Table of contents for Issue 1092 in Closer

“IT’S A LOT FOR WILLIAM TO DEAL WITH AND HE’S REALLY STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE” The Royal Family has been thrown into a new crisis with King Charles undergoing an operation on his prostate this week, while Kate Middleton’s abdominal operation was said to be likely to see her spend up to two weeks in hospital. GROWN APART And with Prince William, 41, dashing to be by his wife’s side and taking care of their three children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis and shamed Prince Andrew dismissed from royal life in 2022, “The Firm” has seen the number of working royals halved until Kate, 42, resumes duty after Easter. Now, with the absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feeling more stark than…

She recently revealed to Closer that she’s shed 4st in weight due to hardcore training as a Dancing On Ice contestant, and now Claire Sweeney admits slimming down was the driving force behind her decision to compete on the show. The Coronation Street actress, 52, candidly told Closer, “For me, it’s the weight loss stuff. I’ve noticed reaching my 50s, my body has completely changed. I never had to think about things or work so hard, and suddenly this opportunity to learn a new skill, conquer your fears - because I did get a bit more fearful - and try to get a skater’s bum and get my figure back was great.” But mum-of-one Claire - who’s partnered with professional Colin Grafton - explains taking a two-week break over the…

NEWS It’s been a difficult few weeks for Lauryn Goodman, after reports emerged that she had given birth to yet another child with footballer Kyle Walker - leading to the England star splitting horn his long-term partner Annie Kilner. And now, insiders say that Lauryn, 32, has also seen her ongoing feud with her sisters reach fever pitch. DEVASTATED The source says, “There’s been so much hurt on both sides over the last few weeks. Annie is of course devastated at what’s happened - made even more traumatic by the fact that she’s currently six months pregnant with their fourth child. “Meanwhile, Lauryn is feeling completely isolated and alone - as well as having fallen out with her family over all this, she’s had friends turn their backs on her…

They’ve been inseparable since meeting on Strictly Come Dancing last year, and last week Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell fuelled fans’ speculation of a romance when they were spotted out together. Bobby, 20, who is currently rehearsing for the Strictly tour with Dianne, 34, was photographed placing his hand on Dianne’s lips and, in another snap, he appeared to intimately cradle her face while she gazed into his eyes. The pictures of the pair appearing cosy came just days after Bobby called his professional dance partner “the love of my life” in a video on social media earlier this month. And this isn’t the first time. At The Pride of Britain Awards in October, Bobby also confessed he was “falling in love” with Dianne. Fans quickly hit back at Bobby’s…

She’s hosted competitions on ITV’s This Morning for the past two years, and now Kate Lawler admits she has her eye on being at the helm of the daytime show. “I would like to do more at This Morning. I’d never say no to doing something like that,” she tells Closer. Kate, 43, was crowned winner of the third series of Big Brother back in 2002 - the same series This Morning’s Alison Hammond found fame on. BIG BROTHER PALS And as Alison has co-hosted Fridays with Dermot O’Leary since 2021, taking over from Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, Kate says it would be an “amazing” opportunity to present with her pal. She smiles, “Obviously Alison and I are really good mates, so it would be amazing to do that…

Admin assistant Kerry Harlow*, 34, lives in London with her husband, Gareth, 35, a hospital porter, and their children, Dominique, nine, Rhiannon, seven, and Alfie, six. She says, “I have no clue how I could feed our children properly without the support of free school meals. I work part-time and Gareth’s hours were halved six months ago. With the rising cost of bills and groceries, it was a constant worry how we could afford everything. Every penny was counted for. “But knowing that the children get a good meal in school every day gives me peace of mind and feels like a huge burden is lifted. It means I can just give them a cheese sandwich or beans on toast in the evening as they’ve had a meal like lasagne…

After being jailed for 21 months last March, former Ex On The Beach and Big Brother star Stephen Bear was released from a London prison last week after serving half of his sentence. During his trial in Essex in 2022, a judge found Bear, 34, guilty of voyeurism and disclosing private sexual photographs and films after he shared a sex tape filmed of his ex-girlfriend, former Love Island star Georgia Harrison, without her consent onto his OnlyFans account. Georgia, 29, was not aware she was being filmed on Bear’s CCTV and has since released a book and an ITV documentary, Revenge Porn: Georgia Vs Bear, on her ordeal - which has seen a 100 per cent increase in reports of revenge porn since Bear’s conviction. Georgia, who entered the Love…

Focusing on improving sleep, reducing stress, boosting energy and feeling happier are key to good wellbeing, according to Nicola Elliott, the founder of NEOM. And you don’t need lots of time, money or headspace to achieve this. In her new book - The Four Ways To Wellbeing - Nicola has combined her 18 years of experience in the wellbeing industry with advice from a range of experts to give a whole host of tips and tricks. Here are some of them to help you get started! • The Four Ways To Wellbeing’by NEOM founder, Nicola Elliott, is out 25 January (Penguin Life, £16.99). GET BETTER SLEEP Nicola worked with sleep expert Nick Witton to form the golden rules for good sleep in the book, and a lot of it is…

PRESENTER AND MODEL LISA SNOWDON, 52, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND... PEOPLE UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF MOVEMENT... I find walking as many steps as I possibly can each day is really good for my mental wellbeing It helps to clear my mind and boosts serotonin levels. Movement is medicine for me, whether that’s in the gym, doing Pilates or even just going for a walk. You have to just keep moving, even if you’re sitting at a desk all day. Get up and get drink, go on a short walk. It really helps. MEDITATION IS GREAT FOR UNWINDING... I really enjoy breath work. I like to get myself into a good place and concentrate on the breath going in and out. This mindful breathing and meditation…

EXTREME MOISTURE With so many of us experiencing parched skin throughout the winter months, it’s important to make sure your face is well nourished every day. Select a light oil that contains vitamins and natural goodies to hydrate the driest of skin deep down while boosting your natural barrier to protect from further damage. DOUBLE CLEANSE According to experts, a quick once over with your cleanser just won’t do. A first rinse will remove make-up and dirt, and a second round of cleansing will penetrate much deeper, removing pore impurities. You can use two different products or simply double up on your usual cleanser. EXFOLIATE When you combine chilly temperatures and central heating with post-party season burnout, your skin can become dry and flaky. To fix any roughness, try a…

Series one was a triumph! I’m not on social media - I’m still not sure why - but I was unaware of how things had gone down, and then we got recommissioned, not once, but for two more series and two Christmas specials. You do get a feel for it when you’re out and about, and it’s so pleasing to be recognised for Here We Go. It’s a dream when you find a series you can watch with your whole family. What’s in store this time? In the first episode, Rachel has gone back to university and doesn’t want to be seen as “old”, so she has some of her young student friends round. She puts on her Punkyfish top and ‘90s’ girl T-shirt and it’s all quite excruciating. There’s…

GRUMPY GRAM One of the best kept secrets in showbiz is where 50 Cent keeps his Salted Caramel Hobnobs. Or at least it was... Poor Fiddy’s about to have the worst tea break EVER!…

She’s been the darling of the nation’s TV screens over the past year but it recently emerged that Alison Hammond reportedly turned down the chance to permanently replace Holly Willoughby as main host of ITV’s flagship daytime show, This Morning. And insiders tell Closer that Alison, 48, refused the golden offer because she’s enjoyed working on other TV projects, such as on-screen institution The Great British Bake Off, plus last year’s BAFTA Film Awards alongside actor Richard E. Grant, which she previously told Closer was a dream come true for her. But after it was revealed she will not be returning to the BAFTAs in 2024, with former Dr Who actor David Tennant announced as host instead, the insider says Alison’s nose has been put out of joint. They say,…

Wedding bells have rung for Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who has revealed she was secretly married last summer. The Oscar-nominated star of The Lost Daughter revealed that she wed a man from North London she calls “Freddie”. Jessie, 34, met the mental health worker on a blind date, set up by mutual friend and music boss Marc Robinson. The star previously faced heartbreak after splitting from Happy Valley star James Norton, 38, after two years together, with Jessie describing the break-up as “acrimonious.” James is now engaged to fellow actress Imogen Poots, 34.…

She’s no stranger to appearing on reality TV, and Steps legend Claire Richards admits she would love to have a shot at winning the Strictly glitter ball. The singer tells Closer, “Who doesn’t love Strictly? It’s a great show, and we all love dressing up in sequins and getting our hairand make-up done, so for that it’s perfect.” Claire hit the big time in the ’90s as one fifth of pop band Steps. They had a string of hits with iconic dance routines, including Tragedy, 5,6,7,8 and One For Sorrow. But Claire, 46, admits she doesn’t feel confident dancing in front of an audience. “It’s a shame you have to dance [to do the show],” Claire laughs. “I can pick up a dance routine I suppose, but I’m not a…

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, told Closer, “I received free school meals as a child, and it was transformative to me having a decent meal. Also, it was one less thing for my mum and dad to worry about. “But it was means tested and I remember having to go in a separate queue to my friend to get my dinner token and the embarrassment that I felt. “Now I am thrilled and proud that we are providing universal free school meals to every state primary school across our city, which means up to 287,000 children are receiving a nutritious meal. “From conversations we have with teachers, we know how important it is and that children attend more and are more attentive and are more productive because of it.…

Entering the Love Island: All Stars villa last week, former footballer-turned-reality star Luis Morrison revealed he was hoping to find his perfect match after leaving the show in 2015 where he fell for his ex, Cally Jane Beech. But while Luis, 29, gushed that he was now a “proud dad” having welcomed daughter Vienna, now seven, with Cally, 32, during their four-year romance, the former Miss Great Britain winner appeared to hint otherwise on social media. Posting a cryptic Instagram video, Cally, who split from Luis in 2018, simply added two emojis - the “thinking face” and the “lying face”. Luis is also father to two-year-old son Romeo with his ex-girlfriend, influencer Chloe Elizabeth, who last week also hit back, accusing Luis of owing thousands in childcare support. Chloe, 24,…

GO VEGGIE YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... VEGGIE THAI GREEN CURRY SERVES 4 • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, finely diced • 1 red chilli, finely chopped, plus slices to garnish • 170g jar Thai green curry paste • 400g tin coconut milk • 2 baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks • 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks • 200g green beans, halved • Zest and juice ½lime • 20g fresh coriander, finely chopped STEP 1 Put a lidded pan on a medium heat, add the oil, onion and a pinch of salt and cook for 3-4 mins until the onion softens. Add the chilli and cook for 1 min. STEP 2 Add the curry paste and cook…

INSIDE SHARON’S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Ketchup ● Mustard ● Mayo ● Houmous ● Parmesan cheese ● Baked beans ● Garlic ● Cashew nuts ● Dark chocolate ● Chicken stock ● Cherry tomatoes ● Noodles ● Parsley ● Onion ● Chicken fillets ● Red cabbage ● Savoy cabbage ● Tomatoes ● Plenish milk ● White wine ● Cava SHARON How much do you spend? I try to keep it to £100, but we have the odd sneaky takeaway. Supermarket bills have gone up so much, just a basket of food can be £40, so to keep costs down I shop locally at the butchers and greengrocers. Describe your daily diet... For breakfast, I soak porridge oats the night before, I throw in nuts and fruit and transfer it to a…

RELATIONSHIPS LET GO OF SECRETS TO FEEL BETTER We often keep things a secret because we worry we’ll be judged, but those fears are overblown. Here’s how to open up I see this in my coaching work all the time - people feeling anxious, stressed and worried about judgement. As a result, they feel they have to portray a more “palatable” version of themselves. I get it - we don’t want to spill our innermost thoughts and feelings to the world willy-nilly - but it’s important to recognise that the more you hold in a secret, the worse it can feel. It can bring you down, cause sleeplessness and damage your mental health and self-esteem. New research has found that we overestimate the impact revealing our secrets will have -…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK KATIE HOLMES If anyone can create the ideal minimalistic outfit it’s Katie. Spotted in New York, the actress’ Parisian-chic look is something we’ll be recreating. Her simple jeans-and-jumper combo is effortlessly elevated with her choice of patent heeled boots and bright bag. Here’s how to get her look for less... IN THE NEWS... GET A LUXE LOOK FOR LESS WITH PRIMARK'S EDIT Creating the ultimate capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank - and what better time to start afresh than at the start of a new year. Invest in key pieces that you can layer and style with ease. You can always rely on Primark’s Edit for luxe-looking pieces made from premium fabrics for less. You’ll find versatile staples such as basic T-shirts,…

Happy to be back? I am absolutely thrilled! I’ve played Tommy on and off since 2016 so I was delighted to be told I was being given something far more substantial. How’s life been for Tommy since we last saw him? He’s been on a bit of a roller coaster. He’s a painter and decorator now and he’s divorced - but he remains positive and is embracing what’s to come. His feelings for Tracy? It catches him off guard. I’m not really sure if he’s ready for dating, so meeting someone like Tracy, who is married, is not an ideal scenario... Cue dramz!…

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 Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. In the event of a discrepancy between these…

“SHE WOULDN’T NECESSARILY CRITICISE PEOPLE, BUT SHE WOULD PROVE HER INNOCENCE” She returned to our screens last weekend for the first time since announcing her departure from This Morning in October. And now, insiders say that Holly Willoughby - who is back at the helm of Dancing On Ice alongside Stephen Mulhern - has been approached by a raft of TV producers to lift the lid on her tumultuous 2023 in a tell-all documentary. APPREHENSIVE After the presenter’s live TV comeback was a hit with viewers, a source says, “Holly was very apprehensive about getting back on TV and was so thankful for the support of her friends, family and the public. “But she knows the This Morning and Phil [Schofield] scandal is not going to go away. She’s been…

His tragic death three months ago left family, friends and co-stars distraught. And there was further upset last week after actor Matthew Perry was at the centre of damning reports, alleging that he’d “assaulted women” - including ex-fiancée Molly Hurwitz - and lied about being sober. Following the allegations, an insider says that his Friends co-star and confidante Jennifer Aniston is heartbroken. The actress, 54, had urged people to “celebrate Matthew” when interviewed at the Critics’ Choice Awards earlier this month, but now a source says of Jennifer and the Friends cast, “The last thing they want to do is to have to give these awful claims any sort of weight by even addressing them, but they’re all very stressed and sadde ned by this tidal wave of negativity towards…

Their sudden split in 2022 rocked the showbiz world, but until now, Paddy and Christine McGuinness have continued to navigate co-parenting together in the Cheshire home they still share with their three children. While Christine, 35, has emotionally opened up about her experience as an autistic woman and how she had felt “safe” in a marriage that had made her “unhappy for a long time”, Paddy has so far remained silent. Yet last week, the TV star’s friend, comedian Josh Pugh, revealed that Paddy, 50, is piloting a new “mocumentary” about his life, adding, “It’s about his divorce”. STRUGGLING Now a source says that Christine - who shares 10-year-old twins Leo and Penelope and Felicity, seven, all of whom have autism, with Paddy - has been left feeling “humiliated and…

When Karie Jane split from her husband Steve, she decided it was time for a fresh start. And not only did the 56-year-old decide to move to the Canary Islands, she also turned their former holiday home into a naturist resort - and luckily her ex gave her his blessing. She says, “If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be divorced and living in a nudist resort, I never would have believed them. But here I am - liberated, single and living my best life.” MORTIFIED Karie first discovered her love for naturism when she and her then-husband of 15 years Steve stumbled across a nudist beach while on holiday in Fuerteventura. At first, body-conscious Karie - who is a size 16 - was mortified. But…

ASHLEY WELCOMES A SON Two years after the heartbreaking death of his daughter, Ashley Cain has announced the happy arrival of a baby boy. The Ex On The Beach star, 33 - who has yet to reveal the identity of his second child’s mother - welcomed his son to the world last week. Ashley announced they had named the baby Aliyas Diamond - a tribute to his late daughter, Azaylia Diamond. After welcoming Azaylia in 2020 with ex-partner Safiyya Vorajee, 36, their daughter was heartbreakingly diagnosed with cancer with the pair splitting in 2021, soon after her tragic death. Last year, Safiyya revealed that Ashley had asked her to have another child before his own baby news broke saying, “I don’t know why he would ask to have another baby…

Viewers couldn’t get enough of Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey’s love story when they met in the Love Island villa during series two back in 2016. The pair - now parents to Freddie, six, and Delilah, three - tied the knot in 2019 and are the longest-married couple to ever come out of the show. And taking a trip down memory lane, Cara, 33, reveals she and Nathan, 31, are hooked on the new series of Love Island: All Stars - telling Closer what she really thinks of the famous islanders who have entered the KS South African villa. She says; “If I’d have gone in there, I would have coupled up with Chris [Taylor]. He’s got the best personality and I want him to win. I think…

‘I am confident for the first time in years!’ Mum-of-three Claire Scott, 37, lost over 5st by overhauling her entire lifestyle After having my three children, Millie, Poppy and Oliver, snacking became my downfall. I’d grab quick bites while I rushed around, picking at their leftovers instead of having proper meals. Then, in 2018, I sadly lost my job as a teaching assistant due to cuts. I managed to find work at a nursery, but the shifts were gruelling. Feeling low and with little confidence, I turned to food as a source of comfort and gradually my weight crept up. In September 2021, I landed my dream job as a newborn hearing screener, but when I struggled to fasten up my size 18 work tunic, my heart sank. Even taking…

PICK-ME-UP (The Health Menu, Asda, from 65p) This new range has been made with energy-boosting ingredients to help you avoid the afternoon slump, such as herby pesto chicken made with wholegrain pasta, and a fruity strawberry and blueberry acai shake. BOWL OF GOODNESS (Bio & Me Granola, Co-op, £3.35) This gut-loving granola is now available in a cocoa & hazelnut flavour. It has 9g of protein per serving, so you can enjoy a chocolate-y and healthy start to the day. It contains 10 diverse plant ingredients with zero nasties.…

Have you made any dating resolutions for 2024? Each year I try to change my approach, be it a shift in attitude (which at times can be tricky), a new way to meet people or simply believing in myself a bit more. But that’s the hardest part: having the confidence to keep going. I’m not alone - according to dating app Badoo, 36 per cent of singles would like to be more confident when dating. If you’ve been round the block a few times, you’ll no doubt have felt the full force of app dating - the ghosting, love bombing and even gaslighting that goes on in modern relationships. A staggering 89 per cent of daters have said their confidence has been affected as a result of this behaviour. It’s…

Been invited to a wedding this year and worried about the expense? Here are some tips from wedding gift list site Prezola (prezola.com)... • SHOP GIFT LISTS BY PRICE Shop by price range and find something wonderful without overspending. • GIFT AS A GROUP Pooling resources with friends and family allows you to give a grander gift, like that expensive dinnerware set or a luxury appliance. • CONTRIBUTE CASH A cash contribution can be a great way to help the couple with their future plans, whether it’s put towards a honeymoon, a house deposit or other significant expenses. • FIND EXPERIENCES Consider gifting a cooking class, wine tasting or a spa day. • SUPPORT A CHARITY Celebrate a couple’s love by supporting a cause close to their hearts. • SORT…

1 SNUGGLY SCARVES A multi-coloured scarf like Camila’s will keep you snug and the bright tones work with almost any coat or jumper brilliantly. 2 SHOUTY KNITS Like a shot of dopamine for your wardrobe, an oversized cosy knit in a bright and bold tone will instantly spark some joy on even the dreariest of days. Team with your fave jeans and a chunky chain necklace 6 DAYTIME SEQUINS Take your glittery trews into daytime territory by teaming with an oversized sweatshirt and trainers, or buddy up with a silky blouse for date night. AVAILABLE IN SIZES XS-XXL 7 PUNCHY POUTS Add some fun to your day with a bold new lippie. This highly pigmented gloss will create a wash of colour while hydrating and plumping up your pout, with hyaluronic acid and chilli…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 27 JAN- 2 FEB 1 TRIGGER POINT EXPLOSIVE DRAMA SUN 28 JAN, 9PM, ITV1 After a hugely successful first series, the nail-biting Trigger Point is back for six brand-new episodes. The ever-popular Vicky McClure once again dons her protective gear as bomb disposal expert (expo for short) Lana Washington. Since we last saw her, Lana’s been away training Ukranian operatives, but is now back in London to give a lecture about terrorism before resuming her role as the Met Police’s head expo. But it doesn’t go quite to plan as Lana sees a huge explosion out of the window when she’s giving her speech - and naturally dashes off to sort it out, despite not officially being back on duty. And as well as having to contend…

23-29 JANUARY THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN AQUARIUS 20 JAN - 18 FEB It’s probably dawned on you by now that a new chapter in life has begun. What words do you want to fill those pages? Pages of turmoil or pages of achievement? To be honest, there will be both. Prepare yourself for a journey of a lifetime! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19 FEB - 20 MAR Be careful with your words this week. Do you want to be right or do you want to stay friends with someone? We all see things from different points of view. Sometimes you can bring someone around to your way of thinking, sometimes not. it’s OK to have different ideas. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope ARIES 21 MAR…