How can I access my recents and favourites like I used to so easily on iOS 8??

Hi there Shotodave,

I understand that you wish to easily access Recents and Favorites in iOS 9. These are being called Siri Suggestions in iOS 9, and they can be found by swiping from left to right on the Home screen, as mentioned in this article:

Use Search on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201285

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!

Hi again Shotodave,

I suppose I should clarify. Siri Suggestions shows your Contacts Favorites. Would you mind providing more information on which Favorites you wish to see? Thanks for being a part of the Apple Support Communities!

Hi Shotodave

If your favorites are not showing in the Siri Suggestions, you may want to make sure that your phone is set to allow Siri Suggestions, and that you absolutely have some Contact Cards set to Favorites. You can see where to modify or allow your Siri Suggestions settings using the information in this link:

Turn off Siri Suggestions. Go to Settings > General > Spotlight Search.

Search - iPhone

http://help.apple.com/iphone/9/#/iph3c511548

You may also want to simply try restarting your iPhone and see if a simple power cycle addresses this behavior:

Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201559

Hope this information helps.