Table of contents for Issue 1013 in Closer

They looked like a picture-perfect family while on holiday last month. But after shock news that Wayne Rooney has quit his high-profile job as manager of Derby County, insiders say that his wife Coleen is concerned about their future. Wayne, 36 – who had worked as a manager after a successful 20-year footballing career – made the surprise decision to leave his £90,000-a-week job last month, with insiders saying it was due to him being keen to spend more time with his family. APPREHENSIVE It followed weeks of sun-soaked holidays for the couple in the aftermath of Coleen’s stressful WAGatha Christie court showdown with Rebekah Vardy, who was suing Coleen for defamation. The trial – the verdict of which is yet to be announced – saw the couple put on…

Tom Hiddleston and his fiancée Zawe Ashton have revealed they are expecting their first baby after three years of dating. English actress Zawe, 37, looked glowing as she showed off her blossoming baby bump in a delicate chiffon and sequin gown at the premiere of her new film, Mr. Malcolm’s List, in New York last week. Tom, 41, who is widely tipped to be the next James Bond, was absent from the red carpet event while he films for the second instalment of the movie and Disney+ series, Marvel’s Loki. Tom and Zawe first met on the set of their West End play, Betrayal, in 2019, but didn’t go public with their relationship until September last year. Just six months later, Tom popped the question, with Zawe flashing a vintage-style…

While accepting a sparkler when you’re knee-deep in mud might not be everyone’s idea of a dream proposal, actress Jaime Winstone revealed she is “on cloud nine” following her partner James Suckling’s proposal at Glastonbury Music Festival last week. Showing off her unique ring in an Instagram snap, Jaime, 37, daughter of actor Ray Winstone, wrote, “Couldn’t of asked for a more perfect engagement, still on cloud nine! Wow love you Glastonbury, love to all my beautiful friends and a special love to my fiancé James.” The couple already share a son, four-year-old Raymond.…

Shannon Matthews could easily have been forgiven for letting her mind wander when a male stripper flashed his come-to-bed eyes at her as he gyrated around the stage. But that dream became a reality when the dancer asked her out after a show. Now, Shannon, 24, is engaged to Dreamboys’ leader Jordan Darrell, 37, and the pair have a one-year-old son together. She says, “I still can’t believe I bagged a Dreamboy. Who’d have thought that a sexy strip show would lead me to the man of my dreams?” In 2018, Shannon spotted an advert on social media for a ladies’ night at their local nightclub in Plymouth, Devon, that included a show by the Dreamboys strippers. She says, “I thought it would be a laugh, so my friend Ellie…

Ikenna has revealed that the Islanders found out that Gemma’s dad is Michael Owen in the first few days. Some people are against having the relatives of famous stars on the show – there was Dani Dyer, Danny Dyer’s daughter, and Tommy Fury, Tyson’s brother. But what’s the harm? It makes the show more interesting. But I suppose it could make them more attractive to certain people, in terms of money and fame. I had a little bit of fame before Love Island, as I was on TOWIE. The producers were actually a bit worried about letting me go on, as they don’t want to crosscontaminate reality stars. But I’d only been on for a series, so they let it go. I do think part of the charm of Love…

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! Have you ever stopped to work out what you really want in life? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. “So many people live life like leaves blowing in the wind, ” say therapists Nik and Eva Speakman, who work with celebrities including Davina McCall, Holly Willoughby and Vicky Pattison. “They might blow to a nice area and have a house and kids, or they might blow to a place they don’t like, never meet a partner and end up unhappy.” But we have far more control over our future than we realise. And achieving…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK New figures have revealed that black people are 38 per cent less likely than white people to be diagnosed with cancer via screening. That doesn’t have anything to do with screening, it goes back to societal attitudes – for not fully understood reasons, black people are attending fewer screening appointments, and that’s a huge worry because they will be missing diagnoses that could save their lives. That’s the bottom line. UNDERSTAND WHY TESTS MATTER Screenings often pick up cancer before you could notice it. It could be there, but not yet problematic – and curable. Going to screenings is also an opportunity to see a doctor or nurse. It makes it more normal, and for a lot…

Studies have shown that 74 per cent of parents admit to having a favourite child. This tends to be because they enjoy similar interests and have similar personalities. It goes without saying that if one of your kids is just as crazy about the same sport as you or shares your taste in music, for example, then your opportunity to bond is going to be a bigger one. While you should celebrate this and take time to do these things together, it is also important to consider how this may impact on your other kids. WATCH REACTIONS Children often have insecurities about the connection they have with parents, so any bias they believe exists will be painful for them. This may lead to them getting angry with their perceived preferred…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Research from Topcashback.co.uk shows that one in five Brits has never haggled, with people citing embarrassment as their number one reason. In recent months though, more than half of us have turned to haggling in an attempt to cut everyday costs. With bartering for essentials like clothes, food and personal care items now on the rise, most hagglers have around a 39 per cent success rate, saving £155 per person on average per year, which proves it’s always worth a punt. We asked Dr Nikki Ramskill, The Female Money Doctor, how to bargain effectively. BAG A DISCOUNT AT THE SUPERMARKET When it comes to grabbing supermarket discounts, timing is key, says Nikki. “Asking for discounts on a busy Saturday is less…

1 PICK ‘N’ MIX For just £2 a pop, these bikini separates made from recycled plastic are a summer essential. Grab a couple of sets and mix them up to create multiple outfits. BOTTOMS AND TOPS £2 EACH, SIZES 6-20, PRIMARK 2 PERFECT PRINT If you’re looking for a swimsuit that’ll highlight your waist, this is it. The clever illusion style draws the eye in for a flattering fit. You can also take off the straps to wear as a bandeau with a skirt. £39, SIZES 6-20, ACCESSORIZE 3 CELEBRITY EDIT Creating a holiday capsule, Lisa Snowdon’s third collection for Kaleidoscope is here, Lisa says, “In summertime, we really want lots of colour and print in our wardrobes.” And this bold swimsuit is as supportive as it is stylish. £39,…

BABY PLAITS GET THE LOOK: ● Start by prepping hair texture – for curly hair, try a conditioning spray to hydrate and add definition or, for straight hair, Living Proof texturising spray adds movement. ● Next, using a tail comb, create a centre parting – essential. Then section two small pieces at the front of your hair to become your braids. ● Start braiding in traditional plaits. Don’t pull it tight at the root, this look is all about a relaxed feel. Secure with a clear elastic band. THICK TWISTS GET THE LOOK: ● Coily hair loves extra hydration, so use a nourishing oil first. The Ordinary Argan Oil will keep strands soft. ● Apply L’Oréal Professionnel, then part hair into two. Take each section and plait hair as normal…

MUST READ One Last Secret (ADELE PARKS) Dora is a smart, discreet escort who is about to do one final, straightforward job at a beautiful chateau in the south of France with an old client, Daniel. All she has to do when she gets there is to convince the assembled guests that she is his girlfriend. But when she arrives, she finds herself face to face with the one man who really knows her. And one last secret could cost Dora her life… A brilliant story from one of our favourite authors – we devoured One Last Secret in one sitting. BEST DAY OUT Sh!t-faced Shakespeare Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, but we bet you’ve never seen it quite like this before. Each night before the show,…

The royals were riding a wave of popularity after the four-day Jubilee celebrations last month, with the nation coming together to show their support for the Queen after what has been a turbulent two years for the monarchy. The celebrations were particularly poignant as, after a bout of frail health, the muchloved 96 year old’s appearance on the balcony at Buckingham Palace is likely to have been her last after steering the nation for 70 years. And while the photographs of Prince Charles – the Queen’s eldest son and heir to the throne – bouncing his grandson, four-year-old Prince Louis, on his knee during the pageant warmed the hearts of the nation, the Palace was once again rocked by scandal last week when allegations emerged over a £3 million donation…

When Lauren McGregor, 34, holds her baby boy, she feels so lucky. Sebastian was conceived thanks to IVF, and Lauren had to go through the process alone after her husband Chris died. Luckily, he was able to freeze his sperm before he passed away from a brain tumour in July 2020, when he was just 37. Lauren, who gave birth to Seb in May 2022, says, “I love being a mum, but it saddens me every day that our baby will never meet his dad.” Lauren met her future husband when they were children, as their mums were friends, but it wasn’t until they reconnected when Chris’ mum passed away in 2012 that the pair grew close. Within months they’d become a couple and Lauren also got on well with…

Ryan Ruckledge was 23 when he made it to the boot camp round of season 12 in 2015 – but feels he was “stitched up” by producers who he says “egged him on” to make a fool of himself. Now 30, Ryan says, “I think The X Factor has had its day. It’s just not what it used to be, and it’s not a kind show. There are people who are terrible singers but the producers will tell them they’re amazing, so that they perform. We were made to wait around 12 hours before the audition, and I ended up getting cold feet, as I knew I wasn’t the best singer. When I wanted to back out of my first audition in front of 5,000 people and the judges, they…

When Olly Stephens, 13, left his house in Reading on 3 January 2021, he thought he was meeting a girl he knew from school. Before leaving, he and his dad, Stuart, had been chatting about plans for the future. Olly was looking forward to the end of lockdown, and returning to normal life. But Olly never returned home that day. Shockingly, the teen was brutally murdered by a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons. And as police began investigating, they discovered the huge part that social media had played in his killing. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, from the Thames Valley Police, said, “We were really taken aback by the amount of digital evidence.” Speaking to Closer, Olly’s devastated dad, Stuart, said, “That morning…

In the past few weeks I’ve shared my frustrations around trying – and failing – to foster romance in the real world. But just because we’ve all become dependant on our phones, doesn’t mean we have to dehumanise the entire dating experience, does it? Ghosting, deleting, ignoring messages – are all app behaviours I am ashamed to say I’ve been the perpetrator of, as well as the victim. But I’ve been having a little break from dating and it helped me refresh and remove myself from getting too invested and emotional about any one person. Regular readers will remember I was ghosted after what I thought was a dream dinner date a few weeks ago, only for him to reply almost a week later. I took the brave step of…

SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE • GET RATED Purchase a few items to receive feedback from sellers to build your profile ratings before you start selling. Most buyers will be reluctant to buy from a profile that has no ratings. • CHECK THE MARKET If you’re selling high-value items, use platforms or selling sites that have authentication services. Compare similar products to ensure you’re not over or under-selling certain pieces. • PERFECT YOUR PICS Include full view and close-ups, to show off its true colour and condition. Snap any labels and original packaging that will help to identify the product. • BE DETAILED Cover all the important points within your description to speed up the sale. Include a short, detailed and concise description within 120 words, the brand name,…

HERO BUYS A wide-leg trouser suit will flatter all shapes. Zesty lime green gives the look a trendy update. Waistcoats return! And this linen blend set couldn’t be more summer appropriate. For a playful look, try a ’90s-inspired skirt suit. Just add a fitted body. MAKE IT WORK Nail your destination dressing this summer in a bold linen co-ord that’s equal parts chic and comfortable. Perfect for warmer temperatures, the breezy shorts suit can be elevated with heels or dressed down with slip-on flats. Style with an asymmetric top in a contrasting hue for a high-fashion feel.…

THOUGHTFUL TABLESCAPING From the food to the finishing touches – laying the table should also be about sustainable pieces that’ll make a good impression on the planet as well as your favourite people. ECO ACCESSORIES Get the party started with décor that’s Instagram-ready – from reusable bunting to plastic-free balloons; these eco-friendly swaps are all you need.…

NEW SERIES 1 PAUL HOLLYWOOD EATS MEXICO SOMEBODY IS HUNGRY… SUN 10 JULY, 9PM, C4 Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood has never been to Mexico, but he loves Mexican food (at least, he thinks he does…). In this follow-up to the fab Paul Hollywood Eats Japan, he’s off to sample all manner of Mexican cuisine – from crocodile tacos to baked tarantulas, tongue-numbing chillies and beer that tastes of sea water (yum!). Oh, and vats of Tequila of course. Episode one kicks off in the “food obsessed” Mexico City, where Paul is shown around by a local foodie who “searches for the best tacos and street food for a living” (nice work). There’s also a peek at the latest trend – piñatas that look like celebrities, and yes, you can…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This year is all about learning to be more independent. Which might mean slowly doing things differently, even if that makes other people a bit uncomfortable. As you break free from your shell, you’ll begin to wonder why it took you so long to do it. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CANCER 21 JUN – 22 JUL This could be the week you make a dream come true. It’s a great time for making a new friend or having a great time unexpectedly with old mates. Go easy with any relationships (especially professional ones) which are troubled – tensions could mount. Visit www.yasmindboland.com for your daily horoscopes LEO 23 JUL – 22 AUG A biennial career and life path boost arrives thanks to decisive…

Thousands of messages of grief, love and gratitude flooded in after the untimely death of Dame Deborah James last week, following her brave five-year battle with stage 4 bowel cancer The 40-year-old mum-of-two – who’d been diagnosed aged just 35 after initially being “laughed” at by doctors for querying if she might have bowel cancer when she was losing weight and passing blood – shared her candid confessions on her Bowelbabe blog and her podcast, You, Me and the Big C. REBELLIOUS HOPE Her irresistible sense of humour, infectious smile and her resilience and never-ending “rebellious hope” saw the nation fall in love with Deborah, who was awarded a Damehood by Prince William at her parents’ home in May – the place she decided to live her final days to…

With one simple vote, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has made it possible for states to criminalise abortion. Since the historic Roe vs Wade ruling of 1973, when abortion was made legal in the US, women across all 50 states have been able to access safe and affordable terminations. But now, it’s illegal in many states, with no exception for cases of rape and incest. PROTESTS Even in the case of a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, the ruling leaves women open to confusion and delay in treatment, as doctors decide whether treating the woman by ending the pregnancy would see them fall foul of the law. The ban has caused global outrage, with hundreds taking to the streets in the UK, and protests outside the US embassy in…

Denise’s new romance after shock split It’s been nine months since her split from fiancé Eddie Boxshall after she discovered he had been “sexting” other women. And last week, actress Denise Van Outen was all smiles as she went public with her new man. Looking gorgeous and happy in a floorlength sequin gown, Denise, 48, attended the Grand Prix Gala Ball holding hands with her property developer beau, Jimmy Barba. The new couple are said to have been dating for a few weeks after meeting through mutual friend, All Saints singer Shaznay Lewis, with a source adding, “It’s early days but everything is going really well and Denise is happy.” Despite now working in the property industry, Jimmy, 55, has a lot in common with Denise. Starring in the Italian…

After splitting from Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice in October, Love Island bombshell Maura Higgins has now been linked to Milton Keynes Don footballer, Connor Wickham, 29. The reality star, 31, is thought to have been dating Connor for a few weeks after eagle-eyed fans on Instagram spotted them at the same BBQ, and the pair are said to have recently jetted off to Paris for their first holiday together After splitting with her Love Island partner Curtis Pritchard in 2020, Maura went on to date fellow Islander Chris Taylor for six months until last May – two months before she went public with Giovanni, 31.…

Former prison officer Sam Bailey, 45, shot to stardom after winning the show in 2013. Nine years later, the singer is currently starring in the West End musical Beauty And The Beast. She says, “I’d love for the show to return! The X Factor really does change people’s lives. I only went on the show to see what would happen, and now I’m living my dream. I had a really good experience. It was especially great for me because I was a little bit older, and it gave me the opportunity to still achieve my dreams. I’ll always fly the flag for The X Factor, because it has changed my life. “Some people have criticised it because they thought it would be a walk in the park. But it’s a…

GEORGIA HARRISON THE LOVE ISLAND 2017 STAR, 27, SHARES HER OPINIONS ON THIS YEAR’S SHOW ‘Casa Amor will undoubtedly cause some heartbreak!’ I feel like this year, people are really keen to genuinely find love and I think there will be some relationships that’ll last for a long time. I love Dami and Indiyah, I think they’re really compatible and look gorgeous together. I’m a bit split on Paige and Jacques – he’s so ridiculously handsome, I hope he’s not a player. And I really hope his head doesn’t get turned in Casa Amor. That’s always a really interesting time, as you get to see the Islanders’ real intentions. My heart does go out for them – it’s sad watching people’s heartbreak when the villa comes back together and there’ll…

‘LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER’ Growing up with her mum Margarita, a homemaker, and dad Julio, a cattle rancher, in Columbia, Sofia attended a strict Catholic school and admits that when she was first scouted as a model for Pepsi, she almost turned down the opportunity. Sofia said, “I was 17… I wanted nothing to do with all that. I was going to nun school, and they were very strict. I didn’t want to model. But my mom forced me… I became, like huge. I had offers for TV shows and movies in Colombia, and for all these commercials.” ‘SOMETIMES DIVORCE IS A WISE CHOICE’ After marrying her high-school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez at just 18, Sofia admitted she initiated their divorce two years later and believes splitting up was best for…

INSIDE JENNY’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Babybel cheese • Parmesan • Natural yoghurt • Boursin cheese • Gherkins • Heinz low-fat mayonnaise • Coleslaw • Radishes • Chicken thighs • Smoked bacon • Apple • Cos lettuce • Fish pie • Shepherd’s pie • Sausages • Aubergines • Ginger beer • Semi-skimmed milk • Lactose-free milk • Apple juice • Chardonnay JENNY How much do you spend per week? £120 for me and my partner Geof. We shop online as I realised during lockdown that I hate supermarket shopping. I’m not very interested in cooking either, so I have a handful of dishes I rely on. We’re quite happy to eat jam sandwiches of an evening. I was brought up by a northern mother, so I can make food stretch.…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY In the face of hardship, positive thinking can feel impossible, but even when nothing seems like it’s going your way, reframing these moments by finding potential silver linings can lead you to a better situation. Research shows that higher levels of optimism are associated with living beyond age 90 in women, so thinking positively has the power to give you a longer life, as well as a happier one. If you haven’t been blessed with a naturally sunny disposition, you can teach yourself. Optimists see the small gifts – they’re everywhere if you take time to notice them. At the end of every day, write down three things you appreciated, which could be as simple as sunny…

EX-STRICTLY DANCER ALJAZ SKORJANEC, 32, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND I AVOID LARGE MEALS BEFORE BED… it makes me feel too heavy. I can almost sense my body digesting it, so I leave at least a couple of hours or have a smaller meal. I SHOWER MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY… Being a professional dancer with psoriasis can be tricky because sweat irritates my skin whereas water can help calm it. I also use Medovie every day as well to help treat the symptoms of my skin condition and it’s made such a difference. I’VE STOPPED DRINKING COFFEE IN THE MORNING… and replaced it with orange juice. I’ve found it wakes me up just as much as the caffeine, plus my body feels all the better for…

GET HER LOOK JENNIFER LOPEZ, 52 Retro prints are having a moment – and J-Lo provides the ultimate inspiration in this designer Coach number, complete with coordinating jacket and platform heels. Want in? You’re welcome! EVERYBODY’S WEARING… BLAZER DRESSES We’re used to seeing blazers with a pair of matching trousers, and now the wardrobe essential is getting its own spotlight as celebs are proving them to be a statement standalone item. From Ariana DeBose’s crisp white version to Hailey Bieber’s powerful grey option, this is definitely a fashion moment we can get on board with. STYLE CRUSH: LAURA WHITMORE Love Island host Laura, 37, loves to play around with her cool and effortless style… Wild Side Just as much as she can do glamour, the mum-of-one is a professional at casual…

SPF HERO Minimum SPF30 is essential in the summer season, and this spray-on cream made with glycerin and vitamin E couldn’t be easier to reapply, with a sheer finish that feels weightless on skin. Ideal for those sunny, dehydrating days. BALI BODY FACE & BODY SUNSCREEN SPRAY SPF50+ £23.95 PROTECTIVE POWDER This setting powder with SPF gives you daily sun protection while also enhancing your look. Pop it in your bag for top-ups throughout the day. HAWAIIAN TROPIC MINERAL TRANSLUCENT SUN PROTECTION POWDER £14.99 FUSS-FREE FUZZ REMOVAL Opt for this mini shaver for silky-smooth skin – it can be used wet or dry, making it so handy for quick and easy hair removal in a hurry. And with a compact design, it’ll fit neatly into your gym or weekend bag.…

Did somebody say Just Eat with your hands, Snoop? No, they did not! SO PLEASE USE YOUR CUTLERY LIKE A GROWN UP!!! Desperate to give her Insta some glam, Scarlett buys a 2ft model of the Eiffel Tower to pretend she’s in Paris. She is, in fact, stood outside her local library. It’s the same with those people out at sea on a lilo, Matt – you gently wave back and they just keep waving more hysterically. Uh-oh, Anne-Marie… are you thinking what we’re thinking? Phil’s about to be kneed in the nuts if he’s not careful! Who says strawberries are the only fruit associated with Wimbledon? When Mandy and Ashley are on court, it’s just peaches! Joe’s 32, but he still gets a thrill out of flying. “Those people…