Table of contents for Issue 1055 in Closer

Rumours have been swirling about her potential return to TOWIE, with a spokesperson revealing last week how that chapter of her life “isn’t fully closed”. And now, insiders say that following a turbulent 12 months, Lauren Goodger is considering returning to the reality show that propelled her to fame - and she is prepared to show a very vulnerable side. A source says, ‘“Lauren has been doing a lot of reflecting about it all and she wants to go back on TOWIE to set the record straight. She wants to talk about a lot of big things that have happened in her life and she knows it’s going to be emotional, but she feels it will be really therapeutic for her.” Lauren, 36, was a TOWIE original but left in 2012,…

As her mum looked out of the window, Miracle’s stomach was in knots. She watched anxiously as her mum took in the grey hair and lined face of the elderly man shuffling towards their front door. His name was Charles, he was 80 years old, and he was there to take Miracle, then 21, on a date. But while they may have seemed like an odd pairing, Miracle and Charles hit it off and now, four years on, they are happily married and are even trying for a baby. THE FIRST MOVE Miracle says, “I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone else but Charles. Our relationship may look weird to some, but love comes in all sorts of guises.” Their love story began in 2019, while Miracle was working in a…

‘FIND PEACE OF MIND’ Abandoned by his father, Pierce grew up as an only child with his grandparents in Ireland. After they died, he was sent to live in lodgings - with just a small bed at the end of a room. Reflecting on his hard childhood, Pierce said, “It wasn’t easy for me, and it made me wary of what life could throw at you.” But far from holding him back, his humble beginnings drove him forward. He revealed, “Perhaps you never entirely unburden yourself of your past, but you do manage to find peace of mind.” ‘YOU’RE GOING TO SUFFER ONE WAY OR ANOTHER’ Behind the camera, Pierce has faced more than his fair share of heartache. In 1980, the star married Australian actress Cassandra Harris. Their 14-year…

Someone who knows all too well what it’s like to swap a soap career for OnlyFans is former actress Sarah Jayne Dunn. In 2021, Sarah, 41, hit headlines when she was sacked from Hollyoaks after signing up to the X-rated subscription site. While at first she said she was “shocked and saddened” at being fired, she stood by her decision and, last year, it was reported that the mum-ofone was making nearly six times the amount she’d made from acting on the soap. And now Sarah says, “I honestly really enjoy OnlyFans - I wouldn’t be on it if I didn’t. I have no regrets about how things played out. I’m in the financial position now where I’m able to turn things down, which I’ve never had before. I’ve always…

She shocked fans in July 2022 when she announced that she and her husband of 13 years, Alex Bourne, were getting a divorce. But now singer Rachel Stevens is said to be dating her Dancing On Ice partner, Brendyn Hatfield. Rachel, 45, met Brendyn, 37 - who split from his wife two years ago - on the hit ITV show back in November 2021 when they skated together, before the S Club 7 star was eliminated in tenth place. And a source tells Closer, “Rachel is really happy at the moment and things are going well. She and Brendyn were friends before they became boyfriend and girlfriend, and they get on brilliantly. It was only in the last couple of months or so that things became more serious when they…

Giving fans an insight into their marriage and sex life, former Take That singer Robbie Williams revealed that he and wife Ayda don’t spend a lot of time in the bedroom. In a joint interview last week, Robbie, 49, said, “No sex in a marriage is only a problem if you’re on different pages; if one person wants it, and the other doesn’t. Really, everyone knows there is no sex after marriage. That’s just the way it is.” But insisting that they’re happier than ever, Ayda, 43, said, “Some people confuse sex with intimacy. [We are] always cuddling and kissing, holding handsand touching each other.” The couple - who first met in 2006 - share four children - Theodora, 10, Charlton, eight, and Coco and Beau, both four.…

He was thrown into the spotlight on the fifth series of Love Island back in 2019 but, four years on, Curtis Pritchard has put the drama behind him and now lives a low-key life, focusing on his production company, which he founded with Strictly star brother AJ, and his YouTube channel. Curtis, 27, was on one of the mostwatched series of the show ever, starring alongside Molly-Mae Hague, Tommy Fury, Amber Gill and Lucie Donlan. And after his ill-fated relationships with Amy Hart and Maura Higgins, Curtis now keeps his love life out of the headlines and is quietly dating his pantomime co-star Sophie Sheridan, after meeting in 2021. TURBULENT Curtis says that the lessons he’s learned since finding fame have been to not get swept up in the drama…

INSIDE CHANNIQUE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Chopped garlic • Protein yoghurt • Dark chocolate • Coconut latte • Bread • Broccoli • veggie sausages • Blueberries • Cherry tomatoes • Maggi sauce • Garlic bread • Quorn mince • Quorn chicken • Grapes • Spinach • Protein shake • Reggae Reggae sauce • Wine • Orange juice CHANNIQUE How much do you spend? Around £15-20 a week and then an extra £40 for a meal prep order from All Plants around every 10 days. Describe your daily diet… If I’m at home I’ll have a protein porridge, but if I’m heading to Corrie, I’ll eat in the canteen and have seeded bread, a Quorn sausage and eggs. Lunch is a miso tofu and noodle bowl, it fills me up but…

RELATIONSHIPS DON’T RESENT FRIENDS WITH MORE MONEY! It’s an uncomfortable truth, but if you earn way less than your mates, it can cause resentment. Here’s how to overcome it… When I was a broke single mum, my late best friend was a successful career woman with no kids and a large disposable income. This meant that while we hung out together all the time, it had to be on my terms, as I couldn’t afford gastro pub meals or luxury breaks. She never made me feel that she was doing better than me. Instead, she made me feel super-successful and lucky in different ways to her. Sometimes friends are a little less self-aware about their situation, though. If you are struggling financially, it can be challenging when a friend is…

1 COOL CO-ORD Looking to switch up your usual occasionwear look? This season it’s all about matching sets. An easy way to create a put-together look, co-ords are a time-saving saviour. Pair with trainers or sandals for day-time wear and swap in heels for a stylish evening look. 2 FINISHING TOUCHES RSVP in style this bank holiday by adding statement accessories to your look. They’re a great way of breathing extra life into your wardrobe without splashing out on a whole new outfit. Opt for co-ordinating shoes and bags for a chic finish HAND BEADED 3 EAR PIECE Floral jewels are a big trend for S/S23 and the high street has no shortage of blooming lovely pieces to choose from. Instantly jazz up your outfit with this pendant pair from…

AVAILABLE IN GREEN SPOTLIGHT ON: DISNEY HOME From Bambi planters to Mickey Mouse speckle vases, this new range featuring the much-loved, iconic Disney characters - will add some movie magic around your home and is perfect for adding a few neutral updates. Prices start from £16 and the range is available from debenhams.com…

Cheryl Baker - who won the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1981 with Bucks Fizz - arrives in Walford as the residents of Albert Square get into the Eurovision party mood. She says, “I was so thrilled to be asked to take part in an episode of EastEnders. It’s a British institution, for goodness’ sake! As a reallife ‘EastEnder’, I’ve loved the show since day one and I literally can’t wipe the smile from my face.” Someone is excited! FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

It’s been six years since they devastated fans by announcing that they were separating, but last week, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux looked happy and relaxed together as they reunited for a late-night dinner with friends in New York City. CHEMISTRY Jennifer, 54, was photographed hugging fellow actor Justin, 51, and was later spotted holding a rose as she left the Italian restaurant. And now a source tells Closer the former couple are still incredibly close - so much so that they call themselves “flirty friends”. The insider says, “Jen and Justin have remained extremely close since their divorce and it’s no secret they never fell out of love with each other. Jen’s always held a candle for Justin, and while they’re just pals, they’ve branded themselves ‘flirty friends’. There’s…

It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since Janice Dickinson first entered the I’m A Celebrity! jungle back in 2007, but the no-nonsense supermodel has been back on our screens for the ITV show’s All Stars edition, filmed for the first time in South Africa. Viewers delighted in her hilarious banter with hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, and cringed as the former America’s Next Top Model presenter, 68, vomited her way through dishes such as “Lamb Dan Sack” and “Spaghetti bollocknaise” during her first Bushtucker Trial. Going back into the jungle has seen her reunite with Ant & Dec, and despite confessing, “I can’t remember which one is which”, Janice soon set her sights on Dec, who she is famed for furiously flirting with during her last appearance.…

She’s been sharing scantilyclad videos and sexy naked selfies on her social media for the past year or so - and now insiders say Britney Spears is hoping to look better than ever in them by going under the knife. And a source tells Closer that the 41-year-old pop star - who has only ever admitted to having fillers and Botox in the past, despite previous speculation that she has undergone breast augmentation and a nose job - is considering a full body overhaul. The source says, “Since turning 40, Britney has been thinking about taking the plunge and getting some surgery to boost her confidence. She’s dabbled before, but now she’s keen to follow in the footsteps of some of her Hollywood contemporaries and get some real work done.…

When Tayla Collison posts a sexy snap to her Instagram feed, she receives an outpouring of support from her huge following. But not only is the 29-year-old promoting body positivity by posing in lingerie, she’s also raising awareness of chronic illnesses and invisible disabilities, a cause close to her heart. Tayla, who lives in Peterborough, has a permanent catheter to help with her Fowler’s Syndrome - a disorder that leads to the inability to empty the bladder - as well as interstitial cystitis, which causes pelvic disomfort, and a long-term pain condition called fibromyalgia. Tayla says, “My catheter is nothing to hide - it keeps me alive. Once I realised this, I saw my body in a new light. I’m now in a place where I feel confident in myself…

Three years after winning the first ever series of Winter Love Island, Paige Turley and Finley Tapp have reportedly split and moved out of their shared home in Manchester. Paige, 25, and footballer Finn, 23, shot to fame in 2020 when they appeared on - and eventually won - the iconic reality show. The pair were forced to move in with Paige’s parents after the show ended due to the Covid lockdown, but got their own place together later that year in Manchester, where they’d lived ever since. Earlierthis year the pair were even hinting that an engagement could be on the cards, with Finn saying in an interview, “Paige is definitely The One, I’m definitely going to be the one to pop the question. I’ve got a plan, I’m…

Like many of us, Jacqueline Jossa is juggling raising children, working and keeping the home running. But the ex-EastEnders star - who is mum to Ella, eight, and Mia, four, with husband Dan Osborne - says finding little ways to make life easier is key. “Things like planning the week so the girls have everything they need, making sure we have the dinners for the week prepped - those kind of things really help,” she explains. “But I think it can be easy to forget yourself when you’re a parent, so finding time for you is important too.” Here, Jacqueline shares her advice for a healthy work/life balance and her self-care tips… MAKE A MEAL PLAN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WEEK “I love to plan out the week and…

The news that there are going to be clinical trials of a new testosterone patch to help women with low sex drive during menopause is really welcome. It’s certainly not a new thing - we’ve been treating women with testosterone for quite some time - but this is obviously a new and convenient way of administering it. WHY TESTOSTERONE MATTERS Many people think of testosterone as “for men” and oestrogen as “for women”, but actually men also have oestrogen, and women have testosterone. To use a crude term, testosterone is what makes you horny so, if you lack it, you lack any kind of sex drive. That’s often a big problem around the menopause for women who want to remain sexually active. But as testosterone levels drop, it becomes almost…

nitiating a conversation on a dating app is hard, right? Is the simple, “Hey, how are you?” too boring? Is a compliment on someone’s photo too obvious? Who knows, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But I think, every time, it makes us singles cringe and question what to write. Which is why AI (artificial intelligence) has been developed to help solve this dilemma. New AI dating tool Rizz, is a digital wingman/woman that creates (what they hope is) killer opening lines to make someone melt and want to keep chatting to you. This is just the beginning - multiple companies are looking to do something similar, but do we need it? Apps have revolutionised dating, though I’m not particularly sure whether it’s for the better, as more of us…

Dating is another place scammers target, so here’s advice from security expert Nathan Daniels from VPNOverview.com to stay safe. TURN OFF LOCATION TRACKING Many dating apps use location tracking to connect you with people who are close by, but turn off geo-tracking when not using your dating app. VIDEO CHAT FIRST It’s much easier for scammers to deceive their victims through text messages. If someone refuses to have a (video) call, you might be dealing with a fake profile.. DON’T LINK YOUR DATING PROFILES TO SOCIAL MEDIA Create a Google account with random information that doesn’t contain any of your personal data. CHOOSE UNIQUE PICTURES Fraudsters can use a reverse image search to easily find out your personal information. Only use pictures on your dating profile that you’re not using…

GET HER LOOK MACHINE WASHABLE…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 6-12 MAY 1 THE CORONATION CONCERT A STARRY CELEBRATION SUN 7 MAY, 8PM, BBC1 Take That, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, opera star Andrea Bocelli, the list goes on… They’ll be taking centre stage in the grounds of Windsor Castle on 7 May - performing at a coronation event in front of 20,000 members of the public and invited guests. There are themes of “love, respect and optimism”, marking a new chapter in the nation’s history and celebrating the crowning of a new king - hooray! “We can’t wait,” say Take That (collectively), while Katy P is “excited” and the legend that is Lionel Richie is keen to be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime event, calling it an “honour and a celebration”. Crack open the fizz! FACTFILE Clara Amfo…

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…

It’s been less than three months since she gave birth to her fifth child, daughter Belle, but Stacey Solomon was back to work last week as she headed to Paris to meet the team at L’Oréal in her role as ambassador for the beauty brand. But while a trip to the city of love may have come as a welcome break and a chance to catch up on some sleep, Stacey, 33, revealed she had taken along Belle and her big sister, one-year-old Rose. Posting a series of adorable Instagram stories of the trio hitting the streets of Paris with Rose kitted out in floral flares - before taking a much-needed nap back at their hotel room, Stacey told fans, “Bonjour! We’re in Paris!” The Loose Women star added, “I…

Last year, paediatric doctor Aishah Iqbal knew she couldn’t carry on the way she was. After months of long shifts, her stress levels were crippling her. She dreaded going to work and struggled to sleep. Eventually, in April 2022, she was signed off sick with stress. It was two months before she was well enough to go back to the job she loves, and she had to rearrange her schedule - rather than having a contract, she now signs up for the available shifts she can do. PRESSURE Aishah, 31, who lives with her husband and two-year-old daughter in Leicester, explains, “I felt so guilty that I couldn’t do my job - my whole adult life was centred around being a doctor and then suddenly I couldn’t cope. “There was…

She was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2017 and now Georgia “Toff” Toffolo is back on our screens for I’m A Celeb… South Africa. Toff, 28 has been charming viewers with her can-do attitude, with hosts Ant and Dec calling her “a bloody good sport who’s up for absolutely anything!” The former Made In Chelsea star appeared in the 17th series alongside WAG Rebekah Vardy and her unlikely BFF, politician Stanley Johnson, father of ex-PM Boris. And now Toff says starring on the show back in 2017 helped her to become a household name. She tells Closer, “I was 23 at the time, and doing I'm A Celebrity! hugely helped my career. The opportunities it put my way are things I could only dream about. The jungle gave me…

She split from fiancé and the father of her three children, Scott Sinclair, last year. But since then Helen Flanagan has been hitting the red carpets and seemingly making the most of single life. Helen, 33 - who shares children Matilda, seven, Delilah, four, and Charlie, one, with footballer Scott has also been pulling out all the stops on her social media, posting more photos than ever of herself dressed up to the nines and flaunting her toned physique in bikinis. She’s also been showing off the results of the boob job she had at the end of last year - of which she said, “This was something I wanted to do for a really long time. I’ve really got my confidence back.” Helen’s been throwing herself back into work,…

SYLVIA MAC @LOVE_DISFIGURE Aged two, Sylvia Mac fell into boilinghot water and suffered third and fourth-degree burns. She spent most of her life trying to conceal her scars, which cover a large portion of her body, until, at 48, she decided to embrace who she really was. ASH SOTO @RADIANTBAMBI As a child, Ash Soto was diagnosed with vitiligo, a rare skin disease that causes pigment loss - and bullying led her to feel ashamed of her body. But after painting her patches of pigmentation, she turned her body into a canvas to create a masterpiece. MOLLY ATWATER @MOLLYOLLYOSTOMY Molly Atwater was diagnosed with chronic constipation as a baby, which she later found was caused by abnormalities in her colon and rectum. She's since lost three organs, including her colon,…

She rose to fame on Love Island at just 22 - but now Hayley Hughes has revealed she’ll be becoming a mum and is expecting her first child this September. The model - who appeared on the ITV dating show in 2018, initially coupling up with Eyal Booker, 27 - revealed her baby joy on Instagram, writing, “A dream come true my little baby bear. You are all we have ever wanted.” Hayley, 27, has kept the identity of her partner under wraps, but revealed earlier this year that she was welcoming in the new year with her mystery beau in Dubai. Her fellow Islanders rushed to the comments, with Georgia Harrison, 28, writing, “Congratulations a million times over.” Laura Anderson, 34 - who is expecting her first child in…

she battled postnatal depression after giving birth and separating from her partner last year, all while adjusting to being a new mum. But Malin Andersson says exercise and healthy living have dragged her out of a dark place. The Love Island star, 30, says her pregnancy with daughter Xaya, now one, was riddled with anxiety and prenatal depression. After giving birth in January last year, she split with partner Jared and found herself struggling. REBUILDING “It was difficult. I didn’t know what I was doing and I didn’t have anyone to ask,” she explains. “Jared had left, I had pre and postnatal depression and I was heartbroken. I had all these emotions and not much sleep, I wasn’t moving my body, I wasn’t eating well, I was drinking too much…

CELEBRATION DESSERT GREAT BRITISH TRIFLE SERVES 1 2 • 1kg strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, plus extra to decorate • 30g icing sugar • 8 Madeleine cakes • 3 tbsp Marsala wine (optional) • 700g ready-made custard • 200g mascarpone • 400ml double cream STEP 1 Hull and chop any large strawberries and put into a bowl with the raspberries and blueberries. Sprinkle over the icing sugar and gently mash with a fork. Set aside. STEP 2 Put the Madeleines in a large trifle bowl, spreading them out to fill the gaps. Drizzle over the Marsala wine, if using. Once the berries look juicy, spoon half, with their juice, over the cake. Leave to soak in. STEP 3 Whip the custard and mascarpone until smooth. Spoon half over the berries and…

GBBO STAR SANDRO FARMHOUSE, 30, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND I WORK OUT EVERY DAY... I train in the gym seven days a week, but I’m thinking of starting pole dancing soon! It’s great for core strength. When I’m working, I’ll try to find little ways to add in extra movement. For example, taking the stairs and missing two steps instead of going up one by one. BAKING IS MY FORM OF THERAPY... It’s such a mindful activity, and forces you to be in the moment, concentrating on creating something beautiful. I also appreciate how I’m able to help my community by fundraising and creating autism-friendly recipes. I STRUGGLE TO SWITCH OFF… because I’m such a workaholic, my sleep is sometimes impacted by my mind racing…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK KATE MIDDLETON The Princess of Wales solidifies her stance as one of the most stylish royals. One trend that she nails perfectly is head-to-toe block colour, which creates an instantly elegant statement ensemble. RED, WHITE & BL UE FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Ashley Graham We loved the model’s incredible sheer gown by D&G. We’re big fans of the gathered details, which highlight her curves, but adore the messy up-do and dark smokey eye glam even more! Amanda Holden This outfit is giving us all the inspiration for our summer wardrobes. Her Reiss co-ord ticks all of the boxes with the delicate lace details and midi length pencil skirt – stunning. IN THE NEWS… A ROYAL PARTY If you’ve got last-minute plans for the coronation weekend, then…

1 WHEN IT COMES TO SKINCARE, MY FOCUS IS ON HYDRATION… I love Simple’s Hyaluronic Acid Booster, as it stops my skin from looking dry. All great make-up starts with great skincare! 2 THE SECRET TO A FLAWLESS BASE… is lots of light layers of make-up. Instead of using a heavy foundation, I prefer a sheer foundation, followed by a little concealer to build up coverage. 3 IF I’M GETTING READY IN A HURRY, MY GO-TO PRODUCTS ARE… mascara, concealer and some cream blush for juicy, fresh-looking cheeks. The e.I.f putty blushers are absolutely excellent! 4 MY TRICK FOR APPLYING MASCARA IS… put your head back and look down into a mirror while raising your brows. This reduces smudgy lids and helps to curl the lashes at the same time!…

T ell us about your character, Trudi. She is someone who’s fought all her life to get where she is - and she started at the very bottom. At the beginning, we find her achieving her goal, becoming management at the company she works for. She loves that she’s corporate - she’s in this world of rules and regulations and normality, and she likes that. Her partner is Ray Lennox… [played by Dougray Scott] She’s been with him about six months, and she may have found in Ray possibly the opposite of what she thinks he is. I think the initial pull may be that he is quite attractive! She doesn’t understand the absolute depths of darkness that he’s actually in… The writer, Irvine Welsh, is famous for Trainspotting… I watched…

2-8 MAY THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN TAURUS 20 APR - 20 MAY How’s your love life? The eclipse this week is zooming in on your relationships, whether you want this or not! If one relationship is ending, ask yourself if perhaps the time is right for this to happen, I sad as it may be. Is it time to move on? Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope GEMINI 21 MAY - 20 JUN The Full Moon eclipse this week is highlighting your work and health. Take a look at your daily routines and think about which changes would support your overall wellbeing. Take care of yourself first. Get your routines on track and everything else will fall into place. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope CANCER 21 JUN -…

GRUMPY GRAM Huge upset for Jason when he gets booted off Dragons’ Den after trying to get a £50,000 investment for his “invisible wig” business. Hair today, gone tomorrow!…