Table of contents for Issue 1118 in Closer

It's been over four years since Prince Harry flew the royal nest for a new life in California with wife Meghan Markle. But, no matter how hard he tries and how many air miles he's notched up trying to salvage his relationship with his family, the havoc he and Meghan have wreaked on the monarchy has seen the palace door of reconciliation firmly shut. However, insiders now reveal that Harry, 39, is set to take drastic measures this summer, as he plans to spend weeks in the UK in a final plea for forgiveness at any cost – even if that means putting his marriage to Meghan, 42, under strain as they're forced to spend yet more time apart. The source says, “Harry is going to have to return to…

Zara McDermott ‘struggled’ with exposing the truth about her time on Strictly Come Dancing last year, sources close to the star have told Closer. The reality star was partnered with Italian pro Graziano Di Prima and last week it was revealed that he'd been axed from the show following claims he'd kicked and spat on Zara during rehearsals. He admitted kicking but denied spitting. ABUSIVE The Sicilian dancer, 30, has publicly apologised after he was accused of physically and verbally abusing Zara – leading to an investigation by BBC officials. Amanda and Giovanni in training And sources have now revealed that there was a good reason why Zara, 27, was worried about coming forward at the time. “It's been a real struggle for Zara deciding whether to open up about…

When volunteer Rosie Jones signs in for her shift and hears the phone ring, she prepares herself for what may come next. Every 10 seconds, 24 hours a day in the UK, someone rings the Samaritans for help. Callers can vary from distressed and contemplating suicide in that moment, to simply needing to talk. TRUSTING Rosie, 44, says, “For me, it shows how amazing people are, that during their worst moments, they reach out and we can stand alongside them for a little, while they find a way to keep going. The real strength comes from the callers.” The results are impressive – seven-in-10 callers still feel benefits from their call a week later, but volunteers are aware they may hear someone ending their life. Rosie, who has been volunteering…

When Meagan Lee decided to try out a new sex toy, she expected a mind-blowing treat. However, she never imagined her heart would also face a kind of explosion… While the breathlessness, perspiration and increased heart rate she experienced after climaxing seemed normal at first, the reality was more sinister. After a night of passion with her pal, Meagan experienced an orgasm so intense, it had caused an undiagnosed aneurism to rupture. After undergoing emergency open heart surgery, Meagan then spent 10 days in an induced coma, suffered a blood-clotting crisis and faced organ failure. Doctors feared she wouldn't make it, and her family were told to say their goodbyes. Thankfully, a year on, 26-year-old Meagan is doing well. She says, “I still can't believe I almost died – all…

Adoption agencies have announced an “unprecedented” decline in adoption rates. For the first time in recent years, there are more children in need of a permanent home than those coming forward to adopt – with a 14 per cent increase in children needing an adoptive family compared to 2022 and 2023. The latest data also shows that 15 per cent fewer children were placed with an adoptive family in the last quarter. Experts point to the cost-of-living crisis as a potential factor, with prospective adopters waiting for an improvement in their financial circumstances before coming forward. Sarah Johal, National Adoption Strategic Lead for Adoption England, tells Closer, “Every child deserves a loving, permanent home. It's concerning that, for the first time in recent years, the number of children in need…

INTERVIEW She had a stellar Olympic swimming career, winning four medals before retiring in 2013 aged 23. And now, with the Paris Olympics around the corner, Rebecca Adlington tells Closer that she hopes her children will follow in her footsteps. “I would absolutely love my kids to go down the sporting route,” she says. “I think it gives you so much experience that you would never get otherwise. Sport gave me so much confidence, certainly in my teenage years.” She adds, “I don't think they're going to go down the swimming route, though. Who knows, but hopefully they continue with sport, because I think it just sets you up.” Rebecca, 35, is mum to Summer, nine, with ex-husband Alex Needs, and three-year-old Albie with partner Andy Parsons. She admits that…

COLOURFUL CLOTHING BOOSTS YOUR MOOD Dressing to improve your mood has become very popular, and Felicity agrees that wearing colour can lift your spirits. In fact, the model, 35, has just brought out a new edit with inclusive fashion brand Simply Be, with plenty of brights included! She explains, “Dopamine dressing has become such a popular thing in recent years, but I've always used colour to promote my mood and how I'm feeling. Dressing up outfits with colour – even if just with accessories – can make such a difference. I love wearing red, gold and pink, but I don't think there is any colour I wouldn't wear. I also really love wearing clashing colours.” Felicity also says it's important to buy clothes that fit you properly. She adds, “Growing…

INSIDE RUBY'S FRIDGE ● Sriracha mayonnaise ● Crunchy organic peanut butter ● Gochujang ● 0% fat Fage Greek yoghurt ● All Things Butter salted ● All Things Butter unsalted ● Cook's milk chocolate chips ● Cherries ● Raspberries ● Blueberries ● Strawberries ● Chicken breast fillets ● Cherry tomatoes ● Onion ● Beetroot dipped in vinegar ● Organic salad leaves ● Celery ● Whole milk ● Almond milk VERDICT CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “As Ruby has found, working with food all day can make it hard to eat regular meals, but this is important for getting all the nutrients needed to stay healthy. Ruby should aim to have protein at each meal – cooked chicken, prawns, tinned fish, eggs, lentils, beans and nuts are all speedy choices. Pair these…

Life balance WELLBEING FAMILY MATTERS YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES & FAMILY LIFE WITH COUNSELLOR, PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND LIFE COACH ANNA WILLIAMSON I used to stress about travelling with my kids, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Instead of dreading the airport, make it part of the adventure. I get my son to wheel his suitcase, look for a good café, we plane spot out the window and choose magazines together. Prepare for eventualities; they could get hungry, so pack snacks, they may get bored so pack entertainment, they may get tired, so pack their favourite comfort toy. As long as you're parenting your child as best you can – not letting them run up and down, scream or kick the back of someone's chair, you're doing your best,…

PERSONAL TRAINER AND TV STAR, CHLOE MADELEY, 36, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND EXERCISE KEEPS ME SANE… I suffer from generalised anxiety disorder, so weightlifting helps me relieve stress. The endorphin boost makes me feel a hundred times better. I PRIORITISE QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES… Since separating from my husband [James Haskell], I prioritise one-on-one time with my daughter, Bodhi [one]. I'll turn off my phone and give her my undivided attention. I DON'T DEPRIVE MYSELF OF TREATS… I eat nutritious meals and have protein with every meal as it keeps me fuller for longer, but if I see an ice cream van I'll buy myself a Mr Whippy! I LOVE THE MOTH PODCAST… In each episode, people from all over the world and different walks…

RECIPES SUPER SEEDY CRACKERS & WHIPPED FETA DIP CRACKERS: MAKES 1 LARGE TRAY, TAKES 40 MINS WHIPPED FETA DIP: SERVES 6-8, TAKES 5 MINS ● 100g chickpea (gram) flour ● 80ml olive oil ● 3 tbsp mixed cumin, fennel, nigella and/or sesame seeds ● 50g pumpkin seeds ● Flaky sea salt WHIPPED FETA DIP ● 200g feta ● 3 tbsp thick yoghurt ● Extra virgin olive oil ● Sea salt and black pepper ● Optional: Za'atar, harissa paste drizzle, fresh herbs or chilli flakes STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C fan/gas mark 5 and line a large baking sheet (about 40 × 25cm) with baking paper or a silicone mat. STEP 2 In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, olive oil, 80ml water and ½…

Rhythm & Ruse Get ready for a dazzling adventure at the brand-new speakeasy in the iconic Waterloo Vaults, opening 29 August! Immerse yourself in the Jazz Age with an exclusive night of magic, thrilling illusions, sultry cabaret and live jazz. Indulge in Tom Savano's award-winning cocktails and tasty bites, while secret society magicians amaze with private tarot readings. Don't miss this enchanting experience – jazz up your night and book now at rhythmandruse.com/tickets! MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB DIGITAL RADIO Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour Expert pastry chefs from Brigit's Bakery have created an incredible afternoon tea experience with snout-standing views of London! Each table includes a built-in tablet featuring a Peppa Pig guided tour animation, along with an onboard entertainer…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You have a lovely birthday chart, so get out there and make some good things happen in your life. It's a year to chase your dreams (don't just expect things to magically materialise!). You could also find the people you know or meet this year help you amazingly. THIS WEEK'S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 23 JUL – 22 AUG The Sun has now moved into your sign, so it's like you've been re-plugged back into the great cosmic charger in the skies. Expect to regain your energy over the coming four weeks. You'll also be in the spotlight. Love is in the air for some Leos now too. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP As the Sun slips…

Kerry Katona and her fiancé Ryan Mahoney were snapped on a sunshine break in Spain last week, and it appeared at times things were tense between them. In Closer's exclusive pics, the couple were seen rowing in public before making up and larking around. And sources have revealed that there is an underlying issue that causes the ongoing rows. “Spain was supposed to be a chance to clear the air. But the trip still ended up causing more frictions. One of the big problems is that Kerry doesn't switch off and actually enjoy her holidays, she spends too much time focussed on work. Ryan will tell her he's not on holiday to stare at her head leant over her phone all day! He sometimes ends up feeling like he's the…

NEWS KRISTINA: Kristina Rihanoff, who was a Strictly pro from 2008 to 2015, explains how the atmosphere can get highly charged during training sessions. She says, “I'm shocked about what happened – I feel so sorry for Zara. She should never have had that experience. Her dream has been shattered in a cloud of abuse. Hiring young dancers with no teaching ability is dangerous - it should be about the celebrity looking good and having a good time.” During her eight years on the show, Kristina's partners included Jason Donovan, boxer Joe Calzaghe and Blue singer Simon Webbe – where she got her best result, coming second in 2014. “There is a lot of pressure that comes from within the professional dancers. They are from a really strict, competitive background. They…

‘ANNIE NOW FEELS LIKE THEY CAN'T SURVIVE THE CONSTANT ONSLAUGHT’ As he dealt with heartbreak following England's devastating loss to Spain in the Euros final, Kyle Walker was preparing for yet another emotional showdown of his own as he prepared to face ex Lauryn Goodman in court. The England and Manchester City defender was suited and booted with his wedding ring firmly on as he prepared to face the mother of two of his children – son Kairo, four, and daughter KW, 11 months – at the Royal Courts of Justice in London over a legal battle for childcare and maintenance. But while Kyle confidently strode into the court through the main entrance, Lauryn kept a low profile by entering through a side door with her head down and covered…

Despite being photographed holding hands and looking loved-up at the British Grand Prix earlier this month, Maya Jama and Stormzy have stunned fans with news that they've broken up. Taking to Instagram last week, Maya, 29, and 30-year-old Stormzy – real name Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. – shared identical statements which began, “We've been laughing whilst drafting this because we never, ever, in a million years thought we'd be the couple announcing a break-up, but for the sake of clarity, and more importantly, to allow us the space and grace that's needed for us both to be able to navigate this next bit of our lives with peace, we thought it might be best to.” Maya and Stormzy began dating in 2014 after meeting at the Red Bull…

NEWS After she revealed her newly-single status, having split from her latest boyfriend, convict Paul Soliz, Britney Spears’ big brother Bryan has vowed to be her protector. The singer, 42, announced that she had broken up with her former housekeeper as she vowed to stay single amid reports that she has made up with her sons, Sean Preston, 18, and Jayden James, 17. “Single as f**k!!! I will never be with another man as long as I live!” she wrote in a now-deleted post. And a source tells Closer that Bryan, 47, was instrumental in persuading the star to dump her deadbeat beau – and is now overseeing her inner circle. “It was 100 per cent Bryan who talked sense into Britney. He opened her eyes to Paul's terrible rap…

When Victoria Ivantchev-Jha envisioned her wedding day, she pictured herself dancing with her loved ones until the early hours… But the reality could not have been further from this when she and her new husband spent the evening trapped inside a hotel lift and ended up missing the entire party. Victoria says, “I can't say it was the wedding day I dreamed of but, thankfully, we soon saw the funny side!” OVER THE MOON It was April 2022 when Panav popped the question to Victoria, 33. She says, “We'd been together for five years when Panav organised a surprise week away for us both. I was so excited – we hadn't seen each other in ages as we both worked as busy doctors in hospitals miles apart.” Panav booked for…

“This beautifully fragrant cake is made in the air fryer! It has a mesmerising aroma, and is topped with a simple glaze and decorated with chopped pistachios, dried rose petals and Turkish delight.” LUCY PARISSI'S PERSIAN LOVE CAKE STEP 1 Mist a deep 20cm cake tin with a cake release spray and line the bottom with baking paper. Combine the flour, almonds, sugar, baking powder and cardamom in a mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk, eggs, margarine, rose water and vanilla. Beat using a hand or stand mixer until the batter is smooth. Transfer into the prepared tin and level. STEP 2 Preheat the air fryer to 160°C for 3 mins. Place the cake in the air fryer basket and bake for 45-50 mins, or until a toothpick inserted in the…

This is really interesting and slightly surprised me – I thought there'd be some positive outcomes from taking multivitamins. I'm not the biggest advocate for supplements, but we need vitamins, and we know that quite a lot of people have quite poor diets and are probably therefore a bit deficient in a few things, like vitamin D. This study, though, involved people taking a daily multivitamin, not a specific supplement to meet a specific deficiency. They were looking specifically at longevity – so lifespan – and found that daily multivitamin users actually had a four per cent higher mortality risk (so risk of early death) compared to people who didn't take a multivitamin. CHOOSE FOOD This study isn't proving that vitamins aren't important – they definitely are – but they're…

Having a level of emotional dependence on your other half is normal. But, a healthy partnership is about having independence outside of that relationship, as well as being able to depend on one another. A relationship thrives when both take responsibility for supporting each other – if you're having a stressful time, you may only be able to give 20%, so your partner fills the tank from their side, but the balance needs to be restored when things are back to normal. If we constantly rely on our partner to carry us emotionally, we're placing a burden on them. That can lead to a shift in the power dynamics, which is dangerous. When we rely heavily on someone else for our own emotional health, it's codependency. There can be many…

FASHION IN THE NEWS… Milk, bread, eggs… summer wardrobe? Tu at Sainsbury's has launched its newest clothing collection, and with prices starting from just £5, we can afford to go a little wild in the Sainsbury's aisles. There are luxe-looking sandals for purse-friendly prices, dreamy swimwear in flattering fits and countless other wardrobe hero pieces to get you through the season. Load up your trolley and get ready for the compliments to flood in……

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…

GRUMPY GRAM Camilla opens a parcel post-marked ‘Montecito, California’ to find this and a hand-written note, ‘From one cold-blooded shellfish individual to another’. Who even wrote THAT!?…

BRIAN MCFADDEN Meeting through their careers in the music industry, Brian and Kerry began dating in 1998 with the Westlife singer proposing after just three weeks. Speaking about why their marriage ended on Exhibit A, Kerry shared, “The relationship broke down because he cheated on his stag do. That was in the November, we got married in the January and I didn't find out until the April. “There was a news story that Brian had sex with a lap dancer on his stag do and he made her sign a confidentiality agreement. D*ckhead! And paid £15,000 to keep her mouth shut, but she went to the papers anyway.” MARK CROFT Kerry's marriage to taxi driver Mark was marred by cheating allegations on both sides, but eventually ended when he filed…

She may already be a mum-of-five – to Harvey, 22, Junior, 19, Princess, 17, Jett, 10, and Bunny, nine – but Katie Price has admitted that she isn't finished with having babies. In a recent interview, the 46-year-old shared, “I want more. I'm very maternal. If I could have another two or three, I'd be happy.” Seemingly trying to get pregnant at the moment despite having only been with boyfriend JJ Slater for six months, Katie admitted that she's experienced three failed rounds of IVF over the past year, adding, “I don't mention it in the book. My eggs are too old. I'll get a donor egg”. After years of roller-coaster relationships, having been married three times – to Peter Andre from 2004-2009, Alex Reid from 2010-2012 and Kieran Hayler…

NEWS The release of Cruz Beckham's debut album next month should be an exciting time for the Beckham family. But mum Victoria is reportedly worried that her youngest son's ambitions could cause a divide between them – especially as he's reportedly planning on dropping the famous surname that has ensured that the 19-year-old has been in the spotlight since birth. An insider tells Closer, “Victoria is really concerned about Cruz's next move because he seems hell-bent on detaching himself from the family in an effort to be a success in his own right. Of course, she understands and is incredibly proud of him for wanting to do it all on his own and not ride on his parents’ fame. But she feels he's taking it too far – particularly this…

14-pages of expert advice! She is one of the most glamorous grannies in showbiz, but despite her successful acting career, Kym Marsh says being a grandparent is one of her most cherished roles. The former Corrie favourite was just 42 when she found out she was going to be a grandmother for the first time, and now she has two adorable grandsons – her daughter Emilie's son Teddy, five, and her son David's little boy Clayton, who's nearly two – and she's also proud step-granny to Emilie's stepdaughter, Polly, eight. She admits people are often taken aback when they find out she's a grandmother of three. “It generally baffles people and their reactions can be quite funny,” reveals Kym, who's 48. “But when you have children young, inevitably you're more…

IT'S THE BIZZ The UK's first collagen-infused energy drinks from Bizzi have a whopping 10g of premium bovine collagen in every can, and come in three delicious flavours. RRP £6.75/3 cans. From Amazon and Wearebizzi.com FLAVOURS OF BAKEWELL The Sweet Tart chocolate bar from Fatso is a combo of cherries, almonds and buttery shortbread, all wrapped in ethically-sourced dark chocolate. RRP £6.75/150g from Sofatso.com and independent stores nationwide. AL FRESCO AMAZON Shop for your picnic from your armchair. From tasty Nocellara Olives (£2.80), and Pork Sausage Rolls (£2.65), to Caramelised Onion Houmous (£1.25), By Amazon has a huge range. From Amazon.…

Possibly one of the hardest parts of dating is choosing which pictures to put on your profile? I jest, but it is one of the more time consuming sides of beginning your dating journey. With so little information about the individuals on apps, pictures are everything, and the average time spent selecting the perfect selfie and snap to post on a dating app profile takes 17-25 year olds an average of 30 minutes. But all that stress and decision making is about to be removed as Tinder is releasing an AI feature that will pick your most flattering photos with what they claim has been “optimized to help users find a match”. The intention is good, and I hope it boosts people's confidence in themselves. However, the problem I have…

If you have savings, however small, experts say now is the time to move them to an account where you'll get the best interest rate, before they start to go down. ● WHAT'S HAPPENING It's expected that the Bank of England will cut base rates in August or September, so the interest rates you can get now won't be around for long. ● WHAT YOU CAN GET To get the best interest rates of 5%-plus, you usually have to get an account where you won't touch your money up for 12 months, and that might involve a minimum deposit. ● WHY YOU SHOULD COMPARE If you can't meet those conditions, you should still have a look at your current savings rates, if you haven't for the past six to 12…

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Actress Mandy proves how the blazer is the ultimate finishing touch as she teams hers with a neutral dress. Keep things fun with colour-pop accessories and add a nude slip for modesty. POOLSIDE POSER Jetting away on a summer holiday? Bag yourself a crochet swimsuit that will highlight your natural silhouette. Team with a bold-coloured cover-up and matching bag for a stylish ensemble. DESIGNER VIBES MARVELLOUS MATCH Save the stress of choosing what to wear and invest in a cool co-ord that will not only boost your mood, but will give you endless styling potential. This set is perfect for garden parties and getaways. TONAL TREAT Add an expensive edge to your outfit with tonal separates, just like Jodie. Pair a crochet skirt with a pale satin…

MUST READ First Wife's Shadow (ADELE PARKS) Emma is successful and when she meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems like the icing on the cake. But Emma wonders if she is second best and, the more she thinks about Matthew's first wife, the more obsessed she becomes with a woman she can never know. As jealousy and suspicion blossom, events take a dangerous turn as Emma can't trust anyone – not even herself… Our favourite author has written another gripping page turner, with several twists that left us stunned!…