Table of contents for Issue 946 in Closer

When Meghan and Harry gave their remarkable interview to Oprah Winfrey, it was as if they threw a boulder into the royal pond and ripples turned into waves of controversy that engulfed the whole country. Much-needed conversations opened up around racism, mental health and the monarchy but, inevitably, things turned nasty too. We chatted to Sarah Mhlanga, who makes a living as a Meghan lookalike, and she shockingly reveals that she’s been trolled because she believes people can’t get access to the real Meghan. So many comparisons were drawn between the Oprah chat and Diana’s Panorama interview that we asked her “rock”, Paul Burrell, for his unique perspective, and on page 8 we also look at what’s next for the Sussexes. Can this rift ever be healed? According to one…

Paul Burrell – who was Diana’s butler and her “rock” for a decade – tells Closer he was shocked by the interview and believes there is more to come. He says, “There were so many questions unanswered and topics not covered and there were things that didn’t add up. Sadly, I don’t believe this is the end of it – I’m sure there are more secrets to be exposed and more bombshells to come. Diana would have been devastated by this interview because of the ties it has further severed between Harry and William. Through everything that went on in Diana’s life, she always maintained a total respect for the royal family. Yes there was the fallout with Charles, but she loved the Queen and was so proud her two…

Radio presenter Vanessa Feltz, 59, tells Closer, “If Meghan feels that she was subject to racism, then it’s not for us to disagree – only she knows how she felt. I’m a Jewish woman and I would not appreciate it if I said I had been subject to antisemitism and somebody else tried to tell me I hadn’t.” Vanessa – who was previously married to a white doctor, Michael Kurer – claims one TV presenter once asked her, “How do you get all these big black boyfriends?”, which she found upsetting. She adds, “I’ve never chosen or been chosen by a boyfriend based on the colour of their skin or their ethnicity, only if I loved them and they loved me. It’s that kind of comment that is distressing. “When…

This Morning star Alison Hammond has said she’d “totally consider” adoption because she has “so much more love to give”. Alison, 46 – who is mum to son Aidan, 16 – said, “My one wish would be that I’d had more children. I would totally consider adoption in the future. I’ve got so much more love to give.” Alison – who shot to fame on Big Brother in 2002 – shares Aiden with ex-husband and cabbie, Noureddine Boufaied. Last year, the bubbly presenter found love with audio technician Ben Kusi after meeting him on Celebs Go Dating. She later told Closer that “without a doubt” she wants “the white wedding”.…

MARTIN: ‘Kelly’s a Scottish icon’ They’ve always had amazing guest stars, from last season’s Stephen Graham to Hollywood’s Thandie Newton – but this year, Martin Compston, who plays Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott, admits he loved having his pal and fellow Scot Kelly Macdonald on board as new character DCI Joanne Davidson. The actor, 36, who lives in Las Vegas with his wife, American actress Tianna Chanel Flynn, smiles, “Kelly’s a bit of a Scottish icon-she’s been in Trainspotting and Boardwalk Empire, and she’s even got her own Pixar film! “It was great to have her on board. Series six goes back to what made it great in the first place; there are a lot of double crosses and big interview scenes… hopefully a lot of big questions get answered.” He…

Stay-at-home mum Donna Lambert, 33, lives with her fire-fighter husband David, 44, and children, Jack, 17, Beau, six, and Amelie, five, in Essex. She says, “I’ve always struggled with my weight and when I met Dave in January 2011, I was 15st and a size 18. He had an incredibly healthy lifestyle – he regularly ran and played football – so I started joining him to exercise. “I was 11st 8lb when I got pregnant in November 2013. Beau was born in August 2014 and Amelie followed in March 2016. After my pregnancies, I weighed 12st 9lb and wore a size 12-14. I had lots of loose skin and was really self-conscious. I felt miserable and unattractive. Then, last spring, David kindly offered to pay for me to have surgery…

‘I do ballet exercises wherever I am’ She turned 70 in February, but Jane Seymour could easily be mistaken for someone decades younger, thanks to her toned physique and youthful appearance. The former Bond girl has maintained that a healthy diet and regular exercise keep her looking and feeling good, with the mum-of-four also adding that she’s cut down on her meat intake. She said, “I eat pretty clean. I love vegetables, fish, chicken and shellfish. I don’t eat a lot of meat or fat.” But the actress doesn’t rule out treats entirely, revealing, “I will have cheese occasionally, and if I do eat dessert, I’ll just have a few bites.” As a former dancer, Jane prefers gentle, resistance-based exercise, including “Pilates, gyrotonics and a little spinning”. She also said,…

• TOMMY JESSOP, 36, was the first actor with Down’s syndrome to appear on primetime TV in the UK when he made his debut on Holby City in 2007. Since then, he’s appeared in several more shows, including Line Of Duty. He is also a founding member of Blue Apple Theatre, an inclusive theatre company based in Winchester, where he’s played Hamlet. • When 18-year-old ELLIE GOLDSTEIN modelled for Gucci’s beauty campaign in July 2020, she made history as the first person with Down’s syndrome to model for a major brand. The campaign, which promoted the brand’s Mascara L’Obscur, was shared on Gucci’s Instagram page and became one of its most-liked posts ever, with a staggering 864,861 likes. • PAULA SAGE won a BAFTA Scotland award for best first-time performance…

Many of you may be relieved that your children are no longer at home 24/7, but for some of you, letting them return to school may have caused you anxiety. There have been so many changes that clinging onto something that has come to feel safe and familiar (having them at home with you) is completely normal. PLAN QUALITY TIME Lockdown has been challenging, but it has also meant that your kids haven’t had to rush in the mornings to get their uniform together and book bags packed, which has potentially made home life calmer, and you will have become accustomed to your new rhythm. Like any disruption, it is going to take time for this new routine to stick. You’ll have to get used to a quiet home again,…

● Olympian Tom says, “Bubble & squeak is a fantastic way to use leftover vegetables from Sunday lunch.” BAKE IT! RASPBERRY CREAM CUPCAKES MAKES 12 FOR THE CAKES: • 100g soft margarine • 100g caster sugar • 125g self-raising flour • 2 medium eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 100g raspberries, crumbled TO DECORATE: • 150g full-fat cream cheese • 150g icing sugar, sifted • ½ tsp vanilla extract • Extra raspberries and edible glitter flakes STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas mark 4. Put 12 foil or paper cupcake cases into a bun or muffin tin. STEP 2 Beat together the margarine, sugar, flour, eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the raspberries, then divide evenly between the paper cases. STEP 3 Cook for about…

‘It has completely changed the way I feel’ Dominique Withers, 32, a supermarket assistant, lives in Redditch, Worcestershire, with her husband Joe and kids, Wilfred, six, and Gwyneth, three. She focused on home cooking and still allowing herself treats to slim down. She says, “I started gaining weight when I was 16 and got my first job in a shoe shop. I’d spend my wages on sweets and chocolate bars, and slowly started to feel more and more self-conscious about my size 14 figure. I first joined Slimming World when I was 19 and lost 11/2st, but soon slipped back into old habits. I moved in with my boyfriend Joe and cooked nothing but pizzas, chicken nuggets, chips and pasta with garlic bread. In 2011, at 22, I joined a…

SCHOOL-RUN CHIC Smarten up a neutral co-ord with a long tailored coat – it’s a style hack favoured by celebs. Strike the ultimate balance of glamour and cool by finishing the look with a smart bag and baseball cap. WEEKEND WANDER Mix up a sporty look with a utility finish. Flashes of pillar-box red and go-faster stripes combined with military pieces and a pair of tough-looking boots will nail the look – yes, you can wear boots with trackies! COFFEE DATE For a class act, pleather joggers are your calling card. Team them with a classic shirt and layer with Breton stripes. A punchy headscarf will bring the look into the here and now, as will these sandals.…

COOL CUTS This soft and tactically messy do is a modern take on the mullet. With multiple layers and a tousled vibe, it can be tailored to suit different face shapes and hair types, and takes minimal styling, so it’s best to work with your natural texture. Celeb hairstylist Sophie Sugarman tells us, “Embracing your natural hair is key – look for products that will keep locks looking their best. Oil-infused shampoos will soften, while boosting shine.” LACURA OIL COMPLEX REFINE SHAMPOO 85P After years of having regular chops, some of us have fallen back in love with those extra inches. A trim to get rid of any split ends will keep hair looking healthy, and use a conditioning mask every week to keep strands strong and glossy. Sonia Evans,…

NEW SERIES 1 LINE OF DUTY THEY’RE BACK! SUN 21 MARCH, 9PM, BBC1 With almost 13 million people tuning into the utterly addictive cop thriller’s season five finale in 2019, it’s fair to say that expectations are high for this new series of Line Of Duty. Regulars Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings, Martin Compston as Steve Arnott and Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming are all back at the heart of anti-police corruption team AC-12, and this time round it’s veteran actress Kelly Macdonald who takes the starring guest role. She plays DCI Joanne Davidson, who’s leading a high-profile investigation but making some rather strange decisions. And there’s also the matter of “H”. Who IS the person given this code name by a group of corrupt police bigwigs...? Prepare to be…

Selena Gomez Revelación This new offering from pop princess Selena is a total treat for the ears as it’s her first album to be entirely in Spanish. Out of this seven-track listing we love Baila Conmigo (featuring Rauw Alejandro) and the beautiful De Una Vez. A wonderful, refreshing listen. Out now. Nick Jonas Spaceman This is the fourth solo album from Jonas brother Nick and it features newest singles Spaceman and This Is Heaven. Created during the pandemic, Nick says the four central themes that are explored in this album are Distance, Indulgence, Euphoria and Commitment. We can relate! Out now.…

Biographer and Palace insider Tom Bower says he’s still puzzled as to what started this royal war. Tom, who interviewed 120 people involved with the royal family for his biography of Prince Charles, says, “Meghan and Harry seem to have declared war – and what I don’t understand is why. What have they to gain? Especially as they have launched their foundation, Archewell, to spread kindness, compassion and wellness. “I don’t doubt that Meghan was extremely unhappy and really struggled – we’ve seen with Harry’s past girlfriends that many of them have turned down the role. It’s extremely demanding and a total lifestyle change, especially for an LA actress. “But she had Harry by her side and we know she knew all about Diana – she could’ve done the research.…

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of mental health charity Mind, says, “In recent years, we have seen encouraging and significant improvements in attitudes towards those of us experiencing mental health problems. “At Mind, we’ve found when celebrities and high-profile individuals speak publicly about their own struggles, it can help inspire others to do the same. Sharing personal experiences of poor mental health can be overwhelming, so it’s important that when people do open up about their mental health, they are met with understanding and support. “Our research found that 25 per cent of people said hearing a celebrity talk openly about their own mental health had inspired them to seek help or get support for themselves. “We recognise the importance of the Duchess of Sussex sharing her mental health experiences. Too…

Kerry Katona is said to be packing up the rented Sussex home she moved into just a year ago with her fiancé, Ryan Mahoney, to be closer to her mum Sue, after mending their fractured relationship blighted by drug abuse 11 years ago. The ex-Atomic Kitten star, 40, and personal trainer Ryan, 32, are reportedly looking at properties in Warrington, Cheshire, so they can take care of 61-year-old Sue and help overhaul her lifestyle to improve her ailing health. A source tells Closer, “After moving to Sussex for a fresh start, Kerry soon realised she’s a northern girl at heart and with the pandemic forcing her apart from Sue, it really shook her up and made her realise how important it is for her to be closer to her –…

Just one month after revealing her plans to adopt a baby and elope to Las Vegas, Scarlett Moffatt shocked fans after announcing she’d split with boyfriend Scott Dobinson last week – only for the pair to reunite 24 hours later. The Gogglebox star, 30 – who’s been dating policeman Scott for two years – later blamed the brief split on their “stressful” house move. But sources say the pressure of getting married and having kids was also a factor. An insider reveals, “Scarlett and Scott have been moving quickly – they moved in together and have even been working together on her new podcast in which she has been talking about wedding plans and eloping to Vegas, despite Scott not even having proposed yet. “It’s all put way too much…

SAM FAIERS Mum-of-two Sam, 30, rose to fame in TOWIE in 2010, alongside sister Billie, and they’ve since gone on to enjoy success with their reality show The Mummy Diaries. Cosmetic practitioner Amar Suchde, of AMS Aesthetics, believes ageing has “played a big part” with Sam’s changing face shape, but adds, “She may have had filler in her cheeks to make her face balanced.” Sam’s always denied having work done, instead insisting that good facials and skincare products are key, saying, “We’ve just always looked after our skin.” KELSEY STRATFORD The 20-year-old is a recent addition to the show, and one of the youngest, having only joined the cast in 2019. She made quite an impression in her first scenes, with her flowing blonde locks, but Kelsey has already undergone…

If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that we all need to be much kinder. Like everyone, celebrities are faced with the stresses and anxieties that life throws at them, alongside the struggles of being in the limelight – something which has been brought sharply into focus with those celebrities who have tragically taken their own lives. There is a dark side to fame and there is a lot of negativity out there. Not many people in the public eye can take it. As we all know, some have found it too difficult to cope in the limelight. The showbiz world can be a dangerous industry, in terms of mental health. When I started on Made In Chelsea, I seemed happy and smiley, but I went through a lot…

When Michelle Sebo looks back at her reaction to the news that her baby son Theo had Down’s syndrome, she can’t believe she took it so badly. The mum-of-two, from Farnborough, Hampshire, had burst into tears when doctors made the diagnosis five days after Theo was born in October last year. Now, however, she adores her “perfect” son and says she wouldn’t change him for the world. Michelle, 37, who lives with her husband Joe, 40, and their sons Raife, three, and Theo, says, “A baby’s first smile is a huge milestone for every new mum. But for me, it confirmed that Theo was just like my other little boy, Raife. He gives us just as much pleasure, warmth and love. “Theo’s diagnosis was a huge shock for us –…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Celebrities like Love Island’s Laura Anderson, TOWIE’s Jess Wright and Strictly’s Karen Hauer are asking women to go for their smear tests because we have seen a big drop in attendance – particularly during the pandemic. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust charity say 600,000 fewer tests than normal were carried out last April and May due to Coronavirus, and that’s on top of the 1.5 million appointments missed each year. CRUCIAL MESSAGE Radio DJ Maya Jama recently told her online followers to go for their smear tests, having delayed hers for a year and finding out she had abnormal cells. Meanwhile, model Chrissy Teigen shared a photo of her attending her cervical screening mid-pandemic, and TV presenter Scarlett…

I have waxed lyrical on these pages about my detest for ghosting, and only last week I sent out my support to Louise Redknapp, who revealed she had also fallen victim to it. But having been consumed by the brutality of being on the receiving end of ghosting, I’ve spent little, if any, thought on what it’s like to be the perpetrator. It’s so rare that I reject someone (sad reality, I know), that I’ve never thought about it. So, how do you dump someone in a nice way? While it stings to be rejected, if you’ve any sort of conscience, it can feel pretty rotten to be the one doing the rejecting. And this is where I’m starting to understand how ghosting happens. It’s just horrible to know that…

The high street banks are trying to lure new customers, so have various offers. Here’s a rundown, in case you fancy swapping yours to make some gains. First Direct is offering £100 cash to those customers switching to its 1st Account, if you switch your everyday banking using CASS, the Current Account Switch Service website (currentaccountswitch.co.uk), and pay in at least £1,000 within three months. HSBC is offering £125 to anyone switching to its Advance current account, but it’s pretty exclusive. For the Advance account you need to pay in £1,750 a month or £10,500 over six months (it might be possible between two people). Virgin is giving customers 12 bottles of wine and a £50 donation to charity if you link it to a savings account which has £1,000…

HOW IT WORKS: 1 Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy and you’ll find more ideas at Slimmingworld.co.uk. 2 Foods printed in bold are “Free Food”, which you can enjoy freely to satisfy your appetite without needing to weigh, measure or count at all. Base meals around Free Food, like lean meat, plain tofu and Quorn, fish, pasta, rice, potatoes, eggs, pulses, fat-free dairy, fruit, vegetables and more. If you feel hungry between meals, snack on these foods. For the very best weight loss, reach for fresh fruit or vegetables first. 3 As well as Free Food, stock your store cupboard with fat-free dressings, herbs, low-calorie cooking spray, oil-free tomato purée, seasoning, soy sauce, spices and stock cubes, most of…

MOLLIE KING A chic mix of springtime shades and timeless separates make Mollie’s wardrobe seriously on trend. Here’s how to recreate the 34-year-old radio presenter’s look, minus the big spend… GET HER LOOK Camel overcoats are wardrobe icons – born to last! Swap a heavier, belted style for a traditional mac in time for spring. STRADIVARIUS £49.99 Whether wrapped around your neck or tied around your hair, a printed scarf will make a chic finishing touch. H&M £9.99 (FOR 2) Pair these could-be-designer loafers with skinny jeans and a satin blouse, just like Mollie. DUNE £35 Channel some vintage vibes into a get-up with this polished blue shoulder bag. SHEIN £11.99 Give pastel shades a grown-up feel by opting for tailored buys, like this blazer. Pair with jeans now and…

SMART YET COMFY These have all the joys of joggers – elasticated waistband and a soft fabric – but in a smart, tapered shape. A great base for oversized shirts. ZARA £19.99 STYLE STATEMENT Tie-dye is a big trend, and this pair feature a more subtle take on the print that’s both pretty and feminine. Throw on with a block-colour sweatshirt. ZARA £29.99 JUST LIKE TROUSERS! For the ultimate trouser-jogger hybrid, this printed pair is perfect. Lightweight for warmer weather and with pyjama-like comfort. RIVER ISLAND £40 COSY & KNITTED Soft, knitted and slender, this snuggly pink pair is just the ticket for sofa surfing – yet presentable enough for the postman! F&F £15 SHAPE SHIFTER Keep a top-heavy frame in proportion with a wider-leg shape that’s neat at the…

KEEP SKIN HYDRATED Making sure your cheeks are moisturised throughout the day is an essential step towards plumper, younger-looking skin. So when it comes to your everyday serum and moisturisers, look for hero goodies like hyaluronic acid to give parched skin a boost. Products containing ceramides (natural fats) are great, as they work to keep the protective layer of your complexion topped up to prevent damage and moisture loss. ELIZABETH ARDEN FLAWLESS START HYDRATING SERUM PRIMER £28, SUPERDRUG SIMPLY PURE HYDRATING SERUM £3.29 PROTECT FROM UV RAYS Any skincare expert will tell you that SPF is a huge part of keeping your skin supple and looking younger for longer. As well as the risk of it causing skin cancer and pigmentation, sun damage can also break down collagen, which can…

Tell us about the show? We go into people’s houses, where there are three imposters and one genuine homeowner – and our celebrity panel have to figure out who really lives there. If they guess correctly, the homeowner wins £1,000! It’s really daft and fun, it’s total escapism! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think people will love playing along. What’s your role? I’m the host, so I spend time at the houses with our imposters and the real homeowner. I probe them and ask them questions they should know the answer to – if it really is where they live! My favourite part is when you meet the partner, and three strangers are declaring their undying love for this person. It’s so awkward! The real person has to watch…

Arguably the most distressing revelations to come from Meghan and Harry’s interview were the allegations that a member of the royal family had “raised concern” over the colour of Archie’s skin and the shocking confession that the Duchess had thought about taking her own life while pregnant with their son because she was so mentally unwell. She claimed she sought support from “the institution” of the royal family and human resources, but was told that it wasn’t possible for her to receive professional help. There were explosive reactions of outrage all over the globe, with GMB host Piers Morgan sensationally quitting the show after his comment that he “didn’t believe a word” that Meghan said received 41,000 Ofcom complaints. Piers later clarified his remarks on GMB, noting that “it’s not…

ROYAL EXPERT Katie: ‘She’s not interested in returning to the UK any time soon’ Author of Harry: Life, Loss And Love Katie Nicholl says she believes bridges may have been burnt between Harry and the royals now, and she can’t see him coming back to the UK any time soon. She says, “Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah was above and beyond anything that anyone expected, and I can’t believe an intelligent young woman like Meghan, and a Prince who was born into this institution, could not have been aware of what the consequences would be. “Harry was 18 when he said he wanted to continue the legacy that his mother never got to finish – and in her BBC Panorama interview [Diana’s controversial exposé of her life at the…

Rapper Drake has reignited rumours of an affair with Kim Kardashian – which she denies – in the wake of her divorce from Kanye West, just days before the star was seen sobbing in the teaser for the new series of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. The clip shows Kim, 40, in tears, as she says she feels “like a f***ing loser”. Meanwhile, fans speculated that Drake’s new track, Wants And Needs – which namechecks Kanye’s nickname, Yeezy – refers to long-standing rumours of an affair with Kim. The lyrics said, “As soon as I start confessin’ my sins, he wouldn’t believe us.” The fan theory went viral in 2018 after suggestions that another one of Drake’s song, In My Feelings, was about Kim because of its reference to “Kiki”…

When footage emerged earlier this month of jockey Rob James and trainer Gordon Elliot sitting astride dead horses, the racing industry rushed to condemn their actions. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) – which both regulates the industry and is tasked with the welfare of the animals – branded James’ behaviour as “totally unacceptable”. Meanwhile, James apologised for his actions, which he said were “wholly inappropriate and disrespectful”, and Elliot said, “It breaks my heart to see the hurt I’ve caused.” HORROR The upsetting footage of James and Elliot comes just before the Cheltenham Festival – one of the biggest fixtures of the horse racing calendar. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event will be held behind closed doors, but bookmakers estimate that £500 million was placed in bets last year –…

The resemblance between Sarah Mhlanga and Meghan Markle is so uncanny that, before the pandemic, she was regularly hired as a lookalike – earning up to £300 per appearance. But the Duchess of Sussex divided public opinion when she made shock claims against the Royal family in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey last week. While many have hailed her bravery, others have slammed the ex-Suits actress – and Sarah says she’s concerned for her future as a lookalike after being trolled online. Sarah, 38, who lives with her husband Jabulani, 40, and their children Josiah, 10, and Mimi-Raie, eight, in Cheshire, says, “I was so emotional when I watched Meghan’s interview. She’s been through such a huge ordeal, and it was time she had her voice heard. As a…

• WAYNE LINEKER “Wayne is a proper boss – he’s like a modern-day Hugh Hefner! I love everything about him. It would be lovely to see him with a woman more his own age so he can settle down.” • CURTIS PRITCHARD “We have such a good relationship and I count him as a very good friend now. Curtis was just class.” • KARIM ZEROUAL “Me and Karim had beds next to each other in the mansion and used to cry with laughter every night. There was so much funny stuff that wasn’t shown in the final edit – it’s a shame they can’t show the outtakes.”…

‘I follow a mostly vegetarian diet’ She posed naked on top of a cake for her 50th birthday last month, and Amanda Holden says she’s in the best shape of her life! The Britain’s Got Talent judge likes to keep active and runs for at least an hour a week, as well as boxing sessions. She discovered yoga nine years ago and said her “body got strong and any excess fat disappeared.” She also credits a meat-free diet for looking and feeling great. The mum-of-two said, “For me, it’s lots of avocado, chickpeas and quinoa salads. I’ve followed a mainly vegetarian diet since I was 15, but I do eat fish. The children are vegetarian, too.” One day a week, Amanda has a juice for breakfast and lunch and a…

Retail manager Lucy Davies, 33, lives in Crewe with her husband, Gary, 35, who works in insurance and their six-month-old son Noah, who has Down’s syndrome. She says, “I’ve been with Gary for 17 years and we’ve always wanted children, but I have terrible health anxiety, so it took a long time for me to feel ready to get pregnant. “I found out I was expecting in January 2020 and we were thrilled, though nervous. Fortunately, we had our 12-week scan just before lockdown restrictions were put in place, so Gary was with me when we found out there was a high possibility that our baby had a chromosomal abnormality. When the sonographer told me, I was in pieces. Further tests revealed it was Down’s syndrome and we were told…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY We have all grown used to being told what we can and can’t do and where we can and can’t go – and we will need time to adapt as things start to return to normal. For a year, you have been bombarded by traumatic news and negative social media and it will have affected you. Your confidence to do simple things such as grabbing a coffee may provoke anxiety. These feelings are completely understandable. It has been an awful time, and you may feel the only safe place is your home. Remember: the roadmap is gradual precisely to keep you safe, so take baby steps – starting with what will bring you as much joy, connection…

THE BRAVEST THING I’VE EVER DONE... is choose dancing as a career. I come from a small town in Sicily where no one – especially boys – would even consider dance as a professional job. I was bullied at school for focusing on dancing rather than playing football with the other boys. It ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. When I have a family, I’ll encourage my kids to fight for what they want, like I did. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN... came from my grandfather, who unfortunately passed away in 2009. He used to remind me how grateful I should be to the people who have helped me achieve what I want to in life. It keeps me grounded. I WISH…

INSIDE SIAN’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Chocolate eclairs • Sticky toffee puddings • Lurpak • Oranges • Greek yoghurt • Feta • Chorizo • Strawberries • Halloumi • Tomato ketchup • Tomatoes • Bacon • Chicken breasts • Fish cakes • Salmon • Oat milk • Asparagus • Tomato pure • Water • Pineapple juice • Soda water SIAN How much do you spend per week? Even though there’s only two of us [Sian lives with her boyfriend, Clint], we spend £50. Describe your daily diet... For breakfast, we’ll have a poached egg on toast and then for lunch we’ll make a lean meal, such as wholemeal rice and chicken with salad. For dinner, we might have salmon with new potatoes, or a vegetable medley made with all the leftover…

DINNERS (choose one) BEEF AND MUSHROOM PIE Serves 4 Ready in 4 hours 20 mins • 800g lean stewing beef, all visible fat removed • 4 fresh thyme sprigs or 1tsp dried • 1 onion, finely sliced • 4 celery sticks, finely sliced • 3tbsp tomato purée • 2 reduced-salt beef stock cubes • 4 baking potatoes • 250g chestnut mushrooms, quartered • 2 x 39g sheets filo pastry • Low-calorie cooking spray • 400g thin-stemmed broccoli, trimmed and halved 1 Put the beef, thyme, onion, celery, tomato purée, stock cubes and 1 litre of cold water into a large, lidded, non-stick saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, give everything a good stir and then cover. Cook for around 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the beef is tender and…

IN THE NEWS... WAREHOUSE’S PUNCHY SPRING PRINTS With normal life hopefully resuming soon, now’s the time to start planning your spring/summer wardrobe. We’ll be heading to Warehouse, as their mix of could-be-designer prints combined with flattering midi-lengths and pretty trims feels like the ultimate fashion bonanza after months of living in slouchy loungewear at home! Buy just one floral number to lift your old jeans, or rock a bold clash with animal print and polka dots. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! EVERYBODY'S WEARING... SATSUMA SHADES Like a big dose of cheery Vitamin C for their wardrobes, the A-listers have been adding zesty hues to their looks recently, and it’s a trend we can all get involved in, as the high street is brimming with zingy shades. Orange is officially the…

SOOTHE AND SHINE WITH AN OIL The squeezy tube makes applying this tinted oil a doddle, while the clever PH-adjusting formula reacts to your skin to create your own, bespoke shade of sheer pink. The super-dewy finish will work nicely for day or night and the mango butter will keep your skin hydrated and seriously soft. Wear on its own or layer up over your favourite lipstick. FLORENCE BY MILLS GLOW YEAH TINTED OIL £14 SWITCH TO JELLY LIPSTICKS The colour pay-off from these vegan liquid tints is amazing – one swipe gives lips an intense wash of punchy pink, red or nude, and the matte finish means they’ll stay put all day. Unlike many shine-free formulas, they don’t dry skin, thanks to the hydrating combination of vitamin E and…

CORONATION STREET LEANNE ARRESTED Drugs boss Harvey has got poor Leanne wrapped around his finger – sending her out onto the streets of Weatherfield to push drugs onto the youth, wearing a nurses’ uniform (it seems to attract the punters). There’s an awkward moment when a random woman approaches her for help with a man collapsed at the tram station, but Lee manages to scarper – though into a further nightmare scenario where she has to hide Harvey in Oliver’s bedroom, and Nick wonders if she’s having an affair! Finally, she decides to shop Harvey to the cops, only to get herself arrested – and they need her help to nail him… HOLLYOAKS OUT FOR REVENGE On a quest for vengeance following her father’s death, Summer tries to make it…

MUST READ The Castaways (LUCY CLARKE) It should be like any other holiday. Beautiful beaches, golden sunsets and nothing for miles. Sisters Lori and Erin had an unforgettable time planned, in Fiji. But the night before they are due to fly from the mainland to a remote island, they have a terrible fight and only one sister boards the plane. She – and the rest of the passengers – are never seen again... We were gripped by this thriller from the very first page. MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB DIGITAL RADIO FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.MAGIC.CO.UK…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) THE HUSTLE B) ME BEFORE YOU NAME THE STARS 1) CHARLOTTE CHURCH 2) LADY GAGA GUESS THE CELEB A) HARRISON FORD B) KERRY WASHINGTON WORD LINK A) HAMMER B) PLANT C) TIE D) LIST E) STEP F) FAIRY 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 every prize draw and/or…

16-22 MARCH IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK While 2021 is going to bring challenges for everyone, you can chase your dreams and make them real. You also have excellent stars for making good money (and clearing your debts) and even potential for feeling the magic of love in your life. So be it! THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR It’ll be easier to have the conversations you need to now. It’s also important to work on your self-esteem. Don’t let past dramas make you feel bad. Focus on what’s great about you and others will, too. 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 Consider the areas in your life that you need…