Table of contents for Issue 1036 in Closer

NEWS ‘WELCOMING A FOURTH CHILD IS SOMETHING THEY'VE ALWAYS BEEN OPEN TO’ Posting a candid behind-the-scenes photograph on their Instagram account last week, Prince William and Kate Middleton appeared stronger and more in love than ever, after what has been a turbulent 2022 for the couple. And now, as their uncertain year draws to a close, the source reveals how they are keen to start tire New Year and plan to add another baby to their family in 2023. The insider says, “First and foremost, William and Kate both take the view that they're totally blessed and fortunate to have three healthy and beautiful children who light up their lives and keep them incredibly occupied and busy in the best way possible. “Parenthood and watching their children grow has surpassed…

It's been a testing year for mum-of-three Christine McGuinness, following her shock marriage split from Take Me Out host, Paddy, back in June. And while many expected the former beauty queen, 34, to be dreading her first Christmas alone following the end of her 11-year marriage, pals say she's excited to spend the festive season with her rumoured new love interest, musician Chelcee Grimes, 30. The pair – who met earlier this year filming The Games were snapped kissing at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland recently, with onlookers revealing how the gorgeous duo were beaming as they enjoyed a festive night out together. Just hours after the pictures were released, the singer-songwriter shared a post with her Instagram followers about having a “spark” with “good people” – further fuelling the rumour…

She'll be spending Christmas this year in her stunning home in the Hollywood Hills with boyfriend Addison O'Dea and her son Henry, 13. But while Minnie Driver is excited about the festive season, she tells Closer that Christmas is a difficult time for her. Minnie's mum Gaynor – a model in the ‘60s – died last year suddenly, while her dad Ronnie died of a heart attack just days before Christmas in 2009. HARD TIME And now Minnie says, “It's the first normal year since Covid. It's a hard time though last year was the first Christmas without our mother, and our dad died around Christmas time. So I think you do have to work really hard to create new traditions that are full of memory and not sadness. “It's…

Dog lover Lisa Simmons loves spoiling her dogs, and this Christmas will be no different – in fact she's spending a staggering £10,000 on their Christmas presents. Childminder Lisa, 49, who lives in Milton Keynes with her landscape gardener husband Marc, 50, and their sons Kieran, 21, and Ollie, 13, justifies the huge expense, saying, “They're like my children, I love spoiling them and I want them to have the best of everything. It's not as if anyone else misses out, I'll spend around £2,000 on each of my boys too. HAPPY LIFE “I'm lucky I can afford it at the moment through my childminding business, despite the cost-of-living crisis. Other people go on expensive foreign holidays, I spend my money on my dogs. I know people will think I'm…

She had an incredibly tough time growing up, but Fr nkie Essex now has a little family of her own after welcoming twins Logan and Luellain May. And she tells Closer she can't wait to celebrate her first Christmas as a mum, and has already taken her children to meet Father Christmas. “There are four of us now! It's so exciting, I'm really looking forward to it,” she says. When we catch up with Frankie, 35, she admits she's exhausted as the twins battle with about of conjunctivitis amid an ongoing home renovation which has left her without a kitchen for Christmas. But that hasn't stopped her and boyfriend Luke Luv from enjoying festive days out. She adds, “They just love the Christmas lights. It's nice for them to see…

IN THE NEWS 1 What position did this year's I'm A Celebrity! winner Jill Scott play for in the England team? 2 Who were the two ITV presenters at the centre of September's “Queuegate” scandal? 3 Which legendary singer did Adele not recognise in the audience of her Vegas gig this November, as she was wearing a hat? 4 How much money was David Beckham reportedly paid to be the face of Qatar during the football World Cup? 5 What is the name of Prince Harry's autobiography? 6 Who did Will Smith smack in the face at the Oscars in March? 7 How old did Geri Horner turn in August? 8 Which Hollywood actor was Matthew Perry speaking about when he said “River Phoenix is dead yet ---still walks among…

HOW DO I TURN DOWN PARTY INVITATIONS? As Brits we struggle with the concept of saying no, but it's important to not people-please. If saying yes to something is going to affect you in a negative way with your mental health or energy levels, ask yourself, “At what cost?” Before I became a therapist, I used to be guilty of over-promising. In the end I was so burnt out, I ended up doing nothing well. We need to remember Christmas is just a couple of weeks of festive fun, and we don't need to see everyone. A really good way of saying no is to say, “I'm really stressed, can we do it another time?” and then get the diary out. I actually build self-care days and evenings into my…

STARTER TOM KERRIDGE'S CARROT FRITTERS WITH HERBY YOGHURT INGREDIENTS • 500g grated carrots • 2 large free-range eggs, beaten • 1 tsp nigella (blackonion) seeds • 1 tsp ground cumin • 4 spring onions, finely sliced • 3 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped • 6 tbsp plain flour • 4 tbsp finely grated Parmesan • 50ml vegetable or sunflower oil, to cook • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Lemon wedges, to serve HERBY YOGHURT • 250g Greek yoghurt • Juice of ½ lemon • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated • 2 tbsp mint leaves, finely chopped • 2 tbsp dill leaves, chopped METHOD STEP 1 Put the grated carrots into the middle of a clean tea towel and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. Tip…

I always think that this time of the year is either the happiest or saddest period because, in spite of all the festive cheer, there are constant reminders that Christmas is all about giving and sharing, which feels awful if you don't have people to give and share with. Loneliness feels so difficult because – like all negative emotions – it's trying to inform you to correct something. In this case, to seek out connection. If you're facing a lonely Christmas, consider some options that will benefit you emotionally and socially. Volunteering at your local soup kitchen or food bank will mean that you have an important impact on your local community, while also growing your social network. Check if your local free Parkrun or Parkwalk event is happening –…

REALITY TV STAR CHLOE FERRY, 27, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I STICK TO A MORNING FITNESS ROUTINE… I wake up early, take the dogs for a walk and then go to the gym. I've also been eating more healthily and lost 2st in the last year, so I just want to tone up. That's my weekday routine, but over the weekend I like to have a good drink! TRAINING IS GOOD FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH… During lockdown I was going through a break-up and was really down. I found that working out and going for long walks really helped me and that's why I go to the gym so much. It's not just to make me look good, it's more about how it makes me feel…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK… Vick Hope is quickly becoming our poster girl for standout style. Giving a masterclass in festive dressing, the presenter paired a chic cobalt satin slip dress with metallic heels and a matching clutch. Steal her style with these high-street buys… IN THE NEWS… NEXT'S FESTIVE RANGE If Christmas market openings and festive invites haven't given you enough of an excuse to upgrade your wardrobe, Next's cosy, sequin-packed collection might be just the ticket. Filled with warm coats and soft knits, along with party-ready dresses, it's everything you need for the upcoming month. With the range also spanning across men's and kidswear, you can kit the whole family out, too! Prices start from £6. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT… Florence Pugh, 26 With an opulent organza cape and…

LIKE A STAR John Lewis’ 3D tree decoration is a luxe treat for sustainable shoppers. TREE-SHAPED TREATS These neutral-toned tree decs are ideal for minimalist style lovers. KEEP IT CLASSIC Give back this Christmas with these baubles from the British Red Cross. EARN YOUR STRIPES Give your home a retro feel with these fun striped garlands. STARRY NEST Available in six shades, this stylish star is the perfect finishing touch to any tree. ELVES ASSEMBLE For a cost-effective alternative to Elf on the Shelf, hide these around your home. SNOW GOOD Use these freestanding snowflakes as a focus point on your mantelpiece. GET FRUITY For something unusual, these honeycomb oranges are perfect as table toppers. TABLE TOPPER Mix up sizes and move these to the dining area on the big…

Martin Clunes, 61, on Doc Martin's dislike of Christmas, filming in a storm – and what he took home from the set… What can we look forward to in the festive episode? Snow, Christmas lights, the lovely Claire Bloom coming back to play the character of the Doc's mother, and Ron Cook as Santa. You can imagine the doctor isn't too keen on Christmas for his own tortured reasons. It's never stopped making me laugh, I don't know why because if it was a real person who had had such an awful upbringing, you'd feel nothing but pity for them. How did his childhood affect the Doc's approach to Christmas? As a child his parents abandoned him on Christmas Day, leaving him with a pencil set and an orange in…

Tell us about the show… WILL.I.AM, 47: This is going to be the most fun on TV! I was blown away with the level of talent, and of the purity of heart and love that everyone brought to this show. ALESHA DIXON, 44: It's really warm, with lots of familiar faces! It's funny, emotional and surprising – it's the perfect show for the festive period. What does the festive season mean to you? WILL: It's about honouring tradition, sacred history – and gathering with family and friends to enjoy time together, often over a feast of a meal. The past two years have shown us just how important it is to be together and the world has missed doing that. ALESHA: A lot of people can feel lonely, especially during…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK A changing of heart, mind or personal philosophy doesn't have to mean throwing out the baby with the bath water. While relationships continue to be tricky territory, there is plenty of hope you can tap into. Try not to let mishaps with others dull your shine. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC While you may be feeling some tension in a personal or professional pairing, the sky is gearing toward you being back to your fiery and fun self again soon. For now, soak up what's good about your domestic life. Your happiest days are yet to come! Visit yasminboiand.com for your daily horoscope…

13-26 DECEMBER CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 19 JAN You know the saying, buy it cheap, you buy it twice? Fortunately, you rarely skimp on quality, though you're also fond of a bargain This week, buy the best you can afford. If you can't afford it, hold back. The deal or negotiation you're working on is in the pipeline! Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope AQUARIUS 20 JAN – 18 FEB As far as your cash flow and general fortunes are concerned, you've had quite a bit of luck in recent times. While that cycle is coming to a close, that doesn't mean everything that's abundant comes to an end. Now it's time to invest back into yourself through knowledge. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19 FEB – 20…

Brace yourself for bad news, Angela, but it probably won't feel any warmer until June. SO LET'S EAT!!!! Just an FYI for anyone who has got P!NK in the Secret Santa – she could probably do with some nit shampoo. GRUMPY GRAM Taron is left fuming after he collects his “luxury” tree and discovers the picture of it online was actual size. Someone get Elton on the phone – he'll sort it out!…

The world had been waiting on tenterhooks for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first docu-series, and its release on Netflix this month didn't disappoint. The six-part bombshell TV show has once again sent shockwaves through the entire Royal Family and within hours of its release, the furore surrounding the Sussexes was at an all-time high. Viewers were quick to accuse the couple of meticulously engineering the series after sharing personal video footage from the very day they had stepped back from Royal duty in January 2020. The couple reeled off a series of seemingly damaging evelations, which included calling their engagement “an orchestrated reality show” and alleging how men in the family have been forced to marry with their “heads” and not their hearts – which viewers considered a thinly-veiled…

When Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz said “I do” in front of their nearest and dearest in April this year, it was an occasion of sheer joy for both families. But in the wake of their extravagant Floridian wedding – which was held at the Peltz's mansion in Palm Beach – there has been a seemingly ever bigger divide growing between the Beckhams and the newlywed couple. And now, insiders say that despite initial hopes that the festive season could be a healing time, there's been more tension over Christmas plans with the Beckhams’ eldest son, 23, and Nicola, 27, very likely spending it apart from David, 47, and Victoria. A source says, “Vic has been dealt a massive blow with Nicola announcing that she and Brooklyn will not be…

With her five children having grown up in front of the cameras, Kerry Katona jokes that she knows exactly how Hollywood momager Kris Jenner feels – and reveals Christmas at her £2 million Cheshire mansion will be just like a scene from the Kardashians’ reality show. The star, 42, will be celebrating this year with her fiancé Ryan Mahoney, 33, and her children from previous relationships – Molly, 21, and Lilly-Sue, 19 (with ex-husband Brian McFadden), Heidi, 15, and Max, 14 (with ex-husband Mark Croft), and eight-year-old Dylan-Jorge, with her late ex-husband George Kay. Kerry laughs, “It'll be just as lavish as the Kardashians. I could be one of them after all with the initials KK! I'm so much like Kris Jenner. We need a Keeping Up With The Katonas.…

NEWS ‘THEY WANT TO SPEND AS MUCH TIME WITH THEIR KIDS AS POSSIBLE’ Fans were thrilled when J-Lo and Ben Affleck finally headed down the aisle in August, after rekindling their flame 20 years on from their split. Now insiders say the couple are gearing up for their first Christmas as a blended family. SPECIAL A source tells Closer, “This is a big Christmas for Ben and Jennifer – if's their first as a married couple, so they want to make it really special and for it to be one to remember. They'll be doing something with all the kids and family, and they're determined to make it as smooth-sailing as possible with the exes.” J-Lo, 53, first began dating Ben, 50, in mid-2002 after meeting on the set of…

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year… except when it comes to cooking the festive meal. Indeed, six out of 10 of us admit to having messed up the main event at some point. This year, the increased cost of buying and cooking the Christmas meal means there's even more pressure to get it right. Cue our guide to turning culinary clangers into festive feasts. The key to a perfect Christmas feast is planning, so design your menu, write your shopping list and work out how you'll cook each item (eg roasting, steaming, microwaving) and what equipment you'll need (eg roasting tin, foil, ovenproof dish, slow cooker, air fryer). It means you'll be less likely to find yourself on Christmas Day missing the sausage meat or without…

WELLBEING Christmas is meant to be a time for loving and giving, but it can often descend into a time of squabbling and taking. And while we all wish to provide our loved ones with a perfect day, even the best laid plans can disintegrate into disaster if you don't think through the potential pitfalls so preparation is key! PLAN THE DAY Where kids are involved, be realistic, because you absolutely know that they will be knee-deep in chocolate by 7am, and by 11am their sugar rush high will be uncontrollable. A Christmas Day schedule may not feel very fun, but it will pay dividends. Invite your guests with a clear start and end time. We've all had that relative who is still slumped on the sofa getting sloshed at…

FASHION…

How did the celebs get on? PAUL HOLLYWOOD, 56: They were amazing. There was a nice vibe about the tent, and it was very festive – even though we filmed in July, and it was boiling hot… DAME PRUE LEITH, 82: They were very good. Some had practised less than others – but they became quite competitive. How did you cope in a chunky knit? PAUL: I would have boiled to death if I'd worn a jumper; it was 27 degrees. Tony [Robinson] was in shorts, but you couldn't help it. It was a very hot day! PRUE: We had Christmas on a very, very hot day in July, it's crazy, isn't it? Let's talk challenges… PAUL: They were really good. The idea was to keep it as simple as…

SOAP Spotlight; THIS WEEK'S top stories Kellie Bright, 46, has played Linda Carter for nine years… How is Linda coping now Mick is with Janine? Her world has crumbled! It's in tatters, but I think she's resigned to it. Shirley is determined to expose Janine… Linda's always known Janine isn't what she says she is and no one has listened to her… The Janine that comes out in those Christmas Day scenes is the one we all love to hate. And saying goodbye to Danny Dyer [Mick] after nine years on-screen? There were lots of tears on and off screen from me! It does feel like a massive end of an era, it won't be the same… FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

It's been almost three years since her life was turned upside down when her husband, Derek Draper, contracted a life-threatening bout of Covid at the start of the pandemic, which has ravaged his body and left him with long-term health problems. ONSLAUGHT Earlier this month, Kate Garraway, 55, revealed former political lobbyist Derek, also 55, had returned home after a three-month stay in hospital, following him contracting sepsis – which had deteriorated his already fragile health. Kate revealed on Lorraine, “It's an onslaught. It's been a long battle to get him back home again.” The brave presenter – who shares 16-year-old daughter, Darcey and 13-year-old son, Billy, with her husband of 18 years – has been applauded for her newfound role as a carer for her gravely ill husband, who's…

A breakout star of this year's series has undoubtedly been Helen Skelton, who has skyrocketed to the top of the leaderboards. The 39-year-old presenter has danced away the heartbreak of her split from rugby player husband Richie Myler, who ended their eight-year marriage in April, just four months after she gave birth to their third child. He quickly moved on with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, who is now pregnant. But Helen has bounced back in fierce style, growing in confidence in the competition every week. And now Anton says he's delighted that his pal Helen – who he's known for years – has done so well on the show, and he believes that Strictly has been life-changing for her. He says, “I think Helen will come out of this experience…

Hathaway Davis, 20, from Gravesend, volunteers for an independent charity linked to the Pret Foundation. She says, “Two years ago, I spotted people in my home town giving out food. “I learned it was an independently-run charity, providing a weekly meal for the homeless. I was on my gap year and looking for something meaningful to do with my time and discovered they needed help, so I signed up. ‘A big part of the work was building good relationships with those using the service, as well as collecting the food from local restaurants and supermarkets and then distributing it to those in need. “It's important to be there for vulnerable people, as many of them don't have anyone and may be struggling to eat at all. Without these charities, it…

After she fell pregnant in March 2021, Kerry Handley quickly realised it meant her new baby would be due at Christmas time. She was delighted and couldn't wait to share the celebrations with her new baby as well as her partner, Gary, and three other children, Thomas, 17, Scott, 12, and Amber, nine. But it was a total surprise when soon after his birth, the week before Christmas, doctors revealed that Kerry's precious baby might have Down Syndrome and was fighting a potentially fatal infection. What followed was an incredibly stressful three weeks, in which Noah's life hung in the balance. But Kerry made sure that her new baby's first Christmas was just as special as he deserved. RAINBOW BABY Months earlier, she'd been delighted when she found out she…

INSIDE SHIRLEY'S FRIDGE ● Tangerines ● Cream ● Avocados ● Eggs ● Bovril ● Raspberry jam ● Pickle ● Sour cream ● Hot salsa dip ● Ginger ale ● Cheeses ● Pork pies ● Bacon ● Potatoes ● Cauliflower ● Sweet potatoes ● Brussels sprouts ● Smoked salmon ● Chicken breast ● Broccoli ● Ham ● Pigs in blankets ● Steak ● Mince pies ● Milk ● Buck's fizz ● Wine ● Lemonade ● Whiskey ● Quality Street SHIRLEY Where do you do your festive food shopping? My mother and I do our shopping in M&S and Sainsbury's. My son Mark, who's a professional dancer, has just won Dancing With The Stars in the US and he's coming home for Christmas, which is lovely. He'll be enjoying some good home…

What I'm about to say may shock you but… this is the best time of year to be single! I know, I know, but it's true. Being alone on Christmas Day itself is always a challenge and having spent some years by myself, I know how hard it can be. But it is just one day to get through, whereas the rest of the month is all about party season – something that's ideal for singles. With so many social plans and an appetite for merriment, this is the ideal time to put the phones down and the apps away and meet people in the real world! I'm pausing my dating apps as I just can't face more online conversations, and I'm forcing myself to flirt with people in the…

Fed up with what you've spent on delivery through 2022? We're not surprised – the average delivery cost of the UK's top 100 retailers is £5.01, and the average shopper is willing to spend an extra £17.27 simply to qualify for free delivery. Lots of places will offer free Click & Collect – although some cheeky retailers even charge for that! Here are some online shops that never charge however little you spend. • BASE offers free UK delivery on everything, which usually takes three to five working days from the date of dispatch. See Base.com. • 365 GAMES also offers free super-saver deliveries, which should arrive in two to three days. See 365games.co.uk for more info. • BOOK DEPOSITORY You don't need to pay for Amazon Prime to get…

TRY A TOPPER There's no need to book a festive mani this season. This confetti topper by NAILS.INC features silver stars that you can layer on your normal nail vanish, giving salon-worthy results from home. For longer-lasting results, finish with your normal topcoat. SPARKLE AND STRENGTHEN If it's a sparkling Christmas mani you're after, we've got you covered. This metallic pale gold and pink polish by Ciate London will look fab on fingers and toes – plus, it's formulated with rejuvenating bakuchiol, strength-boosting biotin and repairing bamboo for healthier nails. GO GREEN Jewel tones always get us feeling festive – especially emerald green. Adorn your tips with this lush, metallic shade and see it sparkle under the Christmas lights. Despite its L affordable price tag, it packs a powerful pigment…

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