Table of contents for Issue 1107 in Closer

They stepped down as senior royals in January 2020 and famously moved to the United States in June of the same year, saying they “wanted space” to raise their son Archie before welcoming daughter Lilibet in 2021 – but last week, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry raised eyebrows after announcing they would embark on a tour of Africa. SHOCK MOVE Harry and Meghan are set to visit Nigeria later this month after being invited by its Chief of Defence to take part in “cultural activities” and meet service members. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said it was an “honour and delight” that the couple had accepted the invitation, with the tour beginning just days after Harry makes a solo trip to the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Invictus…

JJ Slater’s close friends have stressed concerns about his relationship with Katie Price, sources tell Closer. Despite the couple appearing to go from strength to strength, their whirlwind romance has left those close to the reality star feeling worried, especially in the light of recent headlines around Katie, 45, and her latest bankruptcy hearings. “JJ’s inner circle are concerned and want him to wake up and smell the coffee,” our source says, “They think Katie’s got him under some toxic spell.” Katie and Married At First Sight star JJ, 31, were first linked at the end of last year after meeting on a night out in Newcastle where Katie was hanging out with Geordie Shore’s Chloe Ferry. Their relationship has seemingly become very serious very quickly, with Closer reporting just…

• Expert Kate Caffery says, “Vet the seller. Do they have a returns policy? Do they list contact details? Are there reviews? • “Look out for giveaways in the details, such as the font. Text may include spelling mistakes, or the image might be fuzzy. If it seems too good to be true, then question it.” • An adverse reaction could also indicate it is a knock-off. If you notice any itching, burning or bumpy eruption, or any swellings on your face, arm or neck, stop using it immediately and report it to the relevant authorities. • Amazon, TikTok and eBay said that the sale of counterfeits is strictly forbidden on their platforms. They each use the latest detection technology to proactively block fake listings. An Amazon spokesperson said, “If…

When Amanda Galler started planning her wedding, she did so without her groom, Matthew Welsh, by her side – because he was in prison for murder. Amanda, 46, had gone into the relationship with her eyes wide open. She had become pen pals with the killer in 2006 – three years after he’d been jailed – after reading an update about his case. Amanda, a liability claims administrator who lives in Burton upon Trent, believed that Matthew – who insisted his crimes had been misreported in the press – was “funny and charming”. But, after 17 years together and as his release date and their nuptials approached, Amanda was blindsided when Matthew ghosted her – not replying to a single message or call. She then cruelly found out through messaging…

Last month, the BBC reported that women in the North West of England are feeling “unsafe” after videos of them on nights out were filmed and shared on social without their knowledge. Under titles like “Saturday Night in Manchester” and “Liverpool Nightlife 2am England”, the voyeuristic clips, which have frequently been appearing on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube in recent months, attract thousands (and sometimes millions) of views – as well as reams of sinister and misogynistic comments. Often focusing on women in tight or revealing clothing – or who have been drinking – the footage and captions seem designed to both sexualise and humiliate those who have seemingly been filmed without their knowledge or consent. “Good job, how to hide camera?” asks a commenter under one such video…

Nine months after their split, Britney Spears has settled her divorce with her ex, Sam Asghari. Britney, 42, and Sam, 30, tied the knot last summer, but it only lasted 14 months before they called it quits. Settling their divorce, it was reported that Sam and his legal team decided against contesting the prenuptial agreement, which protects the singer’s £47 million fortune. The singer met the Iranianborn actor in 2016, after he starred as her love interest in the Slumber Party music video. Their settlement comes amid fears for her wellbeing and rumours she has reportedly struck up a romance with ex convict Paul Richard Soliz, 37 – who previously worked as her housekeeper.…

England bosses are reportedly doing all they can to stop Lauryn Goodman from attending the Euros this summer. Lauryn, 33, has been embroiled in a bitter row with footballer Kyle Walker, also 33, and his wife Annie Kilner, 31, after it was revealed that he had fathered two children with Lauryn behind Annie’s back. And Lauryn has reportedly told friends that she will be in Germany so their four-year-old son Kairo – they also share a daughter – can see Kyle play in the tournament next month. But sources say FA chiefs will block her from attending “by any means necessary” in a bid to stop Kyle becoming distracted from games. Kyle and Annie announced their split in January, but have reportedly grown closer again since Annie gave birth to…

Made with frozen spinach and canned tomatoes and chickpeas, this is a great store-cupboard dish and is full of flavour and goodness. THE HAIRY BIKERS’ SPINACH & HALLOUMI CURRY STEP 1 Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or a flameproof casserole dish. Add the cumin seeds and sizzle for a few moments, then add the onion. Cook over a medium heat until the onion has taken on some colour and started to soften, then add the ginger, garlic and curry powder. STEP 2 Cook for another couple of mins, stirring constantly, then add the tomatoes. Add the spinach and its liquid, along with the chickpeas and most of the coriander. Stir and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then partially cover the pan and…

INSIDE MALIN’S FRIDGE • Olives • Butter • Ketchup • Pickled gherkins • Artichokes • Garlic mayonnaise • Mayonnaise • Blueberries • Raspberries • Tomatoes • Feta cheese • Mozzarella • Cheddar • Babybels • Avocado • Peppers • Cucumber • Rocket leaves • Tomato purée • Kale • Potatoes • Coconut milk VERDICT CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “For breakfast, Malin could swap crumpets for whole grain toast, rye bread or oatcakes to boost her intake of whole grains. Plus, she should aim to have lunch to add more healthy fats, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals to her diet. This could include bulgur wheat, brown rice or couscous salads, or wholemeal wraps or pitta filled with beans, lentils, houmous, egg or cheese and veg.” MALIN How much do…

RELATIONSHIPS MAKE AN AGE-GAP RELATIONSHIP WORK Alison Hammond’s new man is 23 years her junior – what hurdles could she face, and how can she overcome them? The vast majority of age-gap relationships are in heterosexual couples where an older man is with a younger woman. Research is limited, but shows that the majority of these couples are very happy. There can be problems, though. The main ones are based around power imbalances, so that can involve career, finances or status within the relationship. There can also be issues around family planning. One partner may not have the ability to start a family, one may already have children and not want more, or existing families may not condone the new relationship. Generational differences can also become very present when it…

TONAL TREAT Make pre-owned outfits look expensive by matching similar tones and colours. Actress Storm proves pink is a great option for spring. Pair a pleated skirt with a pinstripe shirt for a more playful vibe. MELLOW YELLOW Save the stress of choosing what to wear and invest in a co-ord that’ll give you a mood boost and endless styling potential. Layer up a white shirt with the bandeau top for smarter occasions. EASY BREEZY If you’re not a pastel enthusiast, use neutrals to break up the shades without minimising their punchy effect. Keep it soft with a cream gathered top and add a belt to cinch your waist. COOL AND CASUAL Opt for pale denim, whether it’s a skirt or jeans, to add similar tones to your look just…

7-13 MAY THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN TAURUS 20 APR – 20 MAY Every now and then, throwing caution to the wind is the best course of action. Some may call you frivolous, but the point is, if what you’re doing feels right, why are you even questioning it? If it’s worth the chance, go for it. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUN You’re in two minds: on the one hand, you’re chomping at the bit to get to the next exciting phase of life; on the other, you’re oh-so tired! This week, rest and restore. Eliminate distractions – meditate if you can. The choices you’re deliberating about require a still mind to solve. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope CANCER 21 JUN –…

It’s been four years since they went their separate ways after years of being on and off, but now Gemma Collins has shocked pals by saying that her ex, James “Arg” Argent, has her to thank for turning his life around. The former TOWIE star has also even admitted to pals that she would have married “this version” of him, but “it wasn’t to be”. RAKING UP MEMORIES Gemma, 42, who dated Arg, 36, for eight years between 2012 and 2020, is now happily engaged to her fiancé Rami Hawash, but it seems like seeing Arg flaunting his new look has brought up memories. A source close to The GC says, “Gemma is as happy as can be in her engagement bubble with Rami, but has confided that she would…

Victoria Beckham left fans in shock last week when she was snapped modelling her latest Mango collection. The former Spice Girl’s appearance sparked rumours that she’d recently undergone procedures – including lip filler and Botox. Now, Closer can reveal that the pressure to stay looking young has left Victoria, 50, stressed and her husband David, 49, worried about how far she might go. INSECURE An insider tells us, “David is concerned that Victoria’s feeling the pressure to keep herself from ageing and ensure she looks a certain way, so he’s been gently trying to dissuade her from going too far and ruining her natural looks. He understands that hitting 50 was a big milestone which sparked a lot of fears and insecurities, so he’s been making an extra effort to…

Amanda Holden was celebrating last week, after securing an impressive £500k deal with Netflix. She is reportedly lined up to host the streaming giant’s new dating show called Cheaters: Unfinished Business, which she has described as her “dream job”. THE FIRST STEP The news comes shortly after it was announced that Holly, 43, would host Bear Grylls’ new Netflix show Bear Hunt earning her £1million. Now, an insider close to Amanda tells Closer that joining the Netflix parade is part of the 53-year-old presenter’s grand plan to take over Hollywood and make a name for herself in the US. We’re told, “Bagging a show with Netflix is the start of Amanda’s long-term plan to work in the US. Last year, her agent helped her get a job working as a…

In January this year, Maddie Laing was looking through her requests on Instagram when she spotted a message from an anonymous account. “It looked like a spam account. It had no posts, no followers, it wasn’t following anyone,” she says. “The message just said, ‘Hi, this is you, right?’” STATE OF SHOCK The video attached to the message showed Maddie, 25, and her friend Phoebe, 24, walking, chatting and laughing in the middle of the day – with no idea they were on camera. “The video was probably about 30 seconds long,” says Maddie, an administrator. “It wasn’t like they’d just done a one-off shot. They’d obviously followed us for about five minutes. They’d filmed us for quite a while.” Maddie says she was in a “state of shock” as…

When Amy’s beloved pooch Wesley passed away, she was desperate to do something to cheer up herself and her timid pup, Stuart. In need of an adventure, she took Stuart paddleboarding, but thought her nervous pet would be too afraid to join her. However, to Amy’s surprise, Stuart sailed along the water, happily wagging his tail. With a new zest for life, Amy started dressing her pooch in cool outfits to match and Stuart became a bit of a local celebrity. COMPANION The former anxious pet now also enjoys bike rides and going for long hikes with Amy, and is a hit on social media too. Amy says, “I can’t believe how much Stu has transformed from that timid and sleepy puppy. I really can’t wait to explore more of…

Wedding bells could be ringing for Alexa Chung, who is rumoured to be engaged to her actor boyfriend, Tom Sturridge. Alexa, 40, and 38-yearold Tom – who were first linked back in July 2022 after attending Wimbledon together – were recently pictured sporting vintage-inspired bands on their ring fingers. Sources later shared that the couple are set to tie the knot later this summer, saying, “Alexa is over the moon”. Alexa has previously dated Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, 38, and actor Alexander Skarsgard, 47. Meanwhile, Tom previously dated model Sienna Miller, 42, from 2011 to 2015, welcoming daughter Marlowe, 11, in 2012 together.…

HOW IT WORKS: 1. Follow the menu. Feel free to repeat any days you enjoy! 2. Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of energy density (the calories per gram in food), of satiety (how filling a food is) and how easy a food is to overeat. It’s a simple way to cut calories without counting them and lose weight without going hungry. 3. Free Food is at the heart of the Slimming World plan. These are the foods you can enjoy without weighing, measuring or counting. There are more than 350 Free Foods to choose from, many of which we have incorporated into this plan. 4. On top of this, to ensure you’re getting a balanced and nutritious diet, you can enjoy measured amounts of…

VEG OUT Gosh! has launched two new plant-based products. Falafacini – a falafel + arancini fusion (£3.50) – and Glaze & Grill BBQ Kits (£4.50). Both are available from Ocado and Tesco. TOP MAYO Containing no seed oils, sugar or artificial preservatives, Hunter & Gather mayos are the best we’ve tasted. Choose from Classic, Garlic and Chipotle & Lime. £4/175g from Tesco. GREAT GRAIN A sustainable swap for rice and couscous, Fonio from Aduna Superfoods is glutenfree, nutrient-rich and delicious. £3.99/250g from Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Amazon and Aduna.com…

Anyone remember when Bumble launched? I recall stomping around the streets surrounding the former Closer offices seeing its logo projected onto the pavements. Its USP was that only women could message first, stopping the relentless stream of unwanted approaches (and gosh, penis pictures too) on dating websites (how old am I?) as well as Tinder. That was a decade ago and, wow, haven’t things changed! Well, I’m still single, so not much on that front – but in terms of the dating landscape, it’s unrecognisable. This hasn’t escaped Bumble either. It made the revolutionary move last week to end the long-standing mechanic where women have to make the first move. It says this is in response to users experiencing “exhaustion with the current online dating experience.” Amen to that. But…

Looking for shades for when the weather (eventually) brightens up for good? Boots Opticians has 25% off all designer sunglasses. • WHAT’S THE DEAL? Until 16 July, all designer sunglasses have 25% off – this includes the likes of Ray-Ban, Ted Baker, Mulberry and Chloe. • PICK THE RIGHT SHADE Sunglasses are sold in different categories, according to how dark the lenses are. Category 3 are dark enough for bright days, and only categories of 0-3 are safe for driving. • CHECK SAFETY To ensure your new sunnies offer safe UV protection, see if the frame features the CE or UV400 mark. The shade category should also be there, so, “C3” followed by “CE”. The CE mark shows that the sunglasses conform with the health, safety and environmental requirements of…

HANDS ON Gliding through strands as gently as running your fingers through your hair, combing is made easier, and hair breakage is reduced. EASY DRY Cut your prep time in half with this speedy, quickdry brush. The vented design makes blow-drying faster, with heat-resistant bristles. FAMILY FAVOURITE Loosening knots on both wet and dry hair without pulling or snagging, this awardwinning buy is great if you’ve got kids with long, tangle-prone locks. SLICK FIX Whether you want to add volume to the root, tame flyaways or master a sleek, slicked-back up-do, this brush is a must. SALON STANDARD This do-it-all blow-dry tool has smoothing boar bristles and a large, rounded shape to give you a lift and boost shine. FOR THE CURLS Designed for 3C-4C hair, this dual-sided brush has…

1 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST GRAND FINAL 2024 BIG NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT SAT 11 MAY, 8PM, BBC1 The world’s biggest music contest is here with the Grand Final! Entertaining commentary is live on the BBC1 and iPlayer from Graham Norton – with Scott Mills and Rylan over on BBC2 and BBC Sounds. Following Loreen’s victory in Liverpool last May, seven-time winner Sweden takes over as host of the competition – and this year also happens to mark the 50th anniversary of ABBA giving Sweden their first iconic win with the catchy Waterloo. It’s all eyes on Olly Alexander, flying the flag for the United Kingdom with his song Dizzy, and there is absolutely no way this boy is getting “nul points”! 2 DOCTOR WHO ALL NEW FACES SAT 11 MAY, 6.20/7.05PM, BBC1 Ncuti…

GRUMPY GRAM Oh dear, Rylan Clark, that’s a look that says Monday mornings should be made illegal. We’re with you on that – anyone else feel like voting for a year-long duvet day?…

Returning to the place where he first popped the question two years ago, Vicky Pattison and her husband-to-be, Ercan Ramadan, partied in style last week as they celebrated their joint “sten do” in Dubai. And while Vicky, 36, and Ercan, 30, may have spent big on their upcoming Italian nuptials this summer – with the reality TV star-turnedinfluencer admitting that the day is set to cost more than a house – the pair also spared no expense as they jetted their loved ones out to the celebrity top spot for a wild yacht party. Sharing a series of snaps from her special day on social media, former Geordie Shore star Vicky looked gorgeous in a white bikini and matching veil, which was customised with the words “Mrs PattiRam to be”…

When model Ophelia Zarewicz went online to buy some new makeup, she thought she’d found a bargain when she saw a Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser on eBay for just £15. The luxury make-up product, loved by stars including Madonna and Cindy Crawford, sells for £42, so Ophelia was thrilled. But when it arrived, all was not as it seemed… Ophelia, 29, says, “I didn’t immediately notice any issues with the packaging. What did strike me though was the smell. It had a slightly sour odour. But I didn’t think too much of it as I was happy to have saved over £25.” But Ophelia, who lives in Blackheath, London, soon regretted her purchase. She says, “Within 10 minutes of putting it on, my face started to burn. At first it…

She’s been brightening up our mornings for the past four decades, and now the prospect of becoming a grandmother for the first time is making Lorraine Kelly smile. “It’s fantastic. It’s the most exciting thing that has happened to our family in a long time,” she tells us, beaming. “Being Granny will be my badge of honour and the best title I’ve ever had in my life.” Lorraine and her husband Steve Smith’s daughter Rosie, 29, is pregnant with her first child – whose gender has not been revealed – and is due in August. “I am so looking forward to it and Rosie is going to be the best mum,” she says. “She’s really on it. She’s so organised, there are spreadsheets on everything. She’s very happy, very grown…

Jenny Frost Two years before she was drafted in to replace Kerry Katona in Atomic Kitten, Jenny flew the flag for the United Kingdom at the 1999 contest. As part of girlband Precious, the Liverpudlian star performed the song Say It Again, but the band – which also included former CBBC presenter Sophie McDonnell – failed to impress. Despite the tune being a hit in the UK, Belgium and Sweden, the band only managed to rack up 38 points, leaving Precious finishing in 12th place out of 23 entries. Celine Dion She is one of the biggest-selling female singers of all time, but most people forget that Eurovision is where Celine Dion got her big break. After releasing a number of Frenchlanguage albums in her homeland of Canada, Celine represented…

There’s no law preventing people from taking photographs or filming in public – this includes taking photos of other people’s children (although it is an offence to take “indecent” photographs of anyone under 18). Taking a photo of someone where they can reasonably expect privacy – such as inside their home or garden – is likely to breach privacy laws. If someone is consistently photographing you against your will when you are in public, it may be considered harassment or stalking, so contact the police.…

Love Island winners Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan have announced they are engaged, just over a year after winning the show. The couple, both 25, won over the hearts of each other and the public in the 2023 winter series of the show – the first hosted by Maya Jama. Former teacher Kai took to social media to share the happy news with his followers, uploading photos and video footage of the moment he popped the question as they sat on a riverboat in Cambridge. Social worker Sanam stunned in a white dress as she appeared shocked when Kai – who wore a Champagnecoloured blazer and white shirt – got down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage. He wrote alongside the announcement, “Introducing the next Mrs…

Junior Andre has confirmed he is officially off the market – with rumours swirling that the singer’s “secret girlfriend” is Celebs Go Dating star Jasmine Orr. Junior, 18, took part in a fan Q&A last week, revealing that he had “a good girl at home.” Although he didn’t share details, reports have alleged that Junior is dating 23-year-old Jasmine – who rose to fame on Celebs Go Dating last year, where she dated Love Island’s Adam Collard, 28. Sharing that Junior had already introduced his girlfriend to his dad Peter, 51, and step-mum Emily, 34, an insider revealed that he is “smitten”.…

BRODIE, 37: ‘I lost 4st and ran the London Marathon!’ Brodie Marks lives with her husband David and their sons, Harrison, 10, and Oscar, four, in Derbyshire. She works at Slimming World head office. Brodie says, “I first joined Slimming World 16 years ago and, after trying every diet going, I couldn’t believe how well it worked. But when my eldest son was born in 2014, I stopped going to the group and regained all the weight I’d lost. “Then, when getting pregnant for a second time proved difficult, I felt really low. Food became my way to comfort myself and my weight spiralled further. When we found out I was pregnant with Oscar, we were thrilled. I knew then I wanted to be a healthy mum to my two…

MEDICAL DOCTOR AND TV STAR ALEX GEORGE, 33, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND THE RUNNER’S HIGH IS LIKE NO OTHER… I used to play rugby and football, but this past year I’ve fallen in love with running. I also do weightlifting, but movement doesn’t always have to be strenuous. It can be just as beneficial to go for a walk. MY ENERGY LEVELS ARE LINKED TO MY DIET… I choose brown rice and pasta over white, which prevents spikes in blood sugar. If my energy levels do drop, I seek fresh air, practise breathwork techniques, or change my work environment for fresh inspiration. I FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR BETTER SLEEP… Getting natural sunlight in the morning is crucial for regulating your circadian rhythm. I restrict my…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK KATIE HOLMES Take double denim to the next level like Katie. The star paired her on-trend waistcoat with wide-leg jeans, square-toed loafers and a butter-hued belt for that pop of spring we’ll be copying all season long. IN THE NEWS… DEICHMANN TEAMS UP WITH GIOVANNA FLETCHER Europe’s leading footwear retailer, Deichmann, has recently announced its new S/S24 collab with author, podcaster and presenter Giovanna Fletcher. The busy mum-of-three explains, “The collection features a range of stylish and affordable shoes that are designed with busy women in mind.” The range includes all the footwear needed to stay on trend this season – think cute ballet flats, raffia sandals and retro trainers. With prices starting from just £19.99, what’s not to love? FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! EMBELLISHMENT…

W hat’s The Gathering about? VINETTE ROBINSON, 43: It’s centered around a group of teenagers and parents - starting at an illegal party, where one of the girls is attacked. It’s a thriller, a classic whodunit, but that doesn’t necessarily give justice to the piece. It’s essentially about the parentchild relationship, the things we do for our children, the control we exert and the control we lose. Tell us about your roles… WARREN BROWN, 45: I play Paul, the father of our lead protagonist, Kelly, who is an accomplished gymnast but who also hangs around with a gang of free runners. He’s a single dad who has lost his wife and the mother of his kids, so he ends up having to parent Kelly and her younger brother Tate on his own.…

1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or competition of any nature included in Closer magazine (a “Prize Draw”) unless otherwise expressly stated in the Prize Draw Notice. By entering a Prize Draw, entrants agree to be bound by these Rules. 2. Each Prize Draw is organised by Closer magazine, part of H Bauer Publishing Limited of registered address Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. In the event of a discrepancy between these…