dialogue and plot twists, dreaming of becoming an author. ‘MY CAREER HAS TAKEN ME ALL OVER THE WORLD’ But fast-forward to autumn 1986, aged 33, living on a military base in Germany with my husband, a civil servant, and our daughter Kate, one, I no longer had time to write. Having a cup of tea with another mum, a painter, we agreed to babysit for one another for two hours each week, giving us each a small window for creativity. By chance, on the table as we chatted that day, was a copy of Woman’s Own, and I read about…

Watching my daughters laugh and play, I couldn’t help but laugh. Laura, then 14, and Gail, 12, could be fighting one minute, then best friends the next. My two were a handful, but becoming a mum was the most rewarding thing that had ever happened to me. Later, after kissing them both goodnight, I sat down with my husband Larry, then 34. ‘I don’t know how anyone could abandon their kids,’ I said sadly. My own mum, Mary, had left when I was just two. I’d grown up with my five siblings and my dad Joe. While I’d longed for Mum to come home, she’d found a new partner, had five more kids and then left them as well. She’d stayed local, flitting in and out of our lives, and…

Buy of the week New winter boots rubbing? Protect your feet with Compeed Blister Plasters (£4.27 for five plasters, Boots). Made with blister-healing ingredients for instant relief. THE TO-DO LIST DITCH THE FIZZ Just one can of pop daily is linked to an increased risk of liver disease, with diet varieties raising the risk by 60% and full-fat by 50%**. SNACK HEALTHIER Eating fruit can help reduce the effects of air pollution***. Scientists think this is due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. SOCIALISE Spending time with loved ones can boost your lifespan, says Chinese research, because they help us to reduce stress and encourage us to be more active. If you do one thing Enjoy feel-good films Love snuggling up to watch your favourite festive movies? You might be…

Every Christmastime is a nightmare of hurt feelings Q My parents divorced when I was 12, and every occasion since has been awful. Now, at 38, with my own family, the problem has worsened. My mum expects us to do everything with her and hates splitting the time. My dad wants the same. I’m exhausted from trying to make everyone happy while my own family suffers. A It’s absolutely OK to prioritise you and your family. When you’re constantly accommodating everyone else’s demands, all you are doing is teaching your family that other people’s comfort matters more than their own. Establish clear, consistent plans that work for your immediate family first, then invite others to participate. Remember, you can’t control their reactions, but you can control your choices. PERFECTIONISM IS…

READER QUESTION Q I’ve tried the 50/30/20 method of budgeting, but found it too difficult. Is there an alternative? A 50/30/20 budgeting involves allocating 50% of your income to essential spending like rent and food, 30% to non-essential spending and 20% to savings. But this assumes your essential outgoings take up no more than half of your income, which isn’t the case for some people. Instead, go through your finances, see where you can cut costs, and set a budget and savings goals based on what’s realistic for you. The budget planner at moneyhelper.org.uk may be useful. Go green for less Consider buying pre-loved gifts – it can save money, and it’s better for the environment too. You could also consider sustainable gift options. Find inspiration online at the National…

WHY GO? Head to Turkey’s dazzling Turquoise Coast and treat yourself to a stay at Sherwood Exclusive Kemer, a luxury all-inclusive resort tucked between the rugged Taurus Mountains and sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Set on a long stretch of private sandy beach, you’re never far from the sound of waves. Despite its impressive size, with almost 500 rooms, suites, and villas, the resort maintains a welcoming, intimate vibe. From the warm greeting on arrival to the stylish lounge spaces, the resort has been designed to put you instantly at ease. GORGEOUS ROOMS The rooms here strike the perfect balance between modern luxury and comfort. Neutral tones are lifted with warm wood accents, creating a light and calming space. Most rooms offer sweeping views of the sea or mountains and bathrooms come…

HEART THE LOVER by Lily King (£18.99, HB, Canongate Books) The choices we make when we’re young can reverberate throughout our lives. As a young woman at university, our narrator is swept off into the intoxicating world of star students Sam and Yash. The trio become inseparable. Yet as the bonds between the three of them deepen, deception creeps in, and their connections grow increasingly complex. Decades later, now a respected writer with a settled family life, our narrator must reckon with the unforeseen consequences of her decisions when a surprise visitor brings her past crashing back into the present. Lily King weaves a tender, thought-provoking and resonant tale that stays with you long after reading. VENGEFUL WOMEN by Melanie Blake (£12.99, HB, Piranha Publishing) On a decadent private island,…

Sue Johnston ‘I DREAD THE DAY THAT I CAN’T WORK’ The much-loved actor on her latest role… Since finding fame as Sheila Grant in C4 soap Brookside in 1982, Sue Johnston has been a regular on our TV screens. Since leaving the Liverpool-set drama, she’s had roles in The Royle Family, Waking the Dead and Riot Women, to name but a few. Now she’s starring in Big Winners, one of four stand-alone dramas in 5’s Play for Today, a revival of the series that aired on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. Sue stars as Edith Thistle, who has an ordinary life with husband Arthur (Paul Copley). When he discovers they have won £14 million on the lottery, he thinks of ways to splash the cash, while all Edith wants to…