Table of contents for Issue 944 in Closer

Relationships aren’t easy and for some it can take a long while to find The One. This week, Kerry Katona candidly tells us that until she met her fiancé Ryan, she had faked being in love throughout her three failed marriages. And Danielle Lloyd admits that her divorce from Jamie O’Hara still affects her now — despite discovering true happiness with husband Michael. Meanwhile, Bianca Gascoigne exclusively tells us about the surgery that’s made her feel more sexy — so much so, she’s not ruling out a reunion with Kris Boyson. On page 20, our obsession with the ultimate love seekers – the contestants on MAFS Australia — has one last hurrah as we look at what happened to the couples once the cameras left. The experts didn’t always create…

• Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s highly anticipated Oprah chat is set to air this week • In a Closer exclusive, Meghan’s infamous half-sister, Samantha, reveals her regrets over their family rift — and begs the former actress to heal their long-running feud • After years of digs aimed at her half-sister, she describes her sadness that son Archie will miss out on a special bond with his grandad, Thomas There’s barely a day that goes by when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aren’t headline news — but this week is set to be their most controversial yet. Following their Valentine’s Day announcement that they’re expecting their second child, their appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show is due to air later this week — with predictions that it could rock…

It’s been six months since Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding shockingly revealed she’s battling advanced-stage breast cancer, which was diagnosed early last year but has progressed to other parts of her body. And last week, the courageous star, who is having chemotherapy, thanked her fans for helping her through her “bad days”. Sarah, 39, revealed she’d enjoyed a “lovely but quiet Christmas” at home with her mum Marie and had used the time in between hospital visits to finish writing her tell-all autobiography — titled Hear Me Out — which she hopes will “show people the real me”. Sarah went on to share its synopsis, which read, “I can’t rewrite history; all I can do is be honest and wear my heart on my sleeve. It’s really the only way…

START WITH 10 MINS A DAY Spring is coming, which means longer days so there’s a perfect opportunity to get outside in the evenings and go for a brisk walk or gentle jog. You don’t need much more than comfortable clothing and a good pair of trainers to get into running, and it needn’t take up much time — start with ten minutes a day. SIGN UP WITH A BUDDY When the government guidelines allow, and you can exercise outdoors with one other person, team up with a friend to work out in the park and go for walks. It really helps motivation to make a pact with a pal. Why not try the Couch To 5k programme — look it up on the NHS website for a step-by-step plan…

Lauren Goodger showed off her growing baby bump last week after opening up to fans about her “difficult” pregnancy. Lauren, 34 – who is 19 weeks pregnant with her first child with boyfriend of six months Charles Drury, 23 – admitted the first three months had been challenging because of sickness and nausea, but said she’s “feeling better” and looking forward to having a “completely natural birth”. Taking part in an Instagram Q&A session with her followers, she said, “[I] found it quite difficult for the first three months. It’s just over as well and it’s just starting to get better, so yeah, just tired still, but not the sickness.” The first-time mum-to-be – who has revealed she’s hoping for a “water birth with candles” – added, “I want a…

After saying she “isn’t ready for children”, singer Ellie Goulding surprised fans last week by announcing she is seven months pregnant. The hitmaker said in July last year that kids weren’t on the agenda for her and husband Caspar Jopling, 29, but just one month later – during a getaway for their one-year wedding anniversary – they found out they were expecting. Ellie, 34, said in an interview that falling pregnant had made her “feel human”. She explained, “That [falling pregnant] was not the plan. The thought of getting pregnant didn’t seem like it could be a reality. But becoming pregnant kind of made me feel human. “It happens really quickly, and then you almost don’t believe it at first.” She managed to keep her pregnancy private throughout lockdown and…

Chloe Shelton, 23, is a nanny who lives in Leicestershire with her boyfriend Josh. She says, “I was seven when a school bully called me ‘fat’, and I started to restrict food. By the time I reached my teens, I was also taking laxatives, and exercising for at least two hours a day. At 16, I’d even limit my water intake. It was when I passed out during a lesson that the school nurse got in touch with the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service, who diagnosed me with anorexia. Since then, I’ve had to constantly fight the ‘anorexia voice’ in my head telling me not to eat – and I don’t always win. Back in March 2020, I wasn’t doing so well, and had been restricting food. So when…

She’s finally found happiness with fiancé Ryan Mahoney after enduring three rocky marriages, and a defiant Kerry Katona insists their romance will stand the test of time. Kerry’s been dating the 32-year-old personal trainer for three years and celebrated their engagement in Spain last August, completing her remarkable life transformation from troubled starlet to a happy and confident mum-of-five. FAIRY-TALE ENDING And fittingly, the couple – who met on a dating app – have now set their sights on helping others find love by launching their own bespoke dating app, Marnii. The star, who is training to become a life coach, hopes her fairy-tale ending will inspire others. She tells Closer, “People will say why would anyone turn to Kerry Katona for love advice, but I say, why not? I’ve…

Standby for more soggy bottoms, flaky pastries and creamy buns as a bunch of familiar faces enter the Bake Off tent for the annual starry version of the TV hit, in support of Stand Up To Cancer. Over the next five weeks, 20 celebrities will compete to become Star Baker under the watchful eyes of judges Prue and Paul, along with presenter Matt Lucas (sadly, there’s no Noel Fielding this time – who was on paternity leave with baby number two when this was being filmed). Hoping to impress with their baking skills are... Hollywood’s Daisy Ridley and James McAvoy, Olympic athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, comedians John Bishop, Tom Allen, Rob Beckett, Katherine Ryan and David Baddiel, plus documentary maker and Strictly star Stacey Dooley, Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall, YouTuber…

Lockdown left Amanda Hartley, 36, from Oxfordshire, feeling lonely, until Molly the cat came along. Amanda says, “I enjoy my own company, but when the UK went into the first lockdown last March, I realised I wasn’t used to spending so much time alone. Stuck at home, I hosted a few Zoom quizzes and took part in online Pilates classes, but my flat felt quiet and lonely. “I’d grown up with cats as my mum was always adopting rescues and strays. I’d always wanted to do the same, but the timing never felt right. Now, with the world in chaos, fostering an animal felt like a positive contribution during a strange time. A friend worked at Blue Cross and I knew about their fostering programme, so I messaged her. The…

She graced the cover of countless lads’ mags during her days as a glamour model, with her curvy 34E figure making her an instant hit with fans. But now Bianca Gascoigne says she feels sexier than ever after having her breasts reduced from an E to a B cup – and says she’s embracing a pared-back look. “I thought, ‘It’s time to grow up’. I’ve always been big hair, big eyelashes, big boobs and I’ve really gone a different way now,” she explains to Closer. “I love my new boobs. I feel sexier with smaller boobs, which I never thought I would say. I had an uplift as well, so they’re more pert. I feel younger and not as top-heavy.” The star, now 34, previously had two boob jobs, going…

We can now see the route out of this pandemic, but we need to be very aware to stop new variants messing up all our success with the jabs. The new variants can have slightly different symptoms, say experts. The most common symptoms with the Kent variant are a cough and fatigue, but you’re less likely to lose your sense of taste and smell. Meanwhile, public health officials say anyone in the North West should get a test with even a runny nose for the Liverpool variant, and the most commonly experienced early symptoms for COVID now are a headache (82 per cent of people get one) and fatigue (72 per cent feel exhausted). Scientists tracking symptoms say we should get a test for a sore throat, headache, fatigue or…

I nodded in agreement with Melinda Messenger when she revealed recently that she “would never make the first move” in dating, admitting her shyness was holding her back. It seems insane that someone with her incredible looks could ever have a crisis of confidence, but the vulnerability you feel dating even effects the genetically blessed. While I’m no Melinda, I feel I have hindered my love life because of a fear of reaching out first. I know it’s 2021 and women should make the first move whenever they want to – there are even apps, like Bumble, designed specifically for this. But it’s still hard to do. If you’re struggling too, just remember by a law of averages we will all be rejected more times than be accepted. I’ve had…

VEGAN TREAT • Chef Theo says, “This is a great recipe for using up any leftovers… pack it out with plenty of veg, all cooked in one pot!” STRAWBERRY TOFU YOGHURT SERVES 4 • 160ml agave syrup • 2tsp agar agar powder or 10g agar flakes (vegan gelatine) • 500g strawberries, fresh or frozen (defrosted if frozen) • 330g soft tofu • 2tbsp white tahini • Handful fresh strawberries, sliced, or strawberry jam, to decorate • Edible flowers, to decorate (optional) STEP 1 In a small saucepan, whisk together the agave syrup and agar agar powder or flakes with 115ml water. Bring to the boil, whisking occasionally. If using agar flakes, simmer for about 5 mins until the flakes have dissolved. STEP 2 While the agar liquid is still hot,…

MYLEENE’S TOMBOY TROUSERS TV presenter Myleene Klass borrows from the boys, favouring masculine tailoring in flattering shapes. Wide-legged, high-waisted trousers balance out pear shapes – trade smart nipped-in blazers for slimline sweatshirts for a more casual spin. And always layer the look. WEAR WITH… ISLA’S FLOWER-POWER FROCKS Actress Isla Fisher loves a vibrant print, and her wardrobe is packed with pretty, patterned dresses. Fluffy textures and colourful pop accents help the dainty shapes pack extra punch. Experiment with belts, faux-fur coats or gilets and boyish boots to cosy up until summer. WEAR WITH… ASHLEY’S KNOCK-OUT BOOTS Ashley Roberts has turned her commute into a catwalk over the past few months. The radio host is rarely seen without a pair of sassy knee-high boots, which add a cool retro feel to…

You’re joining The Circle! I’m so excited! I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun. I like the show anyway. I caught Richard Madeley on it the last time I was watching [the broadcaster was a celebrity guest pretending to be a 27-year-old PR girl…], and I thought it was really fun. What do you like about the show? I feel like you can have a bit of fun with it. I was debating whether I should be myself or whether I should be a man – or try and play another character, but I’ve decided I’m going to be myself. I’m just looking forward to having a nice week on my own, chilling out. It’ll be quite nice after spending months stuck in my house – it’s…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) THE SECRET GARDEN B) JULIET, NAKED NAME THE STARS 1) ELLIE GOULDING 2) PRINCESS EUGENIE GUESS THE CELEB A) STEPHEN MULHERN B) OCTAVIA SPENCER WORD LINK A) BATH B) SHOP C) CENTRE D) TOTAL E) PROOF F) WASHING SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 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/co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or…

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She has long been a thorn in her side, but in a dramatic U-turn, it seems that Meghan Markle’s half-sister, Samantha, is no longer wanting to take aim at her sibling. In a rare and emotional interview, she now tells of her sadness over Meghan and Harry’s estrangement from their families. With Harry mostly unable to fly back to London due to the pandemic, it’s meant that Archie has barely seen his grandparents or his cousins — Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children, George, seven, Charlotte, five, and Louis, two. While Meghan has remained completely cut off from her dad’s side of the family. And Samantha, 56, says she fears Archie will miss out the most if Meghan’s three-year battle with her father, Thomas Markle, continues. Seeming surprisingly regretful of…

In her first public appearance in 14 months, Cheryl met up with amputee Billy Monger before his upcoming triathlon for Comic Relief. The singer — who confessed she hadn’t left her Surrey mansion for work since the pandemic started — urged fans to support racing driver Billy, who lost both his legs following a crash in 2017, as he takes on his 140-mile charity challenge. Cheryl, 37 — mum to Bear, three, from her relationship with ex Liam Payne, 27 — said, “Today is the first day I’ve actually been somewhere to work and I went to meet up with Billy Monger. If you haven’t heard of him, you should really go and look him up… He is incredible.” The star was last seen in public in January 2020 during…

Louise Redknapp received an outpouring of support last week, after revealing she was left feeling suicidal in the wake of her split from footballer husband Jamie. The former Eternal singer, 46 – whose 19-year marriage came to an end in 2017 – also expressed her regret over not trying to save her relationship with Jamie, 47, with whom she shares sons Charley, 16, and Beau, 12. She said, “Before anyone could stop me, I just ran as fast as the wind would take me. I never once looked behind, until maybe too late. I should have paused for a minute and thought about other people and had just a bit more time to work out why I felt I couldn’t do it any more. All I know is, I wish…

After undergoing six rounds of IVF treatment, Paloma Faith welcomed her second child – another girl – with partner Leyman Lahcine last week. The singer, 39, shared her baby news on Instagram and told fans her daughter arrived via C-section. However, a few days later, she posted a tearful video saying she felt “exhausted and swollen” after being diagnosed with acute engorgement, a condition that makes breastfeeding extremely difficult and left her with cracked nipples. She also shared a snap of herself with cabbage leaves in her bra – a remedy due to its anti-inflammatory properties. She wrote, “This is what your milk coming in does to you. It f**ks you up. Now my nips have cracked too. Engorged. Cracked. Emotional. Missing first child. Great combo.” Paloma – who’s never…

From a surge in “at-home” workouts, to cook-a-longs with celebrity chefs, much of the nation’s lockdown activities have seemed to involve eating or keeping fit. But for the 1.25 million people in the UK that have an eating disorder, this focus on food and exercise during an already extremely stressful time has been hugely damaging. Eating disorder charity Beat has seen an 81 per cent increase in calls to its helpline during the pandemic. And almost nine out of 10 people who already had eating disorders said that their symptoms had worsened since March 2020. The number of under-18s with eating disorders being referred to NHS secondary mental health services – which are usually reserved for those with serious or complex issues – rose by 46 per cent from 2019…

Jess: ‘My new man knows the “real” me’ She’s been one of the show’s most divisive characters after causing shockwaves when she began an “affair” with co-star Dan Webb behind her husband Mick’s back. But in the final vows, Jessika Powers and her new man Dan pledged to give their relationship a go and walked away happy. Jess, 28, subsequently moved over 2,000 miles across Australia to be with Dan, and the pair moved in together. But cracks in their relationship started to show when they appeared on chat show Talking Married and Dan was shown a clip of Jess flirting with castmate Nic earlier on in the series. Looking visibly upset, he said, “I wish I didn’t watch that tonight to be honest with you”, adding that he wasn’t…

Kerry opened up last week about her mental health on social media, admitting that, despite being happier than ever, she still feels low from time to time. She says, “I took this picture after I’d been crying for no reason. My life is the best it’s ever been, yet the night before, I’d been suffering with bad anxiety. I have bipolar too and I have my down days and struggle on a daily basis. I stayed in my bed all day and that’s when I know I’m depressed. For me, being in my bedroom is a massive trigger because it takes me back to being with my ex Mark and hiding away from the world. Ryan’s massively supportive and has had to learn a lot around about mental health and…

At the start of lockdown last March, Achante Richardson was struggling to find work as she saw job opportunities dry up. But three years after leaving college with a distinction in graphic design, Achante, 21, is now making a fortune doing something else graphic – posing for sexy pictures with her mum! Wearing risqué underwear, they pose for photos and video shoots – and mum-of-two Jessie Jo Richardson, 53, and Achante, 21, are raking in thousands with their unique selling point. Jessie Jo has been doing adult work for 13 years, as a way to save money for her son, Romario, 23, who has severe health issues due to an underdeveloped pituitary gland, and will never live independently. Surprisingly, she was the one who suggested Achante get involved in the…

Social-media influencers and a host of reality stars have faced a backlash in recent months for their work trips abroad to places like Dubai during lockdown. I read recently that some of them can make up to £5K per Instagram post. I can understand why this type of thing has bothered people, as we’re all really struggling at the moment mentally. However, I also think we need to remember that this pandemic has hit a lot of people hard financially. I had several work ventures cancelled and some of my friends in the entertainment industry are really struggling. Influencers aren’t able to be furloughed – so they’re doing what they have to do. It may seem unfair, but we all need to pay our bills. Many of us might do…

They both filmed their extravagant weddings on Selling Sunset – the hit reality show that follows the dramas at one of America’s top estate agents with a host of ultra-luxury mansions on view. But the upcoming fourth season, set to air later this year, is unlikely to see realtors Mary Fitzgerald and Christine Quinn as best friends. Last month, Christine, 32, announced that she’s three months pregnant with her first baby with businessman husband Christian Richard, 41, who she married in December 2019 on the show in a million-dollar gothic ceremony. It’s reported that the outspoken star only told fellow realtor Davina Potratz (who has since left the agency) that she was expecting a baby. Mary and Christine had started off as close pals and previously lived together before the…

Exercise combats stress, making you feel healthier and raising your self-esteem, but if you choose the wrong type, it can do the reverse. Take high-intensity cardio, for example. Instead of making you feel calm, it can mimic the panicky feelings that you have during an anxiety attack – a racing heart and breathlessness. This is why thinking about what you want to achieve from exercise is key. If you want to soothe stress, then trying Pilates or tai chi is way more likely to help you to wind down and relax. For other people, a quick jog can leave them feeling refreshed. It’s important to tune in to how you feel during and after. Exercise doesn’t have to be formal, getting active is what counts, and getting outside to take…

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IS… running the London Marathon in 2018. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I raised a lot of money for Parkinson’s UK, which is a charity close to my heart. My grandmother was diagnosed with it aged 40 and it’s really affected how she lives her life. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS… flying. I had hypnotherapy to help me get over it. My fear stemmed from when I was flying in a tropical storm during a school trip and I genuinely thought I was going to die. MY BIGGEST REGRET IS… going on Love Island in 2018, because I’m quite a private person. But I did meet some great people on there. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN WAS… from my grandfather, who…

INSIDE HONEY G’S FRIDGE • Natural yoghurt • Honey • Camembert • Brie • Pickled cucumber • Tomato ketchup • Caesar dressing • French dressing • Nando's Peri-Peri sauce • Raspberries • Avocados • Mozzarella • Apples • Salmon • Chicken breast fillets • Diced sweet potato • Aubergine • Bro-ccoli • Ribena • Courgette • Lettuce • Sweet potatoes • Sparkling water • Whole milk HONEY G How much do you spend per week? Maybe around £100. I prefer to go to supermarkets than shop online. Describe your daily diet… I try to stick to a healthy diet and I’m mindful of portion sizes (she lost 2st by overhauling her lifestyle during the first lockdown in March). Breakfast is a bowl of porridge or scrambled eggs on seeded brown…

LAYER PLAYER Sleeveless coats are a versatile choice and a great way to look put together without too much effort. Layer over knits or jackets now and over shirts in warmer weather. ZARA £49.99 SUNSHINE POP Punctuate a plain wardrobe with a bright yellow overcoat. This will add a burst of sunshine to any outfit, while the tie belt will cinch you in at the waist. NA-KD £53.99 ALL-WEATHER WONDER This ticks all the boxes. The water-repellent material will keep you dry, while the two-way collar allows you to change up the look as well as shield you from the wind. MANGO £89.99 BERRY NICE Fight off the cold while showing off your sartorial know-how with this snuggly number. The berry shade is a great alternative to black, and it…

STEAL HER STYLE…

MUST READ Behind Closed Doors (CATHERINE ALLIOTT) Lucy Palmer seems to have it all: loving children, a successful husband and a gorgeous home. But when her marriage comes to an abrupt end, she is forced to move back to her childhood home – and it throws her into the path of an old flame. Is she ready to let someone in – or will she leave the door to her past firmly closed? We couldn’t put this brilliant book down. TUNE IN Zara Larsson Poster Girl Swedish pop princess Zara Larsson is back with her third studio album – all at the age of 23! Including new single Talk About Love (Featuring Young Thug) and super-cool tracks WOW and Ruin My Life, we expect nothing but great things from this…

2-8 MARCH IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Your challenge is to work through fears as if your future depends upon it – because it does! Whether it means talking to a friend or a counsellor, figure out which fears are holding you back. Do that and you’ll set yourself up nicely. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR There could be positive developments around love or money. Things can change quickly in your favour. Money could come out of the blue or there could be a declaration of love! Join Yasmin’s free Moon Lite Club and learn how to make a wish on the Moon! moonmessages.com/moonlite ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR It seems the world is divided into two types of people – the ones who need to…

❛KIM COULD WRITE A BOOK ON HOW TO THRIVE AND SURVIVE DIVORCE❜ They were once the king and queen of the showbiz world — but last month it emerged that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s almost seven— year marriage was officially over, with Kim filing for divorce. The couple — who have children North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, and Psalm, one – are planning to share joint custody of their brood, and are resorting to their pre-nuptial agreement — which will see Kim, 40, keep their Bel Air family home and receive around £6m from Kanye, 43. The pair had reportedly been living apart and had very little contact since an argument during Kim’s 40th birthday celebration in Polynesia. Rumours of an impending split had been brewing since last…

She’s battled her weight demons over the years, yo-yoing between a size 6 and size 20 throughout her life. And after admitting she was unhappy with her size 16 figure last year, Chanelle Hayes embarked on a new health and fitness regime — and her efforts have clearly paid off! The former Big Brother star, 33, was pictured in her gym gear on a dog walk last week, looking happy, healthy and notably slimmer, and fans rushed to congratulate the mum-of-two on her new figure. One wrote, “Wow – good on her!” while another posted, “She looks healthy. Well done her”. At the end of 2019, 5ft 2 Chanelle — who is dating accountant Dan Bingham — told Closer how, at size 16, she didn’t feel happy or confident in…

Danielle Lloyd never imagined she’d find love again after filing for divorce from footballer Jamie O’Hara in 2014. But in 2018, the star celebrated her marriage to electrician Michael O’Neill in Dubai, following the birth of their son Ronnie, now three. For Danielle – also mum to boys Archie, ten, Harry, nine, and George, seven, with ex Jamie – it was “perfect”. But while the former Miss Great Britain has finally found happiness in her love life, she continues to struggle with her mental health. Last year, she told Closer she’d suffered a breakdown as a result of lockdown and was taking medication. While Danielle reveals she is feeling much better, saying that asking for help was the best thing she could have done, she admits that the impact of…

New parents Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were spotted enjoying a child-free beach day in Hawaii last week, shortly after the singer praised her fiancé for being “such a great support” during the birth of their daughter Daisy. Katy, 36 – who gave birth in October last year – told chat show host Jimmy Kimmel that the actor, 44, had filmed the birth, adding, “He was such a great support. He was there and he was so wonderful and just like holding my hand and looking into my eyes.” Meanwhile, fans have praised the American Idol judge for showing off her “real” post-baby body. One wrote, “Respect to her for not following the crowd and attempting to lose any of the pregnancy weight! Real woman,” while another credited her “normal,…

Cara Dee, 35, is an influencer who lives in Portsmouth. She says, “I’ve always been curvy, and was 14 when I started counting calories. Then aged 19, I went on a meal replacement diet. My calorie intake was so restricted that I could have the odd Mars bar and still lose weight. “But I soon fell into a habit of restricting and binge-eating. I’d buy mountains of sweets or get two takeaways at a time, eating 8,000 calories in one go. I’d even fish my leftovers out of the bin. I carried on in this way for years and my weight crept up. It was six years before I finally researched my behaviour online and discovered bingeeating disorder (BED). In 2016, I started counselling and learned that I used binges…

Jules: ‘We’d like an army of kids!’ They only had eyes for each other from the moment they met, and two years down the line, Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant really have found their happy-ever-after. Hairdresser and make-up artist Jules, 38, and former pro cricketer Cam, 37, have not only had their “real” wedding – after getting officially engaged at the final vows – but are also now parents to six-month-old baby Oliver. The couple sailed through the experiment drama-free – often being the voices of reason at the dinner parties while their castmates locked horns. And they only went from strength to strength in the real world, getting married in November 2019 in a lavish ceremony – estimated to have cost around £45K – which was covered by TV…

It took just over 90 seconds for two- year-old James Bulger to be lured away from his mum Denise as she paid for her shopping on a February afternoon 28 years ago. At just ten years old, his abductors Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were so young themselves that the brutality of James’ killing was unbelievably shocking. The terrible murder was too much for Denise and her husband, Ralph, to bear. They struggled to console each other and, after having another son, Michael, in December 1993, the pair eventually split. VANISHED Now, in a new Channel 5 documentary, Lost Boy: The Killing Of James Bulger, Michael, 27, along with James’ other brothers, Thomas, 22, and Leon, 21, from Denise’s second marriage to Stuart Fergus, talk for the first time about…

• Psychological therapist, Emma Kenny says, “A lot of people are struggling financially and feeling pressure to earn money. OnlyFans is being used by celebrities like Lauren Goodger and Cardi B, so people see it is a legitimate income, especially as you have no physical interaction with clients, making it relatively safe. But at the end of the day, you’re still a sex worker. “Mothers and daughters should have a really special bond, but they also need boundaries. And if a mother encourages a child into sex work, the emotional liability will be on the mother – it could cause tension later in life. Also, we live in a society where people judge sex workers harshly. If you go into that kind of work at such a young age, it…

She’s famed for her body-positive Instagram posts, often poking fun at her “jelly belly” and “double chin” – and new mum Charlotte Dawson is applying the same mantra with her post-partum figure. In fact, the reality TV star – who gave birth to son Noah in early February – says she is happiest showing off “big Bridget knickers and maternity pads”. And ahead of new MTV show Famous And Pregnant, she tells Closer she hopes it “makes other mums feel better” about their post-pregnancy bodies. Charlotte, 28, says, “I want to show real life and make other mums feel better about it and be relatable. You’ve just got to embrace the tiger stripes – we’ve earned them, darlings. “I want to show people that I’m not just going straight on…

Canine Partners assists people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs, whose wellbeing is a key consideration. The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle and they are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency. But before the clever canines start assisting their new partners, the dogs are cared for by volunteer “puppy parents” across the UK, who look after adorable puppies from eight weeks old to 14 months in their own home, before the dogs begin assistance training. Julie Wilks, 46, has been a puppy parent for a year, looking after one-year-old…

CHRISHELL ON NEW CELEB ROMANCE: “I’m grateful. I had the best experience [on Dancing With The Stars] but this to me is the coolest thing. To have this come from it, I’m just very smitten.” ROMAIN ON JOINING THE AGENCY: “You’re definitely going to be seeing me on this season, but not as an agent. I’ve been working a lot with the Oppenheim Group as a project manager.” CHRISTINE ON COMPETITION BETWEEN THE TWINS: “Brett [one half of the Oppenheim brothers who previously co-owned the brokerage] has left to start his own brokerage. We don’t know who will move where. It may be the battle of the brokerages! I think season four is going to be the juiciest ever.” DAVINA ON WORKING FOR A RIVAL: “I certainly hope that I’m…

Arguably, all depression is caused by loss. I don’t just mean loss in terms of bereavement; I mean the loss of anything you’re used to, and we’ve all lost so much in the last year. This lockdown is also making us all more aware of our emotions and our needs, which is important. We’re learning what we need to feel good. NOTICE IF YOU ARE LACKING ENTHUSIASM One of the really horrible things about depression is that you stop thinking about and caring for yourself. There’s all this advice to be aware of depression, and while suffering from the condition doesn’t make you unaware, it stops you bothering to look or care. It isn’t abnormal to feel low at the moment – but depression would be a persistent feeling of…

Everyone recognises how difficult the past year has been for kids, and they will be acting out in different ways. Teens may be withdrawn, demotivated, emotional and sleeping more than usual. They are struggling and require compassion, structure, and hope. PLAN THEIR DAYS As the return to school approaches, help older kids to formulate a daily routine, making sure they get up early enough to practise self-care by having a shower and eating a nutritious breakfast. Create a space where they can do their school work and make sure they schedule regular breaks to eat, exercise, relax, and chat to their friends. Get them involved with chores – you can do these together while listening to uplifting music of their choice. Try to get out for a walk with them…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Our spending habits have changed hugely in the last year, and with the roadmap to freedom laid out, it would be tempting to go back to our old ways. But a better idea would be to enjoy our new freedoms and keep our spending lessons. Here Adam Bullock, UK Director of cashback site TopCashback, explains how we can have fun, but spend less. ENJOY STAYCATIONS AWAY FROM HOT SPOTS Holidaying in the UK soared in 2020 and may be a safer option this year too, but avoid obvious locations. “There are many beautiful destinations in the UK that you might not have considered, such as Portpatrick in Scotland, Aberaeron in Wales and Hastings and Lincoln in England. All great alternatives to…

GET HER LOOK MOLLIE KING Mollie offers a lesson in ’70s-style dressing thanks to her vibrant get-up. The orange cardigan tucked into high-waisted, wide-leg jeans is the ultimate figure flatterer, while the tan belt and complementing bag pull everything together. Gold hoops add a glam finishing touch. IN THE NEWS... PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD WITH NADIYA’S EDIT FOR NEXT Being a mum and a busy TV chef means that Nadiya Hussain knows a thing or two about the need for comfy footwear. So she’s put her know-how to work by curating an edit of chic shoes, trainers and boots at Next. They all boast practicality and style without the big spend. You can boost your spring ensembles too, minus any ouch, from just £29! EVERYBODY’S WEARING... PLUSH TEDDY COATS…

CLEAR YOUR COMPLEXION Oily skin, stress or hormone imbalances can all cause blemishes. Natural exfoliant salicylic acid is a key ingredient to keep spots at bay – it’s best used in a toner, swept over the face after cleansing. Astringent ingredients can dry out skin, so to balance this out buddy up with a serum rich in hyaluronic acid. The super hydrator soothes flakiness, but is oil-free so a good choice for acne-prone skin. PEP-UP TIRED SKIN Dull skin can add years to anyone’s face! Vitamin C is the answer – it’s a powerful antioxidant that will brighten up your complexion. It’s best used in a serum, applied after cleansing, before your moisturiser. Dark circles can be an issue here too – they’re best treated with a caffeine-based eye cream,…

1 RETURN TO DUNBLANE WITH LORRAINE KELLY MARKING 25 YEARS THU 11 MARCH, 9PM, ITV On 13 March 1996, gunman Thomas Hamilton shot dead 16 children and their teacher in the gym hall of Dunblane Primary School – before killing himself. TV presenter Lorraine Kelly – who reported on the events for GMTV – here makes an emotional return to the small Scottish town, revisiting the scene of the UK’s only mass school shooting. “It’s 25 years and it never really does go away,” she says. “Reporting on what happened was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.” The “sensitive yet important” film aims to throw light on how the community quietly and resiliently pulled together, with Lorraine speaking to survivors and families of the victims.…