Table of contents for Issue 1030 in Closer

'WITH THE RIGHT PART SHE COULD REALLY MAKE A SPLASH AND BOOST HER BRAND' She's dipped her toe into various pursuits since she stepped back from the royal family in 2020 - reinventing herself as podcaster, philanthropist, producer and author. But now insiders say that Meghan Markle is considering a return to her acting roots to achieve her dream of being an Academy Award winner. Meghan, 41, was an actress when she met Prince Harry, but quit when they got engaged. And in a recent Vanity Fair interview she claimed she had no plans to return to TV or films, but added “never say never”. Now we hear that Meghan is keen to head back to a profession where she knows she can be successful, especially as her other projects…

Their relationship struggles have hit the headlines over the years, but Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have always weathered those storms and come out stronger. However, the couple's relationship found itself in the spotlight yet again after Vernon candidly revealed he's still searching for contentment in life. PERFECTION Speaking on The Mid-Point with Gabby Logan podcast last month, Vernon, 48, confessed, “I don't think I have contentment. That's the one thing… I think I know when I would get there.” He added, “In this day and age we're all searching for perfection, and perfection doesn't exist. You can be the best or you can do the best that you can but it will never be perfect.” But insiders say Vernon's frank admission has upset his wife of 19 years. A…

Just last month, Helen Flanagan revealed she'd finally set a wedding date with fiancé Scott Sinclair - joking she felt laid-back about it as it already “felt like a marriage” after 13 years and three children together. But fans have been left stunned by shock news that the couple have called time on their relationship. DEFIANT Former Corrie star Helen was pictured at the Pride of Britain Awards last week without her diamond engagement ring. A source told Closer Helen looked “carefree and defiant” at the star-studded bash, which she attended with best pal and on-screen sister, Brooke Vincent, 30. Sources close to the star revealed how Helen had ended things with Scott weeks earlier following a solo work trip to South Africa to film I'm A Celebrity All Stars.…

He may be a down-to-earth dad of two, but Strictly Come Dancing has turned Will Mellor into a sex symbol after unleashing his slinky snake hips and radiating red-hot chemistry in his routines with dance partner Nancy Xu. SEX SYMBOL Actor Will has been married to wife Michelle McSween for 15 years, having first met in 1999 when they starred together in the stage musical Oh, What A Night in Manchester. They went on to have two children together - son Jayden, 18, and daughter Renee, 14. During an interview last year, Will cheekily confessed that “sex in the afternoon!” kept the spark going in their relationship, while Michelle added, “Wa-hey!” And it sounds like that spark is well and truly alive as Will, 46, exclusively tells Closer that Michelle…

During a phone call with her mother on 18 January this year, Arlene Lush's life changed forever. In a brief conversation, the woman who'd raised Arlene told her that she'd finally found her “real” daughter - and Arlene wasn't her child. “I literally fell to the floor,” says Arlene. “It felt like the world had been ripped out from underneath me.” Growing up, Arlene, 53, had always felt different to her siblings, both in looks and personality. At 11, Arlene's mother, Ruth, told her she believed there was a mix-up in the hospital when she was born and Arlene wasn't hers. She was sure the nurse had handed her the wrong baby the day after her daughter's birth, but the nurse had insisted Arlene was her newborn. Ruth wanted Arlene…

I have a confession to make. I'm outdated – I have been meeting up with men in bars, in parks, in coffee shops for so long now that I've lost all enthusiasm and energy for it. And the sad thing is that it's starting to show on dates and I'm sabotaging things. And it's most definitely not the fault of the men I meet. This one is entirely on me. I don't think it's that I've dated a lot of people, it's that a lot of the time it doesn't work out. The return on the investment is nil – I just lose hope each time. I sit there in a bar usually nursing a drink I don't want – and I drift off halfway through thinking about what else…

THE Boost Fraud Specialist James Baker at RegCarCheck explains what to look out for ● FAKE ENERGY REBATES Scammers are issuing text messages that offer financial support. Often, the seemingly official text will ask that you follow the link, answer a few questions, and submit your bank details. Remember, any financial help from the government will be automatically applied to your bill. ● FAKE CAR INSURANCE Ghost Brokers often post fake ads on social media, boasting cheap premiums. They use WhatsApp, DMs and even snapchat to communicate, and claim to have great relationships with insurance companies. Car insurance companies will never use social media to communicate with you or advertise on the likes of university notice boards. ● TEXTS FROM THE DVLA There's been a 20 per cent rise in…

1 FIND COLOURS THAT COMPLEMENT YOUR SKIN TONE When you're looking to wear bright colours, you have to look at your skin tone. I have darker skin and that does definitely bless me as most colours look good on me. If you're paler, certain colours might wash you out, so try it on to test against your skin. And remember, in every colour there's at least five different shades, so it's worth figuring out what works best for you. In my opinion, everybody looks good in pink! JUDI LOVE X VERY, £60 2 TAILOR TO YOUR SHAPE I think my favourite look was my black gown at the BAFTAs. I had that dress tailored to my shape by a bespoke clothing brand called Millie's Fashion. Yes, it was black, but it…

LED BULBS ARE FAR MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT RED ALERT Combining the décor of a sculpture with the practicality of a light, this is worthy of a place in any modern colour-pop flat. MIGHTY MUSHROOM Add a little fun(ghi) to your bedside table with this mushroom lamp, which comes in three macaroon shades. PLUSH PINEAPPLE Prone to switching up your pad? This beauty will easily fit in with any colour scheme, in any room! STRIKE GOLD Introduce the luxe factor into a neutral home, and pop this designer-looking lamp on a side or console table. WONDER WIRE If you're always on the hunt for something unique, head to Homesense to scoop this 3D wire lamp. DESK DOER-UPPER With working from home set to stay for part of the week, invest in…

1 I'M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE! EVERYONE BACK TO OZ SUN 6-FRI 11 NOV, 9/9.15PM, ITV It's finally time to devote our evenings to watching jungle-related antics Down Under, and this year's I'm A Celeb! is already shaping up to be a blinder! The stars taking part won't be revealed until the day the show goes out, but the rumour mill is rife (music legend Boy George, Love Island's Olivia Attwood, England Lioness Jill Scott, plus many more…). For the past two years, the series has relocated from its usual Australian setting to Gwrych Castle in Wales. This year, it's back in its old home, with a “whole host of surprises” being laid on for the starry lot who'll be leaving their plush pads and luxuries behind. As…

MUST READ Cat Lady (Dawn O'Porter) It's safer for Mia to play the part that people expect. She's a good wife to her husband Tristan and a doting stepmother. But beneath the surface, there's another woman just clawing to get out. When a shocking event shatters the conventional life she's been so careful to build, Mia is faced with a choice. Does she live for a society that's all too quick to judge, or does she live for herself? And if that's as an independent woman with a cat, then the world better get ready… BEST DAY OUT The Rocky Horror Show Banish the autumn blues and experience the fabulous musical that is The Rocky Horror Show at New Wimbledon Theatre. Book your tickets now at atgtickets.com for 21-24 November,…

They have both moved on with new partners since their almost decade-long relationship came to a crashing end in July 2020 following countless splits, toxic feuds, public slanging matches and drug addiction. But following reports that things are getting serious for James “Arg” Argent and his teen girlfriend Stella Turian, insiders say that Gemma Collins has been rocked by the news, and it's sparked rows between her and her fiancé Rami Hawash. In recent weeks, Arg, 34, has travelled to Italy to meet 18-year-old Italian film star Stella's parents, and recent reports have claimed that she is returning the favour and is planning a trip to Essex to meet Arg's family too. And pals say former TOWIE star Gemma, 41 - who is engaged to car dealer Rami, 48 -…

When Caroline Robertson's monthly bill statements arrive in the post, she can't bare to look at them. Caroline, 56, has been a carer for her son, Luke, 16, since he was born with a rare chromosome disorder, leaving him severely physically disabled. He not only has scoliosis and is PEG-fed directly into his stomach, but his sight and hearing are severely impaired, and he has profound autism and learning disabilities too. Caroline, who lives in Richmond-Upon-Thames, London, says, “Every day is the same monotonous routine of caring for Luke. He needs to be constantly watched and, as he's nonverbal, he often struggles to understand things so can be very demanding.” “I only get two nights of respite a month from the council. It's incredibly tough and lonely.” Caroline has been…

Closer's psychologist Emma Kenny advises Helen to surround herself with family and friends and focus on her children. She explains, “Thirteen years together is a long time. They've been committed partners, they've got three kids. Helen needs a lot of family and friends around her for support as it will be agony going it alone - especially at first. Both she and Scott need to make sure the children remainthe centre of their world and are loved beyond measure so that the relationship breakdown will have the least impact upon them. “What will be difficult is when one of them moves on because it's very clear the world around you is looking in. You don't get to take time or decide when, so that's an extra burden and pressure.” Emma…

She's thriving as a single mum to two-year-old daughter Loretta and Lydia Bright says that motherhood has been the making of her - so much so that she'd love to give her daughter some siblings. In an exclusive chat with Closer, Lydia says, “I really want more children, probably three, whether that be by meeting someone or doing it by myself.” She adds, “If it got to a point where love didn't happen, I'd consider the non-conventional way, like adoption or the sperm donor route. For me, the number-one goal is to have more children. I've come from such a massive family - my parents have four biological children, two adopted children, and they foster many more. I'd want the same household as my parents. I love the busyness and…

JULIA ‘CRINGES' AT MATTHEW'S TELL-ALL Matthew Perry has opened up about battling addictions, rehab and his near-death experiences in his brand-new autobiography. But the Friends star has also ruffled feathers with the bombshells he's dropped about his love life with insiders saying actress Julia Roberts has been left “cringing” by his revelations. In his book Friends, Lovers and The Big Terrible Thing, Matthew, 53, writes how he and Pretty Woman actress Julia embarked on a fiery three-month relationship after Julia was asked to appear in a guest role in Friends in 1995. Matthew - who played Chandler Bing in the hit show - explained he sent Julia three dozen red roses after producers told him she'd consider the role if her storyline involved Chandler. He then said that after a…

CHARLOTTE'S NEW BABY: “Charlotte didn't think she would ever be able to have children [after suffering an ectopic pregnancy] but it happened, which is wonderful. I'm going to be seeing her this week and I can't wait to meet her little girl.” RECOVERING FROM SURGERY: “Since I've had surgery, my boobs have softened, and they feel very natural. I'm around a C-cup now [from an E-cup]. I always joke the next boy I'm with will be a very lucky man with these t*ts!” COPING WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS: “I'll be having surgery soon to remove all the cysts that have been causing me so much pain. It'll be a tough recovery, plus I'll have scars, but I'm glad that the surgeons will be able to have a deeper look at what's going…

INSIDE REBECCA'S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Babybel cheese ● Houmous ● Tabasco ● Capers ● Olives ● Dark chocolate ● Chorizo ● Flatbread ● Fish sauce ● Soy sauce ● Cucumber ● Parmesan ● Plain yoghurt ● Onion Bhajis ● Tuna steaks ● Chillies ● Spring onions ● Coriander ● Ginger ● Broccoli ● Bagels ● Berry smoothie REBECCA How much do you spend per week? About £150 for the four of us. I enjoy cooking for my two sons to make sure that they eat well. I'm very fussy about buying free-range products so I always shop in store. Describe your daily diet… For breakfast I eat porridge with banana and I make fruit smoothies with my Nutribullet. If I'm at the Emmerdale studio, I'll have hash browns, baked…

Life balance YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Research shows that two thirds of Brits suffer anxiety before returning to work on a Monday. A few nerves are to be expected if you have a tough week ahead, or a last-minute project to get over the line, but if you feel desperately unhappy, anxious, or scared, you need to think about whether the job you are doing is worth the pay packet, given the cost to your mental health. If, on the other hand, you enjoy your job, but loathe the dread that kicks in on a Sunday, you can change that to get the most out of your weekend. GET ORGANISED First, complete outstanding tasks on the Friday so you can box…

SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE JLS SINGER AND FARMER JB GILL, 35, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND I GET ENERGISED ON MY FARM… It's incredibly therapeutic being around nature. The farm is near our home so having the kids [JB is dad to Ace, seven, and Chiara, three, with wife Chloe] involved too keeps our spirits up. We're blessed to be near wildlife. IT'S A STRUGGLE TO GET UP AT 6.30AM… I love my sleep so mornings are when I'm most tired. My time to work out is in the evening. I like to cycle, jump on the Peloton or do team sports. MUSIC IS GREAT FOR MENTAL HEALTH… It can lift and change your mood. Recent studies have shown that music played at under…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK ZOE SALDANA, 44 Take a masterclass in elegance from actress, Zoe Saldana, and pair a boxy oversized utility jacket with a leather pencil skirt for a killer silhouette. Alone, these pieces are dynamo wardrobe classics, and together an unlikely pairing that yells sass! NOBODY'S CHILD HAS AUTUMN COVERED Over recent years, this relatively young brand has made its mark on British fashion, with sustainability at the helm. Nobody's Child has established themselves as the go-to for daytime dresses. And seven years on, this autumn's drop could be the most exciting yet! With printed frocks still at the heart of the collection, the range is even more expansive making space for intricate knits, padded jackets, tapestry mini skirts, as well as all the classics – blazers,…

AVAILABLE IN SIZES 3-9 GOLD DIGGER Jazz up your daytime wardrobe by teaming this glam pair with a plain black midi dress. EGO, £39.99 FRINGE APPEAL While the tassels give these a subtle touch of sass, the neutral colour and ankle length makes them easy to style. NASTY GAL, £72 WARDROBE CLASSIC Sleek enough to team with just about anything, these timeless boots give a nod to cowboy style without feeling OTT. H&M, £59.99 MADE FOR WALKIN' So simple but so effective. The lower heel on these makes them a fail-safe comfy option for busy days. STRADIVARIUS, £69.99 BUCKLE UP Statement buckles and stud detailing add tons of appeal to these designer-looking ankle boots. OASIS £69 WILD & WONDERFUL Tuck this wow pair into skinny or straight-leg jeans, or lean…

W hy did you decide to take part? ADAM, 54: I want to try to push myself and I think I'm going to have that challenge when I attempt to become a drag queen. SIMON, 48: Well, I have been known to don ladies' clothes in the past for a bit of a giggle, but I've never done anything serious, so this is the first time. Are you nervous? ADAM: What can possibly go wrong? Well, I can forget my lines for one. I could trip over the dress. I could trip over my heels and my wig could fall over my eyes SIMON: It's very, very nervewracking. When I get up on stage, there's a couple of things that could go wrong. I could fall off my heels and do…

GRUMPY GRAM Oh, we've all been there Demi – a lovely morning spent shopping, only to get back to the car park and realise you can't remember which level you parked on. Maybe take the bus?…

She's had a hugely traumatic year, full of endless grief and heartache. And last week there was more pain for Lauren Goodger as her ex boyfriend, Charles Drury, went public for the first time with her former best friend. Builder Charles, 26, was pictured helping Jacqueline Johnson - after recently moving in with her - with the weekly food shop, just four months after his second daughter with Lauren, Lorena, died shortly following her birth. The pair - who are now rumoured to be in a romantic relationship looked very comfortable in each other's company. Now sources say Lauren, 36, feels Charles - who she shares one-year-old daughter Larose with - and Jacqueline's behaviour is “the ultimate betrayal”. The source says, “Lauren considered Jacqueline to be like a sister to…

Kati Williams, 40, has been caring for her elderly grandparents Andrea, 82, and Graham, 84, since the first lockdown in March 2020. In between looking after her four young children aged between 10 and two, as well as emotionally supporting her sister, Jordanne, 28, who has autism and anxiety, she has a lot on her plate. Kati, a single mother from Wrexham, says, “My nan has Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, among other health difficulties, and my granddad has a degenerative back condition, an aneurysm, and high blood pressure so they rely on me to do everything from their shopping to fulfilling their basic care needs and transporting them to doctor's appointments. I go to see them for at least two hours every day between taking my kids to school,…

When Jennifer Love began waiting tables before lockdown, she never imagined that two and a half years later she'd be in a job where she actually gets paid to spit at her customers! After losing her waitressing job during the pandemic, Jennifer, from Reading, started a new sideline posting pictures on X-rated internet platform OnlyFans, which spiralled into a more unusual line of work. Jennifer is now a financial dominatrix, which sees her degrading clients over text, voice-notes, personalised videos or live sessions, mostly for those who consider themselves “Pay Pigs” - someone who enjoys sending money in order to feel humiliated and mocked for sexual gratification. Jennifer says, “When I started on OnlyFans, I approached the whole thing with a ‘Why not?' attitude. Then I started to get personal…

She is one of the most recognisable faces in the world of showbiz, with a career spanning both acting and music industries. But Martine McCutcheon says her proudest achievement is being a mum - even though managing motherhood and her work commitments can be a real struggle. GUILTY The 46-year-old tells Closer, “The most important thing for me - as it always has been since becoming a mum - is being able to work everything around Rafferty and making sure that I'm really present for him. Hats off to mums that work - I just think it's so hard. You feel guilty no matter what you do, it's a hard balance. I don't pretend to have it sussed, but I love it.” Martine shot to stardom as feisty Tiffany Mitchell…

OLLY: ‘Simon can call me if he wants me back on X Factor!' He may have been unceremoniously dumped from The X Factor in 2015 after his presenting gig drew lukewarm reviews, but Oily Murs tells Closer that he hasn't ruled out a return if boss Simon Cowell picks up the phone for the much-rumoured new series. The singer - who found fame on the talent show in 2009, before being invited back to host alongside late TV presenter Caroline Flack - told us at the Pride of Britain Awards, “I love the show. I love everything about it! And there's definitely things that I think it can improve on. Simon knows where I am if he ever wanted to have a chat about it. I'd love to be involved!”…

‘BLOCK OUT THE NOISE' She became a household name when she released her second album Fearless in 2008, beginning the crossover from country singer to mainstream pop star. But with worldwide fame came intense scrutiny that dented the star's self-confidence. In her 2020 documentary, she revealed she'd battled an eating disorder. She said, “People are mean, but we are really mean to ourselves. I work on accepting my body every day.” Since then, and with the rise of social media, Taylor has learnt ways to deal with the trolling and fame - claiming she now turns off comments and avoids negative press articles all together. She said, “I learned to block out the noise. Social media can be great, but it can also inundate your brain with images of what…

WAKE WITH A DAILY MANTRA Practising gratitude can be done in many ways, whether it's saying “Thank you” to someone or identifying things you're thankful for, and it's said to help you experience more positive emotions. For Judi, it's an essential part of her routine. She says, “I love my work and it keeps me very busy, but it's important to make time for self-care. I love listening to motivational TED talks to give me inspiration. I'm interested in positivity, emotional growth and learning to be powerful, yet vulnerable at the same time. My morning mantra is based on gratitude. I wake up and say to myself, ‘I've got this day and I am blessed'. I'll hug my kids and send them out with positivity and protection.” APPRECIATE HOW YOU…

In truth, when it comes to looking after the children, women still do the lion's share, taking responsibility for 70% of tasks involved in these duties. There is nothing wrong with this if both parties feel it works, and if the other partner contributes in other ways. But when it feels like you are raising your kids single-handedly it can be a recipe for resentment. To challenge these dysfunctional dynamics, firstly recognise that your needs matter. You have a right to expect your partner to care about these needs, but sometimes they need guidance on how best to help you out. Don't struggle in silence, wishing they would help you and resenting them for failing to. Make a weekly list of all the kid's activities, and then split them down…

Sleek and chic Flying the flag for Kermit green – well, it is such a fashion highlight this year – Mrs Beckham wears this asymmetric dress with little else other than shoes. Minimalism at its best. All white This wrap dress is obviously a Posh favourite since she wore it in bottle green just recently, too. We love the relaxed, yet polished, look. And those killer toe-capped YSL courts add a stylish sidenote.` Emerald gem Pounding the pavements in this gorgeous emerald green dress, we love the pop of white stitching and the little leg bomb that peeks beneath the demure length enhances the look perfectly. Workwear win The former pop star re-channels her Miss Marple look with a classic pussybow blouse, satin skirt, and thick denier tights. Supersize shades…

POWER PRIMER Fans will recognise this primer as being very similar to the Milk Hydro Grip, which retails at £31. Also containing hydrating hyaluronic acid, this gel-based formula stuck to our skin and created a similar tacky base for applying make-up onto, meaning it stayed all day long with no smudging or slipping for just a tenner. E.L.F POWER GRIP PRIMER £10 BUDGET BASE Looking for a cheaper alternative to your favourite Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation? Say hello to W7 Legend, which is not only a massive bargain but almost as good as the real deal. Offering the same high coverage as the original without being cakey, this is an absolute must-have. W7 LEGEND FOUNDATION £4.95 BOLD BLUSH If you're a lover of NARS Orgasm this copycat blush at…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You have lessons to learn this coming year, especially connected to your family and private life. If, and when, you feel like someone in your personal life is giving you a hard time, ask yourself, “What is life trying to teach me?” Do this and watch your life transform. THIS WEEK'S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV Soon a Full Moon will help you turn the corner in an important relationship, but you're not there yet. This week, look at where you and someone you care a lot about disagree and ask if you're disagreeing in a healthy or toxic way. Agree to disagree. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV - 21 DEC This week, be really brutally…