Table of contents for Issue 1190 in Closer

‘THEIR MARRIAGE HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER’ After the upheaval of the past year, including the scandals, the strained family ties and the relentless scrutiny, those close to the Prince and Princess of Wales say William and Kate have entered this Christmas season with a renewed sense of unity. And sources tell Closer that the secret behind the calm is what Palace insiders are referring to as Kate's magical promise – a vow to stand by her husband as he prepares to reshape the monarchy in 2026. A source says, ‘This year has brought them closer than ever. Kate knows the weight on William's shoulders, especially with the shake-up that's coming next year. Her unifying ultimatum to him is simple but powerful – I'm with you, in every decision, every change,…

When Kelsi Mickelson was told at 15 that her unusually small vaginal opening meant she wouldn't be able to have sex, she worried about what that would mean for her future. After meeting her boyfriend Jake just months later, she confided in him about it and he was understanding. FIRST LOVE The pair used foreplay to be intimate. But afterwards, shockingly, Kelsi found out that she'd fallen pregnant without even having sex, and was three months gone. As they were both only 16, it was a lot for the couple to come to terms with and Kelsi was scared of being shunned by her parents. However, after weighing up their options, the pair decided to keep the baby. To prepare for child birth, Kelsi had to use a speculum each…

Despite shutting down rumours of a split, Charlotte Dawson isn't in any rush to marry her fiancé Matt Sarsfield, insiders claim. The 33-year-old has confided in pals about her relationship woes, which come after Matt, 34, was embroiled in a sexting scandal last year – something the star is still struggling to come to terms with. ‘Charlotte has been telling people that she really doesn't want to marry Matt yet, as she's still not quite sure if the trust is there,’ an insider says. Pals have rallied around to support Charlotte, who shares Noah, four, Jude, two, and nine-month-old Gigi with Matt, and are said to be ‘encouraging her to think before taking the next step with the wedding’.…

Fans were delighted for Jennifer Aniston when she went Instagram official with new beau Jim Curtis in November to celebrate his 50th birthday. Making their first red carpet appearance just weeks later, their relationship has gone from strength to strength ever since - and now they're spending their first Christmas together. FESTIVE GATHERING ‘Jen's so excited to spend her first Christmas with Jim and she wants to go all-out this year,’ an insider tells Closer. ‘Not to be - as she jokes – “third-wheeling” after many years of being alone is a really good feeling and she wants to embrace it all.’ Jen, 56 – whose last known public relationship was with ex-husband Justin Theroux, which ended in 2018 – will also have another new guest around her table this…

When Abbie Reidy's older brother Louis Price mentioned he was seeing someone new at Easter 2021, after a string of bad relationships, she hoped that he had finally found happiness. But within two years, Louis’ relationship with his girlfriend, Kirsty Carless, became toxic. The couple went on to have a child together, but the relationship continued to break down and arguments would sometimes shockingly end in violence. After going back and forth, in December 2024 Louis broke things off for good. But just a week later, on Christmas Day morning, Abbie received a devastating call. Abbie, 30, says, ‘One of Louis’ friends called and said Kirsty had killed him. I just screamed. I couldn't believe he was gone. Now we're facing our first Christmas without Louis, which is so hard.…

CANDY CANE CARE Lanolips’ ultra-hydrating balm is powered by lanolin and vitamin E to restore softness in a swipe – while the limitededition candy cane fragrance leaves lips feeling minty-fresh. Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Candy Cane, £8.99 COCOA KISS Wake up to your softest lips yet. Laneige's mask works overnight to nourish and smooth your pout – and now comes in a hot chocolate-inspired flavour for a deliciously comforting touch. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Hot Cocoa, £21 BODY INDULGENCE L'Occitane's iconic almond shower oil has had a festive glow-up! Enjoy the same skin-softening magic, infused with a luxurious blackcurrant and vanilla scent. L'Occitane en Provence Nuit Festive Shower Oil, £22 SUGARPLUM SOFTNESS Give dry hands some serious TLC with this rich cream that's packed with shea butter, cocoa seed butter…

MOVING INTO WINTER CAN BE TOUGH… To help keep wellbeing in check, I do a 40-minute walk daily, I exercise and eat well. My dog Rolo gets me outside for a walk, whatever the weather, and that morning light boosts energy and focus. Even 10 minutes outdoors can lift your serotonin levels, and if you can't get natural light, a SAD lamp is a great alternative. I take vitamin D all year round. It's simple but genuinely helps through the darker months. PRIORITISING SLEEP IS KEY… I wake up at 6.30am every day, even on weekends. I stick to my routine all week because keeping roughly the same wake-up time helps your body clock stay balanced. Even with coffee, I've learned to time it right. Caffeine too late can wreck…

Where do you shop? I go to Marks & Spencer for our Christmas food shop. My mum and I [Shirley lives with her mum, Audrey] will have a coffee and then look round. We do our weekly shop at M&S, but at Christmas we have a bit of a splurge because we try everything. What do you eat on the day itself? This year I'll be going to a local pub for Christmas lunch with my mum, my niece Mary and her fiancé Augustine. I've ordered the beef Wellington with roasties, pigs in blankets, parsnips, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire pudding and lots of gravy. After that we'll go for a walk around Dulwich Park and stop at the pub for a drink. I'm a bit boring, though, so I'll…

It may be called ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but for many people, Christmas is incredibly stressful. If you've got a large family, a small budget and high expectations, you can really feel the pressure to give everyone a perfect festive season. And if you're single, your social calendar may be packed with parties, cocktails and catch-ups, giving you no time to unwind between each one. The result? Christmas burnout – feeling completely overwhelmed and utterly exhausted. But this year can be different; you can have yourself a merry little Christmas (or even a big one). Burnout is what happens when you've been under a lot of stress for a long time. That pressure builds up to a point where you're left feeling physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.…

They've both experienced estrangement from their fathers – who have been suffering from ill health respectively. And now, sources reveal that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been putting things into perspective and would like to make some headway with healing their family rifts. A source close to the Sussexes – who are parents to Archie, six, and Lilibet, four – says, ‘Meghan and Harry are both estranged from their fathers in completely different ways. But the end result is the same – their children don't know their grandfathers. And that's weighing on both of them more than ever. COMPLICATED ‘For Harry, the ache is simple – he wants his children to know their grandfather, the King. For Meghan, the longing is more complicated – but very present.’ With Thomas…

After officially reconciling earlier this year, Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury's relationship seems to be firmly back on track. The couple – who met on Love Island in 2019 – split last year but have since managed to work things out – and sources say that 2026 could be the year Molly-Mae and Tommy, both 26, finally make it down the aisle after first getting engaged in 2023. ‘She's starting to get excited about the thoughts of planning the wedding now,’ an insider says. ‘Molly really wants to mark 2026 as the big fresh start – she wants to put the troubles of the past firmly behind them. This includes moving on from the “split/got back together” chapter – she doesn't want it dragging around anymore.’ Before she sets her…

It's been a year of milestones for the Beckhams, marked by David's knighthood and 50th birthday, Victoria's Netflix docuseries - not to mention his Inter Miami football team's history-making title win and her fashion and beauty brands reportedly being touted for sale at $10 million. But the positives of 2025 have been marred by the family feud with eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz – and sources tell Closer that Victoria is determined to change her outlook as the new year rolls in. ‘Vic is determined that 2026 is going to be a new year – a fresh start where they try to now leave the toxic situation in the past,’ an insider says. ‘Despite the fact that so many amazing things happened for them in 2025, she…

They've both grown up in the spotlight due to their famous parents and are in the process of carving out their own showbiz careers, so it's no surprise that Freddy Brazier and Princess Andre have struck up a close bond. The 18-year-old daughter of Katie Price and Peter Andre said last month that she and Freddy, 21 – whose parents are Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody – are friends and see each other at events ‘all the time’. And now sources claim their friendship has moved to regularly exchanging texts. An insider said of Freddy, who recently split from his pregnant girlfriend Holly Swinburn, ‘He thinks Princess is beautiful and has got her head switched on. A lot of their pals see them becoming an item.’…

She's buying a new home in the Essex countryside, but sources tell Closer that it's not just a new pad on the cards for Gemma Collins – as she hopes 2026 will be the year for babies and marriage with fiancé Rami Hawash. An insider says, ‘Gemma has always spoken about her wish for children and has been open about her struggles with conceiving. Surrogacy is an option that she and Rami have discussed previously, and it may be on the cards to make her dream come true.’ FERTILITY BATTLE First connecting in 2011, Gemma and Rami had a three-year on/off relationship – and the couple even celebrated a brief engagement in 2013, before calling off their nuptials just weeks later. But they finally rekindled their romance in 2020 after…

Breaking the internet with news of their engagement back in August, sources tell Closer that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are planning a very special joint Christmas with both their families – in what the singer has branded ‘Swiftmas’. Celebrating on Christmas Eve – as American football player Travis, 36, has a game on 25 December – an insider explains, ‘Taylor takes Christmas seriously, so she's already prewarned everyone that it'll be as extravagant as ever. ‘She's spending over $100k on decorations – including a 40ft gold tree adorned with thousands of real crystals and designer baubles, life-sized reindeer and a replica of the Nutcracker scene in fake snow.’ And a net worth of up to $2bn means that Taylor, 36, isn't one to scrimp on presents – with whispers…

Erin: ‘My sister's house is the HQ’ The Crown star Erin Doherty, 33, loves her festive family get-together. When we caught up with her on the red carpet, Erin, who played Princess Anne in the Netflix series, told Closer that it's all about the traditions. ‘I'm going to my sister's for Christmas. We're doing all the fun things – getting a Christmas tree, going to see some carols, going to see our dad and spend time with all our friends. My sister's house is the absolute HQ - I get there, get on the sofa and put my pyjamas on.’ Rochelle: ‘We're off to Dubai for the festivities!’ Rochelle Humes, 36, along with husband Marvin and their children, Alaia-Mai, 12, Valentina Raine, eight, and Blake, five, like to escape to…

Cosy up with Boux Avenue There's nothing better than indulging in new pyjamas, and thanks to Boux Avenue's festive nightwear drop, you now have the perfect excuse. The collection spoils you for choice, from bow-printed playsuits to cute candy canes and bold red sets. They'll have you feeling extra cute and cosy for movie nights with the girls, as well as snoozing and hot-chocolate moments by the fire. And with prices starting from £16, there's no excuse not to treat yourself or get ahead of Christmas gifting. IN SIZES 6-18 GET HER LOOK AMANDA HOLDEN When it comes to office dressing, Amanda knows exactly how to make it fun. This time, she shows us how to rock the season's sultriest burgundy shades in a pinstripe co-ord that works for desk…

‘This classic retro bake is gloriously rich, yet light as a feather at the same time, and is full of chocolate, cream and cherry flavours.’ JANE DUNN'S BLACK FOREST GATEAU STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C and line three 20cm round cake tins with baking paper. STEP 2 Add the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract to a bowl and whisk for 5min or so until doubled in volume and super mousse-like. Add the flour and cocoa powder and fold through carefully. Pour in the melted butter and fold again. Divide evenly between the tins and bake for 20–22min. Cool fully in the tins. STEP 3 For the filling, put the cherries, cornflour, 70ml water, kirsch and sugar into a pan and cook, stirring, over a low heat until…

TV WEEKS: 20 DECEMBER 2025-2 JANUARY 2026 AMANDA HOLDEN: ‘Alan's wearing his Traitors cloak on New Year's Eve’ The presenters and BFFs on what to expect from Amanda & Alan's Spanish Christmas Join Amanda Holden and Alan Carr as they return to Moclín in southern Spain, where they rolled up their sleeves for their summer renovation, to throw a Christmas party as a thank you to the locals who helped them. With their signature mix of warmth, banter and chaos, the dynamic duo dive headfirst into Spanish traditions. From baking seasonal treats and sampling festive delicacies to embracing local customs with gusto, Amanda, 54, and Alan, 49, serve up the ultimate festive fiesta. Here they tell us all about it… What was the inspiration to do Christmas in Moclín? AMANDA: We…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK A lot can happen over the next year, but there are conditions. Believe in yourself above all else! The desires that have been put on your heart are there for a reason. That said, desire alone isn't enough. You must have faith to manifest the outcome you want. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC You truly can become whomever you want to be right now. If you're willing to change yourself for the better, then you can live the life you've always wanted. Make a wish that all your goals and more will come true. You are the luckiest of the lucky! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

‘SHE HOPES THIS WILL BE A SILVER LINING’ They tied the knot in 2022 and have been sharing the highs and lows of married life on their fly-on-the-wall TV show. Now, sources tell Closer that after a year that's brought its fair share of challenges, Stacey Solomon is planning a surprise vow renewal with husband Joe Swash as they mark a decade together. ‘Stacey has come up with a novel plan to inject the love back into their marriage – and that's to have another wedding,’ the insider says. ‘She's thinking of throwing a surprise vow renewal at Pickle Cottage next year. She's hoping to plan it like their annual summer party they have, then to surprise guests with a ceremony.’ They add, ‘She's getting help from her sister [Jemma].…

Since announcing their split last year, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have regularly found themselves hitting the headlines – especially in light of GB News presenter Eamonn's new relationship with Katie Alexander, who is over 22 years his junior. The former couple, famed for their stint hosting This Morning, are in the midst a divorce – and it doesn't seem as if they're on friendly terms. This is despite Eamonn, 66, recently insisting he wishes Ruth, 65, ‘all the best’ as she ‘deserves it’. An insider tells Closer, ‘Ruth is refusing to go down that rabbit hole and respond to Eamonn's comments. She half wonders if it's a wind up and frankly doesn't want him talking about her.’ The Loose Women presenter is said to be ‘past caring’ about her…

It will be her first Christmas as a single mum since splitting from Patrick Kielty in July. And sources now tell Closer that Cat Deeley has been struggling in the lead-up to the big day, as she and her ex, 54, navigate splitting time with their two sons Milo, nine, and seven-year-old James. An insider says, ‘Both Cat and Patrick are determined to put their boys first this Christmas, but co-parenting means they have the difficult task of dividing the holiday up. Of course, they're going to put a fun spin on things – they want Milo and James to have double the fun and get two Christmases in one. ‘But Cat feels really sad about it. It feels very strange to her, as though she is navigating new territory…

Their relationship has hit the headlines once again after Sam Faiers’ pals voiced their concerns about her ‘controlling’ partner Paul Knightley and questioned why he hasn't proposed to the ex-TOWIE star – despite being together for over a decade and having three children. And now, sources have told Closer that while Sam, 34, was embarrassed by the unfavourable reports, she still wants nothing more than for her long-term boyfriend to pop the question. ‘Sam has been left mortified as friends have spoken out about her relationship with Paul,’ an insider says. ‘She wants Paul to propose, but pals aren't hopeful that he will. Sam has often worn the trousers in previous relationships, but certainly not this time around.’ The mum-of-three's friends have been left confused over Paul's reluctance to propose,…

After splitting from Orlando Bloom in June after nine years together, Katy Perry has since moved on with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. First spotted on a dinner date in July, the unlikely couple are still going strong – and now insiders say that Katy, 41 – who shares five-year-old daughter Daisy with Orlando, 48 – is planning a New Year's getaway with Justin, 53. ‘Katy will jet off to Costa Rica to meet Justin a couple of days after Christmas,’ a source reveals ‘They'll both be spending 25 December with their families, but Katy is excited to have some “mum-free time” afterwards, and for Daisy to have some quality time with Orlando. ‘They've rented a villa, located on the Papagayo Peninsula – and will be holed-up at a…

IN THE NEWS 1 Which celebrity hosted an epic 70th birthday bash in November with the likes of Beyoncé and Meghan Markle in attendance? 2 Which iconic DJ celebrated his 100th Glastonbury set at this year's festival? 3 US pop star Sabrina Carpenter released her seventh studio album this year. What was it called? 4 That's Showbiz Baby is the name of the solo album from which former Little Mix member? 5 Slow Burn is the debut romance novel penned by which ex-Strictly Come Dancing star? 6 A tech CEO was spotted cheating on his wife on a ‘kiss-cam’ at which band's concert? 7 The name of the ex-footballer who received a knighthood from King Charles III? 8 England's Lionesses won the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, which was held in which country?…

‘THE DRAMA HAS WORN HER DOWN’ It's been a tough year for Holly Willoughby and, as 2025 drew to a close, there was yet more heartache when a court hearing revealed that the presenter had injured a moped driver in a car collision in August. Sources tell Closer the star, 44, is now ‘desperate’ to escape the UK in a bid to put her troubles aside. SCRUTINY ‘Holly feels her every move is being judged and dissected,’ our insider says. ‘She can't relax, unwind or be herself without worrying. She's terrified of being seen enjoying herself and accused of “acting like nothing happened”. Living with that scrutiny is exhausting. ‘Holly wants to feel normal again and she can only imagine doing that somewhere far away from all the noise. She's…

BOW-TASTIC Celebrate bow season in all its glory in red sparkles. Wear with a matching red lip for maximum impact. River Island, £15 METALLIC MAGIC Zara's standout resin design is so unique. Crank up the glam by pairing these beauties with your favourite sparkly top. Zara, £17.99 FLOWER POWER Channel the season's trendiest shade in oxblood earrings carved into delicate flowers to add softness to your look. Mango, £22.99 TASSEL TIME Gold brings a hit of luxury, while beads add the perfect finishing touch - just let them sway with you on the dance floor. Accessorize, £12 GOLDEN GIRL These ombre earrings are finished with a gold rim for maximum all-night dazzle. Oliver Bonas, £24 STARRY NIGHT We'd style this eye-catching design with a sequin clutch and metallic heels for…

ALPINE GEM Welcome to Austria at its dreamiest. Ellmau's part of the huge SkiWelt region, mixing chocolate-box views with some of the best-value skiing around. Beginners can cruise wide, gentle runs while pros explore one of the biggest linked ski areas in the world. Stay at Residenz Illyrica in nearby Westendorf, just a few minutes from the lift and right by the village centre. Think wooden interiors, mountain views and a post-ski sauna and hot tub waiting for you. Order fresh bread in the morning, hit the slopes and finish your day with a schnitzel and a glass of something warm – pure Tyrolean bliss. • From £747pp for a week's self-catering stay in March, including flights, transfers and lift pass. Book at sunweb.co.uk STUNNING SCENERY Recently crowned Europe's cheapest…

FIND YOUR ENERGY CHARGER At this time of year, many of us feel like we need to stop and rest. But when Sara needs a break, she doesn't opt for a quiet afternoon on the sofa, she seeks out an ‘energy charger’. She tells Closer, ‘It's not lying on the couch that recharges my batteries. My recharge comes from doing things with “energy people”, like [former Strictly partner] Aljaž Škorjanec. He's the only person I've found who is a bigger source of energy than I am, and spending time with him reignites my zest for life. Time with my sister also fills my cup, and I've learned to find people like that in all my friendship groups. I'm not physically exhausted, I'm mentally exhausted, and I need that energy to…

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…

CAPRICORN 22 DEC - 19 JAN There is no rest for the wicked, as they say. Right now, you've got Mars in your sign for the first time in two years. So while everyone else may be winding down for the year, you're just getting started! If you've got a goal to achieve, then get to work! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope AQUARIUS 20 JAN - 18 FEB One of the most special New Moons all year is happening for you this week. This is about so much more than making a wish! This is about making your dreams come true over the next twelve months and beyond. Pull no stops when it comes to your manifestation game! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19 FEB - 20…

GRUMPY GRAM Famously diddy Kevin Hart lands some work over Christmas as an Elf on the Shelf, but ends up on the tree. And by the looks of it, he's crushed his baubles on a spiky branch. Ouch!…