Table of contents for Issue 1029 in Closer

They’ve already landed a series of bombshells on the royal family, but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix docu-series could spark fresh scandal after they invited camera crews to take an intimate look into family life inside their Californian mansion. And while the royals are waiting on tenterhooks for the secrets and accusations that could come to light, the couple’s business partners - streaming giant Netflix - announced that the new series of their acclaimed royal drama, The Crown, will drop on 9 November. EXPLOSIVE The hit show has already dealt with the most explosive and private moments in British royal history - including Prince Philip’s rumoured extra-marital affairs and Princess Diana’s painful battle with bulimia yet as the show catches up to the present day, there has been…

Before KerryAnne Donaldson discovered laughing gas balloons, she never imagined she’d ever succumb to substance abuse. When Kerry-Anne was introduced to the drug, she’d just finished a business course at college. She got a job as a receptionist and began planning how she would one day open her own tattoo parlour. In England and Wales, two in three users of NO2 are under 24 years of age. And help services are experiencing a huge rise in people needing support. Steve Pope - who runs an addiction counselling service - is seeing four times more clients for misuse of NO2 than pre-Covid. EPIDEMIC He says, “It has become a silent epidemic. It provides a similar high to cocaine, albeit much shorter and less intense. Because it seems to be nonaddictive and…

It’s been a difficult few weeks for Strictly star Helen Skelton after she discovered that her estranged husband Richie Myler is expecting a baby with new partner Stephanie Thirkill – only six months after she split with the 32-year-old rugby player. The 39-year-old presenter’s dance partner Gorka Marquez alluded to the drama the weekend after the news broke, leaving Helen red-faced as he gushed, “I know you’ve been made to feel like you’re not beautiful or good enough, [but] I believe in you." And now BBC presenter and former Strictly star Dan Walker - who is close pals with Helen - says he’s been supporting her. Dan, 45, tells Closer, “Helen is a really special person and I’m thrilled for her that she’s smashing Strictly. I think doing the show…

It’s been 32 years since she wowed viewers in the iconic movie Pretty Woman, and last week Julia Roberts looked as amazing as ever while attending the premiere of her new film, Ticket To Paradise, with George Clooney, in LA. SELF-SUSTAINING Wearing a plunging hot-pink gown, accessorised with diamond earrings and her famous smile, Julia, who celebrates her 55th birthday on Friday, captivated crowds alongside George, 61. Now a source tells Closer how the actress - who lives in California with husband Danny Moder and their twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus, 17, and son Henry Daniel, 15 - looks after her body, but is adamant she won’t let any diet ruin a glass of wine or pizza. “Julia has been blessed with good genes, but she takes care of herself and…

TV presenter Ranvir Singh has opened up about her relationship with 27-year-old toyboy Louis Church. Addressing the age gap, Ranvir, 45, said, “We don’t ever joke about the age difference. Actually, age is no guarantee of someone being wonderful to you. There are complete gits who are exactly the same age as you. When I was 27, I was probably a lot more immature than Louis is. I’m learning from him. To me, it’s a complete joy.” The two met backstage during her stint on Strictly in 2020, where Louis - who is 18 years her junior - was a production secretary, before the two went public last year. The TV presenter was previously married to Ranjeet Singh Dehal, with whom she shares son Tushaan, 10. They tied the knot…

Former TOWIE star James “Arg” Argent has taken his latest relationship to the next level after jetting off to Italy to meet his new girlfriend’s family. James, 34, and 18-year-old Stella Turian were first linked back in September after being photographed sharing a passionate kiss while holidaying in Marbella. Insiders say James had met the Italian film star - who is 16 years his junior - when attending a friend’s wedding in Mykonos. Sources have revealed that the two are “very keen to go official,” with James winning over her nearest and dearest during the Italian getaway. James first rose to fame back in 2010 - when Stella would have been six years old - when appearing on TOWIE. While on the show, he dated childhood sweetheart Lydia Bright, before going…

'MY DAD IS MY GREATEST INFLUENCE' Born Matthew Robert Smith on 28 October 1982 to Lynne and David Smith, Matt originally planned to develop his love of football into a full-time career, having played for the youth teams of Northampton Town, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City. But a serious injury when he was 15 resulted in spondylolysis - a fracture in his lower back - and he was unable to continue. Luckily, Matt’s dad was very supportive of everything he did, always putting his family first. Speaking about his relationship with his dad, Matt said, “He’s the greatest influence on my life, bar none. He always said it doesn't matter what you do, as long as you enjoy it. 'MY FRIENDS KEEP ME GROUNDED' Having worked in the industry for…

CHEF HESTON BLUMENTHAL OBE, 56, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND I EAT THE CORE AND THE SKIN OF APPLES… and the pith from oranges. Your microbiome in the lower part of your intestine has to work much harder to break down those indigestible cellulose fibres, which helps your digestive system function better. I WAKE AND DO BINAURAL MEDITATIONS IN BED… It’s a form of soundwave healing and the programme I do is Complete Relaxation by Glenn Harrold on Audible. He’s brilliant, he talks like a character in Lock, Stock…. It’s not about sitting all “zen”, it’s just something I’ve found that’s been helpful to improve the day. I’VE FALLEN BACK IN LOVE WITH COOKING… Anything can inspire me: I might take a raisin and a burning…

8 PAGES OF AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK… CATE BLANCHETT, 53 Showcasing this season’s best colour combo, actress Cate Blanchett looked the business while out and about. Her stunning blue satin shirt dress and burgundy boots made for a 10/10 outfit. Here’s our budget take on the look… IN THE NEWS… FAB-BOO-LOUS KIDSWEAR There really is no scarier task than kitting out children in Halloween outfits, so we’ve taken the stress away for you with our round- up of the most frightening looks. Whether they want to be a spooky skeleton or a wicked witch, here are our top trick-or-treating outfits. Remember to watch them when around an open flame as some materials might not be flame resistant. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT Mindy Kaling, 43 Mindy totally rocked this red-hot…

NEWS ‘SHE IS BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE WAY THINGS HAVE BEEN HANDLED’ Following an intense few weeks, Holly Willoughby was all smiles on This Morning last week, after a boost from her and Phil’s win at the NTAs earlier this month. But insiders say that behindthe-scenes, Holly is still struggling with the backlash after “Queuegate” and wondering who, if anyone, she can trust. And to add to her woes, husband Dan Baldwin’s TV production company has been forced to let go of almost half its workforce and recorded losses of £1.6million. The firm, Hungry Bear Media, was formed in 2014 and created shows including Freeze The Fear, which Holly hosted earlier this year. A source says, “This latest crisis has left Holly upset for Dan and reflective about their future…

It’s been a tough year for Victoria Beckham. After her brand fell into £50 million debt following Covid, the mum-of-four was hit by another unexpected bombshell when her eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, seemingly deserted her after his wedding to Nicola Peltz in May. With relations still strained, which began in the lead-up to the lavish wedding, it came as little surprise when Victoria, 48, broke down in tears on stage following her Paris Fashion Week show last month. Spotting husband David and reaching out to him as she walked the catwalk for her finale, Victoria hugged him tearfully in front of a packed audience and cameras. Now a source says David, 47, has been Victoria's saviour over the last few months, and while she reportedly continues to struggle with the…

Billie Dee, 32, used NO2 to help with emotional trauma. Now, she’s in recovery and works part-time in PR and as a mental health support worker. She says, “I was 17 when I started inhaling balloons occasionally at parties. I enjoyed the buzz and I thought they were harmless because they were legal. “Aged 22, I became addicted to cocaine and MDMA, which left me in £20,000 worth of debt. So I swapped those drugs for balloons because they were much cheaper and I thought they were a cleaner way to get high. “Within weeks I suffered side effects, including paranoia, hallucinations, brain fog and depression. “And after breaking up with my partner aged 26, I’d stay cooped up in my room and get through 700 balloons in a weekend.…

She became a household name after starring on I’m A Celeb! in 2012, where she finished runner-up and charmed viewers with her lovable personality and give-it-a-go attitude. And now Ashley Roberts tells Closer that she can’t wait for the new series - especially to see Boy George. She says, “I’m definitely going to be watching, especially now that it’s back in the jungle. It’s nice to see the sunshine when we’re sitting at home and it’s chilly outside. I heard they’ve got Boy George in the jungle. I’m like, ‘What is that going to be like?’ I can’t wait because I’ve met him before, and he’s awesome. I’m excited for the show to be back where it’s meant to be.” Ashley, 41, rose to fame as part of American girl…

She was unlucky-in-love in the villa in 2020 - but now Shaughna Phillips has found happiness after revealing she’s pregnant with her first child with her mystery boyfriend. The star, 28, took to Instagram to share the happy news with fans, sharing a sweet video of her getting an ultrasound and captioning it. “Our greatest chapter yet”. Shaughna- whose baby is due in March 2023 - has been in a relationship since January, but has kept the identity of her man private. However, she has shared sweet snaps of their romantic dinners on holiday and cosy Sundays, without showing his face. Her showbiz pals were quick to offer well-wishes on her baby news, with fellow Islander Kendall Rae Knight writing, “Literally so so happy for you both,” while former Geordie…

In medieval times, hundreds of women were drowned on the mere suspicion they were witches, but now Instagram is awash with people claiming to be involved in the craft and, according to the last census, there are 70,000 in the UK alone. One of those is witch and married mum-of-three Ginny Metheral, 50, who lives in Devon. She earns a living teaching witchcraft and her clients vary from lawyers to students. And she now runs retreats for anyone interested in mastering basic witchcraft. She says, “I’ve always been a witch. My mother, who learned from her mother and grandmother, was always casting spells or reading palms and I’d sit beside her and take it all in. “The first spell I created was when I was six and wanted to be…

On the morning of 20 April, 1999,15-year-old high school student Heidi Cortez sat in her school library getting ahead with her homework. She was looking forward to trying out for a place on the cheerleading team that afternoon. A bright student, Heidi dreamt of one day becoming a doctor. But at approximately 11:19 am, two students - Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold - both 18 and armed with assault pistols, began gunning down their fellow pupils outside Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado, USA. Moving into the school cafeteria, the pair mowed down teenagers as they went. Heidi remembers, “A teacher came running into the library and her face was as pale as a ghost. She was just yelling at us to get under the tables and saying that a kid…

LIMIT BOOZE AND SUGAR “I’ve definitely cut down on the vino. I would sometimes have a couple of glasses with my evening meal, but it has such a high sugar content, I’ve cut it out. I might have the odd Chinese takeaway, but I try to cook from scratch as much as possible.” DO BASIC EXERCISES “I’m a huge fan of ’80s exercise moves, and I’ll do lunges, squats and weights. Billie always jokes that I’m doing mad moves, but when you’re going through the menopause your bones ache and it’s important to keep up with stretching.” TAKE SUPPLEMENTS “I’ve never had filler, but I do have a bit of Botox. I drink a lot of water - as much as I physically can throughout the day. I drink collagen…

INSIDE AMY'S FRIDGE ● Burford Brown eggs ● Ginger shots ● Peanut butter ● Cottage cheese ● Philadelphia ● Frubes yoghurts ● Babybel ● Dairylea slices ● Nando’s sauce ● Sirloin steak ● Grapes ● Mushrooms ● Tomato ketchup ● Cucumber ● Mayonnaise ● Pizza Express House Light Salad Dressing ● Mint sauce ● Carrots ● Broccoli ● Gherkins ● Pickled onions ● Tomatoes ● Chicken fillets ● Milk ● Diet Coke cans ● Beers ● Prosecco ● Sparkling Water ● Evian Still Water VERDICT NURITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Amy could add avocado or baby spinach to her breakfasts, and snack on fruit rather than crisps. She also needs to limit the salty sauces and pickles. Her healthy weekday eating is still easy to achieve at the weekend she could…

ALL ABOUT YOU! MAKE YOUR COMMUTE WORK FOR YOU Lockdowns have left many of us resenting travelling to work, but Emma says it can be a boost for your mind - and career My work has changed massively in the last few years - I do exactly the same amount of media work, writing, and therapy as ever, but most of it is now done from home. There are certain benefits, but the drawbacks are becoming more and more obvious. Research by Govia Thameslink Railway has found that two-thirds of us find work more enjoyable when we’re among others, and 70 per cent feel more confident when giving presentations to colleagues inperson. Studies also suggest you are more likely to be promoted if you see your boss on a regular…

AFTER HOURS Celebrating a big birthday? First night off parenting duties for a while? Then make the most of it and dress up to the max. This blazer dress is so striking, without being too revealing. Add tights, and switch the sassy thigh boots for velvet court shoes for a smarter office-party vibe - and more wear! Smokey eyes and a vibrant red lip will load up the glam. EVENT READY If you have a big event on the horizon, perhaps even an autumn wedding, channel a modern day Morticia, or a current Kourtney Kardashian, with this floor-sweeping, dramatic, lace dress. The crucifix earrings inject pure decadence and help you create a very "Dolce” look. Dark glossy nails will make a perfect finishing touch. Maximalism all the way! DAY-TO-NIGHT Texture…

SCARY SOIRÉE Impress your guests without all the garish props and plastic skeletons, and opt instead for autumnal textures and moody hues that can be reused after Halloween. Darker-toned glassware or plates will give dinner tables a gothic spin, or add some dried plants and mini pumpkins to your mantelpiece for a subtle take on the festivities. Include candles and a playlist filled with the best creepy classics, and you’ll be all set! LED FLAMES WILL CREATE A COSY VIBE MONSTER FUN Make it a party to remember for little ones with bold colours, and plenty of playful characters. You really don’t need to spend a fortune to create a haunted house vibe - the high street is filled with bargain buys that can be kept and reused the following…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 29 OCT-4 NOV NEW SERIES 1 SAS ROGUE HEROES THE STORY OF WHO DARES WINS SUN 20 OCT, 9PM BBC1 Written by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight and based on the bestselling book by Ben Macintyre, this fast-paced, intriguing period drama tells the true story of how the SAS was formed during World War II. Namely, unconventional young officer David Stirling came up with a plan to put a team of maverick soldiers together to cause havoc behind enemy lines. The excellent cast includes Sex Education’s Connor Swindells, Game Of Thrones’ Alfie Allen and Skins’ Jack O’Connell, along with the always-brilliant Dominic West as Lieutenant Colonel Wrangel Clarke. The show kicks off in Cairo in 1941, introducing the main characters in an inventive – and frequently amusing…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Sometimes taking a step backward is how you move forward. It sounds counter-intuitive, but often it’s the best way to go! Where do you want to be this time next year? What do you need to eliminate to achieve it? Follow your heart, you won’t go wrong. SCORPIO 23 OCT - 21 NOV If there ever was a time to be like a snake and shed your skin, this would be the week! Sure, it may feel a little scary to reveal a new part of yourself, but if you don’t, how will you know what you’re capable of? Don’t let fear take charge now. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

Ah Ekin, the thrill of house hunting. We like the viewings where the tenants refuse to get out of bed, so you have to wander around with a body in the room like a scene from a crime movie… Enjoy! Of all the many good reasons to hate humanity, Cardi - climate change, war, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and The Birdie Song - we're not sure you’ve chosen the very worst here. GRUMPY GRAM Poor Jake… But look on the bright side, fella - the clocks go back on Sunday morning so you'll get an extra hour in bed before all those demands start pouring in!…

She’s already one of the most well-loved presenters on our TV screens, and now fans are praising Alison Hammond even more for sharing her amazing weight loss. Alison - who rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002 before becoming a regular fixture on ITV’s This Morning - shared an Instagram pic of herself looking glam and oozing confidence. Viewers of the show were quick to offer their support on social media, with one writing, “Wow, Alison really does look incredible!” The presenter has candidly spoken about her struggles with weight in the past - once breaking down on air after admitting she had suffered with obesity all of her life. But her mother’s death in 2020 kick-started the star’s weight-loss journey, sharing "My poor body might not be able…

With her sultry dance moves and electric chemistry with her dance partner Carlos Gu, Strictly star Molly Rainford has already been touted as one of this year’s finalists. Molly – who made her name on Britain’s Got Talent at the age of 11 before signing with Sony and landing the role of intergalactic singer Nova Jones on the CBBC show – has been earning impressive scores week after week, and particularly wowed fans with her Quickstep. And the star tells Closer that she feels like she’s living the dream and the cast have all grown incredibly close. “Being on the show is a wish come true and I’m having the time of my life! Carlos and I are absolute besties and we have a natural chemistry because we get on…

She’s been unveiled as one of this year’s campmates – and Olivia Attwood tells us that she won’t be holding back. Reality star Olivia, 31, is no stranger to getting her clothes off on TV, having risen to fame on series three of Love Island in 2017, where she spent her days scantily clad by the pool. And now Olivia – who is engaged to footballer Bradley Dack and has her own reality show called Olivia Meets Her Match – says she’d strip off if it meant being crowned the Queen of the Jungle. Speaking at the NTAs, Olivia laughed, “I can’t wait to be on the show! I’ll be packing a suitcase of bikinis but a surefire way of winning would probably be to get naked!” Olivia, who is…

They only made their red-carpet debut three months ago, but insiders say that Denise Van Outen and Jimmy Barba are close to taking the next step in their relationship. Pals tell Closer that the pair are planning on moving in together and that Jimmy is even considering popping the question to the 48-year-old TV presenter in the New Year. A source says, “Denise is happier now than she’s been in years, and that’s thanks in no small part to Jimmy. “They haven’t been together long, but they are pretty much inseparable, so moving in together feels like the natural next step. It is something they are both really excited about.…

“Jimmy has made no secret of the fact he loves Denise to bits, so nobody would be surprised if he proposed before Christmas. They are such a great couple and share the same circle of friends so it's a natural fit. Jimmy has also taken time to get to know Denise’s family and her daughter and they all think he’s great. After everything Denise has been through, they’re all just relieved she’s found someone who makes her so happy.” Denise and ex-Italian reality star Jimmy started dating shortly after she split from her ex Eddie Boxshall seven months ago. Back in 2010, Jimmy, 51, was a household name in Italy when he starred in the eleventh series of Big Brother (Grande Fratello), finishing in fourth place and having an on-screen…

INTERVIEW She’s long raised eyebrows with her forthright sex talk and tales of toyboy rendezvous. And now, presenter and model Ulrika Jonsson tells Closer that despite hitting her mid-50s in August, her sex drive is higher than ever. “I’m having HRT [hormone replacement therapy] for the menopause, and it hasn’t impacted my sex drive at all,” she says. “I've been very lucky in that respect - or maybe unlucky - it hasn't dampened things. That’s also probably the wrong expression! "I guess that’s the whole point about the menopause, it affects us all so differently. Everybody talks about a loss of libido, and you anticipate that’s going to be an inevitable side effect or symptom. It maybe that my HRT has helped in that respect, but yes, I’m still very…

SAY SOMETHING NICE When was the last time you paid your partner a compliment? It may seem trivial, but John and Julie suggest that practising “admiration” can be a powerful tool and is easier than we think. "A daily microhabit of reminding yourself of one specific reason you love and admire your partner will take you miles in terms of a lifetime of love. It’s something you can do any time, even for a few minutes. Reflecting on what you cherish about your partner, and why no one on the planet could ever really replace them, is incredibly powerful. And you can double the impact of this act by sharing with your partner what you really appreciate about them.” COMMUNICATE YOUR NEEDS When you fail to ask for what you…

I’ve been teaching women how to do breast checks on telly and talking about it in my column for years, so it’s surprising that 80 per cent of women aren’t regularly self-checking, but possibly a new generation has come along that isn’t so aware. Let’s run through the reasons these figures are so low. SET A REMINDER In recent research, more than a third of women admit that they simply forget - we’re only human, we all forget things and in all honesty who wants to think about cancer once a month, so I understand that, but I would encourage you to set a reminder on your phone. Nearly a fifth of women blame a lack of confidence, and that’s probably what I hear most, but you don’t need to…

When I started out dating eight years ago, I would make sure I replied to every single message I got, as I believed it was common courtesy. I’ve always given someone time in a bar if they’ve struck up conversation as I never like to assume they’re chatting me up. But if they are, I want to honour the confidence it takes to do that by being polite and giving them my time. That was of course until a few friends - male and female - said I was wasting people’s time by “encouraging it” and stopping them speaking to someone who was romantically interested in them. So I performed the delicate dance of “thanks, but no thanks.” And I hope I’ve always done so with consideration. But then, app…

THE Boost SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE Scott Dixon runs thecomplaintsresolver.co.uk here he explains how to appeal a parking fine successfully… • PROVE YOU’RE INNOCENT! Evidence is key. Keep all receipts, photos, screenshots of a payment confirmation and any evidence you have to support an appeal. Remember, you can apply various mitigating factors on an appeal. • EXPLAIN YOUR ERROR If you made a mistake inputting your car registration number, proof of payment is all that is required. • CHECK THE SIGNAGE The most popular appeal relates to obscure and hidden signs. All signs need to be clearly visible and to a prescribed criteria. It cannot be said that you were given sufficient guidance to make an informed decision if this is the case. • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Other valid…

GET HER LOOK…

Has it been difficult to tell your story? JIMMY: Yes, it’s hard because when you share something like this, it goes from being a personal story to something that belongs to everyone. And when it comes to care stories, it’s always told one way – which is negative. My own is not about trauma. It was important for me to speak about my amazing family. I just don’t see positive stories about foster homes in the news, so that was the fire behind this. What inspired you? David Harewood, because his documentary [BBC2's Psychosis And Me] and his bravery telling it moved me so much. I called him and I asked what it was like, and he was very open with me, so I need to thank him. You also…

1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or competition of any nature included in Closer magazine (a “Prize Draw”) unless otherwise expressly stated in the Prize Draw Notice. By entering a Prize Draw, entrants agree to be bound by these Rules. 2. Each Prize Draw is organised by Closer magazine, part of H Bauer Publishing Limited of registered address Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. In the event of a discrepancy between these…

25-31 OCTOBER SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV - 21 DEC You’re dealing with a lot right now, but much of this may not be seen or easy to explain. Emotions and relationships could be taking a real toll on your energy. If that’s the case, be less available to others. Recharging your batteries isn’t just a nice idea, it’s essential. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope CAPRICORN 22 DEC - 19 JAN Not all who smile at you are your friend. And, this week, you may realise who this applies to. As you get more in touch with your own personal value, you may not enjoy spending as much time with those you once did. Keep your distance from anyone who drains you. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope AQUARIUS 20 JAN…