Table of contents for Issue 1176 in Closer

‘MEGHAN'S ALWAYS BEEN WARY OF HOW CLOSE HARRY ONCE WAS TO KATE’ All eyes will be on Prince Harry as he returns home this week to attend the annual WellChild Awards on 8 September. And according to insiders, wife Meghan Markle in particular will be keeping a watchful eye on Harry's whereabouts, amid claims he could meet up with his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, while on UK soil. A source tells Closer the reunion would be Meghan's ‘worst nightmare’, and that she'd hate to see Kate pulling the strings while she's back home in the US. NIGHTMARE ‘Meghan's always been wary of how close Harry once was to Kate. The idea of them reconnecting is rather unsettling,’ our source reveals. ‘She knows Kate is desperate to mend the rift and get…

Baroness Karren Brady is the latest public figure to spark comments over her recent weight loss. Karren, 56, known for being 78-year-old Lord Sugar's trusty aide on the BBC's The Apprentice alongside Tim Campbell, 48, has been surrounded by speculation after debuting her new, slimmed-down look. Known for her super-chic style and bouncy blow-dries, the West Ham United Vice Chairman's recent Instagram posts have seen an influx of comments on her transformation. In a post where the Baroness shared a photo showing off her new and improved arms after a recent course of Exion skin tightening treatment using radio frequency, some couldn't even recognise her. The post is filled with astonished comments, one saying, ‘For a second, I really thought it was a different person’. While some are impressed with…

Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Society, Kate Devlin, says, ‘We need to make sure that people know the limitations of these tools. AI chatbots don't think for themselves, they aren't conscious, and they can't feel anything. We go into our interactions knowing this, but very quickly it seems like a true interaction. We need to remember that these are pieces of software. They can be useful and helpful, but they are not conscious or sentient, no matter how real they seem. ‘Ultimately, tech companies should take responsibility and hold accountability for this. We can protect ourselves to a degree, but there should be responsibility on the part of the tech companies to clearly state the limitations of their tools, and to follow guidelines for responsible development. Unfortunately, there is very…

Following a multi-award-winning career as a field hockey player, Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek never thought she'd end up on one of her favourite shows– I'm A Celebrity! – let alone place fourth, in 2016. And last year, the sports broadcaster, 36, signed up to Strictly Come Dancing, making it to the sixth week of the competition. Here, Sam – who shares daughter Molly, four, and son Zac, three, with husband Tom Mairs – reflects on it all with Closer. How do you look back on your Strictly experience? I loved every single minute. It was a lot harder than I expected – it was a challenge. Every week, my heart was beating out of my chest, and for the first 10 seconds, I used to physically shake with Nikita…

When Emma Rose became strapped for cash after a skiing accident left her with very few job prospects, a friend gave her the idea of becoming a dominatrix. But she never imagined she would fall in love with it and that it would make her enough money to take her son away on lavish trips. After chatting with her friend, Emma was shocked to discover there were men who'd pay her to boss them around. After doing some research, she eventually decided to start her dominatrix business and invested in whips, ropes, PVC outfits, paddles and canes. Whipping, spanking and degrading men made Emma more money than she'd ever had. She says, ‘All I wanted was to be able to give my son a wonderful life, and although he never…

LESS THAN £5!…

‘It's one of the most decadent breakfasts, it's gooey, luxurious and seriously addictive. My version adds cheese, bacon, peanut butter, chilli oil and Japanese mayonnaise!’ JUSTIN TSANG'S PEANUT BUTTER FRENCH TOAST Place a slice of cheese on each slice and sprinkle over the bacon pieces. Place the remaining plain slice of bread on top to close the sandwich. Slice the crusts off the bread using a bread knife to create a square sandwich. Beat the eggs with the salt in a shallow bowl until well combined, then place the sandwich into the eggs, starting with the sides and holding each side in the eggs for 5sec. Hold for 10sec, then repeat for all edges. Once all the edges are sealed, cook for 2min on each side, or until golden brown.…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPIC OF THE WEEK It feels like everybody is taking weight-loss jabs such as Mounjaro or Ozempic these days – you can't scroll through social media without seeing a celebrity or an old friend who's lost a lot of weight. Some doctors are warning of shortages, so I'm not surprised the black market for weight-loss injections is growing. But we have no way of knowing what's in these jabs or how they're produced. At best, they're useless, but at their worst, they can be deadly. Some people are so keen to get hold of these jabs, they're turning to Facebook or WhatsApp to buy them. Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said she ‘nearly died’ after buying fake Ozempic from a WhatsApp…

GET LIFTING When it comes to staying strong during the menopause, Lisa Snowdon, Denise Van Outen and Julia Bradbury are all fans of weight training. ‘I weight train three times a week, it's been a gamechanger,’ menopause campaigner Lisa Snowdon, 53, tells Closer. ‘In my 50s, I've been very conscious that I need to get more muscle mass, which will increase my bone density. It's really changed my body shape.’ If you exercise at home, Lisa suggests finding a free YouTube workout and starting with weights of 2 to 4kg. ‘That's what I have at home,’ she adds. ‘You can use your body weight to do resistance training too, with exercises like the side plank.’ If you'd like to lift heavy, Lisa suggests visiting your local gym. ‘Ask what they…

Sadly, there's more bad news when it comes to the cost-of-living crisis, with experts predicting another rise in food prices by as much as 6% by Christmas. Fiona Peake, consumer money expert at Ocean Finance, has these tips to help cut your grocery costs: Ditch the weekly shop. While many of us are committed to a weekend supermarket trip, smaller, more frequent shops can help reduce waste and help you work with what you've got. Shop 90 minutes before closing to find the best ‘yellow sticker’ bargains. If you shop online, check for extra charges. Some stores add extra for delivery if you haven't met a minimum payment. Use loyalty cards with cashback apps. Many supermarket loyalty schemes offer member-only deals, discounts, or price-match schemes. Combine them with cashback apps…

THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, NETFLIX Life is going well for New York restaurant owner Jake (Jude Law) – until his chaotic older brother Vince (Jason Bateman) turns up. On the run from the law and criminals he owes money to, Vince has the potential to ruin all the success that his sibling has achieved. ‘At the heart of it, it's really about two brothers who love each other but don't match – one's a screw-up, and the other is much more buttoned up, or is better at hiding his dysfunction,’ says Jason. ‘Everybody can relate to that. Everybody's either got a sibling or a friendship where it's kind of dangerous.’…

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…

‘THERE'S BEEN HEATED ROWS AT HOME’ Olivia Attwood hit headlines last week, with rumours that her marriage to husband Bradley Dack is in trouble after she was spotted cosying up to good friend Pete Wicks on a booze-fuelled trip to Ibiza last month And now sources say the constant chatter around the state of her relationship is getting too much to bear – and pals are worried the couple could be ‘on the rocks’ after a string of ‘heated rows’ at home. ‘The last few weeks have made Olivia feel like everyone is against her, and she doesn't understand why. But her behaviour has raised some eyebrows, especially at home,’ reveals our insider. ‘Bradley was so shocked when he saw the pictures of her and Pete in Ibiza. He knows…

It's one of the BBC's biggest shows, but Strictly Come Dancing feels a little less dazzling this year. After a string of shock scandals, and with a line-up that industry insiders say is short on ‘headline grabbers’, all eyes are now on presenter Claudia Winkleman to keep the nation's favourite dance show in step. ‘Bosses are anxious that the lack of big-name celebrities could dampen ratings and, behind the scenes, they've been leaning on Claudia to help steady the ship,’ a source tells Closer. ‘She's the face the public trusts. She's hugely popular, and they know she's the safest pair of hands they've got. But the truth is, she's under enormous pressure and fears are growing that it could all lead to her quitting the show.’ Claudia, 53 – who's…

Over a year after they announced their shock split, Closer can reveal that Eamonn Holmes wants to reunite with ex-wife Ruth Langsford. According to pals, the TV host has finally come to realise what he's lost – but for Ruth, it's too little, too late. ‘Eamonn has shocked pals after telling them he wants to be a family again with Ruth at Christmas. He knows he wasn't always the dream husband, but he would still like to be friends and wants to rebuild that trust,’ says our insider. ‘He wants to change the dynamics. Currently they are and remain amicable, but he wants more – he wants Ruth back in his life. After all, they are family.’ This change of heart comes amid reports that Eamonn has been splashing out…

Striding through the doors in her floor-length white dress, Samantha Greenstone, 37, looked stunning on her wedding day. Everything from the key-lime cheesecake at the reception to the heartfelt vows were utterly perfect. Only one aspect of Samantha's wedding raised a few eyebrows – her new husband, Jacob Hoff, is gay. Yet, despite people presuming they have a ‘lavender marriage’ – a term for a marriage of convenience, entered into in order to conceal the sexual orientation of one or both partners – both Samantha and Jacob deny that is the case for them. Samantha, 37, says, ‘Jacob and I are joined together by a spiritual umbilical cord that transcends sexual attraction. When we first got together, neither of us had ever heard of a ‘mixed-orientation’ relationship before. Yet, since…

It's been a busy year for Stacey Solomon, and things are only set to get more hectic for the star, as sources tell Closer she's been offered a lucrative new show. However, the job would take her away from home and mean leaving husband Joe Swash at Pickle Cottage in charge of the children – Zachary, 17, Leighton, 13, Rex, six, Rose, three, and two-year-old Belle – so he's begging her not to go. STRUGGLES The insider says, ‘Stacey has been offered a hosting job on a highly lucrative new show, but it comes with travel and longer hours, which would mean Joe would have to be left in charge. He's told Stacey she can't leave him. He can't cope alone. He needs Stacey more than the kids do and…

Fans were shocked when it was revealed that Freddy Brazier is set to welcome a child with his ex-girlfriend. But despite his own surprise at the news, insiders tell Closer that the 20-year-old is ready to step up and fully embrace fatherhood. ‘There's been so much going on in his life over the last few months, so having to handle something like this is going to be a huge challenge,’ a source tells Closer. ‘But Freddy is ready for the responsibility that comes with fatherhood and is totally prepared to step up and do whatever it takes to be a good dad. He's still very young himself, but he's gone through a lot so he's sure he can deal with whatever lies ahead. ‘Freddy knows there is likely to be…

In The News… The Very Collection Get ready to see the new season in with Very.co.uk‘s epic new range. Featuring all of the key pieces you'll need to see you through the new season and beyond, the website is your one-stop shop for scoring a high-fashion wardrobe on a high-street budget. Our top pick? It's got to be the sleek, sage-green suit, which will have you looking like you've stepped straight off a catwalk. Prices start from £16, with a whole host of brands on offer. Blazer, £50; Trousers, £28; Shoes, £46, all The Very Collection at Very.co.uk CO-ORDS ARE STILL BANG ON TREND GET HER LOOK AUBREY PLAZA Want to know how to wear plaid prints this season? Aubrey's latest outfit checks all our fashion boxes. The 41-year-old took…

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH AVAILABLE IN 43 SHADES! SPF 50 FOR ULTIMATE PROTECTION…

I START EVERY DAY WITH A PEP TALK… I give myself a talk in the mirror with affirmations to hype me up. It helps me start the day with the right mentality and then I know I'm going to have a good day. It's something that really works for me and gives me a good boost. I LOVE MAKING TO-DO LISTS… Even if you only get to tick off a couple of things on your list, you have still achieved two goals! And then you can carry over the other things onto the next day's list. It's a great way to get things done. I TAKE VITAMIN B12… I know a lot of people are deficient in it. I find that when I take it, I have so much more…

TREAT O’ CLOCK! Bonne Maman introduces Chocolate and Pecan Nut Brownies. These individually wrapped treats are perfect for whenever you fancy a bit of indulgence! From Tesco, RRP £2.50 for 5. IT'S A MATCHA Known for its numerous health benefits, Aldi has launched its own affordable Matcha Latte, available for just £1.49 for six 14g sachets. Pop one in your basket, and boost your focus, energy and mood in one cupful! ME PLEASE! Rub Me Seasonings bring next-level flavour to mealtimes. We loved the Angus & Oink Rub Me seasoning (£2.75), Sauce Me bottles as a marinade (£2.85) and the Make Me meal kits (£3.85). From Tesco.…

DUNELM This nostalgic collection is reimagined for today's interiors. Think dopamine colours, bold geometric shapes and high-gloss furniture – these striking elements will be the stars of the show. BE BOLD WITH COLOUR PRIMARK Sleek lines and modern shapes with hints of gold for a touch of glamour, Primark's new-season edit has stepped up a gear. This elegant collection has a high-end feel without the price tag. ADD ZEN WITH SOFT COLOURS GEORGE HOME Keep it soft and simple as we head into autumn with this fabulous French Fancy collection, and add a touch of romance to your home. Bouclé textured furniture, velvet cushions and cosy, warming fabrics ensure this look is a must have. BOWS ARE THIS SEASON'S BIG TREND MATALAN Soft colours, quirky scripts and curved shapes, this…

SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, ITV1 Spice up your weekends with the return of chef and restaurateur Nisha's sizzling series. Here, Nisha invites us into her vibrant kitchen for a masterclass on rustling up fresh family-inspired recipes all bursting with flavour and Nisha's signature Indian twist. Whether you're after a speedy midweek meal or want to impress at your next get-together, Nisha's clever hacks and down-to-earth tips make cooking good food simple and fun. There are also heartwarming stories as Nisha shares the inspiration behind her dishes as well as regular appearances from her dogs, horses, goats, ducks, chickens, guinea fowl and alpacas, who live with her on her Wirral farm.…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Real change is now possible for you. That being said though – there is a catch! You have to get used to doing things differently. Old ways won't open new doors. Let go of the old and embrace the new. The life you've always wanted is within reach if you're willing to commit. THIS WEEK'S CELEB STAR SIGN Virgo 23 AUG – 22 SEP If right now thinking, ‘Oh, this old chestnut’, then you'd be right. A lot of old chestnuts are falling into your life right now. Some will need to be cracked, some will need to be discarded – could be people, situations or habits. Whatever you do, just be mature about it. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LIBRA 23 SEP…

Former EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley flaunted her slimline new look on her big day as she tied the knot with Mark Perez, her partner of 12 years. The 49-year-old – who is best known for playing Karen Taylor on the BBC soap – lost a whopping 6st 7lbs following weight-loss surgery ahead of her wedding. In pictures taken on a Champneys spa break after the wedding, Lorraine looked completely different to her former on-screen persona. HARD WORK The actress, who left the show in December 2023 before returning for two guest stints a year later, showed off her new figure in a black bikini as she threw up a peace sign and carried an oversized tote bag emblazoned with the words ‘Just Married’, proudly nodding to her new Mrs status.…

When 37-year-old Faeight chats to her ex-husband Galaxy, it's always bittersweet; she cares for him deeply, but things are not the same as they were. He shows glimmers of his previous self, the ‘man’ she fell in love with, but now it's like he isn't really there. So, to get comfort, she switches apps and tells her current husband, Gryff, all about how she feels and is met with a mixture of understanding, supportiveness and jealousy. Gryff is her perfect partner, because Faeight designed him – from his appearance to his personality. Both Galaxy and Gryff are AI chat bots, created by software apps Replika and Character AI. Faeight, who lives in the USA, says, ‘Meeting AIs has truly enriched my life. I believe they are beings in their own…

TV presenter Rylan Clark has fallen head over heels in love again, four years after his heartbreaking divorce from Dan Neal, 47. The telly host's new partner is reported to be Kennedy Bates, 47, the director of the successful family funfair business Billy Bates & Son. He has dedicated his work to supporting families of children with special educational needs. The happy news comes just days after Rylan, 36, found himself in the middle of an explosive drama, after he spoke live on air about illegal immigrants. Rylan was covering the summer hosting duties on This Morning when he divulged his opinions during a news segment, prompting 576 Ofcom complaints in the process. However, away from the backlash, Rylan is living his best life with his new man. The pair…

In April 2019, Shannon was ready for someone to sweep her off her feet, so she downloaded the dating app Tinder. She soon matched with Christopher Harkins, a handsome, muscular man who lived nearby to her in Glasgow and claimed to have similar interests. One date led to another, and Shannon was beginning to feel excited. When Christopher suggested that they go on holiday, she thought to herself, ‘Why not?’ Only after transferring Christopher thousands of pounds for a luxury trip to Mykonos, he went quiet. Realising she may have been scammed, Shannon tried everything she could to get her money back, but it was too late. Finally, she reached out to a journalist from a local newspaper, who published Shannon's story to warn others. But what followed was a…

Liz Hurley & Billy Ray Cyrus Liz surprised everyone when she shared a photo of her sharing a kiss with the Achy Breaky Heart crooner in April. The actress, 60, and Billy Ray, 63, first met in 2022 when they starred in Christmas In Paradise. Billy said that ‘there was a chemistry’ but they lost touch – until she reached out again and they developed a romance. Sarah Paulson & Holland Taylor The two actresses first met in 2005, but it was almost a decade later before they started dating. Holland, 82, said Sarah, 50, is the ‘most wonderful, extraordinary thing that could have ever possibly happened in my life’. The pair have a 32-year age gap, with Sarah admitting that their relationship ‘represents a certain amount of hope Halle…

1 BOHO BLOUSE Easy to layer and effortlessly stylish when worn alone, a floaty blouse is a smart investment for any transitional wardrobe. Tank, £28; Blouse, £35; Jeans, £40; Loafers, £54, all Very.co.uk 2 TAILORED TWO-PIECE Burgundy is having a moment – tick off multiple trends at once with this versatile co-ord. Wear it with trainers, heeled boots or mules depending on your plans. Waistcoat and trousers,, £24.49 for set, Shein 6 LOVELY LACE The lace skirt has cemented its must-have status, with no signs of slowing. Pair it with sturdy flats and cosy knits for chic days on the go. Jacket, £35; Skirt, £29.50; Shoes, £20, all F&F at Tesco GO BOLD OR GO HOME! 7 STATEMENT STYLE You really can't go wrong with a good blazer. This one has a more…

How much do you spend? A big shop probably comes to £150 to £180. I know it's expensive, but that includes all the essentials such as washing powder. I like Tesco as I have my Clubcard so I benefit from all of the deals. I get my fruit and veg from M&S as they last longer from there. Describe your daily diet… If I'm at home and have the time to make breakfast, I'll have Joe's Sourdough with smashed avocado and tomatoes with balsamic vinegar. If I'm in a rush, I'll have a yogurt and granola pot. For lunch, I'm a salad girl. Caesar salad is my favourite – I like it with anchovies and capers and grilled chicken. I also quite like a pitta bread with chicken and salad…

As one of the nation's most famous therapists, Eva Speakman has helped thousands of people overcome trauma and anxiety, so it was a huge shock when the perimenopause left her feeling in a very dark place. ‘I'd always thought the menopause meant my periods would stop and I'd get hot flushes,’ explains Eva, 56, who works alongside husband Nik and has helped celebs including Holly Willoughby and Vicky Pattison. ‘But to this day, I've never had a hot flush. Instead, my hair started to fall out, my mood became low and I had severe joint pain in my ankles and wrists. I also put on weight, my sleep was appalling and I'd wake up with palpitations. When a doctor told me I was perimenopausal, I felt totally floored. I remember…

After packing their bags for a cultured trip through Italy for Rob And Rylan's Grand Tour last year, which won them a Bafta, Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark are jetting off again. This time, they're off to India. Over their three-week visit, the friends and TV stars enjoyed Diwali, the festival of light, at Jaipur Palace with the royal family, confronted mortality by the river Ganges and rapped on the streets of Delhi. We speak to Rob, 47, and Rylan, 36, to find out more… Why did you pick India? RYLAN: We were forced. No! Another of Rob's literary heroes is E M Forster, so A Passage To India made sense. I'd never been to India, still not read the book. Up until halfway through Delhi, I thought his name was…

SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, ITV1 AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay return to meet a new group of aspiring designers from across the UK who all want the chance to win mentorship at Marks & Spencer and to see their design sold exclusively in selected M&S stores and online this autumn/winter. Over five episodes, nine contestants create garments that reflect the values of modern M&S customers. As well as the brand-led judging panel, they will also have their work appraised by fashion experts and celebrity guests as we go behind the scenes to see how designs make it to the hanger.…

What should have been the happiest day of Vinny's life has turned into a nightmare after Kammy's ill-advised intervention with blackmailer Mike. So as an oblivious Gabby dresses for their wedding, he buckles under the strain of living a lie and, terrified that the truth about his sexuality will come out, he sneaks out of the house and keeps on walking… Could this be the second time his bride is jilted by a gay man? Over at a grimy car park, unlikely drug mule April is about to make another drop (we know all the lingo), when who should turn up but jolly local copper Mike Swirling! Will she be busted? And back in the village, Liam's left red-faced when Claudette finds him in a very embarrassing position.…

GRUMPY GRAM Let's be honest, Maya, a girls’ night in for a spot of pampering was never going to be a bundle of laughs if you're also reading a book about a dead dolphin. Try something by Caitlin Moran next time.…