Table of contents for Issue 951 in Closer

We were desperately saddened by the news that Big Brother favourite Nikki Grahame passed away earlier this month, aged 38, following a lifelong battle with anorexia. The star’s eating disorder spiralled during lockdown, with her mum Sue heartbreakingly revealing the isolation had exacerbated her “terminal loneliness”. Nikki burst onto our screens in 2006, endearing us and audiences alike with her zany outbursts. One such early fan was Rebecca Quinlan, 32, (right, with Nikki) whose own struggle with anorexia started when she was 13, and who credits the reality TV star with being her motivation to recover. Admin worker Rebecca went on to befriend Nikki and on p8 she shares her favourite memories of her pal, revealing her lasting legacy is that she “continues to inspire me and others too”. It’s…

In the emotional wake of Prince Philip’s death, the royal family have rallied around the Queen. And as senior royals prepare to step up to support her on future engagements, Prince William and wife Kate will be centre stage when the Queen’s official mourning ends on 22 April – her 95th birthday. In a statement following his grandfather’s death, William, 38, pledged that he and Kate, 39, would support his grandmother, saying, “I will miss my grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.” William and Kate – parents to George, seven, Charlotte, five and two-year-old Louis – will no doubt step seamlessly into their new roles. Since they married 10 years ago this month, on 29 April 2011, they have found a place…

Nikki’s castmates were grieving last week, and paid tribute as they remembered their fun and feisty co-star. Glyn Wise, 33 – who finished runner-up – was a shy 18 year old, but says Nikki made him feel at ease. Glyn tells Closer, “The first time I saw Nikki, she opened the door of Big Brother screaming, saying how happy she was while wearing a sexy bunny outfit! “She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to be chosen for Big Brother. It was a dream come true for her. Even though I was 18 and she was 24, I always felt older than her. There was a vulnerability to her. “On the first night, at 4am, Nikki woke the whole house screaming because her false eyelash had turned inwards. She was…

❛THEY HAD A LONG PHONE CALL WHERE HE EXPLAINED HIS BEHAVIOUR WAS SOMETHING HE’S LONG REGRETTED❜ They broke up almost 20 years ago – so fans were initially confused last week when Britney Spears posted a throwback picture of her with ex Justin Timblerlake in a birthday tribute to her younger sister, Jamie Lynn. The snap showed the former sweethearts looking happy as they sat alongside a young Jamie Lynn, now 30. Troubled Britney, 39, ended her lengthy message to her sibling with, “I wish I was as strong as you.” But the post, shared with her 29 million followers, sparked speculation that she was using the photo to send a message to Justin, 40 – whom she dated from 1998 until their split in 2002. Fans jumped on the…

❛SHE COULDN’T CONTINUE PAPERING OVER THE CRACKS AND PRETENDING EVERYTHING WAS OK❜ They finally confirmed reports their two-year engagement was over last week, and insiders tell Closer the shock decision came as Jennifer Lopez felt she could no longer trust her fiancé, Alex Rodriguez. The Love Don’t Cost A Thing singer, 51, and Alex 45 – known as A-Rod – released a joint statement, which read, “We have realised we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so.” Hours before the announcement, the former baseball star posted a video tribute on Instagram which featured pictures of the couple in happier times. The dad-of-two’s emotional post also included a snap of the names of their combined four children written in sand inside a heart which was overlaid to Coldplay’s…

It’s been a difficult month for Simon Cowell after an onslaught of damning allegations against his hit show, The X Factor. And sources tell Closer that his girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, has been supporting the media mogul after a string of former contestants recently claimed they were controlled and then mistreated by “powerful” managers, including Simon, 61, in their subsequent careers. Jedward – who competed in 2009 – began the backlash when they told their social media followers, “Every contestant on The X Factor was a slave to the show and got paid zero while they made millions!” WARNED NOT TO SPEAK The identical twins – John and Edward Grimes, 29 – also posted that they regretted not telling the judging panel to “f*** off” and added, “Other X Factor stars…

Pascale Sellick, 49, organised a lavish ceremony in Devon in 2019, where she married her duvet. The artist said, “My duvet is the longest, strongest, most intimate and reliable relationship that I have ever had. That’s because it has always been there for me and gives me great hugs.” When Amanda Liberty, now 36, from Leeds was 23, she fell in love with the Statue of Liberty and changed her name to Liberty by deed poll to show how deeply she felt. She visited New York over 30 times to see it. But she struggled with the distance and has since declared her love for a chandelier called Lumiere, which she bought in 2016. In 2017, Carol Santa Fe – a self-identified “objectum sexual” – claimed she had been in…

As Kim Kardashian West became a US billionaire last week – according to Forbes’ rich list – she and Kanye West both agreed to joint custody of their children, without the need of spousal support. The estranged couple both filed papers in which they agreed that their seven-year marriage should end over irreconcilable differences. According to Kim’s filing, they kept their properties – which are worth a combined £800million – separate throughout their marriage because of the terms of a prenuptial agreement. While it’s been dubbed one of the biggest celeb splits in recent times, the stars’ impending divorce seems to be amicable, with sources recently telling Closer that they are both keen to stay on good terms for the sake of their children, North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three,…

A recent study found that nearly 80 per cent of weddings have been postponed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic due to rules limiting numbers and travelling. In Italy, where I’m from, we are only allowed 15 guests, so my fiancée [professional dancer Giada Lini] and I have had to postpone our wedding a second time, which has been a nightmare. We were planning to get married this summer in the local church in my hometown in Sicily, before heading to a beautiful castle on the coast for the reception. I used to bring Giada to that beach every summer, so it is really special for us. Now we’re going to have to wait until 2022 to get married, which is frustrating, but we know it’s the right thing…

Tamara Joy was humiliated after her “husband” Dan Webb began a secret affair with Jessika Power – yet remarkably, the women are now close friends. Jess tells us Tamara’s been her “rock” through her split from Filip – and even says she was “good to her” after her breakup with Dan. And she doesn’t hold a grudge over Dan. Tamara, 32, explains, “Jess and I have no issues now. We became friends because I became friends with her brother Rhys, so that broke the ice for us. Jess made it clear that she regrets her actions on the show and I don’t hold resentment towards her.” However, Tamara and Dan are no longer in contact – but Tamara insists she wasn’t heartbroken by his cheating as she didn’t fancy him.…

She had a tumultuous three- year relationship with Sam Thompson on Made In Chelsea until 2017, but now Tiff Watson is happily loved-up with her footballer boyfriend, Cameron McGeehan. The 27-year-old – who has been vegan for four years after deciding to follow in the footsteps of her older sister and former fellow MIC star Lucy Watson, with the pair opening a vegan restaurant in Fulham in 2018 – is delighted her boyfriend also follows a meat-free diet. She tells Closer, “My boyfriend is vegan, so it’s really nice. We’ll always have avocado on toast for brunch. I’m always like, ‘Do you think we’ll get sick of it because we literally have it every day?’ But so far we haven’t! “I’m the chef of the house, he’s a falafel- in-the-oven…

There has been a wave of celebrity mums, including former TOWIE star Kate Ferdinand and radio presenter Kate Lawler, who have spoken up about feeling low, in both their mood and self-esteem, post-birth. And for many new mothers who have been struggling with lockdown, feeling isolated and lacking any motivation to “snap back” into shape, their honest approach has been reassuring, and relatable. But a fresh debate was sparked last week, when new mum, TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who gave birth to a daughter – whose name has not yet been revealed – last month, took to Instagram to share a positive post. “I’ve been told I won’t be able to leave the house and should feel s**t. But I actually feel the best I’ve ever felt and the happiest…

Families have been surviving, as opposed to thriving, for the past year, and standards may have slipped, but however you have managed, you should give yourself a pat on the back. Now comes the fun bit; reconnecting with the people we have missed most. BE PREPARED Seeing grandparents will be exciting, but you may also find that your reunions come with some unexpected stress. Most kids have had almost a year apart from their grandparents, so they have developed and taken on new behaviours. These will have been gradual changes for you, but they may appear as a stark contrast to Grandma. If your darling child has morphed into a threenager, or your delightful daughter who once spent hours listening to Grandad talk about his garden plants is now permanently…

IN THE NEWS… MATERNITY DEBUT AT PRIMARK! Finding decent maternity wear has always been a bit of a challenge – but Primark’s new 44-piece drop is packed full of essentials, and more importantly for expectant mums, at low-cost prices! Available in sizes XS-XL, practicality is at the core, with staples including over-bump jeans, seam-free nursing bras and classic Breton tops, to keep mums comfy and chic both pre and post-partum. Plus, over 50 per cent of the pieces are created with recycled and sustainable materials. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! EVERYBODY’S WEARING… LEOPARD-PRINT DRESSES Animal-print dresses are always a winner and it looks like these stylis stars have all got the memo. Give yours a casual daytime spin by adding ankle boots – then swap to sandals once the weather…

WEAR SUN CREAM EVERY DAY “Whatever the weather, wear SPF every day, all year round, especially if you work outside or by a window,” says Dr Hiva. “Apply a thick layer to the face and neck, and any leftovers to the back of your hands. Apply make-up 20 minutes later, once it’s fully absorbed.” Use the two-finger rule to measure – squeezing formula along the length of your index and middle finger (this should be about a heaped teaspoon’s worth). And don’t forget your ears! ALWAYS TOP UP ON THE GO “Always reapply SPF regularly throughout the day – every two hours if outdoors. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Facial Mist is a great product to apply over make-up, keeping you topped up with a strong protection. Lips are an area…

H&M’S DESIGNER RANGE The high-street chain is famous for its sell-out limited-edition collections with designers, and it’s now bringing the tradition to homewares! Diane von Furstenberg’s collection launched on 16 April, featuring chic, shouty prints, monochrome moments and gorgeous accessories. DULUX’S PAINT REVELATION Anyone who’s ever had to paint a big room will know that the second coat is the most tedious part of the process. Dulux’s newest range eliminates the need completely, providing impressive, high-coverage colour with just one coat. It’s available in 30 shades, and is ideal for quick room refreshes, or to try out detailing like arches or the two-tone look. DESENIO’S MOOD-LIFTING PRINTS Desenio is always one of our go-to spots for arty prints at great prices – there’s just so much to choose from! Its…

1 VIEWPOINT GREAT NEW THRILLER MON 26-FRI 30 APR, 9PM, ITV Stripped over five nights, Viewpoint is a gripping drama starring Noel Clarke as a cop who sets up a surveillance base in a close-knit Manchester street while working on the case of a missing primary-school teacher. The excellent cast also includes Poldark’s Phil Davis plus ex-Corrie stars Catherine Tyldesley and Ian Puleston-Davies. Don’t miss! NEW SERIES NEW SERIES 2 STARSTRUCK WITH PLENTY OF LOLS MON 26 APR, 10.45PM, BBC1 This genuinely funny sitcom written by (and starring) Rose Matafeo follows a twenty- something juggling two dead-end jobs in London while navigating the awkwardness of accidentally sleeping with a film star... 3 THE 93RD ACADEMY AWARDS OSCARS SEASON UPON US! SUN 25 APR, MIDNIGHT, SKY CINEMA / NOW Watch the…

MUST READ The Hitlist (HOLLY SEDDON) On the anniversary of her husband Greg’s accidental death, Marianne seeks comfort in everything he left behind. Soon she’s following his footsteps across the internet… to a hit list with her name on it. And if she’s going to save herself from the assassin hired to kill her, Marianne must unpick the wicked web in which Greg became tangled. This dark, intricately plotted thriller is a real page turner that maintains tension right up until its shocking ending. TUNE IN London Grammar Californian Soil This is the third album from British band London Grammar. Featuring newest singles Baby It’s You, title track Californian Soil and Lose Your Head. We can’t get enough of lead singer Hannah Reid’s beautiful voice and this album showcases it…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The coming 12 months could be super exciting. There’s scope for you to make or receive money almost out of the blue, for singles to find love and for couples to rediscover the spark. That said, do watch out for angry authority figures who seem to have it in for you. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY There are undeniably tough energies around now, and they’re affecting you quite strongly. Does that mean you should stay home under a blanket? Not at all! Rather, learn the lessons the Universe is sending and work on your self-esteem. Find out your Rising Sign for free at moonmessages.com/freechart. GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN This week is a good time for you to take time out…

• Raising the issue with a loved one can be challenging. Speak to them one-on-one, away from mealtimes. Try not to centre the conversation on food or weight. • It’s not always about weight. Look out for other signs, including exercising excessively, eating in secret, skipping meals, or distorted beliefs about body image. • The Beat Adult helpline is for anyone over 18. Call them on 0808 801 0677. Under-18s can call Beat’s Youthline on 0808 801 0711 or go to their website, beateatingdisorders.org.uk…

As she walked between lessons, 12-year-old Dandy Doherty should have been safe. But the schoolgirl was approached by three male students, who laughed as they groped her. No one came to Dandy’s rescue, and believing that no one would care, she didn’t report the incident. Dandy says, “The boys in my year saw their female classmates as targets for lewd comments, jokes and harassment. So many of my friends have stories like mine – it was just part of everyday life at school.” ORDEAL Sickeningly, Dandy went on to be raped aged just 15. Now 21, Dandy, from London, is speaking out about her ordeal following the launch of Everyone’s Invited, a website which asked pupils across the UK to anonymously report claims of sexual harassment in schools. The website,…

THERAPY Following her divorce from Marc in 2014, Jen sought therapy. She said, “I had to re-examine my whole life and regroup. I had waited to have kids [until I was] 38 and I had never wanted to not be with the person I had kids with. I felt that I was not going to give my kids what they needed and I just didn’t know what to do.” TALKING TO FRIENDS She also turned to her closest girl pals, saying, “I think I realised they [friends] were as important - if not more important – when I divorced Marc. I just realised that I had been through that a couple of times and they were still there. Like they say, men come and go, but my girlfriends are always…

Stacey Solomon has revealed her excitement at being granted permission to wed Joe Swash at their new £1.2 million dream home, after deciding to ditch their original wedding venue. Sharing a glimpse of the picturesque grounds at their sprawling Essex pad, named “Pickle Cottage”, on Instagram, Stacey, 31, told fans, “So after lots of thinking, wondering, phone calls and then crazy re-arranging, we were so excited to hear tonight that we can definitely have our wedding ceremony at home.” And insiders say the former jungle queen – who fell in love with I’m A Celeb! spin-off presenter, Joe, 39, during her stint on the show in 2015 – wants to create a rustic enchanted forest theme for their big day in July. A source says, “Now Stacey’s been given the…

After overcoming their fair share of drama over the years, Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne seem more loved-up than ever as they renovate their newly-purchased dream home together. Jac, 28, and Dan, 29 – who share daughters Ella, six, and Mia, two – moved into their “forever home” last month, with Jac excitedly gushing about “new beginnings” when they got the keys. And the couple – who married in 2017, and who Closer reported are considering renewing their vows this summer – seemed happier than ever recently when Jac shared a picture of her kissing her husband in the garden and captioned it, “Fence painting with BAE… I love you my person”. Their happiness and fresh start comes after a turbulent three-and-a- half-year marriage for the pair. They split in…

When Closer last spoke to Married At First Sight Australia’s temptress Jessika Power in February, she gushed over finding “The One” with her then-boyfriend, rapper Filip Poznanovic, praising him for getting to know the “real her”. But last week, the pair announced their split and, days later, Jess had already set her sights on a new love interest – TOWIE hunk, Pete Wicks. Eagle-eyed fans had noticed flirty comments on Instagram between Jess, 29, and Pete, 32 – who earlier this month denied reports he was romancing Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause after they too swapped messages on Instagram, while his co-star Ella Wise also told Closer there was “flirting” between her and the TOWIE star. Jess says, “I think Pete is cute! We met when I did his podcast…

She’s engaged to partner of five years Ryan Libbey and has had to postpone her wedding due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now former Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson tells Closer she’s ready to start a family – and has turned her back on cosmetic procedures to make sure she’s at her healthiest. Louise, 31 – who revealed that she suffered from a devastating miscarriage earlier this year – says, “I have had Botox before, but I wouldn’t get it again for a couple of reasons. Mainly because it can trigger reactions and that’s not a risk I’m willing to take any more. MORE SECURE “I’m 31 now, and I’m considering starting a family. I don’t want these alien substances to be floating around in my blood stream and in…

If you were to catch sight of Deborah James pounding the streets in training for the London Marathon, it would be hard to believe that she has a terminal cancer diagnosis. She looks a picture of health – but four years ago she was given the devastating news that she not only had bowel cancer, but that it had spread and was classed as incurable. At the time she was just 35, fit and healthy. Since then, she’s made it her mission to raise awareness that the killer disease can strike at any age. Deborah had experienced some symptoms for months before her diagnosis, but it never crossed her mind that it could be bowel cancer as she thought she was too young. BEATING THE ODDS Deborah, 39, who lives…

Celebrity Big Brother star Casey Batchelor, 36, is mum to daughters Florence, two, and one-year-old Sadie, and is expecting her third daughter this summer. She believes glowing reports of early motherhood could be damaging and says mothers need to be mindful of other new mums at such a vulnerable time. Casey says, “It’s great that new mums have positive and happy birthing and parenting experiences, but for most first-time mums, feeling the best they’ve ever felt seems a very distant hope. In my own experience, after my first birth, I was so ill I couldn’t stand up for two weeks. I had been cut and stitched, I was bleeding heavily and I cried so much about how my body had changed. “If I had seen another mum’s post about how…

INSIDE KATE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Olives • Houmous • Greek yoghurt • Butter • Capers • Mackerel fillets • Brie • Grated Parmesan • Ginger • Fresh pasta • Gouda • Vegan mayo • Broccoli • Pomegranate • Carrots • Avocados • Mature Cheddar • Ketchup • Sweet potato • Watercress • Lindt chocolate • Whole milk KATE How much do you spend per week? Around £100 for me, my husband James and our two-year-old son. I tend to buy veg and deli items direct from suppliers – and I get chicken from my neighbour, who’s a farmer – but everything else is from the supermarket. Describe your daily diet... I try to get in a mixture of veg and protein at the start of the day, so for…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Over Easter I hosted three gatherings in my garden. It was lovely seeing those I’d missed, but it left me wiped out. You may have underestimated the impact lockdown has had on your energy – all of us are slightly different people to who we were pre-lockdown. While we all need lots of social activity, fun and freedom with those we hold dear, the key to transitioning from hermit to host is balance. You may be tempted to fill every weekend until December with social events, but it is wiser to gradually build up your social stamina to get the very best out of it, rather than burning out. Set aside time every day to practise a…

RADIO AND TV PRESENTER CLARA AMFO, 36, REVEALS HER INNER SECRETS I THINK WE ALL STRUGGLE TO... be proud of ourselves, but I’m leaning into it more. As British people, self-deprecation is almost our default setting. It means often we don’t reach for the things that make us happy because we don’t feel we deserve them. THE BRAVEST THING I’VE DONE... was Strictly last year. When it comes to TV, I’m usually the one with mic, and that role reversal was scary. I always smile when I think of my time there. I remember there was a lot of empathy from the audience and a unity that pulled us together. I spoke to Aljaz [Skorjanec, her Strictly co-star] the other day and he’s a friend for life THE BEST PIECE…

1 STATEMENT STRAPPIES Heels are back on the agenda – and it’s all about the barely-there strappy sandal and square toecaps. Skinny straps and flared heels will lengthen legs and make a fuss-free footnote to any ensemble, but to really get yourself noticed, opt for zingy neon hues or bold primary pops. Wear a shouty pair to lift a plain trouser and shirt combo like actress Barbie, or use them to pep up an old plain sundress. 2 WIDE-LEG TROUSERS Lockdown may be easing, but after a year of joggers and PJs, being comfy is still a priority for most of us! Thankfully, the extra wide-leg trouser is big news for the coming months. Whether it’s workwear or patterned party pants, look for swishy, loose cuts that flatter curves while…

WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO WE NEED IT? Collagen is a structural protein that provides elasticity to both the outside and inside of the human body. As we age, our natural collagen levels decrease, which can cause skin to sag and lose its structure. Research shows that this ageing process can be delayed by boosting our collagen levels*. Applying collagen products directly on to the skin or taking collagen supplements can make a difference. “Ingesting or applying collagen can help to plump and firm skin, while also stimulating skin cell repair and regeneration, leaving it younger-looking,” explains dermatologist and skincare specialist Dr Ne Win. When orally consumed, it can improve hair and nails too. “Hair follicles and nail beds contain collagen, which provides them with strength. So by adding…

What can we expect from this new series? Ingenious moneysaving tips and tricks for home improvements, food and our household budgets. Following the pandemic, lots of us need to sort out our finances – and lives. My job is to encourage people to chip away at their bad financial habits and get control back. Tell us about the families? What really stands out is the fact that they are really unaware of the amount of money they overspend each month, and in what areas. One of the families is spending £400 a month more than they actually earn, owing to a clothes-shopping habit and other luxuries. They’re burying their heads in the sand and are unwilling to talk about money. How satisfying is it to help? It’s massively satisfying to…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) THE BODYGUARD B) I, TONYA NAMETHE STARS 1) VICKY MCCLURE 2) DERMOT O’LEARY GUESS THE CELEB A) ADAM DRIVER B) BEYONCÉ KNOWLES WORD LINK A) DISC B) SCIENCE C) ASH D) FIRE E) OFFICE F) FOUNTAIN 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 competition…

It had been hoped that it would be a chance for healing as the royal family prepared to gather for the funeral of Prince Philip. The royals had been divided following the shock of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down from their official duties, followed by their sensational Oprah interview, where they made allegations of racism and a lack of mental health support. FUNERAL DRAMA The funeral of his beloved grandfather was due to be the first time Harry had come face-to-face with his family for a year, and was seen as a chance to make peace following the controversial interview. But in the run-up to the service on Saturday, there was a fresh spate of dramas. Reports claimed the royal men would wear morning suits instead…

Standing in her famous “mucky mansion” beside her boyfriend Carl Woods, Jordan vowed to clean up her former home in a bid to move on from her turbulent past. The mum-of-five announced earlier this month that she will stay in the £2million Sussex property – which she kept despite being made bankrupt in 2019 – and completely renovate it, even though it holds painful memories for her and her children. In a YouTube video, Jordan, aka Katie Price – who is currently living in a rented home – said, “Mentally I can come in here at the minute, whereas before I was like ‘get me out, get me out’, but this is the longest I have lasted.” The property – which has become unliveable after falling into a state of…

• Discussing sex and relationships with your children can foster healthy, empowering relationships. • Talk to your children from a young age – don’t wait for them to ask questions, as they may feel like some subjects are off limits. • Pick a time when they’re relaxed, and they don’t have friends or family around. • Make sure you speak honestly, as kids know when they’re being lied to, and don’t be judgmental. • It’s important to talk to boys and girls about consent – which means actively saying yes to sexual activity, using both words and body language. Help them understand that consent is about feeling in control and saying yes to sexual activity because you choose to. • Signs that might indicate your child is an unhealthy relationship…

‘Rebel doesn’t need to wait for a man to have a family’ She celebrated her 41st birthday last month – just weeks after confirming her “single girl” status following her split from boyfriend of one year Jacob Busch in February. And insiders say Rebel Wilson – who froze her eggs in 2019 shortly before meeting entrepreneur Jacob, 30, as a “back-up plan” – has told friends she is ready to become a mum, with or without a partner. A source says, “Rebel’s aware she’s not getting any younger and, after spending years focused on her career, she’s now mentally and physically in the best place she’s ever been, so her priorities have shifted a little. She’s ready to be a mum. “Ideally, she’d love to start a family with the…

Matt Willis made a shock revelation last week that he secretly joined the Church of Scientology – before they tried to separate him from his wife, Emma. Matt claims he was approached by the controversial religious organisation outside their establishment in central London, shortly after he left rehab for drug and alcohol abuse in 2008. The Busted singer was “fully invested” and attended their church meetings “every single day” – spending hundreds of pounds on books and courses. But he left months later when he believed members “tried to break up his marriage” to The Voice presenter, Emma. Matt said, “They were like, ‘There’s someone in your life who’s actually draining you and I was like, ‘I think they’re trying to split my marriage up now.’” Matt, 37, and Emma,…

They are one of the show’s success stories, but things didn’t look rosy for MAFS stars Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli when they were pictured having what looked like an argument in Sydney recently. A series of snaps showed Martha, 32, and Michael, 30, in a seemingly heated exchange near their home on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fans commented that the pair looked “upset”, while one questioned, “Is there trouble in paradise?” However, just days later, the pair appeared loved-up in a new shoot, and Martha has hinted that a “real wedding” could be on the cards for them – three years after they first met at their non-legally binding MAFS wedding.…

Fans of Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion loved seeing Made in Chelsea’s Sophie Hermann and DJ Tom Zanetti flirting on the show earlier this year and coupling up in the series finale. And the romance seems to be going well as Tom turned up as a surprise guest for Sophie’s 35th birthday on an episode of MIC last week. Greeting her with a hug and a kiss, he presented her with a framed illustration of them in matching emerald dressing gowns. Despite having gone on Celebs Go Dating to date members of the public, the pair – dubbed the Duchess and the DJ – left the series, confirming they were an item. Tom, 31 – who’s a single dad to son Deacon, who he had when he was just 16…

Heidi Evans, 48, lives with her husband Taff, 52, a soldier, in Nottingham. They have two children, Sian, 25, and Jack, 17. She says, “In January 2020, I started noticing spots of blood on the loo paper after wiping. It happened two or three times a week, but I wasn’t concerned. “Then, at the end of June, I was in the shower when blood gushed from my bottom. I was fast-tracked to having a colonoscopy and I could see a large shadow on the screen. They told me to contact Taff, who hadn’t been allowed on to the ward with me because of COVID restrictions, before they spoke to me in a side room. It was then that I began to panic. And as they told me I had bowel…

Chloe Goodman, 27, whose daughter Isla is nearly one, says mums shouldn’t feel bad about feeling great and shouldn’t shoulder the blame for other people’s bad experiences. The Ex On The Beach star says, “It really bothers me that new mums can’t share their journeys into motherhood if they have been positive. Why would we look at a post like Laura’s and think she’s gloating? She is sharing her own journey – if you don’t want to see it, then don’t look. “It’s nice when pregnancy, birth and parenting have gone so well for someone, especially a first-time mum. I don’t think they should be torn down or trolled for celebrating their success stories – it’s barbaric! “For me, some days I feel like Supermum and some days I’m barely…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK The overwhelming response to Eamonn Holmes talking about his chronic pain gave an insight into how many people suffer – two fifths of the population, according to The British Pain Society. It’s why I’m so concerned about painkiller bashing, because so many suffer with persistent pain, which carries on for longer than 12 weeks, despite medication or treatment. If you stigmatise using painkillers, doctors will be reluctant to prescribe them, and people will suddenly stop taking them and feel worse. The negative effects of being in chronic pain often far outweigh the risk of being on painkillers. FIND THE RIGHT RELIEF There are new guidelines not to prescribe strong painkillers for chronic pain with no known cause.…

I thought I’d feel elation as the country started to open up again this month and us singles could get back onto the dating scene. But why then do I feel apprehensive about going on dates again – especially when the options have multiplied tenfold and I don’t have to go on yet another socially-distanced coffee and walk (where I always have to leave early to use the loo)? I’m no psychologist, but I’m not sure it takes one to appreciate what we’ve all been through during lockdown. My emotional resilience has been used up on surviving those lonely spells of being single and living alone – not helped by the fact that I moved to a new city just before the pandemic. Also, I’m not sure how I feel…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER ‘I swapped street food for helping the community’ Sarah Ventre, from Birmingham, ran Full of Chaat, a street food business, pre-pandemic. Here, she explains how she had to change her business completely... “At the start of last year, I was a street food vendor trading at festivals, pop-ups and charity events throughout the Midlands. I was also a regular at street food venue Digbeth Dining Club and catered for large private and corporate events, including weddings. “After the first lockdown, overnight we lost all our bookings for the summer. It was extremely scary to think we could lose everything we had built up over the last three years, even more worrying was that this was out of our control. I spent…

RETRO RETURN We defy you to find a comfier trainer than a New Balance. They’re also surprisingly versatile, adding a throwback feel and colour shot to a printed maxi or wide-leg trousers. NEW BALANCE £74.99 VEGAN FRIENDLY If you don’t wear leather, this neutral pair is available in three shades and is made using vegan materials. The beige tone is crying out for a denim pairing; you could try with a utility-style boiler suit, too. MONKI £35 TWIST ON A CLASSIC When in doubt, white trainers truly go with everything. The colour-clashing stripes on these give them a sportier feel, but they’ll still seamlessly fit into your wardrobe. Plus, they’re vegan-certified and under £20! NEW LOOK £19.99 WORKOUT BARGAIN Braving the gym for the first time in a while? This…

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