Table of contents for Issue 1117 in Closer

From podcasts and a random coffee advert to flogging homemade jam, Meghan Markle has had her fingers in lots of different pies over the past few years. Now, she’s gearing up for the world to see her latest venture - a Netflix cooking show. TENSION According to reports, the Duchess, 42, has wrapped up filming the series – which will “celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship” as part of her $100 million five-year deal with the platform – and it “all went well”. But with many of her previous work projects failing to gain much traction, sources have revealed Meghan is desperate for this one to be a success, and it’s causing tension at home. “Meghan’s show is her new love and she’s praying it will launch…

She’s been a staple on Britain’s Got Talent for almost two decades, having been on the show since it first aired in 2007. And now, with rumours that the judging panel could be getting a shake-up for the next series, we can reveal that Amanda Holden is eager to bring her close pal, Alan Carr, on board. Last month, it was reported that Bruno Tonioli’s future on the ITV show is at risk due to filming clashes, with the Italian choreographer also working on Dancing With The Stars in the US later this year. While nothing has yet been confirmed, it’s thought that comedian Alan’s name has been thrown into the mix - and while Amanda is determined to make it happen, she’s feeling the pressure of deciding between her…

• Don’t leave your phone, iPad, tablet or camera unattended, out of your sight, or on a table. Thieves can grab a phone from a table in seconds. • Be aware of your surroundings and only use your mobile when it feels safe to. • When you’ve finished using it, put it away. • Use your phone’s security features to stop someone using it if it’s stolen. Choose a strong PIN, passcode, password or pattern. • Get your IMEI number by typing *#06# on your phone keypad. Keep a note of it somewhere other than on your phone. The IMEI can helptrack the phone down if it’s lost or stolen. • Set up a tracking app on your phone so you can see where it is from another device, like…

Former X Factor star Jake Quickenden, 35, has revealed he’s expecting his second child with his wife Sophie Church. The couple - who have been together since 2018 and got married in Ibiza in 2022 - shared the news on Instagram with a cute family video featuring their three-year-old son Leo and Sophie’s eldest son Freddie, 10. Jake wrote, “WE HAVE NEWS… soon to be five. We can finally let you know after a long time trying we are gonna bring another bundle of joy into the world. We are super excited. Can’t wait to live off 2 hours’ sleep again. Have a lovely Sunday.” The video showed the couple telling their loved ones the happy news, which was met with excitement and lots of hugs. Showbiz friends offered their…

Kym Marsh was forced to defend her romance with toyboy Samuel Thomas just days after the pair went Instagram-official. The new couple, who both star in 101 Dalmations: The Musical, announced their love online last week, with Kym calling him her “soulmate”. “Met the most amazing man ever! Sometimes the most unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times. Samuel Thomas, I love you,” she wrote alongside a photo of them kissing. He also shared a photo of them hugging, captioned, “I didn’t expect you, but here you are. I love you”. Among the well wishes, there was also some backlash for the Morning Live presenter, 48, and her 29-year-old co-star – who’s the same age as Kym’s eldest son David, whom she shares with ex Dave Cunliffe. Kym is…

Going from one child to three before her 27th birthday was not something Dani Dyer ever imagined for herself, but becoming a parent has given her a new appreciation of family. Having shot to fame on Love Island in 2018, Dani has shared her journey to motherhood on social media, and now she wants to encourage a more open conversation about how much of a change it really is. CHILDCARE She had her first child, Santi, three, with her ex-partner Sammy Kimmence in 2021, but they split soon after and Dani, 27, later found love with West Ham and England player, Jarrod Bowen, 27. The couple announced they were expecting twins in January 2023, and their daughters, Summer and Star, were born last June. “It was a massive, massive jump,”…

Love Island viewers were left with their jaws on the floor last week when fan favourite Uma Jammeh decided to leave the villa. In the most shocking moment of the series so far, VIP host and model Uma, 23, tearfully told her fellow Islanders that she did not see herself staying on Love Island without her partner, Wil Anderson, who was brutally dumped after bombshell Reuben Collins coupled up with her. HEARTBROKEN And now, Uma says despite the turbulent time she and Wil had post-Casa Amor, she thinks the only way is up for them. Explaining why she left with Wil, she says, “I knew where my head and heart were at, so I wanted to be true to my feelings for him”. Adding of their life on the outside,…

“We can’t get more British than a strawberry trifle. This one will happily feed a small crowd, making it ideal for summer gatherings where sweet strawberries deserve to be the centre of attention.” TOM’S STRAWBERRY AND ELDERFLOWER TRIFLE STEP 1 For the jelly layer, pour 500ml water into a saucepan, add the sugar and stir over a medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer, then add the strawberries and grenadine and simmer for 10 mins. STEP 2 Meanwhile, place the gelatine sheets in a shallow dish, cover with cold water and soak for 5 mins until softened. STEP 3 Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine sieve into a heatproof bowl, pressing the fruit with the back of a spoon. Squeeze out the excess water from the…

Are us singles simply a bunch of scaredy cats? Can we admit to ourselves that the lack of willingness to commit to a relationship is really down to fear? I know I’m guilty as charged. But in today’s dating world, we’re all just going round in circles with flings, seeing each other, situationships and even being exclusive, but so rarely does it ever move into an actual relationship. It’s as if we have to test things out before we do more testing out to see if can work out longer term. But hang on, isn’t the relationship part supposed to be the test before you fully commit? Somehow, in the single sphere, we’ve created multiple hurdles to jump over before we even broach the conversation about whether or not we’re…

Salah Sun, Head of Product Marketing at Beko Plc UK & Ireland, on how to make your clothes last longer… • SPIN AT THE RIGHT SPEED “High spin is great for thick, robust fabrics such as denim. More delicate fabrics, such as silk and wool, should stay at a low spin speed. High spin speeds can increase creases, so if your silk shirt is a nightmare to iron, adjust your washing machine settings.” • SELECT THE BEST CYCLE “The delicate cycle provides gentle agitation and is great for underwear and silk blouses, but don’t use it for everything. Towels or jeans need a more aggressive cleaning approach. The quick wash provides clean clothes in as little as 30 minutes, but heavily soiled or wool items might require a soak beforehand,…

CODE: CLOSER20 COMPETITION T&CS: Offer valid from 00:01AM BST Tuesday 16th July 2024 to 23:59PM BST Saturday 31st August 2024. To redeem your 20% discount, visit liveunlimitedlondon.com and enter code CLOSER20 at checkout. Offer applies to full-price products only, excludes gift cards. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer and cannot be applied retrospectively. No subscriptions or cash equivalents. Offer is limited to one use per customer. Only valid for use on liveunlimitedlondon.com. Live Unlimited reserve the right to amend or cancel this promotion at any time without notice.…

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…

DISAPPEARING CAMPAIGN After turning 40 in 2021, Meghan launched her 40×40 campaign – which aimed to have 40 high-profile women offering 40 minutes of their time to “help women re-entering the workforce”. While stars including Adele and Stella McCartney were on board, things went quiet and the project fizzled out. PODCAST PROBLEMS Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, ended abruptly last year when the $20 million Spotify deal fell through after just one series. In February, Meghan announced she was returning to the podcasting world after signing a new deal with Lemonada Media. But reports say it has already been pushed back to 2025. ROASTED OVER ADVERT Meghan returned to her acting roots in December, starring in an advert for vegan coffee brand, Clevr Blends, which she invested in back in 2020. However,…

As her daughter Kylie continues to keep her relationship with Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet under wraps, much to Kris Jenner’s dismay, the momager already has another target for a highprofile romance in her sights daughter Khloé. MUM KNOWS BEST The reality star, who recently celebrated her 40th birthday, has been single since splitting from basketball star Tristan Thompson, with whom she shares six-year-old daughter True and son Tatum, one. But once she starts dating again, sources tell Closer that Kris, 68, is intent on having a say in her love life. “Kris has set out some strict ground rules for Khloé to follow when she bags her next boyfriend - and she hasn’t held back!” an insider says. “Knowing the importance of not only having a famous partner but of…

Hollywood star Margot Robbie is expecting her first child with husband Tom Ackerley. The Barbie actress, 34, was spotted with her growing bump while on holiday in Lake Como, Italy, and fans were quick to offer their congratulations. A source tells Closer the couple - who met in 2013, started dating in 2014 and got married in 2016 - already have big plans for their first child. The insider says, “Margot is going all out - it’s her first baby and she enlisted the help of her go-to interior designer, Peter Dunham, to design the nursery almost as soon as she received the positive pregnancy test!” As the star and producer of the highest grossing film of 2023, it’s safe to say Margot has a healthy budget to plan a…

It’s been two years since Christine McGuinness shocked fans when she announced she and her husband Padd y were splitting after 11 years of marriage. Despite not officially announcing a relationship since her split from Paddy, the 36-year-old was photographed kissing footballer and presenter Chelcee Grimes during an Ibiza holiday last year after meeting on ITV’s The Games, but they later unfollowed each other on social media. FRIENDS FIRST And although Christine - who shares 11-yearold twins Penelope and Leo and seven-yearold Felicity with TV presenter Paddy - tells Closer she’s “really happy” single, she admits she would like to find love again. Christine says, “Anyone I’ve ever dated or had a relationship with - even in my teenage years -1 was friends with them first, and then it developed…

Lily Allen has sparked a guessing game after admitting she had a feud with an older “successful and incredibly beautiful” celebrity who allegedly warned her off their musician boyfriend. The singer, 39, revealed the alleged incident happened in 2009, during preparations for a charity fundraiser, where Lily was asked to perform with the mystery star’s boyfriend. The Smile songstress said that the unnamed celebrity told her, “If you think I’m leaving you alone with my f***ing boyfriend, you’ve got another thing coming”. And while she hasn’t named any names, with some deduction, it has been alleged she is referring to supermodel Kate Moss, who was dating The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince at the time. Both Lily and Jamie performed Dream A Little Dream Of Me at the Hoping’s Got Talent…

Before Lucy Benyon fell pregnant, her family and her partner’s family had booked a cruise for a jaunt around the Mediterranean. Lucy’s GP informed her that at 29 weeks pregnant, she’d be safe enough to fly to the cruise’s boarding point in Majorca and issued her a fit-to-fly certificate But as the cruise drew to a close, without any warning, Lucy went into labour. Her baby, Lilli, was born more than 10 weeks premature in Spain, and spent six weeks on intensive care and neo-natal wards. But then a bureaucratic wrangle began because she didn’t have a passport, and only ended when Lucy, her partner, Connor, and their new baby flew home by private jet at a cost of £15,000. Lucy says, “Going into labour so early was traumatic and…

Despite causing shockwaves with her exit, it seems that Uma Jammeh made the right choice to exit the villa – and even bigger things are to come. The 23-year-old VIP host and model from London is predicted to rake in the cash thanks to her star quality. Brand and culture expert Nick Ede says, “I think Uma has the perfect package – she was obviously very popular in the villa, people loved her on screen, she’s got a great personality and she looks sensational. “With the right people around her, I think she’ll definitely be making millions by the end of next year. I think she’ll get some really lucrative social media jobs, potential deals with household brands like M&S, and I think she could be the face of a…

GO WITH YOUR GUT Biotiful Gut Health has launched a new range of Delightful Kefir drinks. Delivering the natural gut health benefits the brand is known for, they also make the perfect guiltfree afternoon snack. £2.25/500ml from Ocado. GET STUFFED! Pip & Nut’s new range of oat bars are stuffed with their delicious peanut butter. They are high in fibre, contain 6g of plant-based protein, and are available in three flavours. From £1.35 from Amazon, Tesco and WHSmith. INTENSIFY THE TASTE Dolmio has launched three pasta sauces to its Intensify Range, which celebrates global flavours - choose from mild, bold and spicy. £2.49/400g from Morrisons and Tesco.…

CELEBRITY CHEF THEO MICHAELS, 46, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND… CELEBRATE LITTLE WINS… It’s so easy to get bogged down by the everyday stresses of life. If I’ve got a big week of events, it can be really overwhelming and takes a negative toll on my mental health. To combat this, I break everything down into smaller steps and focus on nailing one task at a time. You can’t worry about things that are out of your control, and you have to concentrate on the positives. FOCUS ON NUTRITION FIRST… A healthy diet is essential for keeping fit and keeps my energy levels balanced throughout the day. When I’m not up and about with the children, or in the kitchen cooking, I like to stay active…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK EVA LONGORIA Opt for subtle pale shades just like Eva to elevate your summer looks. Pair a pink draped satin top with co-ordinating trousers to elongate your silhouette, with matching accessories to perfectly nail the S/S ’24 catwalk trend. IN THE NEWS… ON THE WILD SIDE Animal print has become a timeless high-street hero trend and this season it’s back better than ever. Bonprix at Freemans has launched an incredible new collection which serves up bold colours, fierce animal prints and neutral everyday essentials. All of these come available in an array of flowing maxi dresses, cooling shorts and practical jumpsuits, perfect for any summer event. So, get ready to not only look, but feel your best. BOLD GREEN FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! WINNING WHITES…

HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Lady Gaga founded her own make-up line in 2019, and the products are just as fun and inclusive as her music. The Le Monster Lip Crayon comes in 17 vibrant shades and delivers the ultimate balance of colour and comfort with its hydrating, pigmented formula. JESS WRIGHT BEAUTY AT POUNDLAND Jess Wright’s beauty range merges the former TOWIE star’s signature glam style with purse-friendly prices. We’e particularly taken with this light floral perfume, which will set you back less than £3! TYPEBEA BY RITA ORA Due to her own personal hair struggles, Rita targeted her haircare brand to those struggling with hair loss and years of damage. We’re obsessed with the Strength & Length Shampoo, which aids hair growth. RARE BEAUTY BY SELENA GOMEZ Rare…

16-22 JULY THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CANCER 21 JUN - 22 JUL The chance to see something from a new angle will give you something to ponder. Your mind is so busy right now that you may need to meditate in order to stay calm and collected. Avoid emotional outbursts. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LEO 23 JUL - 22 AUG With the Sun in your sign, you’ll start to see your energy and attitude improve. With all eyes on you, it’s time to show up and be your best self! Also, you may discover your mood improves in your social life too. Friends and networks are the key to your success now. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope VIRGO 23 AUG - 22 SEP It’s one thing…

If Meghan’s Netflix show is a success, it could change everything for her, PR expert Mark Borkowski reveals. “It feels like this is a profound change of direction for Meghan – in some ways to become like a Martha Stewart. If Meghan can pull it off, it’s a very rich seam to mine,” he tells Closer. “If it succeeds, then it’s a massive leap forward and will take away from a lot of the negativity she’s had. And it will make a lot of people take her very seriously. So, as an income stream, it’s huge… if she gets it right.” But it could be make-or-break for the Duchess if the show is yet another failure. “I don’t believe you can have so many failed ventures without people questioning what…

They’ve been living separate lives since March, but despite growing speculation of an imminent divorce announcement, as Closer went to press, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck remained husband and wife at least on paper. Jen and Ben, 51, have kept fans guessing about their two-year marriage. Although Ben was seen without his wedding ring last week, both have mostly kept them on, and insiders tell Closer it’s down to Ben - who’s living in a rented home after moving out of their Beverly Hills mansion - going along with his wife’s requests simply to avoid more rows. “Ben never expected Jennifer to embrace his decision to leave - it’s pretty clear she is refusing to accept reality. Even though she’s handling all the formalities by dealing with the lawyers etc,…

When Laura Cain* walked home from having dinner a friend’s house last month, she was suddenly surrounded by a group of teens who threatened her at knife point until she handed over her mobile phone. The office assistant from Manchester was walking the 15-minute journey back to her flat when the teens approached her. She says, “It was just before 10pm and the area was welllit. I’d walked along that street many times before and had always felt safe. SUPPORTIVE “But up ahead, I could see a group of boys all riding e-bikes. I was walking along, phone in hand, and one of the cyclists came up behind me onto the pavement and tried to snatch the phone. I tried to hold on to it but then another teen on…

Manchester City star Jack Grealish and his girlfriend Sasha Attwood are expecting their first child together. The couple, both 28, are childhood sweethearts who met when they were 16 years old, and have been together ever since - with rumours of engagement often swirling on social media. They announced the news on Instagram by poting a picture of Jack holding Sasha’s growing baby bump with the caption, “Life’s biggest blessing”. Sasha then commented, “Half of me, half of you - beyond blessed”. Jack’s current and former teammates were quick to comment on the post to offer their congratulations. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale wrote, “Huge”, while the England captain Harry Kane commented, “Congratulations!!” with two heart emojis. The couple haven’t been without their ups and downs, with Sasha rumoured to have given…

As his estranged wife Ruth Langsford opened up about their divorce on Loose Women this week, Eamonn Holmes won praise for standing on his own. The 64-year-old presenter, who has been heavily reliant on walking aids over the past few years, looked slimmer in a new photo. “Hard to stand up but next my aim is to walk. Off to a birthday party”, he shared. Fans praised his latest achievement. One said, “You’re doing well Eamonn, keep it up”, to which he replied, “If only, but thanks”. It’s thought that Katie Alexander – who’s said to be “in love” with him – has been helping Eamonn with his recovery. The TV star and the relationship counsellor, 42, have grown closer in the wake of his split, according to reports, even…

Eva: ‘I do heavy weights’ Eva Longoria’s amazing figure is all down to hard work. The Desperate Housewives star, 49, exercises every day, often sharing clips of her routines online. And her daily hour-long sessions are “non-negotiable”. She said, “I really work out for my mental health”. Eva – who does intermittent fasting, eating mostly protein and veggies between 11am and 7pm – mixes up her workouts, combining cardio (trampoline classes in particular) and strength training with yoga to ensure she stays healthy. She said, “I do very heavy weights. I feel like my body changes the most when I do that.” Denise: ‘I’ll wear bikinis until I’m 97’ A poster girl for body positivity, Denise Welch has vowed to never stop posing in her swimwear in years to come.…

Popping on her favourite pair of sunglasses, Hannah Oliver climbed into her car to visit her fiancé, James. The two were due to be married in just three months. But five minutes before Hannah reached James’ house, disaster struck. A car pulled in ahead of her at a stop-sign, and her airbag was deployed on impact, knocking the lens of her sunglasses into her right eye, which resulted in her losing her eye. Despite everything, Hannah’s wedding went ahead. And today she runs her own sunglasses company, specialising in shatterproof lenses. Hannah, from Atlanta, Georgia, says, “Losing my eye was a horrific experience, but I was determined not to postpone the wedding. I’d always thought of my eyes as my best feature, and I worried my fiancé would no longer…

INSIDE ATEH’S FRIDGE • Kombucha • Butter • Parmesan • Cheddar cheese • Dark chocolate • Dark cherries • Raspberries • Blueberries • Salmon • Avocado • Guacamole • Chicken breast fillets • Pesto • Basil • Lamb chops • Prawns • Lettuce • Asparagus • Onions • Organic salad leaves • Broccoli • Sparkling water ATEH JEWEL How much do you spend on food? I get a little bit from everywhere, so I really have no idea how much I spend. I like to get some bits from Whole Foods, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. The fruit and veg from the farm shop tastes so good. Once you go there, it’s hard not to go back! Describe your daily diet… I start my day with a smoothie, I like to add…

FAMILY MATTERS HANDLE DEFIANT CHILDREN WITHOUT LOSING YOUR RAG! Kids can get worked up about the smallest, simplest things. It can be infuriating, but keep your cool and tune in to their needs My children are four and seven, so I am very used to pushback fom them! Developing independence is an important part of growing up. They’re starting to develop their own minds, to want to make their own choices, and express their preferences. Refusing to get dressed is common because clothes are a huge part of their identity, so it’s one of the first ways to start to figure out their preferences. Some children - particularly if they’re neurodiverse or have sensory processing disorder - get distressed by the feel of certain fabrics, or the feel of labels…

Top parenting concerns about summer holidays include not planning enough activities, and the cost of keeping children entertained. Here, we have expert advice for both! SAVE ON SUMMER CLUBS Activity clubs can be a life saver, but they’re also expensive. “Lots of local authorities have council-run holiday clubs, which are usually cheaper than private ones,” says Emma Bradley, parenting and personal finance blogger (mumssavvysavings.com and @emmaand3). “If you are on certain benefits, are a low-income family or have pupil premium children, you may get even greater discounts. Don’t forget to ask for a sibling discount too. Look for clubs in your area at gov.uk/after-school-holiday-club, and check your local authority websites and social media pages. There are also often discounts available for nationally-recognised holiday camps like Barracudas or Atlas. The more…

1 ALISON-APPROVED Want to steal Alison Hammond’s style? Well, get your hands on this slinky satin set from Live Unlimited. If you want extra coverage like Alison, follow her lead and layer a printed tee underneath, but it will also look great worn alone for a fluid finish. 2 PACK SOME PRINT Ready to make a statement? A printed co-ord is a surefire way to do so. This set from River Island will look perfect worn for drinks near the beach or at summer garden parties. Simply add white sandals to finish the look. 3 DOUBLE DENIM Double denim is a classic look year round so why not give it a summer refresh by opting for a matching waistcoat and shorts combo like this set from Tu. It features a fun seaside-…

GRUMPY GRAM Poor Derm. We feel you - given the evening temperatures outside, it’s not a firepit that you need - it’s a nuclear reactor.…