Innholdsfortegnelse for 24th Dec 2025 i Woman's Own

I love a festive tipple and the Christmas spritz on p34 really delivers – they don’t just taste great, but they look it too, and really will make you the hostess with the mostess. Perhaps even better news – at least for the boozers among us – is you can drink and still shrink! On p22, our health team brings all you need to know about raising a glass during the festivities without sabotaging your waistline (a big thank-you from me!). Of course, there’s plenty more for you this week too, including speedy ways to ease aches and pains (p26), and lingerie solutions to help you lose inches (p16). They’re perfect to wear under your party dress – sign me up! Enjoy, and have a great week! KIRA AGASS, EDITOR…

She’s been smitten with her Russian toy-boy masseur boyfriend David Putman since going public with him in April last year – but insiders say Alison Hammond is now torn over rushing into a wedding because she fears upsetting her son, Aidan. The TV presenter, 50 – who met David, 28, in December 2023 after booking a massage therapy session with him – is a single mum to Aidan, 20, and is thought to be worried that he might feel like he is being ‘replaced’. So in love A source said, ‘Alison is head over heels in love with David, and she knows that he would like to get married next year, but she also loves Aidan more than anything in the world, and wouldn’t do anything that could affect their…

TOYS OF THE TIMES Pogo sticks, Space Hoppers and clacker balls – they don’t make ’em like they used to! Christmas is just for kids. I swear if just one more person says that to me in this wonderfully fuzzy month of warmth and joy, I’ll punch them. OK, that’s not particularly warm nor fuzzy, but Christmas is for ALL of us, because no matter how old we are, inside there is always the little kid we once were. And nothing proves this more than a list published recently of the most beloved toys across the years, compiled using research by the Toy Retailers Association. Just reading through it left me tearfully nostalgic for all those Christmases past with the best mum, dad, nan, grandad and baby sister you could…

Buy of the week Nourish and strengthen your hair with Perfectil Platinum Collagen Hair drinks (£41.45 for 10x50ml bottles, vitabiotics.com). Expertly blended with essential micronutrients. HEALTH MATHS 3 steps to… sleep with a cold ELEVATE YOUR HEAD + TAKE A WARM SHOWER + DRINK HOT LEMON AND HONEY = Reduced congestion and clearer airways for a more peaceful night. If you do one thing Take time for yourself Mind whirring with wishlists for gifts? Frantically trying to get the house organised for guests? Worrying and overthinking – along with looking after everybody over Christmas – can take a toll on your mental health. And it’s OK to take a pause here and there. It’s perfectly acceptable and normal to need time to yourself, says burnout expert Selina Barker. ‘Even two…

He was with a man for years Q I’ve just started dating again post-divorce. I’ve met someone wonderful and it all feels right, except for the sex. It’s been slow to develop, which was fine until he told me he’s bisexual and, before me, was with a man for four years. It’s worrying for me as I don’t know what he wants in terms of sex but also angry he didn’t tell me sooner. A The fact that everything else in your relationship has been wonderful matters. Connections like this are rare, but you’re right, honesty and transparency are also needed. While it’s likely he’s been afraid of telling you, it would have been fair to tell you earlier. You need to talk to him about why he didn’t, how…

READER QUESTION Q Does house insurance cover accidental damage to the building or contents? A Not necessarily. Which? analysed 78 home insurance policies from 35 providers and found just 28% of buildings insurance policies and 27% of contents policies include accidental damage cover as standard. Never assume what’s covered – always check the details carefully to make sure it offers the cover you need. Go green for less Enjoy the festive scent of this Bio-D Spiced Apple Handwash (500ml) – it’s created using 100% naturally derived ingredients, plus it’s vegan, made in the UK and packaged in a recyclable bottle created from 100% post-consumer plastic. Priced £5.85; biod.co.uk. 3 easy ways to... Change your money mindset Altering how you think about money can have a positive effect 1 FOCUS ON…

He’s been in the public eye since 2009, but it’s probably fair to say the past two years have been the toughest for Olly Murs – because he and his wife Amelia have got two children under two! Their daughter Madison was born in April 2024, and in September of this year they welcomed their son Albert. However, when we caught up with the 41-year-old singer at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards in London, he was still his upbeat, fun self. And he isn’t making things any easier on himself, bringing out his latest album Knees Up last month. We caught up with the former X Factor star to find out how he’s doing… With a new baby and new music, how is life right now? It’s a bit stressful,…

T is the season to be stockpiling rolls of wrapping paper, glossy ribbons and packs of labels. You know you have bagfuls already, as ’twas also the season last year, but you’ve searched every drawer and can’t find the damn things… Thus begins another present-wrapping trauma. In my dreams, which usually begin from early December, there’s a cupboard full of neatly arranged, elegantly wrapped presents. In truth, I’m the one slapping paper on boxes of chocolates as King Charles begins his Christmas speech. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE My mother, who was from the post-war, save-every-scrap generation, often turned her box room into a wrapping recycling centre. She would swoop in on scraps of discarded paper and derive more satisfaction from stashing it away than she did from any present. Then one…

LUXE LAYERS The perfect piece for wearing under tailored jackets. Cami top, sizes 8-20, £25, very.co.uk TRANQUIL TRIO Harmony in your own home. Naeo Selene Aroma Diffuser Sleep Set, £35, Boots FRINGE BENEFITS Update your LBD with a sparkly accessory. Bag, £29.99, New Look NAVY MUSE After-dark manis – our new obsession. Gemini polish in Showboat, £15.50, biosculpture.co.uk PYJAMA PARTY Love to lounge? Pyjamas, xs-3xl, £46, theirnibs.com SNOWY STYLE Embrace Aspen chic in a cosy snowflake jumper. Jumper, £62, sizes 6-24, jeans, £52, sizes 6-24, FatFace; trainers, £99, Victoria STOCKING FILLER Not just for the kiddies… Chocolate penguins, £9.95, Hotel Chocolat FEELING BLUE Warming thermal blends. Jumper, sizes 10-28, £45.99, Damart STRONGER STRANDS Healthier, stronger hair. MenoPlex Mask, £13, Charles Worthington STARRY NIGHTS Supportive and sexy. Bra, sizes 36C-48DD, £30,…

JJ+ SIZES INCLUDE ADDITIONAL LINING FOR EXTRA SUPPORT Lace bra & briefs According to many Bravissimo customers this is the comfiest bra they’ve worn. And the best part? It’s been designed with bigger boobs and a smoother finish under clothes in mind. The non-padded stretch lace cups give a flattering, rounded, uplifted shape, while the centred straps stay in place, making it the perfect bra for dancing the night away. Cupped lace Grab your favourite body-hugging outfits and wear them with confidence this festive season as this tummy-control bodysuit has been designed to discreetly shape and smooth your silhouette. There are five colourways to choose from and it can be worn in a multitude of styles, including strapless, halterneck and cross-body if you’ve got a party dress with a fancy…

Hey pesto pastry Christmas tree PREP TIME: 15 MINSCOOK TIME: 23 MINSCALS: 330 FAT: 24GSAT FAT: 10G CARBS: 21G SERVES 10 Easy and eye-catching, this festive tear-and-share number really brings the Christmas cheer to the table. YOU WILL NEED 2 x 320g packs ready rolled puff pastry4tbsp basil pesto4tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto50 pitted green olives20g sweet drop peppers100g mini mozzarella ballsChives, to garnishMayo mixed with a little extra pesto, to serve (optional) You will need: A star cutter HOW TO DO IT 1 Heat the oven with a large baking tray inside to 180C Fan. Unroll both sheets of pastry, leave one on the baking paper and spread with basil pesto. Spread the other with sun-dried tomato pesto, then sandwich together, so both fillings are on the inside. 2 With…

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 The name of which of these fictional lions also appeared in a former name of Malabo, the capital city of Equatorial Guinea? The answer is the one missing from the grid. ALEXASLANCLARENCECOWARDLYDROOPERJAD-BAL-JALAMBERTLEONORELION-OLIPPY MUFASANALAPARSLEYSCARSIMBA 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: former, one-time. 25 = average. More than 45 = well…

Film AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH In cinemas 19 December One year after settling in with the Metkayina Clan, Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief after Neteyam's death. But when they meet a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the conflict on Pandora escalates with devastating consequences. Event ALADDIN Until 4 January 2026, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, tickets from £15 Take a magic carpet ride to the theatre and watch a panto to get you into the festive spirit. This Christmas Loose Women’s Linda Robson stars in Aladdin at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford – a show that promises endless laughter for all the family. Tour BLUEY’S BIG PLAY – UK TOUR Until 26 August 2026, multiple locations including Swansea, Nottingham and Southend, tickets from £23 Bluey comes to a stage near you.…

Dame Prue Leith ‘I HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF PEEP SHOW!’ The Bake Off judge returns for a festive slice of competitive baking In the first of two seasonal editions of The Great British Bake Off, the stars from C4 sitcom Peep Show reunite to compete in three rounds of Christmas-themed challenges. Hoping to impress judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood are David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman, who all appeared in the comedy which ran for nine series from 2003 to 2015. ‘I had never even heard of Peep Show,’ admits Prue. ‘Please don’t tell them! But I watched it and I loved it. To be honest, I’m normally bluffing my head off with the celebrities because I don’t watch any telly. The only…

Scrolling through TikTok, I sigh whenever I see a video of a young girl chatting to the camera about their day. They’re just having a bit of fun trying to be influencers, but I know from experience that there’s a murky underworld to social media, and predators are always on the prowl. I myself was just 14 when I was first contacted by a paedophile online. ‘HE KNEW ALL THE RIGHT THINGS TO SAY’ Before my parents split up in spring 2019, I was like any other girl who loved makeup and hanging out with friends. But after they divorced, I retreated into myself, spending more and more time on Snapchat and TikTok. Everyone I knew was on social media, and my parents just thought it was normal teenage behaviour.…

IS HIS LIP BLEMISH A CANCER SYMPTOM? Q My husband has a sore on his lip. Initially, we thought it was a cold sore, but it just isn’t healing and if anything it’s getting bigger. I’m quite frightened because he smokes roll-ups and has been a heavy smoker all his life. I know you shouldn’t, but I searched online, and it says this could be cancer. My husband says I’m being silly. What do you think? A Tell him to get this checked by his GP. They will always want to see any ulcer near the mouth that lasts for three weeks or more. Smoking is a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers. If his doctor is concerned, they will refer him urgently and the sooner treatment is started, the better…

Pretty peonies Perfume mists like Floral Street Wonderland Peony Perfume Mist, £24 for 125ml, lookfantastic.com, are great for top-ups during the day or making your perfumes last longer. It’s light and fruity with a sprinkle of candyfloss that will appeal to anyone who likes sweet scents. Clean and fresh Arkive No One Elsie Scent for Hair and Skin, £30 for 50ml, John Lewis, is a unique, nostalgic scent that’s ideal to wear daily. It’s inspired by pro hairdresser Adam Reed’s grandmother’s English greenhouse and is crisp, tart and earthy all at once. Modern romance ’Tis the season for socialising, so what better scent to pair with your party dress than H&M Chic Socialite Eau de Toilette, £8.99 for 30ml, H&M. Designed to smell like a Parisian evening, it’s both very…

ARIES 21 Mar – 20 Apr A project you have been working on for some time now will come to fruition in the very near future. So, know that your persistence is about to pay off. TAURUS 21 Apr – 20 May Sometimes we have to surrender to let go and move on. So, think about what you need to release in order to make space for the new beginnings awaiting you. GEMINI 21 May – 20 Jun Your time and energy have been tied up with someone close to you, and though worthwhile, you now need to step back and focus on yourself again. CANCER 21 Jun – 22 Jul Someone you look up to is able to help you this week. Listen to their guidance because it will…

AFTER MIDNIGHT: THIRTEEN CHILLING TALES FOR THE DARK HOURS by Daphne du Maurier, foreword by Stephen King (£25, HB, Little, Brown Book Group) Introduced by Stephen King, discover 13 of Daphne du Maurier’s most chilling and uncanny short stories. In the twisting waterways of Venice, a grieving couple confronts their loss. The wind shifts one December day and the birds begin to swarm. Wartime scientists seek to harness death itself, an eye operation exposes a terrible reality and a woman returns home to find she’s disappeared. Exploring the darkest desires of the human heart, this collection reveals du Maurier at her most brilliant. GONE BEFORE GOODBYE by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon (£22, HB, Cornerstone) In the shadowy world of the ultra rich, danger lurks behind dazzling luxury. Having lost…

MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Back on tour as the man himself in The Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, 2026 is set to be a big year for Peter Andre. ‘I always love that saying “back by popular demand” and you often don’t always say that in life, but this was back by popular demand,’ he says. There’s a new album, too – his first in more than 10 years. ‘I’ve kept the nostalgic feel but brought the songs up to date. I have a few friends featuring and I can’t wait to tell you about that once we’ve done the promo.’ NO ORDINARY JOES The Prat Pack is back – featuring Brian Conley, Bradley Walsh, Shane Richie and of course my mate Joe Pasquale, returning next…