Table of contents for Issue 994 in Closer

Their once seemingly amicable split has spiralled into one of the most toxic and bitter divorce battles in showbiz history as Kim Kardashian and Kanye West take shots at each other on the world stage. In yet another emotionally charged social-media tirade last week, Kanye, 44, lashed out at Kim’s boyfriend, Pete Davidson, 27, who he furiously labelled a “d***head” and warned, “You will never meet my children” amid another explosive series of attacks on the comedian, who he recently appeared to threaten to beat up. Just 48 hours later, news broke that the rapper had split from Italian model Julia Fox, 32, following a whirlwind eight-week romance, as his estranged wife enjoyed a romantic Valentine’s Day date with Pete in New York. It then emerged that the musician had…

It’s been one of the most difficult times for the royals in years, as last week it emerged that Prince Andrew had reached a £12m settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who had been attempting to sue him for sexual abuse. Virginia – a victim of convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein – had accused Prince Andrew, 61, of having sex with her three times when she was 17 in the early 2000s, and claims he was aware that she was a victim of Epstein’s girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was found guilty of sex trafficking minors in December. However, last week it was revealed the case had been settled, with Prince Andrew agreeing to make a “substantial donation to Ms Giuffre’s charity”. Prior to the news of the settlement, Prince Andrew’s daughters Beatrice and…

Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny says Jordan changing her image while she is experiencing a difficult time is “typical” – yet believes she should focus on healing her internal problems instead. Emma says, “It feels like Katie is desperate to constantly change her appearance when situations get bad. Instead of working through her internal issues, like feelings of abandonment or past abuse, instead she tries to externalise it by changing her appearance. “It feels like she’s trying to reclaim her past rather than move positively towards the future. But she’s never going to make gains by constantly making these outer changes and altering how she looks – she should concentrate on her root issues and get the support she clearly still needs.”…

RIHANNA’S CRAVING DOUGHNUTS! Rihanna and boyfriend A$AP Rocky announced they were expecting their first child just three weeks ago, and in true diva style, the superstar has wasted no time in showing off her bump. But she admits she struggled to hide her early pregnancy from her friends, because she craved sugary treats. “It was harder for me to keep it from my posse,” said the singer, 34. “They’re like, ‘You don’t want something to drink? You’re not smoking?’ And I’m eating all the things I’m not used to eating. They know I hate sweets and I’m all of a sudden asking for cookies and doughnuts.” Revealing her bump in a metallic string-style jumpsuit last week, Rihanna grinned as her doting boyfriend of 18 months wrapped his arms around her.…

Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny says, “When you’re single, there’s an assumption that it’s because you fail in relationships. It’s a judgement that is incorrect; sometimes, it’s just hard to meet the right person and fall in love. But you can definitely be content and single. It can be deeply fulfilling. You can prioritise your needs above anyone else’s, you can spend more time and money on your health, you can put friendships before a partner – things that make you happy. There is nothing more self-actualised than somebody who genuinely can be on their own and be complete. That’s a position of pride; to be able to be resilient and to know that you don’t choose just anybody because you’d rather be alone and happy than with someone who…

For more than a decade, Vicki Clare believed her obsession with online gambling was under control, despite spending up to 20 hours a day glued to her laptop and eventually racking up over £50,000 of debt. Her addiction was so severe that she would even prioritise placing bets over buying clothes and planning days out for her six children – and would gamble even while taking them to school. But four years ago, parttime cleaner Vicki, 41, who lives in Romford and is mum to Heather, 24, Damian, 23, Kye, 20, Nathan, 17, Jazmine, 10, and Bella-mae, six, found the strength to overcome her addiction with the support of her husband Mike, 37, and Gamblers Anonymous. EMOTIONAL According to research, a record number of women are addicted to gambling, with…

Their dirty laundry has been aired in public since the breakdown of their marriage in August 2020, and now Ioan Gruffudd has filed for a restraining order against his estranged wife, Alice Evans. Last week it was revealed that the actor, 48, had provided a court with 113 pages of texts, emails and social media posts that he alleges are from Alice, 53, and threaten him and his new girlfriend, actress Bianca Wallace. The shocking documents reportedly also show Alice bombarding her ex with abusive messages, including the desire to expose him as a drug addict and accusing him of neglecting their daughters – Ella, 12, and Elsie, eight. Alice, who was married to Ioan for 14 years and admitted she had been left devastated by their shock split, also…

When Vanessa Szabo, 22, goes out for a family walk with her husband, Geza, 54, and their 18-month-old son, Henrik, she knows they’ll get stared at. Because of their 32-year age gap, strangers often do a double take at silver fox Geza strolling hand in hand with Vanessa, who is young enough to be his daughter. But despite the backlash they received from family and friends over their relationship, the pair insist they are blissfully happy. Vanessa, who lives in Kent, says, “When Geza and I got together, we knew it would cause some raised eyebrows. Not only was he three decades older than me, but I’d been a student at the school he taught at just months earlier. “But the love we felt for each other was real –…

When West Ham football star Kurt Zouma was shockingly seen drop-kicking his pet cat, the disturbing clip, which had gone viral on Snapchat, caused outrage. A huge backlash gathered pace, with many calling for the 27-year-old defender to be sacked. Although Zouma has apologised for his behaviour, the cats are currently being cared for by the RSPCA while they investigate the allegations of abuse and, if prosecuted, Zouma could face a maximum prison sentence of five years. Tragically, the video is not a one-off, with figures showing that reports of animal cruelty on social media are on the rise. Last year, the RSPCA revealed they received nearly 500 reports of animal cruelty on social media in the 12 months prior – more than double the previous year. David Allen, Head…

CURATE YOUR LIFE Filter out people who don’t make you feel good. I unfollow anyone on social media who makes me feel bad about myself and steer away from people who feel like it’s OK to comment on my weight. DETOX YOUR CLOSET Donate clothes that don’t fit you any more. Don’t wait to fit into that dress! If the clothes in the wardrobe aren’t serving you, get rid. Invest in good clothes that fit you, for a confidence boost. BE GOOD TO YOURSELF Show yourself kindness and respect. When you look in the mirror, counteract negative thoughts and focus on two positive things that you do like about yourself instead.…

INSIDE NANCY’S FRIDGE • White onions • Houmous • Dairylea cheese • Mustard • Chutney • Cockles • Actimel yoghurt • Mushrooms • Goat’s cheese • Manchego • Fresh pasta • Prunes • Baking potatoes • Chicken • Smoked salmon • Ham • Sausages • Semi-skimmed milk • Apple juice • Beetroot juice • Pinot Grigio • Kombucha • Celery NANCY How much do you spend per week? My husband, [comedian, Jim Moir aka Vic Reeves] and I do it all for under £100. That’s for us and our 14-year-old twins, Nell and Elizabeth. We have great local produce where we live in Kent – it’s cheaper and fresher. I look forward to food shopping! Describe your daily diet... It varies between fruit in the morning, or Marmite on Ryvita…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY When I was a single mum of toddlers, I wouldn’t have changed it for anything, but I marvelled at the lives of my child-free friends and their lie-ins and city breaks. It isn’t just about having five minutes to yourself – you worry about your children until you take your final breath. This can feel overwhelming, and when you are being consistently woken at 5am, perpetually breaking up squabbles and cleaning the kitchen floor six times a day, you can’t help but pine for more freedom. Stop feeling guilty about this, and see it as a prompt to devote a little time to yourself. Tell your partner, parents, or supportive friends that you could do with a…

OLYMPIC CHAMPION VICTORIA PENDLETON, 41, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND BEING PLANT-BASED HELPS ME FEEL GOOD... Since going vegan nine years ago, I’ve felt lighter and my energy levels and mood are more consistent. I find plant-based foods are more easily digested whereas meat tends to feel quite heavy and sits in your stomach. I’ve become more health conscious as I’ve got older. I abused my body for many years as an athlete and now I want to look after my joints, and I’m more thoughtful about what goes into my body. I TRY NOT TO GET DRAWN INTO THE WEB AT NIGHT... I look at social media minimally and having a screen in your face in the evening isn’t good. I’m old-fashioned and read a…

GET HER LOOK OLIVIA PALERMO, 35 Ever the fashion maven, Olivia keeps cosy without scrimping on style. Minimalist yet not without a pop of colour, we love her faux-fur coat and patterned trousers. Yellow tinted aviators ensure a cool finishing touch. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS... FEEL-GOOD LINGERIE Great lingerie makes us feel great too and we can’t get enough of Lindex’s Spring 2022 underwear range. With pastel-hued bras in everything from Lycra to lace and beautiful detailing, they’re fast becoming our top-drawer favourites. Add matching briefs for the full look. From £7.99, sizes XXS-XXL. STYLE CRUSH: Lily James The star of Pam & Tommy has looked amazing while promoting her new TV show Stepping out in a sleek ensemble after appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, we…

If your skin is prone to extreme dryness, sometimes your usual moisturiser just won’t cut it. Rather than slathering on endless lotions, look for something a little more heavy duty – say hello to a barrier cream or balm! Skincare expert and chemist, Bruce Green, gives us the lowdown on why the traditional product is making a comeback, and how it can help parched complexions. WHAT IS A BARRIER CREAM? Bruce explains, “A barrier cream is a topical product that places a physical barrier between the skin and contaminants that may irritate it. The cream forms a thin, protective, continuous film to act as a barrier and protect the skin from water loss. It is fantastic for treating and preventing damage, soothing stressed skin, retaining moisture and reducing irritation.” HOW…

Tell us about the show… I loved it from the moment I first heard the idea – it’s the stuff dreams are made of! Just when you think life has passed you by, an opportunity like this comes along. To give these bands a chance to perform on the main stage at the Isle of Wight Festival is something I will never forget. What was the hardest thing? Telling some of the guys that we couldn’t take them along to the next stage. As a performer, I know how much that hurts… Did you learn anything? Just how much I miss being on that stage with a band, feeling the love of 65,000 people. What would you say to anyone who feels they’ve still got it? It’s never too late……

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) CHARLIE’S ANGELS B) I COULD NEVER BE YOUR WOMAN NAME THE STARS 1) MO GILLIGAN 2) JOSIE GIBSON GUESS THE CELEB A) MICHELLE KEEGAN B) OWEN WILSON WORD LINK A) INSECT B) GROUP C) BOARDING D) EYE E) MOBILE F) LARK 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…

He announced the upcoming release of his tell-all memoir last week, which is set to detail his decade-long stint on Friends and his private battle with addiction which tainted his hugely successful career. Teasing a snap of the front cover of his upcoming book titled, Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing, Matthew Perry, 52 – who played Chandler Bing on the hit show from 1994 to 2004 – Tweeted, “So much has been written about me in the past. I thought it was time people heard from me. The highs were high, the lows were low. But I have lived to tell the tale, even though at times it looked like I wouldn’t. And it’s all in here,” jokingly adding, “I apologise it’s not a pop-up book.” The troubled…

Relationship expert and life coach Charlotte Johnson, from MegaPleasure.co.uk, says Kim and Kanye’s interlinking careers, their shared traumatic moments, their fame and their kids have made it hard to move on. She says, “A break-up is hard on anyone, but given Kim and Kanye’s circumstances, it’s no wonder it’s tough. They were not only one of the most famous couples in the world, but they went through significant milestones and life experiences together. They had four children, multiple overlapping business ventures and their family “brand” was a huge part of their success. And they went through some really low moments together, notably Kim’s dramatic robbery and Kanye’s mental health struggles. They’ll always have this deep underlying connection. “Kanye’s behaviour shows he’s struggling. He feels threatened by Kim’s new partner and…

She’s a qualified counsellor and life coach, famous for being the romance guru on Celebs Go Dating, but Anna Williamson readily admits that her own relationship struggled when the pandemic hit, leaving her out of work. Anna, who shares Enzo, four, and Eleanora, two, with husband Alex Di Pasquale, 32, says, “I’m in a really happy marriage, but that’s not to say it isn’t hard. No one was prepared for the sh**show that was March 2020. Suddenly we had a newborn baby, a three-year-old and my career was down the pan. “My husband and I suddenly went, ‘Oh my God, what are we going to do?’ To say we had a few rows and a few bickers in those weeks is not enough – the most spectacular one happened while…

As new TV drama This Is Going To Hurt airs, which is based on the memoir of exjunior doctor Adam Kay, one person who won’t be watching is Fay Braith. The show is a painful reminder to her of the reality of working for the NHS. DEVASTATING TOLL Fay has been a nurse for six years – but last month she handed in her notice as she could no longer cope with the stress that the job entailed. Her role was so overwhelming and she was so desperate to leave, that she quit without having another job to go to. Fay felt so burnt out she withdrew from socialising and said that even looking after her seven-year-old son became hard work because of the anxiety she felt. Fay, who is…

After Valentine’s Day last week, many single people may have felt the sting at spending it alone. But far from feeling down about not having a partner, some celebs are actively embracing the single life in 2022. Taking to Instagram last week, cook and food writer Alex Hollywood, 58 – who ended her 21-year marriage to GBBO judge Paul in 2019 amid rumours he’d cheated – said, “I wasn’t even sure I liked [being single] much at first, but as I regained my confidence, my freedom and myself after so long, I discovered that it really isn’t a cliché to say happiness really does comes from within.” TV presenter Carol Vorderman, who is also single, agrees, and said recently, “The thought of sharing my life with someone again makes me…

Helen Thorn – comedian, author and one half of the awardwinning podcast The Scummy Mummies – was in a 21-year relationship and had been married for 10 years to her partner. But just before the first lockdown in March 2020, she discovered he was having an affair and they divorced last year. Nearly two years on, the mum-of-two tells Closer that she now believes being single is the “ultimate prize” and wouldn’t change a thing. Helen, 43, says, “I didn’t know that being single could be so good. I think because we’re constantly being drip-fed that coupling up equals success and makes you complete – but actually, I feel more complete now, because every day I wake up and I have control over my life. I don’t have any compromises,…

As well as gambling on a regular and ongoing basis, the following are all signs that you, or someone that you know, may be struggling with compulsive gambling. • Placing bets when you can’t afford to. • Gambling for longer than you had planned – once you’ve started, you feel compelled to keep playing until you’ve spent everything. • Becoming preoccupied with gambling and losing interest in other aspects of your life that were once important to you. • Feeling a loss of control over your urge to gamble. • Stealing or “borrowing” money to gamble with, or selling your possessions. • Inability to stop thinking about how and where you can place your next bet. • Gambling with increasing amounts of money in order to pay for lost bets…

They have been together for almost a decade and engaged for nine years but, last week, Laila Rouass revealed she and her fiancé, snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan, 46, have split. The Holby City actress, 50, wrote on Twitter, “After nearly ten years of love and memories, Ronnie I have parted ways. Peace and love to you all.” The couple met when Laila viewed Ronnie’s house and he asked her out via the estate agent. But while his dad, convicted killer Ronnie O’Sullivan Snr, 67 – who has just moved in with his 34-year-old girlfriend – was keen for the couple to meet up, his mother is said to have taken a strong dislike to Laila. Sicilian Maria is said to have called Laila a “prostitute” who would “sleep with anyone”.…

Amanda Rumball, 40, who lives in London, is a Welfare Officer for the Blue Cross. She says, “Seeing pets being mistreated on social media is heartbreaking. It normalises abuse and this risks a rise in animal cruelty, as people don’t realise what they’re doing is wrong. Kurt Zouma is supposed to be a role model, especially to young people, but the video of him laughing while hurting an animal gives the impression that he thought his behaviour was OK. Watching the footage brings back distressing memories of how my cat, Rocky, was cruelly treated. “I first heard about Rocky when I came to work after he was rescued. I was told that when he arrived at Blue Cross animal hospital in London, the team was horrified by the state he…

Whether you want to Boost your mind, body, soul, finances, relationships, love life or style, we’ve got recommendations for things that actually work. Scan the QR code for more tips or search for @TheBoostUK on Instagram! FIT 10 MINUTES OF EXERCISE INTO YOUR DAY “Exercise gives you energy and is key for a healthy immune system,” explains Steph Daines, from iron supplement brand Spatone. “However, going from sitting on the sofa to running a 10k is going to wreak havoc on your body. It’ll make you feel worse in the short term as it’s too much of a shock to your muscles. You’ll lose your motivation very fast and be unable to keep it up due to the muscle pain it’ll cause. Instead, try steadily getting back into exercise with…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest worries we have in medicine, because it means that diseases that have stopped posing a threat to our lives will be able to kill us again. TAKE THE FULL COURSE You might think there’s nothing you can do, but only partially treating illnesses – like not completing a course of antiobiotics – is a major cause of this problem. That old adage “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is very true for bacteria, because if you only partially kill bugs, they figure out which part of them the drugs treat and mutate slightly to mean that part of them is stronger, better or more resistant. UNDERSTAND THE RISKS An…

Understanding the cycle of grief can help you begin to recover from losing someone close or the end of a relationship. The first stage involves shock, denial and disbelief. You are too overwhelmed to process what has happened and to protect you, your brain refuses to compute the loss. You may feel numb. It can help to set reminders to ensure you practise self-care. SEEK SUPPORT In stage two, pain and guilt can be excruciating. When my father died, I felt full of dread, helplessness and agony. The pain can feel so consuming you wish to find a way to end your suffering. You may blame yourself, believing that if you had done something differently you could have changed things. Talk to people who have had similar experiences, as this…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Finally we can book trips again, and considering 35 per cent of the British public said holidays were the thing they missed most during the pandemic, that’s great news. But with a rise in plane and hotel fares and the lingering confusion around Covid, holidays could be significantly pricier than the last time you jetted off. With many of us feeling a little rusty about travelling, it’s easy to pay over the odds, so we asked the experts to help us keep our 2022 holidays hassle-free and wallet-friendly… GET COVID-PROOF INSURANCE With many insurance companies refusing to pay out for cancellations or issues arising due to Covid, many people have found themselves out of pocket, paying for policies that don’t cough…

‘A IS FOR ART ATTACK Paint splashes and tie-dye prints will bring a playful vibe to any outfit. RIVER ISLAND £69 ‘B IS FOR BLUSH PINK Sugary shades are always perfect for spring – wear with other pastel tones for added oomph. TU £22 C IS FOR CURFEWBREAKING FABRICS Don’t save metallics for after hours – wear with casual basics for a daytime spin. ASOS £25.99 ‘D IS FOR DISTRESSED DENIM Acid washes, patchwork, and unusual cuts give everyday denim a brand-new look for 2022. MONKI £35 E IS FOR EASY UPDOS The ’90s claw hair clip is back – switch out your usual bobbles for a fancy-looking accessory that makes a bun look “done”. H&M £9.99 FOR PACK OF 4 ‘F IS FOR FLUFFY TRIMS Faux feathers and fuzzy…

GREASY ROOTS GETTING YOU DOWN? Whether you have fine hair that gets oily quickly or needs a refresh after a commute or gym sesh, dry shampoo should be in your beauty arsenal! Much-loved root-boosting brand Batiste has added to its range with this new natural mist that slurps up grease without any nasties. Made with 100% natural extracts, these sprays use rice starch to absorb any issues at your roots without drying or leaving behind a chalky residue. The beautiful scents are a real treat too – our favourite is green tea & chamomile. BATISTE NATURALLY DRY SHAMPOO £4.25 LOSING CONTROL OF YOUR CURLS? If you have natural ringlets you’ll know that some days are great and other days are a battle with fuzz. Umberto Giannini’s Curl Scrunching Jelly has…

MUST READ The Death of Me (MICHELLE DAVIES) Rock star Isaac Naylor took his own life after a teenage fan was found dead in his hotel room. Now, eight years on, music journalist Natalie Glass stumbles across something that suggests he might still be alive. But as she delves deeper into what really happened, the plot to stop her investigation intensifies and Natalie finds she has a stark choice: give up trying to find out what happened or risk her own life… We couldn’t put this brilliant thriller down. BEST DAY OUT Back 2 Festival With over 50 acts from the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s on the bill, Back 2 Festival is the place to be this summer for an instant hit of nostalgia. Kicking off on 30 June until…

22-28 FEBRUARY IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This could be a magical year, where many of your dreams can manifest. After the past two years, it may take practice to remember what possibility feels like, but the more you lean into the stirring of your soul for answers, the more you’ll be guided. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN PISCES 19 FEB – 20 MAR I adore your stars right now – you have the Midas touch. This week, it’s your social circles where you can really make waves. Harmony and support are all yours when you lean into your friends. Celebrate your success with those who helped you. Visit www.yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes ARIES 21 MAR – 19 APR The potent combination of your guiding star Mars with…

It was revealed he split from Top Gear producer Aurora Mulligan, 36, last week, after secretly ending their six-year romance over a year ago. As the news broke, a dishevelled-looking Matt Le Blanc was snapped looking downcast close to his LA home amid reports the actor has taken it “hard”. And while the pair are said to have mutually agreed to draw a line under the relationship, insiders say the split was initiated by UK-based Aurora, who became tired of the long distance. A source says, “Aurora really wanted Matt to move to the UK, and became increasingly frustrated with spending long chunks of time apart. “The age difference also became a factor and as time went on, she ultimately realised she wanted a future Matt couldn’t give her.” The…

It’s just two months until their big day, and last week Brooklyn Beckham revealed that he and fiancée Nicola Peltz are in “full wedding prep mode”. Whipping up a romantic heart-shaped pizza alongside his future bride, the budding chef, 22, spilled new details about their reported multi-million dollar bash. “It’s a lot of fun,” he confessed, after Nicola, 27, revealed the pair are deciding between an espresso, lychee or elderflower martini as their signature drink for the celebration. “It’s strange because the more wedding meetings we have, the more real it feels. I’m excited. I’m gonna be married in two months!” The eldest son of Victoria, 47, and David, 46, also confirmed they will have a traditional Jewish wedding to honour Nicola’s religion, and that he will wear a yarmulke…

She shocked fans with her barely recognisable new face last week after undergoing her fourth face lift, costing the cash-strapped star a reported £10k. Jordan’s latest unveiling came days before her fiancé, Carl Woods, was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour following his arrest last August, when the former glamour model was allegedly punched during an altercation at her Sussex home. Just days earlier, the couple – who got engaged in April following a whirlwind 10-month romance – celebrated Carl’s 33rd birthday at Essex celeb nightspot, Sheesh – with the mum of five leaving fans aghast as she revealed her new look after spending weeks wrapped in bandages. SHOWDOWN Their glam outing came the day after the “broke” mum dodged a court showdown over repaying debts of £3.2m. Meanwhile, the…

Emily Huntingford, 32, lives in London. She married her fiancé, who’s also a nurse, during the pandemic. She says, “As a profession, nurses have had an awful two years. It was so hard when we were going through the waves of Covid. On my first shift on the Covid intensive therapy unit, I ended up crying. I had multiple patients to look after, not just the one I should have had. I felt a constant feeling of stress, it was really hard to unwind from it. My husband and I got married during this time because it made us realise the importance of family and each other. “Now it’s hard because so many staff have left the NHS, because they are tired, demoralised and feel unappreciated. One of my nursing…

Sophie Kasaei was in a seven-year relationship with her co-star ex, DJ Joel Corry, until 2017 and broke up with her most recent boyfriend Lee Gray in October. She says, “It’s taken me a long time to become completely happy while single. My 20s were taken up by being in a relationship and I thought I’d be settled down at 26, but life just gives you twists and turns. I was a little bit lost for a while, but then I got to my 30s and something just clicked. It was like, ‘You need to embrace this because you can’t change it’. I’m 32 now and I love being on my own. Being single has helped me find my identity, and I love having my freedom. There’s no book to…

FEARS FOR FERNE OVER WHIRLWIND ROMANCE They went public with their relationship just last month and on Valentine’s Day, Ferne McCann revealed how her romance with new man, Lorri Haines, is getting serious. The former TOWIE star, 31, wrote, “@ lozzahaines. Thank you for showing me what a meaningful relationship looks like… thank you for showing me true love. I love you.” But just three days later, a video emerged of Lorri, who works in property and investments, holding two bags of a suspicious white powder. In the clip, thought to have been filmed in an apartment in Dubai – where he and Ferne holidayed last month – Lorri, 30, picks up two packets of powder and appears to scoop it up before a friend’s voice says, “No ket! Put…

Fans speculated the end of Kylie Minogue’s three-year relationship with art editor Paul Solomons when she revealed she would be relocating back home to Australia but, four months on, the couple are still very much together as they navigate their new long-distance love. The Lucky In Love singer, 53, told an Australian newspaper last week that she and Paul, who she met through a mutual friend in 2018, are “in a very good space”. Kylie – who previously said Paul had won over her 100-year-old gran by speaking his native Welsh to her – added, “I don’t have a traditional set-up when it comes to my relationship. I don’t have the white-picket-fence life. We are in a very good space and we cherish that right now.” They also posted Valentine’s…

A recent survey found that over half of men in the UK struggle with low body confidence – so much so that it has had a negative impact on their lives. This didn’t surprise me, even though it may have been news for some people. Body-image issues are often talked about by women, but rarely by men – it’s almost like an embarrassing topic of conversation. But I can vouch that men want to feel good in their skin just as much as women do! I think social media has probably intensified this. Filters create such an unrealistic standard of beauty. We need to remind ourselves that the pictures we see are not a real representation of people and to stop comparing ourselves to others. And if you’re a man,…

Blue Cross’ head of public affairs, Becky Thwaites, says, “Our immediate distress for an abused animal is medical – do they have broken bones? What treatment do they need? But longterm, we’re concerned about a pet’s mental health and wellbeing. Abused cats can often be fearful. We consider pets to be part of the family, but they lose those trusting and loving bonds with humans when they’re abused. Social media can be an amazing thing, but worryingly, stats imply that it is fuelling animal abuse. Videos can be seen by millions in a short amount of time, and as some people find the content funny, it downplays incidents. It gives the impression that treating animals badly is OK, particularly to young people, who are the vast majority of social media…

As one of the breakout stars and finalists of Bake Off in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic, Laura Adlington got everybody talking with her self-confessed “messy” approach to baking each week. But during her time on the hit series, incessant trolling turned from criticism about cake-making to cruel comments about her weight. A size 24-26, Laura recently made headlines after posting an Instagram shot of herself proudly wearing a bikini for the first time to show how far she’s come in accepting her body. The post went viral, receiving almost 80,000 likes and Laura admits she was stunned by the reaction. INSPIRING Laura, 34, tells Closer, “My bikini shot on Instagram was a spur of the moment thing. I’ve never worn a bikini in my life before! I…

• Budget-friendly chef Miguel says, “Adding the pesto before you fry your eggs means it incorporates into the eggs as they set.” SPEEDY SUPPER CHICKEN, CELERY & PEANUT STIR-FRY SERVES 4 • 70ml soy sauce • 2 tsp cornflour • 2 tsp sugar • 400g skinless, boneless chicken thighs • 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 bunch spring onions, chopped • 4 celery sticks, chopped • 6 dates, sliced • Handful roasted peanuts • Handful coriander STEP 1 Whisk together 2 tsp of the soy sauce, cornflour, sugar and salt to season in a large bowl. Slice the chicken into bitesized pieces and add to the bowl. Mix…

It’s not exactly difficult to know when you should stop seeing someone, but it is hard to act on it. Add in chemistry, emotional intimacy and a desire to be loved and it’s incredibly tough to walk away. But as I’ve evolved as a singleton, having spent the majority of my 30s flying solo, I have more confidence to take the risk and call it quits, not in the hope of meeting someone else, but with the knowledge that, whatever happens, I’m OK by myself. Don’t get me wrong, it takes time, seven years for me, (I hope it’ll take a lot less for you) and a lot of heartache and loneliness (again, I hope you don’t suffer this) to reach a point where I’m completely independent and content. But…

MY RENT HAS GONE UP The discussion should be solely focused on your contribution to the workplace and your responsibilities. DENY MY REQUEST AND I’LL LEAVE Ultimatums can be perceived as aggressive and may come back to haunt you. Make plans for potential outcomes, but keep the details to yourself as they may change. I’VE BEEN HERE AGES Instead, present all the “wins” you have obtained throughout your employment and how they have benefitted the business. Make it clear that you are loyal by making suggestions on how you can progress. I KNOW WHAT OTHERS EARN Comparing your skills to those of your colleagues is likely to be interpreted as a passive-aggressive move. If you feel others are receiving a higher wage as the result of discrimination, discuss that with…

INSPIRATION YOU’LL LOVE! 1 PASTEL PERFECTION We all know H&M Home is a haven for the best accessories, and this season it’s all about candy colours. Think cushions and vases in ice-cream shades and you’ll nail the look. 2 TOTAL TABLESCAPE Transporting you to warmer climates, Wilko’s Moroccan-themed edit of plates, bowls, trays and glassware combine to create the perfect tablescape – minus the hefty cost. Send out the invites, a dinner party is on the cards. 3 FUN-FACTOR CUSHIONS Joining forces with Siobhan Murphy from BBC2’s Interior Design Masters, Freeman’s new collection is all kinds of colourful. The cushions in jazzy prints and colours will liven up a tired sofa. 4 RAINBOW VIBES Asda’s George Home collection is delivering all the happy summer feels. Layering different printed cushions that…