Table of contents for Issue 1115 in Closer

NEWS A head of his 80th birthday later this month, Thomas Markle Sr recently spoke out about how he would love to reunite with his estranged daughter Meghan. “I've never been one for birthdays, but I know the one person I most want to hear from – Meghan – won't be in touch. I would love to meet my grandchildren, but I would be happy with a photograph at this stage,” he said. Thomas also sensationally revealed that he's considering getting in touch with King Charles for a chat, granddad-to-granddad. “I'd love to speak to him because I am sure he has as many unanswered questions as I do. Neither of us deserves the treatment we've received,” he said. “He is going through cancer treatment and I'm not in the…

She's had a difficult few months after her husband, Red Bull boss Christian Horner, was embroiled in a scandal after being accused of inappropriate behaviour by an employee. And now insiders say that Geri Halliwell Horner has a new drama in her life, after reports claimed that she and her husband had been at loggerheads with neighbours over extension plans. Geri, 51, and Christian, 50 – who share six-year-old son Monty, as well as Geri's 18-year-old daughter Bluebell and Christian's 10-year-old daughter Olivia from previous relationships – have reportedly been criticised by neighbours for their plans to build a second swimming pool at their Oxfordshire mansion. Locals have called the proposal for an open-air pool “greedy”, and fear it will disturb the village church next to their house. And sources…

Jennifer Lopez was spotted heading to her husband Ben Affleck's offices for a “three-hour showdown” last week amid rumours a divorce announcement could be imminent. The 54-yearold looked downcast as she returned to LA following her solo trip across Europe, while actor Ben, 51, stayed in the US. J-Lo had jetted off to Italy and was seen relaxing on a boat before heading to lunch with pals. The singer, who is mum to 16-yearold twins, Max and Emme, with ex-husband Marc Anthony, was later snapped boarding an economy flight from Naples to Paris, where she attended Dior's Fall 2024 couture show. Meanwhile, Ben – who has been pictured with his wedding ring off and on – has raised eyebrows after hanging out with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner in recent weeks.…

It seems Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton's romance is going from strength to strength, as the pair have enjoyed a sunny getaway to Majorca. The Coronation Street star, 53, who met boxer Ricky, 45, on Dancing On Ice earlier this year, looked happier than ever as she shared a snap from their holiday and wrote alongside, “Lovely weekend in Majorca with @rickyhitmanhatton”. Taking to his own Instagram, Ricky posted a photo of the couple enjoying a meal with their family and friends. He captioned the post, “Last day in Mallorca for me & @claire.sweeney Great few days with family & great friends”.…

NATURAL LOOK Back at the start of her modelling days, Katie's natural boob size was a perky 32B. 1998 - A BOOST At 20, she went to a 32C with her first boob job, reportedly funded with the help of her mum. 2006 - BIGGER STILL The model's fourth boob job boosted her breasts up to an ample G-cup. 2011 - AN INCREASE After reducing down to a C-cup in 2008, the star boosted them back up to an F-cup. 2015 - INFECTED WOUND She found herself with a nasty infection, going on to remove her breast implants in 2015.. 2022 - BIGGEST EVER Katie then had even more work done in an aim to have “the biggest breasts in Britain”.…

When Rebecca Diponio fell in love with the runt of a litter of Pugs, she begged her husband, Trevor, to bring her home. Despite saying no initially, a few weeks later the dog landed on the family's doorstep as a Valentine's gift for Rebecca. But when the Pug, named Dolly, hit adulthood having barely grown an inch, the family became worried. They took her to the vet, who told them she probably had a form of canine dwarfism and would likely never reach the size of a fully-grown Pug. Rebecca, 45, says, “Although there may be some health complications down the line for Dolly, we're determined to give her the best life possible. She may be small in stature, but she's already left a giant paw print on our hearts.”…

INSIDE JOANNE'S FRIDGE ● Butter ● Black olives ● Heinz Mayoracha ● Mustard ● Pesto ● Protein yoghurts ● Alpro soya yoghurt ● Vegan sliced cheese ● Mushrooms ● Blue cheese ● Vegan grated cheese ● Blueberries ● Lemons ● Ginger shots ● Minced lamb ● Tomato purée ● Prawns ● Peppers ● Oat drink ● Apple cider vinegar ● Kale ● Sweet potato ● Carrots ● Rosé wine ● Sparkling white wine VERDICT CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Joanne's meals look well balanced, but her fridge could do with more fruit and veg to help her achieve five-a-day. She could also add more whole grains to her diet, such as topping her yoghurt with oats, and choosing wholewheat pasta and brown rice, to help keep her heart and gut…

RELATIONSHIPS HOW TO DEAL WITH A PARTNER'S BAD HABITS Whether your partner smokes or swears excessively, all kinds of things can annoy us, but tread carefully when trying to ‘change’ someone Anybody who wants to change has to do it for their own reasons, but if your partner's habit impacts you, it's perfectly reasonable to address that, kindly, firmly and sensitively. Say their poor hygiene means you have a dirty house; it's OK to say that's impacting your quality of life. If they smoke in your home, that is damaging to your health. Avoid using accusatory language, which will be met with defensiveness, but explain your concerns. You may feel annoyed, but the underlying emotion is fear – fear of losing them. Vocalise your worries. If they've always said they'll…

CASUALTY STAR KIRSTY MITCHELL, 49, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND… HAVING A CUDDLE WITH MY DOG HELPS MY MENTAL HEALTH… My life is jam packed, but I always make sure to spend time with him. I get up early and walk him even if I've got a long day ahead. If I'm not working, we'll take three-hour hikes together. It's so good for both my mental and physical health. WORKING OUT IN THE HEAT IS A GREAT CHALLENGE… I've got into hot HIIT Pilates, which is quite intense. It's great for my joints and muscles. I like feeling as though I've really worked out. I LISTEN TO MY BODY WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS… I take magnesium to help me sleep and I…

Reality star, entrepreneur and Pilates instructor… there are few things 27-year-old Made In Chelsea star Verity Bowditch can't do. Since leaving her plant-based food business, Clean Kitchen, earlier this year, she's been mentoring start-up businesses and is poised to launch her app, Pilates With Verity, which she swears by to keep her brain and body feeling their best. She says, “I've always enjoyed exercise as it makes me feel good, and I'm really conscious that we all need to take care of our bodies as we get older. I try to do 10 or 15 minutes of Pilates every morning – even if it's a couple of roll downs to get my posture going and something to wake up my glutes. It's great as it energises me for the whole…

YOUR LIPS BUT BETTER Want fuller-looking lips, but with colour? The INKEY List's best-selling plumping balm is back in new buildable and universally flattering tints, including pink, berry and mauve. THE INKEY LIST TRIPEPTIDE PLUMPING LIP BALM, £11 TAILORED TINT For use on lips and cheeks, this colouradapting formula reacts with your skin and lip pH level for a blushing hue that's unique to you. It's also packed with hydrating oils. SOAP & GLORY SPECTACU-LIPS PH LIP & CHEEK GLOW OIL, £12.99 POWDER PROTECT A solution for those who don't like layering make-up over their SPF, this powder gives added protection alongside mattifying benefits. HAWAIIAN TROPIC MINERAL SUN PROTECTION POWDER BRUSH SPF30, £10.90 COMPLEXION COMPACT Speed up your base routine with these four blendable cream and powder shimmer shades to…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The New Moon in your birthday chart is your invitation to take better care of yourself. This isn't just about bubble baths and cups of tea. Think long-term too. What can you do now that your future self will thank you for? A little bit of effort now will yield long-lasting results. CANCER 21 JUN – 22 JUL The New Moon could heighten your sensitivity, and your feelings will help you tap into the next steps you need to take. Luck, opportunity and abundance are proportionate to your willingness to step out of a comfort zone. This week is about restarting. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

Absolutely have to agree with you there, Cardi – it's literally the only way to get the best out of a Bounty bar. Exciting news for everyone who's been invited to Travis’ famous summer barbecue – grab a plate, and form an orderly queue! GRUMPY GRAM The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, but Mandy bitterly regrets trying to save a bit of money by re-doing her patio herself. Leave it to the experts next time!…

‘THE COMMENTS HAVE SENT HER INTO A SPIN OF PARANOIA ABOUT HOW IT'S AFFECTING HER CAREER’ Amanda Holden wowed fans once again recently when she posted glamorous shots of herself in a bikini on holiday. But despite many praising her for looking so incredible, some people weren't so complimentary. And sources have told Closer that it's left Amanda, 53, feeling worried. One follower said of her pictures, “She's getting more and more desperate to be relevant as the years clearly advance”. Another commented, “Is her life totally obsessed with posing for Insta pictures – look at me, look at me, all a bit desperate”. “The latest comments have really triggered Amanda and it's made her spiral – worrying about not only losing the pin-up status she's worked so hard to…

They've been together for three years, and now Talulah Riley and Thomas Brodie-Sangster have got married in a romantic village ceremony. The St Trinian's actress, 38, and Love Actually star Thomas, 34 – who met on the set of Disney+ miniseries, Pistol – exchanged vows at St George's Church in Anstey, Hertfordshire. Talulah looked stunning in a white satin gown and lacetrimmed veil, while Thomas opted for a blue suit jacket, floral waistcoat and pinstriped grey trousers. It marks the third time Talulah has said “I do”, having previously been married to billionaire Elon Musk twice – first in 2010 until 2012, and again in 2013 before they called it quits in 2016. Meanwhile, Thomas has previously dated actress Isabella Melling and musician Gzi Wisdom. The newlyweds first announced their…

Over the years, Closer has interviewed Tina Malone many times, and her love for her husband Paul has always shone through, once describing him as “the fabric of her life”. But her world was shattered when she announced in March that Paul had sadly died aged just 41. In an emotional interview, former Shameless star Tina, 61, tearfully tells us, “I am heartbroken and I will never get over it. We were so in love. Things will never be the same, but I have to be strong for Flame.” Tina – who shares 10-year-old daughter Flame with Paul – tells us that he took his own life after battling with PTSD and depression for years, following 13 years serving in the Army. From the ages of 16 to 29, Paul…

“Get the satisfaction of a beef burger and cut down on meat by using nutritious, tasty black beans. Choose a wholemeal bun for added health points.” PIP PAYNE'S BEEF & BLACK BEAN BURGERS WITH HOT CORN SALSA STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C, gas mark 6. In a food processor, whizz together the onion, carrot and garlic for the burgers until they are very finely chopped. Add the black beans, oregano, salt and cumin and pulse to chop them up a little, but don't completely blend; you want some texture. Add the tomato purée and minced beef, then pulse again a couple of times, just to bring the mixture together, but you don't want to whizz too much and end up with a paste. STEP 2 Shape the mixture…

WELLBEING FAMILY MATTERS Lots of parents worry that their kids are glued to consoles, barely leaving their bedrooms as they game endlessly. Anna reveals the benefits of gaming, and how to avoid the pitfalls Research shows that gaming can help with stress, cognitive function and reading ability, particularly sport, strategy and adventure-based games. It can play a role in fostering stronger family relationships, as you bond by playing together, and it helps adults to embrace their inner child. In research conducted by Nintendo, parents agreed that gaming was a useful tool in helping kids to cope with stress. Games can be fun, soothing, can allow children's minds to wander, to decompress, to transport them to another world and to let off steam. But crucially, gaming needs to be enjoyed in moderation.…

In the UK, we take care of around 38 million pets, but with unexpected costs all too common, we asked Dr Rebecca Castle, veterinary surgeon at Creature Comforts, for her best tips to help avoid sky-high spends… LIMIT STRESS Around three-quarters of UK pet owners have encountered animal damage in the home – often including soiled carpets and trashed sofas – with 60 per cent of those admitting to spending up to £200 sorting it out. “Destructive behaviours usually stem from boredom, stress or anxiety,” says Dr Castle. “Mental stimulation from things like puzzle feeders and scent work (around £10+ on Amazon) are helpful for dogs with lots of mental energy and work for pets like birds, reptiles and even guinea pigs. For behaviours borne out of stress or boredom,…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO For effortless daytime dressing, look no further than Alessandra's ravishing red ensemble. The 43-year-old teamed her elegant scarlet shirt dress with a lightweight cropped trench coat – the perfect cover up-for the UK's temperamental weather. IN THE NEWS… GET SUMMER-READY WITH H&M Prepare to bring in the sunshine with H&M's latest collection. Whether you want to stock up on basic buys or are on the hunt for standout styles, the high-street hero has everything your wardrobe needs this season. And it doesn't stop there, as it's even got your little ones covered with cute dresses and lightweight cotton separates. What's not to love? FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! BOTANICAL BEAUTIES Kristen Wigg The Bridesmaids star looked pretty in pink while wearing a blooming lovely…

DOUBLE SIDED FRUITY PICK This citrusprint towel has StayNew™ technology so it looks as good as new after multiple washes. M&S, £15 FOR LITTLES ONES Wrap up kids in this towel that they can wear as a cape too. It absorbs three times faster than a standard cotton towel and comes in its own bag! DOCK & DRY, £24 RIDE THE WAVES You'll blend in perfectly with the ocean waves with this fun striped towel! JOHN LEWIS, £15 PUCKER UP Turn heads by the pool and let your towel do the talking with this cheeky choice! ROCKETT ST GEORGE, £24 FLOWER POWER Embrace nature's botanical beauty with this colourful leafy towel. PRIMARK, £7 ALL IN ONE This quickdrying towel has an adjustable drawstring strap, meaning it can be rolled up…

Albert Square legend Perry Fenwick, 62, on this week's shock revelation… “Billy has been so antiStevie since he arrived because of the appalling parenting he had when he was growing up. He decides to do something familywise, but when Stevie tells Billy that his mum died, it's absolutely devastating for him – everything he thought he knew about her has been blown out of the water.” On working with Alan Ford [Stevie], Perry adds, “He's incredibly funny and reminds me of my dad in real life. Everybody loves him.” FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

It's been two decades since Victoria and David Beckham's marriage hit the headlines when his former personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, went public with allegations of an affair. But the scandal – which almost ended Brand Beckham, in what Victoria described as “the hardest period” – has come back to haunt the couple once again, after details were rehashed in a new book, The House Of Beckham: Money, Sex And Power by Tom Bower. BOMBSHELL CLAIMS And following its release last week, a string of new damaging allegations emerged about the former footballer's behaviour – including further details about a Spanish model it is claimed was found in bed with him during his time in Spain. Now, a source says the claims have caused friction between Posh, 50, and Becks, 49,…

When Victoria Hill started experiencing some health issues, she decided to purchase a DNA testing kit to find out more about her genetics. But she got a lot more than she bargained for when she received multiple matches to relatives on a website. Then, one of them dropped a bombshell: Victoria's biological father was not the man she thought, but was in fact the fertility doctor who'd helped her mother conceive. Dr Burton Caldwell had allegedly been inseminating his patients with his own sperm, instead of donor sperm – and as a result, Victoria had multiple half-siblings. Last year, Victoria made an even more shocking discovery: one of these siblings was her high school ex-boyfriend – who she'd slept with and easily could have married. Victoria, now 39, says, “I…

THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS AND BREAK-UPS Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt has announced she's pregnant with her first child. The 43-year-old actress shared the happy news by debuting her blossoming bump on the red carpet at the Into Film Awards in London last week. Joanne looked glowing in a red mini dress as she beamed for pictures and cradled her stomach. While she hasn't confirmed the identity of the father, she was previously spotted walking hand-in-hand with a mystery man called Mark last August. It comes after the star was left heartbroken in 2020 following her split from her ex-husband James Cannon after eight years together.…

She's no stranger to the operating table, having had a long list of surgeries over the years. And last week, Katie Price revealed she was undergoing yet another procedure as she jetted off to Belgium to have her 17th boob job – prompting warnings that she could be putting her life at risk. Taking to Instagram, Katie shared a photo from her bed at BeClinic in Brussels with the caption, “[BeClinic Brussels] been coming here for years and is definitely the best boob surgeon I recommend to anyone.” The 46-year-old, who is having the op to make her chest smaller, then posted a selfie as she told her followers that she was “first on the list”. Another snap also showed her Married At First Sight boyfriend JJ Slater, 31, kissing…

Tina exclusively reveals to Closer during our interview that next month she will start filming a documentary about the high rate of suicide in the UK. She says, “Suicide is just not being addressed in this country, even though it is such a huge killer. If this documentary helps one person, I will be happy. I just want there to be changes, I want the government to do something about the lack of funding towards suicide prevention, and I want to give people hope that things can get better.”…

Have you heard of hypergamy? I hadn't until recently. I would like to say I was stunned when I learned what this new trend is but, sadly, nothing shocks me anymore. It involves someone dating “up” – where they're more interested in the lifestyle dating you can offer them than who you are as a person. It sounds like being a “gold digger” – but for social status. Hypergamy has been growing in popularity in America, and the UK has been quick to follow suit. I can only assume it's a byproduct of social media, where the number of followers you have is more important than the value and quality of your content or your character! This ideology has transferred into dating, where it's more important to date someone who…

Sick of always asking friends and family to pay you back? Here are three simple solutions: ● SPLITWISE APP Sign up for a free account, create a group, input who has paid for what and it will tot up who owes what to whom. Say you go on a girls’ weekend away, you can each add expenses, and Splitwise will update everyone's balances to keep track of how much each person owes. Click “Settle up” and you can record a cash payment, pay via PayPal or via the app itself. ● PAYPAL Owe someone for a round of drinks or a cab home? Enter their name, mobile number or email address, pop in the amount, and send the cash. Seamless. ● SETTLE UP APP Sign up, log in and create…

1 TRUE BLUE Swap your trusty jeans for this delightful denim dress, which will look fab with sandals for a day in the park. SIMPLY BE, £55 2 MINI ME The family who dress together, stay together – right? Primark has got your entire clan covered with this matching trio. ADULT DRESS, £20; KIDS’ DRESS, £8; BABY DRESS, £5, ALL PRIMARK FOR ALL THE FAMILY 3 ALL THAT GLITTERS Embrace your inner golden goddess in a shimmering sequin number. You'll be able to crack it out again come party season. M&S, £49.99 4 STAR STYLE Who doesn't want a celeb-approved frock in their wardrobe? Rochelle's silky design will work perfectly with a blazer for brunch. NEXT, £59 5 COLOUR IT IN Bored of florals? This doodle– detail tea dress makes a great alternative and…

closer TV TV WEEK: 6-12 JULY NEW SERIES 1 LONG LOST FAMILY MORE MIRACLE REUNIONS MON 8 JULY, 9PM, ITV1 Returning for a 14th series, Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell help people to find missing family members. Episode one follows the story of a mum looking for the daughter she was forced to give up as a teenager. Roslynne Webb became pregnant at 16 and was sent 100 miles away from her Coventry home by her deeply ashamed parents. In London, baby Christine was taken away, and Ros was unable to have any more children. Can the LLF miracle workers help? We also hear the story of Tegan Cornish, 61, who was shocked to discover she has a younger brother and is keen to track him down. 2 BAKE OFF: THE PROFESSIONALS…

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…

2-8 JULY AQUARIUS 20 JAN - 18 FEB If you're feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, then it's time to reprioritise. A New Moon in your Daily Grind Zone can help you reset your schedule and develop better habits. The first thing you need to do is to take better care of yourself. Self-care is the key to being more productive. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19 FEB - 20 MAR You may be getting used to the feeling of “it is what it is” in terms of the pressure you're experiencing. While that won't be going anywhere anytime soon, that doesn't mean you can't have some fun. Lighten the mood and make fun and joy a priority this week. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LEO 23 JUL -…