Table of contents for Issue 1053 in Closer

She’s TV’s current golden girl, but Alison Hammond has already had her taste of the darker side of fame after being forced to make a public apology earlier this month, following the unprecedented backlash she received for voicing her “devastation” over the news that singing along to musicals in theatres had been banned. The TV presenter, 48, was thrust into the firing line after debating the controversial ban - sparked when a “mini riot” broke out during a performance of The Bodyguard in Manchester - with her co-host, Dermot O’Leary, 49. Alison said, “[Theatre staff] are regularly walking up and down the aisles before the performance and during the interval with ‘No Singing’ signs. I mean, I can’t believe it, I’d be devastated.” Her comments sparked a wave of explosive…

NEWS It’s been five years since their dramatic split, but insiders say Lisa Armstrong is becoming hopeful that she and ex Ant McPartlin can work towards getting to a good place. A NEW OUTLOOK The pair - who were together for more than 20 years divorced in 2018, months after Ant had been to rehab. While the TV star, 47, went on to marry his PA and Lisa’ s former pal Anne-Marie Corbett, 46, in August 2021, Lisa, 46, is happily loved-up with her boyfriend of nearly three years, James Green, 40. An insider tells Closer, “Lisa has a new outlook on life now, thanks to James. She feels so lucky that she’s found happiness a second time around and doesn’t want to waste any of it feeling bitter or…

She was affectionately dubbed “Mumma” and “everyone’s best friend” when she hit the jungle in 2016, and now Carol Vorderman is set to join I’m A Celeb for a second time. Carol, 62, says her three weeks in Australia was unforgettable, and that she wants to say “thank you” to hosts Ant and Dec for the experience. She said, “Doing I’m A Celebrity changed me a lot. It made me realise that I was missing many things I loved, and within a short space of time after leaving the camp, I bought a little house in West Wales. I’m A Celeb made me realise you have to live life in the now. I’ve got a converted campervan and I live a bit of a hippie life! I go paddle boarding…

Last week Millie Bobby Brown announced she’s set to tie the knot with partner Jake Bongiovi. The Stranger Things star, 19, revealed to fans that she was engaged to Jake, 20 - who is the son of music legend Jon Bon Jovi, 61 - with a loved-up pic of the couple. Showing off her impressive ring and beaming from ear-to-ear, she wrote “I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, I want ’em all.” Millie recently opened up about how the pair met, explaining they were best friends before romance ever crossed their minds. She explained, “We met on Instagram. And we were friends for a bit, and then, what can I say?” The pair were first linked in summer of 2021, after fans noticed them growing closer on social media…

She gave birth to baby Margot four months ago, and Billie Faiers says it’s only now life as a busy family of five is starting to feel more settled. “I found going from two children to three a big adjustment because suddenly you’re outnumbered. It’s a different ball game! But Margot is such a lovely, happy baby. It has involved a lot of juggling, but I finally feel like I’m in the swing of things.” And Billie - who also shares Nelly, eight, and Arthur, six, with husband Greg Shepherd - says her older two children have adapted well. “It was a big adjustment for Arthur in the beginning but he’s been amazing, they both have. They’re completely in love with her.” DREAM HOME It’s been a big period of…

DROP A DRESS SIZE IN FOUR WEEKS! Lighter, brighter days are the perfect tonic for boosting our mood and helping us feel positive, making this the ideal time of year for a major tidy up - not just of the house and garden, but also our diet! Giving our menu a makeover to lower saturated fat, sugar and salt, AND boost protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals has heaps of benefits. It helps health in the long-term by protecting against conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and many cancers. There are plenty of immediate effects, too. A healthy diet helps keep our digestive system happy, easing problems such as bloating and constipation. Eating well helps us look fabulous by providing the nutrients we need…

LOVE ISLAND STAR FRANKIE FOSTER, 27, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND I LOVE WORKING OUT… Whether it’s lifting weights, swimming or running, exercise always keeps me both physically and mentally well. If I haven’t worked out, I tend to feel restless. EVERY MORNING I READ WITH MY COFFEE… Until last year, I hadn’t picked up a book since leaving school. Recently though, I’ve felt so much better for spending 20 minutes each day reading a self-development book. My favourite has to be Shoe Dog - the memoir of Nike founder Phil Knight. TIDYING IS MY FORM OF SELF CARE… I’ve just moved into my own flat after living in a house share with friends for the past few years. It feels really great to have my…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK JENNIFER ANISTON Neutrals are effortlessly glam and extremely flattering, as Jennifer proves. Not only can they serve you daily as you mix and match, they’re also perfect to rewear for a range of occasions from weddings to garden parties and even a day at the races. STYLE CRUSH: BROOKE SHIELDS PUNCHY PRINT At the 2023 Tribeca Ball, Brooke revealed her gorgeous figure in a belted polka-dot dress by Marc Jacobs. We love how she used a bold red clutch to add a pop of colour to the ensemble. SHINE BRIGHT The actress embraced the current Barbiepink trend in a tonal outfit by Dodiee. She showed up and showed off in a pair of highwaisted trousers with matching top and heels. IN THE NEWS… INVESTMENT PIECES NOT…

With speculation rising last week that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles could be in jeopardy after breaking yet more “family rules” by refusing to RSVP to King Charles’ Coronation, Harry stunned royalists and critics alike when Buckingham Palace confirmed he would be attending the service on 6 May. However, after what has been described as a game of “transatlantic ping pong” as the couple reportedly went back and forth over tense negotiations, it was revealed that Meghan and their children - Archie, three, and one-yearold Lilibet - will remain at home in California amid the couple’ s ongoing feud with the family. A statement released by Buckingham Palace read, “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey…

When Ellie Thompson* first met Dan at a local pub, she wasn’t interested in dating. But despite making that clear to him, Dan persistently asked Ellie’ s friend to hand over her number. VICTIM After several messages asking her out, Ellie eventually relented. She says, “I found it flattering that he was so keen, and he showered me with attention.” But over time, Dan changed and Ellie found herself trapped. She says, “He’d pick fights with me, highlighting my insecurities and would intimidate me. But I had no idea how unhealthy our relationship was.” Ellie, 35, was a victim of“love bombing” - when someone throws lots of affection and compliments your way - but it isn’t genuine. A love bomber uses these tactics to win trust, and get you to…

Last week, Kate Ferdinand looked like she was having an incredible time as she soaked up the sun in Abu Dhabi alongside husband Rio and their blended brood. Returning to the site where Rio, 44, proposed back in 2018, the former TOWIE star who announced that she was expecting her second child in January - took to Instagram to share some sweet holiday snaps of Rio, his son Tate, 14, and daughter Tia, 12, as well as Kate and the ex footballer’s son Cree, two. Looking glowing as she showed off her growing baby bump, Kate - who’s expecting a baby girl - rocked a bikini on the beach, with fans praising her glamorous look. It hasn’t all been praise from her fans, though, as Kate, 31, also faced backlash…

Their rumoured feud has been rumbling on for over a year, but last week Victoria Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham appeared to have finally reconciled as they were pictured celebrating together over the Easter break. As well as joining the Peltz family for an Easter egg hunt in the grounds of their extravagant £76 million mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, the family also celebrated the first wedding anniversary of Nicola, 28, and Brooklyn, 24 - Victoria and David’s eldest son. ALL SMILES Sharing a snap from the day on social media - which shows Brooklyn holding a blue-iced cake adorned with Polaroid pictures of him and Nicola - Victoria is all smiles as she places her arm around her daughter-in-law’s waist. Captioning the photograph, “So special to be together to…

It was a chance conversation with a friend that finally revealed to Amy Hardy why she’d spent over 20 years suffering frightening symptoms, including suicidal thoughts. Amy, who is 39 and lives in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, with her husband Kristian, 40, says, “As I listened to my friend talk about being diagnosed with a hormone-based mood disorder called PMDD, it felt like a lightbulb switching on in my mind. So much of what she was describing resonated with me, from the extreme mood swings and dysphoric thoughts to the physical aches and sensitivity to sound. “For over two decades, I’d suffered with these symptoms, and had even considered ending my life at times. But despite seeing numerous health professionals, nobody had connected it to my menstrual cycle.”…

TAYLOR SPLITS FROM HER ‘ROCK’ They were rumoured to have got engaged, but Taylor Swift’s love story with Joe Alwyn has reportedly come to an end, with the lovers splitting after six years together. Taylor, 33, and British born Joe, 32, got together back in November 2017 - after meeting at the Met Gala the previous year. The megastar reportedly found sanctuary in their down-to-earth lifestyle, revealing that they’d “always bonded over music,” and she even dubbed Joe her “rock.” But while fans were left shocked at the news of the split, a source close to the pair has shared that there’s no bad blood, saying “the relationship had just run its course.” They added, “Taylor and Joe are in totally different places in their lives right now. It was…

Katie Holmes has wowed fans with her stunning appearance on a recent Glamour shoot-months after her split from boyfriend Bobby Wooten III, 33. Appearing on the shoot, Katie, 44, flaunted her age-defying looks as she gushed about her latest project, Rare Objects. The star is clearly loving life as a single woman, after breaking up with musician Bobby back in January. The pair were first linked in April last year, before making several public appearances at various events. Katie is mum to daughter Suri, 16, who she shares with ex-husband Tom Cruise. The couple famously got engaged after a whirlwind eight weeks of dating, before welcoming their daughter and marrying in 2006. However, Katie filed for divorce six years later, in the summer of 2012.…

MILES NAZAIRE: I don’t think he’ll settle down until he’s older. He’s obviously very good-looking - and I can imagine in 15 years’ time he’ll look even better. He’ll be one of those playboys who dances with girls on the super yacht. MAEVA & JAMES: Maeva doesn’t help herself at times, but she makes sure she has her say. I think when you become a parent, there are so many more important things than reality TV, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they decide to quit. JAMIE & SOPHIE: They will definitely last. I’ve known Jamie for a very long time - you can tell he’s smitten with Sophie. It’s been three years, and he’s still smitten, I think they’re a great couple and I’m really happy for them.…

While Billie has only just given birth to her third baby and says she is content with three children she also admits she hasn’t ruled out number four. “I’d never say never because you just don’t know,” she confesses. “I am really happy and content with three. I loved having two, but I always wondered about a third and then I was so happy and excited when I found out I was pregnant. I’ve said to Greg, ‘Do you think maybe one more?’ and he said, ‘No, absolutely not! Three is enough’. I do think three is a lovely number for us.”…

• Choose one breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks every day. Vary your choices to get a range of nutrients. Vegetarian options are marked with a V, vegan options with a VE. Many of the meals can be made vegan by choosing plant-based options. • Have an extra 300ml skimmed milk or plant-based milk alternative fortified with calcium each day. Use in hot drinks or turn into iced coffee or a milkshake by combining with fruit. • Enjoy extra veg - it’s fine to add more to your meals and snacks. Have a bowl of salad, a handful of vegetable crudities or nibble on cherry tomatoes or sugar snaps. • For even greater results, use the longer days to up your activity. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise such as…

INSIDE CAROL’S FRIDGE •Eggs •Gherkins •Apples •Actimel yoghurt •Lemons •Natural yoghurt •Goats cheese •Cheddar cheese •Feta cheese •Strawberries •Blueberries •Lettuce •Salmon •Tomatoes •Cucumber •Ham •Salami •Chicken breasts •Chicken stock •carrots •Potatoes •Milk •Almond milk •Oat milk CAROL How much do you spend per week? I spend around £100 per week on food. Describe your daily diet… I don’t really eat breakfast. Instead, I’ll start my day off with a cup of tea and then a coffee. Lunchtime, I’ll often have a cheese or ham omelette and salad. For dinner, my husband Mark and I like doing roast chicken with all the trimmings, or a piece of salmon with carrots, broccoli and peas. Is there anything you refuse to eat? I’m not a fussy eater and I love most foods However,…

FAMILY MATTERS TEACH KIDS ABOUT FILTERS Looking at digitally altered pictures has a major impact on our confidence. Here’s what parents need to consider These days young people are growing up with an unhealthy online culture that pressures them into feeling that they are not good enough unless they tweak their photos. Everyone from reality stars to top models and Hollywood actors adjust their snaps before they post, so we endlessly look at unrealistic faces. That impacts how we feel when we look in the mirror. Worse still, cosmetic surgeons are reporting that young people are turning up with heavily filtered photos of themselves asking for surgery to emulate the bigger lips, wider eyes, and heavily defined cheekbones they see on screen. Many teens apply filters that make them look…

Most parents are probably used to receiving a text starting with “Hi mum”, so now criminals have taken advantage and developed a scam pretending to be a child texting their mother on a new phone and then asking for money. It’s a cruel trick, taking advantage of a mother’s desire to help their children, and it’s on the rise. “Action Fraud has had thousands of reports of the “Hi Mum” text scam. In just five months last year fraudsters stole £1.5 million from unsuspecting people in the UK,” says Laura Rettie, Editor-in-Chief of finance.co.uk. We don’t fully know how they’ve identified which phone numbers to target, but Laura says it’s likely that “they’ve stolen online data, which has identified mobile numbers of adults with adult children.” This scam is common,…

1 FANCY FLORALS This bold bloom print is a recipe for success when it comes to choosing the perfect frock. Pair with either everyday sandals or heels, like Holly depending on where you’re wearing it to. EXACT MATCH 2 DOT…TO…DOT You can’t go wrong With timeless polka dots for the warmer months. Make the trend feel more wearable by opting for a figure-flattering cut, such as a shirt dress, and teaming with loafers. 3 CHECK MATE A chic co-ord is always a great investment, and this one is a winner. Not only is the bouclé pattern a striking one, but you can get great cost per wear as you can style together or as separates. 4 SQUEEZE THE DAY Feeling fruity? Choose embellished accessories this season. Perfect for occasion dressing or elevating a…

Now Aadi knows just what Aaron did, he’s out to get his (former) mate to confess all, but Aaron’s having none of it. “He’s trying to walk Aadi through everything that happened that night to try to convince him of his side of the story,” explains actor James Craven, who’s played Aaron since last April. ”At no point is he thinking that he’s manipulating Aadi into believing something that’s untrue, because he genuinely believes that what he’s saying is the truth. He really wants Aadi to be on his side and he feels a bit betrayed by Aadi’s response to him.” But now what happened is out in the open, it’s not just Aadi who won’t be on Aaron’s side… FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

Danny, was it fun travelling with Dani? I think that travelling with my daughter was a lot more difficult than we thought. What we learnt is that we’re not travellers - that’s the truth of it. We really relied on each other to get through the process. We like to stay indoors. And Dani, how was it for you? Honestly - amazing. He is my best friend. I adore that man so much. We get on so well. This idea came up and we thought, why not? We couldn’t have done it without one another. What drew you to Italy for this series? DANI: It’s Italy! But when we signed up, neither of us had any idea what we were getting ourselves into. This isn’t your traditional travelogue as we’re…

1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or competition of any nature included in Closer magazine (a “Prize Draw”) unless otherwise expressly stated in the Prize Draw Notice. By entering a Prize Draw, entrants agree to be bound by these Rules. 2. Each Prize Draw is organised by Closer magazine, part of H Bauer Publishing Limited of registered address Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, London NW17DT. In the event of a discrepancy between these terms and conditions…

18-24 APRIL THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN TAURUS 20 APR - 20 MAY The New Moon means it’s time for you to face a fear. Examining what you’re scared of and where that fear came from is your big task this week. That’s what’s holding you back from appreciating all the good in your life. You can evolve as a person now. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope GEMINI 21 MAY - 20 JUN Whatever else you do this week, get clear on what you want. Because the New Moon eclipse is in your Wishing Zone. You have an amazing opportunity to send your wishes out to the Universe and have them come back as real. But first you have to know what you want. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily…

Dr Naomi Murphy says… • Do the compliments feel authentic, and are they giving you extravagant gifts? • Are you finding it hard to protect your personal space? • Do they want to know who is texting or calling you? • Are they bothered if you have friends of the opposite sex? • Is the person putting you under any pressure to choose time with them over time with your friends? Ruth Davison, Chief Executive Officer at Refuge, says, “If you are concerned a friend or loved one may be experiencing domestic abuse, you may want to start a conversation with them about their wellbeing. It’s important to pick the right moment when approaching a friend to discuss concerns you may have about the abuse they could be experiencing. “Find…

She’s become a huge advocate for women experiencing the menopause, but Lisa Snowdon’s flawless complexion appears to have barely aged in the three decades that have passed since she first rose to fame. The star champions natural therapies and takes care of her wellbeing with good food, exercise and “love, laughter and happiness”, but she tells Closer she hasn’t ruled out ever going under the knife. When Closer catches up with Lisa, 51, at the Neon Future Dreams event at Roundhouse, London, she says, “I’d never say never. There are some incredible things you can do to prevent having to actually go under the knife. Microplaning, facial acupuncture and lots of non-invasive treatments to lift and tighten, but each to their own - if that’s what you want to do,…

Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde are rumoured to have reconciled, after being spotted leaving the same LA gym just minutes apart. The couple ended their two-year romance last November - but with shared gym sessions now on the cards, they could be rekindling their relationship. The appearance comes soon after Harry, 29, was spotted smooching model Emily Ratajkowski, 31, on the streets of Tokyo - with sources claiming that the kiss had left the director feeling “blindsided.” Harry and Olivia met on the set of Don’t Worry Darling, after Olivia, 39, called off her romance with long-term partner Jason Sudeikis, 47 - with whom she shares children Otis, eight, and Daisy, six. The couple were reportedly locked in a custody battle, but were recently snapped putting their differences aside to…

They’ve been together for almost a decade and, last week, Sam Faiers sparked engagement rumours after sharing a picture of herself cosied up with boyfriend Paul Knightley, with a sparkling diamond on her ring finger. The TOWIE star, 32, has been enjoying a lush Dubai getaway with Paul, 34 - with whom she shares children Paul, seven, Rosie, five, and Edward, 11 months. Upon seeing the photo, fans rushed to question whether Paul had popped the question, with one writing, “OMG are you engaged?” The couple met back in 2014, not long after Sam split from her reality co-star Joey Essex, 32. Just 10 months into her whirlwind romance with the property developer, Sam revealed that the pair were expecting their first child. Back in January, Sam hinted at her…

• 4 TBSP REDUCED-FAT HOUMOUS WITH 1 CARROT, ½ RED PEPPER AND CUCUMBER, CUT INTO STICKS (VE) • 4 HANDFULS PLAIN AIR-POPPED POPCORN (VE) • 1 SLICE WHOLEGRAIN BREAD TOPPED WITH 2 TBSP TZATZIKI AND SLICED CUCUMBER (V) • 1 TBSP EACH UNSALTED MIXED NUTS AND RAISINS (VE) • 1 SMALL POT FAT-FREE GREEK YOGURT WITH 1 NECTARINE (VE) • 2 OATCAKES WITH 2 TBSP LOW-FAT SOFT CHEESE AND SLICED CUCUMBER (VE) • FRUIT SALAD MADE FROM 1 BANANA, 1 NECTARINE AND A HANDFUL OF RASPBERRIES (VE) • 25G PLAIN CHOCOLATE (VE) • SALAD WITH 1 SMALL CAN TUNA IN WATER (DRAINED) (VE) • 1 SLICE WHOLEGRAIN TOAST WITH 1 TSP PEANUT BUTTER AND SLICED STRAWBERRIES (VE)…

There have been warnings that tick borne encephalitis (TBE) has now been detected in various parts of the UK. We’ve been dealing with ticks from Lyme disease, which is similar, in the UK for years. And we already vaccinate against tick-borne encephalitis when people visit a country where the infection is common (like in Asia and parts of Europe). That’s why I’m not too worried - if it became a massive problem here, which it’s unlikely to, we could vaccinate against it. KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING It used to be that you only found ticks that can cause encephalitis abroad, but now they’ve been detected in the UK, and people have become unwell with encephalitis after being bitten. There have only been three cases - but remember those are just the…

Dating fatigue has kicked in, sometimes I wish I had stock replies and could copy and paste my answers to matches on Hinge. I’d never do it, people deserve so much more humanity than that, but goodness, when I’m on a, rather frustrated, loop I lose enthusiasm. It’s at this point I usually take a little break, but I’m no quitter, my heart and optimism won’t allow it. So onwards we march into the world of swiping and setting up dates. But then when you do meet someone, the “coffee or a drink” suggestion can seem a little boring. For me, if it’s a date in the week it has to be at a generic pub in the evening and, if it’s a weekend, it’s usually a coffee. According to…

The way Tesco Clubcard works is changing - don’t lose money or rewards as a result! GET TRIPLE POINTS You’ve probably got used to the fact that when you convert Clubcard points to Tesco vouchers to use instore, a point is worth a penny - so 500 would be worth £5. But when you exchange them for “Reward Partners”, their value triples, so 500 points is worth £15. However, from 14 June, rather than tripled, points will only be doubled. Use them before you lose them! DON’T STAY LOYAL FOR PETROL Another change coming in on 14 June is at the forecourt. Rather than collecting one Clubcard point for every £2 you spend on fuel, you’ll get one point for every two litres of fuel you buy. That’s likely to…

AVAILABLE IN SIZES 18-28 COMES IN OTHER COLOURS AVAILABLE IN WIDE FIT…

Closer Tv TV WEEK: 22-28 APRIL 1 I’M A CELEBRITY… SOUTH AFRICA THE SHOW’S SPECIAL SPIN-OFF MON 24-FRI 28 APR, 9PM, ITV1 An all-star version of I’m A Celebrity… lands - and we could not be more excited! Previous campmates including Helen Flanagan, Carol Vorderman, Gillian McKeith, Dean Gaffney, Paul Burrell, Janice Dickinson and Myleene Klass (all the greats from the past 20 years!) are doing it all over again, this time under the hot South African sun. Ant and Dec oversee the antics - obvs, with Dec calling the series “very special”. Ant adds, “To put some of our previous campmates through their paces again is the dream.” We wholeheartedly agree! See page 24 for our chats with campmates Helen and Carol. 2 LONDON MARATHON ANNUAL EVENT SUN 23 APR, 8.30AM /…

GRUMPY GRAM…