Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol 1308. 23 Dec 2013 i HELLO! magazine

‘We’re just a normal married couple. But I have a wonderful life and am obviously lucky. I’m aware of that’ ‘I could never have predicted or dreamt of this. You wouldn’t even let yourself, it’s so random’ Longleat House is quite a spectacle at Christmas. An ice rink twinkles with fairy lights in front of the 16th-century stately home and a 30ft pine tree, felled from the estate’s forest and carried by a team of ten, stands majestically in the Great Hall. A pantomime tableau decorates each room and a table set for 20 is the centrepiece of the Lower Dining Room. And teetering on one of its chairs in perilous heels and a magnificent purple gown – “As you do” – stands Lady Weymouth, striking a pose for HELLO!’s…

Darcey Bussell has the ingredients to make an impressive diva – an ethereal beauty, formidable talent and natural class. But, for one of Britain’s greatest ever ballerinas, she has never quite hit the mark when it comes to unreasonable demands. “Although I tried really hard,” she smiles. “Sadly it was never in me.” Observing her on our exclusive HELLO! shoot, it’s easy to see why. Stripped of her Puffa jacket and Ugg boots and shivering in a sleeveless, diaphanous evening gown, the ex-prima ballerina gamely poses for outdoor shots in freezing temperatures while nursing a cold and keeping a sense of humour. “You try walking in these heels,” she rebukes the photographer who jokes she has had too many gins when she trips on a gravel path. It’s the same…

MARK WRIGHT AND MICHELLE KEEGAN Newly-engaged Mark and Michelle had better get some elasticated waistbands for this festive season. “I’m going to Mark’s family on Christmas Day,” the former Coronation Street star tells HELLO!. “He has a huge family so there will be lots of people round the table, which will be lots of fun. Then on Boxing Day, we’ll travel up to Manchester and visit my mum Jackie and also my dad Mike and do it all again – so that’s three meals in total. We’ll be stuffed.” Not that she’s complaining. “Christmas is my favourite time of the year.” Her former The Only Way is Essex star fiancé shares her enthusiasm. “I can’t wait for Christmas,” he tells us. “I’m a massive, massive Christmas fan. I get excited…

Rather than a pitch battle, when young footballers came together to compete in this year’s Christmas Truce Tournament in Belgium they shared a common goal. Held for the past three years, the contest remembers the soldiers on opposite sides of the Western Front who laid down their arms and played football together on Christmas Day 1914. This year’s event was also part of the countdown to next year’s First World War centenary commemorations and featured players from Germany, France, Belgium and England – under-12s from Manchester City and Arsenal among them. Joining them was Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery while on active duty in Iraq. “The youngsters were very much engaged in what was going on and interested in the history of the…

The Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall discovered that tree’s company on a visit to open the new Barnardo’s headquarters, at Barkingside, Essex. The royal duo branched out into a new profession: decorating a Christmas tree, much to the delight of the children and guests, including the charity’s ambassador Nicola Roberts (below, looking on as the Queen greets Sam Monaghan of Barnardo’s). They even commissioned their own decorations. The Queen, a long-time patron of the charity, hung a red velvet bauble with her cypher sewn on in golden thread while Camilla, who is president of Barnardo’s, had a similar design but in blue velvet and silver. Making sure they didn’t leave empty-handed, two sisters supported by Barnardo’s, Summer and Skye, gave the Queen and Camilla a bulging red stocking each.…

Radio presenter Jamie Theakston was top of the pops when he and his wife Sophie took their two sons Kit, four, and Sidney, five, to London department store Harrods for a fairytale makeover (left). Jamie and fellow DJ Jo Whiley (below right) and British model Portia Freeman (below) were just some of the celebrity parents to be sprinkled with fairy dust at the luxury retailer’s Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Inspired by the scene in Disney’s animated Cinderella film when the Fairy Godmother works her magic before the ball, the boutique offers magical makeovers for little ones, with masterclasses on the dos and don’ts of how to be a princess or a knight. Portia’s three-year-old son Dylan learnt the essentials of being an armour-clad soldier on horseback while Jo’s five-year-old daughter…

They may have the ex-factor but Simon Cowell clearly has no problems with his former girlfriends – two of them attended the baby shower of the music mogul’s partner Lauren Silverman. Past loves TV presenter Terri Seymour and make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy were spotted entering Simon’s lavish Beverly Hills house, where the shower took place in a marquee erected in the garden. Although he helped organise the party, Simon, 54, wasn’t present for the majority of the event, which featured traditional English tea, cocktails, champagne and canapés, Instead, he was off enjoying a massage. However, the X Factor star did show up at the end and reports suggest that his speech to the future mother of his first child (with Simon, left) was a little out of the ordinary. “It’s…

It’s that time of year again. In fact, it’s been that time of year again for the past three months and it seems no amount of early warnings – shops that insist on stocking mince pies at the end of August, schools’ advance notice about the Christmas fair and children planning their wish list as early as September – makes the prospect of Christmas any easier. In fact, the longer we have to prepare, the more the pressure is compounded. Let’s face it, we’re not only contending with the external pressures urging us to make every aspect of the celebrations absolutely sublime, but internally we vow to ourselves that we will make this year even better than last. Although we say it every year, it’s hard to avoid being whipped…

THEO WALCOTT AND MELANIE SLADE Pregnancy joy for soccer star and wife Arsenal and England star Theo Walcott has revealed his wife Melanie Slade is pregnant. “Me & Mel are happy to confirm we are expecting our first child, which is due early next summer… We are really looking forward to becoming parents,” the 24-year-old footballer wrote on Facebook. The happy news comes six months after the couple’s lavish wedding at a 13th-century Italian castle, covered exclusively by hello!, where Theo revealed that starting a family would be next on the agenda. “I love kids. I’ve got a few names lined up already,” he exclusively told us. • Pregnant Hollywood star Drew Barrymore, 38, is expecting a girl. The Charlie’s Angels star and husband Will Kopelman, already parents to one-year-old…

The imposing Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg was the venue for one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in recent times as they remembered former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela. They were joined by celebrities, religious figures and South Africans from all walks of life as they paid tribute to the man who will go down in history as one of the 20th century’s greatest heroes. Despite the pouring rain, the mood was upbeat, with US President Barack Obama – like Mandela, the first black president of his country – receiving a particularly warm welcome from the thousands packed into the ground. Introduced as “a son of the African soil”, he told his audience: “To the people of South Africa – people of every race and…

Friday the 13th is definitely not unlucky for Prince Harry, who last week declared: “Mission success,” as he became the only member of the royal family ever to reach the South Pole, triumphing over the most inhospitable terrain on earth to complete his epic 124-mile Walking With The Wounded trek across Antarctica. “It’s an amazing feeling, it really is,” enthused the 29-year-old soldier Prince in an audio blog recorded about 30 minutes after arriving at the globe’s southernmost point. “I’m so proud, I’m so chuffed and I’m so privileged to be here with all these guys and girls… “What an amazing accomplishment. I think we’ll be having a few whiskies tonight and then everyone’s looking forward to getting home.” The Prince and his fellow adventurers – a group that included…

Actress Michelle Dockery has more than one reason to thank her lucky stars this Christmas. The role of Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey has not only brought her success here and in the States, but it’s also led to love. Michelle was introduced to handsome financial PR John Dineen earlier this year by her Downton co-star Allen Leech – who joins her for this special, elegant photoshoot. She and John quickly became an item and have taken romantic trips together in Venice and New York. Since starring in the ITV period drama, Michelle and Allen, who plays Lady Mary’s brother-in-law Tom Branson, have not only entered the realms of TV royalty but become good friends, too. Last month, Michelle and John joined Allen and his partner Doone Forsyth at…

Our man in TV settles down in front of the box to bring us his bumper selection of the small-screen’s best Christmas crackers STILL OPEN ALL HOURS Sir David Jason reprises his role as grocer Granville in this one-off special, 28 years after Open All Hours closed its comic doors. Having inherited the cornershop from his Uncle Arkwright (the late Ronnie Barker), Granville now runs it with his son Leroy – the surprise result of a one-night stand in Blackpool. Lynda Baron is also back as retired Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, with Stephanie Cole as the Black Widow Mrs Featherstone, plus Johnny Vegas as Wet Eric and Goodness Gracious Me favourites Kulvinder Ghir and Nina Wadia. A fab festive helping of true comic talent. • BBC1, Boxing Day, 7.45pm DOWNTON ABBEY…

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAYRE London society figures got into the spirit of Christmas as they came together for a good cause at Fortnum & Mason and Quintessentially Foundation’s Fayre of St James. After stirring candelight carols at St James’s Church on Piccadilly – where star readings and festive turns were given by the likes of Pixie Lott and US tenor Noah Stewart – guests including Lady Eloise Weymouth and James Blunt’s girlfriend Sofia Wellesley headed to the famed London store, where they enjoyed champagne, dinner and an auction, raising a sparkling £200,000 for children’s charity Rays of Sunshine. GIVING IT HEART AND SOLE Fashion-friendly socialites including Princess Beatrice put their best foot forward at a party to celebrate the tie-up between ethical fashion label Beulah and shoe brand…

Olivia Palermo is top of the tree this party season, teaming an elegant Whistles dress – note the understated matte sequins – with a pair of Stuart Weitzman animalprint heels, a jewelled gold clutch bag and a pretty bracelet. By keeping her hair and make-up simple, she makes sure her outfit is the star attraction. 1. Naomi sequin dress, £250, Whistles; visit whistles.co.uk 2. Gold sunray clutch bag, £70, Coast; visit coast-stores.com 3. Deco petal stretch bracelet, £15, Accessorize; visit accessorize.com 4. Monica wild-leopard printed poni shoes, £189, Ursula Mascaró; visit ursulamascaro.com…

Emboss with initials or a message to make an extra special gift Personalised Marylebone tote, £795 plus £15 per initial, Aspinal of London; visit aspinaloflondon.com Pop a special photo inside to make this a beautiful heirloom piece Rose gold giant Astley locket, £3,500, Astley Clarke; visit astleyclarke.com Travel in style with this soft leather jewellery box set Moonstone full leather jewellery case set, £695, Astley Clarke; visit astleyclarke.com Luxurious cashmere... the next best thing to a Christmas hug Draped cashmere cardigan, £255, Duff, tel: 020-8969 5000 The ultimate wrist candy TAG Heuer Aquaracer lady steel and rose gold diamond dot 34mm, £3,795, TAG Heuer; visit tagheuer.co.uk or tel: 0800-4580 882 A trinket tray that is almost too pretty to put things on Butterflies rectangular glass tray, £79,95, John Derian from…

1. Boots Essentials hair grips, £1.49, in black, brown and blonde: “The secret is to crisscross them to create extra hold” 2. Color Wow Raise the Root, £16.50: “Used on damp hair it creates volume; on air-dried hair it’s great for root lift – ideal for red-carpet styling” 3. BaByliss Pro Ceramic Dial-a-Heat 38mm tong, £20.45: “A great tong to create waves and curls” 4. L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin hairspray, £4.20: “To me, even the smell is glamorous” 5. Hairdo by Ken Paves Tru2Life 18in wraparound ponytail, £44, from qvc.co.uk: “My one essential for a chunky ponytail, up-do bun and braid – just match to your colour” 6. Phyto Professional Intense Volume Mousse, £12.50, from feelunique.com 7. Black Bungee Hooks, £4.99 for six, label.m; visit labelm.com/uk 8. Selected vintage hair accessories, from…

The award-winning chocolatiers have combined the superior taste of West African cocoa with the finest vodka and cream to form the luxuriously rich and irresistible Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur. This must-have stocking filler is the ideal gift for loved ones this Christmas. THORNTONS CHOCOLATE RUSSIAN Serves 1 INGREDIENTS •50ml/2fl oz Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur •250ml/9fl oz cold milk •1 tsp sugar •1 tsp cocoa powder 1. Place all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker or blender and combine. 2. Pour into a tall glass with ice and sprinkle with grated chocolate. Enjoy immediately. Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur is available from Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco. Thorntons giftpacks are available at giftcreations.com.…

ROAST GOOSE “Traditionally, goose used to be the favoured bird to roast at Christmas. Turkey certainly offers more scope for leftovers on Boxing Day, but for a small family gathering a roast goose is a treat not to be missed” Serves 8 Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, plus resting INGREDIENTS • 1 × 4.5-5.5kg/10-12lb oven-ready goose • Apple peelings (perhaps reserved from making an apple sauce), lemon rind and sprigs of sage, for the cavity • Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the gravy • 25g/l oz plain flour • 600ml/1 pt good-quality stock 1. Preheat the oven to 220ºC, 425ºF, Gas 7. 2. Use tweezers to remove any feather stubs from the skin of the goose. Pull any…

Her moving role as a heartbroken wife in Love Actually made Emma Thompson a Christmas darling and now she’s spreading festive cheer with her second children’s book, The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit. Based on a chance meeting with a turkey at Beatrix Potter’s home, the heart-warming tale may be a work of love, but the 54-year-old Oscar-winner is still better known for her acting. After a year off, Sense and Sensibility star Emma has returned to the silver screen with a critically acclaimed turn as Mary Poppins author PL Travers in Saving Mr Banks. With crime caper Love Punch due out next year and a stint treading the boards on Broadway in Sweeney Todd in the spring, she is busier than ever. She and actor Greg Wise have been…

Last year, cycling champion Sir Bradley Wiggins won Olympic gold and was the first Briton to win the Tour de France – but nothing, he revealed last week as he left Buckingham Palace, was more nerve-racking than receiving his knighthood from the Queen. The champion, who was joined by his wife Catherine and their children Isabella and Ben for the investiture ceremony, explained afterwards that he had been so determined not to put a foot wrong that he could barely recall what had happened. “To be honest, it’s such a blur,” Sir Bradley said. “I can’t remember what the Queen said or what I said. “You concentrate so much on the protocol of what you have got to do, what she actually said I can’t remember now. It was more…

Liverpool’s most fashionable ladies were on stylish form as they kicked off the Christmas party season with a festive bash hosted by their favourite boutique, Cricket. With World Cup preparations about to heat up for England stars Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, it was a chance for their wives, Coleen and Alex, to let their hair down on a night out with the girls. “This is like our office Christmas party,” laughed Alex. “We’ve all known each other for years, so it’s lovely to see everyone before Christmas and have a catch-up.” The grand dining room of Liverpool restaurant The Smugglers Cove was transformed into a winter wonderland scene, adorned with candelabras and festive ivy. Then, like a gift from a Christmas cracker, the women were treated to a surprise…

After months of speculation about their relationship, Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne have quietly decided to go their separate ways. Instead of celebrating Christmas together as planned, Elizabeth will spend the festive season with her 11-year-old son Damian at Donnington Hall in Herefordshire, the new family home she and Shane bought together. Meanwhile, the Australian former Test cricketer will be on the other side of the world with his three children. The news comes as something of a surprise as the glamorous pair appeared to have patched up their differences after briefly breaking up at the end of the summer. They were last seen in public together in early November when Elizabeth, 48, flew to Sydney for the launch of her eponymous fashion line with Shane firmly by her side.…

Royal spoofer Alison Jackson gave her fans an early festive treat with the ultimate present – a sneak look into Prince George’s first Christmas. With the help of her cast of royal lookalikes, the photographer, whose previous work has included the royal wedding and George’s christening, has been at it again. Her latest snaps show the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge helping their antler-wearing son to open his presents, among them a pair of green wellies and some cuddly corgis courtesy of the Queen. Uncle Prince Harry also makes an appearance as a red-haired Santa while the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall make it a truly family affair. Bringing it all together was “hilarious”, said Alison, but they needed five George-a-likes. “After two hours, they get bored…

Reindeer, Father Christmas and Geri Halliwell aren’t three things usually associated with Downing Street. But all were present and correct as the chancellor George Osborne hosted the annual Children’s Christmas Party at Number 11 to support the Starlight charity. Geri was spicing up proceedings at the bash, attended by 40 seriously ill children and their families who’d been invited by the charity, which grants wishes to poorly kids. “I find everybody here so inspirational,” she told HELLO! as she mingled with celebrity guests including Blue Peter’s Lindsey Russell and Radzi Chinyanganya (above left, with Geri and George). “They all deserve to have a dream come true because they’ve been through some very difficult stuff.” One child having his once-in-a-lifetime wish granted was nine-year-old Harry Potter fan Callum from Falkirk, who…

Santa Claus must have thought Christmas had come early when Rita Ora perched on his knee to give him a kiss last week (above). “Don’t tell Mrs Claus,” tweeted the cheeky pop star, who was visiting Macy’s in New York to promote Madonna’s clothing line, of which she is the latest face. The busy Hot Right Now singer is looking forward to a family Christmas this year. “I never bloody see ’em,” she joked. “So I’m going to do family time, go down to the country and sit by a fire. I definitely want to be in the UK.” Fellow songstress Lady Gaga was equally festive, leaving the Jingle Bell Ball at London’s O2 Arena with a small fir tree balanced on top of her head, festooned with brightly coloured…

Giving his royal support to the ceremony he helped launch five years ago, the Prince of Wales was joined by his wife the Duchess of Cornwall at the annual Sun Military Awards – aka the Millies. And aptly for an event held at the National Maritime Museum, Camilla was in the navy, opting for a midnight-blue evening skirt and black jacket. Before jointly presenting the award for most outstanding airman to Sergeant Anna Irwin, Prince Charles and his wife spent time chatting with the nominees and hearing their stories. Rifleman Josh Dodds, who won the most outstanding soldier award for his bravery fighting insurgents in Afghanistan, admitted to being a little apprehensive ahead of his audience with the royals. “I feel good [to be] recognised for what I did. A…

MERYL STREEP While the new year will see her starring alongside Julia Roberts and Benedict Cumber batch in August: Osage County, Oscar-winner Meryl will put a spell on us all next Christmas when she plays a cackling fairytale witch in Into the Woods DIANE KRUGER Following the success of her film The Host, German-born actress Diane will take on American history next year, starring as Abraham Lincoln’s stepmother Sarah in The Better Angels AMY ADAMS Amy proved herself no damsel in distress alongside Kevin Costner in Man of Steel, and this Christmas she joins Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner in a superstar lineup for Oscar-tipped Seventies movie American Hustle LEONARDO DiCAPRIO Leo, who is currently dating Victoria’s Secret model Toni Garrn, is no doubt hoping to repeat the success he had this year with…

Kate Winslet and her husband Ned Rocknroll are “thrilled to bits” at the arrival of their first child together, a son. The 9lb baby boy is the first child for 35-year-old Ned, the nephew of the star’s friend, Virgin mogul Sir Richard Branson, and was born “in an NHS hospital”, confirmed a spokeswoman, who added: “Mother and baby are doing great.” It’s a double celebration for the proud parents, whose first wedding anniversary is this month. The couple tied the knot in secret in front of “very few friends and family” in upstate New York last December, 17 months after they met while holidaying on Necker Island. The as-yet-unnamed baby is 38-year-old Oscar-winner Kate’s third. She is also mum to 12-year-old Mila with director Jim Threapleton and nine-year-old Joe from…

‘Some great big landmine will go off. It’s an Osbourne Christmas, we can’t help ourselves. That’s just the way we are’ Ozzy Visiting X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne and her rock-star husband Ozzy at their luxurious but cosy English country home at Christmas is like stepping into a fabulous festive wonderland (the “fabulous” delivered Mrs O style, of course, with a dramatic wave of a manicured hand). Trees twinkle with fairy lights all along the winding driveway that leads to the stunning grade II-listed Buckinghamshire mansion. Standing guard at the big old oak front door, which is festooned with the most enormous holly wreath, are two life-size toy soldiers, which you half expect to come alive and perform a fanfare as the lady of the house, resplendent in red lace…

ASHTON AND MILA HEAR WEDDING BELLS IN FLORIDA It looks like a wedding dress rehearsal for Ashton Kutcher and girlfriend Mila Kunis as she plays a supporting role as bridesmaid at her brother’s wedding in Florida. “Ashton and Mila have talked about getting married for quite a while,” a source told People. “They’re incredibly happy.” GOLDIE LEADS THE STARS SHINING BRIGHT AT HOLLYWOOD AMFAR GALA Perennial golden girl Goldie Hawn is stunning at 68 as she joins her longtime partner Kurt Russell, 62, and 37-year-old son Oliver Hudson at the amfAR Inspiration Gala, held at Hollywood’s Milk Studios. Comedienne and chat show host Chelsea Handler hosted the event and, with guests including Kelly Osbourne and her fiancé Matthew Mosshart (below left) in the audience, it was honorary amfAR chairperson Sharon Stone (below)…

Treat your loved one to a 12-months subscription to HELLO! this Christmas and you’ll guarantee them the latest celebrity news and exclusive star interviews delivered straight to their door each week for just £71.40 instead of £102 – saving an incredible 30 per cent off the cover price. Or you can give a six-months subscription and pay only £39, saving 25 per cent. Whichever you choose you’ll also receive a gorgeous Amazing Grace fragrance from Philosophy. Its blend of soft, floral notes and light musk delivers an amazingly clean, beautifully feminine scent that will leave you feeling as if you’ve just stepped out of the shower and is perfect for any occasion. Ideal for friends, family or yourself, a subscription to HELLO! is a unique gift that will be appreciated…

‘My dream Christmas dinner guests? Laurel and Hardy, Tommy Cooper… Lulu’ Balanced precariously on a rickety stepladder, Harry Hill is falling head first into the festive spirit as he reaches to place the fairy atop a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Clad head to toe in a sequin suit for HELLO!’s playful photoshoot, the exuberant TV Burp presenter is full of energy and laughs as he runs through each set in record time, joking with our photographer all the while. Off camera, Harry, whose real name is Matthew Keith Hall, is charmingly softly spoken. “I’m really tired – up at the crack of dawn,” he says, excusing a lack of energy that is unnoticeable and admiring the four-storey London terrace chosen for the festive shoot. “It’s a great Christmas location, isn’t…

Making a perfect match between society beauties and haute couture, this year’s Le Bal des Débutantes saw an illustrious roster of 20 international belles make their entrance in Paris in a romantic throwback to yesteryear. Of course there was a modern twist to the evening. Far from seeking Mr Right, the girls staging their debut into society were focused on making their couture and media premiere, while raising funds for Children of Asia, “a girls-help-girls” humanitarian association that promotes women’s education. “They’re not interested in finding a husband,” pointed out Ophélie Renouard, who has been organising the ball for the past 21 years and handpicks the girls for the event. “They’re too young. What they prefer is the dress, because even if they are privileged, they have never been to…

STEPHANIE WEARS Somerset by Alice Temperley long sequin dress, £299, John Lewis; visit johnlewis.com. Limited-edition Roberta feather necklace, £17.99, New Look; visit newlook.com. Pear and marquise chandelier earrings, set in sterling silver, £239, Carat; visit carat.co (available in store). Effervescence star white pearl bracelet, £225, Effervescence bubble bracelet, £195, both Links of London; visit linksoflondon.com. Appolon dark ring, £179, Swarovski; visit swarovski.com XANDER WEARS Velvet dinner jacket, £190, Dobby tailored shirt, £40, suit trousers, £70, ready-tied bow tie, £16, all from John Lewis; visit johnlewis.com. Men’s kinetic watch, £199, Seiko; visit seiko.co.uk. Chelsea semi-pointed Oxford lace shoes, £175, Russell & Bromley; visit russellandbromley.co.uk STEPHANIE WEARS Embellished jacket, £90, River Island; visit riverisland.com. Velvet bib-front blouse, £38, Next; visit next.co.uk. Brocade trousers, £59, La Redoute; visit laredoute. co.uk. Link Lady 6…

While the wonderful holiday destination of Fethiye in Turkey has grown in popularity over the years, Hillside Beach Club has managed to retain its exclusive atmosphere, mainly due to its stunningly beautiful private bay. Here you really can enjoy a best-of-both-worlds experience – a fun-packed family holiday that is still luxurious, pampering and indulgent. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and glorious scenery make this one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world, and Hillside Beach Club makes the most of its location. As the name suggests, the hotel is set along a sandy beach, beneath a lush, steep hill – with architecture that perfectly complements the natural curve of this exclusive bay. Inside, the décor creates an atmosphere of tranquillity and the hotel rooms have been designed to offer…

Cracking good idea Christmas crackers are fun, but there are only so many fake moustaches and mini-screwdriver sets a girl can have. So why not opt for crackers with a bit more beauty bang? Marks & Spencer Autograph Beauty Crackers, £18 for six, each come with a beauty tip and either an Autograph lip gloss, liquid glow illuminator, mascara or kohl pencil eyeliner Stocking up Give your Christmas stocking a makeover with this limited-edition handmade design from Jo Malone. It is way too stylish to fill with tangerines and chocolate coins, but – be warned – the price increases the more gifts you put inside. Jo Malone Christmas Stocking, from £100 Ultimate box sets Some of the best brands have boxed clever this Christmas and have created gifts too beautiful…

1 Colour theme “Like an outfit, Christmas decorating and wrapping needs to be colour-coordinated and kept simple for the end results to look elegant. White, silver and gold are the easiest colour options, but you may like to try others. Blue, although not an obvious choice for Christmas, is wonderfully elegant. Mix different shades and patterns of blue, from navy and deep purple-blue to turquoise and royal blue, adding touches of silver, rather than gold. The classic Christmas colour combination is red and green, but I think green looks more opulent and regal when used with purple. The trick, as with blue, is to use several shades of green and offset it with golden tones. For real opulence, go for bronze and copper shades with plenty of gold; to make…

Sagittarius 23 NOV – 21 DEC If it really is a mountain, why is there a little mole with tiny beady eyes at the top? And how come, when you stand tall, it becomes nothing more than a minor mound on the ground? Mountains don’t change size, no matter how we alter our sense of perspective. They look big from a distance and big up close. A current challenge only seems big when you are feeling small. You can rise above it. Good tidings await you in your new 2014 prediction. Call 0906-751 8080. Pisces 20 FEB – 20 MAR Can there ever be peace, prosperity, freedom from fear, joy, contentment, fulfilment and serenity? Well actually, yes there can. And you are not as far from any of this as…

He once colour coordinated his outfts to match his wife’s, but now David Beckham is changing his colours to echo those of his fledgling fashionista daughter Harper. The pair were spotted out and about together near the family’s West London home last week, when the retired footballer’s dark red jumper perfectly matched the two-year-old’s woolly burgundy tights. Father and daughter shared a tender moment as they nuzzled close to each other before David placed Harper in her car seat, pulling a pouty face at the little girl after strapping her in. Since stepping down from professional sport in May, David has been able to spend more time with his family and is clearly relishing it. “It’s not easy retiring and it’s not easy to walk away from something that you…

December is a time of double celebrations for rock legend Ronnie Wood. As well as Christmas, there’s the 21 December wedding anniversary of the once-hedonistic Rolling Stones guitarist and theatre producer Sally Humphreys. The couple – who were friends for almost a decade before they started dating in 2012, tying the knot nine months later in an intimate ceremony at London’s Dorchester hotel with Rod Stewart and Sir Paul McCartney as best men and a sedate afternoon tea for their reception – will be marking their first year of marriage with a party back at the Dorchester for friends and family who couldn’t be there to see them wed. It will be a fun finale to a year that has been a whirlwind of excitement and adventure for the 66-year-old…

Despite having left the armed forces in September, there are some duties the Duke of Cambridge is still happy to report for and the 31-year-old royal gave his full attenshun – and support – to this year’s British Military Tournament. Prince William joined the crowds packing Earl’s Court Arena in London to watch the spectacular annual fundraiser. It was the Duke’s first time at the tournament, which has been attended by his grandmother the Queen, and he declared it “fantastic”. Held in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the event features military bands, parades, battle re-enactments, stunts and shows. William chatted with injured service personnel and posed for photos ( right ) before watching what must…

The Duchess of Cornwall invited some very special little helpers to join in the festive preparations at Clarence House. Camilla welcomed 12 youngsters from the Helen & Douglas House in Oxford into the Prince of Wales’s London residence, where they decorated the Christmas tree in the Morning Room before the Duchess rewarded them with some early gifts. The charity, of which Camilla has been patron since 2007, provides respite support and end-of-life care for children and young people. Among the guests was two-year-old Lorna Gentry (right and above right), who has an inoperable brain tumour. “I do love your pretty dress,” the Duchess told her. “Have a look at all these lovely goodies,” added the grandmother-of-five, giving the little girl a bag of treats from the Buckingham Palace giftshop, including…

Amanda Holden, Penelope Wilton, Brian Blessed and Harry Hadden-Paton were in fine voice at The Prince’s Foundation for the Children and the Arts annual carol concert in London’s Holy Trinity in Sloane Street. Leading the festivities was Britain’s Got Talent judge and mum-of-two Amanda, who read out a humorous survey of what children think about Christmas, including the tale of one child who said the Three Wise Men had brought Jesus “gold stuff – but Lego would have been better”. “As a mum, I know how important the arts are in inspiring young minds,” said Amanda, an ambassador for the charity, which aims to transform the lives of disadvantaged children through the arts. “What beats the excitement of that first trip to the theatre or the chance to hear and…

With continued speculation that their romance is hotting up enough to make a trip down the aisle imminent, Pippa Middleton and boyfriend Nico Jackson were giving off a warm glow as they touched down at Heathrow Airport following a romantic break together. However, their rosy outlook could have had as much to do with the temperatures in their chosen destination – India – as their feelings for each other. Looking rested despite her long flight, Pippa, 30, let Nico, 35, take charge of their luggage trolley. In a departure from her usual style, the Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister kept her inflight gear casual, opting for skinny jeans and boots. There was, however, no sign of a ring, although it has been recently reported that the couple want to take…

His hit single Queen of My Heart rocketed to No. 1 when he was a member of the world-famous boyband Westlife, but now Kian Egan, 33, has been declared the King of the Jungle in ITV1’s 13th instalment of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!. As Christmas presents go, they don’t come much better than this for the singer. Yet nobody is more deserving of the title than him. With his down-to-earth manner, enthusiasm for the infamous Bush Tucker Trials and culinary skills in whipping up a kangaroo stir-fry as the camp’s appointed cook, Kian won over the show’s 12 million viewers to beat favourites Joey Essex, model Amy Willerton and his fellow finalist, designer David Emanuel, to the crown. Just after landing on frost-covered home ground, fresh…

The wedding of Stereophonics star Kelly Jones to long-term girlfriend Jakki Healy couldn’t have been more rock’n’roll even if they’d thrown a TV out of one of the stained glass windows of the church they were married in. ‘Getting married in the Emerald Isle where my parents were born was magical’ Jakki After a five-year romance, the frontman and his stunning bride invited friends including music legends Ronnie Wood and Paul Weller, and acting couple Rhys Ifans and Anna Friel to put on their Handbags and Gladrags and jet over to Co. Clare in Ireland to toast their nuptials. SOMETHING NEW… The three-day celebration with close family and famous friends mixed the traditional with a host of special surprises. Reflecting on the occasion Kelly, 39, who had swapped his signature…

‘What would I do without this beauty squad after 15 hours flying and only 3 hours of sleep #multitasking #gettingready’ Brazilian bombshell and mum-of-two Gisele Bündchen takes breast-feeding in her stride on Instagram (left) ‘I would like to have dinner with naughty people with a story to tell’ Kate Moss is probably a model dinner guest herself ‘How many shapes can I pull with this body? I am not going to do any more’ Sir Cliff Richard has been a human work of art long enough, as he announces his 2014 calendar will be his last ‘I’ve decided it is going to be unconventional. I’m going to have five or six best men’ One Direction star Zayn Malik is putting together a boyband for his wedding to Little Mix star…

Happily sporting a pair of 3D glasses, the Duchess of Cambridge laughed with delight as she took her seat alongside her husband the Duke for a very special night at the Natural History Museum. Prince William and Kate were guests of honour at a black-tie gala preview screening of a groundbreaking new film by naturalist Sir David Attenborough, in which, through the magic of 3D technology, the veteran broadcaster brings the museum’s famous extinct creatures to life in the night-time surroundings of the London landmark. The film event was a rare night out for new parents the Cambridges, whose baby Prince George turns five months old this month. It was also a chance for Kate, who became patron of the Natural History Museum earlier this year, to take in what…

Tom Fletcher set the bar spectacularly high for other new husbands when he sang his wedding day speech. Now the McFly singer-songwriter and his novelist wife Giovanna are expecting their first baby, he’s hitting new heights, in the role of dad-to-be. “I love it, I genuinely love it. This is so cool. Gi will be an amazing mum, the best mum ever,” he says, gently caressing her bump. “Tom wants to know every single detail,” smiles Giovanna. “In the early weeks after we found out, he texted me about five times a day saying, ‘Are you okay, how are you feeling?’” This is the couple’s first photoshoot and interview to talk about the news and it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in their happiness and excitement. “The way I…

The Christmas trees are twinkling with fairylights, the halls decked with glitterballs and the dancefloor is frosted with fake snow when hello!’s Inside Entertainment is invited behind the scenes of the Strictly Come Dancing festive special. In the stunning winter wonderland set, six celebrities – Rochelle Humes from The Saturdays, EastEnder Ricky Norwood, DJ Sara Cox, comic Rufus Hound and singers Elaine Paige and Matt Goss – are preparing to trip the light fantastic. And the tension is mounting with a flurry of last-minute costume alterations and finishing touches applied to glittery nail polish and back-combed up-dos. “What girl doesn’t love a sparkly dress?” Rochelle, 24, asks. “I enjoy dancing and dressing up, but I never imagined I’d be doing this so soon after having a baby. My body still…

WHAT THE BLAZES! This is one hot Christmas sweat-er (right), leaving no excuse for feeling chilly these holidays. Designed by former NASA engineer Mark Rober, the chunky knit uses an app displaying a logfire which can be downloaded onto a phone and popped into the front pocket, fuelling the Christmas spirit wherever you are. One man who knows a bit about Christmas spirit is Yorkshire pensioner Eric Marshall (left), who spends three weeks setting up a light show that’s raised £15,000 for charity over the last 20 years. As for his electricity bill, he says: “I’m on direct debit and I don’t look at it!” Dealing with the heavier side of Christmas is Rev Kevin Fast. Urged on by Mrs Claus, he officially became the world’s strongest Santa by pulling…

Quickly established as the latest go-to online shopping destination for luxury accessories and jewellery, iLoveDesigner regularly embarks on treasure hunts to find the most exquisite and breathtaking accessories from around the world. The boutique is the exclusive retailer for many of its brands and its keen eye for detail and appreciation of something a little different means iLoveDesigner brings together a unique collection of luxury labels on one site, often giving only locally established or newly emerging talents an international platform for their work. From statement necklaces to standout clutches, the fashionforward online boutique provides eye-catching and one-of-a-kind pieces that will be treasured for years to come. With Christmas just around the corner, there’s no better time for those last-minute purchases… or a present for yourself. • To shop and…

Frankin cuff, £35, Coast; visit coast-stores.com Sterling silver stacking rings, from £50, Pandora; visit pandora.net Crystal gemstone clip earrings, £189, Mawi from harrods.com Flower drop earrings, £76, J Crew from net-a-porter.com Starburst crystal bracelet, £117, Martine Wester; visit martinewester.com Gem-set cuff, £199, Grand Bazaar London; visit grandbazaarlondon.co.uk Mystic tie-back bib, £48, Anthropologie; visit anthropologie.eu Mix stone brooch, £8.50, Topshop; visit topshop.com Ensorcelee cubic zirconia set ring, £105, apm Monaco from Goldsmiths; visit goldsmiths.co.uk Opaque diamanté ring, £25, Autograph at Marks & Spencer; visit marksandspencer.com Swarovski by Shourouk earrings, £119; visit swarovski.com Agnessa leaf bangle, £29, Oliver Bonas; visit oliverbonas.com Elegance earrings, £58, Philippe Ferrandis from cadenzza.co.uk Christian ring, £59, Lola Rose Boutique; visit lolarose.co.uk Empire collar necklace, £19, Accessorize, tel: 0844-811 0068…

Who is the man that made Victoria Beckham smile? Ensured that Eva Longoria looked her best more than ten times in one night? And to whom sisters Ashlee and Jessica Simpson turn when they want a new look? Hairdresser to the stars Ken Paves, the A-list stylist who even dressed Jennifer Lopez’s hair with $1million worth of diamonds. So if you really want to sparkle this festive season, follow Ken’s step-bystep style secrets… VICTORIA’S PARTY PLAIT “I love how Victoria Beckham’s hair has evolved. She has this perfect blend of LA and London style – done, yet casually undone. And this makes her looks easy to achieve at home. I always like to start this style on airdried hair, then add some body to the roots throughout the crown and back…

Clinique’s global colour artist Jenna Menard is top of our list for New Year party make-up. Eyes: All About Shadow in Olive In My Martini, £16; All About Shadow in Buttered Toast, £22; Chubby stick shadow tint for eyes in Ample Amber, £17. Cheeks: Cream blush in Peachy Blush, £21. Lips: Chubby stick moisturising lip colour balm in Heaping Hazelnut, £17. Visit Clinique.co.uk All About Shadow quads, £28. Visit Clinique.co.uk HOME COMFORTS 1. Tundra brown faux fur cushion, £28. Visit habitat. co.uk 2. The Chocolatiers Selection artisan awardwinning selection box, from £13.45. Visit chocolatlovers.co.uk 3. Opal black glass bottle vase, £50. Visit habitat.co.uk 4. Emperor Candle Black Glass – Minuit, £195. Visit lilouetloic.com Pink diamanté shoulder swing top, £30. Visit riverisland.com Sparkly jacquard scarf, £25. Visit mandco.com Louise nude bangle, £149. Visit…

For many of us, hangovers are as much a part of the festive season as mince pies and mistletoe. They usually kick in around 14 hours after drinking and are caused by the combination of dehydration and alcohol withdrawal. Toxic by-products created when alcohol is metabolised by the body also play an important role and the severity of symptoms may depend on what you drank. Chemicals in drinks known as congeners can determine just how miserable you feel later. With relatively low levels of congeners, gin and vodka are least likely to cause a bad hangover, while brandy, champagne and whisky have more. However, the chemical tyramine, found in red wine and port, is probably the worst offender for causing headaches. Ultimately, the only cure for a hangover is time…

1 FILM AMERICAN HUSTLE Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner There are plenty of tight perms and fabulous outfits on show as we head back to the 1970s and America’s criminal underground. Brilliant conman Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are forcibly recruited by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to run a dangerous sting that involves the Mafia and corrupt politicians such as Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). But their world threatens to come crashing down around them when Irving’s wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) gets involved. An unbeatable period piece packed with thrills, American Hustle looks like a serious Oscar contender. [CL] • In London cinemas from 20 December and nationwide from 1 January 2 BOOK NOW STRICTLY…