Table of contents for Issue 1037 in Closer

‘THEY’VE ALWAYS HAD A VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP AND HE BELIEVES SHE’S A DECENT SOUL’ The recent release of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s highlyanticipated Netflix documentary sparked yet another furore as the couple made even more explosive and shocking claims against the Royal Family. Detailing their “modern fairy tale” from their first date in July 2016, the docuseries included some of the most intimate moments they’ve publicly shared as a couple and with their children - Archie, three, and one-year-old Lilibet. They held nothing back when it came to searing accusations levelled at Prince William, Prince Charles and the institution. Claiming Meghan’s reputation had been deliberately smeared by William’s team, Harry said, “They lied to protect my brother,” adding, “It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at…

NEWS When Billie Faiers welcomed her third baby earlier this month - a little girl called Margot Instagram was flooded with congratulatory messages from family, friends and her former TOWIE co-stars. But while others are over the moon, insiders say it has been a sad time for Ferne McCann, following the fallout with Billie and her younger sister Sam. And a source says that Ferne - who wrote a simple “congratulations” on Billie’s post - has reached out to her former BFF via text. BITTERSWEET “Billie’s baby news was bittersweet for Ferne. She was so happy to find out she’d welcomed a baby girl, but she also feels sad that she won’t be around to meet her, or be there for Billie like she was when she had her other…

Family, friends and fireworks Jessica Carroll was thrilled to have all three in her garden to celebrate New Year’s Eve. But the mum-of-two had no idea that the night would end with a terrifying rush to the hospital, after a rocket hurtled into her eye. “Ever since I was little, I’ve adored New Year’s Eve,” Jessica, 33, says. Throwing a New Year bash to welcome in 2018 at her home for the first time, with daughters, Kira, then nine, and Layla, then three, was also a perfect excuse to get the rockets and Roman candles out. She says, “I love fireworks, so of course they were going to be a big part of our night. I bought some and the guests were also bringing their own.” In the garden they’d…

Abby Furness uses Instagram to give a window into her world as a model, nightclub dancer and performer as a fire breather. But there’s a dark side, too because it also opened the door to a malicious cyber stalker who targeted friends, family and even former work colleagues over a nightmare two years. Serial stalker Matthew Hardy, from Northwich, Cheshire, not only stalked Abby, but left a trail of devastation in his wake as he harassed exschool acquaintances and total strangers alike online, while second stalker Jamie Spears targeted Abby, terrifyingly, in real life. “I’m not the person I used to be” says Abby, from Brighton. “I’m constantly looking over my shoulder. Matthew Hardy ruined so many lives and so many futures.” Abby’s ordeal began back in 2019 after spending…

Davina McCall may have just celebrated her 55th birthday, but her famous six-pack and pert bottom aren’t going anywhere. In fact, judging by the bikini shots she’s posted on Instagram and her fabulously skimpy outfits on The Masked Singer, you could argue she’s in the best shape ever. So, what’s her secret? “I’ve got into intermittent fasting,” she says. “I had been talking to a few friends who were doing it and I was quite interested because they were reporting really big changes in how they felt. I think the biggest one was more energy and it seemed weird that the less you ate, the more energy you’d have. I started doing it as part of a research thing for the ZOE app created by this amazing man called Tim…

It’s the season of goodwill, but it can be hard to muster up enthusiasm if you’re riding solo this time of year. When you’re single you’re often far down the priority list with family and coupled-up friends, so exercise some of that goodwill with yourself you deserve it! But go gently and be kind. While dating feels like an endurance test a lot of the time, and I’ve spent the last half of the year frustrated that a lot of people I date only want casual relationships, I’m determined to escape that headspace and push on with positivity for 2023. As we head towards the end of the year, I’m looking at all I’ve learned while dating this year. First up, I am gaining confidence in being rejected, instead of…

GET PAID TO USE LESS ENERGY! A new scheme aimed at making us cut our energy use is being adopted by various suppliers. If you use a smart meter you’ll be asked to use less electricity at particular times (when the grid is super busy), probably in the evening peak between around 4pm and 7pm, and you could earn up to £100 for doing it! BRITISH GAS If you’re selected to take part, you’ll be sent an email ahead of each timeslot where you need to cut your usage, and you need to opt in. You’ll have the money credited back to you in your bill. OCTOPUS You can sign up online, and you’ll be alerted by email and app when to ease off on your electricity, likely between 4pm…

PERSONALISED PICK These striped pyjamas are so classic and they come with the option to customise with your name or initials to make them extra special. MARKS & SPENCER, £35 ADD INITIALS FLORAL FANCY Made from lightweight viscose, these are the comfiest pyjamas that don’t compromise on style. HUSH, £65 LUXE LOOK This set is so stylish we can’t imagine keeping it hidden at home. The striped tiger print design and chic beige tone is ideal for WFH. V BY VERY, £28 PLANET FRIENDLY This purple set with a lovely floral print and a silky-soft feel has sweet retro vibes. It’s also made from recycled polyester - win, win! NOBODY’S CHILD, £59 AVAILABLE IN SIZES UP TO 24 CHARITABLE BUY This eye-catching, pink spot print is bound to cheer up…

C1oser TV TV WEEK: 31 DEC-6 JAN NEW SERIES 1 THE APPRENTICE WAGGLY FINGER TIME AGAIN THU 5 JAN, 9PM, BBCI Making the New Year marvellous is the return of one of our all-time favourite shows - with season 17 promising more candidates and overseas tasks (Antigua - fancy!). For the first time since the 13th outing, the show has 18 super-eager corporate-types all competing to win that lifechanging £250,000 investment for their own super dooper business ideas. And while Claude Littner (who had to step down in 2022 following a bike accident) will make a return for two episodes, Lord Sugar’s main aides for 2023 will be Baroness Karren Brady and (the show’s first ever winner) Tim Campbell, who did a brill job last time. It’s too early to say…

It’s been a rocky few years for Cheryl in terms of her love life, career and of course, the devastating death of her Girls Aloud bandmate and close friend Sarah Harding. So fans were delighted when she recently announced her long-awaited comeback to life in the spotlight, swapping music for acting with a starring role in hit West End play 2:22 A Ghost Story. But shortly after announcing her role in the thriller - for which she’ll reportedly make a whopping £ 1k a night - to her 3.2 million Instagram followers, the 39-year-old faced backlash over her lack of acting experience, with many angry comments online. One theatre-goer ranted, “Such a shame… A lot of talented trained actresses out there. And then you get her getting the part with…

She finally broke her silence on the baby rumours which have surrounded her personal life since shooting to worldwide fame on Friends 28 years ago. For almost three decades, Jennifer Aniston’s journey to motherhood has been the subject of constant speculation alongside her rocky road to finding The One amid her two divorces. CHALLENGING And it led the 53-year-old star to pen a powerful essay for the Huffington Post in 2016 about the public scrutiny she’s endured throughout the years of pregnancy speculation and the stigma that surrounds women who choose not to have or cannot have children. “I’m fed up”, wrote the actress, who was married to Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005 and Justin Theroux from 2015 to 2018. Jen - whose marriage breakdowns were unfairly blamed on…

Many argue that orangutans are the single most intelligent species of animal. They’re capable of using tools, communicating via sign-language and planning ahead. In some parts of the world they have effectively been granted legal personhood, barring them from use in animal testing. However, they are also under great threat of extinction. Fewer than 15,000 orangutans remain in the wild, and the species is classified as critically endangered. They’re dying out fast, and it’s estimated we have less than 10 years to save the last viable populations. Horrified by their imminent extinction, zookeeper Leif Cocks was determined to do something about it. In 1998, Leif founded The Orangutan Project - a charity dedicated to protecting these beautiful creatures. In collaboration with several Indonesian organisations, he’s worked tirelessly to rescue abused…

THE FERNE MCCANN VOICE NOTES It hasn’t been an easy ride for Ferne McCann, who might be delighted to wave goodbye to 2022 after her latest scandal. Back in September, an anonymous account released voice notes they alleged were Ferne - in which the voice was heard slagging off TOWIE star, and pal, Sam Faiers, as well as her ex Arthur Collins’ acid attack victim. Unfortunately for Ferne, she’s from Essex so her voice is quite distinctive. Each vowel is around seven hours long. So it’s not looking great. STACEY & JOE HEAD DOWN THE AISLE Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash finally said “I do” during the summer, getting married at their Pickle Cottage home - with all of their extended family there to celebrate the day. I actually know…

• Beauty guru Caroline Hirons always talks about the fact that you don’t have to spend loads of money on beauty products that are brilliant, and Garnier Micellar Water is an absolute no brainer. I’ve been using it for years. • Victoria Beckham has brought out an eye pencil that I like to smudge over the top of my mascara and it looks epic. It’s really soft so it goes nice and smoky. • Trinny London Miracle Blur cream really does make your pores disappear when you put it on. It genuinely works. • Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Look In A Palette are incredible. I know they’re a bit pricier, but they’ve got everything you need for a complete look. What’s brilliant is that all the products are numbered so you…

INSIDE LUBA’S FRIDGE • Avocado • Soup • Red & green pesto • Olives • Peanut butter • Organic fruit bars • Apples • Dark chocolate • Courgette • Lettuce • Butternut squash • Broccoli • Vegan mozzarella • Tofu • Tomatoes • Grapes • Bananas • Blueberries • Mushrooms • Watermelon • Spinach • Rye bread • Basil • Potatoes • Mango • Salad • Diet coca cola • Red Bull • Almond milk • Coconut water LUBA How much do you spend per week? About £40. My diet is so simple that I don’t spend a lot, but it’s healthy and it definitely gives me more energy. I mostly shop in a beautiful organic fruit and veg shop that is local to me, but I also go to…

Somewhere down the line, long-term relationships can lose their sparkle. At this stage you have reached secure and strong ground on which to build a great future, but the risk then is that you can also begin to feel bored. This can lead you to take actions that, at first, don’t seem too deceptive, but when you properly unpack them, involve a host of destructive behaviours that can chip away at your relationship foundations. Micro cheating is a term given to behaviours that undermine your relationship, without you actually being physically unfaithful. You may keep commenting on how good a colleague looks on Instagram, or flirt with a friend when you are out, because you enjoy the attention. Sometimes, micro cheating is about emotional investment - you confide in them,…

COMEDIAN & TV HOST ZOE LYONS, 51, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I EXERCISE FOUR TIMES A WEEK… I do a CrossFit class, which involves weight-lifting and a lot of sit-ups. Four years ago I’d hit a point where I was quite unfit. I caught sight of myself in a dressing-room mirror and thought it was somebody else. Since then, I’ve made a real effort to stay fit. I TAKE A BIOTIN SUPPLEMENT… My hair is finally growing back after a terrible bout of alopecia. It’s a tricky phase as I’ve got two tufts growing out at the front that make me look a bit satanic. Biotin is great for your hair, skin and nails and helps alopecia. AFTER A GIG I WATCH MINDLESS TELLY… It…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET THE LOOK Just how does Dua Lipa make this basic mannish oversized suit look so smoking hot? Well, she adds layers of chunky chains, polished brogues and effortlessly parts her Wednesday Addams-style shiny locks. We’ve squashed any hard work by finding some great high-street dupes for you to start the new year in style… EVERYBODY’S WEARING WINTER WHITES Wrap up in snow-white shades from top-to-toe, throwing together tailored shapes mixed with slouchy knits and furry trims, for a decadent look that oozes sophistication - especially for your workwear repertoire. Our fave celebs can’t get enough of this look - just keep mucky fingers away! STYLE CRUSH: KATE MIDDLETON The Princess of Wales has showcased some iconic outfits this year - we take a look back over our favourites……

Give us a recap on your character… Tommy is an enigma and a puzzle and a kind of terrifying mess. Genuinely, I am still working him out. In the first series, we would talk about him quite flippantly as if he is a psychopath. What we know is that he had a very abusive childhood and lives with horrible trauma. It’s quite a sad, lonely space that Tommy lives in. And getting into his headspace? It’s been challenging, because he lives in a very different space to me and most people I know! But when you’re asked to empathise with someone who feels very distant from yourself, you get to see the world in an entirely different way. Tommy’s version is very different from mine, thank goodness. Where do we…

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28 DECEMBER-3 JANUARY AQUARIUS 20 JAN - 18 FEB Take a moment this week to pause, breathe in and reflect on the year that’s been and the one to come. It’s not been an easy road for you, but you’re stronger for it. Let your soul rest a little now. There are more challenges ahead, but the worst is over. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19 FEB - 20 MAR You’ve been blessed with bounties of opportunity for most of this year. Now, your job is to think about all the ways in which you can solidify these opportunities so that they last for the long term. Your friends and connections hold the keys to 2023 - choose wisely. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope ARIES 21 MAR…

Sorry we didn’t get back to you sooner on this, Rob. Have you tried looking in Morocco? Happy to help! Forget it, Rylan. We went to bed on Christmas Day and have no plans to leave the confines of this duvet until 1 Jan. Bye for now! GRUMP Y GRAM It’s always sad for pop stars when their albums end up being flogged off cheap in the January sales - so imagine how Justin feels after literally finding himself on the “70% off” shelf. Bieber Bargain!…

‘PALS HAVE BEEN WORRIED ABOUT HER MENTAL STATE WITH ALL THIS GOING ON’ It’s been an incredibly difficult year for Lauren Goodger with the tragic loss of her newborn daughter Lorena over the summer, as well as a dramatic break-up from the father of her two-year-old daughter Larose, Charles Drury. Now, the former TOWIE star is being forced to deal with even more upset after being dragged into the recent court case between Stephen Bear and Georgia Harrison. DISGUSTED Reality star Stephen Bear was on trial having been charged with two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films and one count of voyeurism. Despite denying the charges, on 13 December Stephen, 32, was found guilty on all three counts. The case was brought by his ex-girlfriend, Love Islander Georgia…

With her hilarious one-liners and infectious laugh, Alison Hammond has won the hearts of the nation so it’s no wonder that she’s off the market. The This Morning presenter is happily loved-up with her new boyfriend - even saying in November that she’s finally found someone who “worships her.” And now insiders say that after a cosy Christmas together, Alison is more excited than ever before about the prospect of heading down the aisle in 2023. The insider says, “Alison is head over heels in love and is hoping he proposes in the not too-distant future. Marriage is something they’ve been speaking about for the last few months and is definitely on the cards, so naturally Alison has already been getting herself into wedding mode and planning her dream wedding.…

When Catherine Taylor-Mant gazes at her size 12 bridal gown hanging up in her bedroom, it’s a proud reminder of how far she’s come. Five years ago, the mumof-one had hit rock bottom. Recently single and struggling with a binge eating disorder, which saw her tip the scales at 22 st 101bs and a size 24, Catherine felt so low she considered taking her own life. But for the sake of her son Teddy, now eight, Catherine sought urgent action to change. Following gastric bypass surgery and an incredible weight loss of 10st, she is now happier than ever. Catherine, 41, from Newbury, Berkshire, says, “I can’t bear to put away my wedding dress. Seeing it reminds me I really can fit into it. That dress is like my prize.…

He’s dated a string of beauties over the years and, now settled with jewellery maker Chantal Brown, pop star Matt Goss says romance still inspires his music. The former Bros frontman, 54, counts presenter Melanie Sykes, actress Martine McCutcheon and singer Rebecca Ferguson among his exes, as well as TV star Daisy Fuentes, who he’d reportedly been planning to marry. In March, Matt confirmed his relationship with Chantal - the ex-wife of actor Paul Nicholls - and they have since been going from strength to strength. While notoriously private about his relationship, Matt credits Chantal for her support and has previously hinted that he sees marriage on the cards. And now the musician, whose new single is called The Beautiful Unknown, says, “You have to be vulnerable and transparent in…

WELLBEING Some of you may see “betwixtmas” as the best part of the festive holidays, where you finally relax and eat chocolates in your PJs while cuddled up with your kids on the sofa. Others may find the family feels a little bored, frustrated or even a tad depressed. These winter days can feel financially daunting, and lacking in the fun distraction of Christmas. The best way to avoid feeling low is to make plans, so that you and the kids know exactly what you are doing in the days between Christmas and the new year. ENJOY CRAFTS Work in some craft time, where children can try out their new colouring pens and craft sets, bake and decorate gingerbread men together, and spend time with them as they play with…

SPEND WISELY It could feel counter intuitive to think about saving when everything is so expensive, but Olga Miler, co-founder of financial education platform SmartPurse, says that even during a cost-of-living crisis, we can - and should - put a little aside for rainy days or future goals. First, “Compare which items might be most impacted by inflation and look for alternatives”, says Olga. She points to a list, which is on the Guardian website (search “UK inflation: which goods and services have risen in price and by how much?”), showing which items have gone up the most. It includes things like low-fat milk, which is up by 42.1%, butter by 28%, pasta and couscous by 22.7% and jams, marmalades and honey by 28.1%. Shop around and try to find…

ONLY £14! 1 BARGAIN BUY Always offering us the best budget-friendly products, Primark serves up this cosy cardie. A grey knit is a staple for any winter dressing and promises to match with anything and everything. Or perhaps, you’re still head over heels for pink? PRIMARK £14 2 ABSTRACT UPGRADE Not your average cardigan, this arty gem is sure to turn heads! It gets extra fashion points for the jumbo buttons, drop shoulders and oversized fit. Coming in XXS - XXL, this is ideal for anyone. MONKI £40 3 VERSATILE STAPLE Throw on this super soft cardie when you’re running out the door for the school run. The grey and beige tones go with everything, and it’s just long enough to conceal the derriere in comfy leggings! MATALAN £23 4 DESK TO DISCO There’s…

SPEND OR SAVE TIP: Turned the heating down? It’s most cost effective to warm up your bedroom with an electric blanket or mattress warmer, and for living rooms, using an electric heater for a 30-minute blast before sofa surfing for the night. Dunelm has labelled the running cost of all its products - so you can do your maths more easily!…

CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN Every now and then, it’s important to take a step back and rethink everything. It’s a little way off, but you’re coming to the end of some massive planetary cycles, which you’re probably feeling the intensity of. If you’re ready for a new chapter, then wish it so. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You may feel caught between playing it safe or going big! It’s almost the New Year and your mind is setting its sights on what’s ahead. But first, you need to spend a little time rethinking your point of view and getting to know yourself better.…