Table of contents for Issue 1075 in Closer

Arriving in Germany for the Invictus Games, it wasn’t long before Meghan Markle stole the limelight from her husband Prince Harry after being met with rapturous applause from fans. In a glamorous shorts-suit and Chanel pumps, Meghan, 42, looked every bit the Hollywood A-lister as she posed for selfies and hugged supporters after making an impromptu speech at a party for athletes competing in the event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Earlier that week, Harry, 38, was in his element as he cheered whole-heartedly in support of his fellow ex-army men and women, but following Meghan’s grand entrance, he appeared to be left in the shadows. And a source says that Meghan’s latest charm offensive is just one of many power moves she’s been making recently in…

Family and friends have been left panicked after Liam Payne was rushed to hospital with a serious kidney infection just days into a romantic anniversary trip to Italy’s Lake Como with girlfriend Kate Cassidy. Following his split from model Aliana Mawla in July 2022, the former One Direction star, 30, began dating model and influencer Kate, 23, taking the relationship public when they attended a Halloween party together. But the singer has been plagued by health issues with his ongoing kidney problem – he was forced to reschedule his September tour on doctors’ advice. The situation reached a crisis point while he was on holiday in Italy, with reports claiming that he was left in “severe pain” and would be hospitalised for a week. According to friends, the Polaroid singer…

Michelle Harriman, 52, from Stockport, had been with Martin for 28 years and they had two children together – Morgan, 25, and Skye, 23. Martin also had two children from a previous relationship, Laura, 37 and Stuart, 34. Martin’s organs were donated after he sadly died in May 2019, aged 60, having suffered a stroke at work. Michelle says, “Martin was the absolute love of my life. He died very suddenly, and it was devastating. “We were told Martin was on the Organ Donor Register, which came as a bit of a shock. I’d joined in the ’90s and had a card in my wallet, which Martin found and asked me about. We talked and I explained I was on the register. He didn’t say he’d gone and done it,…

NEWS Jennifer Aniston and BFF Reese Witherspoon, 47, may have conquered TV together with The Morning Show, but their love lives are both seriously lacking. That could all be about to change, however, as they are set to go on a man hunt together – starting with a girls-only getaway to Mexico, planned by Jen, 54. An insider reveals, “Neither of them wants to look desperate and they’re in different places so far as what they want in the long-term. Jen is looking for something serious, but Reese just wants fun for now, so soon after her divorce. “But they definitely share the same desire to get out there and have fun, even if it’s casual, and Jen’s happy to take the reins and make this happen for both of…

She’d managed to turn her life around following her bitter and very public divorce battle from Ant McPartlin by finding new love – even sparking rumours of wedding bells. But after a painful break-up from boyfriend James Green in July, Lisa Armstrong faced yet more heartbreak last week as she watched the home she’d shared with Ant partly destroyed by a fire. Days later, emotional Lisa posted a heartbreaking quote to her Instagram that read, “Once the heart gets too heavy with pain, people don’t cry. They just turn silent. Completely silent.” POIGNANT MEMORIES Insiders say the blaze has been extremely upsetting for Strictly make-up guru Lisa, 46, as so many emotions were tied up in the West London house where she lived with Ant before their split in 2018.…

While most of us are still asleep, MIC’s Olivia Bentley is up and getting her steps in before sunrise. She explains, “I’m an early riser anyway, so I get up at 5am and set off for a long walk around London. I walk for about an hour and a half, which is around 10,000 steps, and I pop my earphones in and listen to Shania Twain!” The reality star, 28, started walking over five years ago to keep her fitness up. She says, “I’ve always hated the gym, so I decided to start walking as my form of exercise instead. But then I realised how much it helped my mental health, so now I do my daily walks to clear my head. I suffer from quite severe anxiety, and walking…

INSIDE ELLIE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • American mustard • English mustard • Mayonnaise • Ketchup • Ginger shot • 70% dark chocolate • Milk chocolate • Cream cheese • Butter • Parmesan • Cheddar • Cucumber • Comte • Strawberries • Blueberries • Pears • Bread • Apples • Lettuce • Pineapple • Courgettes • Tomatoes • Spinach • Alpro oat milk ELLIE How much do you spend? I have absolutely no idea – my husband does it all! He tends to shop at Sainsbury’s or Tesco, and we order from Gousto too. Describe your daily diet… For breakfast, I like something cerealbased, like muesli or oats with Alpro oat milk, chopped strawberries, blueberries and nut butter. I’ll snack on protein bars to keep my energy levels up. At home,…

ALL ABOUT YOU! CHANGE YOUR LUCK AT WORK Regarding careers, people in the UK are now more likely to say luck counts for as much as hard work– but you can turn things around with a perspective shift When it comes to luck, it’s about putting ourselves in the right frame of mind – being open, listening, being tuned in to opportunities. We tend to think other people’s success is down to luck, but if you’re dissatisfied at work, it’s important that you’re having the right conversations, looking ahead, seeing where you can lend your expertise and being proactive. Give yourself short, medium and long-term goals to stay motivated. Being curious is important too – could you be doing things differently? Could you ask others for feedback? Don’t measure yourself…

Cutting costs as a family can, according to TV finance expert Emmanuel Asuquo (@theemaneffectuk), be enjoyable as well as effective. Here he reveals tricks to make saving money as a family a fun and bonding experience. TRY AN ENERGY BLACKOUT Find yourself wandering around the house switching off lights? Take a new approach. “For at least an hour a day we do an energy blackout where there’s no energy being used,” says Emmanuel. “Instead, we spend time together playing games or we go out for a walk as a family. Sometimes you realise that everyone’s got a phone or tablet in their hand, or they’re watching something in different rooms and we’re not actually having that time together, so that’s where the concept came from. It’s also saved us £2,000…

BALANCING ACT Head-to-toe neutrals are a recipe for success. Opt for a darker hue on the top half and pair with a light shade on the bottom to not only balance out the colours, but also elongate your silhouette. Finish off with a statement heel to give the look an extra pop of energy. DAY TIME DENIM Keep it casual and effortless by teaming light blue jeans with a classic Breton top and pumps for an easy everyday ensemble. On warmer days, ditch your jacket and choose a longline cardigan, which will keep you cool while running errands. LAYER UP One style of coat that will see you through every season is a trusty trench. Whether you style it over a lightweight knit and midi skirt or a classic dress,…

DUNELM Jazz up tired rooms with a group of colourful accessories to instantly give a burst of energy to your space MATALAN A monochrome palette is an effective way of adding a stylish aesthetic to your home. Layering it with cooler tones, such as beige, can transform a room NEXT Natural and woven textures are having a huge impact this season. Warm clay and earthy tones are key to this easy-to-live-with look…

It’s wedding bells ahoy as Mack proposes to Chloe and she couldn’t be happier. “Chloe loves Mackenzie and does want to marry him,” says actress Jessie Elland, 33. But she does have some unusual advice for her character if she were her friend, “LEAVE HIM!” Let’s not forget that Mack has already betrayed her with Charity – and it can only be a matter of time before Chloe finds out. “I think it will really devastate Chloe, to the point we might see her react and respond on a level we’ve never seen from her before,” says Jessie. “It’s literally her worst fear brought to life.” FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

W hat to expect? Lots of delicious, yummy recipes that I think people are going to really, really love. This is all about a celebration of spices – I grew up in a house where we used spices all the time, but people are afraid of how complicated they may appear. They don’t have to be! You say it’s important to keep it simple… We do live really busy lives and the one thing we don’t want to lose is flavour. Just because you’re doing something quickly or fast, it feels like you should compromise – but you shouldn’t have to. I’m all about cheating and saving time, while still eating delicious food. Why do you think people are put off using spices? I think they’re daunted – you eat out…

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…

19-25 SEPTEMBER THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP If it’s been increasingly hard to get on with a VIP in your life lately, maybe consider the way you’re tackling issues. Should you change your tune? If one tactic isn't working, try another and see if you have more luck. Relationships are challenging! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope. LIBRA 23 SEP – 22 OCT You don’t have to push too hard. You’re a magnet for good things. It’s when you forget this that you start to have issues. So whatever it is you want right now, remember that if it’s meant for you, it will come your way in time. Attract rather than chase, it’s far less mentally exhausting. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope.…

Walking down the aisle towards her partner, Edward, Megan WatsonWing felt elated to be marrying the love of her life while also seven months pregnant with a much longedfor baby. Although it’s not unusual to find a bride pregnant on her wedding day, the circumstances around Megan’s situation certainly were – because the baby’s father wasn’t the groom – whom Megan had been in a relationship with for four years – or even Megan’s. She was carrying a baby for a same-sex couple she had only met a year prior. Megan, 27, says, “I’d always had a desire to help others who couldn’t have their own children, and when I met this couple through a surrogacy agency, we clicked straight away. It didn’t bother me in the slightest that I’d…

She rose to fame in popular Liverpudlian soap Brookside and was a lads’ mag regular in the noughties, often ranking high in top sexiest women polls – but now life couldn’t be more different for Jennifer Ellison. As well as being a busy mum to three boys – Bobby, 13, Harry, 10, and eightyear-old Charlie – she also runs a theatre school with husband Robbie Tickle, and is starring in a new theatre show about the ’90s called Greatest Days. But the actress and former glamour model – who came fourth in the 2012 series of Dancing On Ice – tells Closer that for many years she had completely lost her confidence after she gradually gained weight and went up to a size 18, and doubted she’d ever act again.…

Our TV faves Alison, Noel, Paul and Prue tell us what we’ve got to look forward to as The Great British Bake Off returns for a brand-new series – and why it’s set to the best yet. Among the new hopefuls looking to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith this year are a science teacher, a doctoral research associate and a retired cabin crew member. And after host Matt Lucas stepped down from his role in 2022, This Morning’s Alison Hammond will be joining presenter Noel Fielding to give the contestants some much-needed words of encouragement. Here’s what the fab four had to say for themselves ahead of the show’s first episode… ALISON ‘I’d love to see Dermot in the tent!’ This Morning presenter Alison, 48, says she was…

EMBRACE MORNING LIGHT Walking does wonders for your wellbeing at any time of day, but getting out in the morning ups the ante. That’s because soaking up natural light kickstarts your body clock, which can in turn boost your energy levels and improve your sleep. Research also suggests people getting more morning light are less likely to report feelings of stress and depression. “I’ve learnt to worship the morning light,” says Julia. “That light between 7am and 9am is really important to take into your body, and we do that through our eyes. Your body has evolved to respond to daylight, and even on a dull day you’ll get more lux (a measurement of light) than you do under artificial light. Even on rainy or cloudy days, I’d urge you…

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m a bit of a dating dinosaur. I remember a time before Tinder, when flirting happened across a dance floor and not over WhatsApp. Back then, it was already confusing and complicated enough sending sweet nothings over text messages, you had just 128 characters to profess your feelings and the stress of trying to fit in an “x” or “xx” – or worse, none at all. But with multiple platforms through which we can now speak to our love interests, from in-app messaging on the likes of Hinge to watching stories on Instagram and so on, it’s no wonder that we’re all a little confused. Dating app Badoo found that two-thirds of singles have anxiety over messaging matches, and if their communication…

DO COMPARISONS Website and app Trolley.co.uk compares prices across supermarkets and it includes discounts for loyalty apps and cards. You can also set alerts on it to be notified when a price drops. TRY THE MARKET STALL If you live near an oldfashioned fruit and veg stall, go and check out the prices. They often have big bowls of fruit or vegetables for £1, and unlike the supermarket, where prices are set, you can haggle. GET CASHBACK You may already use cashback sites like Quidco and TopCashback for big purchases, but they also offer cashback at the supermarkets – and if you regularly do big weekly shops, you could earn plenty back! BUY DISCOUNTED GOODS Sign up to approvedfood.co.uk to buy food and household products that are nearing their best-before…

TWINKLE TOES Sparkly shoes aren’t just for party season, these rhinestone Cinderella flats will look so good with jeans and a tee. LACE UP, LOOK SHARP For the full #BallerinaCore vibe, wear these ribbon ankle-tie pumps with a pretty dress for a night out. BARGAIN BUY Giving Chanel vibes for just £7, the classic two-tone pumps have been reimagined in pink – and we’re big fans. GOLDEN GIRL For under a tenner, you’ll be able to make any outfit look luxe thanks to these golden beauties. DENIM DREAM From bandeau dresses to shoes and bags, denim is huge news this year – and these flats with a rhinestone buckle are gorge. PINK PLEASE #BarbieCore is sticking around for the rest of the year, and these lace-upthe-leg flats will go with…

GRUMPY GRAM…

She made a rare public appearance last week at the wedding of her long-time publicist. And Cheryl, 40, looked stunning as she joined the celebrations alongside her former Girls Aloud bandmates and a string of celebs including Denise Van Outen, Alesha Dixon, Ashley Roberts, Perrie Edwards, Myleene Klass and Tess Daly. HEART-TO-HEART Pals say the star – who shares five-year-old son, Bear, with her ex, 1D star Liam Payne, 30 – has been tempted into signing up for Strictly after a heart-to-heart with the show’s host, Tess, 54. The pair struck up a friendship on the celebrity circuit back in the early noughties – with Cheryl appearing on Children In Need, which Tess hosted multiple times, as well as cheering on her best pal and former bandmate Kimberley Walsh, 41,…

When Roselelia Eaves watched her son Ethan start school earlier this month, it was a milestone that she was worried she’d never see. Ethan, now four, was just five months old when doctors confirmed that the little boy was gravely ill and would need a heart transplant. Roselelia, 38, an executive assistant from Luton, says, “Ethan hadn’t been well, and we rushed him to the hospital where they did an emergency X-ray and echo. They confirmed his heart was very enlarged on the left side. We were devastated, as we knew he’d need a transplant.” AGONISING It was an extra blow because Roselelia’s husband, Richard, now 41, had already had a heart transplant not long before Ethan was born. She says, “We’d already been through so much as a family.…

She’s been open about her longing to become a mum again, telling an audience in Las Vegas that she’d been making notes of baby names and admitting that she wants to be pregnant again “soon”. And with her hugely successful residency coming to an end in November, Adele, 35, is now preparing to really focus on her baby-making mission with boyfriend of two years, Rich Paul. FOCUSED After suffering a painful fall due to her ongoing health battle with sciatica (a painful nerve condition) last month, an insider says the megastar is now prioritising her health to boost her chances of falling pregnant. The source says, “Adele is determined, now more than ever to make it happen. She’s not going to give up and has every confidence it’ll happen for…

Hanging up the phone, Louise Butcher fought back the tears – and as she looked in the mirror, all her emotions came pouring out. Louise had just been given the devastating news that she had breast cancer. But she soon turned her diagnosis into something remarkable… After undergoing a double mastectomy, Louise ran a marathon. Determined to remove the stigma surrounding mastectomy scars, she refused to hide them, completing her epic run topless. Louise says, “I am so proud of my flat chest and I hope I can empower other women who have had a mastectomy to feel the same.” INSPIRED After watching the London Marathon [which covers almost 27 miles] on TV in 2021, Louise felt inspired. She says, “I said to my husband, Paul [who is 53], ‘I…

For years Aimie Smith dreaded posing for pictures, and on nights out would hide behind a friend or avoid going out altogether. Her addiction to junk food meant her weight had crept up to 13st 7lbs, and her selfconfidence had plummeted. She hated being the “biggest girl” in her group and longed to wear the stylish clothes her slimmer friends would wear. But thanks to a neighbour – a Slimming World consultant who got her started on the food optimising plan – Aimie’s finally got her confidence back. Now, Aimie is three and a half stone lighter and has gone from being a crisp addict to a shop-a-holic. She says, “I used to wear dark, baggy clothes to hide my figure, but now I love wearing bright, figureflattering outfits –…

She may have the figure of someone half her age, but refreshingly, Anthea Turner, 63, admits she isn’t a slave to the gym or daily workouts – in fact, she credits walking with keeping her toned. The TV presenter and domestic goddess says walking three times a week benefits her from top to toe. “You’ll hear people say they’re going to pump iron or head to the gym, but they’ve forgotten how effective walking can be,” Anthea tells Closer. “It’s one of the most important things you can do for toning, improving balance and stability, and holding onto your waist. This is all particularly effective when you’re in your menopausal years, as the weight is harder to shift and you’re at risk of osteoporosis. I don’t believe in fancy Pilates…

MIDWEEK MEAL (Heck Asian Pork Mince, £3, Aldi) Coated in sticky soy and seasoned with chilli, ginger and spring onion, this mince can be added to bao buns or used as a tasty alternative for beef in spag Bol, lasagne and meat balls – hurry, it’s limited edition. SEASONED SNACK (Tropical Sun Buffalo Wing Almonds, £4.99, Asda) Made with a top-secret spice mix, these moreish almonds are ideal for a midday munch. They’re high in protein, vitamin E and fibre, and are packaged in a reusable tin.…

CHEF NADIYA HUSSAIN, 38, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND COLD WATER THERAPY IS MY NEW THING… I have one every morning. Cold showers bolster immunity, improve circulation and are believed to activate the sympathetic nervous system to increase endorphins. I’m sold! LEARNING TO SAY NO IS A BIG PART OF LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH… So is realising that “no” is a full sentence. It doesn’t have to come with an explanation. I used to drop everything to get stuff done for others, to the detriment of my own wellbeing, but in the past year, that’s changed, and my stress levels have lowered. I’M RECOGNISING I DON’T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING BY MYSELF… My husband Abdal is always asking what he can help with, and when…

NEW-SEASON STAPLES GET HER LOOK SOFIA VERGARA We adore a jeans and nice top combo, and actress Sofia pulls off the style with a crisp white shirt. The 51-year-old teamed the tailored piece with distressed jeans for a more daytime look and finished with platform heels – a great way to add a more fashion-forward edge to an ensemble. IN THE NEWS… AMANDA HOLDEN X LIPSY She’s the lady we’re always looking to for style advice, and now we can have a piece of her wardrobe for ourselves. Amanda Holden has teamed up with Lipsy to bring us the best of the best for the season ahead. Each item in the range has been designed with elegance, sophistication and, most importantly, glamour in mind. Think attention-grabbing gowns, everyday essentials and luxe…

MIRACLE MASK This moisturising sheet mask is enriched with plumping panthenol and glycerin, along with ceramides, to leave your skin feeling smooth and rebalanced. PILLOW PLUMPER An overnight lip mask supercharged with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ceramides – all skincare powerhouse ingredients that boost lip recovery while you sleep, leaving them babysoft come morning. BRILLIANT BALM Dedicated to giving skin a nourishing cleanse, this luxe balm is packed with pseudoceramides that mimic natural lipids to hydrate the skin. Rich and silky, it visibly smooths complexions without leaving behind a greasy residue. SMOOTHING SERUM Effective and affordable, this lightweight serum will leave you with smoother and brighter skin in an instant. Ceramides are combined with hyaluronic acid in this formula to empower the natural protective layer responsible for retaining moisture…

TV Closer TV WEEK: 23-29 SEPT 1 THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF IT’S A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT TUE 26 SEPT, 8PM, C4 She’s excited to be joining the show and thrilled to meet the bakers! A big, warm Bake Off welcome to Alison Hammond – who was announced as Matt Lucas’ replacement back in March, joining Noel Fielding on presenting duties. The new series kicks off with Cake Week, with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith demanding a vertical layer cake (“It’s a bit like a Swiss roll, standing up,” says Paul – helpfully). There are issues with butter cream, but the next challenge is even trickier – the iconic Bake Off chocolate cake, smothered with ganache. Shiny is a must, but “too fudgy” – Lord, no! 2 BIG ZUU’S BIG EATS…