Table of contents for Issue 941 in Closer

Never had we needed a hero more. And when he arrived, determinedly pacing his garden with his walking frame, raising millions for the NHS, we took Captain Sir Tom Moore to our hearts. News of his passing last week, at the age of 100, was heartbreaking, and as tributes poured in from “normal people”, royalty and celebs, with the PM leading a national clap of honour, the swell of love and pride was palpable. Capt Sir Tom showed us that taking just one step in the right direction can change the world. Of his amazing feat, he said, “The hardest part is the first step – once you’ve done that, if you do another one, it becomes a natural thing. I did get tired but I didn’t give up.” He…

• Actress Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne appear happier than ever as they plan a joint venture into a new clothing line and reality show • It marks a turnaround for the couple, after Dan took ‘full responsibility’ following multiple cheat claims • Relationship expert Jo Barnett reveals the secrets that let them move on and strengthen their bond Giggling as she filmed husband Dan Osborne playing with their two daughters last week, Jacqueline Jossa seemed to be enjoying marital bliss as she looks forward to making a fresh start in a new family home this year. It’s a stark contrast to her life during the first lockdown nine months ago, when the I’m A Celeb! winner faced turmoil amid renewed reports that Dan, 29, had been unfaithful. Jacqueline, 28…

Jac turned to counselling last year and described it as “a really good thing”, both for herself and her marriage. She said, “It really, really helped, especially in terms of communication, teaching us how to talk to one another better. Therapy is a really good thing, whether for yourself or for a couple. I don’t understand why it’s still frowned upon.” Jo agrees, “Working on yourself is always a good thing. You learn about yourself and learn more about adult behaviours and coping mechanisms, rather than just lashing out at the other person or throwing your toys out of the pram.”…

Jac is determined to overhaul her lifestyle this year, no doubt with the help of her personal trainer husband and home gym. She told her followers, “I really got to get into it this year, eat better and move more.” Sharing an interest with your partner can help strengthen a relationship, says Jo. She adds, “It’s important to show an interest in each other. It’s been proven that the strongest friendships create the strongest relationships.”…

This month will mark the eleventh anniversary of the day she ended her “fairy-tale” three-and-a-half-year marriage to Ashley Cole following repeated claims of infidelity. And insiders tell Closer how Cheryl, 37 – who said she would “always love” the 40-year-old former footballer following their painful 2010 divorce – last week learned he is gearing up to propose to his girlfriend of seven years and mother of his two children, Italian model Sharon Canu. The source says, “A mutual pal wanted to tip her off to ensure she could mentally prepare herself before the news breaks, which she appreciated. “Seeing such a serious ex getting remarried is never something you want to hear, but she has been half expecting it and, while it understandably triggered some underlying emotions, she was happy…

She’s been happily loved-up with boyfriend Paul Solomons for three years – and last week, rumours were rife that Kylie Minogue and her beau are engaged. Speculation started when Kylie’s friend, Billie Piper, referred to the Aussie singer’s partner as her “fiancé” in an online essay. Describing a moment where Paul, 46, had helped take her to hospital after she collapsed on a night out in 1996, Billie referred to him as “a dear friend, a blinding success and Kylie Minogue’s fiancé”. Fans were quick to congratulate the couple on social media after Billie’s claim – and Paul’s stepmum, Gloria, even said she was “thrilled” by the news. But, confusingly, Kylie’s rep then said the reports “were not true”, and added, “They are happy as they are.” After her split…

Linda Reeves, 62, lives in Liverpool and works at a dog rescue centre. She has two daughters, Natalie, 41, and Christie, 34, and four grandchildren. She says, “I’ve been aware of a ‘presence’ in my life since I was five. My first experiences were while I was going to sleep – I’d feel my bed begin to shake and move. I remember screaming and my parents would rush up to reassure me, telling me it was a nightmare. But I knew it wasn’t. I could sense another ‘person’ in the room with me. “Then, when I was 11, as I stood at the top of the stairs, I felt a shove in the small of my back and fell halfway down. I was petrified and screamed in agony. Luckily, I…

Their long-awaited reunion is finally set to start filming next month, after a year-long delay amid the pandemic. And after Lisa Kudrow, 57, recently revealed she’s already been shooting scenes for the reboot, insiders say she’s also been hosting Zoom dates with her five co-stars as they gear up to resume their iconic roles. During an episode of Rob Lowe’s self-titled podcast last month, Lisa – who played Phoebe Buffay in the hit series – said, “I preshot something already so we’re definitely doing it.” Last year, Courteney Cox, 56, revealed how she and her co-stars – Lisa, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, 54, Matthew Perry, 51, and Matt Le Blanc, 53 – had only hung out together twice since the show’s finale in 2004. A source says, “The gang had…

MEL B In week two, Spice Girl Mel B was identified as Seahorse. She entertained fans with eccentric stories, such as revealing she once stole toilet roll from Nelson Mandela’s home. But her biggest challenge was disguising her “thick Northern accent” by training with a vocal coach, saying after, “To be quite girlie and soft with no accent was hard work, actually!” JOHN After duping judges with his fake Australian accent, Mancunian John Thompson was revealed in week five. But the actor says he was glad to leave when he did as he was so uncomfortably hot wearing his Bush Baby outfit. The Cold Feet star said, “I had to have ice packs strapped to my wrists and one at the back of my neck, because it was just insane.”…

She’s been working on the frontline as a junior doctor since the start of the pandemic, and Dr Emily MacDonagh has shared her experiences with fans, encouraging them to sign up for the vaccine. Emily, whose husband Peter Andre referred to as his “absolute hero” during the first lockdown for working long hours at a hospital in Surrey, received the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine last month and filmed the experience for her and Pete’s YouTube channel. “I feel great after having my coronavirus vaccine. It felt like a big moment, and I feel very proud and grateful to have received it,” the 31-year-old said. She added, “For me, it was important to get vaccinated as I want to protect my patients and colleagues as much as possible.” The mum of two…

Not only has mum-of-two Chanelle Hayes worked as a student nurse during lockdown, she’s also applied to volunteer as a vaccinator. When fans asked about her vaccine, Chanelle, 33, responded, “To those asking why I got my jab so early… I work in healthcare on the frontline with vulnerable people and have also applied to vaccinate people through St John’s Ambulance Service, so it was necessary really. Not jumping the queue for personal gain, just following protocol in order to help others and make life good again.” She’s opened up about her work during holidays, too. Last December, she said, “People don’t stop being vulnerable because it’s Christmas.”…

LOCKDOWN LOWS: I’ve really struggled not going to church during lockdown. I’ve been going on Sundays for the past few years and I’ve loved it. All my kids do at the moment is play on their phones, as a result of lockdown. I think we’re raising an unhealthy generation because of it! I want to get them off their phones and for them to do more things outside. INSPIRING MY CHILDREN: I’ve raised my kids to not care what people say. I’m teaching them that other people’s opinions of you from behind a screen means absolutely f**k all. To me, as long as my kids are happy and healthy and proud of who they are, then that’s all that matters. I’ve raised them to believe in that, because of who…

INSIDE NADIA’S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Ketchup ● Salad dressing ● Mustard ● Mint Sauce ● Vegan mayo ● Apples ● Cheddar cheese ● Coriander ● Diet Coke ● Ham ● Clementines ● Salmon fillets ● Spring Onions ● Potatoes ● Chicken thighs ● Almond Milk ● Brown sauce ● Elderflower cordial ● Orange Juice ● Vodka ● Gin NADIA How much do you spend a week? I’ll usually do an online order for about £50. That shop also includes baby formula for my 11-month-old son Zeek. Describe your daily diet… I start my day with scrambled eggs on toast, then for lunch I’ll have a jacket potato with baked beans and cheese. Around 4pm, I start getting a bit peckish, so I’ll have a savoury snack. I’ve just rediscovered…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK You’ll have heard that lots of under-55s are being hospitalised and many are ending up in intensive care units (ICU). But be aware that there will always be a proportion of young people who get ill from this virus, and some of those, sadly, will die. However, there have been hundreds of deaths of young people, compared to tens of thousands of deaths amongst the elderly. CONSIDER THE FACTORS Of the people aged 20-49 who’ve died, more than 80 per cent had underlying health conditions like heart disease or Type 2 diabetes. People may assume that as they don’t have any underlying problems and they’re in their 30s, they don’t need to worry. But it isn’t as…

I have always been pretty active, but one of the biggest impacts of the last year has been the reduction in the number of steps I take. I am used to taking up to 10,000 a day without much effort thanks to my work. In this cold winter lockdown, I am managing far fewer, and it’s having an impact on my mental health. GET SOME SUNLIGHT Research has found that two fifths of Brits are walking fewer than 1,000 steps a day, which means a large number of people aren’t getting enough exercise to feel good mentally. The weather isn’t great, but it is still essential to go outside and get sunlight on your skin, which helps to balance hormones in your brain to regulate sleep and mood. I understand…

While many of us have spent less money during the pandemic, having saved on travel and eating out, some have been forced to spend more on bills, food and tech for homeschooling. And with libraries and charity shops closed, we’ve had to adapt to find new ways of cutting back. We asked Kara Gammell, founder of Yourbestfriendsguidetocash.co.uk, for her top saving tips. CLAIM CASH FOR INCREASED HEATING BILLS “See if you’re eligible for the COVID Winter Support Grant, which could see you receive up to £150 to cover utility bills or food costs,” says Kara. “It was introduced for families who have been impacted financially as a result of Covid-19. Apply via your local council’s website. If you’re not eligible but live in London or Birmingham, the Jack and Ada…

CHIC SUPPORT Boobs big and small need proper support when getting your sweat on! Look for firm fabrics and thicker straps for added comfort. MATALAN £10 (AVAILABLE IN SIZES 6-22) GOOD FOR THE SOLE Avoid flat-soled trainers and look for a pair with added foot support that will keep your toes protected during impact. This pair are cool enough to wear with jeans post-workout. GEORGE AT ASDA £12.50 COOL COVER-UP The lightweight quick-dry abric will give you maximum comfort when exercising. Plus the clever thumbholes will keep your hands nice and warm on chilly days. M&S £19.50 SNUGGLY SWEATER Cosy clothes have been keeping going, and this mood-enhancing sunshine hoodie is great for layering up on a jog around the block. NEW LOOK £17.99 LOW-KEY JOGGERS For a gentler workout,…

MAKE A SCRUFFY BUN CHIC Ideal for long locks, this ’do requires texture, making it great for in-between washes. 1 Start by spraying your roots with a dry shampoo to eliminate any greasiness, then apply a texturising spray and scrunch through with hands – this will create a beachy wave effect. 2 Sweep your hair into a low ponytail, leaving a few front sections loose to fall around your face. Take the end of your ponytail and twist the hair until it turns in on itself, wrapping it around the base of the pony and secure with a few hairgrips. 3 Complete the look with a headband and a spritz of hairspray. PEP – UP A HALF – BACK ’DO A versatile look that will work with mid-length hair –…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) 9 TO 5 B) THE GREAT GATSBY NAME THE STARS 1) INES BASIC 2) NICOLA COUGHLAN GUESS THE CELEB A) OLLY MURS B) RITA ORA WORD LINK A) HEAD B) LISTED C) SEA D) SHIP E) HEART F) OPERA SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 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…

In May, it was rumoured that Dan had been messaging girls online, but Jacqueline slammed reports they were headed for divorce. Instead, she briefly moved out of the family home, telling her social media followers, “I need some time. There is no split. No divorce. We are working together, not against each other.” Jo says Jacqueline’s move served as the perfect “reset”. She adds, “It gave them both space to re-evaluate if they really wanted to be together. For Jac, it was also important to find her identity again. You can sometimes lose yourself in a relationship, so it was a chance to recharge and throw more energy back into addressing the root of their problems.”…

Dan has hinted he’d like to follow in his wife’s footsteps by launching his own clothing line, or even a couple’s collection, telling his followers last week that “fashion is a big passion of mine”. He’s also admitted that he’d “possibly” be up for doing a Keeping Up With The Kardashians-style reality show with Jac. Jo explains how doing something together like this can strengthen a bond. She says, “It’s great to have that focus and to work on something together,” she explains. “Joint projects will bring them closer. It’s about how they communicate, work together, share the limelight and support each other.”…

After a serious fall at the end of 2018, a then-unknown 98 year old, Captain Tom Moore, was eager to get back on his feet. Without telling anyone, the grandfather-of-four ordered a treadmill to the home he shared in Bedford, with his daughter, Hannah, her husband, Colin, and their two children, to help him rehabilitate. Then, one day during lockdown in April 2020, he appeared in the family’s garden with his now-famous walking frame. It was a casual comment by his sonin-law, Colin, that would turn him into a national treasure. “Carry on walking, Tom, we’ll give you a pound a lap. Do 100 by your 100th birthday.” While the world was gripped by the coronavirus crisis, Captain Tom’s humble challenge soon became a beacon of hope. His family had…

He has made no secret of his desire to have another child – admitting how he “can’t even think about life” before becoming a father to son Eric, now six. And pals say they wouldn’t be surprised if Simon Cowell’s near-fatal bike accident in August – which resulted in him breaking his back in several places – had rekindled his hopes to add to their family. Shortly after his partner, Lauren Silverman, 43 – who’s also mum to 15-year-old Adam from her previous marriage – gave birth to their son in 2014, the 61-year-old confessed, “Of course I’d like another child.” In 2018, he added, “I can’t really think about life before Eric, so yes I would consider [having] another child.” The family are now back in the UK after…

Sex therapist, Samantha Tipples says, “Even just messaging someone else is still cheating. An emotional and mental connection with someone else can cause just as much destruction within a relationship and it’s something I would advise against. “Instead of looking for and building new relationships, try to express how you are feeling to your partner, so things don’t fester and resentments don’t build up. Breaking trust in your relationship can be hard to move on from. Often, the consequences aren’t considered until it’s too late. Take a moment to think and realise that this lockdown is not real life, just a temporary break from it. And think about what you want your future to look like – if it involves having your partner in it, then don’t risk it. An…

SPIRITUALIST MEDIUM JAMES GRIFFITHS (WWW.JAMESAGRIFFITHS.CO.UK) SAYS, “Poltergeists are described as a restless spirit – they tend to make noises and move things around. Sometimes they can be angry. I’ve been to a house where a young couple with children moved in and reported disturbances, like bangs and doors slamming and their paint pots being moved during the redecoration. They’d redecorated in very bright colours and their children were quite boisterous, which seemed to have disturbed the spirit and angered it. They were really frightened. But for other people, a poltergeist can be a comfort. It can be that they feel a dead relative is showing them they’re still around and moving a coffee cup to let them know they’re watching over them. Poltergeists feed off energy and attention, so the…

Besides a stint on Dancing on Ice back in 2006, former Blue member Duncan James has shunned reality TV – until now. The singer, 42, says he’s had a change of heart since starring in Celebs On The Farm – and would “jump” at the chance to take part in a show like I’m A Celeb. He tells Closer, “I’ve stayed away from it, but this was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done. I had so much fun. Now, if I got offered something else, I’d probably jump at it. “I don’t know why I was so anti-reality for so many years. I think it’s because you’re so exposed. I don’t come from that kind of world. It was all new to me. But I really enjoyed…

As author of Meghan And Harry: The Real Story, Lady C isn’t one to hold back on what she really thinks of the Sussexes. While the socialite embraced every moment of her farming experience — saying, “The whole purpose of the show was to muck in. If you can’t be a sport in life, why bother?” — she believes Meghan Markle wouldn’t last a minute. She tells Closer, “I don’t think Meghan is the sort of person who would be any good on a farm. She’s too precious to be in such a natural setting. She’d say, ‘Oh, I can’t stand the smell!’” And the aristocrat didn’t mince her words over her thoughts on her roommate, Loose Women star Linda Robson, saying, “Let me put it this way — if…

‘You’ll never see me with my breasts hanging out’ HAVE FUN AND DON’T BE TOO DISCIPLINED Dancing On Ice is tough, but I’m having so much fun. Sometimes I think, “I’m not really taking this as seriously as I should be,” but I just can’t not be me — I want to have fun, and I don’t want it to be too disciplined, because then it would take the essence out of it. I don’t want it to feel like, “Oh, I’ve got to go skating now,” or, “I can’t eat that because of my skating”. I want to just have fun with it and just learn along the way. TAKE A BREAK IF YOU NEED TO A few years back I hit a low point. I’d just moved to…

Some of his TOWIE co-stars may be jetting off around the world, but Bobby Norris is putting his time to good use in the UK. Last week, Bobby, 34, became a trained COVID-19 Volunteer Vaccinator. He said, “This pandemic has affected us all in one way or another and after contracting the virus myself over Christmas and finding out first-hand just how awful it really is, I decided that once I was better, I wanted to do whatever I could to help others. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and doing my part in supporting the NHS in the roll out of the vaccine.”…

OLIVIA WILDE It emerged last month that the 36-year-old actress was dating ex-One Direction star Harry Styles, 27, who she’d recently directed in her movie Don’t Worry Darling. She described him as “truly devoid of any traces of toxic masculinity.” SAM TAYLOR WOOD The film director, 53, has one of the most infamous age-gap romances in Hollywood. Her husband Aaron Taylor-Johnson is 23 years her junior. The pair have two children together. COURTENEY COX The Friends star, 56, has been in a relationship with Snow Patrol drummer Johnny McDaid, 44s, for eight years. Despite their 12-year age gap, and a brief split, they are stronger than ever.…

It’s been a decade since she first appeared on our screens for MTV’s controversial reality series, Geordie Shore, but for Vicky Pattison, her overnight fame fast became a double-edged sword. The Newcastle-born reality star, 33, made her name by guzzling booze and hooking up with lads, but in an episode of How Are You? The Wellbeing Podcast, with blogger Connie Simmonds, she reveals “so much alcohol and so much encouraged conflict” on the show caused her to spend years vying for “attention over respect”. And Vicky admits she’s relieved to have left her turbulent 20s behind her, crediting boyfriend of two-and-a-half years, Ercan Ramadan, 36, for helping her to finally feel comfortable in her own skin. MAKING MISTAKES “Over the past few years I’ve noticed an immense change in the…

When presenter Kate Humble stripped off and swam naked in a freezing Welsh lake on national TV, she created quite a buzz. Now, three years later, celebs are increasingly taking the plunge, although not in the nude. Presenter Fearne Cotton and model Helena Christensen have been spotted taking chilly dips, while the Beckhams are reportedly building a swimming lake on their Oxfordshire estate. TV stylist Susannah Constantine, 58, is also an avid fan of wild swimming, enthusiastically documenting her adventures in temperatures barely above freezing on Instagram. And when she recently opened up about her battle with alcoholism, she credited her newfound passion for giving her clarity. “When the water hits, I feel empowered,” said Susannah, who stopped drinking seven years ago. “I empty my mind completely and experience a…

We’re all worried that the vaccines we have won’t work on these new strains that spread more easily. Moderna has done lab tests and found that its jab produced neutralising antibodies against all key emerging variants, including the new South African one. To be doubly sure, they are also conducting trials to develop a new shot against the variant. The UK Government has ordered 17 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, enough to vaccinate eight million people, which should arrive by Spring. Early results suggest the Pfizer vaccine protects against it too, while the Oxford jab makers are fairly confident theirs works but are busy working on how to rapidly adjust it if they need to. Moderna scientists are also testing the option of having an additional booster dose to…

There may never be a good time in your life to date. Any serial swiper will agree that trying to find The One can come with a lot of admin and aggro, but I’m starting to appreciate that there is a bad time to date. And no, I’m not referring to the logistical complications of meeting up with men in the middle of a pandemic – that goes without saying. What I’m starting to understand is how being in the right head space is essential to successful dating. With so much time on my hands these days, I’ve been reflecting on how the longer I’ve been dating, the better my choices have become. Which means I’ve achieved something other than having my heart broken in all my single years. So…

GET HER LOOK A jumbo-link necklace will elevate all your basics – from sweatshirts to loungewear. ACCESSORIZE £11.70 This leather-look blazer gives off-duty ensembles a new spin. NEW LOOK £27.99 Knitted vests are having a moment. Team this neutral number with a crisp white shirt. SHEIN £15.99 Ankle boots will look just as good paired with a printed midi dress as they will with straight jeans. SCHUH £35 Perfect for keeping you warm and dry on daily walks, this check-print trench will never date. STRADIVARIUS £34.99 This designer-double bag is a stylish must for a supermarket dash. NELL & DIGBY £35 Layer this jumper over a dress or buddy with wide-legged trousers like Rachel. H&M £24.99 This rust-hued cotton tee will balance out soft neutrals. RESERVED £9.99 A genius hybrid…

INSPIRATION YOU’LL LOVE! DESIGNATE A SPACE With most of us working from home, and homeschooling in full swing, it’s likely that your dining table has been taken over with multiple screens, paperwork, and general work paraphernalia. Clear the area – it’ll transform your mindset and set the scene. You don’t even have to buy anything new – just move pieces from around the house. That vase from the hallway or those faux flowers from the bedroom will make an ideal centrepiece. MAKE A MEAL OF IT Let’s face it – many of us have been eating dinner in front of the TV most nights. Making an effort to set the table will give you a sense of occasion. It’s all in the details – use a tablecloth, napkins and candles.…

Tell us about Louise… She’s a single mother who pours all of her life into her son, to the point where she's kind of forgotten who she is. There’s also a past trauma, which manifests itself in night terrors, and she’s dealing with divorce. She then meets a mysterious man on a rare night out, and later finds out he’s her new boss. Let’s talk “romantic” scenes with Tom Bateman… Oh man, I had to really dig deep! No, he’s cool. When I saw him, I was like, “OK, he’s 6ft plus, in good shape, he doesn’t have bad breath – he’ll do!” He is a great actor and is a loony tune. I know he seems really suave, but he is actually crazy, so there was never a dull…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Make 2021 all about healing and you won’t go too far wrong. What’s to heal? Your body? Your mind? Your finances? The world is in healing mode post 2020, but you’re one step ahead. Make it a year of hard work and money and love can follow too. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB Tales about how tough 2021 will be may have been exaggerated. At least, that’s how it feels this week as lucky Jupiter meets abundant Venus. It’s a recipe for you to feel popular and maybe flush. Join our astrologer and moonologer Yasmin for a free New Moon online ceremony this week. Visit Moonmessages.com/fbevents PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR If you feel like you’re at the end of your…

After announcing her pregnancy recently, Lauren Goodger has wasted no time in making plans for a return to reality TV, with dreams of doing a show similar to former TOWIE co-stars Sam and Billie Faiers’ The Mummy Diaries and Ferne McCann’s First Time Mum. When a fan asked 34-year-old Lauren – who’s expecting her first child with boyfriend Charles Drury, 23, in July – on Instagram whether she “would do a first-time mum show like Sam, Billie and Ferne”, Lauren replied with a nodding GIF. She also said in a recent interview, “Ten years down the line (since she first made it in the industry), how good would it be to have my own baby show?!” SWEET REVENGE But she’s not stopping there and pals say she plans to overshadow…

In December 2019, Dan issued a public apology to Jac after cheating rumours. Taking to Instagram Stories (right), he apologised for his “mistakes”, admitting they “almost cost me my family”. Then in July last year, he revealed he’d taken “full responsibility for being crap”. He added, “I’ve made mistakes, yeah. I’ve done things I shouldn’t have done. Me and Jac have spoken about that and she has forgiven me.” Jo says his public declaration was vital in allowing them to move forward. She says, “He said sorry, which likely gave her more security and made her feel more comfortable. She’s now got public support. If he puts it out there, he’s going to be held accountable.”…

In December, Jac revealed the couple’s plans to put their £1m Essex pad on the market and to move house in 2021. She also launched a joint Instagram account, titled @athomewiththesosbornes, to document her and Dan’s exciting home renovation journey. Jo says moving home can pave the way for a “fresh start” in a relationship. She explains, “It’s a fresh start, which is really positive and something you’re doing together as a couple. You get to be creative, and put new systems and rules in place. It’s also a chance to get rid of any bad energy that comes from bad experiences or memories in your previous home.”…

IT’S NOT TOO LATE “Pamela was 15 years younger than me. She looked terrific, like a model, and – to my surprise – she was single. We later tied the knot in 1968. Lucy was born a few months after we married. Hannah came along soon after. “As long as I stayed fit and well, I hoped to live long enough to see my girls grow up, marry and have children of their own. That would be more than I probably deserved. At the age of 50, I never expected I would live another half a century. Oh, the cheek of it!” STAY POSITIVE “My father used to give me a piece of wood, a hammer and some nails, the Meccano of the age. He’d show me how to bang…

Dog groomer Sian*, 34, lives with her husband Paul* and their daughters aged 10 and eight, in Bristol. She says, “Having cyber affairs has saved my sanity over the last six months. I felt as though I was in prison – stuck at home doing the same things day in, day out. Paul and I had been in a rut long before COVID-19 came along and the crisis only exacerbated it. We’ve got our girls and they’ll always come first, so I don’t want to end our marriage. But I needed an outlet and to have some fun. “A friend suggested extra-marital affair website IllicitEncounters when I aired my frustrations to her, so I signed up for some fun in lockdown, not imagining how exciting it would be. On the…

While Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan has a wedding to look forward to, she’s already thinking about what it would be like to take the next step and have a baby after experiencing a cow birthing simulator on the farm. She tells Closer, “It was the best thing I ever did. Sometimes the calf can’t come out on its own, so you have to physically put your arm into the vagina and pull it out. Put it this way, I don’t think I’ll be giving birth vaginally!” Holly, 28, has every hope her Ibiza wedding to footballer Jacob Blyth, also 28, will still go ahead this summer – despite having to cancel her honeymoon just a few weeks ago. She says, “We were going to island hop in Greece, but…

She charmed viewers with her dulcet tones as Swan on ITV’s The Masked Singer, but Martine McCutcheon admits she was secretly harbouring hopes of impressing one of the show’s fans in particular – her son, Rafferty, who turned six last week. So much so, that the former EastEnders actress faced her fear of claustrophobia to become a hero in her son’s eyes. Speaking of her nerves over wearing her heavy Swan costume, she said on This Morning after her exit in week three, “I am [claustrophobic]. I even get stressed out if I’m having a nice pampering treatment and the room has no windows. “But, my little boy is such a big fan of the show, and he doesn’t really get to see Mummy doing what she does for a…

Dr Alex: ‘If I can make a positive impact that saves even one life, it will be worth moving mountains for’ When he shot to fame as the first- ever doctor to appear on Love Island in 2018, Alex George won the nation’s heart. And despite gaining millions of fans and being offered countless showbiz gigs, Alex, 30, returned to his job as an A&E doctor six months later. He has worked on the frontline since the beginning of the pandemic and spoken honestly about the grim realities. He told Closer, “I’ve been dealing with patients suffering with COVID-19 and it’s been traumatic, especially seeing people die. I’ve come home and cried after a harrowing shift.” More recently, he’s described how working through the current lockdown has been tougher than…

After moving to Norway in the wake of her alleged affair with David Beckham in 2004, Rebecca Loos, 43, swapped showbiz for yoga. Now, the mum-of-two, who is married to Norwegian doctor Sven Christjar Skaiaa, has made another career change to become a COVID-19 tester. She revealed, “I used to leavethe house at 9pm and come home at 6am. Now I’m in bed by 9pm and up at 6am. My life has literally turned around.” Taking to Instagram in PPE, the former glamour model said she’s now “testing staff & residents at a care home.” She added, “How life will change when everyone has had a vaccine. Especially for all those in care homes locked away from their families.”…

We’re in really tough times right now, with our routines up in the air as we stay at home or isolate alone – it can take a real hit on our mental health. If I could give one bit of advice it would be to find 10 minutes of your day to dance. It can do wonders for your happiness levels – put on your favourite song and just have a little dance. It gets you moving and it makes you smile no matter what. That’s why I’ve started a campaign called Showtown Get Dancing – where we’re asking people to send in videos of their moves on the dance floor to start the next viral dance craze. It’s something fun to help lift spirits and put a smile on…

After years of heartbreak, Kerry Katona found her happy-ever-after in Ryan Mahoney, with the pair getting engaged last summer after two years of dating. But Kerry, 40, confesses that she nearly missed out on the chance of meeting her fiancé after being put off romance by her previous failed relationships – and admits she only agreed to go on a date with him because she fancied being treated to dinner. The mum-of-five tells Closer, “After my past relationships, I spent a lot of time learning to love myself. I had to learn to love me before I could get into another relationship. I didn’t even want to start seeing anyone again. I only went on a date with Ryan because Danielle [Brown, Kerry’s pal and Mel B’s sister] forced me…

● Children’s food guru Annabel says, “These honey cupcakes are delicious. Be as creative as you like!” CHIPOLATA FAJITAS SERVES 4 FOR THE FILLING: ● 8 pork chipolata sausages ● ½tsp smoked paprika ● ½tsp ground cumin ● ½tsp dried oregano ● 2tbsp olive oil ● 2 mixed coloured peppers, deseeded and sliced ● 1 onion, thinly sliced TO SERVE: ● 4 soft tortilla wraps ● 200g guacamole ● 200g tomato salsa ● 75ml reduced-fat soured cream ● Small handful chopped coriander (optional) STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5.Place all the filling ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, making sure the herbs and spices coat the sausages, peppers and onion. Transfer to a large baking tray and cook in the oven for 15-20 mins or…

If wild swimming isn’t an option, why not try a cold shower? Studies suggest it may boost your mental health and make you feel more alert. Fearne Cotton raves about the benefits. “I can stay in there now for three minutes,” she said. “It is heaven, you are pumped.” If you fancy giving it a go, have your normal warm shower, then turn the temperature down a little and focus on your breathing as your body adjusts. Stay there for a couple of minutes (if you can) then, next time you shower, try making the water colder. See if you can last a few seconds longer and gradually build it up.…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY I have witnessed my own teen boys’ frustration at being kept from their friends, along with the exhaustion brought on by constant Zoom lessons. Some of you may have toddlers who have gone through significant developmental periods, such as starting to walk or speak, without being around other children or family members for extended periods. This will be frustrating, as you want to give them a well-rounded childhood. Fortunately, you can do lots to make sure that your tot, tween or teen is encouraged to grow in independence and confidence. First, if you have become a helicopter parent, overseeing every piece of work, step back. Kids need to learn that it’s OK to fall short, and understand…

THE BRAVEST THING I’VE DONE IS… dealing with the loss of my mum and my sister [Lottie’s mum Johannah tragically died in 2016, while her sister Félicité passed away in 2019]. It’s the hardest thing I’ve been through and I never thought I’d get to the place I am today. I feel grateful I’ve been able to find happiness again and carry on living life. I WISH… I were more confident in myself. Despite what I do, I’m self- critical and doubt myself often. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to be kinder to myself. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN IS… to take life day by day. I learnt that from my mum. She taught us not to worry too much about the future and to…

GET HER LOOK OLIVIA PALERMO She is always a red-carpet style inspiration, and Olivia P’s taking it up a notch with her gorgeous lockdown outfits. Casual yet chic, we love her leopard-print coat teamed with the colour-pop collar. Her violet handbag adds a polished finish. IN THE NEWS… FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT In need of a wardrobe update? Oasis has you covered with its new jeans collection comprising of six timeless styles made from organic cotton. So, whether you’re partial to a sculpting skinny or prefer something more relaxed, you’ll get plenty of wear from any style. There’s even added stretch for comfort. STYLE CRUSH: GIGI HADID The new mum, 25, stays warm and looks cool with her enviable coat collection. From classic to edgy, she pulls it out of…

1 SET THE SCENE No bath is complete without a relaxing candle and this bargain buy certainly does the trick. Packed with calming lavender and aromatic geranium, this will fill the bathroom with a glow and spa-like scent that will instantly de-stress. Grab one on your next supermarket trip. 2 ADD CALMING SALTS Pour a generous handful of these Epsom salts into a running bath to relieve muscle tension and soothe irritated skin. Frankincense, bergamot and CBD oils will help relax your whole body and calm your busy mind. Immerse yourself in a fragrant- filled tub and breathe in the tranquil scent to restore wellbeing after a day’s work. 3 PREPARE TO RELAX Take your sacred bath sessions to the next level with the help of this bath pillow. The…

So, what does Kim Tate think about being a grandma again...? Claire King, 59, who plays the ball-breaking (fabulous) character, tells us, “Kim’s elated! Because she can’t stand Dawn, and this is another part of the dynasty – another grandchild who she can manipulate and mould into the Tate form. Kim wants to get rid of Dawn, so this is perfect, and she’s got it all planned. When she finds out about the pregnancy, to Gabby she’s like, ‘Move in!’ In true Kim Tate style, she’s not thinking about Jay or Laurel or anyone, just her future grandchild.”…

MUST READ Insatiable (DAISY BUCHANAN) Stuck in a dead-end job and suffering a broken heart, Violet’s life is nothing like she thought it would be. So, when Lottie offers her the chance to join her exciting start-up, she leaps at the chance. Only it soon becomes clear that Lottie and her husband Simon are not only inviting Violet into their company, they are also inviting her into their lives. PROMOTION SAVE UP TO £75 ON BEATS HEADPHONES Being indoors doesn’t have to be dull – our smartphones and tablets play a key role in helping us find new ways to come together with others and have fun. As lockdown restrictions continue, keep entertained with an Apple iPhone or iPad. And to make the experience even more enjoyable, check out the special…