Table of contents for Issue 1169 in Closer

Former TOWIE star Gemma Collins is still planning on having one of the biggest weddings in showbiz history, despite having to put the nuptials back by a year after her fiancé Rami Hawash lost his dad. Speaking to Closer last month, the star, 44, told us their big day had been postponed after the businessman, 50, sadly lost his dad in May 2024. ‘We’re not getting married yet because Rami lost his dad so we’ve put the wedding back,’ she said. ‘We were due to, and then it’s the first-year anniversary of his death this year.’ Despite the tough time, sources say Gemma is now hoping to set a date for next year – and she’s going all out. ‘There is a secret heartache about the wedding – Gemma has…

When Jenna Howe was growing up, she had a difficult relationship with her father, Roger. He was a businessman, who made a fortune in the 1980s with pirate radio stations, but he was mean to his daughter, telling her she was too fat to learn to tap dance or to follow her dreams of becoming a singer. It was little surprise that Jenna’s life started to unravel and she grew up racked by insecurities. When Roger died aged 55 after falling from a window, Jenna was battling bulimia, body dysmorphia, OCD and had also struggled with drug addiction. And despite having a £1.4 million fortune, Roger’s final act of betrayal towards her was leaving her not a penny. But after battling back and contesting the will, Jenna got her revenge…

Pete Davidson’s girlfriend Elsie Hewitt has announced they are going to become parents. The model, 29, shared an Instagram album with her followers, which featured photos of a sonogram and the comedian, 31, cradling her stomach. She captioned the snaps, ‘Welp, now everyone knows we had sex.’ Pete has got a long list of famous exes, including Kate Beckinsale and Kim Kardashian, who he attended the MET Gala with in 2022. He also had a whirlwind engagement with Ariana Grande, which only lasted four months until October 2018. She later sang about the SNL star in her hit song, Thank U, Next, with the lyric, ‘Even almost got married, and for Pete, I’m so grateful.’ The funnyman was first spotted out with British model Elsie in March and they moved…

When Megan Smith was struggling to leave an unhappy relationship, it was her best friend Ebony Jones who encouraged her to take the leap and stuck by her. But after a fallout about Megan’s new friends, Ebony erupted on a night out and launched a violent attack on Megan, glassing her, leaving her with life-changing facial injuries. Megan, 26, says, ‘What happened makes no sense, maybe she was jealous of me? For years, I thought she was my best friend but behind that smile was a monster.’ Megan and Ebony had been inseparable ever since they’d met in 2013 through a mutual friend at a farm and their bond became even stronger once they each had their own children. Megan recalls, ‘We were always there for each other, through the…

The two girls giggling and swapping make-up could easily be sisters. In fact, 22-year-old Ellie Liptrot is step-mum to Izzy, 15, and Marcus, 12 and she’s also soon-to-be mum to their half-sibling. Aged just 18, Ellie got together with 44-year-old partner Mark. Their 23-year age gap has proved controversial, with people questioning the family dynamic. Ellie says, ‘We’ve had everything from people calling me a gold digger, to saying that I’m not ready for the responsibility of kids. I know people might find it weird I’m step-mum to someone only five years younger than me, but I’ve always been a caring person, and it’s come very naturally. ‘Sometimes I worry about dropping the kids off at school in case teachers usher me into the classroom too! But I know our…

Five-A-Day Fancy a little extra tomato with your salad? River Island’s tomato-based tee serves serious heirloom style. River Island, £24 SUPPER CLUB With its lilac hue and delicious artistic print, this girly tee is perfect for wearing over denim shorts. Next, £24 FISHY BUSINESS Believe it or not, sardine prints are having a moment right now, and this bargain buy is an easy way to wear the trend. H&M, £12.99 VERY BERRY Team this juicy find with a tailored co-ord for a day in the office, and swap to jeans on the weekend. River Island, £24 SUNSHINE FEAST We’re opening a can of style with this fun find. The oversized fit is perfect for wearing over leggings on cooler days. New Look, £14.99 MINTY FRESH Keep your cool while you…

How do you shop? Some weeks I get a delivery, other times I pop to local shops or farmers’ markets. We try to buy seasonal and organic when we can. I get the bulk stuff – like my granola (Lizi’s Granola is a family obsession!), pasta and household essentials – delivered. Then I’ll top up with fresh bits locally. Describe your daily diet… I have Symprove first thing on an empty stomach, then 10 minutes later I’ll drink my ginger and turmeric juice shots. After that I’ll have Lizi’s Granola with Greek yogurt and berries (either fresh or frozen, depending on the season). That breakfast really keeps me going so I often don’t need lunch. Dinner tends to be early. I love marinated salmon with tamari, ginger, chilli and garlic,…

Around one third of women in the UK don’t go for smear tests, also known as cervical screening. But a smear test can be life-saving; it can help doctors detect and treat abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer. That’s why I support GK’s decision to reveal her results if it encourages just one person to book theirs. But I understand they can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and even upsetting for many people. Hopefully learning what happens in a smear test – and why they’re vital for your wellbeing – will help you feel more confident about booking yours. A smear test looks for subtle changes to the cells in your cervix which shows they’ve been infected with human papilloma virus (HPV). There are over 200 different types of HPV…

LAYER TEXTILES FOR A COSY CABANA FEEL MIX BRIGHT ACCESSORIES WITH NATURAL TEXTURES, LIKE RATTAN, MANGO WOOD AND STRAW CLASH PAINTERLY PRINTS WITH WOVEN PATTERNS…

EMMERDALE STAB IN THE DARK Who are the two masked teenagers hiding out in the Butlers’ barn? Well, one of them is April’s old buddy Dylan, and when he’s sprung by Moira and Kyle he ends up stabbed in the leg with a pitchfork! As he nurses his wound, the formidable Mrs Dingle accuses Joe of being behind the invasion of her property and attacks him. But Lydia gets caught in the crossfire, and soon Moira’s under arrest. Elsewhere, John’s unnerved by Robert’s snooping and decides to fight fire with fire. Having planted a listening device in Keepers Cottage, he soon hears some very incriminating information that could get his meddlesome brother out of his hair once and for all… EASTENDERS OH, BROTHER! When it comes to attracting trouble, Oscar…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You know what they say - when you change, everything changes! Maybe you sense that the year ahead is all about change. It is! Rethink some of the changes. A combination of vision and discipline will yield the results you want. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 23 JUL – 22 AUG It may become easier for you to figure things out this week. What you want, what you need and who you are, are all in focus. The past is the past and the future is brighter than it may appear right now. The New Moon is in your sign, make a wish! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP Breaking habits isn’t always easy, but the relief…

'BROOKLYN’S BECOME A DIFFERENT PERSON SINCE HE MET NICOLA' The months-long Beckham family feud reached breaking point this month when brothers Romeo and Cruz reportedly blocked eldest sibling Brooklyn on social media. But now, Closer can exclusively reveal that Victoria Beckham is making a bold move to bring all her boys back together – with a no-expense-spared birthday bash for middle son Romeo at their Cotswolds home in September. In a dramatic twist, she’s extended an olive branch to estranged son Brooklyn and his wife of three years, Nicola Peltz, to join the party. ‘Victoria’s still heartbroken,’ says a source close to the family. ‘She just wants her boys back together. They were always so close and she’s beside herself with worry over the way things have turned out. ‘Romeo…

Whilst the majority of Georgia Kousoulou’s fans were full of praise for her empowered bikini picture last week, sadly the mum of two felt the need to hit back at the naysayers who couldn’t believe how quickly she’s bounced back after giving birth in November. After posting an Instagram mirror selfie whilst clad in a stunning white two-piece – with the caption, ‘Just a mum trying to get a bikini pic’ – multiple followers felt the need to criticise Georgia with comments like, ‘Good ol’ Ozempic’. As a result, Georgia, 34, felt the need to reveal the secret to her new look, saying, ‘People hate to see it because they can’t imagine doing the hard work themselves. Three stone I have lost in eight months. On average the maximum I…

Love Island’s Emily Moran gives Closer all the gossip from the villa, including whether she’d give Tommy Bradley a second chance Love Island’s ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ Emily Moran entered the villa with fellow bombshells Yasmin Pettet and Malisha Jordan, but sadly her journey came to an end after gardener Tommy Bradley coupled up with Lucy Quinn in Casa Amor. Now, chatting to Closer, the insurance development executive reveals what she really thinks about her co-stars Helena Ford and Harry Cooksley, admitting they are ‘the boy and girl version of each other’. She says, ‘Harry is always going to go back to Helena. You can just feel the chemistry when you’re with them. Even when they weren’t in a couple, you’d be sat there and feel like you’re interrupting something. They…

After 19 months together, a source reveals to Closer that Katie Price and her toyboy JJ Slater have called it quits. ‘Katie and JJ have decided to go their separate ways, with JJ having already packed his bags and moved out. Ultimately, Katie’s gotten bored. Friends and family had been warning JJ for a while that he’d lost his sparkle and that she’s treated him like a doormat,’ our source revealed. But thrice-married, mum-of-five Katie, 47, isn’t sitting around at home with a broken heart. The source adds that the former glamour model has already been ‘flirting with other men’, which former MAFS UK star JJ, 31, isn’t oblivious about. The insider says, ‘JJ has seen the messages – DMs sliding in and out from other men. Katie isn’t upset.…

Another celebrity family has been rocked by a reported feud, as Bobby Brazier has spoken out about his relationship with younger brother Freddy, saying he needs to ‘grow up a little bit’. EastEnders star Bobby, 22, said, ‘There are things I don’t like about him and there are things about me he doesn’t like,’ adding that his 20-year-old brother is ‘a good boy.’ UNDER STRAIN And now sources tell Closer the pair’s dad, Jeff, 46, who has been the sole carer for his sons since his ex, reality star Jade Goody, sadly passed away in 2009 from cervical cancer, is concerned his once-close family unit will become like the Beckhams. The famous family, as Closer has previously reported, are said not to be speaking to eldest son Brooklyn, with it…

Summer with JD Williams JD Williams has nailed effortless summer dressing with their latest collection. Embrace a relaxed vibe with flowy maxiskirts, oversized tees, and lightweight trousers - perfect for staying cool and comfortable throughout the warmer months. Prices start from £22 with sizes 8 to 32 on offer, meaning there is a something for everyone to enjoy this summer! EASY-BREEZY STYLE FOR LESS! GET HER LOOK AMANDA HOLDEN The 54-year-old knows how to rock bold colour-blocking as she was spotted in a cobalt blue Florere crochet knit and matching midi skirt. The pinstriped heels add a fashion-forward flair, while her studded clutch and simple accessories complemented the look perfectly. REAL LEATHER…

ROUTINE IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME… I like to have my coffee every morning as it sets me off on the right foot. Another part of my routine is listening to music on the way to work. I have about an hour commute and listening to music just makes it fly by. I PUT MY PHONE ON DO NOT DISTURB BEFORE I SLEEP… It just helps me wind down. I put it on about 10.30pm, so even if people are contacting me, I won’t see. It’s my time to switch off and settle down. VITAMIN D IS SO IMPORTANT… Living in the UK we don’t get enough at all. With the weather being grey and dull a lot of the time, most of us are deficient in it, so it’s…

‘My Grandma Jennie made a fish pie with a glorious top of golden mashed potato. My recipe is inspired by hers, but has a puff pastry top.’ DOMINIC FRANKS’ UPSIDE DOWN FISH PIE STEP 1 Start with the cheesy sauce. Place a saucepan on medium heat and add the milk, flour and butter. Gently whisk for about 3min, until it begins to thicken, then whisk until creamy and thick, roughly another 3min. STEP 2 Turn the heat to its lowest setting and cook the sauce for a further 5min, whisking every so often. Season to taste. Take off the heat and stir in the Cheddar and soft cheese until combined. Set aside to cool slightly. STEP 3 Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C. Remove the pastry from the fridge, unroll and set…

From Gavin & Stacey to Would I Lie To You?, Rob Brydon is a firm favourite in British TV comedy. But his latest role takes him on a very different tour, across Europe in the stylish and secretive world of Destination X. In the series, 10 contestants must use their wits, observation and deduction to guess where they are…without being able to see out of the bus windows! We caught up with Rob to find out more… What made you want to take part in such a different sort of show? I love the thought of the scale of it as I’ve never done anything in television like this before. We go all over Europe to fantastic places. The show felt like a giant board game, and I was fascinated…

She was once TV’s golden girl, but Holly Willoughby has had an extremely tough time over the past two years. Things first became rocky in May 2023, when her friendship with Phillip Schofield broke down following ‘an unwise but not illegal affair’ with a younger male colleague – leading him to resign from This Morning. Five months later, Holly also left the ITV show after a kidnap and murder plot against her came to light. And, since then, her career has been left looking uncertain. Now, sources tell Closer that Holly, 44, is preparing to make her big on-screen comeback. However, she’s facing a new crisis, as it’s believed Phil is also plotting his return – and she’s eager to beat him to it. ‘There’s a lot of speculation that…

Scrolling social media during the first pandemic lockdown of 2020, Julie Levens found her feed filled with intense workout routines, posts which idealised thinness and tips to suppress hunger. For Julie, who was already succumbing to an eating disorder, the videos and memes were irresistible – and dangerous. Julie, 32, a social prescriber for the NHS from Huyton, Merseyside, says, ‘Anorexia’s very competitive – you compare yourself to everyone around you. I’d watch a “What I eat in a day” video and think I needed to eat the same, or less. ‘By the end of 2020 the hashtag “skinnytok” had started to take hold, with people claiming to eat miniscule amounts. For someone with a competitive eating disorder, that can send you into a very damaging spiral.’ TRIGGERING Julie isn’t…

She may have become a household name thanks to her portrayal of Rachel Green on Friends, but these days Jennifer Aniston is far more likely to hit headlines thanks to her personal life. Having been in high-profile relationships since the mid-’90s, over the years the 56-year-old’s attitude to love has changed. Jen exclusively tells Closer, ‘A good place to be is to be open to [love], but not seeking it. That way you don’t put any pressure on the situation, and if it happens organically, then amazing.’ DATING According to recent speculation, the actress is in a new relationship – her first since her split from second husband Justin Theroux in 2018. After Jen was spotted with hypnotist Jim Curtis on a Fourth of July getaway, sources confirmed, ‘They’ve been…

Having served as the Queen’s footman before becoming butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, until her death in 1997, Paul Burrell has had a unique insight into life within the royal family. Now 67, his day-to-day looks very different. Paul – who has been married to husband Graham Cooper since 2017, and is dad to sons Nicholas and Alexander with ex-wife Maria – has remained in the spotlight, appearing on shows including I’m A Celebrity. And, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2023, he has been raising awareness about the disease. Here, Paul reflects on being cancer free, his Strictly dreams, being a grandfather and how he keeps Diana’s legacy alive… Do you think Diana would have been a rock to you during your cancer battle? She absolutely…

IBIZA EXCLUSIVE! Strutting into the O Beach x Shein party in a barely-there bikini, Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry admits she’s having the time of her life. Chloe split from her boyfriend Johnny Wilbo in March after four on-off years together and she’s not looking back. ‘I’ve been out in Ibiza for three weeks babe,’ says Chloe, 29. ‘And I’m having the best time! When you’re in a relationship, you lose yourself a bit and I’m on a journey to discover who I am again. There’s a lot of sexy men here but I’m just focused on enjoying myself – I don’t need a man!’ So she won’t be rushing to join the infamous celebrity dating app Raya? ‘I’ve never heard of Raya. You’ll have to send me the link,…

1 SKIRTING AROUND This tiered skirt is comfortable and chic in equal measure. Don’t let the vivid colourway scare you – it’s just as versatile as black and white, with endless styling options on offer. 2 RAINBOW BRIGHT Everybody else may be sporting boring black swimwear but, if you dare, embrace rainbow stripes instead. This playful option has a gorgeous twist design and removable straps, making it a great option for sunbathing on the beach. 3 SHORT STORIES We all love a maxi dress, but in the height of a heatwave, listen to your legs when they call out for a higher hemline. The statement green shade, cool print and embellished detailing help to elevate River Island’s T-shirt style frock. 4 BARBIE BRIGHTS Hot pink and raffia? Yes please. This would make for…

As she approaches her fourth decade it’s no wonder Vogue Williams is feeling content. She’s been happily married to Made In Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews for seven years, she’s mum to their three young children and finds the time to host three successful podcasts, run her own businesses and write a book – her memoir Big Mouth. Vogue – mum to Theodore, six, Gigi, five, and Otto, three – says, ‘I work with people I love, I’m doing things that I’m proud of and I’m so happy. It’s been a long ladder to try and get here and I’m still climbing, but it feels nice to be here.’ CELEBRATIONS While many of us dread getting older, refreshingly, Vogue says she not dreading turning the big 4-0 in October. ‘I’m really excited…

UNDER-TWOS SAIL FREE COAST TO COAST This France & Iberian Coast cruise offers sunshine and sightseeing, calling at Bilbao, La Rochelle, Gijon and Cherbourg – all with no flights required. Onboard MSC Virtuosa, kids can enjoy a Lego-themed club, four pools, waterparks and an arcade, while grown-ups relax at the robot-staffed bar or browse the largest shopping area at sea. Buffet and restaurant meals are included, and entertainment spans from thrilling 4D cinema to West-End style shows. • Prices start from £599pp for seven nights – head to msccruises.co.uk to book. A-LIST-APPROVED SHIP ‘I swore I’d never go on a cruise,’ said former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh – until she, her partner Ryan Thomas and their kids joined ex MIC star Ashley James’ family on Royal Caribbean’s Icon Of The Seas.…

Out in the summer heat but don’t want to fork out on bottled water? As with so many of life’s problems these days – there’s an app for that! Refill is your new BFF when it comes to finding free spots to top up your reusable bottle, highlighting locations nearby on a map. To further eliminate plastic waste, the free app also contains local businesses that sell hot drinks for your refillable cup, and other shopping spots committed to cutting down on disposable food containers and unnecessary packaging. The app’s makers estimate their users have helped avoid 100 million pieces of plastic waste so far, and with new businesses being added regularly, it’s a great way to navigate your day while saving money and the planet. Visit refill.org.uk, where you’ll…

They’re the faces we love to see on our summer screens and this year, Animal Park is back with more amazing animal drama, adorable new arrivals and wild adventures at historic Longleat. We caught up with presenters Ben Fogle and Kate Humble to get the inside scoop and found out that, for both of them, Animal Park is more than just a TV show… What three words sum up the new series of Animal Park? BEN: Furry, scaly, feathered. KATE: Unmissable, fantastic and fun! How does it feel to be back at Longleat for another summer series? KATE: I always get a rush of excitement the first time I see the house again. I never get over how beautiful the estate is, it literally takes my breath away! Filming is like…

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…

GRUMPY GRAM King Charles: ‘I know I said at my Coronation that I wanted to serve, but I didn’t bloody well think you lot would actually hold me to it! Can’t you get a servant to do this?’…