Despite bringing us many of our funniest TV moments, Kathy Burke has faced some dark and troubling times. In our cover interview, she talks to Sophie Heawood about solving her own problems, the joy of young people, and why we should all “laugh at death”. Also in this issue: our Christmas gift guide; we meet the librarians fighting to preserve Ukrainian identity; and Joe Trivelli’s luxurious recipes for butter lovers. Out on Sunday. Cover: @twoshortdays Hair and makeup: @sjhmua