Table of contents for Issue 1122 in Closer

After what has been an annus horribilis for the Sussex brand, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle forged ahead with yet another charm offensive last week as they carried out a four-day “quasi royal tour” in Columbia. But the tour, the couple’s second this year after their trip to Nigeria in May, was marred by yet another scandal much closer to home when their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, left his role after just three months. And now a source tells Closer this latest staffing scandal has been a “humiliating and demoralising” blow to Harry, 39, and Meghan, 43. ALARM BELLS The insider says, “The timing of this turn of events is absolutely terrible. Right as they set off on an exciting tour of Columbia the news of Kettler throwing in…

‘SHE’S CONFIDED TO PALS THAT SHE’S IN A DARK PLACE RIGHT NOW’ Five years after they found romance in the Love Island villa, Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury stunned fans last week by calling it quits, with their split sending shock-waves across the internet amid allegations he’d cheated multiple times. But after Tommy’s reps strongly denied that was the case, insiders tell Closer that, behind the scenes, the boxer has been “begging” Molly-Mae, 25, for forgiveness. The couple, who were engaged and share one-yearold daughter Bambi, have long seemed like one of the most stable Love Island couples. Fans have been invested in their relationship since the beginning, making their breakup and the subsequent claims that Tommy, 25, cheated on his fiancée harder to bear. HEARTBREAK “Tommy has told Molly-Mae…

Congratulations are in order for Made In Chelsea star Emily Blackwell, who is engaged to businessman Jordan Oldershaw. The couple, who have been in a relationship for two years, were on a dreamy romantic holiday in Florence when Jordan popped the question. On Instagram, Emily, 28, proudly showed off her diamond ring, writing, "MR&MRS OLDERSHAW… COMING SOON 10.08.2024.” She was congratulated by her Made In Chelsea co-stars, with Miles Nazaire commenting, “Wait what!!!!!!!!! Omg!!! Let’s goooooooooooooooo I’m so happy!!!! This is madness congrats!” and Lucy Watson adding, “Aww congratulations you two.”…

Mollie King was all smiles on social media last week as she announced that she and fiancé Stuart Broad were expecting their second child. The Saturdays star, 37, posted a sweet black-and-white snap to Instagram showing cricketer Stuart, 38, carrying their one-year-old daughter Annabella and kissing her bare bump. “Our baby girl is going to become a big sister,” she wrote. “We can’t wait to meet you, little one!” Lining up to congratulate Mollie was her Radio 1 co-host Matt Edmondson, who commented, “Cutest family EVER. Congrats faves.” Mollie and Stuart have been engaged since January 2021 and welcomed Annabella in November 2022. In a second post on social media, Mollie told fans the couple were “beyond excited”. Love dramas THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS & BREAK-UPS…

She’s grown up on our screens - and with the new season of TOWIE arriving this month, fans are ready to see more of Amy Childs. Sharing one-year-old twins Billy and Millie with partner Billy Delbosq, 40, as well as son Ritchie Jr, six, and daughter Polly, seven, from previous relationships, Amy now tells Closer that this season will be her most emotional yet. How are you and the twins? Billy is trying to get up, but he’s really wobbly on his feet. Millie is crawling everywhere. You can’t leave them for a second. It’s full on having four kids, but I wouldn’t change it. How is Polly? Polly is like my best friend. She helps with the babies. We recently found out that she’s dyslexic, and I was a…

When Sam Jones first met Ian at work in 1989, when she was 19, she instantly felt a spark. But the pair were young and after two years of dating, they drifted apart. But a Facebook friend request 21 years later in 2012, brought the couple back together. The smitten pair acted quickly to make up for lost time, getting married a year later and immediately began trying for a baby. Unable to conceive, the couple resorted to IVF, spending over £45,000 in the process, and after months of unsuccessful attempts, welcomed a set of twins to the world in 2022. Sam says, “Even though I didn’t marry Ian and have kids when I wanted, we finally got our happy ending.” NON-COMMITTAL When Sam, now 54, and Ian first got…

1 CELEB FAVE Not only does this swimsuit look great, but it features clever tummy control tech for an extra body-confidence boost. 2 BAGS OF JOY Add a little fun to your beach trip with this slogan-style bag, which also makes a great alternative to your in-flight handbag 3 SUPERMARKET STEAL Be sure to grab this broderie beauty next time you head down the aisle. It’s perfect for staying stylish during a coastal walk. 4 DENIM DELIGHT No suitcase is complete without a pair of jean shorts. Simply pop them on with your swimwear, a cute blouse or a basic tee and you’re good to go. 5 WONDER WAIST COAT This linen tailored buy will instantly elevate even the most basic outfit. Team with denim shorts, a slip skirt or a pair of…

How much do you spend? About £40 per week. I’m always careful of overbuying, because I’m away a lot. I love going into the shops, there’s something nice about being around other shoppers. Describe your daily diet… I don’t often have my breakfast till 11ish. Usually, I have porridge made of oats, milk, cinnamon and honey. I make quite a big bowl and it really fills me up. Since I’ve stopped competing professionally, I haven’t been eating as much, so for lunch I have a light salad. My go-to is tomato, cucumber, avocado and red onions. It’s the best! For dinner, I’ll focus on protein over carbs. I’ll either have fish or chicken with vegetables. I’ll have a steak every now and again when my sister comes round as she…

She’s made a name for herself presenting nature programmes and has a passion for the planet, and Kate Humble says making small changes to your life can improve your wellbeing, health and help the environment. Here, Kate shares her tips for lifestyle tweaks you can make that will make a big difference. TAKE A 15-MINUTE ‘HOLIDAY’ Kate says it’s important for all of us to immerse ourselves in nature as often as we can - starting with a 15-minute walk. She explains, “There have been thousands of years of science to show how good walking is for you, it’s great for your mental health and your sense of wellbeing. A walk around a park is great, but do it mindfully. Think of it as a tiny little holiday in your…

If you want to save on grocery shopping, the Gemini app can help TELL IT YOUR BUDGET Input your budget and family’s dietary needs - for example, “I want to make a veggie Mexican dish and spend no more than £8”, and it will suggest recipes. CREATE A MEAL PLAN It can also make a weekly meal plan that uses budget-friendly ingredients and minimises waste. You could say, “I want a meal plan for four, healthy all week, treats at the weekend”. SWAP INGREDIENTS If a recipe includes an expensive ingredient, Gemini suggests affordable alternatives and can also compares prices. USE UP LEFTOVERS It will suggest ways to use leftovers to maximise your budget. BATCH COOK It can also give you instructions on how to prepare large meals and freeze…

AMY DOWDEN: ‘Dancing got me through the darkest times’ The Strictly pro, 34, on her battle with cancer and return to the BBC dance show… Why did you want to make this documentary? I never thought I would ever be diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. I wanted to make this documentary to raise awareness and to help potentially save lives. How has all that has happened to you changed you? I’m more determined than ever to grab life and really live it. I’ve learned what it’s like having my hair, my eyebrows, my eyelashes all stripped away from me. I gained two stone in weight, I was on steroids, I had chemo, a broken foot - you name it. So, what I learnt is that appearance…

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…

Enjoying their family break at Balmoral following reports that Kate Middleton is continuing her treatment for cancer over the summer, fans were delighted when she and William posted a special Olympics message on social media last week. And while the couple were flooded with well-wishes for Kate’s health, William’s newly established facial fuzz also prompted a huge reaction, with one fan calling it “oh so sexy”, while another started the hashtag “HisRoyalHotness”. One person who isn’t a fan, however, is his younger, bearded brother, Prince Harry, who a source says has been left furious following William’s alleged demands that Harry shave off his own facial hair ahead of his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle. The insider says, “Harry thinks it’s incredibly hypocritical for William to have grown this beard after…

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Coleen and Wayne Rooney are proving this with their new living arrangements. While Wayne’s new job as the head coach at Plymouth Argyle keeps him in the south west of England, mum-of-four Coleen is staying at home with their children in their £20m Cheshire mansion. Yet insiders tell Closer that the decision not to live together was one made to boost their marriage. A source says, “Coleen’s decision to stay up north while Wayne is in Plymouth was very much in an effort to help their marriage, despite many thinking it could be the sign of them living separate lives. “She’s a home girl through and through and is happiest when she’s in Cheshire. When either one of them is unhappy…

Selena Gomez got fans’ tongues wagging last week as she dropped a major hint she might be engaged to music producer Benny Blanco. The former Disney Channel star - who previously dated Justin Bieber - shared a series of pictures to Instagram from a charity event with her brand Rare Beauty. Yet it was her hand that caught her followers’ eyes, as they swiftly spotted a ring on her left hand. In a separate mirror selfie from days before, Selena, 32, obscured her ring finger with an emoji, suggesting Benny could have gone down on one knee a year after they first started dating.…

She’s been flooding her Instagram with stunning bikini-clad pictures from her sun-soaked getaway to Greece, but Amanda Holden has faced a cruel backlash from trolls. While many were left wowed by the snaps, some were less complimentary. “She don’t half fancy herself - so airbrushed!” one wrote, while another said, “Oh, look at me I am beautiful, how many likes will I get.” RISING SCRUTINY And sources have told Closer that the usually thick-skinned mum-of-two is now finding that the cruel comments are getting her down. “The recent backlash with haters reacting badly to her holiday snaps has understandably given Amanda’s confidence a big knock and has forced her to question whether the buzz she gets from the positive comments is worth the extra scrutiny,” an insider reveals. “Her management…

Ashley Hodo was just 14 months old when she was horrifically burnt in a fire. Suffering life-changing third degree burns in 2002, she spent much of her childhood in and out of hospital. But at 15 years old she found out the horrifying truth - her own mother had put her in a lit oven, and that’s how she received her burns. Ashley, now 20, says, “I could barely take in the news when I found out that my mother was in prison serving a 25-year sentence for attempting to kill me. I was horrified. But I haven’t let it define me. Now I have a family of my own and despite everything, I’m a survivor.” From the age of 10, Ashley had the same reoccurring nightmare. She explains, “I’d…

Lingerie For Living Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and the same goes for lingerie. From bralettes and balconettes to push-ups and plunge, it can be tricky to find exactly what you’re looking for. For that reason, Next has launched Lingerie For Living: a base to help shoppers find flattering underwear for work, fitness and more. Shapewear, supportive styles, sports bras, pants for pregnancy and fuller bust, whether it’s comfort or a confidence boost you’re after, you’ll find it here. Sizes range from 32A-42G, with prices starting at £7. UNDIES FOR EVERYONE, FOR EVERY OCCASION GET HER LOOK GET HER LOOK To take a summer ensemble from daytime to dinner, sometimes all it takes is a blazer and heelsespecially when denim is involved. This crisp white throw-on-and-go jacket will…

PERFECT FOR SUMMER COOL CROCHET From the versatile detachable strap to the hidden zip pocket, this is an easy-to-wear summer staple. CLEAN SWEEP This plain cream option is the perfect wardrobe essential to pair with any ensemble - not bad for a tenner! WILD WEST This arm candy can be worn as a crossbody or held in your hands - the choice is yours. BUCKLE UP Not only does this fold-over buckle look great, but it adds a little extra security too. COLOUR POP Whether you’re jetting away or staying home, this is the ultimate summer bag. MADE FROM REAL LEATHER PRETTY IN PINK Introduce a touch of dopamine dressing into your outfits with this pastel-pink shade. STUNNING SEQUINS Whether it’s a wedding or a garden party, dazzle at any…

LIFE IS BRILLIANT WITHOUT BOOZE… I stopped during the pandemic because, like anything, it becomes a habit. I did Dry January, decided to give up for another month, and then never went back. It’s been two years since I’ve had a drink, bar one glass of champagne. I thought you couldn’t have fun if you didn’t have a drink, and I’ve realised that thought isn’t true. It doesn’t do much for me and actually my life is brilliant! IF YOU WANT TO MAKE CHANGES, YOU HAVE TO BE CURIOUS… It’s important to realise your thoughts don’t always tell you the truth. I used to say, “I hate the gym”, well I do go and it turns out I don’t hate it. So I’ve learned not to take my thinking so…

“I have run a tapas restaurant for several years. When we started making this classic tapas snack, they walked out the door. Serve with a refreshing lager.” ROSS DOBSON’S TAPAS WINGS STEP 1 Cut the tips off the chicken wings and discard. Cut between the middle joint, to give 16 pieces of chicken. Place in a non-metallic bowl. STEP 2 Put the sherry in a small bowl and whisk in the paprika, salt, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken and rub it all over the skin, using your hands. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hrs, or overnight. STEP 3 Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C. Tip the chicken pieces and marinade into a baking tray. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 mins.…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPIC OF THE WEEK There are more than 5,000 sunbeds on British high streets, and there isn’t any reason for them to be there. Normally I’m against banning things outright, because bans often lead to an even more dangerous black market opening up. With sunbeds, though, that wouldn’t happen and nobody would miss out by them being banned. UNDERSTAND THE TEMPTATION A new survey has found that one in three British women uses indoor tanning beds, despite 91 per cent understanding the risks. I used them when I was younger and life was all about looking good and going out. There was one in the gym, and on a Saturday night I would do my workout, then get on the sunbed.…

OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE! HANDY BOTTLE TIDY COMES IN OTHER COLOURS!…

20-26 AUGUST THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 23 JUL - 22 AUG If you were feeling stuck financially or with your sense of confidence, that is likely to change. It may even be a friend or trusted colleague who encourages you to take action to get things moving. The action you resist is what you most need to do. Visit Yaminboland.com for your daily horoscope VIRGO 23 AUG - 22 SEP As the Sun moves into your sign this week, you may feel it easier to make choices and decisions that best reflect your own needs. You see, you’re being pushed and pulled in different directions and Mercury retrograde isn’t helping. Put your hand on heart and ask yourself what you really want. Visit Yaminboland.com for your daily horoscope.…

Mary* was just 23 when she got together with the man who would become her physical, mental and financial abuser for over two decades. The mum-of two says that at times during her former relationship she was forced to shoplift in order for her and her kids to survive. And shockingly, Mary says in that in some ways the aftermath of the relationship was “even harder” - as her former partner left her with thousands of pounds’ worth of debt. “People might wonder why I didn’t just leave,” says Mary, now 53. “But fear keeps you frozen.” SURVIVORS In May this year a report by UK Finance, a trade association for the UK banking and financial services sector, called for changes in the finance sector in order to help survivors…

Danny Cipriani’s estranged wife Victoria has filed for divorce nine months after their split. The former England rugby player tied the knot with Victoria in April 2021, but the couple called time on their relationship last November. In the months since, Danny, 36, has been dating US actress AnnaLynne McCord, best known for her role in 90210. But in a new interview, Victoria has claimed that she had “the wool pulled over her eyes” when former ladies’ man Danny told her he’d changed. Victoria, 42, says that she filed for divorce from Danny after he was allegedly caught messaging other women, consuming magic mushrooms in the day as well as taking prescription drugs “He left, I was heartbroken. Then he got together with AnnaLynne,” Victoria - who has two children…

It’s been just a few months since Romeo Beckham’s relationship with Mia Regan came to an end, but the 21 year old is reportedly ready to put himself back out there again. The footballer, who is the second-eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, is said to have signed up to celebrity dating app Raya, having reactivated his account following their split. Former childhood sweethearts, Romeo and Mia initially dated when they were 16 before taking a break three years into their relationship. However, they got back together months later, before Romeo confirmed in February that “Mooch and I have parted ways after 5 years of love”.…

1 EDITOR’S PICK! These sandals are the style of the season. Great for holidays and weekends. 2 Our favourite gloss, now in solid lipstick form. 3 This luxe-for-less vase is a work of art. Its neutral shade will suit any colour scheme. 4 An easy way to green up your home without any watering. 5 A striped shirt is the ultimate transitional staple. Wear now as a summer cover-up.…

She recently celebrated turning the big “5-0” back in May, and Denise Van Outen reveals she has a new lease of life to go with her milestone. The star - who is mum to 14-year-old daughter Betsy with actor Lee Mead - admits she felt “sluggish and heavy” until she took up intermittent fasting. The trend, which sees people only eat during specific hours of the day and then fasting outside of these hours, typically fasting for 16 hours and eating within an eight-hour window, has devotees including Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. And Denise, who found fame on C4’s The Big Breakfast in the Noughties, says fasting has given her a spring in her step. “I’ve been doing it for the past couple of years and it’s made such…

HAVE A CUPPA Yorkshire Tea Caramelised Biscuit Brew is a “proper brew” with a moreish biscuity twist. The buttery flavours work perfectly with the malty richness of Yorkshire Tea. £2.29/40 bags. From Morrisons and Amazon. GOLDEN SUN Zespri SunGold Kiwis have a sweet, golden, juicy flesh and are perfect on their own as a tasty snack, or in a variety of recipes. They also contain 100 per cent of your RDA of vitamin C. From Tesco. SNACK ATTACK American favourite Cheez-It Snap’d has made it to the UK! The crispy cheesy snacks are launching with three flavours. Made from 100 per cent cheese, they’re baked, not fried. From £1. From all major stockists.…

GRUMPY GRAM After reading reviews of those robot vacuum cleaners, Kevin Hart ordered one online sadly it was useless and it definitely won’t clean the stair carpets. It’s refund time!…