Table of contents for Issue 1066 in Closer

She left viewers stunned when she made a sudden exit from Loose Women after five years as a panellist, branding the show “toxic” and admitting she had to “tolerate” some of her co-stars. And, two years on from her departure, Saira Khan admits she has no regrets over leaving. Saira, 53 tells Closer, “With Loose Women, I wanted to share my story and be that representation of an Asian woman, but I didn't like to be told how to be, what to represent and what to say. It's not just Loose Women, it's anything in TV – you're directed and edited – and I was sick of that life.” SHIFTED PERSPECTIVE The star, who found fame on The Apprentice in 2005 and shares, Zachariah, 15, and Amara, 12, with husband…

Julie Waite is co-founder and director of streetwisedefence.com and teaches about festival safety. She explains that it's not just drugs you need to be aware of. This year at Glastonbury alone there were 120 incidents reported to Avon and Somerset police of sexual assault and theft, as well as drugs offences. Julie says, “I don't want to scare people – there are many good things about festivals and the vast majority of people attending come away unscathed, but the best way to stay safe is to be prepared. We've heard terrible stories about women being sexually assaulted and raped at festivals, so I'd suggest every woman takes an attack alarm. “If you're in a group, nominate a person each who you will look out for. Don't wander off on your…

No one was more surprised than Iris Jones when, aged 79, she fell madly in love with Mohamed Ibrahim, then 33, after meeting him online. Incredibly, their love seemed to flourish and in October they were due to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. However, last month Iris decided to dump Mohamed after their relationship suddenly deteriorated. Following a series of bitter rows, she asked him to leave. Iris, who lives in Westonsuper-Mare, Somerset, explains, “I never expected to fall in love with someone 46 years younger than me, but I did. I adored everything about Mohamed. But it became hard work. We used to have a great sex life but then, rather than making love, we ended up arguing all the time about anything and everything. I can't be doing…

Sharing her happy news with fans on social media last week, Feme McCann revealed she had welcomed a second baby girl. Posting a sweet black and white video which showed Feme, her fiancé Lorri Haines and her fiveyear-old daughter Sunday gently placing their hands protectively over the tiny tot, the First Time Mum star wrote, “It's a girl! 06.07.23”. CLOUD NINE And now a source tells Closer how the former TOWIE star, 32 – who hadn't announced her daughter's name as Closer went to press – couldn't be happier as a family of four. The insider says, “Feme is absolutely on cloud nine right now and simply couldn't be happier. She's describing her little girl as an angel because that's how she sees her – as a gift from above.…

She rose to fame in the ‘90s as one of the most popular stars of the cult TV game show, Gladiators, but Jet, real name Diane Youdale, dramatically quit after four years in 1996 to become a psychotherapist after she suffered a neck injury. Now, 20 years on, and as the show makes a comeback later this year with Bradley Walsh at the helm, Diane has announced she's getting married! Revealing how she met her partner Zoe in a supermarket, Diane, 53, said they have been dating for a year. She said, “Just over a year ago, a gorgeous lady approached me in my local supermarket. Over a year later, we're going to get married.” Having previously famously dated her co-star, Hunter, whose real name is James Crossley, for two…

When TV presenter Fiona Phillips recently announced she'd been diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 62, fans took to social media to express their shock at how young she was to be experiencing symptoms. However, early on-set dementia isn't as uncommon as many might think. A 2019 report by Alzheimer's Society found that, of the 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, over 42,000 are under 65. Kate Lee, chief executive at Alzheimer's Society, says, “Our thoughts are with our Ambassador Fiona Phillips and her family following the announcement that she's living with dementia. Fiona has frequently spoken out about her parents’ experiences of dementia, and her support of Alzheimer's Society has been hugely impactful and greatly appreciated. “Sharing such personal news publicly raises much-needed awareness of dementia and we are…

SUMMER EATING BANH MI SERVES 4 • 600g minced pork • 3/2 tbsp fish sauce • 2 tbsp light brown sugar or honey • 1 tsp ground black pepper • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • Bunch spring onions, sliced • 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded and grated ● 1 large carrot, grated ● Small bunch coriander, chopped ● Juice 1 lime ● 1 baguette, cut into 15cm lengths and split ● 4 tbsp mayonnaise ● 3 tbsp sriracha, or to taste (optional) ● 1–2 chillies, sliced STEP 1 Preheat the BBQ to a medium heat. Mix the pork with the fish sauce, sugar, pepper, garlic and half the spring onions. Divide into four, shape into four flat sausage shapes about 15cm long and thread a skewer through each one. STEP 2 Grill…

I am delighted that MDMA and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) have been reclassified as medicine in Australia. Psychiatrists will now be able to prescribe them for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Now that one country has done it, I hope others will follow. UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT Just to be absolutely clear, we're not advising people to hang around outside nightclubs and score some pills – and that certainly isn't what's been happening in this research! The studies into psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin have been very safe and are really compelling. I made a TV show a long time ago where we filmed a therapy session with a patient with PTSD who was given MDMA, and I saw instantly how beneficial it was. In fact,…

Is it just me or does everyone look sexy in sunglasses? Perhaps when the sun is out everyone feels that little bit more flirtatious, or maybe it's simply that someone is more mysterious when you can't see their eyes. Either way, I'm digging it this time of year – having al fresco drinks and never being sure if you have caught someone's eye is sort of fun. But maybe I need to get out more. Especially when I wrongly assume that hot guy in his sunnies is looking in my direction when he's actually staring at the sea and not me! I also enjoy wearing sunglasses as they hide the panda eyes I often get in the heat. But it looks like it's time to ditch the shades… according to…

Criminals can target your car when you jet off on holiday. Here's what to watch out for… • RECORD YOUR MILEAGE The airport meet-and-greet service allows you to hand over your keys to a valet at the airport, and when you land back, they'll return them to you. Recently, people's cars have been driven while they are away, broken speed limits and been issued with fines. To protect yourself, take a picture of your mileage. • DO SOME RESEARCH If you use a third-party parking operator, be prepared. Scammers have been known to leave cars in residential streets, with some cars then reported to the council. Use Google Earth to view where the car will be parked and ask for a photo when it's been parked. • CHECK QR CODES…

BLING BLING These bedazzled frames will add some serious glamour to a brunch outfit. SUMMER LOVIN’ Fall in love with this girlie bargain buy – perfect for festivals or summer parties. TANGERINE DREAM Square specs are great at adding definition to a round face. SUITS YOU The combination of soft and sharp angles means these will work for almost anyone. COOL CAT The cat-eye shape is great for highlighting cheekbones. ICE COOL These pastel-blue sunglasses have a fun, fashion-forward feel. GOING GREEN Neon shades are having a moment, so why not make everyone green with envy? ALL ROUNDER Need to soften a sharp jawline? Look no farther than this rounded pair. BARGAIN BUY Who says you have to splash the cash to look stylish? These £1 sunnies definitely prove you…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 22-28 JULY 1 THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE FINAL SHOWDOWN IS UPON US WED 26 JULY, 9PM, BBC1 It's the grand final! And what started with 12 contestants has now become just three, with the talented finalists going all out for the title of Britain's Best Amateur Sewer! “I am really excited to see what they do,” says Esme Young – all decked out in her glittery finest for such a momentous occasion. The first challenge involves creating an evening dress for a special do (not a shower curtain in sight…). Past sewers will then return for hugs all round before the winner is announced – exciting! 2 MEGHAN: FAMOUS BUT FRIENDLESS? ROYAL DOCUMENTARY SAT 22 JULY, 9.15PM, CHANNEL 5 Where will Meghan Markle go next, after burning bridges…

18-24 JULY AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB A lot of people think questioning and revaluating relationships is a sign of doom. This may be true for some, but it's actually a sign that, in order to deepen your relationship, you need to realign with your values. Start considering what you want out of your relationship future. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19 FEB – 20 MAR If you've been burning the candle at both ends since March, when Saturn entered your sign, then it's time to consider doing things a little differently. With Venus moving in reverse, you too may need to rethink your health and wellness habits. Make exercise and nutrition your top priority now. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LEO 23 JUL-22 AUG The Sun, your…

She's had a successful career over the years, celebrating her 30th anniversary at the BBC this year, and despite being in her 60s, Carol Kirkwood tells Closer she still feels fabulous and doesn't sense any pressures of ageing. “I've never felt old. I still feel like I've got the whole world to explore ahead of me,” she says. “I work with a young team and they keep me young.” When asked the secret to her age-defying looks, Carol, 61, laughs, “You haven't seen me close up! I've got more lines than British Rail! But I do feel as happy and as healthy as ever and feel there's so much to look forward to in the next 20 years.” It's clear who's contributing to her positively sunny outlook – her fiancé…

‘BOTH HAVE VOWED TO TRY THEIR BEST TO FOCUS ON THIS NEW CHAPTER’ They're both enduring mixed emotions as their daughters prepare to fly the nest – with Amanda Holden and Tess Daly opening up about their feelings to fans on social media. Earlier this month, Amanda, 52 – whose eldest daughter, Lexi, 17, has just one more year of school – was clearly triggered by her pal Tess Daly's Instagram post, paying tribute to her daughter Phoebe's school days coming to an end. Sharing a series of sweet throwback snaps of her 18-year-old – who the 54-yearold Strictly host shares with husband, Vernon Kay, 49, along with Amber, 13 – she wrote, “Well that's a wrap and the school days are done,” alongside two crying emojis. “No more sports…

It's been over two years since the end of her cruel conservatorship, with Britney Spears claiming that she had been imprisoned in her Californian home under the control of her father, Jamie Spears. But while mega-star, 41, has taken huge steps towards independence following the ruling in November 2021 marrying her husband Sam Asghari last year, speaking out about her ordeal, and releasing new music with Elton John and Will.I.Am – she has continued to struggle to move on as she remains in the US. Following an incident in Las Vegas last week, during which Britney's hand was slapped away into her face by NBA player Victor Wembanyama's personal security guard after tapping him on the shoulder to congratulate him, Britney took to Instagram, admitting to fans, “I don't feel…

When Julia Anderson knocked back a shot of vodka before heading out for a girls’ night, she had no idea how badly the evening would end for her. Julia, 36, went with her friend to a bar for drinks and dancing and, after a fun night out, took herself home at midnight when she felt tired. Drunk, she fell on top of her bed and into a deep sleep. NIGHTMARE Hours later, her mum woke her up, worried that Julia was in an awkward position. It was then that Julia realised she couldn't move her legs and her entire body was swollen. She was taken to hospital where she was given some shocking news – she had compartment syndrome; her muscle and nerve cells had been cut off from oxygen…

She suffered a very public heartbreak in 2018 when she split from her husband Kevin Clifton after three years of marriage, but last week Karen Hauer revealed how the real shock came when she discovered he'd moved on with Stacey Dooley just months later. Crediting her rescue dog Betty for pulling her through, Karen, 41, said, “I went through a really tough divorce, and it was the most difficult thing I've faced on my own. “I am structured and disciplined, but when emotional things happen to you, nothing you do on the outside helps. “Betty saved my life, pretty much. Having that unconditional love and having her there to help me actually get up out of bed.” Stacey, 36 and Kevin, 40, met when they were partnered on Strictly Come…

Beverly Mackellow, 62, who lives in Kent, says, “My heart goes out to Fiona Phillips, because I understand exactly how she feels. “My symptoms of dementia began in 2011, when I first experienced bouts of think much of it at first, it soon became more frightening. It wasn't just walking into a room and wondering what I was doing, or forgetting the name of an actor on the telly. PERSONALITY CHANGE “Once, I was cooking a meal for my husband Kevin and our three daughters, who are now 30, 32 and 39. It was a recipe I'd used for years, but suddenly, I had no idea what I was doing. I grabbed the recipe book and tried to follow the words on the page, but I couldn't understand it. “So,…

SNACK POT (Acitivia Fibre Yogurts, most supermarkets, £2.75) Kick afternoon cravings with these pots containing billions of gut-friendly live cultures, calcium and 10% of your daily recommended fibre intake. Each flavour gives plenty of texture, too. WRAP IT UP (Deli Kitchen's Sweet Wraps, Morrison's, £1.50) Get more creative with breakfast or dessert time with these vanilla or cinnamon-flavoured silky wraps, you can load them with fruit, yoghurt and crumble, and your favourite drizzle.…

STRICTLY HEAD JUDGE SHIRLEY BALLAS, 62, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I ALWAYS TAKE COLD SHOWERS… I'm not one for hot water, my shower is permanently on freezing. If I'm getting up really early at 5am, it's what wakes me up. I find it revitalises my skin, I love it. I also love ice baths and ice plunges. HOT YOGA IS GREAT… My hour to myself is my hot yoga. I've been doing it for a while and I love it because it's calming and works your body all over. I couldn't imagine my life now without some sort of exercise. TAKING DOWNTIME IS IMPORTANT… I go to a retreat once a year for a week. I take that week solely for myself and switch off…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK… TAYLOR SWIFT She sparkles on stage in sequins, but Taylor's day-to-day style is much more girl-next-door. Spotted on the streets of New York, the pop sensation looked seriously sweet in this white broderie anglaise blouse and denim wrap skort, styled with a beaded bag, a pair of MaryJane loafers and in true Swifty fashion, some bejewelled earrings. Copy her look for less! IN THE NEWS… MICHELLE KEEGAN X VERY Struggle to find clothing that'll see you through the season? Look no further than Michelle Keegan's latest collaboration with e-tailer Very. Featuring dreamy holiday dresses, cool co-ords, skirts and denim in a mix of wearable neutrals and sumptuous sunset shades, the 40-piece collection delivers style for every summer wardrobe, with added basics you'll wear all-year-round. Available…

SUN SHIELDER We all know that SPF is a daily essential, but a day by the pool requires a stay-put formula, and this one does the trick. Suitable for use both under and over make-up – making it perfect for reapplication throughout the day – this non-greasy SPF spray is formulated to protect all skin tones against harmful UV rays. GARNIER AMBRE SOLAIRE OVER MAKEUP SUPER UV PROTECTION MIST SPF50, £12 FANCY FLUTTER Along with its waterproof benefits, this lengthening mascara also packs on volume for a more defined look. Plus, it's made with lash-strengthening ingredients to help lashes grow longer and stronger. EYEKO BEACH WATERPROOF MASCARA, £19 POOL-PROOF BASE We swear by foundations with SPF built-in, which is what makes this full coverage one with skinloving ingredients all the…

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…

TV BOMBSHELLS It's not been an easy few months for Holly Willoughby, following the shocking departure of her long term This Morning cohost Phillip Schofield. And last week it was reported that Holly had “secretly” started a two-month break from the show earlier than usual after revealing the sad news that her beloved mother-in-law, Sandra, had passed away. Sharing the news with her followers on Instagram, Holly – who is married to TV producer Dan Baldwin – wrote, “Sleep well Sandra […] To know her was to know strength itself. Thank you for raising the incredible man I'm married to… I see your strength every day in our children.” FAMILY LOSS And insiders now say that the news – on top of the stress she's been under in recent months…

Tucked away in Janine Milburn's car is a pair of trainers belonging to her beloved daughter Georgia Jones. They are one of many reminders that she keeps of Georgia, who was just 18 when she died from an MDMA overdose in May 2018 at Mutiny festival in Cosham, near their Hampshire home. Janine, 46, still can't quite believe she won't hear her coming through their front door again. But she's determined to spare other parents the same agony. Janine, who lives with Georgia's stepfather, IT worker Daniel, 46, is a family support worker, and now campaigns for drug awareness under the name Georgia Jones Don't Go With The Flo, going into schools to talk about the issues. She says, “Georgia was meeting friends at the festival and as I waved…

‘TRAVIS IS SO SUPPORTIVE AND LOVES HER GROWING BUMP’ KOURTNEY: ‘I can be my true self’ Kourtney Kardashian looked happy and comfortable in her own skin as she showed off her baby bump on a babymoon to Hawaii last week. And now a source reveals how the KUWTK star, 44, who is expecting a boy with husband of 14 months, rocker Travis Barker, is revelling in what is likely to be her last pregnancy. The insider says, “Kourtney knows this will probably be her last baby and how lucky she is to be pregnant again at 44. She's joked that she's always wanted a really big family so having twins now would be her dream! She's embracing her big bump. “When she was pregnant with the other three, she was…

NEWS She's been single since splitting from Pete Davidson in October, but after we reported last month that Kim Kardashian was ready to find a new man, the reality TV mogul has now been linked to not one, but two men. Last week, Kim, 42, attended a lavish party held by billionaire CEO Michael Rubin in the Hamptons and was photographed with 24-year-old Paris footballer Kylian Mbappe. But with rumours still swirling after she was connected with NFL star Tom Brady last month, sources revealed how the pair had spent time together – both at the beach during the day and at the party – away from the cameras. A party source said, “Kim and Tom were super flirty with each other.” And now an insider reveals that Kim is…

Glowing in a floor-length white dress as she tenderly cradled her baby bump, Lindsay Lohan excitedly shared pictures of her new nursery as she counts down the weeks until she meets her first baby. She announced her pregnancy in March, and Lindsay, 37, said last month, “I can't wait to see what the feeling is and what it's like to just be a mum.” Now living in Dubai, she celebrated her first anniversary with her husband, financier Bader Shammas, in April. The couple are believed to have been dating for around two years before their marriage, after meeting in a Dubai restaurant. The Mean Girls star has also dated Aaron Carter, Wilmer Valderrama, Calum Best and Russian billionaire Egor Tarabasov, who she was engaged to in 2015 before splitting a…

With her warm, bubbly personality, Davina McCall has built a stellar TV career as someone we'd all love to be mates with. So it's perhaps not surprising that her own friendships mean the absolute world to her. “By the time you hit midlife, you really know who is important in your life,” she says. “Good friends can make you feel amazing and they get you through so much, whether that's tough times with your kids or your family, or the menopause. Your friendships are vital and they need to be cherished.” Whether you want to make new connections or cultivate existing relationships, read on for Davina's fantastic advice… • Davina and friends were guests of the TUI BLUE Aeneas Resort in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Head to www.tui-blue.com to find perfect personalised…

INSIDE KATIE'S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Halloumi ● Protein yogurt ● Honey ● Butter ● Plum jam ● Tahini ● Mushrooms ● Tomatoes ● Parmesan ● Spinach ● Avocado ● Strawberries ● Blueberries ● Lemons ● Greek flatbreads ● Lamb steaks ● Garlic ● Hellmann's Mayonnaise ● Chicken ● Red onion ● Pork mince ● Spinach ● Rocket leaf ● Green beans ● Bottled water ● Orange juice ● Tenderstem broccoli VERDICT NURITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “For busy people like Katie, recipe boxes that are delivered to your door with all the ingredients you need to make a meal offer a great solution. As you would expect from a Lioness, Katie's diet is rich in protein and her fridge is packed with foods from the four main food groups, making…

CLOSER'S NEW LIFE COACH ALL ABOUT YOU KNOW WHEN TO TAKE A BREAK Lewis Capaldi recently revealed that he's having some time out due to his Tourette's impacting his mental health. Anna says we should do similar when we are struggling It was really helpful of singer Lewis Capaldi to say he needs to press pause. I have had two emotional breakdowns myself, so I know how important it is to recognise the signs for when you need to take a pause. I'll use quite a contentious word here: “normal” The dictionary definition is “your functioning level”. This is individual to each of us, but it's recognising what your “normal’’ is. Some people can function on no sleep and under pressure, some can't. Recognise what your baseline is, and if…

With prices soaring, living costs continuing to rise and inflation at an all-time high, many of us are having to find new ways to cut back and tighten our belts, but you may not realise that your workplace could help to bring in some sizeable savings. Research conducted by PageGroup found that 75% of UK adults forget their employers offer bank balance-boosting benefits, from childcare vouchers to cycletowork schemes. We spoke to financial expert Selina Flavius, founder of Black Girl Finance (blackgirlfinance.co.uk), to highlight the best ways you can take advantage of employee benefits… SAVE ON YOUR COMMUTE Many companies offer cycletowork schemes, helping you to keep fit and make big cuts to your commuting costs. Selina recommends using cyclescheme.co.uk/calculator to determine exactly how much you could save. She points…

1 FAMILY FROCKS Co-ordinating outfits just got a whole lot easier thanks to Primark. The new Moroccan-inspired collection has print dresses for all ages so everyone can match – yes, they also come in adult sizes! DRESSES (LEFT TO RIGHT) £5 (2-7 YRS), £3.50 (0-36 MNTHS), £9 (7-15 YRS), PRIMARK 2 CHIC HAT Equal parts stylish and practical, let this could-be-designer hat be your BFF all summer. It can hide unwashed beach hair, be the finishing touch to a linen look and the printed scarf can also be tied around your chin to make sure it stays in place when it's breezy. HAT, RIVER ISLAND, £25 3 TWO-FOR-ONE If you're heading on vacay and want to pack light, a reversible Curvy Kate swimsuit is key. Mix and match from classic black…

Georgia Sharma is back to ruffle feathers on the eve of her son Jai's wedding to Laurel. Originally played by Trudie Goodwin, the role has now gone to former EastEnders actress Lin Blakley, who says she has “enjoyed every single minute” of filming with a “gorgeous” cast and crew. She adds, “How lucky am I to play such a strong character as Georgia? And in the gorgeous Dales!” Georgia brings with her a secret that could blow the Sharma's world apart… FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

CANCER 21 JUN-22 JUL Your life is changing in potent ways. There will be no minimising how much of an impact this will have personally and professionally. Keep focusing on the big picture this week. The progress you've been waiting for is finally within reach. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You're at a fork in the road this year. On one hand, you know only too well which path you need to take and which one you need to leave behind. While on the other, you also know that, no matter which path you choose, it won't be easy but it will be worth it.…

What Cardi's actually trying to say is that she found out THIS MORNING what happens after six Margaritas. Ouch. Sending emergency paracetamol and full-fat Coke to you, Cardi! Well, we've had quite enough thunderplumping already this summer, thanks Susie. We'd like some sunplumping now please! GRUMPY GRAM Ashley had been looking forward to playing the Tin Man – but he didn't expect to have to supply his own WD40. Looks like he's a bit stiff!…