Table of contents for Issue 1061 in Closer

It's been 14 years since teen single mum Stacey Solomon catapulted to stardom overnight after winning the hearts of the nation during her stint on The X Factor in 2009. Since then, the Essex-born star's career has blossomed, and her personal life has thrived after welcoming four more children, landing a dream home in her idyllic Pickle Cottage, and marrying husband Joe Swash in a romantic ceremony last year. But while her fairy tale looks set to continue, with lots of projects in the pipeline, Stacey, 33, has admitted that, like many women, she still struggles with “imposter syndrome”. Sharing a series of photographs of her and Joe, 41, with their youngest three children – Rex, four, Rose, one, and four-month-old Belle – spending time by their swimming pool last…

Debbie Harris was inspired by her 10-year-old daughter, Billie, to help the environment. She says, “My daughter is a big animal lover. When she read in a magazine that the best way to help animals is to litter pick, she wanted to do it. “I looked on Facebook for how to volunteer locally, and I found the Final Straw Foundation. We went along and Billie got stuck in. Now, come rain or shine, we go along and do beach cleans and volunteer up to 10 hours of our time a month. My husband, Phil, comes along too and on New Year's Day, Billie organised a clean-up and over 100 people attended, including her grandparents. It's a real family affair! “Billie has got her school involved now and she even runs…

Sex And The City fans hoping for a truce between feuding co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall look set to be disappointed, with insiders revealing that news of Samantha Jones’ surprise return to the franchise is only going to lead to “further drama”. After Kim, 66, confirmed she'd be reprising her role for a cameo appearance in the second series of spin-off And Just Like That…, sources say SJP, 58, is feeling “heartbroken and betrayed”. An insider tells us, “Kim's return to the franchise has massively ruffled the feathers of the other stars. There's no secret about the animosity between Kim and Sarah and it has yet to be worked out despite her coming back into the show. “What's caused the upset is that Kim's got everything she wanted…

She once famously declared that Love Don't Cost A Thing, but now insiders say Jennifer Lopez might not practise what she preaches – as she's attempting to repair the rocky patch in her marriage to Ben Affleck by footing the bill for their lavish lifestyle. OFF THE HOOK The couple – who married in a low-key ceremony in Las Vegas last July, after rekindling their romance in 2021 – sealed the deal on their new £49 million mansion last month, which sits on a double-gated, five-acre estate and boasts 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a cinema, wine room, whiskey lounge and a spa with a hair and nail salon. But while you'd think that Jen and Ben would be splitting the cost of their fancy new pad, pals close to the…

‘IT TAKES POSITIVITY, DETERMINATION AND LUCK’ Born in Melbourne, Australia, to carcompany accountant Ron and Welsh former ballet dancer mum Carol, Kylie is the eldest of three siblings, who include her brother Brendan and younger sister Dannii. She rose to fame as feisty mechanic Charlene Mitchell in the hit soap Neighbours at the age of 18, and became one of the world's biggest names. Kylie then managed to forge her way from being a famous actress to an international pop star when she released her first single, Locomotion, in 1987. Now, with a string of awards including a Grammy and three Brits under her belt, the star has said she feels singing was her destiny, but thanks her mum and dad for being her biggest cheerleaders. She said, “My positivity…

SCHEDULE DAILY WORRY TIME We live in a fast-paced, pressurised society and we're always connected via technology which can make it really hard to switch off. This can be a trigger for inducing stress and feelings of anxiety, which are a normal part of life, but when those feelings start getting in the way of day-to-day activities, then you urgently need to address them. If you get anxious a lot throughout the day, setting up daily worry time can be really helpful. Box out 30 minutes to sit down and face those feelings fully, so they don't impact the remainder of your day. Know what your triggers are, try not to avoid them but face them gradually and attempt to build up your resilience. If you have unhelpful thoughts, it's…

SUMMER EATS HEARTY CHICKEN, BACON AND AVOCADO SALAD SERVES 2 ● Spray oil ● 1 chicken breast, halved horizontally ● 2 bacon medallions ● 100g mixed salad leaves ● 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped ● 8 baby tomatoes, quartered ● 1 tbsp sunflower seeds For the vinaigrette: ● 2 tbsp red wine vinegar ● 1 garlic clove, crushed ● 1 tsp Dijon mustard ● 1 tsp Italian-mixed dried herbs STEP 1 Spray a large frying pan with oil and fry the chicken for 5 mins. Add the bacon and fry for another 10 mins, flipping occasionally. STEP 2 Once the chicken is cooked, season with salt and pepper and set aside with the bacon. STEP 3 Put the vinaigrette ingredients and a little salt and pepper into a clean jam…

That magical feeling when you've met someone you really like and they're showing signs that it's reciprocated should be bottled. I've held onto the hope for almost a decade that one day I would feel this again. I'm certainly not sitting here smugly typing about how amazing my love life is, because what I hadn't bargained for when I did start dating one person exclusively was the barrage of emotions – many of which are quite negative. When you start to really like someone and think there's potential for it to go somewhere, it's terrifying. Over the past few months, where I've been dating one guy, I've had to acknowledge a lot of my insecurities and the emotions that come with them – jealousy, anxiety and so on. I've tried…

BORROW YOUR HOLIDAY WARDROBE My friends and I always borrow clothes off each other, especially when it comes to the kids as they grow out of things so quickly. REDUCE TAKEAWAYS This is one of the things people are willing to give up to save for a holiday, and it's probably the easiest as we can replace it with cooking at home. SWAP SOFT PLAY FOR THE PARK As the weather is getting warmer, make the most of sunny days and take the kids to the park to save on the cost of indoor activities. PLAN ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE Spending time to plan what to do when you get there, and looking at how much things cost, can help make sure you take the right amount of spending money and…

Cindy's daughter Kaia foiiowing in her mother's footsteps. HERO BUYS Ease into the trend with crochet earrings They'll liven up any look. Heading on holiday? This frock is destination dressing at its best. Add to denim shorts or linen trousers for a winning ensemble. The perfect basket bag for shopping, picnics and trips to the beach. Crochet skirts and dresses make for great beach cover-ups. Layer in style with a chic monochromestriped cardigan MAKE IT WORK Co-ords are a wardrobe must-have for summer and such an easy way to look instantly put together. This crochet shirt and trouser combo suits practically every summer scenario. Team with heels and glam jewels for the evening, or pair with flats for a stylish daytime look.…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 17-23 JUNE 1 GLASTONBURY 2023 COVERAGE ON THE BEEB FRI 23 JUNE, 7.30/9PM, BBC2 With Artic Monkeys as Friday night's headliners, plus Sir Elton John set to play out Glastonbury 2023 on the famous Pyramid Stage, Worthy Farm in Somerset is the place to be, with another majorly impressive line-up of top tunes and acts! Guns N’ Roses are also taking to the stage on Saturday (24 June), with Yusuf/Cat Stevens performing in the Sunday teatime Legends Slot. The festival is being held from June 21-25, with over 40 hours of TV coverage planned. Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Clara Amfo and Jack Saunders are on the presenting team, and the likes of Rick Astley, Lizzo, Blondie, Lana Del Rey, Hot Chip and Lewis Capaldi are performing too.…

Insiders recently told Closer how a devastated Holly Willoughby had been left in a “a state of complete turmoil” and regularly “bursting into tears” as she struggled to deal with the catastrophic effects of Phillip Schofield's affair, both for This Morning and on their 14-year friendship. But last week, the much-loved golden girl of TV, 42, stood strong as she bravely returned to the ITV daytime show's sofa and addressed the scandal with a statement to viewers. CRITICISM Describing herself as “shaken”, “troubled” and “let down”, Holly said, “I hope that as we start this new chapter and get back to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other.” But the statement was met with criticism from…

NEWS They struck up a friendship when their children started at the same Surrey school back in 2020, and now besties Samantha Faiers and Sharon Canu have celebrated another special moment together after celebrating Sharon's hen-do last week. Sam, 32, and Sharon – who is set to marry Cheryl Tweedy's former husband, ex-Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, in a matter of weeks – jetted to Ibiza with a group of friends to celebrate the occasion in style, with Sam admitting she had “no voice left” after a weekend of laughing and dancing. Sharing some highlights from their trip on Instagram, Sam created a video reel of the group wearing masks of Ashley's face on the flight, before dancing and downing shots at beach bars, enjoying a boat trip and hosting a…

EAT RESPONSIBLY The 2021 Netflix documentary Seaspiracy shone a light on the damage done to the oceans by the mass fishing industry. Fish are caught in such high numbers to meet demand, some marine biologists believe our oceans could be virtually empty by 2048. And the methods used are damaging, too. “Bottom trawling”, which involves hauling heavy nets across the seabed, is believed to destroy around 3.9 billion acres of seabed every year. There's also an issue of “bycatch” – creatures that are accidentally caught, including sharks and dolphins. Waste produced by fishing is also regularly dumped in the ocean after use. The Pacific Ocean's “garbage patch” is an area three times the size of France, where rubbish collects due to currents. The makers of Seaspiracy say that 46 per…

Love dramas THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS AND BREAK-UPS She split from her husband Scott Ratcliff in May, but it appears that Kym Marsh is moving on with her life – as she was spotted having fun with pals at a pub last week. The actress, 46, was seen laughing and chatting with her friend Christopher D. Hunt at a venue in Newcastle last week. The pair are currently starring in the Take That musical, Greatest Days, together, with Christopher playing the role of Kym's long-term boyfriend in the show. Among the co-stars joining them was Kym's daughter Emilie, 26, who plays the younger version of her mum's character “Rachel”. It was revealed last month how grandmother-of-two Kym and army major Scott, 34, called time on their relationship following a trial…

First up was the latest arrival to the royal family, as Princess Eugenie, 32, welcomed a baby boy with her husband, Jack Brooksbank. The child, named Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank, was born on 30 May and in an announcement, the couple revealed their eldest son, August, two, “is loving being a big brother already”. Next with happy news was former Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan, 30, after the birth of son Alpha-Jax Blyth. Last week her husband Jacob Blyth shared, “Happy anniversary to @hollyhaganblyth, A year ago today we got married on a rooftop in Ibiza, and today we're sat at home with our son in our baby bubble. What a year and what a person you are.” Aww! Also celebrating was The Libertines frontman Pete Doherty, who welcomed his…

HOW IT WORKS: 1 Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day and feel free to repeat any meals you particularly enjoy. 2 Because Slimming World's eating plan is based on the science of energy density and satiety (how filling a food is), it helps you to cut calories without having to count a single one, so you can lose weight without going hungry. 3 Free Food is at the heart of the Slimming World plan. These are foods you can enjoy without weighing, measuring or counting. There are more than 350 Free Foods to choose from, including fruit, veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, pulses, lean meat (and some plant-based proteins e.g. Quorn), fat-free dairy, fish and poultry. Basing your meals around Free Food (printed in bold) and reaching…

SCOOP OF GOODNESS (Bio & Me Prebiotic Yoghurts, Asda, £1.20) Free from sweeteners, these pots are full of gut-loving prebiotics, are protein-rich and a source of B12 and calcium. Choose from original, creamy Madagascan Vanilla and tropical Mango. SWEET TREAT (Cadbury Dairy Milk Fingers Salted Caramel, supermarkets, £1.85) Get your taste buds tingling with these moreish fingers, they're still as crispy but have been given a salted caramel upgrade! Ideal for the biscuit jar.…

TV STAR LINDA LUSARDI, 65, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER MIND AND BODY COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS EASE MY ACHES AND PAINS… I take them every day. I used to come down the stairs and my knees would click, but now that's stopped. I take vitamin D and magnesium too – they help you sleep. BEING BAREFOOT GROUNDS ME… I stand on the grass each morning with my cup of tea and it seems to balance the stresses of life and puts things into perspective for me. I KEEP MY MUSCLES STRONG… I do a little bit of Pilates and I lift weights, but for the most part I'm never still. I do all the “men's work” around the house – the jet washing and gardening. INTERMITTENT FASTING HAS REDUCED MY…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK KELLY ROWLAND Destiny's Child star Kelly looked like the main event in a golden silky co-ord by Saint Laurent, complete with oversized cuffs and a tiebelt. She finished off the luxe look with some white strappy sandals and layered necklaces dripping in jewels. Recreate the singer's summer evening get-up for less with these high-street swaps! IN THE NEWS… SUMMER ESSENTIALS Our summer wardrobes just got an extra injection of style as Rochelle Humes launches her latest collection with high-street brand Next. The 34-year-old has thought of everything we may need for the higher temperatures, including crisp linen dresses, patterned co-ords, shimmering swimwear, a matching denim shirt and skirt duo, and leather sandals to finish off your look. Following on from the success of her previous…

BALANCING ACT Created with a unique triceramide complex, this pHbalancing formula will soothe and reduce the signs of redness and inflammation. BYOMA BALANCING FACE MIST, £12 BUDGE-PROOF Not only will this vegan mist keep your make-up locked in place all day, it also shields skin from the ageing effects of blue light from your phone screen too. THE BODY SHOP ALL DAY LONG SETTING SPRAY, £16 GOLDEN GODDESS A quick spray of this shimmering mist will hydrate, soothe and cool skin while leaving a dewy, sunkissed finish. ICONIC LONDON PREP-SET-GLOW, £24 SUNSHINE SAVIOUR Perfect for summer days, this SPF50 spray will keep you protected from harsh UVA and UVB rays without leaving any stickiness. Plus, it's small enough to fit in your handbag for on-the-go top-ups. SCULPTED BY AIMEE SUN…

What's in store for the Yates family? They get some longawaited information on Rosie's condition, but getting answers doesn't necessarily give them the closure they imagined it might. And filming those scenes with [child actress] Miley Locke? Miley continues to be incredible as Rosie. She's been right at the heart of this story from our first day on set and we wouldn't have been able to tell this story without her. There are some cult references from Simon and Emily… The debate over what the correct plural for Batman is has stayed with me and is something I often find myself pondering. What do you think viewers will take from this special? Telling Rosie's story has been a labour of love for everyone who has worked on it. It's been…

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…

13-19 JUNE CANCER 21 JUN – 22 JUL You have a puzzle this week – on one hand, chances are you're more popular than you have been in a while; on the other, you might just want to do that thing where you disappear from the social scene for a while, all the better to come back stronger! Hibernate! Get your Moon free gifts at www.moonmessages.com/moonlite LEO 23 JUL – 22 AUG This week brings your lucky New Moon of the year, so be sure to make some wishes. Think about what you want, see it as real in your mind's eye and turn it into an affirmation like it's already happening. Wishes to do with work and money are especially wellstarred. Get your Moon free gifts at www.moonmessages.com/moonlite VIRGO…

He returned from the US in 2020 after a stint as a showbiz presenter. But after Mark Wright visited Los Angeles last month, rumours are swirling among his close friends that he could be eyeing up another move to the States. The former TOWIE star, 36, enjoyed a successful career in the US when he presented on the entertainment news programme EXTRA for three years from 2017 – rubbing shoulders with stars such as Mariah Carey, Margot Robbie and Kim Kardashian. In May, Mark jetted back to America, and shared pictures with his 1.8 million Instagram followers as he caught up with his old colleague Mario Lopez at the LAFC game. But while Mark had a blast across the pond and said he could easily live there again, it's caused…

Many of us only dip our toes in the sea on rare sunny days at the beach, but the planet's oceans are vital to sustaining human life. Our seas produce at least 50 per cent of our oxygen, are home to half of all life on earth and they have a critical effect on weather patterns. But for decades, humans have taken advantage of its resources, and now, the blue planet has reached breaking point. The seas are warming and around 90 per cent of fish populations have been depleted. THREAT It's become grimly apparent that plastic pollution has also become a huge problem. Washed into the rivers and oceans through our drainage systems, it breaks up into tiny plastic particles that travel across the globe, where they are eaten…

Just as fans were growing used to the idea, it's officially all over between Taylor Swift and The 1975 rocker Matty Healy. “Taylor and Matty broke up,” reveals an insider close to the couple, who were first linked just weeks ago at the beginning of May. “They are both extremely busy and realised they're not really compatible with each other. Taylor's friends want what's best for her and aren't shocked that their relationship fizzled out since she recently got out of a long-term relationship.” While neither party publicly confirmed the relationship, Matty, 34, was spotted enjoying himself at Taylor's current Eras tour in the US, and even performed with her warm-up act Phoebe Bridgers at several of the dates, too. The pair were pictured on date nights, and sources also…

After losing their mum and sister to stomach cancer, Sophia Ahmed and the rest of her family were left heartbroken. But then devastatingly, Sophia and her siblings discovered a faulty gene ran in their family – which could lead them to the same tragic fate. HORRIFIC NEWS WSince then, Sophia, 43, and her brothers Tahir, 49, and Omar, 31, have made the drastic decision to have their stomachs surgically removed to save their lives. Sophia, from Walsall, West Midlands, says, “We lost our mum, Pearl, to this horrible cancer in 2002, when she was just 49. Then we lost our sister, Yasmin, 10 years later, aged 32. “Crazily, it was only through our own digging and persistence that we found the connection between their deaths, which would then go on…

He's the Strictly hunk who danced onto our screens in 2018. But Sicilian-native Graziano Di Prima says he has a saboteur when it comes to his good looks – his mother! The dancer, 29, reveals, “When I go home to Italy, my mum makes incredible homemade pizza and pasta and I can't stop eating it. If I'm back on Strictly, I can't go home because I'll get so out of shape! “I'm definitely not someone who goes to the gym every day. Dancing is a workout anyway!” During the last series, Graziano was partnered with singer and actress Kym Marsh, and the pair finished in sixth place. But although the infamous “Strictly curse” seemed to affect Kym – who split with her husband of 19-months, Scott Ratcliff, earlier this month…

LOST 7ST ‘I'm fitter and more energetic!’ LYDIA COLLINS, 37, A SCHOOL CATERING MANAGER FROM SOLIHULL, LOST A STAGGERING 7ST BY OVERHAULING HER WHOLE LIFESTYLE. “I loved my job as a dinner lady, but working in a school kitchen was hot and exhausting. After hanging up my uniform, I was too shattered to cook at home. Instead, I'd grab a pork pie for lunch, and have a frozen pizza or spag Bol using a jar for tea. My weight had crept up since my teens, when playing netball and swimming turned into nights in enjoying takeaways and wine. Although I'd joined Slimming World and lost 4st after my daughter, Lilly, aged 13, was born, I put it back on after I had my son Max, 10. I got through hectic…

INSIDE LYSTRA'S FRIDGE ● Bananas ● Strawberries ● Double cream ● Hot sauce ● Ketchup ● Apple sauce ● Mayo ● Mint sauce ● Salmon ● Mango ● Chocolate ● Prawns ● Lemons ● Thyme ● Pork ● Chilli ● Steak ● Tenderstem broccoli ● Prosecco ● Lager ● Celery ● Whole milk ● Orange juice LYSTRA How much do you spend? I can easily spend £400 in M&S, but I go to other supermarkets too. I prefer going in store and having a browse. Describe your daily diet… I tend to have bagels for breakfast, I'll add sliced salmon, scrambled eggs and avocado, or some mornings I'll do sausage and eggs. For lunch, I cook curried chicken with white rice, salad and ranch dressing, and sometimes it could end…

ALL ABOUT YOU! TUNE IN TO A NAGGING SENSE OF DISSATISFACTION Many of us may be living what appears to be a happy life, but can still feel like something's missing. Here's how to respond You've got a partner (or you're happily single), you like where you live and you've got a job that pays the bills. On paper, things seem OK but, deep down, you can't shake that annoying feeling of dissatisfaction. When you visit friends with a different lifestyle – maybe they have adorable kids while you're still child-free, or they live in a neighbourhood that looks straight out of a magazine – your life can suddenly feel a bit, well, meh. It's as if you're just going through the motions, searching for that spark of interest or…

We all know gas and electricity prices have rocketed over the past couple of years, with the average energy bill reaching a staggering £2,500 ayear for a two to three-person household, so could solar panels be the answer? Normally attached to the roof of your home, they convert light into electricity to generate energy for your home. Here, Becky Lane, CEO and founder of Furbnow (furbnow.com) and impartial solar panel expert, tells you everything you need to know. CHECK IF YOUR HOME IS SUITABLE Wondering whether your local area is bright enough to actually generate electricity? “Solar panels can be installed on any house or property, regardless of its location,” says Becky. “While sunnier areas tend to have higher solar energy potential, solar panels can still work efficiently in less…

1 KIT OUT THE KIDS From christenings to parties, the big diary dates can be long affairs, especially for children – so it's key to find them something comfortable to wear. Luckily, the high street is chock-full of options for the little ones to help them look smart for whatever you've got coming up. 2 PUNCHY PRINT Not only does this dress perfectly drape across the body and nip you in at the waist for a more sculpted silhouette, the vibrant print is bound to earn you compliments. This special occasion look offers something brighter and more interesting, yet still subtle enough to wear day-to-day. MARKS & SPENCER, £59 3 SUPPORT CIRCULAR STYLE As our sustainability concerns continue to grow, renting a dress is much more planet-friendly than buying something new. Rental…

Things aren't going too well for poor Paul… Firstly, he receives a letter about a fundraising campaign (he's humiliated that someone is treating him as a charity case). And he's even more annoyed when he finds out it's his meddling mum, Bernie! Then his leg gives way when he's getting off the bus with his shopping, and he ends up enjoying some face time with the cobbles. Bernie sees him fall and rushes over with an idea to help him – letting her try out crystal therapy on him. Uh-oh! FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

“There are big changes for everyone as Ben and Rosie are growing up. Miley and Edan Hayhurst [Ben] are still a complete delight – and David Tennant was brilliant, as always – effortless and joyful to work with.” Did I bring my own parenting experiences to the role? [Jessica is a mum of three]. “Rosie bashes a soup spoon out of my hand in one scene and I picked it up, put it in my mouth to clean it quickly and then offered her the soup again (which she doesn't take). That is a reflex from being a mum and spoonfeeding toddlers…”…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK If you focus on the good in your life for the coming year, you'll find that you attract more goodness into your life. But if you focus on what you don't have and what you don't want, you'll also attract more of that. This is the big lesson for you in the year ahead! GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUN The skies are a bit dull this week, but go into the next seven days expecting good things and you just might manifest exactly that. At work, you have amazing stars for getting some traction at long last. Personally, life looks pretty sweet. Get your Moon free gifts at www.moonmessages.com/moonlite…

It was good, Ry, but you'd have to go a long way to beat Bobby from Dallas being killed in a hit-and-run only to return to the show the next season and his “death” explained away as wife Pam's bad dream! Relax, Rick – Al is friendly. It'll chauffeur you around in your car, arrange for your shopping to be delivered and send birthday cards on time to all your pals. It'll only kill you with kindness! GRUMPY GRAM Dominic Cooper is left fuming when he dips into his rucksack for a snack during his hike – only to find “someone” has scoffed his tuna sandwich. Naughty puss!…