Table of contents for Issue 1048 in Closer

In a seemingly shock U-turn for the Royal Family, it was revealed in a statement by a spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last week that the estranged couple have been invited to the coronation of King Charles on 6 May – despite their ongoing feud with the monarchy still rumbling on. Now, palace insider and close confidante of the late Princess Diana, Paul Burrell, says that he believes Prince Harry may return for the milestone occasion, but that Meghan will not. He says, “King Charles has retained the moral high ground by issuing an invitation to both of them. Now the ball is well and truly in Harry and Meghan's court as to whether they come. UNCOMFORTABLE “But it's likely to be incredibly uncomfortable for them if they…

‘SHE'S JUGGLING SO MUCH AT THE MOMENT. THEY JUST HOPE IT'S NOT ALL TOO MUCH’ Her heartbreak played out before the eyes of the nation when she joined Strictly Come Dancing last year after a bitter marriage breakdown – and Helen Skelton couldn't hold back her emotions when, ahead of the final, she tearfully told dance partner Gorka Marquez that he'd helped her to rediscover who she was. And last week, it was revealed that behind-the-scenes, Helen – who announced her split from her husband of eight years, rugby player Richie Myler, last April – has been growing close to another professional dancer, Vito Coppola. A source revealed how Helen, 39, and Vito, 30 – who was partnered with singer Fleur East – became close during the show's live tour,…

She first rose to fame back in 1997 as part of hit girl band All Saints when she was just 22. And now – 26 years on – Mel Blatt looks just as gorgeous as she cheekily tells Closer how she's managed to defy time and preserve her stunning looks. Speaking at the VIP launch of Florattica Rooftop Bar, Mel, 47, laughs, “The secret is Silk Cut cigarettes and Champagne. I smoke about 40 a day!” Alongside her All Saints bandmates Natalie Appleton, 49, Nicole Appleton, 48, and Shaznay Lewis, 47, she enjoyed a string of hit singles such as Pure Shores and Never Ever, and the girls swiftly secured themselves the title of ‘90s icons. In their seven years together, the band had five number one singles, won two…

Boyzone star Ronan Keating has welcomed his first grandchild, after his son Jack announced the happy news that he'd become a father last week. Jack, 23 – who briefly appeared in Love Island last year – announced the surprising news with a sweet black and white photo of him cradling the newborn, writing “Welcome to the world my little princess.” Grandad Ronan, 46, shared his love in the comments. He wrote, “Little cutie,” while Jack's mum Yvonne, 49, also commented, “I miss her so much already.” Jack didn't share the baby's name or details of who the mother is – but fans have been left confused over the timing of the birth. Jack appeared on the show last July, leaving some questioning whether the baby was conceived before his Casa…

Ohe simultaneously managed to charm and outrage viewers with her comments and actions in the villa this series, and now Olivia Hawkins gives us her verdict on which couples she thinks will last and who won't make it through the flight home. The actress and Ring Girl, 27 – who entered the show on day one and left a week before the final with partner Maxwell Samuda, 23 – says, “When you first come out of the villa, you really have to lean on that person for support. “I think Ron and Lana are very genuine. I don't think they're playing a game. I also think Kai and Sanam are real. They were always together. They could go the whole distance – maybe even marriage and babies! “I think maybe…

Sarah Nally, 26, a PHD researcher in public health from Monaghan, Ireland, lives with her parents, three sisters and brother. She says, “I began suffering with tiredness, lower back pain and headaches in April 2020. I was only 24 and fit and healthy, so I wasn't worried. “I had phone consultations with my GP during lockdown and was prescribed antibiotics for what they thought was a urine infection. But over the next two years, I was admitted to A&E three times – each time I was told I had reoccurring UTIs and was given more antibiotics – it was never investigated further. “My menstrual cycle became longer and my periods more painful, so in June 2022 I had a cervical smear test and I asked to talk to the GP…

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL At four months pregnant and with a two-year-old in tow, you could forgive Charlotte Dawson for lacking in energy, but as she arrives at our exclusive Mother's Day photo shoot, she's her usual bubbly self, grabbing her belly while she dances to music, playing with her son Noah, who hilariously calls her “Charlotte”, and making the team laugh with her Northern humour. “I'm enjoying this pregnancy so much,” Charlotte, 30, beams. “Don't get me wrong it's been tiring. Being pregnant with a toddler has been a completely different experience because I need to give Noah all my attention, but I'm so excited for what's to come. When I ask Noah what's in Mummy's belly, he'll shout ‘bebeh’ and sometimes he'll come over and kiss my bump, which…

INSIDE LISA'S FRIDGE ● Dijon mustard ● Miso paste ● Tofu ● Butter ● Salad cream ● Mayo ● Lemon ● Ketchup ● Cheddar ● Herbs ● Natural yoghurt ● Blueberries ● Gorgonzola ● Raspberries ● Mango ● Broccoli ● Chicken ● Cucumber ● Salmon ● Tomatoes ● Sugar snap peas ● Leeks ● Salad leaves ● Cherry yoghurt ● Semi-skimmed milk ● Kombucha ● Almond milk ● Rosé wine LISA How do you shop? I'll do a big weekly shop on Ocado to get the staples. I'm not your average shopper, because I write and test recipes, so I'll be buying things as and when. Describe your daily diet… For breakfast, I have chai pots which I make with coconut milk and vanilla, with some fruit, or porridge. I…

RELATIONSHIPS IT'S IMPORTANT TO CARVE OUT ALONE TIME Whether home working or a change of pace has meant you're cooped up more as a couple, make sure you find some space if you need it Many people have shifted their work lives from the office to home. For others, the pandemic got them out of the habit of socialising as much, and many of you may be at home more to save money. Spending extra time with partners and kids (if we have them) is fantastic, as it helps to feel more connected, but it also means rarely getting any space and time to yourself, which can lead to feeling frustrated and emotionally burnt out. If you and your partner now spend more time together, your patience around them may…

START SAVING MAKALA GREEN @ THEWEALTHCHECK Makala is Britain's first black female chartered financial planner and author of The Money Edit: Your no blame, no shame guide to taking control of your money. Her Insta is fun and straight to the point, removing complicated jargon. From budgeting and investing, to buying property, Makala helps followers get on track, regardless of where they may currently be on their journey. QUICK TIP: “Pay yourself first. You want saving before spending to become a natural habit. Reduce debts, invest in the future, and build a healthy emergency fund.” BE BETTER WITH CASH BOLA SOL @BOLA_SOL Author of How To Save It: Fix Your Finances, Bola helps women build their financial confidence and budget better. Packed with practical tips, her content aims to help…

1 DRESS TO IMPRESS For a feminine way to wear the trend, we're turning to Fearne Cotton's latest collection with responsible fashion brand, Nobody's Child. Featuring a square neckline, defined waistband and made from organic cotton in the prettiest pink hue, this denim midi dress is ticking all our boxes. NOBODY'S CHILD, £75 2 EXPERIMENT WITH COLOUR We're big fans of dopamine dressing. Give it a go by injecting cheery hues into your denim collection with F&F's bright offerings. Swap classic blues for zesty orange or Barbie pink for a fun and colourful upgrade. VEST £7, JEANS £18, BOTH F&F AT TESCO 3 MATCH YOUR MINI ME You can't go wrong with dungarees for easy-to-wear, off-duty style. What's more, you can kit out yourself and your little ones at the same time…

STYLE PICK LUXE FEEL!…

Tina O'Brien, 39, on Sarah's drunken evening with the enemy… Let's talk Sarah and Damon… After a row with Adam, Sarah has a few drinks at the hotel bar and gets chatting to this guy. Is there an attraction? Probably. Sarah's enjoying a flirt but doesn't intend for it to go further than that. And when she finds out who Damon is? She's never met him, but has heard what he's done to her brother. When she realises this is Damon, she feels sick to her stomach. It's all kinds of messy and complicated. FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

14-20 MARCH ARIES 21 MAR – 19 APR Now is the time for you to work through your fears. Not just this week but over the coming months and even years. The more you can do a deep dive into what holds you back, the more you'll learn about how to live life fearlessly and, therefore, more successfully. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope TAURUS 20 APR – 20 MAY Get ready because you're entering a new cycle which is going to help you work out who really matters to you and who is a flaky, or fake, friend you need to move on from. Your most important life lessons will come from your friendships. What are people teaching you? Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope GEMINI 21 MAY –…

Jane Smith* remembers the day her life changed forever like it was yesterday. After splitting from her controlling ex-boyfriend of three years, he then sent a video of the pair of them having sex – which Jane didn't even know had been filmed – to her colleagues, parents, friends and even her bosses. Jane, 31, recalls, “I could tell who'd got them from the way they looked at me. Everyone was supportive but it was still horrendous. I was ashamed and embarrassed and I blamed myself. It was a nightmare.” The horror of revenge porn was starkly spelt out by reality star Georgia Harrison, when she bravely detailed her appalling ordeal after disgraced former Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear, 33, leaked an intimate video of them online in 2020. After…

She's been lying low since the drug scandal that plagued her career as a pop star in 2014. But since storming back into the limelight with the N-Dubz single, Charmer, last May, insiders reveal that Tulisa Contostavlos has made yet another huge life decision – to become a mum. The 34-year-old singer first rose to fame as part of the band alongside her cousin, Dappy and fellow rapper Fazer, in the early 2000s – before reaching star status when she joined The X Factor in 2011. LOWEST POINT Tulisa, who grew up in north London, was championed as one of the greatest mentors of the ITV talent show after her group, Little Mix, became the most successful girl group to ever come out of it. However, she fell from grace…

She's been busy rehearsing for her epic Celebration Tour, which kicks off this summer. But last week, it seemed pop icon Madonna had another focus – her new beau, boxer Joshua Popper – after she was spotted cheering him on ringside during a boxing match. Madonna, 64, is said to have met Joshua, 29, at his gym in Manhattan where he has been teaching one of her six children to box. She's reported to have ditched her now-ex, 23-yearold model Andrew Darnell, to embark on a new romance with the hunky athlete. Now sources say that Madonna is wasting no time in getting serious with her new love, and is planning to welcome her seventh child with Joshua. SMOOTH PROCESS An insider says, “She's wanted another baby for some time…

After all the drama of the infamous Wagatha Christie trial last year, a new WAG battle has broken out between Rebekah Vardy and, this time, Kyle Walker's wife Annie Kilner – after Kyle was alleged to have kissed, fondled and flashed a woman during a drunken night out. Kyle, 32, had been out partying in Manchester when he allegedly exposed himself to a woman and as Closer went to press, reports claimed the police were investigating the incident. Meanwhile a drama between WAGs Rebekah, 41, and Annie, 30, erupted when Annie reportedly took a post by Rebekah – which read “The gift that keeps on giving” – as a jibe at her, with sources saying she'd been left “furious”. But Rebekah – who married Jamie Vardy in 2016 – launched…

The drama from their shocking split in early February is still rumbling on, with both Vanessa Feltz and her love cheat fiancé Ben Ofoedu speaking out and seemingly making digs at each other on social media. But insiders now tell Closer that Vanessa is looking to the future without Ben, and has an eye on getting herself back on the dating scene. A source says, “The last few months have been hell, but bit by bit, Vanessa is managing to put her life back together. She's starting to feel more positive and she's slowly putting herself out there again. “Despite everything, she still believes in love and that the right person is out there for her. She's interested in the idea of online dating, but is definitely not in a…

She was a finalist in the sixth series of Love Island, so Jess Gale knows all too well what it's like to come out of the villa to a world of Instagram followers, brand deals and fame – as the four final couples will be doing this week. And Jess – who entered the show with her identical twin Eve, and made the final with partner Ched Uzor – says that now is the time for the Islanders to capitalise on their window of opportunity if they want to make it as celebrities and social media influencers. The 23-year-old tells Closer, “It's a total whirlwind coming out of the villa. And if you want to make the most of your opportunities, it's important to take things seriously when you leave…

IT TURNS OUT DAVID SCHWIMMER IS GREAT AT BAKING! PAUL HOLLYWOOD, 57: Yeah, for sure! He is talented. And he took it quite seriously, you know, he was quite intense… PRUE LEITH, 83: You really felt that you couldn't go and interrupt him because he was busy baking. But he loosened up and, as you say, he was rather good. WERE YOU JUST A LITTLE STARSTRUCK AROUND HIM? PAUL: We've got to be cool. But I was in my trailer when I saw him coming in with his bags and I was like, “It's David Schwimmer, he's here, he's here!” I wandered up, pretending I wasn't that bothered, but I had to let it out. I couldn't believe it was him and I was like, “Wow!” He just said, “Oh…

According to Chinese medicine practitioner Katie Brindle, we don't need to make big changes to make a big impact on our wellbeing. Katie explains, “Chinese medicine is a very ancient medical system, which works in a slightly different way to Western medicine in that the idea is, if you balance the body, you won't get sick. It's not to say that one is right or wrong, but it's important we use every system available to us, especially in the busy and stressful world we live in. These rituals are the basic techniques I teach everyone – simple, one-minute things that will really help. Self-care does not have to be strenuous, if you're doing the right thing you can get incredible results from just a couple of minutes a day.” •…

The harsh reality of dating is that it's (almost) impossible to escape rejection, and I know for a lot of us, it feels as if that's all there is. But it's not! Over the years I've got a lot better at handling dating rejection, it could be age, it could be experience, but most likely it's that I wouldn't be able to continue dating if I were crippled each time someone didn't want to meet me again – this is about survival. However, that doesn't mean I'm immune. While I now prepare for rejection, taking first dates in isolation, I am often questioning, “What just happened?” when a date doesn't go the right way. It happened last week, the build-up to the first date was strong, I was a little…

● CUT YOUR MOBILE BILL Download the airtime rewards app, link a payment card, shop as normal and you'll earn money that's then taken off your mobile bill. More than 150 brands including Boots, Argos, Boohoo, Greggs, Wilko and New Look are involved. ● PREVENT SHOPPING SPREES Susceptible to ads that keep appearing on your laptop or mobile? One way to avoid all that temptation is to download the DuckDuckGo app and use it instead of Google. It finds everything you need when you search but doesn't pass your data on so nobody can use your searches to offer you ads. ● ALWAYS GET THE BEST PRICE The PriceSpy app compares prices to ensure you always get the best deal. It notifies you if similar items are cheaper or better…

GET HER LOOK COMES IN OTHER COLOURS AVAILABLE IN SIZES UP TO 4XL…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 18-24 MARCH 1 THE GREAT CELEBRITY BAKE OFF FOR STAND UP TO CANCER BRILLIANT LINE-UP FOR CHARITY SUN 19 MARCH, 7.45PM, C4 The starry version lands – with perhaps the best line-up ever, and everyone is excited about having David Friends Schwimmer in the tent… In fact, his veggie pie is so delicious, Paul declares it the “first time he's ever enjoyed eating tofu” (praise indeed!), Jesy Nelson struggles with her crazy long nails, while Rose Matafeo gears up for “the most stressful scenario of all time”. It's a great launch episode, and yes, Paul does use the words “soggy bottom”… Turn to page 32 for more. 2 24 HOURS IN POLICE CUSTODY THE HONEYTRAP MURDER HIT CRIME DOCU MON 20 / TUE 21 MARCH, 9PM, C4 Over…

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…

Not sure how Tom Hanks is going to take to being bottle-fed, Sarah, but best of luck!! Technically some good news here as we're hoping 2023 finally becomes the year that we master a decent deep fake tan – without the streaks! GRUMPY GRAM Kourtney was worth a cool $65million…right up until she walked into this casino and blew the lot. This is why we stick to playing 21s with matches! The cost-of-living crisis bites so deeply that even the billionaire Peltz-Beckhams have realised sharing a bath will dramatically cut their energy bill.…

He's known as the face of dating show First Dates, having helped countless singletons find love. And when Closer catches up with Fred Sirieix, 51, he reveals that when he and his fiancée – known only by her nickname of “Fruitcake” – plan a date night together, they like to keep things simple. “We make love!” the loveable maitre d’ tells Closer, adding, “We do lots of things we go to the theatre, we go to restaurants, we walk, we watch TV and we laugh. It's all about quality time and you can only have that with people you enjoy the company of.’ Despite being born and raised in France, Fred has become a national treasure in the UK. He first appeared on our screens in the First Dates restaurant,…

Folami Prehaye, 52, from Bristol, was horrified when her ex-boyfriend, Thomas Samuel, posted explicit photographs of her online that were subsequently viewed a staggering 48,000 times. He was given a six-month sentence, suspended for two years, in October 2014. Determined to help others, Folami wanted to raise awareness by speaking out about her ordeal and set up a support group Victims of Image Crime (VOIC). She says, “When I realised my most intimate images were shared without consent, I felt betrayed and angry. It was a very traumatic time for me and, like many others who suffer from abuse, I was depressed and emotionally broken. “I decided to take back control of my life by helping others who've shared the same experience as me. “Women need to feel confident they'll…

Fans were delighted when Love Island star Amy Hart announced the happy news that she'd welcomed her first child with boyfriend Sam Rason. Amy – who went into the villa in 2019 – and tech entrepreneur Sam began dating in April 2021 when he slid into her DMs. The former flight attendant, 30, announced she was pregnant last August, and last week revealed she had given birth to a baby boy, after a lengthy labour. Alongside a sweet picture of her and Sam looking elated with their newborn, she wrote on Instagram, “4 days of contractions at home (which everyone told us were Braxton Hicks… they weren't), 4 very short hours in the delivery suite and 5 long days in hospital later, we are home with our dreamy baby boy…

She tied the knot with partner of six years Sam Ashgari last year in a lavish wedding held at her £6.2m LA mansion – but since then there have been reports of trouble in paradise for Britney Spears. And insiders say that the latest concern from pals is over the couple's spending. Since her controversial conservatorship was terminated in November 2021, the pop star, 41, and personal trainer Sam, 29, had been living in a £9.8m mansion in Calabasas, California – but reports last week claimed the pair had sold it for a £1.4m loss, and had moved back to Britney's other home. The source says that Britney and Sam's extravagant spending and financial losses have concerned friends. They say, “Britney has been dipping deep into her investment funds and…

Fans were surprised last week by news that actor James Nesbitt is reportedly helping to raise girlfriend Katy Gleadhill's new baby – whom she conceived with someone else while the pair were on a break. The Cold Feet star, 58, split briefly from the 40-year-old actress two years ago after she revealed she wanted a baby, according to reports. Katy reportedly then fell pregnant with someone else – who is registered as the father – before giving birth to a daughter last year. And after James grew close to the actress again, he's now said to be helping raise the baby girl. A source close to the couple says, “Being with Katy is what matters to James, and he understands the baby is part of that. It's definitely a very…

Each year around 7,500 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and, tragically, 11 women a day die with it. But charity Target Ovarian Cancer is concerned that many of the symptoms of the disease are still being ignored. Speaking during Ovarian Cancer month, Dr Sharon Tate, Head of Primary Care Development for the charity, tells Closer, “With no effective screening tool, knowing the symptoms can give us a head start in the disease being diagnosed at the earliest possible stage.” A poll of 1,000 women found that 79 per cent didn't know that bloating was a symptom – and 97 per cent didn't know feeling full was another, despite the disease making headlines when both Angelina Jolie and Michelle Heaton spoke out about their decisions to have…

JESY NELSON, 31 Ex-Little Mix singer Jesy struggles to cook with her long fancy nails. TIM KEY, 46 The comic actor confesses he doesn't watch Bake Off. Oh… JOE THOMAS, 39 The Inbetweener says shaking Paul's hand would be “a dream”. TOM DALEY, 28 Olympic diver and knitting fan Tom is a “big lad” (Paul's words). JUDI LOVE, 42 The Loose Women panellist won last year's Christmas MasterChef! DAVID SCHWIMMER, 56 Friends star David was “intense” baking-wise. JESSICA HYNES, 50 Her favourite baked good is a chocolate éclair. COLEEN NOLAN, 57 Singer and TV star Coleen is “thrilled” to be taking part. JAY BLADES, 53 The Repair Shop star is a “nice fella” says Paul. And “quite intense.” ROSE MATAFEO, 31 The comic's baking style is “vibey, and chaotic.” GEMMA…

VET AND TV STAR DR SCOTT MILLER, 47, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND MY MINDFULNESS COMES FROM BEING IN NATURE… I love animals and being among wildlife. Whether it's a forest or an ocean, they're the places where I feel happiest and whole. Exercise also plays a massive role in keeping me mentally well – it's therapeutic and a great way to burn off pent up frustration. I'VE CUT DOWN ON MY ALCOHOL INTAKE… I'm really feeling the benefits, not only physically (I've lost over 5kg!) but also with my mental clarity too. I can concentrate for longer periods and my sleep quality has improved drastically. ANIMALS REMIND US TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT… Animals can ground us back to the present moment, while providing us…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK… CATE BLANCHETT, 53 Bringing the sunshine to the streets of New York, Cate's pale-yellow blouse and jeans combo is inspiring our wardrobe for the new season. Accessorised to perfection, the Aussie actress paired her spring-ready look with oversized shades, white stiletto boots and a tan-coloured clutch bag, with her blonde tresses styled in a chic updo. Copy her look here… IN THE NEWS… ROSIE EXCLUSIVELY FOR M&S LOUNGEWEAR COLLECTION To celebrate her decadelong relationship with Marks & Spencer last November, everyone's favourite trendsetter Rosie Huntington-Whiteley launched her very own loungewear range with the brand. And now she's back, with a second collection of luxe-for-less staples you'll want in your wardrobe ASAP! Think warm neutral designs, subtle stripes and all-black styles that reflect Rosie's trademark polished…

BODY-BOOSTER Working to swell cuticles, making hair look fuller, this lightweight foam gives extra body and bounce, without that sticky, stiff feeling. With added heat protection, it's the ideal blow-dry partner, designed to work on all hairtypes, including curls and waves. HAIR BY SAM MCKNIGHT COOL GIRL VOLUME FOAM, £28 QUICK FIX If you find that your hairstyle loses va-va-voom throughout the day, keep this handy mist in your handbag to add texture and restore volume. Simply lift your strands and spray into the roots and lengths from underneath, working the product in using your fingers. PERCY & REED TURN UP THE VOLUME DRY INSTANT VOLUMISING SPRAY, £15 SCALP SOOTHER Containing caffeine for healthy hair growth, hemisqualane to moisturise and aloe leaf juice to soothe the scalp, this vegan-friendly shampoo…

How similar is this to the ‘90s original? ANNEKA: Channel 5 wanted it exactly as it was back then, and apart from the satnav in the buggy and being able to access people online rather than in the Yellow Pages, viewers will find it weirdly similar. At the end of the day, it's a programme about communities and volunteers – harnessing the power of television as a force of good. And you still have to wait for plaster to dry… Do you have a stand-out moment from back in the day? One of the most significant challenges for me was the renovation of the orphanage in Romania in 1990. The whole of the UK seemed to get behind that project [helping 700 children living in appalling conditions], and the legacy…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Over the coming 12 months, confidence is the key to your success. The more you believe you can achieve something, the more likely you are to succeed. Work through any negative selftalk and show what you have to offer. It's your time to shine! PISCES 19 FEB – 20 MAR Saturn is now back in your sign for the first time in about 30 years. You could feel pressured this week, as this new cycle kicks in, or you could start to get the best of Saturn and begin to realise that you're a superstrong person made of amazing stuff! Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…