Table of contents for Issue 1045 in Closer

It’s been almost three years since presenter Kate Garraway and her family’s lives were turned upside down forever when her husband Derek Draper was rushed to hospital with Covid as the pandemic gripped the nation. Since then, Kate and her children Darcey, 16, and Billy, 12, have adapted to a new way of living as Derek, 55 - one of the worst-affected Covid survivors in the world - continues to struggle with the devastating effects of the disease. SUPPORTIVE While he’s currently out of hospital at the family’s London home, he still requires round-the-clock care. Earlier this month, Kate spoke out about the “tricky 48 hours” she’d endured after he’d fallen out of his wheelchair. Now insiders say that the three-year milestone will be an emotional time for the GMB…

She announced the happy news of the birth of her second baby girl, Belle, last week with a sweet Instagram post and follow-up name reveal. And now, insiders say mum-of-five Stacey Solomon is planning a huge celebration at her beloved Pickle Cottage. GRATEFUL A source says, “Stacey is feeling so much joy right now that she wants to plan a series of special events to celebrate the arrival of her new baby. She’s told pals that she wants to do a special naming day for her two girls and is planning a huge star-studded celebration at Pickle Cottage.” In 2008, aged 17, Stacey welcomed her first child Zach with childhood sweetheart Dean Cox. Four years later, she had a second son, Leighton, with ex-fiancé Aaron Barham. She then went on…

She’s one of the biggest names in the music industry. And after a seven-year absence from the stage, Rihanna made a sensational comeback at the Super Bowl half-time show, where she revealed that she was pregnant with her second child. Clad in a figure-hugging red ensemble, the We Found Love singer, 35, opened her epic set by touching her stomach, with a rep confirming that she is indeed pregnant. It has not been announced when the singer will be welcoming baby number two with her boyfriend, rapper A$AP Rocky. But reports have claimed her first son (whose name is not yet public knowledge and was born in May 2022) could be a big brother come the summer. A back-up dancer from this month’s Super Bowl said, “I don’t think anybody…

NEWS she’s known to have experimented with cosmetic surgery over the years - but last week Lauren Goodger seemed to push her quest for perfection up a notch after undergoing the so-called “butterfly lips” procedure, just days after former close pal Katie Price underwent the same nip/tuck. Earlier this month, Katie documented herself getting the procedure, which involves surgical tape and injecting filler in a way that leaves the lips excessively big and turned upwards in a butterfly shape. In some extreme eases, an area of skin between the nostrils and top lip is removed too, to lift the lip upwards. Last week, former TOWIE star Lauren, 36, followed suit, showing her peeling the tape off her painful-looking, swollen lips and saying, “I can’t wait to see the results”. EXAGGERATED…

BRITNEY’S FAMILY TELL SAM: ‘It’s time to step in’ Her increasingly bizarre behaviour has sparked fears for Britney Spears over the past few weeks - with rumours swirling that her family was getting ready to stage an intervention and encourage her to seek professional help over her mental health. But hitting back at the rumours last week, Britney, 41, wrote, “It makes me sick to my stomach that it’s even legal for people to make up stories,” adding, “At some point, enough is enough.” But now, an insider tells Closer that her family is begging husband Sam Asghari, 28, to step in. The source says, “People are imploring Sam to take action and get Britney some help to make sure she’s properly looked after. She has ups and downs, and…

Outside of collecting a series of heartbreaks, I’ve also amassed quite a few friends during my many years dating. While love is still taking it’s time to find me, I feel lucky that my search hasn’t all been in vain. I’ve found some wonderful friends in people I’ve dated. I know people often suggest “staying friends” after dating when they have no intention of doing so, but I’m not one to turn down friendship. I found one of my best mates on a dating app and we survived lockdown together over copious takeaway coffees in the cold. Another I was seeing for six weeks before we mutually faded on each other, but sparked up a new friendship after bumping into each other months later. While another wasn’t the right match,…

• MAGIC BAGS AT ALDI Aldi has partnered with Too Good To Go to offer “Magic Bags”. These will be full of groceries worth at least £10 but you can get them from just £3.30. The contents will be approaching their sell-by or use-by dates but still perfectly edible. Download the free Too Good To Go app, search for your nearest Aldi, and reserve a bag to collect at an allotted time. • SAINSBURY’S £2 TOP-UP The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps low income families to buy essentials like milk, infant formula, fruit and vegetables by topping up a card they can use in shops. Weekly, you get £4.25 from the 10th week of your pregnancy, £8.50 for children from birth to 12 months old, and £4.25 for children aged…

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TV Closer TV WEEK: 25 FEB - 3 MAR 1 ANT & DEC’S SATURDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAY LIVE AND ENTERTAINING SAT 25 FEB, 7PM ITV1 Bringing the nation the “happiest 90 minutes of the week”, Geordie duo Ant ”n’ Dec are back with the show that was last on screen in April 2022. They’ll be joined once again by Stephen Mulhern, Fleur East, Jordan North and Andi Peters - with Stephen putting the boys through “Ant vs Dec” challenges. Fan-favourite segments will return (Ring My Bell, Singalong Live and Win The Ads are all back - along with the fab End of the Show Show) The series will be dripping with celeb appearances, with the likes of Joe Wicks, Claudia Winkleman, Alison Hammond and Rylan as the next unwitting victims of…

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 Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, London NW17DT. In the event of a discrepancy between these terms and conditions…

Brand expert Nick Ede - who runs PR company East Of Eden - believes Holly has finally turned things around after a difficult year and says she’s on track to be stronger than ever. He says, “Holly has bounced back from what could have been a real blow to her career. I think it helped that she had a break over the Christmas period, with Alison and Dermot filling in for her. She kept her head down and kept fairly quiet, so when she came back after the holidays it was a chance for a fresh start and people were glad to see her back. I think the fact that she is a brilliant presenter also obviously really helps - she takes it seriously and gets the job done. And…

she excitedly announced the upcoming release of her new book last week - sharing a sweet video of her husband, Vernon Kay, giving her the first copy of 4 Steps To A Happier, Healthier You with her 817k Instagram followers. Gushing about her latest venture, Tess Daly, 53, told fans, “This has been a labour of love and what’s inside is a lifetime’s love for wellness. Can’t wait for you to read it, try some of the recipes and hopefully gain that little something that helps you feel healthier or happier.” The book - which centres around wellness and mental health - comes just four months after her husband candidly admitted he’s still searching for contentment. FRESH TENSION During a podcast interview, the 48-year-old presenter - who shares daughters, Phoebe,…

It’s been a month since Cheryl made her West End debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story, but already the former Girls Aloud singer has blown away fans and critics with her outstanding performances. And now an insider reveals that as a result, the mum-of-one has had offers flooding in for future projects - some even from Hollywood. The source says, “Cheryl’s serious about taking on a major TV or screen role once the play is finished. She knows that the next steps are crucial and could determine what kind of offers she gets. Her agent has mentioned going over to Hollywood - which is incredibly flattering and exciting - but it also stirs up unease, due to what’s happened in the past. Nonetheless, she does feel like acting is the…

The second-ever winter Love Island has provided a daily dose of entertainment since hitting our screens in January. But one of the biggest shocks was when Tanyel Revan was dumped from the island. The 26-year-old stylist had a far from boring journey in the South African villa, being coupled up with teacher Kai Fagan and then platonically with Ron Hall with viewers questioning whether the pair were more than friends. She charmed viewers with her straighttalking, flirty banter and super-glam style - so they were devastated when she got evicted from the villa, Tweeting #bringbackTanyel. But Tanyel says she doesn’t feel as heartbroken as her fans. She says, “I feel like everything happens for a reason. I was ready to come home. It was actually funny because everyone was crying…

Sharing an intimate look inside their relationship on Valentine’s Day, Nicola Peltz-Beckham posted a social media snap of her husband Brooklyn wearing what appeared to be a hand towel, while wielding a huge heart of red roses. “Best way to wake up ever!” she cheekily posted. But while the couple appear to still be reveling in their honeymoon phase nearly a year on from their extravagant Palm Beach nuptials, an insider tells Closer Nicola’s happy memories have been overshadowed by the family drama that continues to plague her and Brooklyn, 23 so much so that the star is keen for a second wedding. The source says, “For Nicola, as she approaches the first wedding anniversary, she looks back on the day as stressful from start to finish. The whole thing…

PANCAKE DAY FLUFFY BLUEBERRY PANCAKES SERVES 4 • 180g self-raising flour • 1 tbsp sugar • 1 large egg • 270ml buttermilk • 30g melted butter • Vegetable oil, for frying • l00g blueberries, plus extra to serve • Maple syrup, to drizzle • Icing sugar, to dust STEP 1 Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add the sugar. STEP 2 In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk and melted butter. STEP 3 Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and whisk until combined. Stir in the blueberries. STEP 4 Heat a frying pan over a mediumhigh heat. Brush the pan with oil. For each pancake, drop a ladleful of batter into the hot pan. Cook until bubbles rise on the top, then flip…

MODEL, PRESENTER AND DJ ASHLEY JAMES, 35, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I STAY OFF MY PHONE FOR HALF AN HOUR AFTER WAKING UP… Instead of being tempted to scroll, I try to use the morning more productively. I love to head out early on a walk and watch the sunrise - it’s great for both my mental and physical health. II MAKE TIME FOR SELF CARE… When my son Alfie has gone to bed, I’ll light some candles and have a bath. It leaves me feeling relaxed and ready for bed. Although I’m outgoing, I’m an introvert, so it’s crucial that I take that time for myself to recharge my batteries. IT’S EASY TO GET SUCKED INTO UNREALISTIC BEAUTY STANDARDS… We’ve all been brainwashed that…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK KARLIE KLOSS, 30 We can always rely on American model Karlie to provide us with the best outfit inspiration. This head-to-toe colour-pop ensemble is an effortless and easy way to try the lime green trend that will take over in Spring. More is more! FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT  Mollie King The former Saturdays singer dazzled in a sparkling sequin gown. We loved the round neckline and long sleeves, but the backless detail stole the show. Lizzo Lizzo stood out from the crowd in an extravagant Robert Wun design. The metallic gold dress perfectly wrapped her figure before dispersing into waves of dramatic ruffles. IN THE NEWS… THE CHARITY COLLAB YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Red Nose Day takes place on Friday 17 March and to…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 25 FEB-3 MARCH EMMERDALE STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION Devastated by Chas’ affair with Al and struggling with the loneliness that followed, viewers have seen poor Paddy’s mental health crisis spiralling - and then everyone’s favourite vet went missing… There’s a stunned silence this week when he re-appears, dishevelled, but it’s only to write goodbye letters to his loved ones. Bear is appalled to read the contents within, and suddenly everyone is scrambling to discover where Paddy’s got to before it’s too late. Rhona then breaks the alarming news that a bolt gun is missing from the surgery, and it’s a race against time to find their pal… ALSO THIS WEEK • Amy pops the question to Matty! But he thinks it’s all part of her plan to…

How did you approach the lastever season? It’s important to never be complacent with your work. It galvanises people when you think, “We have to improve on what we’ve clone last time.” It gets the best out of everyone. So, there is that aspect to it. Where did we leave Morse last time? Things were getting on top of him at the end of the last series - burning the candle at both ends and not managing his relationship with alcohol. He took some time off to get his act together, and he’s back with a more balanced perspective - now only taking drink during moments of emotional turmoil. There’s a theme of ‘endings’ and ‘beginnings’…? I think Endeavour’s lonesomeness and isolation is cemented in this series, and that’s where…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The year ahead looks pretty good. You have lucky Jupiter in your Money Zone, so as long as you don’t badly overspend, you should find your finances feel blessed. Jupiter can also boost your self-esteem which, in turn, will boost your relationships. PISCES 19 FEB - 20 MAR Hot off the heels of last week’s New Moon in your sign, what are you wishing for and how hard are you willing to work for it? Here’s the thing; wishing works better when you can also take inspired action. Think about what you crave and take steps towards it. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

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The fallout from his intimate memoir has kept Prince Harry in the Palace’s dog-house after the Royal Family were left reeling from the damning accusations of bribery, assault, racism and bullying he levelled at The Firm’s most senior members. HUMILIATED But while we recently reported how his wife Meghan Markle, 41, had taken a step back from the spotlight after being left humiliated by Harry’s recent kiss-and-tell, last week a post resurfaced of her throwing shade at Kate Middleton on her wedding day. Meghan’s comments on her now-defunct blog, The Tig, took shots at the extravagance and attention lavished on Kate, 41. The blog said, “Grown women seem to retain this childhood fantasy. Just look at the pomp and circumstance surrounding the royal wedding and endless conversation about Princess Kate.”…

SINGLE LAURA REVEALS ‘BABY LUCY’ Last week Laura Anderson announced the happy news that she is expecting her first child with Gary Lucy, taking to Instagram with a montage of her pregnancy journey so far. But since the Scotswoman announced the news, it has emerged that she has split from 41-year-old Gary, with the soap star saying, “I love Laura but we are no longer together. My main drive, as always, is to work together to co-parent our child.” As Closer went to press, Laura - who has also dated singer Dane Bowers - declined to comment on the split. The couple met during filming for Celebs Go Dating last July, with rumours circulating that reality star Laura called time on their brief romance after discovering she was pregnant, and…

stroking his bump, mental health worker Ash Schade smiled from ear to ear. Ash, 29, was assigned female at birth, and, despite always wanting children, believed he wouldn’t be able to have them biologically after beginning his journey to becoming a man. But two years into his transition, he had a one-night stand without using protection - reasoning that the male hormones he was taking would make it virtually impossible for him to fall pregnant. Yet to his absolute disbelief, he found himself holding a positive pregnancy test just weeks later. Ash had the love and support from his good friend Jordan, and as time went on, the two became a couple. Jordan even held Ash’s hand as he gave birth to his beautiful daughter, Ronan. Ash says, “Being Ronan’s…

‘DON’T LET OTHER PEOPLE DEFINE YOU’ Emily was born in London to her actress/ teacher mother and barrister father, and is the second eldest of four children. Growing up, she suffered with a stutter but managed to overcome it with the help of a great teacher at school, who encouraged her to start acting in different voices and accents. She now credits acting as helping her beat the stutter that saw her bullied for years from the age of eight, and has since launched her own charity, The Stuttering Foundation, to help others. Emily has said, “There were certain people who liked to define me by that. Stutterers don’t feel understood. It’s not psychological. It’s not that you’re nervous, it’s not that you’re insecure, it’s not that you can’t read,…

She’s starred in major roles here in the UK, taking on lead parts in Brookside and Shameless, but Tina says she now has set her sights on LA, and has meetings with producers planned this year. “I’ll go to LA in May. I have an agent over there and I’ll do the rounds and give it one good crack,” she says. “I’m determined, but I’m not desperate. What will be will be for me, but I do think Americans love eccentricity and novelty. I’d love to do something Sopranos-esque. Ozark, Better Call Saul, they’re incredible, or for comedy something like Schitt’s Creek.” But Tina would never move Stateside, saying, “I don’t intend to stay in England. In the next few years I see my future in somewhere like France, Spain…

INSIDE OLA’S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● English mustard ● Ketchup ● Butter ● Chocolate buttons ● Yoghurts ● Cauliflower ● Salmon ● Cucumber ● Chicken ● Ham ● Grated cheese ● Apples ● Raspberries ● Blueberries ● Strawberries ● Bananas ● Broccoli ● Sweet potatoes OLA How much do you spend? Around £150 a fortnight for me and my husband James [Jordan] and our daughter Ella, two. I’m not a fan of online shopping because I like to pick my own fresh fruit and veg. Describe your daily diet… I've recently lost 3½st after a health kick and I’m more mindful about what’s on my plate. Breakfast is usually an omelette, and I’ll have a couple of cups of black coffee. At lunch, I’ll have a chicken salad, or chicken,…

ALL ABOUT YOU! GET COMFORTABLE WITH SAYING ‘NO’ Rejection therapy has been doing the rounds, and it can help you in various ways, from taking more risks to getting your time back The idea of rejection therapy is to wilfully place yourself in positions where you will inevitably be turned down so that you can desensitise yourself to the emotional fallout of being rejected. That means doing things that could be embarrassing or scary, so maybe asking for a free second coffee at a café or asking for a big discount when out shopping. The creator of this therapy took it to extremes, doing things like asking strangers for money and requesting a free hotel room, and he suggests doing it daily, but I believe in balance. The idea of…

1 SOFT-SHADE TAILORING Try a more relaxed approach to trouser suit dressing by opting for a pastel hue. Sorbet shades are huge for this season, and if you’re wondering how to wear them for a more sophisticated feel, suits are your answer. BLAZER £25; TROUSERS £18; JUMPER £22, ALL TU AT SAINSBURY’S 2 METALLICS The loud and flashy metallic styles of the ‘80s have been brought back to life. If shiny clothing seems intimidating, fret not. The easiest way to embrace all that glitters is by balancing it out with clean neutrals and solid-coloured basics. RIVER ISLAND, £45 3 ASYMMETRY Asymmetric necklines are the perfect micro-trend to add to your styling arsenal as they can be just as versatile as everyday basics while adding a little bit of edge. Pair with a…

Coronation Street is working with The Schools Consent Project on the harrowing storyline with Amy (Elle Mulvaney) and Aaron (James Craven), in the hope of opening up conversations about the issues surrounding sexual activity among young people. Elle, 20, who’s grown up on the Street, says, “This shouldn’t be a grey area. Even though Amy and Aaron are friends, it doesn’t mean it’s OK for him to do what he wants - and it’s important to note the way it will affect Amy’s mental health and wellbeing going forward.” FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

21-27 FEBRUARY ARIES 21 MAR - 19 APR You really do have all the cards in your favour at the moment. Not only do you have the lucky planet, Jupiter, in your sign, you have Venus, the planet of love and abundance, as well. So if you’re not having a good time, maybe you need to change your mindset? Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope TAURUS 20 APR - 20 MAY The best thing you can do right now is focus on what you want, and not on what you don’t want. This applies throughout your life, but especially when it comes to work. You really are in a “wishes can come true” cycle right now. But be careful what you wish for! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope GEMINI…