Table of contents for Issue 1088 in Closer

The passive tension and ill-feeling between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton reached fever pitch this year in a succession of bombshell revelations. And last week, just hours after the Princess of Wales released her charity video on social media showing her three children delivering gifts to a UK baby bank, Meghan debuted her own film for her and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation - something that saw her accused on social media of trying to overshadow Kate. Now, following the release of the controversial book EndGame, by author and “Meghan’s mouthpiece” Omid Scobie last month - which has been condemned for its constant “attacks” on Kate, 41 - a royal insider reveals how Meghan is driven by jealousy. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry…

She’s had a turbulent year - from her This Morning co-star Phillip Schofield’s dramatic resignation to her own just a few months later. And now sources say Holly Willoughby has essentially disappeared from the public eye since stepping out of the spotlight in October. But insiders say that Holly, 42, could be set for a dramatic TV return, despite feeling torn over her future. They tell Closer, “The last few months have been tough for Holly, but totally needed. This year has been really traumatic, and so stepping away from everything to focus on her family has been incredibly cathartic for her. “But while her family will always come first in every sense, Holly adored her job and really misses it. She’d love, this time next year, to be back…

She’s been busy giving constructive feedback to the Strictly contestants live every Saturday night for the last few months, so it’s no surprise Shirley Ballas is looking forward to spending some quality time with family over the festive period. The 63-year-old who’s dating toyboy Daniel Taylor - tells Closer she will be spending time with her mum, especially as she’s been poorly recently. She says, “The first part of Christmas will just be my mother and me, so we’re going to do a little cosy dinner and we’re going to put on our PJs, and we’re just going to watch the telly because I’ve been so busy, and she’s been so poorly with shingles. For me, my family is the most important thing.” When it comes to New Year’s resolutions,…

JOEL: ‘I watch it in a different way now ‘Im a dad’ Host Joel Dommett became a dad for the first time in September to son Wilde with his wife of four years, Hannah Cooper. And he says the new series of The Masked Singer is his “best” series because he’s viewing it as a parent. “It’s certainly the best, just because of my child arriving,” Joel says. “I feel like it’s all so joyous and fun. I’m viewing it all in an entirely different way. I think that’s what happens when you have children anyway, and the fact that kids in the audience love it so much I think it puts that entirely into a new context for me and I just love being a part of it.” Joel…

However hectic your Christmas gets, spare a thought for Tracey Britten, the UK’s oldest mum of quads. In 2018, the then 50-year-old grandmother defied a millionto-one odds by giving birth to four babies. Now, Tracey, 56, and her husband Stephen, 44, who live in London, are looking forward to spending Christmas with Grace, George and identical twins Fredrica and Francesca, now five. Tracey, who also has three adult children from a previous marriage and 10 grandchildren, says, “Christmas time is especially busy for me and Stephen. But it’s all worth it to see the kids happy. We wouldn’t change a thing. We only wanted one child and were blessed with four. It’s a miracle.” For 10 years, Tracey and Stephen had tried conceiving naturally, before travelling to Cyprus in April…

She set the dance floor alight with her sensational routines alongside partner Bobby Brazier, making it through to the final of this year’s Strictly series. And as Dianne Buswell strikes a pose for our exclusive photo shoot, she exudes the same captivating energy - even breaking out into dance mode occasionally. CALMING “I can’t help it - when I’m dancing, it just feels euphoric,” beams 34-year-old Dianne, “I still pinch myself that I’m on Strictly. I remember auditioning eight years ago it’s been a magical journey ever since!” Though the show may be over, the Australian-born star admits her friendship with Bobby - who become a firm favourite with viewers - has left a lasting impression. “Bobby is so interesting; he may only be 20 years old, but he is…

MAKE A NEW MEAL OUT OF MEAT Cold cuts, mash and pickles is always a winner. Or try Boxing Day pizzas or nachos. Cover pizza bases or tortilla chips with chopped turkey and pigs in blankets, smother with grated cheese from the cheeseboard, bake, then top with cranberry sauce. Alternatively, enjoy festive fajitas. Slice and fry meat with onions, peppers and fajita seasoning and serve with wraps, leftover dips and grated cheese. For a messy alternative to classic turkey sarnies, heat up shredded meat in gravy, spoon into baps and top with cranberry sauce. For leftover pigs in blankets, warm through, cut in half and serve as a nibble with drinks. Or for a retro twist, go for coronation turkey made by mixing turkey with yoghurt, mayo, mango chutney, curry…

FASHION…

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…

She’s had a big few months, having returned to UK screens on This Morning earlier this year - and now Cat Deeley tells Closer she is looking forward to putting her feet up at her mum’s house. The presenter, 47, says, “We’re heading to my mum’s. Jan Deeley is a big planner, she’ll have an itinerary and everything. She’s an amazing chef as well. I feel like I revert to being a teenager when I go there for Christmas because I don’t have to do anything!” Former SMTV presenter Cat - reportedly one of the stars in the running to permanently replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning - and her comedian husband Patrick, 52 - who hosts The Late Late Show in Ireland - are parents to sons Milo, seven,…

Mum-of-three Suzanne Mills*, 50, from Cheshire, beat her addiction to cocaine following a residential recovery programme at Delamere almost three years ago. She explains, “I’d been taking cocaine habitually for several years to try to cope in an unhappy marriage and mask my low self-esteem. But after my dad died in 2020 and I went through a difficult divorce, my addiction spiralled out of control. I felt lost, isolated and didn’t see a future.” When Suzanne hit rock bottom in January 2021, a friend intervened and Suzanne’s ex-husband agreed to loan her money for treatment. She says, “I was at my lowest point. My kids weren’t talking to me, so I didn’t waste anytime thinking about it. I admitted myself the next day. I was a mess, but that was…

Snuggling up with her new baby on our exclusive Closer shoot, Laura Anderson admits that she can’t believe how much life has changed - and that she can’t wait to celebrate her daughter’s first Christmas this year. “I still can’t believe I’m a mum,” she says, gazing at Bonnie, who is three months old. “She’s changed my life. I love getting up with her every morning because she’s just so happy and excited to see me. We have such a special bond already.” For Laura and Bonnie, celebrations are in full swing. She says, “I’m taking her to see Santa and if it snows I want to take her sledging, she can sit on my lap! She doesn’t understand this year of course, but I’m looking forward to doing all…

It was meant to be a special Christmas for Holly Hanford as it was her baby daughter Bella’s first. The presents were ready and the turkey was prepped, but there was one very important thing missing - her partner, Caine. For the second year running, he said he’d been caught up at work at his job in recruitment. But then Holly received a gift she hadn’t bargained for wedding photos of Caine with his secret spouse. Shockingly, Holly found out that, when she was pregnant with their daughter, Caine had met another woman who he went on to marry. He’d been living a double life. After confronting the love rat, Holly dumped him and is now happier as a single mum. She says, “It was the worst time. But at…

Though Dianne’s passion for dancing is clear, she admits it almost came crashing down in her twenties. The star has been open about her struggles with bulimia and over-exercising and admits she hid the true extent of her struggles from her loved ones. She says, “As a dancer, I used to think I had to look a certain way to be cast in something, but that’s not the case at all. Very thin can sometimes mean you’re not doing things the correct way or looking after yourself well. For so long I didn’t tell anyone, not even my parents. I would say, ‘Oh I’m fine, Fm fine, there’s no tiring wrong - I’m just loving working out six hours a day’. I didn’t, but I was covering it up. ANXIETY…

MAIN FLISS FREEBORN’S STUFFED SEASONAL SQUASHES SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS • 2 small squashes or pumpkins • 2 medium onions • Olive oil • 1 tsp dried rosemary • 1 tsp thyme • 1 tsp dried sage • 400g mushrooms • 2 50g packet of pre-cooked grains or one tin of green lentils, drained • A glug of white wine (about 75ml), or 60ml water • 1 tbsp of vinegar • Salt and freshly ground pepper METHOD Start by preparing the squash. Make a lid with a knife and scrape out the centre and sides. Pierce the squash skins a little, then pop them both in the microwave for 15 minutes, without their lids. If they don’t fit inside by side, do them one at a time, for 8 minutes each.…

Here are some ways to cut the costs of hosting… BUY VEG FOR PENNIES ON CHRISTMAS EVE According to Ashleigh Tosh, frugality expert from MuscleFood.com, as most of the major retailers close on Christmas Day, there will be a huge amount of items going out of date. Many of them will likely be reduced in the evening as they’ll otherwise be wasted. GET BAKERY GOODS LATE ON SUNDAYS Ashleigh points out the bakery section at most supermarkets tends to drastically reduce the price of goods before closing. Bread, pastries and cakes can be reduced to as low as 10p. Bulk buy and freeze for New Year. FIND LOCAL BARGAINS Download the Too Good To Go app - local restaurants, cafes, bakeries and shops provide a “magic bag” of unsold produce.…

He spent over two decades with the Royal Family, but Paul Burrell - the former butler to both the Queen and Princess Diana says he always reminisces over “The Firm’s” festive traditions at this time of year. And despite leaving service 26 years ago, Paul says he still brings a little bit of royal magic into his own home in Cheshire, where he’ll be spending Christmas with his husband of six years, Graham Cooper. Paul, 65, says, “I always set the table with our best silver and best crystal glasses - I set it as if I’m setting it at Sandringham. [But] I’ll miss the corgis at Christmas - they always had great fun in the wrapping paper!” Paul reveals that, under the Queen’s reign, the royals’ Christmas was like…

She’s reportedly set to splash out £7 million on a mansion in the upmarket village of Cobham in Surrey - dubbed “Britain’s Beverly Hills” thanks to its A-list residents. And friends say Amanda Holden, 52, is keen to befriend her new VIP neighbours - who include Hollywood star Stanley Tucci and his wife Felicity Blunt (sister of actress Emily), Aaron Eckhart and Antonio Banderas - as part of her plan to crack the US and turn her family into global superstars. FAMOUS NEIGHBOURS A source says, “Amanda loves the idea of living among those with connections to Hollywood. She’s already planning to invite over all the big names who live nearby as she sets her sights on integrating herself into the A-list lifestyle. “Amanda spent a lot of time researching…

When Raven Nyx takes off her knickers at night, they don’t go in the laundry basket but straight into a sealed plastic bag. She then pops it into the post to one of her thousands of fans, who happily fork out up to £250 for a single pair of worn knickers. But this isn’t a risqué moneymaking scheme so Raven can enjoy luxuries herself instead, she donates her profits to charitable causes. NICHE Raven, who lives in Bristol, says, “I don’t think people care where the money comes from - though they might be surprised to find out! There are so many people struggling in the cost-of-living crisis and if I can afford to pay for their shopping because men want to buy my sweaty socks and worn pants, then…

Laura says she has been overwhelmed by the kindness and advice she has received from other mums - including some of her Love Island co-stars who have become mums themselves recently, too. She says, “Montana [Brown] has been lovely, she had her son just before I had Bonnie. She’s been messaging me and checking in, we’ve talked about tongue tie and vaccinations and everything. I’m supposed to be going on Shaughna [Phillips]’ podcast, I love her, of course she had her little girl this year, too. I’m looking forward to going on there and having a good old natter about motherhood. I really didn’t expect other mums to be so amazing, but everyone has been so supportive and I do appreciate it.”…

Bake Off fans can rejoice, because the hit BBC show is back for two special episodes of festive feasting this year, with TV favourite Alison Hammond returning to host the Christmas challenges. Suitably dressed as a star, Alison has had a stellar year after kicking off 2023 by hosting the BAFTAs, as well as becoming a mainstay on the This Morning couch and landing the job of dreams as a Bake Off host for series 14 of the family favourite. But while her hilarious antics have won over viewers and she’s proved a huge hit on the show, Alison, 48, admits she still feels like “chopped liver” compared to the main stars of the show - judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. She tells Closer, “It’s all about Prue and…

She only gave birth to her youngest son, Jude, five months ago, has her hands full with her two-year-old toddler, Noah, and has been performing back-to-back in pantomime during the past month - so you’d be forgiven for thinking Charlotte Dawson is hoping for a quiet Christmas this year. But the bubbly star - whose house is adorned with not one but three extravagant Christmas trees, including a 5ft pink tree in her bedroom, giant-sized ornaments and festive garlands - admits she’s not holding back this year. Charlotte, 31, tells Closer, “I’ve gone all out - it’s got to be like this in Chazza’s house. I used to go big on Christmas before I had kids, now it’s times 10! I’ve always been extra with all my trees, I’ve sorted…

BREATHE YOUR WAY TO CALM My physio taught me a new breathing exercise, where you focus on the out breath more than the breath in. When we’re panicked, our breath becomes more severe as we breathe in, but breathing out is where the calmness comes from. I still suffer nerves even though I’ve been on TV for a while. Lately, I’ve been practising a heavier exhale and it’s helped. JUMP INTO THE COLD I took part in BBC’s Freeze The Fear in 2022 and now I’m obsessed with cold water therapy. I bought myself an ice bath and it’s a part of mine and Joe’s morning routine now. It can be hard to get in - there’s often a thin layer of ice - but it’s so exhilarating. I can…

INSIDE NADIA’S FRIDGE • Butter • Chutney • Mince pies • Cranberry sauce • Honey • Terry’s Chocolate Orange • Camembert • Cheddar cheese • Tomatoes • Lettuce • Peppers • Onions • Cauliflower • Grapes • Salami • Potatoes • Chicken • Carrots • Parsnips • Prosecco • Baileys • Port • Ginger & lime presse NADIA Where do you do your festive food shop? I use Ocado, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Aldi. We always circulate round all the super markets because we’re constantly looking out for bargains. What do you eat on Christmas Day? For breakfast, we have hot sausage rolls peeled open, with a slab of cold Cheddar inside. It’s my special invention. We’ll also have homemade Bellinis and salmon in the morning. My girls also like to…

AVOID BEING OVER WHEL MED I’m a big fan of writing a list and having a schedule. Make sure you know what’s happening when and who is doing what. On the day itself, build in times where you aren’t slaving away in the kitchen, where you sit down, close the kitchen doorand enjoy it. Make that really clear to everybody, say, “I’m going to come and enjoy opening some presents or playing a game now.” Make it clear you’re hosting but you’re not the sole unpaid entertainer for the day. When someone wanders into the kitchen, give them a job. People tend to want to chip in, so if your mother-inlaw keeps asking, let her. Get Dad to do some washing up, get the kids to hand around the nibbles,…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK GEMMA CHAN Thought tweed textures were dowdy? Think again! Actress Gemma proves ladylike boucle can still look cool, in this dress by Self Portrait. The 41-year-old gave her fancy frock a modern spin by pairing with blockheeled boots. She wrapped the look with cute bows - perfect for party season. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Kelly Clarkson Kelly went bold in a tailored red A.L.C. jumpsuit. We’re huge fans of this modern take on a suit, with the crossover lapel and wide-leg trousers making her legs appear longer! Katharine McPhee The star dressed up in a sculptural Maria Lucia Hohan outfit, which featured hook and eye details and shell bra cups alongside intricate pleating - perfection. RED ALERT Vanessa Kirby Vanessa gave off powerful vibes in…

19 DECEMBER -1 JANUARY CELEB STAR SIGN CAPRICORN 22 DEC -19 JAN It’s lovely to receive gifts at any time, and for many, December ends with a massive gifting fiesta! But the skies have a message: it’s a time to give as much as it is to receive, and we’re not just talking about presents. Give love and support generously! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB A new life cycle is starting for you as we move towards 2024 - and that includes a new romantic cycle. Whereas the past few years have likely seen you mired in worries and dramas, the coming year will lighten your load. Healthy self-esteem is key to a happy 2024 for you. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19…

GRUMPY GRAM Just an FYI for the fool who bought Paloma a hand mixer thinking it was a good idea the whirring blades are going to be applied to your genitals at some point before the end of 2023. Good luck!…