Closer -julkaisun Issue 945 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

As excitement builds with the easing of lockdown finally in sight, it feels like a good time to embrace change. If you want to make a start by getting fitter and stronger (it’s not just about losing those extra pandemic pounds!), check out our eight-page diet special for inspiration and a confidence boost. Meanwhile, if there’s one thing the past year has taught us, it’s that nothing matters more than family. Our brilliant Mother’s Day ideas and tips will help you spoil that special superwoman in your life – or drop hints by leaving those pages open if you’d like to be treated! And don’t miss our incredible story of the mum who’s had 10 babies via surrogates in just one year. Let’s just hope this is our last pandemic…

• Reports claim Holly Willoughby could take her former agents YMU to court over a money dispute • YMU also represent her close pal Phillip Schofield • Industry experts Melanie Blake and Jon Roseman tell Closer the claims could spark trouble between her and Phil – and even see them go their separate ways She’s the golden girl of TV, having gone from an unknown model to one of the most in-demand and popular presenters on our screens. But while Holly Willoughby has spent most of her life in the spotlight drama-free – keeping her personal life private and shying away from controversy – last week it emerged that the star is embroiled in a legal battle with the agency that helped build her career. Holly worked with celeb talent…

During her stint in the Love Island villa last year, Shaughna Phillips revealed that comparing herself to her “lovely-looking” co-stars and being crippled with insecurity over what she called her “abnormally large” lower legs had left her in tears several times. It wasn’t until after she left the ITV2 show that Shaughna, who says she felt like the “box-ticking fat girl”, learned that she was suffering from lipoedema – an abnormal accumulation of fat in the lower legs – admitting she “cried with relief” at the diagnosis. And after years of cruel bullying over her calves, which started at just 11 years old, Shaughna, 26, opted to undergo liposuction, resulting in her surgeon draining two litres of fat from her lower legs. Showing off the results on Instagram in a…

‘SHE’LL KEEP POSTING TO PROVE HER POINT — THE TROLLS WON’T WIN’ She’s the driving force behind a huge campaign to make online abuse a criminal offence, but that’s done little to deter vile online trolls from attacking Jordan’s family. Last week, a fresh torrent of abuse was aimed at her kids, with son Junior, 15, revealing he’d received death threats online, and his disabled older brother Harvey, 18, also targeted by the same account. Junior shared a screenshot of the horrific comments he received, which branded him an ‘ugly b*****d’. He added the caption, “People like this” alongside weary-faced emojis. The troll shockingly went on to tell Junior and Harvey to take their own lives. CRUEL COMMENTS In public, Jordan appeared unperturbed by the vicious trolling and last week…

Pregnant Laura Whitmore confirmed she is expecting a daughter after TV presenter Lorraine Kelly accidentally revealed her baby’s gender. The Love Island host, who’s expecting her first child with her husband Iain Stirling “in early 2021”, was on Lorraine’s chat show to discuss her new book, No One Can Change Your Life Except For You when the host said to her, “This book, this comes from personal experience… and also advice you want to pass on to your baby girl?” Laura later shared an excerpt of the book, which confirmed the gender: “As I finish this book, it doesn’t end at chapter nine, there’s a new chapter coming into my life – in the form of a baby girl currently growing inside me and that scares the s**t out of…

When Nicky Durward’s marriage came to an end after 14 years in October 2019, she was devastated and didn’t think she’d ever be able to move on. But she has found love again – and says it’s all thanks to the pandemic. Teacher Nicky, 39, who lives in Horsham with her three daughters, Belle, 14, Jessie, 11, and Lottie, five, says, “Lockdown made me slow down for the first time since my marriage broke up. Between my busy job and being a single mum, meeting someone else just wasn’t on the cards. LONELINESS “But last March, when the pandemic hit, I found myself thinking about the future. And I suddenly had the time to think about meeting someone. I signed up to a dating website and after two weeks, started…

KEEP UP WITH THE STARS OF SERIES 6 Think you knew every behind-the-scenes secret of MAFS Australia? Think again. Last week, MAFS’ most controversial bride, Ines Basic, dropped some bombshells during an appearance on Jamie Laing’s podcast, Private Parts – and her hour-long chat is not to be missed. Speaking about her scandalous love triangle with Sam Ball, she said, “We didn’t have sex, no. If we did, we would just say so! I really liked the guy, y’know – I really thought there was going to be something there. He’s definitely not the type of dude I’d go for now.” She also added how Sam had preferential treatment and even had his own hotel room separate to the other stars. And for raw, unedited footage of the show, follow…

She openly admitted she “hit rock bottom” in November, after gaining nearly 2st during lockdown, and has been documenting her weight-loss journey ever since. Now, nearly four months on, Frankie Essex reveals she feels “confident and energised” after losing all the weight and dropping two dress sizes. The 33-year-old tells Closer, “I’m proud of my transformation and I feel like I’ve got my confidence back. I’ve lost weight all over, but I’ve mostly trimmed my belly and waist. I’m around a size 10-12 now and weigh 11st. I put on a pair of jeans recently and I had no trouble getting them on, which felt amazing.” Frankie, who found fame on TOWIE alongside brother Joey, admits she was shocked to find her weight had crept up to nearly 13st last…

After months of lockdown, combined with dark nights and cold weather, it seems life is suddenly about to turn a corner. And this spring there’s more than a hint of optimism in the air as COVID restrictions begin to gradually lift. “Studies confirm the arrival of spring has a huge boost to our mood and makes us feel happier,” says Closer nutritionist Juliette Kellow. “And chances are the effects will be ramped up even more this year as we’re able to return to doing more of the things we love. For many of us it signals a chance to shake off the lockdown hangover that’s left us feeling sluggish, with dull skin and hair, and with some unwanted extra pounds!” With this in mind, Juliette has put together a new…

INSIDE JASMINE’S FRIDGE • Vegan butter• Tofu• Alpro yoghurts• Houmous• Olives• Vegan mayo• Meat-free sausages• Dairy-free cheese• Strawberries• Nectarines• Mushrooms• Grapes• Greek-style kebab• Vegan bacon• Tomatoes• Sugar snap peas• Salad leaves• Asparagus spears• Smoothie• Almond milk• Oat milk• Vegan egg substitute JASMINE How much do you spend per week? About £100 (she lives with husband Jon and their children Joy, seven, and Albion, four). But during lockdown, it’s been slightly more than usual as we’re all eating at home all the time. I like to go in-store so I can see what vegan products they’re offering. Describe your daily diet… I’m being a bit more conscious about what I’m eating at the moment, so I’ll have overnight oats for breakfast with almond milk, fresh fruit raisins, flaked almonds and a…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY If you have spent the past year pretty much 24/7 with your other half, working from home, educating your kids, and trying not to drive one another potty, you may have become less affectionate. Even if your relationship feels rock solid, upping affection will still benefit you. Research shows that couples who are tactile have happier and more loving relationships, so holding hands, cuddling on the sofa, and kissing regularly solidifies your bond. It also helps secrete the cuddle hormone oxytocin, which makes us feel more connected to our partners. Women who receive lots of affection have lower blood pressure, and everyone benefits from a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. Discus with your partner what kind…

I LIKE TO START MY DAY… in the right frame of mind. Like a lot of people, I was non-stop before lockdown. I’d be on jam-packed tubes rushing to the next meeting on very little sleep. Now, I set my alarm early to practice gratitude, affirmations and I go for a walk. I WOULD HAVE LOVED… to have been a presenter in my twenties, but I didn’t believe in myself. I was working in an office, and I’d think about my dream job. Then, I stumbled upon an opportunity to do a two-week placement at ITV Studios. I knew I had left it late to make a career change, but my instinct told me to go for it! THE BRAVEST THING I’VE DONE... is having my wisdom teeth out –…

BUSY MUM BLAZER SQUAD Whether it’s the school run or a dash to the shops, these hot mamas have found the answer to looking “done” with minimal effort – the do-it-all blazer. HOW TO WEAR • Look for oversized shapes for a cooler vibe or opt for a more structured shape for a sharper finish. • Heritage checks and soft greys will never go out of style. • A fresh white tee will look great under a blazer, or layering over a printed dress will create an effortless fash-clash. CHIC BEIGE BRIGADE Layers of caramel and cream are still ticking the trend boxes. This low-key colour palette works just as well with basics as it does with smarter pieces. HOW TO WEAR • Wearing multiple caramel shades is the easiest…

REVIVE BRITTLE LOCKS Without a trip to the salon, hair doesn’t feel as soft or look as shiny. Before they reopen, fix up moisture-deprived locks with a weekly mask. Crammed with plant nutrients and nourishing aloe and avocado oil, apply this mask after shampoo and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing to restore softness. All ingredients are responsibly sourced. HERBAL ESSENCES ESSENCE OF LIFE ALOE & AVOCADO OIL NOURISH & SOOTHE INTENSIVE MASK £7.50 DEPUFF EXHAUSTED EYES These celeb-approved gel eye patches offer instantly cooling relief to tired eyes. And they’re drenched in a potent skincare cocktail of glycerin and hyaluronic acid – both mega moisture magnets. They’re a splurge, but a worthy treat. Remove after 15 minutes and massage in excess serum. Eyes feel refreshed and the coolness…

FINAL 1 DANCING ON ICE DATE BROUGHT FORWARD SUN 14 MARCH, 6PM, ITV Fans of DOI have questioned whether there may be a “curse” on the show after so many contestants were forced to quit the latest series following positive COVID tests and injuries, and now the final has been brought forward due to the dropouts. The winner will be crowned a week early, and Corrie star Faye Brookes (the bookies’ favourite to triumph) was still standing when we went to press. The three finalists will – hopefully! – take to the ice for one last time, and there’s a special performance from Torvill ’n’ Dean, plus the class of 2021 are reunited… 2 THE SUZY LAMPLUGH MYSTERY A BAFFLING CASE SUN 14 MARCH, 9PM, SKY CRIME / NOW TV…

Famous for being the villain of the addictive Netflix series Married At First Sight Australia (the 2019 series is now airing in the UK), Jessika Power has since gone on to overhaul her entire body with cosmetic surgery, but insisted earlier this month that her enlarged boobs were “real”. When asked by a fan on her Instagram Stories, Jessika, who has spent £30,000 on procedures, replied, “My boobs are real. I had a fat graft from Dr Anoop Rastogi in Sydney.” Boosting her bra size from a C to a D cup, Jessika explained that her surgeon had taken 1.8L of fat “from the side and the inside of my thighs”, before separating the blood from the fat in a machine. She added, “The doctor then took a surgery needle…

Blue star Duncan James has also spoken out about how his daughter has been cruelly trolled because of his sexuality. Duncan, 42, who came out as bisexual in 2010 and more recently described himself as gay, said his 16-year-old daughter, Tianie, with his ex Claire Grainger, is receiving abusive messages. “People can be quite nasty about me being gay and say quite horrible things about the fact that I’m a gay dad,” he said. “People have written to her, saying, ‘Isn’t it disgusting your dad’s gay? How do you feel?’ or ‘You must be ashamed of him’ and stuff like that, and you’re just like, ‘Why are you writing to a kid saying stuff like that? Are you really crazy?’ People are just awful.” Duncan – who has been in…

It’s congratulations to Blue singer Lee Ryan and his girlfriend Verity Paris, who are expecting their first child – a girl – together. Lee, 37 – who is already dad to daughter Bluebell, 13, and son Rayn, 12, from previous partners – revealed he’s “so excited” to become a dad for the third time. He added, “I love being a dad; there is nothing better than that. It’s the most amazing thing in the world.” Lee and Verity – who works as an Ariana Grande tribute act – were first linked in January last year. They relocated from London to the Costa del Sol last year and said they will encourage their daughter to learn Spanish.…

The pandemic has rewritten how many want to date and forced people to become more creative. So, what will dating look like once restrictions end – and beyond? • TAKING THINGS SLOWLY Experts believe that the past year has taught people to take things slowly, and daters won’t rush into anything offline until they have built a genuine connection with someone online. • NOT COMPROMISING Dating app Bumble predicts users will take a “hardballing” approach to finding love. Singles will treat dating like they would a job interview. Nearly 40 per cent of users said they have become more confident in expressing their likes and dislikes. • HAVING MORE THAN ONE PARTNER There is thought to be a rise in polyamorous relationships, with a survey revealing that more than a…

Christina Ozturk, 23, had always dreamt of having a large family, so when she fell in love with her millionaire husband Galip, 56, the pair saw no reason to hang around. With money being no object, the couple paid surrogate mothers to carry their children for £7,000 each. Incredibly, within just 10 months, Christina and Galip became the proud parents of a staggering 10 babies – but they don’t plan on stopping there. In fact, Christina has even mentioned they’d love to have 105 children! HUGE FAMILY Christina, who was already mum to Victoria, now six, from a previous relationship when she met Galip in 2018 says, “I’ve always wanted a huge family. I loved the idea of having lots of children the same age, growing up together. “It made…

He’s made a name for himself as lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs, starred on hit shows like The Voice and counts several TV stars as close friends. But Ricky Wilson says the UK lockdown has made him realise all he needs in life is his fiancée Grace Zito and their chocolate Labradoodle Reedus. Ricky, 43, says, “The celebrity world isn’t what people think it is. It’s not all parties where we’re all chums. During lockdown I haven’t seen my best friends in a year. It’s been weird because I realised that I only need Grace and the dog and I’m happy.” FROM MUSIC TO TV STAR The Kaiser Chiefs started out in 2003 and achieved a number of big hits, including I Predict A Riot, Everyday I Love You…

I read recently that only two per cent of children’s books in the UK feature a black leading character – and that blew my mind. For me personally, growing up I definitely didn’t feel that how I looked, and how I styled my hair, was represented in books or the media. I remember I used to put towels on my head to pretend that I had long straight hair; I just wanted to fit in with what I saw on TV and what I was reading. It’s so important for kids to feel well-represented, because it gives you someone to look up to and a sense of self. My son Matthew has a little black doll that he plays with, and my husband and I want to make sure that…

SURGERY: “I wouldn’t have any more surgery [Frankie had a boob job aged 24 to take her from a 32C to an E-cup, before having a reduction several years later]. I might have my boobs done after I’ve had children. A lot of celebrities have had bum lifts, but I’d never do that. My bum would be the size of Kim Kardashian’s!” EXERCISE: “I go for a long walk first thing and then do a workout from the Goal Getters online hub. It helps that Luke is a personal trainer, as he motivates me to get up. I’ve got a while to go but I hope soon I’ll be able to join him on his 10K runs!” MENTAL HEALTH: “My anxiety gets bad sometimes, but Luke is great. He checks…

‘I feel so much more confident’ Rhi Batchelor, 36, works in admin for a nursery, and lives in Stratford-upon-Avon with her husband Franco, 37, and their children, Scarlett, six, and Harriett, four. She says, “I’ve always been a curvy size 14, and over the years I tried all sorts of fad diets – but they were never realistic. “It didn’t help that, as an ex-chef, my husband Franco would cook amazing meals, and I’d eat huge portions of his home-cooked pies or curries. We had a ‘treat cupboard’ too, which was meant to be for our daughters, but most evenings I’d munch away on chocolate and buttery popcorn in front of the TV. “I was unhappy with my size, though, so, when the country went into lockdown, it was as…

In a year where we’ve all become more health aware than ever, we’ve also been less active than usual with social distancing and restrictions on movement having a profound effect on the amount of exercise we get. Regular, moderate workouts help the body to spot infectious agents, and stimulate a response against them, so we need to stay active to stay well. Even pre-COVID, a quarter of adults were active for less than half an hour a week. More worryingly, eight in 10 children didn’t manage to be active for an hour a day. LET KIDS PLAY Physical activity as a child is important for development, growth, coordination, brain function, physical fitness, emotional fitness, bone density, muscles… the list is endless. It’s not about being athletic or being on the…

According to Uswitch, a quarter of young people say that cyberbullying worsened in lockdown, and the National Crime Agency has reported an increase in online grooming. It is essential that as soon as your child can access the internet, you educate yourself, and them, about the dangers they could encounter. EXPLAIN PRIVACY Make it clear that they must not share personal details about where they live, their school, or anything else with a stranger and be honest as to why, in an age-appropriate way. Children of all ages need to understand that there are people out there who will pretend to be their friend, or promise to send them gifts to gain their trust. You may not want to burst their bubble of childhood naivety, but it is essential, and…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER People in the UK find it easier to discuss mental health and infertility than they do money, but when we avoid discussing our cash concerns, we make it harder to address them. “A lot of people grow up in environments where open conversations about money is not the norm,” says Selina Flavius, Finance Coach and author of Black Girl Finance: Let’s Talk Money (£12.99, Quercus). “That can mean that when we experience money issues, the default response is to keep quiet.” But keeping quiet stops you overcoming problems, so here’s how to open up more with cash concerns. ADDRESS YOUR STRESS Talking about money worries does more than enable us to overcome them; it has a major impact on our state…

SWEET DREAMS Posh PJs have never been so relevant, and this leopard-print set offers good cheer. Plus they’re 100% cotton. FLORAL FANCY Scented candles have been a popular lockdown indulgence, and this one comes in the prettiest of pots. POSTAL PAMPER Treat the special woman in your life to the Closer Beauty Treats Box, which contains 10 pick-me-ups from big brands. BLOOMING LOVELY Gift gardening enthusiasts flowers that last. Scatter these wildflower seeds on top of soil, then water and watch them grow! AFTERNOON DELIGHT Bring afternoon tea to Mum’s front door. Gingerbread, teabags and the famous Fat Rascal scones will provide pure joy! HUG IN A MUG Lockdown has been especially hard on the older generation, so send Nan some love with this pretty slogan mug. HERO BUY After…

INSPIRATION YOU’LL LOVE! Raise a toast in style with this vintage-inspired set of wine glasses. OLIVER BONAS £35 FOR PACK OF 4 Make even the simplest of salads Instagram-worthy with a stylish pair of metallic servers. OLIVER BONAS £26 Mixing just one or two patterned plates with a simple set will instantly lift the table, and without the big spend. DAISY PARK FROM £9 EACH Cookware doesn’t have to be boring. Look for pastel tones and Scandi details to add wow factor to serving a casserole! TK MAXX £22.99 Transform the dining table into a calm space with soft cotton tablecloths in spring shades. H&M £12.99 Create a statement centrepiece while piling up the roast potatoes with this ceramic serving platter. DUNELM £12 GO FAUX While a fresh bouquet is…

Can you describe the show for people who haven’t seen it? OK, so it’s essentially a game of popularity — with people either choosing to be themselves or pretending to be someone else, all in a bid to win £100k. They talk to each other via The Circle, which is our own sort of communication platform. There are twists and turns and I pop up every now and then to get up to my own mischief! What’s your take on it being compared to Big Brother? There are similarities, as both shows put together a group of people in a building and we watch how that situation unfolds! But I always saw Big Brother as a social experiment, whereas The Circle is very much a game show. Is this any…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) 500 DAYS OF SUMMER B) WHEN HARRY MET SALLY… NAME THE STARS 1) OPRAH WINFREY 2) DENISE VAN OUTEN GUESS THE CELEB A) ALISON HAMMOND B) CHERYL WORD LINK A) TICKET B) BED C) YARD D) BLUE E) BEER F) CROSSED SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 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…

The simmering feud between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royal family exploded last week as an investigation was launched into shocking claims Meghan “bullied” palace staff. With emotions running high in the run-up to Meghan and Harry’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey – which, as Closer went to press, was due to air in the US on Sunday and on Monday in the UK – it emerged Buckingham Palace is looking into previous complaints that Meghan “drove two personal assistants out of the household and was undermining the confidence of a third staff member”, with 10 “hugely professional” aides coming forward to help the probe. The original complaint – reportedly made by aide Jason Knauf, who used to work with Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, before working…

While cosmetic surgery has long been the domain of models, actresses and reality TV stars, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has reported a 70 per cent increase in virtual consultations. The phenomenon is being labelled the “Zoom boom”, with plastic surgeons around the world being told by men and women alike that looking at their grey faces in a box during video calls has led to a huge uptake in a variety of new surgeries. And Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s COVID “roadmap” announcement last month has been the catalyst for a rise in even more requests – with Harley Street consultant plastic surgeon Mark Ho-Asjoe revealing that his diary is quickly filling up with new bookings. He says, “We have definitely seen an increase in requests for cosmetic…

Always at the front of the queue when it comes to taking up the latest surgery trend, Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown told Closer she underwent “fox-eye” surgery last summer – a treatment that involves the outer eye, reaching to the eyebrow, being pulled up with the insertion of dissolvable stitches to create an almond-like shape. Inspired by the look of influencers like Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid, the procedure only takes 30 minutes and has thus been hailed by surgeons as a “lunchtime treatment”. One Harley Street clinic said their bookings had gone up 15-fold since lockdown, in line with face coverings becoming mandatory and more focus being placed on the eye area. But Laura, 31, who admits she is “addicted” to surgery after blagging £100,000 in…

She recently broke down and called him the “love of [her] life” during her Piers Morgan interview, but insiders say Gemma Collins has been left rattled by James “Arg” Argent once again as his ex, Lydia Bright, revealed they were in regular contact. Lydia, 30, shared a snap of Arg, 31 – who she described as a “very good friend” – FaceTiming her and her one-year-old daughter, Loretta, during an Instagram Live. And pals say Lydia’s revelation has reignited Gemma’s insecurities over their on/off relationship. The source says, “Gemma knows Arg shares a huge amount of history with Lydia and understands they will always care about one another, but seeing that snap posted publicly of them FaceTiming really stung. It was a miserable reminder of all those years she felt…

Respite carer Sammi Fisher, 30, lives with joiner Lee, 31, in Tiverton, Devon. She says, “I was scrolling through Facebook one night in February last year when Lee was flagged as someone to add as we had friends in common. I thought he was good looking so sent him a friend request, which he accepted, and we had a few messages back and forth. “But before we had a chance to meet up, the country went into lockdown. I wondered if it would fizzle out, as we had no idea when we’d actually be able to get together. But in fact, the opposite happened. As we both lived alone, we both felt quite lonely, so it was nice to be able to have someone to chat to in such weird…

When Mel James was told she couldn’t have children of her own, she and her husband, Anthony, 43, refused to give up on their dream of starting a family, so decided to adopt instead. During their application process, Mel, from Wokingham came across the profile of Jack. With the same piercing blue eyes as hers, she was sure this little boy was meant to be her son – only Mel and Anthony weren’t approved for adoption yet. But a month later, when they were finally given the go-head, Mel was stunned when their social worker called to say they’d been matched with Jack, who still hadn’t found his forever home. Later that year, the pair became Jack’s official mum and dad. Mel, 40, says, “As soon as I saw Jack’s…

Five-year-old Labradoodle (Norman) Reedus is very much part of Ricky and Grace’s family set-up – but the animal-loving couple also do their bit for dogs in need, regularly fostering puppies from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Ricky says, “Grace likes to foster puppies. We have them for three or four weeks and we basically teach them the rudiments of toilet training, being around other dogs and being in a family situation. And then they go to their forever home, which Grace finds very difficult and I find quite easy. “Because although puppies are adorable, I don’t like what it does to Reedus. He puts up with it but, when Grace is playing with the puppy, I’m whispering in his ear, ‘You’re the best dog in the world!’”…

On 13 March 1996, Debbie Mayor’s mum, Gwen, headed off to work as a teacher at Dunblane Primary School. At 9.30am, she was with her class of 31 five-year-olds in the gym, when evil gunman Thomas Hamilton burst in, peppering the children and their teacher with bullets, in the worst mass shooting in UK history. Brave Gwen, then 45, had spent her final moments desperately trying to protect the children in her care. She’d been found with defensive injuries, and poignantly with a little girl – who was also killed – in her arms. HERO Debbie, an auxiliary nurse, who is mum to Robbie, 13, and Millie, 12, says, “It still hurts as if it were yesterday. I have just turned 44 and my mum was 45 when she died.…

DANIELLE ‘I don’t deny myself treats’ Posting a selfie in her underwear last week, former TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong proudly showed off her 3st weight loss – just nine months after giving birth to her daughter, Orla. She wrote, “I wanted to share my transformation with you because I feel quite proud. I always say, ‘If it takes us 9 months to grow a baby, then it’s going to take us at least 9 months to get our bodies back’.” In January, Danielle, 32, revealed she’d dropped from a size 16 to a 10 in six months by using the Herbal Life meal replacement programme. The plan involves drinking two protein shakes and eating a healthy third meal, with Danielle sharing her favourites of home-made chilli con carne and salmon…

• 2019 MasterChef winner Irini says, “Like Italian biscotti, these are crunchy and great dipped in tea!” SIMPLE SUPPER KOREAN BBQ BOWLS SERVES 4 • 175ml low-salt soy sauce • 4tbsp mirin (or cider vinegar) • 1tbsp finely grated ginger • 1tbsp sesame oil • 1tbsp honey • 2tsp hot chilli powder • 6 garlic cloves, crushed • 500g beef steak, thinly sliced • Cooking oil spray • 1 red pepper, sliced • 1 yellow pepper, sliced • 100g spinach • 2 spring onions, sliced STEP 1 In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, ginger, sesame oil, honey, chilli powder and garlic. STEP 2 Put the beef into a bowl and pour over the marinade. Cover with clingfilm and leave in the fridge to marinate for 1-2 hours.…

We really need to talk about “ghosting” – despite it being rife in the post-Tinder world, I really wish it would suffer a painful death. Ignoring someone you’re speaking to, casually seeing or in a relationship with until they get the hint that you’re not interested is cowardly and, let’s face it, just cruel. And yet it continues. Only last week, the lovely Louise Redknapp revealed in her new book that she’d been ghosted, saying, “I had what I thought was a good chat with a guy, and then one day he asked me what I was up to. I said, ‘Oh, I’m just going for a bike ride’. And that was the end of that. It’s been five months and no reply. I’m just sitting here wondering what was…

GET HER LOOK VOGUE WILLIAMS Add an animal-print footnote to a classic outfit and it guarantees to give it a high-fashion spin – as proved by radio presenter Vogue. Breton stripes, skinny jeans and a traditional mac are a fail-safe ensemble for any season, yet her playful leopard courts keep her look fresh. For a tomboy touch, trade heels for colour-pop retro kicks instead. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS... SPRING GEMS FROM GEORGE If you love browsing the George fashion aisles during your supermarket sweep as much as we do, you’ll be excited to get your hands on the latest G21 range. The capsule collection has a younger vibe than their signature style, but there are plenty of wearable pieces for all, including figure-flattering midi dresses and…

CALM AND CAMOUFLAGE Free from parabens and nasties, this base is gentle enough for sensitive skin without lacking in coverage. Designed to add a fine veil of flawless colour, it can also be layered up for fuller effect on days that require something a little more heavy duty. Vitamins E and C help to soothe and brighten, while hyaluronic acid will keep skin hydrated. Plus, it comes in 40 shades. ELIZABETH ARDEN FLAWLESS FINISH SKIN CARING FOUNDATION £32 PROTECT AND PERFECT The list of skin-loving goodies in this new CC cream is pretty impressive! There’s niacinamide for balancing pigmentation and fighting acne, peptides to fend off signs of early ageing, collagen to plump and smooth and SPF to protect. All of that in one velvety soft, colour-correcting cream that will…

LIGHT BULB MOMENT Ideal for single stems, droplet vases look great clustered together on a mantelpiece. And made from recycled glass, this one’s unique. WYLD HOME £5 RATTAN REVIVAL Shop on-trend by opting for natural colour and textures. This raffia-covered option pairs perfectly with pampas grass. WILKO £8 FANCY FACES Scandi interior lovers will adore this monochrome ornament. The illustrative face design is so now. Pop on top of coffee table books. MAISON DU MONDE £11 GIRL POWER Five per cent of sales go to For All Womankind. This statement piece works with or without flowers. DOIY DESIGN AT LIBERTY £35 EACH PASTEL PERFECTION Got a bunch of spring daffodils? This rainbow number will showcase them, and any other new-season blooms, beautifully. TROUVA £24.95 BRIGHT IDEA Show off long-stem blooms…

MUST READ Dog Days (ERICKA WALLER) George’s wife has died, and the last thing he needs is his neighbour Betty trying to rescue him. And then there’s a dachshund puppy called Poppy. Dan is great at helping other people, but his most meaningful relationship so far is with his Labrador, Fitz. Lizzie is living in a women’s refuge with her son. She has shut herself off from everyone around her. But when she is forced to walk the refuge’s terrier, Maud, a new life beckons. We loved this heartwarming story. TUNE IN Gabrielle Do It Again Fresh from her appearance on The Masked Singer, singing sensation Gabrielle brings us her brand-new album. As well as two new original songs, this 12-track offering features the numbers she sang on the hit show.…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Having the New Moon in your birthday chart is good. Moreover, the New Moon you’re getting as a birthday gift is a good ’un. Expect the opportunity for an empowering 2021. The first step is to decide what in your life has gone beyond its “use by” date. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR The New Moon is taking place in your sign, and is triggering the planet of imagination, Neptune – so dream big. If someone or something lifts you up emotionally now, it’s right for you. Join Yasmin’s free Moon Lite Club and learn how to make a wish on the Moon! www.moonmessages.com/moonlite ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR We’re encouraged to be honest when asked if we’re OK, but this…