Table of contents for Issue 930 in Closer

How did you cope with the first lockdown? Did you learn to play jazz piano and fashion bespoke furniture from fluff, or did you emerge blinking into the light several stone heavier with chocolate still in your hair? Frankly, either answer is fine. But this time round we’ve got Christmas in our sights, so let the countdown begin! You could lose a stone in time for the festive season with our great diet plan. TV’s Anna Williamson has tons of wellbeing tips, and we’ve got great ideas to get you and the kids crafting for instant fun... and gift ideas. There’s style inspiration you’ll love (all available online), and on page 21 you can make a really important fashion statement and help ban cruel mink farms. We hope the issue…

• Last year’s ‘WAGatha Christie’ scandal divided the nation over which of the wives was in the right • The court battle begins this week, with the preliminary trial set for Thursday • Closer speaks to two stars who have rushed to take sides for Team Rooney or Team Vardy It’s fast become one of the biggest celebrity blow-ups in recent history – with Coleen Rooney’s claim that Rebekah Vardy’s Instagram account had leaked false stories about her to the press. Now the pair’s toxic battle is set to kick off in London’s High Court on 19 November. Rebekah, 38 – who was seven months pregnant when she was accused – has denied the claims and, after failing to reach an amicable result through mediation, is suing Coleen, 34, for…

They weathered divorce rumours earlier this year, and now Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s six-year marriage has been thrown into turmoil again after Kim’s ex-BFF, Larsa Pippen, claimed the rapper had “brainwashed” her former pal. Larsa - whose friendship with Kim dates back almost 10 years - said, “[Kanye] has literally brainwashed the whole family into thinking... I don’t even know what. He talks so much about me being this and that... I just feel like Kanye was in a place where he really didn’t trust anyone with Kim.” Kim, 40, and Larsa, 46, unfollowed each other in July. At the time, Kanye, 43, had tweeted “Larsa” with a thinking face emoji, without further explanation. And insiders say Kim is dismayed at Larsa’s new claims. A source says, “Kim’s mortified…

Thrown into the spotlight after joining the cast of Made In Chelsea in 2013, Ashley James now admits that what she thought would be the best time of her life became the hardest. “It led to issues with finances, self-confidence, body dysmorphia, and relationship stress - just everything,” she admits. “I guess it was like this glamorous world I was entering into, and it was actually the beginning of one of the hardest times of my life. It was something that I thought would be such a life-changer, in that it would bring me everything I’d ever hoped for in terms of positivity and money and fame, and all the things that I thought would make me happy.” Earlier this year, model Ashley opened up about how lockdown had made…

This lockdown has coincided with a break in filming for A Place In The Sun, but I’m due to go away again in December. It’s so different now – we all have to be socially distanced and can only spend a limited amount of time in each property. Over the summer, we filmed on some of the Greek islands and my family came with me. It was important for me to tell my children, Rocco, six, and Tahlia, five, how lucky they were to be able to travel. Everyone is desperate to get away and that’s why the show has been so successful in lockdown – it’s the escapism everyone needs from the comfort of their home. I hope people will have the confidence to travel again when they can,…

Former WAG Lizzie Cundy, who is currently single, says, “My sons always panic when they look at my social media feeds because they never know what they’re going to find! I’m proud of my body and I love making people laugh, so I’m never going to stop posting provocative pictures. “My youngest, James, has had to block me on Instagram. He’ll come home and say, “Mum, my friends are saying, ‘Have you seen your mum with no clothes on again?’ Some of his friends take the mickey out of him, whereas others are looking a bit too much! I wanted him to take a picture of me recently holding a chainsaw and wearing a bikini, but he just ran away. My oldest son Josh is more like Saffy from Absolutely…

It’s been a year of uncertainty and worry about the health and wellbeing of our family and friends. And now, the current lockdown measures are making festive planning almost impossible. It’s no wonder that many of us are lacking in energy and not feeling at our best. But even if the party season is a little subdued this year, most of us still want to look and feel great. That’s where our Get Up & Glow Diet can help. Devised by Closer’s dietician Juliette Kellow, it’s packed with nutritious foods that are designed to help you get fit and fabulous. Follow it for a month and you can expect to lose weight and feel better than ever. THE PLAN... • PROVIDES AROUND 1,400 CALORIES A DAY TO HELP YOU LOSE…

When the UK went into lockdown earlier this year, Poppy Blay put her time at home to good use. And now, thanks to meal plans and daily walks, the mum-of-two is 5st lighter. And as England currently weathers a second lockdown, Poppy, 24, hopes she’ll continue to lose even more weight - and inspire others in the process. Poppy, who lives in Northamptonshire with her partner, and their children, Olivia, three, and Archie, one, says, “Like so many people, I found the beginning of the pandemic a stressful time. But although I couldn’t control what was happening in the world, I realised I could control how I ate and prepared food. “Now, I feel amazing, and I’m hoping that this second lockdown will help me get to my goal weight…

LIFT THE WINTER BLUES The winter months can be a tough time for many, even without lockdown to contend with. Like many people, I suffer from SAD [Seasonal Affective Disorder], which can make me feel tired and lacking in motivation. In the past, I’d visit my doctor every Autumn, because a gloomy feeling of dread would start to sink in and I’d feel depressed. But then we realised the connection and I started using a SAD lightbox at home. When I set it to come on at 6am, it simulates the sun rising, which gets me in the right headspace for the day ahead. So instead of fumbling around, bleary-eyed in the dark, my room is flooded with light and I feel stimulated and full of purpose. If you don’t…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK You may have seen Danielle Lloyd posting recently about having surgery for endometriosis, which she describes as causing her “excruciating pain”. Now, an inquiry by a group of MPs has found that women who have the condition experience debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain and cramping for about eight years before receiving a diagnosis. That is too long, and this report is right to say we need to do better. Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It affects one in ten women in the UK, but we don’t have a specific test for it, and the only way to…

With family celebrations currently in doubt, getting in the festive mood may be a stretch, but I can guarantee that when you exercise a level of control over your world, you genuinely feel less anxious. Crafting will distract you and your kids from the present stressful climate and instead help you focus on something fun and goal-orientated. ENJOY THE ‘FLOW Crafting and baking are considered informal mindful practices, which is a fancy way of saying that the activity connects you to the present moment. Think about how much time you have spent worrying about the future recently – about the health of your family, the future regarding your career, and your kids’ education. This can make you feel overwhelmed, but when we do something that brings us back to the…

Lynsey Carratt, 39, from London, was running her own PR company before the pandemic hit. She says, “In March, I lost virtually half my clients overnight because of the pandemic. I decided to drop to three days a week, which meant I could help my dad, who is in the latter stages of dementia. “With some extra time on my hands, I also set up a side hustle: a sweet delivery service called ForgetMeNotTreats (Forgetmenottreats.com), which donates 25 per cent of profits to the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK. “I mainly work on it at weekends, as I’m still caring for my dad, but it’s slowly growing. I feel pleasantly surprised that something positive has come out of the sadness of my dad’s health battle and the global pandemic -…

SUSTAINABLE SWITCH Looking for something you can reuse year after year? A wooden calendar is the way to go. Personalise with gifts of your choice. JEWELLERY JUNKIE Bursting with 25 gorgeous jewellery options, this is a great gift for a stylish friend or sister. And a bargain, too! VEGAN TREAT Indulge in delicious dairy-free chocolate with this fab option. Made with rice milk, but without comprising on creaminess. MEMORY MAKERS If you’re not able to see some of your family over Christmas, let them know you care with this photo-filled keepsake. BEAUTY QUEEN This offering features 14 full-size and 11 mini vegan and natural beauty treats from big brands. Move over, chocolate. A SHOT OF HAPPINESS Treat your coffee-loving man to the perfect wake-up call with this caffeine calendar. Each…

MAKE YOUR MARK A deeply satisfying trend to try, calligraphy will also come in handy in time for Christmas card writing! Frame gorgeous quotes for children’s bedrooms as gifts and impress your friends with just a few strokes. This packed kit (below) has everything you need to master fancy fonts, including four pens, five nibs, 18 ink cartridges, paper and templates. PERFECT STARTER KIT DIY YOUR DECS After a tough year, lift spirits by going all-out with Christmas decorations. Give your home a fun feel by making your own baubles and wreaths. You can buy ready-made kits like this cute mini felt wreath set, or get creative by using sweets, toys or mini pine cones to decorate tillable baubles as gifts. Hobbycraft have lots of online tutorials to help you…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL B) STTRINIAN’S NAME THE STARS 1) MICHELLE KEEGAN 2) JASON BELL GUESS THE CELEB A) CARA DELEVINGNE B) MATT SMITH WORD LINK A) STAFF B) PUBLIC C) ERROR D) USE E) MASTER F) ESTATE SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 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…

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She was estimated to be worth about £40million during her Spice Girls glory days, but now Mel B is facing bankruptcy if she is forced to pay out £350k to her ex-husband, Stephen Belafonte. That figure is for legal and administration fees from their 2017 divorce, in which Stephen also received £3million from Scary Spice. In court papers filed to a Los Angeles judge, Mel B, 45, said, “I will effectively be insolvent and will in all likelihood have to file for bankruptcy. I simply do not have the ability to pay such an exorbitant sum.” The singer – who left LA and moved back to her native Leeds to live with her mum Andrea last year, following a decade-long estrangement – also heartbreakingly revealed how her “lack of funds”…

'HE'S LOVED LOOKING AFTER HER AND BEING HER KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR' She’s still head over heels for her boyfriend Carl Woods, describing him last week as her “one and only” and her “absolute backbone” - but Jordan also gushed about her ex-husband Peter Andre to the nation once again. Jordan - who has recently returned from a romantic “baby-making” holiday to the Maldives with her toyboy lover - admitted she was “fixated” on Mysterious Girl singer Pete when she met him in 2004. Taking a trip down memory lane on TV special I’m A Celebrity -A Jungle Story, Jordan, 42, said meeting Pete, 47 - with whom she shares son Junior, 15, and daughter Princess, 13 - helped her cope with the loneliness that came with starring on the…

Britney: ‘I didn’t make my own decisions’ She became one of the most famous people in the world when she burst onto the pop scene at just 16 years old - but her world fell apart when she suffered a series of psychiatric breakdowns in 2007 and 2008 that left her needing to be looked after by her family. During her infamous meltdown in 2007, the pop sensation was seen shockingly shaving her own head before attacking a paparazzo’s car with an umbrella. She temporarily lost custody of her two young sons - Sean, now 14, and Jayden, now 13, from her marriage to ex Kevin Federline - and was banned from visiting them. A year later, Britney was taken from her mansion on a stretcher by paramedics after being…

‘THE WAY WE’RE KILLING ANIMALS FOR FASHION IS KILLING US’ After a mutated form of COVID-19 known as “Cluster 5” was found on mink farms in Denmark, the government there has ordered a total shutdown of all fur farms in the country during the pandemic. The mink caught coronavirus from farm workers, with a mutated form of the virus transferring back to humans. Only 12 people – eight of whom had a link to the mink farming industry – are thought to have been infected with this new strain, but scientists have given a stark warning that, if not contained, it could lead to a second epidemic of people being infected worldwide with this mutated strain. And health secretary Matt Hancock told MPs that the “serious steps” of banning travel…

PREGNANT DANI’S HEARTACHE AS BOYFRIEND SAMMY FACES TRIAL She recently revealed she “can’t wait” until her baby’s January arrival, but Dani Dyer’s excitement has been marred as her first few months of motherhood could be overshadowed by her boyfriend Sammy Kimmence’s court appearance. Former stockbroker Sammy is due to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court in April, after being accused of scamming two elderly men out of £34,000 by posing as a financial investor. Sammy, who denies all charges, first appeared in court last February, but the trial was adjourned due to the coronavirus pandemic. Dani, 24 – who split with Sammy last March but reunited with soon after – is said to be frightened she could be facing parenthood alone, with a source revealing she’s “upset, worried and terrified” that…

Strictly fans were devastated last week when Nicola Adams was forced to pull out of the competition after her partner, Katya Jones, tested positive for coronavirus. In a statement, former boxing champ Nicola – who has to isolate for two weeks – said she was “absolutely devastated”, but thanked Katya for being “the best dance partner anyone could ask for”. Just hours before the news broke, Closer spoke to Nicolas girlfriend of two years, model Ella Baig. Hugely proud of her partner. Ella, 22, told how she’d had no worries about the Strictly “curse” jinxing their romance. TOTAL TRUST She says, “I’ve met Katya a number of time and we get on really well, she’s lovely. I have no lack of trust in Nicola or her. It’s hard being away…

• Write a meal-plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner – plus snacks – for the whole week, so you know what to buy in your supermarket shop and you’re prepared. My favourite meal to make is Slimming World’s Sticky Chicken (recipe on the right). • Get tech-savvy. There are plenty of great apps available, which help you track your weight, steps, calorie intake and also give you great recipe ideas. • Drink water before you snack because you can mistake thirst for hunger. And make sure you have plenty of fruit and other healthy snacks in the house. I love slices of apple topped with cinnamon or peanut butter. • Make going for a walk part of your daily routine – it’s free and you don’t need any fancy kit…

GO VEGAN YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... SPICY FARRO SOUP SERVES 4-6 •1tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve • ½ onion, chopped • 1 red chilli, chopped • 200g semi-pearled farro (pearl barleyalso works), soaked in cold water for 4 hours • 1 litre hot vegetable stock or water • 400g can chopped tomatoes 276 CALS 7G FAT 6.3G SUGAR 2.7G SALT PER SERVING SETP 1 Place the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. When hot, add the onion and chilli and fry, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins, until softened. SETP 2 Drain the farro and add to the pan. Stir to combine. Add half the stock or water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40 mins, until the farro has…

Running out of lockdown date ideas already? You and me both. It’s also harder now it’s winter and we lose the light earlier, so post-work and what-l-always-hope-to-be-romantic walks are no longer an option. I also fear that the amount of video calls I make – be they online dates, work calls or family catch-ups – have left me with a strong plan B career option as a body double for the Hunchback of Notre-Dame. But, we’re over halfway into lockdown 2.0 and I’m not admitting dating defeat just yet… So, in the absence of options, I brought the bar, and even the club, both to my house and to the residence of the man I’m dating. I already had a cocktail kit at home, so I sent one to my…

Vicki Ramiz, 27, from Norwich, became an Avon rep in May. She says, “Since COVID hit, my job as a business manager for a day nursery became unstable. I was furloughed in April, so I worked between 6-10 hours a week as an Avon rep. Then I was made redundant in September, so I upped my hours to around 25 a week. I’ve made over £6,000 since I started. “I really enjoy the flexibility with Avon. It works amazingly around my family commitments, online and offline. Whenever I can fit it in, wherever I am, the business doesn’t stop and you can build a strong business with an outlay of just £5. “I can cook dinner at the same time as sharing an online brochure, or play with my daughter…

IN THE NEWS VERSATILE NEW AUTUMN COLLECTION With lockdown in full swing, cheer yourself up with a new autumnal piece or two. When it comes to discovering clothes with classic staying power, look no further than Sonder Studio. The sister site of high street chain M&Co offers a versatile collection of dress up, dress down pieces in sizes 8-18. The joggers are a smart yet comfortable option, while the leather-like shirt is perfect to throw on pre-Zoom call for work or play. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! EVERY BODY’S WEARING… HOT PINK If you’re all beiged out, introduce a cheery shot of hot pink into your wardrobe to lift your mood - and your style - from now until spring. Pair with bright red for a fashion-forward look, or try…

STEP!-PREP Always start with a patch test 48 hours before applying - even if you regularly use dyes and treatments, you can develop a sensitivity to any ingredient at any time. Don’t wash your hair before colouring, as the dye will cling better to slightly oilier strands. Clairol’s Natural Instincts range has loads of shades and is vegan, too. CLAIROL NATURAL INSTINCTS CONDITIONING COLOUR £7,99 STEP 2-PROTECT Cover your shoulders with an old towel in a dark colour to protect your clothes. Apply a balm like Vaseline around your hairline, scalp and on your ears to stop the colour staining your skin. Brush through dry hair with a wide-tooth comb, ready for application. VASELINE PETROLEUM JELLY £2 STEP 3 - APPLY Section hair using clips. If you’re covering greys, start…

WHAT DOES IT DO? When at home, or out running errands, we should all be thoroughly washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice through as you scrub…). But in case you can’t get to a sink, hand sanitiser is the next best thing. Lloyds Pharmacy Pharmacist Anshu Kaura says, “Hand sanitiser is one of the most convenient ways to slow the spread of coronavirus when soap and water aren’t available.” It can eliminate up to 99.9% of germs! HOW MUCH DO WE NEED? There’s no limit to how much hand sanitiser you can apply in a day, but it’s extra important to use it before preparing or eating food, entering a shop, when using public transport, and after using the washroom.…

IF IT’S YOUR BlRTHDAY THIS WEEK If life were easy, it would be pretty boring, right? So be glad there are some big challenges coming up in the year ahead. There are none you can’t handle, though, and once you learn the lessons involved, you can be happier with your relationships and finances. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV Sometimes your thoughts get so dark, it’s hard for any light to get in. That’s fine. You were born to brood! However, you need to monitor this. Consciously aim to match every negative thought with a positive statement, and you’ll feel much better. Get your Moon free gifts at Moonmessages.com/moonlite SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC From where you’re standing, one financial drama seems to be not only ongoing and…

She has previously praised him for being a “great dad” and handson with their son Bear – but last week Cheryl’s ex, Liam Payne, came under fire for revealing they had agreed he should “take time away” from them during the pandemic. In an interview released last week but that took place during the first lockdown, Liam – who has been co-parenting with Cheryl since their split in July 2018 – said, “We discussed from the start [of lockdown] and, for different reasons, me and Cheryl decided I should be away for a little bit.” He added it was “not unusual” for him to be “in and out” of his three-year-old son’s life. Liam – who instead spent the three-month lockdown isolating with his American model fiancee, Maya Henry, 20…

‘HE CAN’T EXPECT HER TO COME RUNNING BACK WHEN HE SNAPS HIS FINGERS’ They’ ve been on and off for more than ten years - one minute professing their love and plans to start a family together, the next hurling insults at one another over social media and splitting up. But last week, rumours that Gemma Collins and James “Arg” Argent were back together began swirling after they were pictured together on a flirty dinner date. However, despite her seemingly cosy reunion with Arg, 32, insiders say Gemma Collins, 39, is refusing to give her ex an easy ride following their latest split in July. A source says, “Gemma has upped her standards for Arg, hoping that he’ll realise what he’s lost. She wants them to make it work for…

‘Giovanna won’t tolerate bullies in the camp’ Viewers win see a side to my sister Gio (a mummy blogger, author and podcaster) that only her family know. They’re going to love her even more - there’s nothing not to love. She’ll get along with everybody, although if someone oversteps the mark, she won’t just sit there and let that happen. She doesn’t put up with bullies - she won’t tolerate them in the camp and she won’t want anyone to feel left out. She’ll stand up to people and won’t sit on the fence and let others bear the brunt. She’s very strong and competitive. I think she’s going to be a really good campmate - someone who is there for everybody. She’s very level-headed and she’s resilient. She’s also…

Opening up about her 2st 8Ib weight loss this year, actress Rebel Wilson revealed how she had been caught in a cycle of “emotional eating” to deal with the stress of becoming famous worldwide, admitting she struggled with a lack of self-worth. “I think what I mainly suffered from was emotional eating and dealing with the stress of becoming famous internationally,” she said during an interview on Drew Barrymore’s chat show last week. “There is a lot of stress that comes with it and I guess my way of dealing with it was just, like, eating doughnuts.” The Aussie star, known for her comedy roles in films such as The Hustle and Pitch Perfect, admitted that she’d been forced to address her emotions as she took a “holistic” approach to…

She recently celebrated her 46th birthday with her two sons – Charley, 16, and Beau, 11 – from her marriage to ex-husband Jamie Redknapp. But while Louise is embracing her age-defying appearance with sexy selfies and raunchy TikTok videos, reports surfaced that her sons are ‘slightly miffed’ by them. The revelation comes just weeks after singer Louise admitted she’s not been on a date in three years since her marriage to former footballer Jamie crumbled in 2017, and that she finds it ‘difficult to date’ with two sons, as they tell her they ‘don’t want to talk about it’ when she brings the subject up. Now, sexy selfie queen Lizzie Cundy, 52, says that, like Louise, her sons Josh, 25, and James, 20, have begged her to tone down her…

He’s won over Strictly fans with his beautiful performances, but Royal Marines Commando and Invictus Games champion JJ Chalmers’ relationship with dance started way before he signed up to the show. He first started to learn some moves from a fellow Marine when he was based in Afghanistan in 2011, to impress his nowwife. Shortly afterwards, he was caught in an explosion that killed two of his friends and left him with horrific injuries. “My face was crushed, my neck was broken, and my eardrums were burst. My arms essentially came off and were stuck back on by amazing surgeons,” JJ, 33 – real name John James – revealed. Years of recovery later, he’s facing an altogether different personal challenge, but says the support he has experienced from his Strictly…

You only need four ingredients for this super sticky chicken. To make it vegan, use tofu instead. It serves four – and takes just 30 minutes to make! Ingredients ● 3 level tbsp honey ● 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar ● 3 tbsp soy sauce/tamari ● 680g chicken breasts, or tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes STEP1 Mix together the honey, vinegar and soy sauce/tamari. Toss the chicken cubes in the mix to coat well, and leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.Heat a non-stick frying pan and add the chicken cubes and marinade. Cook on a medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently until all the chicken has STEP 2 Heat a non-stick frying pan and add the chicken cubes and marinade. Cook on a medium-high…

INSIDE RACHELʼS FRIDGE ● Halloumi ● Cheddar cheese ● Avocado ● Apple sauce ● Heinz ketchup ● Mint sauce ● Orange Matchmakers ● Clementines ● Salmon ● Beef mince ● Chicken breasts ● Cheshire cheese ● Cucumber ● Edamame beans ● Tuna chunks ● Carrots ● Broccoli &cauliflower ● Sugar snap peas ● Apples ● Cans of Gordon’s pink gin ● Oat milk ● Dairy Milk ● Rosé wine RACHEL How much do you spend per week? In the first lockdown, I was was spending over £500 feeding six [Rachel has five children] plus my daughter’s boyfriend. But now I cut out unnecessary items and shop at cheaper places, and I’ve reduced it to £280. Describe your daily diet… I follow intermittent fasting, which splits the day into eating and…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY It’s no wonder so many of us use “retail therapy”; research shows that when you shop, a chemical called dopamine is released in your brain, and this rewards your behaviour. It makes you feel good, but the feeling is temporary, and can become problematic if the moment you encounter stress you always alleviate it through spending. This is a type of self-medication and, if you keep using it, it’s bad for your mental, physical and financial health. Shopping used to involve leaving the house to trawl the high street, so it took ages to find the perfect pair of shoes, but now online shopping means you can shop at times, and for reasons, that may not be…

I WISH I WERE… a comedian. It must be great when people laugh at every thing you say. MY BIGGEST REGRET IS… not making a full-time transition from being a children’s presenter to being on a show that caters to an adult audience. I would have liked to have achieved that, but there’s still time. I think I’d be good at hosting a chat show. THE BRAVEST THING I’VE DONE IS… go on I’m A Celeb! in 2011. The trial that sticks in my mind was a challenge against [Olympian] Fatima Whitbread, where a cockroach went up her nose and had to be syringed out. I had to psych myself up to do the trial afterwards! THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN IS… that it’s nice to be…

Mother-of-two Karolina Throssell, 37, from Kent, left her full-time job as an Account Director in March due to childcare issues. She says, “Pre-pandemic, I was splitting my time between offices in London and Kent, alongside work trips to New York. I felt increasingly guilty about leaving work early to pick up my children. I also hated having to frantically call other parents to collect them if trains were delayed. Crunch-time came when my youngest son was diagnosed with Special Educational Needs and the school put him on a part-time programme, which required me to pick him up at 12pm every day. I decided to go freelance and started with one client two days a week - explaining I wouldn’t be available when my son was at home. Then lockdown hit…

GIVE YOUR BLAZER A SPORTY SPIN Do you have a smart blazer in the wardrobe, just waiting to be worn again? Take it into the weekend by throwing it over a low-key hoodie and matching up with jeans. JAZZ UP YOUR JOGGERS Elevate your sofa-day separates into WFH territory by buddying them with an oversized blouse. Tuck the front in and leave the back to hang loose for a relaxed silhouette. NIP IN YOUR KNITS Give your oversized cardigan a chic and flattering new vibe by teaming it with faux leather and cinching in at the waist with a belt. REFRESH YOUR DRESS COLLECTION Try layering your classic shirt under a printed midi dress for a new take on smarter styling. Perfect for a last-minute Zoom meeting. SMARTEN UP YOUR…

Easy-to-use, this pencil instantly lightens dark roots, making it ideal for blondes. JOSH WOOD ROOT MARKER £10 This mascara-like wand allows you to be really precise to cover greys. LʼORÉAL PARIS MAGIC RETOUCH PRECISION BRUSH £8,99 A spray will cover more, and quicker - this speedy buy is available in six shades. PHIL SMITH ROOT TOUCH UP SPRAY £6 This palette has a balm and a mirror - perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. REVOLUTION ROOT COVER UP £6,99…

FAMILY-FRIENDLY This jumbo-sized bottle is ideal for busy homes. It also contains glycerin, which prevents skin from drying out. GENTLE Using organic lavender, this spray-on smells divine, and is kind to sensitive hands. TACK FREE Easy to apply, this gently removes any impurities. And it won’t leave you with sticky palms, either. SCENT-SAVIOUR This fast-absorbing gel will keep mitts squeaky-clean, while the bamboo and sandalwood scent makes it a joy to use. HYDRATING This 2-in-1 buy eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, while the soothing tea tree oil hydrates the skin. NON-DRYING This vegan-friendly sanitiser is packed full of moisturising aloe vera. The packaging is 100% recyclable, too. MULTI-USE With a 70% alcohol base, this can also be used to wipe down shopping trolleys, door handles and remote controls!…

MUST READ Just Between Friends (ROSIE NIXON) Aisha and Lucy, both pregnant with their first child, meet at a baby group and quickly become close. Aisha is worried because her partner Jason hasn’t quite wrapped his head around the fact he’s about to become a father. And Lucy’s circumstances aren’t exactly ideal either, but she’s sure Oscar will be a good dad. The two mums-to-be confide in each other–only there’s one thing Lucy hasn’t told Aisha, and it’s about to blow her world apart. A cracking read. TUNE IN Michael Ball & Alfie Boe Together At Christmas Now here’s an album to give us all the festive feels, and it comes in the form of a compilation of Christmas tunes sung by one of our favourite musical duos: Michael Ball and…

Kelvin reveals exciting news - he’s bagged the lead role in next year’s hottest West End show: Village People: The Musical. It’s tidying up time chez Jodie - and by the looks of things, she’s really up to her neck in it. Rylan Clark-Neal @Rylan. 2h Get your vaccine out for the laaaads RYLAN CLARK-NEAL Er, if you don’t mind Rylan, the laaaaaaads will just have to wait in the queue behind the elderly, the vulnerable and the frontline workers!! Louise Thompsol @LouiseAThompson Nov 9 Eventually, everyone will be quarantined to their houses with no sports to watch… and in 9 months from now a boom of babies will be born… and we will call them The Coronials. LOUISE THOMPSON Good thought, Louise. Or maybe we could call them Coviduals?…