Table of contents for Issue 936 in Closer

We were all so keen to see the end of last year, weren’t we… but as Closer was going to press, it was starting to look as though the challenges are far from over. Thankfully, most of us have learned valuable lessons about resilience, making the best of things and grabbing every moment of happiness - however small. So this issue is designed to help you do just that. We share the wisdom of the Strictly fabulous Bill Bailey, and Nadia Sawalha reveals how she’s learned to love and appreciate what she has. If you want inspiration to make some healthy lifestyle changes, Casey Batchelor’s brilliant diet and fitness plan (pg 32) could be just the kick-start you need. Whatever you hope for in 2021, we’re right beside you to…

DIANE KEATON The actress adopted both her children – daughter Dexter in 1996 and son Duke five years later – as a single mum in her fifties. Speaking about the experience, Diane, now 74, said, “The loves of my life are my children and my mother. I don’t feel as if I need a man. Don’t get me wrong, I love men... [but] I have kids and my work. That’s fine with me.” SANDRA BULLOCK Daughter Laila, now eight, completed the Oscar winner’s family when she was adopted by Sandra as a toddler in 2015. The star, 56 – who’s been dating photographer Bryan Randall for five years – was married to TV star Jesse James when she started the adoption process for son Louis, now 10, in 2010. The…

She experienced her own legal drama in 2012 when she battled footballer Ryan Giggs over a super-injunction granted after their extramarital fling. And now Imogen Thomas says she believes the best thing Coleen and Rebekah could do is make amends and let the drama go. Imogen, 38, says, “I’ve been through the drama of fallouts and court cases. But if they - and the last year we’ve had amid the stresses of the pandemic - have taught me anything, it’s that life is too short. While there’s been a lot of back and forth between them, it would be great if they could just try to settle things, get everything out into the open on the table, and try to save what’s left of their friendship. They’ve both got kids…

❛I’VE SEEN FIRST-HAND HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS MADE THE SITUATION WORSE❜ With 695,000 adults forced out of jobs since the first lockdown in March and unemployment rates at a two- year high, a staggering 20,000 households across England have been made homeless during the pandemic. Despite a nationwide eviction ban and the furlough scheme supplementing lost incomes, sadly, these safety nets have not been enough to protect people from losing their homes. And while the government launched their “Everyone In” emergency scheme last March, which saw councils and charities working together to get 14,000 rough sleepers off the streets, sceptics argue that the true number might be just a third of this. DEPORTATION In fact, figures from Streetlink, a service which enables the public to “alert” local authorities to rough…

‘I can’t be bothered to be anyone but me’ FIND JOY IN THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE “My wife Kristin and I have our 14-year- old son Dax together. I’m quite relaxed as a parent. Maybe I should be more disciplinarian, but it’s not in my nature. I’m pretty hands-on in terms of activities, though. I like Dax to do stuff. We go cycling and paint-balling together, and I’ve taught him how to pitch tents. The way he’s turned out is my biggest achievement. Getting older has helped me find contentment in the simple things. I want to step back and take things easier - which has surprised me.” TAKE ADVICE FROM PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN YOU “Sometimes, it takes someone to give you a push. We often lack confidence…

I’ve spoken previously about my desire to be a mum, and while 2020 was all about family and those closest to you, I have to admit it hasn’t spurred me on with that goal. My focus is going to be myself - I’ve really missed going on holiday, so that is my big plan for 2021. Luke and I have Mykonos booked in June and I want to be fit and ready for that. We were meant to go to Rome last year, so I’m hoping that can happen soon too. It was our two-year anniversary on New Year’s Day, but we’ll celebrate properly when the restrictions ease. My resolutions are to continue eating healthily and to keep active. I also want to plan a big family party - my…

KEEP AN EYE ON CLOSER’S TV TOP PICKS EVERY WEEK FOR TRANSMISSION DATES SHERIDAN SMITH’S CHILLING NEW SERIES FOUR LIVES BBC1 Sheridan Smith and Stephen Merchant are set to star in this factual drama - delayed owing to the pandemic - based on the true story of serial rapist and killer Stephen Port, also dubbed “The Grindr Killer”. Port was handed a life sentence in November 2016 after being found guilty of murdering four men. He met his victims online and then raped them at his East London flat after spiking their drinks. The story will be told from the point of view of the families of his victims, with Merchant playing twisted Port and Sheridan Smith starring as the mother of murdered Anthony Walgate. CRACKER CREATOR’S GRIPPING TALE SET…

Four years ago, Lorri Delahunty was struggling with an alcohol problem, drinking up to three bottles of wine a day. But now, the mum of two is almost unrecognisable. Thanks to quitting booze and turning vegan, she’s lost nearly 5st and totally transformed her life. Lorri, 56, says, “I feel like a different person. I used to cover up to hide my stomach, but now I enjoy showing off my figure in tight gym clothes. I’m perkier too, and more confident in every way. Before turning vegan I hated veg, but now I love what I eat!” STRESSED Lorri’s weight problems began in her 30s, when she turned to wine to cope with stress. The vegan clothing brand entrepreneur says, “I’d always been around 9st. I ate what I wanted,…

KEEPING SANE DURING LOCKDOWN Connie and I would have sessions dancing to Donna Summer and it was brilliant. My rescue Staffie Elsa also became a lifeline and helped with all our emotions – she got us up and walking outside and gave us unconditional love. SOCIAL MEDIA… I love to post my yoga routines on Instagram, but I try not to preach. I just want to uplift people. One day, Luke Goss messaged to say, “You’ve inspired me to go to the gym” and that felt great! INSPIRATIONAL FRIENDS… I admire Saira Khan for flying the flag for women in their fifties. You see her posing in her underwear on social media or sharing exercise routines. And Denise Welch has always told me that as we get older, it’s our…

Four years ago, model and reality star Casey Batchelor hung up her party shoes and trained as a yoga teacher - and she says it has changed her life. Now a mum-of-two, yoga has helped Casey lose her baby weight twice, as well as keeping her fitter, slimmer and calmer. “I feel the most confident I’ve ever felt and, health and fitness-wise, my body is the best it’s ever been - despite having two kids!” she says. “Of course I have the wrinkly tum and loose, stretched skin, but they’re my marks from having babies and I’m proud of them.” After giving birth to her first child Florence, now two, in 2018, Casey - who shares her daughters with fiancé Dane Goodson - was trolled for her post-partum body. She…

If you’re feeling a bit bloated after the festivities and want to shape up, then this is the plan for you. Casey teamed up with dietician Amanda Ursell to devise this 7-day blitz plan full of delicious meals to give your weight loss a kick-start. “We’ve found that some people have lost as much as 7lbs in a week following this diet, with losses of 3-4lbs a regular occurrence,” Amanda explains. “It depends how many calories you were consuming before starting, but typically the more calories you were eating, the more weight you can expect to lose.” HOW IT WORKS: • It provides 1,200 calories a day to help you lose up to 7lbs in seven days. If you need to, you can add in 200 calories of snacks in…

If you’re keen to slim down this year, you’re far from alone. Research suggests that nearly 50 per cent of us gained weight in 2020 and, amid the challenges we’ve been facing, it’s hardly surprising. “For most of us, 2020 was the most stressful year in living memory,” says Dr Rangan Chatterjee. “Given that many of us eat more when we’re stressed, of course we’ve put on weight. But don’t beat yourself up about it – guilt and shame don’t help anyone.” Instead of wasting time on self-blame, Dr Chatterjee – who presents BBC show Doctor In The House – says we should focus our energy on reframing the way we think and act around food, looking at our lifestyle, our habits and what motivates us to make unhealthy choices.…

VEGANUARY SPECIAL! VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Deborah could add variety to her diet with protein-rich beans, lentils and chickpeas. She needs to ensure she gets enough calcium and vitamin B12 - soya milk is a good choice. Her fridge is packed with salty ingredients such as pickles, sauces, Marmite and vegan cheese - instead of these, she could add flavour to meals with spices, herbs, garlic, ginger and lemon juice.” FRIDGE HEALTH RATING 7/10 GET RECIPES, DIET AND FITNESS ADVICE AT CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK/DIET-BODY Follow @juliettekellownutritionist on Instagram INSIDE DEBORAH’S FRIDGE • Pickled gherkins• Flora spread• Peanut butter• Olives• Vegan hazelnut• chocolate spread• Vegan mayo• Vegan cheese• Veggie sausages• Sundried tomatoes• Marmite• Tofu• Red onion• Peppers• Carrots• Bananas• Broccoli• Bean sprouts• Kale• Oat milk• Prosecco• White wine DEBORAH How much do…

Instead of planning stress-inducing new year’s goals, I suggest you make a simple yet important commitment to be kinder to yourself. If this year has proven anything, it’s that we haven’t a clue what’s around the corner. LOSE THE NEGATIVITY It is really important that we all take a breath, and instead of piling on the pressure, have a long, hard think about what could help us genuinely feel healthier, happier and more at peace. I have decided to practise a few new rituals daily. I go outside and think of five things I can see, four things I can hear, three things I can smell, three things I can feel and one thing I can taste. Also, when I think anything negative about myself, or life, I ask myself,…

MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT... was appearing on The X Factor in 2016. It finally gave me my moment to shine and changed my life. I was the first white, female, Jewish rapper to appear on the show. And Simon Cowell said I was one of the easiest musicians he’d ever dealt with because I never moaned. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN... came from Robbie Williams when Sharon [Osbourne] organised a mentoring session. He told me to never give up, and to keep going. I remembered his words of advice when I did 150 night club appearances consecutively after The X Factor. I TEND TO... worry about things too much. I find it easy to over-think, and, before I know it, my mind starts spiralling. We’re all guilty of…

COSY CLASSICS A slouchy pair of trousers teamed with a snuggly cardigan make for a comfy-yet-chic WFH combo. CARDIGAN ASOS £32 TROUSERS TOPSHOP £35.99 STAPLE JACKET A fluffy, faux-shearling jacket has replaced the classic biker in the staple stakes. Worth splashing out on as it can be thrown over pretty much anything for a warm and wow worthy combo. JACKET NEXT £78 JUMPER SIMPLY BE £32 STYLISH OVERSHIRT Oversized shackets are an easy way to layer up for winter. It will bring a casual feel to a midi dress and boots. OVERSHIRT M&S £59 DRESS PRIMARK £13 BOOTS RIVER ISLAND £30 COOL CO-ORD A knitted co-ord will feel preppy over a fresh white shirt for work, then can be worn with jeans come the weekend. SHIRT MANGO £29.99 VEST ASOS…

TRY OUT TROPICS This showstopper will add all the summer vibes when paired with rattan furniture. Alternatively, deep blue walls make for a moodier contrast. RIVA HOME £19 GO FOR GEOMETRIC Energise a tired living space with this colour-pop print. It’s just longing to be teamed with an emerald or navy seating area. LA REDOUTE £14 (COVER ONLY) REVIVE RETRO This fringed astrology-inspired cushion taps right into the art deco trend. Mix with olive greens for a real designer, retro touch. DEBENHAMS £25 INDULGE IN VELVET Adding velvet to any room will bring guaranteed warmth and glamour - without having to splash out. DUNELM £15 GO WILD A vibrant cheetah print makes a small city living space pop. Throw among other vibrant shades or pep up a grey- toned room…

How was your day on set? ELIZABETH, 55: I had a great time being a guest judge on the first episode. I really enjoyed seeing all these girls working so hard. There are a lot of beautiful costumes and a lot of talent. SHERIDAN, 39: It was amazing! I’m such a superfan and I was shaking because Ru was sat next to me, and Michelle Visage and Alan Carr… I had the best day, I felt like I’d won a competition. JOURDAN, 30: It was surreal. I couldn’t believe I was there! LORRAINE, 61: It’s my favourite show in the world and now I’ve actually been a judge on it! What can we expect? LORRAINE: Let’s just say that if I’m ever struck down, there are some queens who could…

It’s been one of the most divisive and toxic showbiz spats of the last decade – with the nation avidly following Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy’s ongoing feud and explosive court battle over the past 14 months. But the new year could see the final chapter of the infamous “WAGatha Christie” case drawing to a close – as, despite months of mud-slinging and legal action, it seems the two might be amicably making amends. Rebekah, 38, who is suing former pal Coleen, 34, for libel after she publicly accused Rebekah’s Instagram account of leaking stories about her to a national newspaper – something she vehemently denies – gave the biggest hint yet of a resolution between the pair when she revealed she could “potentially” see them resolving their differences. Speaking…

‘I suffered from so many injuries’ Those of us who have shuffled along the sidelines of a rink are familiar with the potential dangers of the ice, and Suzanne reveals that the DOI frozen ballroom takes no prisoners. So much so, that the show’s producers film rehearsals ahead of the live performances, in case a celebrity is injured - something Suzanne and her dance partner Matt Evers learned the hard way when a trick went wrong. She says, “When Matt’s blade went into the back of my head, it was a wake-up call that showed me I was playing a very dangerous game. I had to have it glued back together the day before a performance. It was terrifying. I came away with so many injuries - cracked ribs, a…

• Big Issue vendors have returned to selling magazines in some areas, but with footfall significantly lower on many high streets, they need our support more than ever. You can buy a copy from a local vendor, download the app, or subscribe at bigissue.com. • Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with homelessness or bad housing. To donate or find out more, visitshelter.org.uk. • If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough, use streetlink.org.uk to provide details to the local authority or outreach service. They’ll find the individual and connect them to support services. • Between 31 March and 29 November 2020, 315 St Mungo’s volunteers gave up their time to work in 12 hotels for a total of 17,223.5 hours, to support homeless people who’d been temporarily housed…

CURTIS: ‘It’s all about moderation’ Reality star Curtis Pritchard, 24, recently revealed he’d lost nearly 3st after ditching his “unhealthy” relationship with food that saw him eating five slices of cheesecake a night. Boasting that the gym in the luxury Celebs Go Dating mansion - where he lived while filming for the show in December - helped him shed the pounds, Curtis, who also used the Weight Watchers plan, added, “It’s all about moderation - I just have a moderate and healthy diet.” He says boxing every day has also kept him fit. DANIELLE: ‘I’m my old self thanks to regular workouts’ After gaining 4st during her pregnancy with daughter Orla - who she welcomed with fiancé Tom Edney in May - Danielle Armstrong was cruelly branded “fat” by trolls just days…

‘I want to focus on being more grateful’ She’s kept fans entertained during the pandemic by sharing tongue-in- cheek posts about body confidence. One Instagram snap showed Nadia Sawalha completely naked, covering her modesty with just a tub of Lurpak butter. She was cheekily poking fun at actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who celebrated her 48th birthday in September with a naked Instagram photo, crediting her own brand of body butter with helping her prep. Another of Nadia’s posts showed a string of images of the star in her underwear, to highlight the impact different lighting and positions can have on the way you look. “It’s all smoke and mirrors. I would do anything to have the years back that I wasted obsessing about my ‘flaws’,” Nadia said at the time. At…

She’d long had a feeling that her son Tommy, 11, was different to other kids his age. X Factor star Sam Bailey noticed how he liked his own space, was prone to tantrums when he felt overwhelmed, avoided sports in school, struggled to tie his shoelaces, and couldn’t turn left or right when learning how to ride a bike. So, last summer, worried Sam and her husband, Craig, finally decided to get Tommy assessed and he was diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia, a developmental co-ordination disorder. DIAGNOSIS Now Sam, 43, says she feels guilty that she didn’t recognise his condition earlier. “It makes me feel sick that we were telling him off,” Sam tells Closer. “We’d say things like, ‘You can’t ride a bike yet; you can’t do your shoelaces…

• GET YOUR VITAMINS When you become vegan, it’s so important to get enough vitamins and nutrients. You can’t stick to potato smiley faces and baked beans. I eat a balanced diet and I take vitamin D and B12 supplements too. • FIND AN EXERCISE YOU LOVE If you find the gym embarrassing, don’t force it. There are so many free workouts online, like Joe Wicks, which means you can exercise in privacy at home. Don’t underestimate walking either – it’s amazing for toning and it’s free! Consider signing up to a charity walk too, as having a goal is great for motivation. Even if you only can do 15 minutes a day, it’s better than nothing, • BE KIND TO YOURSELF If you have an off day with your…

❛I COULD EASILY DEVOUR FOUR TUBES OF PRINGLES – AND I WAS EATING 50 PACKETS OF BISCUITS A WEEK❜ When Georgie Cox’s husband, Trevor, booked them a dream couple’s holiday to New York as a treat in 2018, she should have been filled with joy. Instead, she dreaded it. At a size 28 and weighing 21st 5lbs, she knew she would have to face the humiliation of asking for a seat belt extension on the plane. But it was the motivation Georgie needed to try to conquer her secret binge eating - and by the time they flew to America five months later, in January 2019, she’d already lost an impressive 4st. Now Georgie, who is 5ft 3, has lost a further 6st and can wear a size 12. But…

HELPS WITH SLEEP: “Restorative poses where you slow down your breathing help clear the mind. Yoga flow is a moving meditation which really calms you and then boosts mental wellbeing and sleep.” EASES BAD BACKS: “Moves like the cat and cow poses help align the spine. There are also moves that can help with conditions like sciatica [nerve pain].” RELIEVES TENSION AND STRESS: “Yoga is amazing for regulating your breathing. Child pose and downward dog are good for getting rid of muscle tension.” FAT BURNING AND TONING: “As you become more flexible, you’re making your muscles look leaner, which makes your body look more toned. And fast-paced yoga helps you burn fat and build muscle. It really does have so many benefits!”…

‘We’d order pizza & drink rosé – it was great!’ For many of us, the first national lockdown saw our motivation for workouts waning thanks to gym closures, while planning healthy meals became a distant memory. And it turns out fitness fanatic Chloe Madeley felt just like the rest of us. “I haven’t been on a diet or trying to lose body fat. Since the very beginning of the first lockdown, I’ve just kind of given up,” Chloe, 33, tells Closer. DELICIOUS TREATS The daughter of legendary TV presenting duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan is making waves as a personal trainer, and with her fourth book, Eating For Results, the pressure was on to look fit and lean. She explains. “I had a big photo shoot booked at the…

Do you automatically turn to “blissy” foods when you’re sad, lonely, angry or bored? This exercise can help you understand and change your patterns of behaviour. “This is the most important exercise in my book,” says Dr Chatterjee, whose health podcast Feel Better, Live More, has been downloaded over 19 million times. “It really helps you understand yourself, and your relationship with food. It works with alcohol, too.” FEEL: Every time you get a food craving, take a pause and try to tune into what exactly you are feeling. What is the underlying emotion? Are you really hungry, or is it emotional hunger? Are you bored, have you been stuck on Zoom for hours, or has the kids’ bedtime gone on for too long? Think about what you’re feeling and…

WRITE A LIST “I always set myself a to-do list to give some structure and purpose to my day. At least if you only achieve one thing on it, you’ve done something and it’s not a wasted day.” SET YOUR ALARM “Routine can be so important to help your mental health and an alarm will help you get up and go, rather than lying in bed feeling rubbish. Set your alarm for a reasonable time - and get up as soon as it goes off.” REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE “If you drink, then cut back. Reducing your overall alcohol intake, whatever it may be, is always a good idea.” MAKE EXERCISE PART OF YOUR LIFE “Working out is so key to good mental health, even if it’s just going for…

Now is a great time to take stock of all the little things that we took for granted, but then struggled without when they were taken away. People have felt lonely, frustrated and anxious in the midst of the hardships around the pandemic, but it’s also made us realise what’s really important, and that should help us make this a better year... NURTURE FRIENDSHIPS Our species has developed as a social one, and we don’t do very well on our own. Our brains and even our bodily processes and rhythms are stimulated by social contact, so isolation is bad for us. A lot of people had their first taste of loneliness in 2020. That’s been a horrible lesson, but an important one. Research has highlighted the negative health impact of…

While we wouldn’t blame you for ditching the resolutions entirely this year (haven’t we all been through enough?), if you think your finances could do with a helping hand, read on. We asked money blogger Vicky Eves, 36, from Wiltshire, who runs IBeatDebt.com, to talk us through how she got herself out of the red, and to share the savvy rules she now lives by... BRING IN EXTRA CASH Earning more money doesn’t have to mean asking your boss for a raise - there are other ways to bring in extra cash. Vicky says, “Aside from extra shifts, think about selling unwanted items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, or advertising your skills - anything from crafts to calligraphy - on sites like Fiver.com or TaskRabbit.” Considering other less obvious avenues…

INVEST IN OUTERWEAR A coat is usually one of our pricier items, so make the most of the January discounts by hunting down your outerwear now. Mid length classic crombie designs are a great buy-now-wear-forever choice as they won’t date and can be worn with everything. Look out for 30 per cent wool or higher - it’ll be worth the investment to keep you extra snug. DRESS TO IMPRESS A fashionable all-rounder, midi dresses are ultra-flattering as they cut off below the knee giving you the illusion of longer, leaner legs - plus they work for every season, too. Layer over a roll-neck, then add tights and chunky boots, or pair with sandals once summer arrives. Ditsy floral prints are a fail-safe option, or go bold with a vivid primary…

MUST READ The Last Thing To Burn (WILL DEAN) Her husband calls her Jane, though that is not her name. She lives in a small farm cottage, surrounded by vast, open fields, but she is trapped and no one knows she is there. Her husband records her every movement during the day. If he doesn’t like what he sees, she is punished. For a long time, escape seemed impossible. But now, something has changed. She has a reason to live and a reason to fight… A tense, brilliant read. TUNE IN The Waiting Room With Dr Alex Podcast This podcast is hosted by a very familiar face - not only was Dr Alex George a Love Island contestant in series 4, he’s since stepped back on to the front line…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) JACOB’S LADDER B) GROWN UPS NAME THE STARS 1 BILL BAILEY 2) REBEL WILSON GUESS THE CELEB A) TAYLOR SWIFT B) ROBERT PATTINSON WORD LINK A) RACE B) FIRST C) FLEA D) DEEP E) FARM F) DANCING 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 draw and/or competition…

She made her strongest hint yet that motherhood was on the cards last February, saying she saw “kids” and “laughter” in her future. And after Closer revealed that Jennifer Aniston, 51, had spent most of 2020 working through the adoption process, insiders say her plans have moved up a gear and she’s putting things in place to welcome a long-awaited child in the spring. A source says, “Jen’s been considering adoption for a few years, but it was only when the first lockdown began last March that she really started pushing through with the process, which is now just months away from being finalised. She’s been told by her lawyers that she could be a mum by the spring, so long as everything goes to plan. “The pandemic hasn’t helped,…

WAG Leanne Brown (left) - married to footballer Wes Brown - knows all too well what it feels like to be embroiled in a legal row with a former friend. Leanne, 43, hit headlines in 2017 after she fell out with her Real Housewives Of Cheshire co-star Dawn Ward, 47, in a feud over a £500,000 loan that Dawn and her husband Ashley had allegedly not repaid. Dawn denied the accusations and Leanne later decided to step back from the argument and move on, but she previously told Closer that the row “drove her to the point of nervous breakdown”. She later left the reality show and the ex best friends still aren’t speaking. And Leanne now says the ordeal taught her to cut out “negative people” from her life…

RUFUS HOUND, 41, COMEDIAN “I’m doing it for the money. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but a global pandemic hit...” BILLIE SHEPHERD, 30, REALITY STAR ”My kids are going to be so excited. Hopefully, they’ll be loving it and not feel embarrassed!” LADY LESHURR, 30, RAPPER “I’m looking forward to having a new skill and just showing off in front of my friends.” REBEKAH VARDY, 38, WAG “I’m so ready for the sequins after months of lockdowns. It’ll be good to glam up!” GRAHAM BELL, 54, FORMER OLYMPIC SKIER “This is outside my comfort zone. It’s not something I’m naturally good at.” COLIN JACKSON, 53, EX-ATHLETE “I can do a little bit of skating. I think with sport, you’ve got to have a bit of balance. We’ll see!” SONNY…

Jules Cherry, 51, lives in Bournemouth. She says, “Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, an immune system disorder. I became too ill to continue shifts as an administrator on a zero-hours contract, so I started losing money. In December 2016, I was kept in hospital for a week. When I returned home on Christmas Eve, I discovered the locks had been changed on my flat. I’d gone into rent arrears while off work, and my landlord couldn’t get hold of me when I was in hospital, so I’d been evicted. I was in shock. I contacted the council, who arranged for me to sleep in a hotel for four nights over the Christmas period. As I was single without children and not deemed vulnerable, I wasn’t offered…

With news that schools up and down the country may remain closed or have a phased return in January due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, Nadia has reassuring words for parents who are dreading the thought of home-schooling again. As Closer went to press, she offered her top tips gleaned from years of experience… SET YOUR OWN AGENDA - most people say, “I wish they’d taught me this at school” at some point. Teach them how to change a car or bicycle tyre or sew a button. There are so many different ways to learn other than books. DON’T TRY TO BE TEACHER - play the role of an enthusiastic learner alongside your child. If you’re discovering new things together and helping to create excitement, you’re teaching them to…

SIMON COWELL “It’d be nice to see him get married to Lauren [Silverman]. That would be a wedding party made in heaven. Imagine if he got all the winners of The X Factor to sing… Oh my God, I’d be there, front row, singing, Oh Happy Day!” SHARON & KELLY OSBOURNE “I haven’t spoken to Sharon all year. I send the odd text message and I’ve sent the odd text to Kelly, too. She looks amazing, and so much like her mum.” KATIE PRICE “People never see the real Katie. She’s made mistakes, like everybody, but you only have to look at her children to know she’s a good mum. She’s got no filter, but I love that about her - she says it as it is. One thing I…

‘It feels liberating to wear what I want’ While many women in their 50s would do anything to turn back the clock, Jenny Powell says she’s embracing everything about getting older. The TV presenter, who rose to fame in the ‘90s fronting shows such as Wheel Of Fortune and Top Of The Pops, admits she feels fitter and more energised than she did in her younger years. Jenny, 52, tells Closer, “I feel more confident every day, in both mind and body. I definitely feel happier in my own skin than I did in my thirties. You reach your fifties and things just start to click. There’s a certain attitude and confidence you possess that you don’t have when you’re younger – you learn it as you get older. It’s…

• The Slimming World certificates and stickers you get for achieving milestones really motivated me - I’d advise anyone to try something similar. Have a chart up in the kitchen and watch your progress. • Before I eat something, I ask myself if I’m hungry, if I need it and how will I feel after I’ve eaten it. I’ll also have a drink of water as often you can mistake hunger for thirst. • I write down everything I’ve eaten - even when I’ve had a bad food day. • I’m honest with all my friends and family so they know to be supportive and not try to tempt me with bad choices. • When eating out, I preview the menu online and make my choices beforehand so I won’t…

1 LUNGE INTO WARRIOR 3 Lunge onto one leg, arms raised and then, using the arms for balance, slowly lift and straighten the bent leg until it’s parallel with the ground. This pose is great for balance and toning legs, bum and back. Repeat 8 times. 2 REVERSE PLANK Get in a seated, position, legs straight in front, hands pointing towards your bum. Then push the hips to the ceiling, stretching the neck back in line with the body. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat up to 8 times. A fab glute, back and shoulder move. 3 ONE-LEGGED PLANK INTO KNEE DRIVE Start in a high plank, then slowly lift one leg off the ground in line with the body. Once balanced, drive the knee towards the shoulders and back.…

MY PARENTS “We talked every day on the phone during the initial lockdown. When I got to see them again, the floodgates opened. I go for walks with my dad at least once a week.” THERAPY “I’ve been going to therapy since I was 21, when I had my first panic attack. I thought I would do cognitive behavioural therapy and it would go away, but it’s something I still keep on top of. I go once a fortnight and absolutely love it. I encourage anybody who’s struggling to reach out and ask for help. It wasn’t until I told my dad how hard I was finding it that he found me my therapist and thank God I said something to him because, otherwise, it would have been awful.” KEEPING…

As someone who has dated for six years in the post-Tinder world, I know how easy it is to want to give up on your search for love. I understand what dating can do to your confidence - but I can also tell you that if you make small and simple changes, then you will slowly change the outcome for yourself. And what better time to do that than as a new year begins. I know we’re all happy to see the back of 2020 and hoping to say goodbye to video dates and socially-distanced meetups - but with everything still up in the air, it’s time to focus on the behaviour you can control: your own. Whenever I feel stuck in a dating rut - which is fairly frequently…

WHO WORE IT BEST ? DUA LIPA VS CELINE DION Singing sensations Dua and Celine had us seeing double when they both stepped out in these flower power pieces from designer Richard Quinn’s Moncler collection. Celine kept it classy with a fitted coat, matchy-matchy heels and a simple roll neck, while Dua gave the ’80s print a casual spin, opting for a cosy puffa jacket instead. VERDICT We’re big fans of both of these combos, but Dua’s off-duty ensemble is giving us major weekend walk inspiration - earning her this week’s style crown! IN THE NEWS... GLAM PICKS FOR YOU AND YOUR BUMP Calling all mums-to-be! If you’re on the hunt for stylish maternity wear, then look no further - as online brand Pretty Little Thing have launched a range…

SERUM Skin specialist Dr Paul Nassif explains, “Serums are products designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients. They are made from very small molecules, so they can penetrate deeper and hydrate far better than topical creams - it’s always best to apply before moisturiser. Most serums contain vitamins, toning ingredients or powerful anti-agers, like retinol, to fight wrinkles and balance redness.” A light serum feels like a treat to use. Get more from yours by gently massaging it into clean skin with fingertips - this will boost blood flow while helping the product absorb. OIL Dr Nassif says, “It can feel counterintuitive to put oil on your face - especially if you have acne-prone skin - but when used correctly, it can help to balance your complexion. Oils…

1 THE PEMBROKESHIRE MURDERS TRUE CRIME DRAMA MON 11-WED 13 JAN, 9PM, ITV Viewers will be gripped by this new three-part mini-series, starring Luke Evans as the copper in pursuit of a cold blooded serial killer. In 2006, the newly-promoted DI Wilkins decided to re-open the cold cases of two unsolved murders from the 1980s. At the time, thief John Cooper (played here by Lily Allen’s dad Keith) was behind bars for committing a string of burglaries. DI Wilkins began to suspect that he was also responsible for the murders of four local people, and advanced forensic technology not available at the time of the original crimes was used to bring him to justice. The drama goes out across three nights – and you’ll want to binge-watch them all. DID…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK It’s a year when you can make your dreams come true. However, you have to think positively. Your chart features a Mercury/Saturn link which could see you using the law of attraction to manifest your dreams. Commit to focusing and this year could be super-healing. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN Your stars have changed so much in the past few weeks. Your life should be feeling lighter, too. The number one thing you need to do this week is love yourself. See your good points. Forgive yourself for anything negative you think you’ve done. Find out more at www.moonmessages.com/js2020 AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB When the going gets tough, the smart start meditating. Or they contemplate life, they listen to healing…