Table of contents for Issue 1119 in Closer

His books, Finding Freedom and Endgame, saw savage criticism of the working members of the Royal Family, and news that Omid Scobie has penned a searing new TV drama about The Firm has left Prince William and Kate Middleton panic-stricken. DAMAGING With the rights already acquired by Universal Television to turn his novel into a television series, Royal Spin – billed as Omid's fictional debut – tells the story of an American press agent who leaves her intense political career in Washington to begin a communications role at Buckingham Palace. Once in her new job, she navigates culture clashes, strict protocol and messy relationships as she tries to prove her worth. Already parallels have been drawn between American divorcee Meghan Markle's uneasy entrance into the Royal Family. And, according to…

NEWS She recently embarked on a hefty promo tour for her sixth autobiography, This Is Me, during which she announced a three-part Netflix series about her life was in the works. And insiders tell Closer that Katie Price will stop at nothing to launch her sensational TV comeback, despite Netflix denying that they are working with the former glamour model on a documentary, as she claimed. A source says, “Katie has been in talks with a production company who are desperately trying to get a reality show off the ground with her, but they haven't made progress on commissioning. However, she won't let setbacks stop her dreams of re-taking her reality crown. She says she's the queen of reinvention and will do whatever it takes to get her own show.…

Two years after his highly-publicised defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp has moved on with a new girlfriend. The actor, 61, is reportedly dating 28-year-old Russian beautician and model, Yulia Vlasova, with sources claiming that their relationship is “casual” and they've been seeing each other “here and there”. It's believed that the pair first met in Prague, where Yulia lives, back in 2021, attending the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival together. And while she's based in the Czech capital, she regularly visits him in London. It comes after Johnny's split from actress Amber, 38, in 2016 following 15 months of marriage, with their divorce being finalised in 2017.…

They both have first-hand experience of being at the centre of bitter WAG wars, which have thrown both of them into the full glare of the spotlight. Now insiders reveal that Becky Vardy and Lauryn Goodman have struck up a blossoming friendship that is going from strength to strength. A source close to Becky – who's recently been on back-to-back holidays to Thailand, the Maldives, Marbella and Turkey – says she got in touch with Lauryn amid drama with on/off lover Kyle Walker, the father of her two children. The insider says, “She's really bonded with Lauryn over the last few weeks. It started with Becky just reaching out to offer Lauryn support during the Euros. “But it's progressed massively into almost daily calls, and they are now planning on…

Their split announcement in May after nearly 14 years of marriage shocked fans, but perhaps more surprising was the suggestion that Eamonn Holmes has already moved on from his ex-wife Ruth Langsford. And now, frustrated by his seemingly cold attitude and emboldened by the support of her friends, Ruth, 64, is said to be considering her own return to the dating scene. An insider tells Closer, “Ruth's pals have been rallying around her and telling her to get back out there. She doesn't feel ready at all, if truth be told. She's been left reeling after seeing Eamonn get close to a new woman. MOVING ON “But her friends have said that if Eamonn is moving on with someone new, there's no reason why she shouldn't. Ruth's pals have a…

Sara looks radiant at 40, and she's a stickler for a regular skincare routine. “My mum got me into it when I turned 30,” she says. “She said, ‘Don't ever have a night off and don't ever use a face wipe’, and so I'm really diligent. I do a double cleanse using an oil-based cleanser, I use a night cream, a day cream and I put on a serum every day without fail. It's also not enough to use a foundation with SPF 15, you need to wear factor 50. Avon's Vitamin C Moisturiser has it built-in.” Sara is also a firm believer that you don't have to spend a fortune on skincare – the secret is consistency. She says, “People comment, ‘She's a millionaire, she can afford all these…

SUMMER SIPPING One Living kombucha drinks are blended with natural ingredients, sugar free and will give you a boost, leaving you full of life. £1.60, from Oneliving.com, Sainsbury's, Amazon. Boots, Holland & Barrett. PERK UP LUNCHTIME Ben's Original Lunch Bowls are a healthy range of grain and vegetables. Choose from four varieties, including Moroccan Buddah and Spicy Mexican. £2.99/220g, from Tesco. PROTEIN-PACKED The Coconut Collab has launched Protein Yog, a new dairy-free highprotein yoghurt that delivers 10g of plantpowered protein per serving and is fermented with live cultures. £2.75/350g, nationwide.…

BAKE OFF STAR AND COOK, RUBY BHOGAL, 34, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I ADORE NATURE… I start my morning with an hour-long walk with my dog. If I don't get that fresh air and sunshine in the morning, it throws my whole day off. I'll come back and have a healthy breakfast before going for a run. When I don't exercise, I really feel the tension building up inside of me. WEIGHTLIFTING EMPOWERS ME… Strength training is amazing for helping you to feel strong in yourself. And Pilates is perfect for engaging both my mind and body – you really have to concentrate, which keeps you present. READING HELPS ME SLEEP… In the past I've been guilty of doom scrolling before bed. I could spend…

BURGER BITES MAKES 24, TAKES 45 MINS • 400g beef mince • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 5g chives, finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, crushed • Half small red onion, grated • 40g rolled oats • 60g barbecue sauce • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 3 cheese slices, each cut into 9 small squares • 2 tsp olive oil • 200g streaky bacon • 6 little gem lettuce leaves, each cut lengthways into 4 strips • 24 small cherry tomatoes • 2 jarred gerkins, cut into 24 slices STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C, gas mark 6). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Pre-soak 24 small wooden skewers. Place the mince, egg, chives, garlic, onion, oats and 2 tbsp barbecue sauce…

SUPERMARKET SPECIAL! GORGEOUS GRAPHICS The strong lines on this monochrome must-have give the classic swimsuit a modern spin. Team with oversized sunnies for added wow. F&F AT TESCO, £22.50 SHIMMER & SHINE The glittery sheen on this will bring some serious glam to your local pool, while control fabric will give you a boost. GEORGE AT ASDA, £14 TACTILE TEXTURE Ribbed fabric is soft and comfier than most traditional swimwear, which is ideal when chasing after little ones at the beach. GEORGE AT ASDA, £16 LINE UP As well as ticking off one of summer's biggest trends, the cleverly placed stripes on this linear buy will make you look taller and leaner. F&F AT TESCO, £22.50 RETRO VIBES A combination of a halter-neck shape and bold psychedelic print gives this…

She looked happier than ever last week while enjoying a date night with boyfriend David Putman at a performance of MJ: The Musical. And now, insiders say that Alison Hammond has been considering her future with 27-year-old masseur David – who she has been dating since early this year – and that their blossoming relationship has got her thinking about more kids. REGRETS A source tells Closer, “Alison always saw herself with at least four kids, but it didn't happen and she openly regrets that. As a result, she has always said that she would adopt a small army of kids if she could. She has so much love to give – but it's finding the time.” Alison and 6ft 10 David are thought to have met when Alison hired…

Normal People actor Paul Mescal has continued to fuel romance rumours with pop star Gracie Abrams after the pair were spotted on a shopping trip. Despite seemingly trying to keep a low profile, Paul, 28, was seen on London's Bond Street just 20 minutes before Gracie, 24, the daughter of Hollywood filmmaker J.J. Abrams, arrived. “Paul and Gracie looked like any other young couple hitting the shops, and they went almost unnoticed,” a source says. It comes after the pair first sparked speculation they were dating last month when they were pictured grabbing food together. Paul previously dated singer Phoebe Bridgers for two years, with rumours swirling they had gotten engaged shortly before they split early last year. Meanwhile Gracie was formerly linked to actor Dylan O'Brien.…

It's one of the most adored shows on TV, but Strictly Come Dancing is currently in the midst of a media storm, after two pro dancers were axed from the show due to behind-the-scenes clashes and unacceptable behaviour toward their celebrity partners. Actress Amanda Abbington sparked the furore when she quit the last series after just five weeks. An investigation was launched into her partner Giovanni Pernice's training methods. He was then axed from the show, before it emerged that pro dancer Graziano di Prima would also not return to the show, with reality star Zara McDermott later claiming she had an “incredibly distressing” experience with him. MORE BOMBSHELLS Reports then claimed a third Strictly star – who was no longer part of the show – was being investigated. Historic…

Hannah Verdier, 51, lives with her two children in Sydenham in London and works as a writer. Her father, Mark, an antiques dealer, passed away last November aged 76. She says, “My father and I were especially close. He was a real DIY dad, the person I went to for advice on broken taps, but also the bigger questions. “In 2016, he was involved in a cycling accident and ended up in hospital missing a large chunk of his memory. The following year, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Dementia. He died seven years after diagnosis and by then he was unrecognisable. “When he died, my world came crashing down. I was desperate just to have one more conversation with him. Dad was the first person I'd ever lost, and…

INSIDE JESS’ FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Houmous ● Tiramisu ● Cadbury chocolate pots ● Protein bars ● Strawberries ● Raspberries ● Blueberries ● Feta cheese ● Salmon fillets ● Mustard ● Avocados ● Beetroot ● Greek yoghurt ● Sea bass fillets ● Chicken breasts ● Lemons ● Limes ● Full-fat milk ● Semi-skimmed milk ● Courgettes ● Broccoli ● Aqua Pura sparkling water ● Aqua Pura still water ● Tonic water VERDICT CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Jess is a professional athlete, so it's unsurprising her fridge is filled with nutrient-packed things such as dairy, fruit, veg, fish and chicken. But it's also good to see she enjoys treats like puddings – they add variety and enjoyment to diets. Athletes usually have higher requirements…

RELATIONSHIPS TRY DIRTY TALK - WITHOUT THE ICK! If you need to breathe new life into your sex life, dirty talk is free and easy – but it can go wrong. Here are Anna's guidelines I think it's best to frame it as “sexy talk”, and it can be a wonderful way to spice things up. The key is really understanding your partner, what they like and what they don't like. If they don't like swearing or are quite reserved, they might not respond well to explicit sexual terms during sex. If you want to initiate sexy talk, causally ask what they think of it first; have they ever done it, would they be open to it. If they look horrified, you'll know this isn't for them. Test the water…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK ROSIE HUNTINGTONWHITELEY Animal print is huge news right now, so take a tip from model Rosie, who was spotted wearing a Jacquemus zebra motif skirt at a recent fashion event. The 37-year-old kept everything else simple, with a squared neck vest and chic black accessories, proving that you can rock prints even if you're a minimalist. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! WAISTCOAT WONDERS Kim Cattrall The SATC icon complemented her butteryellow suit with a patterned quilted vest. Pixie Lott Pop princess Pixie scored top marks at this year's Wimbledon in a tennis-corestyle co-ord. Myleene Klass The 46-year-old nailed the waistcoat trend in a bargain linen two-piece from Next. Dianna Agron Glee actress Dianna stunned in suede as she stepped out in head-to-toe Chanel. Lucy Hale 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…

Couples don't come much more lovedup than Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy – with the pair recently revealing that Abbey's “special pill” has reignited their spark. Speaking on their The Therapy Crouch podcast, Abbey, 38, admitted to “fighting battles” with her libido. The star revealed she had been taking an “all-natural herbal supplement”, branded the “female Viagra”, to put the spark back into her relationship with former footballer Pete, 43. Now a source reveals that miracles have been worked in more than just the bedroom. They say, “Abbey thanks her ‘special pill’ for reigniting her sex life with Pete, but she says it's done so much more than that. It's no secret that they've had their struggles, but they've never been stronger. “They always did everything for the kids,” adds…

The mile-long Albufeira Strip in the Algarve is a notorious party destination for Brits abroad. Lined with bars and nightclubs, with music blasting from every doorway and neon lights flashing, it's packed with revellers and it's a mecca for stag and hen nights. Drunken excess has become normalised to the extent that one taxi driver tells Closer reporter Mel Fallowfield, “These days I'm just grateful when they throw up into a bag rather than all over my cab – I've come to expect the worst, particularly from the British.” Last month, eight British men pushed beyond the boundaries of tolerance from the locals. They stripped naked in a club on the strip and crawled along a bar, simulating sex acts. Their debauched actions are currently being investigated by the police…

Love dramas She shared a cryptic post on Instagram about being “healed” earlier this month, hinting that she's moved on from past heartache. And now Closer can reveal that Lisa Armstrong has been enjoying a new romance – but she's keeping things on the down-low for now. Following her public split from boyfriend James Green last August after three years together, sources say that Lisa, 47, has found love again, but wants to take things slow. An insider says, “Lisa has met someone but it's early days. She doesn't want to make the same mistake as she did before, which was to blast it all over her socials – she wants to keep things under wraps for at least six months before she goes public. He's handsome, professional and likes…

Her wedding is just weeks away, but Vicky Pattison has reportedly been left devastated after her £200,000 engagement ring was stolen earlier this month. The 36-year-old, who is set to marry Ercan Ramadan in September, reportedly burst into tears when realising that her luggage – containing the emerald-cut sparkler – was taken on a train. “Vicky is absolutely distraught. She's been inconsolable – crying her eyes out and frantic about the whole thing,” a source says. “She's reported it to the police, who are handling the situation, and is hoping to get it back somehow.” It's been a tough time for the star, who was hospitalised with suspected glandular fever earlier this month after falling so ill she “physically couldn't move”. Her wedding to Ercan comes after a failed engagement…

Amanda Abbington has condemned Strictly Come Dancing‘s “toxic environment” amid the BBC's ongoing investigation. Opening up about her experience on Lorraine last week, the 50-year-old actress shockingly revealed how she and her two children had received death threats online after she made a series of allegations against her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice. Recalling her time on the show, she said, “It was inappropriate, it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying. I put up with it for five weeks… It started very early on and when it started to happen, I would shut down because I would recognise those red flags.” Amanda insisted she quickly raised her concerns, saying, “I've got texts to the producer on day three, going, ‘This is awful. He hates me. I don't know what…

When we catch up with Sara Davies, she's fresh from filming the new season of Dragons’ Den and busy training for her third Great North Run. It's just over a year since she overhauled her lifestyle, and she's in better shape than ever. “It was my 40th birthday in April and I wanted to be the fittest I'd been since I was 30,” she tells Closer. “I've spent half my life sucking myself into Spanx, and now it's bloody lovely to put on a dress and not have two pairs on underneath!” It's perhaps not surprising Sara aimed high for her 40th, or that she achieved her goal. After all, this is the woman who founded her business, Crafter's Companion, as a student, and is now reportedly worth a cool…

“This recipe is packed full of flavour as well as plant-based foods, ideal for a nutritious breakfast. Serve with salad for a stress-free lunch, or try with a dip as a simple snack.” NICHOLA'S SWEET POTATO FRITTERS STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C, gas mark 7). Line a baking tray with baking paper, then spray or lightly brush with oil. Place the grated sweet potatoes and courgette into a colan der set over the sink. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible (the more liquid you squeeze out, the better the fritters will hold their shape). STEP 2 Put the squeezed sweet potato and courgette into a large bowl. Add the sweetcorn, feta, smoked paprika, garlic and the lemon zest. Add the chilli flakes, if using, and…

Vicky Pattison recently shared her experience of being hospitalised with glandular fever and an abscess in her throat. The abscess isn't an unusual complication of glandular fever; you get a big collection of pus in your throat, which is very painful and makes you very poorly. A healthy person could also get that, but if you're tired and run-down and your immune system is a bit shot – as Vicky describes – that makes it slightly likelier. Glandular fever itself will also strike quite easily when you're run-down. It tends to affect younger people, and is common at this time of year. SPOT THE SIGNS Vicky describes having a terrible headache but ignoring it, then developing a sore throat which felt like swallowing razor blades, along with a fever, aches,…

If there's one thing that's got me through the highs, lows and oh nos of dating, it's been writing this column for Closer readers. While we all try to steer our way through swiping, ghosting and disappointment, one thing that I truly believe helps is sharing the madness with each other. I emerged back onto the single scene in my 30s, coincidentally around the time the love landscape was set to change forever. Dum dum dum! But without being overly dramatic, things have become almost unrecognisable to the times of dating past. It's hard to imagine a world without Tinder, Bumble and Hinge, and bad behaviour is now so commonplace it has its own name, yes, am looking at you “ghosting”. While I've been frustrated and upset more times than…

Water companies are planning to invest billions in modernising the UK's water network, and bills are likely to increase as a result, so here are five tricks to slash your bill… SWAP YOUR LOO Got an old toilet? You could save £100 a year by upgrading it. Moving from a traditional flush toilet to one with a dual flush saves £109 a year on average, and that matters as toilets use a fifth of all water in a home! ADD A HIPPO BAG Not keen on buying a new loo? Another option is to buy a HIPPO water saver. These little bags reduce the amount of water used each flush by as much as two litres, for less than a tenner in cost! Find the right one for your toilet…

1 TALKATIVE TEE Whether it's the name of your fave band or a playful phrase, slogan tops are an easy option for offduty style. Team with some denim and you'll be all set for a Saturday shopping trip. T-SHIRT, £14; SHORTS, £16, BOTH F&F AT TESCO 2 MUSTHAVE MAXI As well as looking good, the A-line shape of this full-length frock gives it a loose and breezy feel to keep you comfortable on even the most humid of days. GEORGE AT ASDA, £22 6 SUMMER SPARKLE Sequins are no longer just for the festive season. Make them work during the day by layering over a tee, or pair with a pencil skirt for date night. F&F AT TESCO, £16 7 PRETTY PASTELS Warmer weather always calls for sugary tones, and these wideleg…

30 JULY-5 AUGUST VIRGO 23 AUG - 22 SEP Mercury is going retrograde in Virgo this week, so you have the chance to redo anything and everything in your life. It might be that you start second guessing yourself, too, or there are some misunderstandings. That's fine. Breathe through any confusion. Think of this as a week of second chances. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LIBRA 23 SEP - 22 OCT Once a year you get a New Moon in your Wishing Zone – the most powerful time for you to make a wish – and it's happening for you this week. So send your wishes out to the Universe. Remember to also take firm action to make your dreams real. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope SCORPIO 23…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You have a New Moon in your chart - a sign from the Universe that you're ready to ditch the past and start over. So don't cling on to what was because it's easy, move towards new ways of doing things. You can expect a year of second guesses and second chances! LEO 23 JUL – 22 AUG The New Moon this week is a reminder that it's never too late to do things differently. You're at the start of a very intense cycle which will last several years, and it's about shedding the past for a brighter future. Where do you need to start shedding? Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

Listen, Ry, three days of sunshine isn't convincing anyone. We all know it'll be raining/blowing a gale by the end of the week. We're with you, Sarah. But unless you've got to the point where you stand on a tube of toothpaste to get the very last drop out of it, you can't beat us on tightfistedness! GRUMPY GRAM Just seconds before this pic was taken, young Romeo had a Cornish pasty in one hand and a Magnum ice cream in the other. But thanks to a savage seagull attack, he's going hungry. Sad times.…