Table of contents for Issue 1052 in Closer

‘SHE’S FEELING NOSTALGIC FOR WHEN THE GIRLS WERE LITTLE’ An emotional Tess Daly spoke last week about being “in denial” as she prepares for a huge upheaval in her family life. Appearing on the Loose Women panel, the Strictly presenter confessed that she did not want to think about her eldest daughter, Phoebe, 18, fleeing the nest to go to drama school. And when panellist Jane Moore said she couldn’t believe how old Phoebe was, Tess confessed, “I know, same, I’m in denial. She’s not ever leaving, I can’t think about it.” Now insiders reveal that while Tess is filled with pride that her daughter is moving onto the next chapter in her life, she can’t help but worry about how her absence will change things back home. ANXIETY A…

She treated her daughters to a sun-soaked getaway last week, and Jacqueline Jossa wasted little time in showing off her gorgeous figure in a range of stunning bikinis. The former EastEnders star-turned-fashion entrepreneur, 30, wrote on social media, “Life’s too short girls… wear that bikini”. And while her female fans rushed to congratulate her for championing “girl power” as she rocked a series of swimsuits on her solo holiday, Jacqueline was inundated with messages from men, who called her “absolutely stunning and sexy” and “hot”. One follower described her as the “ultimate dream girl”, while another added, “Wow, you are so beautiful”. Now a source reveals how the flattering comments have boosted Jacqueline’s confidence, but that husband Dan Osborne - who hit back with his own topless shots on social…

Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Sepsis Research FEAT, says, “There are the five key sepsis symptoms. If people can recognise these signs and symptoms, then they can quickly seek the correct medical help and improve chances of recovery.” They are: • Confusion • Not passing as much urine as normal • Very high or low temperature • Uncontrolled shivering • Cold or blotchy arms and legs Colin adds, “If someone has any of these symptoms, becoming noticeably worse, this could indicate sepsis and urgent medical attention should be sought.” • For more information, go to sepsisresearch.org.uk or sepsistrust.org…

KATE & RIO OPEN UP ABOUT ‘DIFFICULT’ PATCH Their love story captured the hearts of fans, but last week Rio and Kate Ferdinand revealed that they’ve had to go the “yards” to make it to where they are today. During an episode for their podcast, Blended, Rio, 44, said, “I was thinking about the kids. I was thinking about how difficult it was at the beginning “A lot of yards have been had over this time. It’s been good.” Kate, 31, also admitted the couple had “prayed” for a happy family life with Rio’s three eldest children - Lorenz, 16, Tate, 14, and Tia, 11 - whose mum Rebecca Ellison tragically died of cancer in 2015, aged 34. She added, “Sometimes I just sit back, even with Cree here now,…

Katelaine Fitzpatrick was just 11 when she watched on TV as police launched a manhunt for her father - 37-year-old Raoul Moat, who was on the run after going on a shooting spree. Moat had just been released from prison in July 2010 when he shot his ex-girlfriend, her new partner and a police officer. After hearing about what he’d done, Katelaine and her mum Caroline feared for their lives. Now, as a new TV series sets to air about the infamous hunt for Raoul Moat, the gunman’s daughter says it brings back haunting memories of her evil dad. Mum-of-two Katelaine, 24, says, “For millions of people the show will be entertainment but, for me, and his victims, this is our reality. Some twisted people even see Raoul Moat as…

Before the pandemic, Emily Goyal rarely thought about her impact on the environment, aside from the recycling bin in her kitchen. Now, three years on, the mum of two grows her own food, makes her own cleaning products and walks and cycles instead of using her car. Mum-of-two Emily, 39, from Derby, says, “I didn’t intend to become so green during the pandemic. It started off with thinking of ways to entertain the kids, so growing our own veg seemed like a fun idea. I followed a few accounts on Instagram for gardening tips, and it opened up a new world of how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s now become a way of life.” Research suggests nearly half of us have continued with green changes we made during…

INSIDE CHYNA’S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Tomato ketchup ● Mayonnaise ● Coleslaw ● Greek yoghurt ● Mango fruit pot ● Oranges ● Bananas ● Mature Cheddar ● Red Leicester cheese ● Salmon ● Utterly Butterly ● Potatoes ● Hovis 50/50 bread ● Cucumber ● Mince meat ● Chicken breasts ● Peppers ● Semi-skimmed milk ● Apple juice ● Bottled water ● Pinot Grigio CHYNA How much do you spend? I mostly shop in Tesco and spend about £40-50 each week. Describe your daily diet… I have honey Cheerios with milk for breakfast, lunch is toast with beans and cheese - I’ll add an egg on top if I’m really hungry. Dinner is salmon with roast potatoes or a spag bol. Anything you refuse to eat? Anything smelly. I hate tuna…

FAMILY MATTERS GRANDPARENTS DON’T NEED TO ASK FOR A HUG A mum stopping grandparents from hugging her child says she’s teaching consent, Emma says she’s warping loving relationships Sometimes I despair of this world. It feels like common sense has been replaced by overly dramatic thinking. A great example of this is a mum who won’t let her daughter’s grandparents hug her whenever they want. She says she’s teaching consent, by deciding that even close family members have to ask for her permission to show affection. No parent wants any random adult to feel that they can hug and kiss their child, but when it comes to trusted family members, there should be an understanding that physical connection is both warranted and required. Children benefit greatly from the close physical…

Last year interest rates shot up, creating uncertainty for house sales and mortgages, with predictions that prices will fall. So what does that mean for normal people? We asked financial advisor Ian Dempsey DipPFS of 2plan.com how to navigate the maze of mortgage deals to make the best decisions, whatever position you’re in, from a firsttime buyer to a want-to-be seller, SHOULD I WAIT TO BUY? A With everything feeling so uncertain, if you’re looking to buy you may be wondering whether to shelve your plans. “Remember, while rates are high now, they will come backdown,” says Ian. “In my opinion, the days of people paying 10 or 15% interest on mortgages (like they did in the ’80s and ’90s) won’t return, because the government understands it’s incredibly damaging. If…

FANCY PANTS Ditch the denim for a pair of metallic trousers to give your look a stylish spin. Dress down with trainers for day-time, or pair with pointed-toe heels for a winning date-night ensemble. SUITS YOU Looking to refresh your wardrobe? High-shine tailoring is a perfect fashionforward alternative. Mix and match the blazer and trousers with pieces you already own for endless possibilities. SUPER WIDE LEG! BOMBER BABE The must-have jacket of the moment has been given a shiny upgrade this spring. Pair with a classic tank top, flattering denim midi skirt and trend-ticking cowboy boots for a weekend-ready fit. STATEMENT SOLES Knee-high boots are still big news for spring and summer and will instantly elevate any outfit. Take note from Tracee and pair with a pleated midi skirt, shirt…

Emma Atkins, 48, on this week’s wedding antics… Does Charity have any doubts about marrying Mack? No, she’s finally found someone she really loves and wants to be with. Was this a good episode to be involved in? I was really excited about filming it, it’s crazy and the fancy dress part was so much fun. There are giggles and high-octane stuff, with the underbelly of Mackenzie’s secret… And if Charity finds out? It would crack everything up again and all the old wounds would open up. Charity’s really invested in Mack - she would go off the rails. FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

Christine McGuinness has been living life to the full since her split from husband Paddy McGuinness last year, jetting off on holidays and launching a stellar career as a solo presenter - and now, our source says Paddy has been left grappling with some second thoughts about his marriage breakdown. CONNECTION Christine, 35, and Paddy, 49, announced their break-up after 15 years together last July, telling fans that “We’ll always be a loving family.” And despite their parting, the couple have remained living together in their family home, where they are committed to co-parenting their three children. The pair have twins Penelope and Leo, both nine, and Felicity, seven - all of whom have been diagnosed with autism, alongside Christine herself. But now, our source says their shared space is…

Joining her husband, rocker Sir Rod Stewart, while he continued his tour of Australia last week, former model Penny Lancaster looked gorgeous as she enjoyed a walk on the beach wearing a pink paisley bikini. In 2020, the Loose Women star, 52, revealed how lockdown, combined with starting the menopause, had seen her turn to food and drink for comfort - gaining over a stone in weight. But eight weeks later, Penny had dropped 17lbs, crediting a new exercise and diet regime, which saw her eating plenty of protein and vegetables including spinach omelette for breakfast and fish, like salmon or sea bream, with a vegetable side for lunch.…

As Kirsty Stroud prepares for her day’s work, she glances around her studio for inspiration. With a huge range of outfits and props to choose from, she picks a blue lacy lingerie set, some whipped cream - and a feather. Her co-worker, and husband, Ben strips off and the two get to work in front of the camera, creating saucy content for their legions of fans. In a single month, they can earn up to a staggering £28,000. But their working days didn’t always look like this. Kirsty, now 33, and Ben, 44, met in a prison gym class, where Kirsty was working in anger management and Ben was a trainer. The pair, from Kent, became a couple, training for crossfit competitions and later opening their own gym. But when…

They are set to welcome their second baby later this year, but last week Rihanna and boyfriend ASAP Rocky were spotted enjoying some family time with their 10-month-old son, whose name they have not revealed. Looking gorgeous as she covered her growing baby bump in a monochrome baseball shirt, worn with a tulle skirt and heels, Rihanna, 35, cradled her son while Rocky, 34, beamed. The trio headed to celebrity hot spot, the Giorgio Baldi restaurant, where a waiter confirmed Rihanna has been enjoying ravioli, gnocchi and pasta pomodoro up to three times a week throughout her pregnancy.…

She gave birth to her first baby last July and, last week, Alexandra Burke delighted fans with the news that she’s already expecting her second child. Posting a picture of her partner, footballer Darren Randolph, cradling her blossoming baby bump on social media, the 34-year-old pop star wrote, “We are so excited to do this all again.” The couple, who have been dating for two years, are yet to reveal the name and gender of their firstborn - affectionately calling them “grape”. The X Factor winner, who is currently living apart from Darren, 35, while he plays for Bournemouth, said earlier this year, “I love being pregnant, I love being a mum and would do it all again in a heartbeat, but I have to learn to balance. I’ve been…

‘HE WANTS THINGS TO WORK OUT BUT SHE’S BEEN TESTING HIS PATIENCE LEVELS’ Rumours have been swirling that Sam Asghari and Britney Spears could be heading for divorce just 10 months after getting married, and now Closer has been told that they are putting their baby dream on hold. Britney, 41, and Sam, 29, have long been open about plans to expand their family, and sadly went through the trauma of a miscarriage last year. But sources tell us that Sam believes now may not be the right time to have a child. They explain, “Not long ago, Britney and Sam were looking to the future and planning on starting a family, but that’s off the table for now. He doesn’t think it’s the right time for Britney to raise…

1 GO DIGITAL The more you do online, the less you need paper. Think about whether you can send emails instead of letters or if you need to print files or if you can save them on your computer. 2 SWITCH OFF LIGHTS It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce energy consumption! Open curtains and blinds to make the most of natural light. 3 REUSE BEFORE RECYCLING Before recycling, see if you can reuse items first. For example, can you reuse as scrap paper for note-taking or shopping lists, or use jam jars for storage? 4 BUY PRE-LOVED ITEMS Instead of buying new clothes, try shopping second-hand. And if your clothes have a tear in them, think about repairing rather than chucking away. 5 EAT PLANT-BASED Eating less meat helps reduce your impact…

BOOST THE GUT Having a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is key to overall health, and Dr Zoe, who is working with Activia to help demystify gut health, is passionate about making sure we all give our gut some TLC. “Research from Activia shows 47% of people don’t know where to start when it comes to looking after their gut, but the good news is the majority of people know gut health is important. It impacts everything from our skin, our kidneys, our brain and there’s a huge mood connection too,” she explains. “We should aim for 30 different sources of plant each week, and the more diverse, the better. When we cook a chilli con carne or a stew, we’ll use a can of red kidney or cannelloni beans,…

As someone who’s spent (or perhaps that should be wasted) her whole adult life waiting around and being heartbroken by people who were unavailable, I’m over it. I am well and truly done with chasing after someone who so clearly doesn’t want to - or can’t - meet my needs. Unavailability isn’t just about someone not wanting to commit, although I’ve tortured myself in these situation-ships too. I’ve dated men whose work meant they were away for long periods of time; I’ve fallen for people who didn’t have the emotional capacity to connect on the level I would have liked. I could go on, but this has very much been my responsibility, I’ve invested in people and situations that weren’t going to invest in me in the same way. Over the…

Flower prices have hit a 30year high, so here, experts from Eflorist, along with their in-house florist David Denyer, reveal how to extend their life. CHANGE THE WATER DAILY Flowers need fresh water daily, otherwise bacteria can grow in the vase, causing the blooms to wilt and die faster. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT Strong sunlight causes petals to dry out and wilt. Place your vase in a bright room, away from direct sunlight. TRIM THE STEMS Cut stems about one inch from the bottom, at a 45 degree angle, before putting them in a vase. This allows the flowers to take in more water and stay nourished for longer. Then trim the stems again every few days. KEEP AWAY FROM FRUIT Fruit emits a chemical called ethylene, which can cause flowers…

HERO BUYS MAKE IT WORK Wearing head-to-toe yellow may seem daunting, but opting for a chic co-ord will make things much easier for you. This belted style pulls in the waist and will look effortless when worn to the office or Friday night drinks. Avoid looking too OTT by teaming with neutral accessories like loafers and oversized sunglasses.…

TV WEEK: 15-21 APRIL 1 STORYVILLE: DEBORAH JAMES - BOWELBABE IN HER OWN WORDS INCREDIBLY POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY MON 17 APR, 9PM, BBC2 A life-affirming, beautiful documentary which follows “the last extraordinary five years” of the late, great Dame Deborah James’ life. With never-before-seen footage, TikToks, voice notes and recordings from her podcast, this follows Deborah - otherwise known as Bowelbabe - as she lived with Stage 4 bowel cancer. “I’ve shared my story for a reason; the laughs, the giggles, and showing that you can live with cancer but ultimately, I don’t want any other Deborahs to go through this,” says the mum of two - who was made a Dame a month before she passed away in June 2022. An emotional watch. 2 DEAD RINGERS TWINS THRILLER FRI 21 APR, PRIME…

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GRUMPY GRAM…

They raked in deals worth millions with streaming giants and publishers following their departure from the Royal Family in January 2020. But three years on, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Californian dream is under threat as insiders reveal the couple have reached a crunch-point over finances as they deliberate where to take their brand next. HARSH REALITY A source says, “The Sussexes are being advised to rein in their lifestyle, and it’s not going down too well. You’ve got a prince and an ambitious former actress who has always dreamed of living like royalty - so neither of them are keen on cutbacks. The harsh reality is that when you’re living in the same neighbourhood as billionaires, you realise that the lavish lifestyle requires paying out a lot of money…

The recent documentary Jason And Clara: In Memory Of Maudie shone a light on the emotional story of actor Jason Watkins and his wife Clara Francis, whose two-year-old daughter Maudie unexpectedly passed away in the early hours of New Year’s Day in 2011. Maudie died of sepsis, the body’s extreme response to infection that causes it to attack a person’s own tissues and organs. Since the tragedy, Jason and Clara have been on a mission to raise awareness of the condition, while also breaking down the taboo of child loss. Jason said, “It’s hard for us as parents, that’s one of the painful things. Did we do everything we could have? It’s easy to blame yourself, and I still do.” The documentary struck a chord with mum Michelle Christopher, who…

It’s been just over a year since her husband left the family home he shared with her and their three children, and despite Helen Skelton putting on a brave face in public, she’s said to be still hurting by the way she was treated by Richie Myler. When it was announced last week that rugby player Richie had welcomed a child with his girlfriend of eleven months, Stephanie Thirkill, the pain of the split, understandably, hit Helen all over again. BLINDSIDED “Hearing about the arrival of Richie’s baby really knocked Helen for six,” a source tells Closer. “It’s not that she’s in love with him any more, but she’s still so hurt and upset by the break-up. To see that he’s had a baby less than a year after leaving…

Shutting down rumours she had reconciled with ex Tristan Thompson when they were spotted together at a McDonald’s drive-thru in California last week, Khloé Kardashian, 38, confirmed in an interview just days later that she is still “single”. Last month, the reality TV star - who shares five-year-old daughter, True, and an eight-month-old son via surrogate with Tristan - praised the baseball player as the “best father”. But when questioned by chat show host Jennifer Hudson over the romance speculation, Khloé insisted, “I am single”. Asked whether she would join a dating app, she added, “I haven’t yet, I don’t want to say never because who knows where I’ll be next year.”…

She’s been enjoying a luxury getaway with husband Joe Swash and their blended family, soaking up the sunshine in Abu Dhabi. And as she makes the most of some quality time with her family, an insider tells Closer that Stacey Solomon’s baby bliss has got her thinking about having their seventh child. The Sort Your Life Out star, 33, shared snaps of her lavish getaway with fans, posting some sweet pics on her Instagram with the caption, “Grateful for these memories, so grateful for my family & so grateful for my body that brought our family here”. In her exotic “photo dump” the star could be seen happily posing on the beach as baby Belle, two months, enjoyed her first holiday, as well as showing Joe, 41, enjoying an action-packed…

It’s been over two decades since Cat Deeley left SMTV: Live - the show she co -hosted with a fresh-faced Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly and a gig that quickly made her a household name and catapulted her to superstardom. And despite bagging a BAFTA children’s award and cementing her place as TV’s golden girl, Cat wanted to face a new challenge. In 2006, she was invited by entertainment mogul Simon Fuller to take a chance on success in America, becoming the host of US talent show So You Think You Can Dance? and starting a new life in LA. TERRIFYING But a terrifying ordeal in 2019 saw her husband of 11 years, Patrick Kielty, and her then three-year-old son Milo, who had just been collected from nursery, forced to…

TV PRESENTER AND ENTREPRENEUR LAURA HAMILTON, 40, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I LOVE WORKING OUT… I’m lucky enough to have a home gym, equipped with a running machine, spin bike, punching bag and lots of free weights - we’re a very active family. I’VE OVERCOME MUM GUILT… So many working women suffer from mum guilt! I’ve come to accept I try my absolute best for my children and realised it’s all about balance. I run around after the kids all day, so I shouldn’t feel guilty for having some me time. Even if it’s just half an hour, I like to get a manicure and pedicure or sometimes a massage. I HAVE MY SELF-CARE IN THE SKY… I usually find it really hard to switch off,…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK… ELSA HOSK, 34 Model Elsa is just as fashionforward out and about as she is on the runway. Her off-duty look, featuring a crop jacket, roll-neck and this season’s biggest microtrend - the maxi denim skirt - is giving us major wardrobe envy. Styling winter staples for spring, she completes her ensemble with strappy sandals and shades. Copy it here! IN THE NEWS… PRIMARK DOES OCCASIONWEAR With wedding season approaching and bank holiday plans in the works, shopping for new occasionwear can be expensive. Luckily, Primark has come to the rescue once again with a range of spring-worthy dresses, suiting and accessories to ensure you’ll be the best-dressed guest - without breaking the bank. With prices starting at £3.50, highlights include pastel pieces and floral…

EMMA HAWKINS SCALP SAVIOUR Bringing the benefits of skincare to your scalp, this milky serum harnesses the hydrating powers of hyaluronic acid and squalane to combat dryness and support the skin barrier. BLOW-DRY BUDDY Packed with natural nutrients like coconut oil, this leave-in treatment turns dull, dehydrated hair to silk in just a single blow dry EXTRA BOOST To give moisture-starved locks an extra boost, try a pre-shampoo treatment. This one is infused with amino acids, kakadu plum extract and biotin, which reduces breakage. SPEEDY MASK This seaweed-infused mask delivers a dose of moisture to dry hair, making detangling easier and strands appear shinier. Plus, it works in just three minutes! MIX YOUR OWN Like a custom cocktail for your strands, these clever booster shots can be added directly to…

How did you feel about doing this? When I read the scripts, I thought it was a really intelligent piece - and it’s not a sensationalist take on the story. It’s very much matter of fact and it feels real. And we got to follow the story of Christopher Brown, who was shot and killed by Moat, and Samantha Stobbart - who he shot and injured. Along with PC David Rathband who was shot and blinded. The drama highlights the victims and also reveals the truth about Moat. Do you recall what happened? I remembered it from the news coverage at the time, when the stand-off was happening. Most people say to me, “Oh yeah, Gazza?” - which was such a very minor incident in the whole thing [ex-England footballer…

11-17 APRIL THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN ARIES 21 MAR - 19 APR Right now, fear is your number one obstacle to happiness. Don’t let it control your actions. Turn it on its head by summoning up some genuine optimism about the future. Focus on the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY A rising fear of being alone could be overwhelming you right now - don’t let it consume you! One very powerful antidote to this is to explore your spiritual life. That will bring not just calm but it could also help you rediscover your sense of purpose. Just say “Ommm…” Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN Work seems to just flow for some people…