Table of contents for Issue 1032 in Closer

This Christmas will mark nearly three years of silence between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, whose once friendly relationship collapsed in the months of drama that ensued in the aftermath of “Megxit” in January 2020. And their deep-rooted rift has shown no signs of healing, despite Kate, 40, and Meghan, 41, being just inches apart from each other at both the Queen's Jubilee celebration in June and, sadly, her funeral in September. Royal experts have made it clear there could be a question mark hanging over Prince Harry and Meghan's Royal titles if they continue to throw their trademark “truth bombs” at the monarchy in their controversial new Netflix documentary as well as in Harry's upcoming emoir Spare. Now, in an unexpected turn of events, a source reveals to Closer…

A FRESH START FOR BECKY & JAMIE She's had a tough year, and Rebekah Vardy could be facing further upheaval as insiders say her husband Jamie Vardy may be gearing up to leave his club, Leicester City. Rebekah was ordered to pay a whopping £1.5m towards Coleen Rooney's legal costs, on top of her own, after losing the infamous Wagatha Christie court case, which played out over the summer. And after 11 years at Leicester – where Jamie is paid £140k a week – sources say he is keen on a move which would give him a pay rise, even if that means playing abroad. The source says, “Jamie is 35 now, so he is coming closer to the end of his career and wants to make one final transfer…

Helene Phillips, 68, from Carlisle, Cumbria, has volunteered with Mission Christmas for six years. Helene says, “I began volunteering after seeing a Facebook post from my friend Sara Oldham, who was involved with Mission Christmas. I thought the idea of giving presents to children who otherwise wouldn't get any was really lovely. “It's always amazing to see people's kindness and generosity. I'm a parent and a grandparent, so I know it must be so hard on parents who are struggling as Christmas approaches. “Mission Christmas is such a wonderful charity to be involved with and it's so simple for you to help. “When you do your present shopping, just pick up an extra gift and drop it into your local collection point. It doesn't have to be anything expensive, but…

From pampering must-haves to gadgets galore, we've found the best pressies – to suit every budget JUST FOR HER Luxe-looking gifts for all round smiles £50 & UNDER This squashy bag with adjustable straps looks far more luxe than its price tag. MANGO £45.99 Cult luxury skincare essentials – yes, please. PRO COLLAGEN CLEANSING BALM TRIO, ELEMIS £49 £35 & UNDER An adorable vanity case to stash beauty essentials. STORAGE UNIT, STYLEPRO £29.99 New PJs are always welcome – these are divine. PJS, MARKS & SPENCER £25 FOR SET Give their phone a new look with this colourful cover. PHONE CASE, KIN & CASTLE £22 Comfy slippers that mimic clogs – a fashion hit. SLIPPERS, NEXT £25 £20 & UNDER Chocolate for your 24-carat gold best friend. CHOCOLATES, JOHN LEWIS…

After years of swiping, albeit with little success, it fascinates me how things in the dating world have gone full circle and now we're even reverting back to blind dating – remember that? You know when you were set up with a friend of a friend? How innocent and simple dating back then seems in retrospect. Introducing the new app, Blindee, whose USP is blind dating. It facilitates three-minute video calls which are blurred so you can't see much, if anything. These calls are set up between singles who match each other's preferences. As the call goes on, you can opt to gradually see more of each other and then, when the timer is up, you can ask if you want to continue – if the feeling is mutual then…

To help with the cost-of-living crisis, the government has asked broadband suppliers to give affordable, flexible social tariffs to people on certain benefits. If you're with a company that doesn't have a deal yet (TalkTalk, Shell, EE, Plusnet, O2 and Three), you may be charged to leave a contract early, so check first. •VODAFONE: Essentials Broadband has download speeds of up to 38Mbps for £12 a month, for those claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). •COMMUNITY FIBRE: For £12.50 a month the Essential broadband product is cheap, but slow at 10Mbps. For £17.99 per month you can get 150Mbps. •VIRGIN MEDIA: £12.50 a month for Essential broadband, but it's only for people claiming Universal Credit and has 15Mbps average download speed. •BT: £15 per month Home…

HERO BUYS A jumpsuit is a great way to make a statement while keeping comfortable. Pair with a white shirt and flowing trousers for a cool and cosy look. With a tie-waist and V-neck detail, this stylish mini is flattering for all body shapes. For a subtle take on the trend, let your accessories do the talking. MAKE IT WORK Running out of ideas/inspiration for your work wardrobe? Luckily, co-ords do all the hard work for you. We'll be wearing this set with kneehigh boots and a bold handbag in winter, but it'll look just as stylish in summer with strappy sandals. WEAR IT WITH… A look-good, feel-good trainer that you'll wear season after season. MADE FROM RESPONSIBLY SOURCED COTTON Give an extra nod to the groovy era with these…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 19-25 NOV 1 STRICTLY COME DANCING: BLACKPOOL SPECIAL TO THE BLACKPOOL TOWER! SAT 19 / SUN 20 NOV, 7.45 / 7.20PM, BBC1 We haven't had the much-loved Blackpool episode for two years owing to Covid travel restrictions, but now it returns (yay!), with the excited celebrities traveling to the iconic Tower Ballroom to strut their stuff in front of judges Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas. A firm favourite with fans, we can expect some quality moments (remember Stacey Dooley flying in on a stick of rock, or Ed Balls playing a burning piano?). The results show on Sunday sees the brilliant Sam Ryder banging out tunes. Weekend viewing sorted. 2 THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW MORE GREAT GUESTS FRI 25 NOV, 10.40PM, BBC1…

She looked madly in love (and lust!) during a PDA-packed holiday in Turkey with fiancé Ryan Mahoney. And pals say that Kerry Katona can't wait to tie the knot for the fourth time. The former Atomic Kitten singer has a history of rocky marriages, first to Westlife star Brian McFadden (2002-2006), then to taxi driver Mark Croft (2007-2011) and lastly to late rugby player George Kay (2014-2017). But insiders say Kerry is adamant this time it's forever with personal trainer Ryan. A source says, “Kerry's completely loved-up with Ryan and he's everything she's always wanted. They had a blast on holiday together and couldn't keep their hands off of each other. “Kerry fancies the pants off him but also thinks he's great company. They're always having a laugh together and…

The run-up to the festive season is never an exciting prospect for Samantha Turner* – in fact, it's a time of apprehension. Samantha, 39, from Liverpool, works for a charity that provides safe refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence and, every Christmas, the refuge is full due to annual spikes in cases. Samantha says, “My job is to offer one-to-one support for children and help them deal with the domestic abuse they have witnessed or suffered. MAKE A DIFFERENCE “Most of the kids have no idea what a happy and safe Christmas is like. Many have never received a present others have seen their gifts smashed up, burnt or sold. It's vital the refuge gives the kids a great Christmas.” Charities such as Cash for Kids help disadvantaged…

LIZZIE: ‘George is pop royalty – he'd love an invite to the Palace from Mike!’ Within days of entering the camp, pop icon Boy George had already found himself at the centre of the drama when he butted heads with broadcaster Charlene White over how to cook kangaroo sausages. Days later, the Culture Club star, 61, was also in tears as he spoke emotionally of his fears over losing his mum when she was hospitalised during the pandemic – candidly confessing he would have walked out of the camp the moment controversial former Health Secretary Matt Hancock entered if she had died. And when Closer caught up with his good friend Lizzie Cundy, she revealed she isn't surprised George has been stirring things up. She says, “He's being himself and…

INDULGENT SLICE (Tesco Finest Spiced Pumpkin Latte Cake, £3) Taking inspiration from the iconic drink, tuck into a slither of spiced pumpkin sponge filled with Brazilian coffee buttercream and topped with sweet frosting. Ideal for cosy nights. SPEEDY MEAL (Kabuto Noodles, Sainsbury's, £1.85) For a flavourful and convenient lunch, try these new Mexican taco and Indian masala inspired pots which are 100% recyclable and contain no plastic to rip. Simply add boiling water and wait 3-4 minutes.…

STRICTLY DANCER LUBA MUSHTUK, 32, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I START THE DAY WITH FRESH JUICE… I went on a 10-day retreat with ex-NFL star Jason Bell, who was my Strictly partner in 2020, and we just juiced. It was amazing and I felt incredibly well afterwards. So now I have a juice every day and, once a month, I have a detox day where I just drink juice or eat watermelon to cleanse my stomach. DANCING IS AN INCREDIBLE FORM OF EXERCISE… but I also love running and stretch every day. I do Pilates whenever I can as it really makes me feel good. If I'm feeling low, physical exercise really clears my head. IN THE EVENING I LIGHT A CANDLE TO RELAX… I…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK… ASHLEY ROBERTS Former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts is a monochrome wonder in this 2-in-l striped jumper dress from River Island. Pictured with a blacktailored coat draped over her shoulders, matching black accessories, plus knee-high boots, it's French-girl fashion at its finest. Très chic! EXACT MATCH PARTYWEAR PICKS UNDER £40 There's no better time to sparkle and shine than at Christmas, and you don't have to splash out to make a statement. From sequin staples and satin frocks to luxe layering pieces, these purse-friendly party picks from £15.99 will bring the festive feels to your winter wardrobe. STYLE CRUSH: LUPITA NYONG'O Actress Lupita Nyong'o, 39, is a professional at nailing off-duty glam as well as wowing on the red carpet In the navy Showcasing another stunning outfit,…

NON – DRYING Featuring a matching lipstick and liner, this handy 2-in-1 product is perfect for on-the-go top-ups, with long-lasting colour and added shea butter and rosehip oil to keep the lips hydrated. There are 11 shades to pick from, including a warm brown to get that ‘90s nude look. SCULPTED BY AIMEE CONNOLLY LIP DUO, £17 TWIST & GO! Not only does this velvety formula deliver powerful pigment, the handy twist-up applicator means you won't need a sharpener for touch-ups. The vegan formula comes in seven pink-brown shades, including a clear one that claims to prevent colour bleeding. MAKEUP REVOLUTION IRL FILTER FINISH LIP DEFINER, £3.99 UNBEATABLE LONGEVITY If you're looking for a lippie to last, this has a creamy, blendable liner on one end and a gel-style setter…

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…

She's had a turbulent run in her personal life over the past year, but Helen Skelton tells Closer she's having the absolute time of her life on Strictly and is embracing the experience. She says, “Strictly's a total joy and a total privilege. It's fun and it's work, but it's just a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I think Strictly is positivity and good vibes, and it's making people happy. So it's a pleasure to be part of it – it feels like a holiday, honestly!” Countryfile presenter Helen hit headlines earlier this year when it emerged that she was splitting from her husband of eight years, professional rugby player Richie Myler – just four months after welcoming their third child Elsie. The 39-year-old – who is also mum to Louis, seven, and…

The Mission Christmas team have hand-picked a selection of gifts to meet demand forage categories where they're struggling to secure enough donations. Your donated gift will be shipped directly to Mission Christmas HQ, ready to be sorted and distributed to a child or young person in time for Christmas morning. The Gift List will close at 2pm on Monday 19 December. • Go to cfk.org.uk/mission for more information or to donate online visit cfk.org.uk/giftlist • Text MISSION to 70905 to give £5 *Costs £5 + 1 standard message. 100% of the £5 goes to Cash for Kids. 16+ only. Please obtain the bill payer's permission. Customer care 01642 605681. Full terms and conditions at cashforkids.org.uk/textdonate. • Scan the QR code to be taken to the donation page.…

NEWS While she appeared to be happily enjoying her lavish holiday last week with her fiancé Lorri Haines, Ferne McCann was no doubt left reeling as she faced a new explosive voice note drama when another shocking and expletive-filled recording emerged. In the voice note, which was released through an anonymous Instagram account, a voice which sounds like Ferne, 32, is heard referring to one of the victims of her ex Arthur Collins’ acid attack as a “silly b***h” and an“ugly c**t.” Although she doesn't name the victim directly, Ferne is thought to be talking about former Miss England contestant Sophie Hall, who made a dress for the 2018 beauty contest out of recycled newspaper headlines detailing the horrific attack, which left her traumatised and with life-long scarring. “I don't…

Lisa Squire was working a night shift as a nursery nurse on a maternity ward when one of her daughter Libby's university friends called her out of the blue. Lisa recalls, “She said, ‘We can't find Libby.’ They'd gone on a night out and put her in a taxi home at 11pm, but she was missing. I told her not to panic and that she would probably be at a friend's house. But as soon I put the phone down, I had this awful, numb feeling down my left-side. Libby was left-handed and would stand on my left. A colleague asked me if I was OK and I said, ‘I think Libby's dead.’” Afterwards, Lisa, 53, and her husband Russell veered between hope and despair as police mounted a huge…

MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE It can often be hard to get youngsters to open up about what's going on in their world, but the solution may be simpler than you think. “It's all about making yourself available,” says child psychologist Dr Alison McClymont. “Teenagers in particular often don't like being questioned about their day, but they do respond to you spending free time with them. You need to leave the door open, and let them come to you.” To create space for conversation, Alison recommends regularly doing something they enjoy together, whether that's an activity or just watching their favourite TV show. “It's then much more likely that an organic conversation will develop,” she says. “When they do talk to you, it's so important to sit and listen, without jumping in…

INSIDE DAISY'S FRIDGE • Free-range eggs ● Chillies ● Chocolate Orange ● Tomato ketchup ● Gherkins ● Strawberry jam ● Milk chocolate ● Sausages ● Greek yoghurt ● Blackberries ● Red onion ● Garlic ● Cos lettuce ● Mature Cheddar cheese ● Lagers ● Prawns ● Ham ● Cherry tomatoes ● Chicken fillets ● Bacon ● Brussels sprouts ● Kale ● Carrots ● Semi-skimmed Milk ● Oat milk ● Sriracha sauce ● Orange juice DAISY How much do you spend per week? About £40. I'm generally quite efficient in what I buy and I tend to do a batch cook at the weekend. Describe your daily diet… Breakfast is an important meal so I have Greek yoghurt with fruit and a coffee and, if I've got a busy day, a…

ALL ABOUT YOU! GIVE NO-VEMBER A GO! An online movement is encouraging women to stop saying ‘yes’ to everything to free up much-needed ‘me-time’ Cultivating the art of saying “no” is a brilliant idea. Many of us feel that we have to say “yes” to everything for fear of upsetting others, and the idea of letting the people we love down because we want to look after our needs somehow feels selfish. This is a very common problem among women, and while I appreciate that this means we are also loving and compassionate, it means we are sadly constantly at risk of burning out. That's why learning to say “no” may be just the ticket to help you recharge your depleted energy levels. While the concept behind No-vember is to…

1 RESTYLE WITH BELTS As well as cinching in your waist, adding a belt over your dress can completely change the shape and vibe of your outfit. Look for pieces with chunky buckles or studs for an edgy look, or opt for rainbow colours to add fun. 2 GET CLEVER WITH LAYERING Give a girlie velvet dress a cool new spin by layering under a boldly patterned shirt or a faux-leather shacket. Wear unbuttoned and roll up your sleeves for an effortlessly chic take on layering, and finish with plenty of eyeliner and chunky ankle boots 3 UPGRADE WITH JEWELS Jumbo gems will add some serious opulence to your outfit. Don't panic if you haven't inherited some vintage sparklers from your nana, as the high street is packed full of regal-inspired accessories that…

STAND – OUT GEM This glass balloon will look so pretty on the tree. It's the perfect showpiece to decorate with year after year. GISELA GRAHAM AT HEAL'S, £8 FOR DOG LEVERS PUPPY LOVE Ideal for animal lovers, this party paw-fect decor will bring the fun factor. ACCESSORIZE, £7 PLASTIC – FREE This red set made from cardboard will look just as striking as any glitter balls on the tree – plus they're sustainable. H&M, £3.99 FOR SET OF 2 CHARITABLE CHEER 100% of profits from this multi-coloured option go to charity Save The Children. SAVE THE CHILDREN, £3.50 RETRO TOUCH SKATE STAR This roller-skate decoration is a great nod to all things retro, while still adding plenty of sparkle. NOT ON THE HIGH STREET, £9.95 SENTIMENTAL TREAT With an…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You can't have new beginnings without endings, so take a moment to reflect on your past and visualise how you would like the future to look this time next year. What do you need to let go of? What habits need to shift and change? SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV When it comes to debts and entanglements you share with others, things feel so confusing now. In a stroke of cosmic luck, Venus and ideas planet Mercury enter your Money Zone this week to offer support. When it comes to cash, be sure to talk a good game! Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

15-21 NOVEMBER SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC Blissful moments may arrive for you thanks to stars aligning in your You and Home Zones. This might take the edge off any uncertainty you've been worried about. Finding common ground between you and your loved ones is possible. Rather than counting your blessings, make your blessings count! Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 19 JAN There are two ways to address a problem. You can circle it around and around in your mind, allowing it to take up rent-free space. Another way is to meditate on the issue and let the Universe handle the solution. Quietening your mind will help you think more clearly. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope AQUARIUS 20 JAN – 18 FEB As…

Seems that even Kim was fixated with watching Matt Hancock's trials… you're welcome to him if you want him to move to America, BTW. That idea scares The Living Daylights out of us, Jake. It's not just a Dr. No from us – we're also going to give him the (Gold) finger. GRUMPY GRAM Poor Tom takes another pounding as six-year-old Buddy wipes the floor with him at chess. That's the pocket money raise issue settled, right?…