Table of contents for Issue 1079 in Closer

‘SHE FEELS THEIR SELFISH ACTIONS HAVE IMPACTED HER ROLE AS A MOTHER’ Wearing a sunshineyellow blazer to promote World Mental Health Day during a speech in Birmingham last week, Kate Middleton was supported by husband Prince William. The couple’s show of unity marked the first time they’d worked together in weeks following a string of solo projects, as they are being increasingly torn apart by relentless schedules. HUGE IMPACT And now a source reveals how William, 41, and Kate, also 41 – who share Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis together – are feeling “resentful” towards Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan Markle, 42, for abandoning their family when they moved to the States in 2020. The insider says, “Kate and William are feeling incredibly resentful towards…

It had seemed as if Victoria Beckham and daughter-inlaw Nicola Peltz might be on their way to making amends after more than 18 months of reported tension between them. But despite putting on a united front earlier this month at Victoria’s fashion shows and the premiere of husband David’s Netflix documentary, Beckham, insiders say there’s now fresh tension after reports that Nicola and husband Brooklyn could be about to do a tell-all Netflix documentary of their own. A source says, “While Vic and Nicola appeared to be on good terms again, behind the camera it’s a very different story. TENSIONS “The Beckhams are experts at putting on a show of unity no matter what’s going on, and while things had been better between them, the feud between Nicola and her…

HELEN: ‘Men are hard work!’ She split with her footballer fiancé, Scott Sinclair, last summer after 13 years together. Now, Helen Flanagan reveals she’s back on the dating scene – and may already have someone “special” in her life. She tells Closer, “I wouldn’t want to say if I was dating or not, but yes I feel like everyone likes to have someone. It’s nice. I’ve never actually been single. I remember Scott and I split up when I was about 22 for six months, but that’s it.” And after meeting Scott, with whom she shares three children – Matilda, eight, Delilah, five, and two-year-old Charlie – when she was just 19, Helen, now 33, says she’s enjoying dating in her thirties. She adds, “I think you feel so much…

She’s on our screens looking glamorous every weekend as the head Strictly judge, but Shirley Ballas says she can’t wait for her new role as a grandma – with son Mark, 37, and his wife BC Jean, 36, preparing to welcome their first child. Shirley, who shares son Mark with ex-husband Corky Ballas, 62, says, “I’m going to be a glam-ma! My first grandchild is due in a couple of weeks. I was a disciplinarian with my own son, because he was a dancer. But I think I’ll be as soft as a brush with my grandchild.” And Shirley already thinks her grandchild will be destined for big things, sharing, “I’ve got a funny feeling that baby will be a star. My son’s wife’s vocals are amazing, so I predict…

• Getting approved as an adopter typically takes around six months. Once you’ve found a local adoption agency you feel comfortable with (you can find one via youcanadopt.co.uk), you need to register with them. • References, background checks and preparation training will then take around two months. Next a social worker will spend around four months working with you and your family and preparing a report to present to the Adoption Panel and the agency making a decision about you as a suitable adopter. • Once you’re approved, finding the right match can take another three or four months, but you are supported every step of the way. • For more information, go to youcanadopt.co.uk…

After five years off air, Big Brother has returned to the small screen to great acclaim, with the ITV reboot already being praised for its “insane casting” after its first week. And one of the most memorable stars who found fame on the reality show is Imogen Thomas, who lasted 86 days in the famous house back in 2006. Sharing her thoughts on the current series with Closer, Imogen – who starred alongside series seven champ Pete Bennett and the late Nikki Grahame – says, “I’m loving it. I saw the launch and was like, ‘This is an interesting bunch’. It’s so nice to watch something that’s so real. Obviously, we’ve got Love Island, where everyone going in is so stunning and they have the most amazing bodies, but it’s…

Jada Pinkett Smith shocked fans last week when she revealed that she and husband Will Smith have been living “completely separate lives” since 2016. The actress, 52, said the couple had not gone public with the split, because they were “not ready” and that they were “still trying to figure out… how to be in partnership”. The couple – who share Jaden, 25, and Willow, 22 – tied the knot in 1997, but cracks in their marriage began to appear in 2016 amid rumours that they were in an open relationship. In 2020, Jada admitted to an “entanglement” with singer August Alsina, and last year Will caused a stir when he hit Oscars host Chris Rock for making a joke about Jada.…

She radiates positivity on social media and on her podcast, Reasons To Be Joyful, and now Gaby Roslin is putting an even bigger smile on our faces with her new book, Spread The Joy. The TV presenter, 59, believes we can all find more joy in life by focusing on the little things. She explains, “I think if you feel positive, the most important thing is to pass it on, because life is tough and I’ve gone through those hard times too. There are simple things you can do to have moments of joy, even on those crappy days – and it doesn’t cost a thing.” Read on for her tips. By Annabelle Lee • Spread The Joy – The Easy Guide To A More Positive Life by Gaby Roslin…

INSIDE LUISA’S FRIDGE • Crumpets • Peanut butter • Bananas • Strawberries • Flora • Avocado • Cherry tomatoes • Feta • Rocket • Cheddar cheese • Jelly pots • Lettuce • Sugar snap peas • Broccoli • Potatoes • Carrots • Salad • Almond milk • Coconut milk • Oat milk • Hazelnut milk LUISA How much do you spend? About £300 a week on Ocado. Sometimes while cooking for a family [Luisa has three children], you can be so uninspired, so I always have a Hello Fresh box in too. It makes me try out new recipes – everything is measured out and it’s all very easy. Describe your daily diet… I head to the gym first thing, then have a protein shake made with hazelnut milk, banana…

THE Boost Your mum was right – you need to wash behind your ears and between your toes because, according to new research, it’s a breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria. Our skin is covered in bacteria – both good and bad – but different types of bugs live in dry areas compared to moist and oily bits. When researchers took a closer look at the skin microbiome of healthy people, they found areas like behind the ears, between the toes and in the belly button harbour more detrimental bacteria, compared to dry areas like the calves and forearms. When we get too many of these microbes, it causes an imbalance, upping chances of skin diseases like eczema or acne, so don’t forget them!…

WIDLIFE PRESENTER KATE HUMBLE, 54, ON LOOKING AFTER HER BODY AND MIND MY MOST TREASURED POSSESSION IS MY HEALTH… As you get older, you learn that it’s something you can’t take for granted. To stay active, I like to run four times a week and walk my dogs twice a day. I’m also very mindful of the food I put into my body and avoid ultra-processed foods. I STRENGTH TRAIN TWICE A WEEK… It can help to minimise agerelated muscle loss and even reverse some of the muscle-wasting effects seen among menopausal women. I GET UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN… When I’m tired, my whole perspective on life changes for the worse, and everything feels harder. I’ve always been an early riser. This means that by 10pm, I’m ready…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK CHARLIZE THERON Wear leather the grown-up way like actress Charlize, who rocked a knot-detail mini skirt at the Global Citizen Festival. The 48-year-old gave her look a sophisticated spin by pairing with a tailored cropped blazer, before finishing off with an unexpected pair of chunky boots for a hint of grunge. We love! IN THE NEWS. . . LAURA’S WINTER WINNERS Get set for the new season with Laura Whitmore’s latest collection for Love & Roses. Featuring everything you need for the coming months, the range includes stylish everyday separates along with plenty of sparkly statement frocks. We have our eyes on the scarlet suit, which will tick off AW23’s red trend perfectly, and you can get plenty of wardrobe mileage out of it by…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 21-27 OCT 1 MAMMA MIA! HAVE A DREAM THE SEARCH FOR A STAR SUN 22 OCT, 6PM, ITV1 One for lovers of musical theatre is this new ITV talent show, fronted by Zoe Ball, where talented hopefuls battle it out in the hope of bagging the lead roles in Mamma Mia! Each week, contestants are put through their paces – tested on everything from singing and dancing, to acting and chemistry. They’ll be judged by Alan Carr, along with singer Jessie Ware, Samantha Barks (who was a runner-up in BBC show I’d Do Anything in 2008) and Glee’s Amber Riley. There will be weekly eliminations – building to a live final where viewers will decide who gets to be Sophie and Sky in the West End. Jazz…

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…

GRUMPY GRAM Look, all we’re saying is that if Florence invites you round for dinner, then you’d better not complain that her carrots are too “al dente“. Unless you want to find out what your fingers taste like when served “al dente”……

Following her shock resignation from This Morning earlier this month, Holly Willoughby has been spending some much-needed time at home with her family following months of turmoil. Reaching out to her fans in an emotional Instagram post about her resignation, Holly thanked her colleagues and This Morning viewers for their loyalty and support, adding, “Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family… I will miss you all so much.” And following reports that Holly’s former best friend and co-star of 14 years, Phillip Schofield, 61, has reached out to offer his support to the woman he once called his “sister”, following a five-month estrangement, insiders say the star may be ready to make amends after following in his footsteps by quitting the…

Tess Daly wowed Strictly Come Dancing viewers with her glamorous look last week – wearing a pink satin gown complete with thigh-high split – with fans praising her daring outfit, And insiders suggest that fans of Tess’ new sexy look have her close pal Amanda Holden to thank. LIBERATING They tell Closer, “Tess’ friendship with Amanda has given her a new-found confidence and she credits Amanda for inspiring her to be more daring and embrace her sexy side. Amanda has been quietly persuading her to show off her incredible figure and sex-up her image. They’ve made a self-empowerment pact, with Amanda urging Tess not to live in fear of what the critics might say. It’s been incredibly liberating for her.” FLAUNTING The 54-year-old mum of two – who rose to…

After Ash Watts and her husband Graham got married in 2019, they started talking about having a family. Ash, 42, who lives in Durham, has Cerebral Palsy and even though there is no physical reason she couldn’t conceive her own child, she knew that giving birth would be hard on her body. SAD DECLINE She says, “I knew there were a lot of children out there who needed to be loved.” Sadly, Ash is right. There has been a 23 per cent decline in children leaving care via adoption over the last five years. Last year, just 2,950 children left care via adoption – 900 fewer than in 2018. Sixty per cent of children waiting for adoption come from specific groups who repeatedly face the longest delays in finding a…

While Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson’s on/ off relationship has always been a point of contention, it’s now her big sister Kim who has come under fire for defending the basketball player, who cheated on Khloé multiple times. TOO FRIENDLY Speaking recently on an episode of The Kardashians, Kim admitted, “He’s such a good friend and he’s such a good dad, he just couldn’t get it together in that area of being a faithful boyfriend.” And despite initially being pleased that her family had forgiven Tristan, 32, insiders reveal that Khloé, 39, is annoyed by Kim’s close relationship with her ex-boyfriend. A source tells Closer, “She doesn’t begrudge Kim or anyone else the right to stay in touch with Tristan or say nice things about him on the show, but…

Sitting in the hospital room, Ella Hines was just 22 when she was given the devastating news that there was a 99 per cent chance of her getting breast cancer – and that she should have a double mastectomy to try to prevent it. Then tragically, before having the life-changing operation – which had been postponed due to the Covid pandemic – Ella found out that she did have breast cancer and that the mastectomy would have to be fast-tracked. But instead of breaking down at the bombshell news, Ella vowed to do whatever it took to give her the best chance of survival. Ella, now 24, tells Closer, “It was a life-changing decision. But if it was what I needed to do, then I was going to do it.…

He’s one of Hollywood’s hottest actors and she’s a world-famous supermodel, and now insiders say that Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid could be an item. Bradley, 48, and Gigi, 28, were spotted earlier this month in New York, travelling together in Bradley’s black Mercedes. Three days previously the pair had been spotted heading out for dinner. Gigi is mum to three-year-old daughter Khai with ex Zayn Malik, while Bradley co-parents his six-year-old daughter, Lea,with ex Irina Shayk – who is said to have introduced Bradley to Gigi.…

GO VEGAN YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT… SPICY TOFU NOODLES serves 4 • 4 nests soba noodles (around 250g) • 200g green beans, trimmed and halved • 230g spicy tofu • 2 tbsp light soy sauce • 2 tbsp black rice vinegar • 2 spring onions, sliced STEP 1 Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the noodles and green beans. Cook for 4 mins on a rolling boil. STEP 2 Meanwhile, heat the tofu in the microwave or according to the pack instructions. Or stir fry quickly for 5 mins. STEP 3 Once the noodles are cooked, tip into a colander and rinse under cool water, separating them with your fingers to prevent them from sticking. Add the noodles back…

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! YUMMY PUMPKIN! This yummy pumpkin is made with Hotel Chocolat’s delicious cocoa-rich 40% milk chocolate. The cute chocolate carving will delight any child, and the signature smooth taste will be a treat for adults too! SCARY COLIN Rolled in buttercream and coated in a layer of milk chocolate and then white chocolate, this scary Colin is bound to please chocoholics everywhere! CREEPY CANAPES For a Halloween buffet, head to M&S for creepy canapés at purse-friendly prices. Options include spooky stuffed tomato chicken bites, pumpkin bao buns, meaty mummies and hell-oumi fingers. CHILLING CUPCAKES For an impressive party centrepiece, try Lola’s terrifyingly tasty cupcakes. The vanilla and chocolate sponges are hand-decorated with spooky sprinkles, Oreo crumbs, mini pearls and sugar paste decorations. TERRIFYING TIPPLE Wash down your tasty treats…

RELATIONSHIPS DON’T AVOID TRICKY TOPICS Every couple has certain subjects they struggle to discuss, but that can cause issues, so Anna explains how to speak up Talking honestly and openly is scary because once that information comes out of our mouth, we have no control over how it might be received. Feeling nervous, embarrassed and hesitant to talk about tricky topics is often a learned behaviour, but it’s really important to confront these because they are superimportant when it comes to connection and to leading a loving, authentic partnership where we’re able to support one another with effective communication. If you avoid the big topics – often things like sex, finances or emotions – your relationship can become quite vulnerable. Confront the elephant in the room, but carefully. Say to…

Recent stats show that nearly six in 10 people would be open to leaving their permanent job for a contract role. When it comes to careers, the grass often looks greener – people in staff jobs crave the flexibility of freelance life, while freelancers envy the stability and perks. We asked various experts to explain the pros and cons of both. THINK WHAT YOU’D MISS Thinking of handing in your notice? “Weigh up what benefits you might be missing out on,” says Novo Constare, CEO and co-founder of Indeed Flex, a jobseekers app. “Being a permanent employee usually comes with a pension, redundancy and sick pay. It also means you have a steady and regular income every month. For freelancers, the main and most obvious benefit is that you’re your…

MESMER-EYES This less moody take on the smoky eye is giving us all the autumn feels, featuring a mix of warm copper, brick red and brown hues. To copy, take this pocket-sized palette and diffuse the matte shades out towards your brown bone, while adding a subtle shimmer to your lids. DOUBLE TROUBLE No need to splash out on multiple products to get full, feathery brows like Selena’s. This 2-in-1 brow gel and pencil gives you celebworthy arches in one go, with a fixing gel to help you set your hairs in place at one end, plus an angled brow pencil to fill in those sparse areas. FAUX FLUTTER To complete your cat-eye look, pop some threequarter lashes on the outside corner of your lids. Far comfier than a full…

W hat to expect? I think the title – Secrets Of The South – says everything you need to know. I’m filming in Puglia and Basilicata, because they are less known and are incredible. I’ll show you things you have never seen before. In episode one, you make quite an entrance in Matera… I was just an Italian in a tux, in a Fiat 500. But I realised we were filming in the bar where James Bond drank his famous martini. I thought, “Gino, you are never going to look like James Bond”. I looked like I was getting married, a lot of people saw me there and thought I was renewing my vows! It was fun to make an entrance… You learn some rustic traditions; was anything tricky? Making the…

As little girls, twins Dolly and Daisy Simpson loved playing with Barbie dolls. They loved their bright blonde hair and slight figures, and as the twins got older, their admiration for the dolls developed into an obsession. Dolly and Daisy, 26, from Stockton-on-Tees, have now spent a combined £160k on plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures to achieve their doll-like look – all funded thanks to their successful account on adult content site, OnlyFans. Dolly says, “Before surgery, Daisy and I were quite insecure about our looks. We felt we looked basic – our appearances just didn’t match our outgoing personalities and we didn’t feel feminine at all. It was like we were trapped inside our own bodies, the real us just screaming to get out.” As the girls’ 18th birthday…

She’s already wowed viewers with her incredible dancing skills, breaking down stereotypes as Strictly’s oldest ever contestant. And now, presenter Angela Rippon tells Closer just how she achieved her epic leg kick. Opening up about the impressive dance move, Angela, 78, says, “The leg is a party trick. I’m just very flexible! I always have been. I’m having a wonderful time, and Kai is very clever at putting together the right kind of choreography that suits me – he knows the things I can’t do.” Angela – who has been happily single for 27 years after her divorce from childhood sweetheart Christopher Dare – is partnered up with Kai Widdrington, 28 – boyfriend of fellow Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova, 34. And Angela now shares that she’s been enjoying spending some…

Isabelle Coad, 40, from Leicester, was adopted as a baby and has now adopted two children of her own. She says, “I was adopted from Sri Lanka in 1983, at six months old. Although I always knew I was adopted – my parents are white British so it was fairly obvious – I don’t ever remember having a sit-down conversation about it. “But by the time I was a teenager, I had a lot of questions, ‘Did I look like my biological mother? Why had she given me up?’ After school I studied childcare, before going out to volunteer in an orphanage in Uganda. “Then, a month into my work in Uganda, a three-year-old called Nathanial arrived – he needed a family and I had love to give. Adopting him…

They tied the knot last year after reuniting, but insiders say there are already cracks appearing in Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s marriage because of Ben’s lax attitude. A source tells Closer, “Jennifer and Ben had an amazing whirlwind romance and honeymoon period, but now their true colours are showing. Ben was on his best behaviour before, but now he’s back to his old ways. Jennifer’s tried to train Ben on standards of cleanliness with his personal grooming and not being so messy around the house.” Jennifer, 54, and Ben, 51, originally began dating in 2002 before announcing their engagement later that year. The pair never made it down the aisle, however, calling it quits in early 2004. Their reunion came in 2021 following Ben’s divorce from Jennifer Garner –…

Last week, Peter Andre and his wife Emily MacDonagh announced the happy news that they are expecting their third child together – the pop star’s fifth. Pete announced it on Instagram with a selfie of him and NHS doctor Emily, 34, holding five images of their baby scan. The 50-year-old – who is also dad to Junior, 18, and Princess, 16, with his ex-wife Katie Price, and Amelia, nine, and Theo, six, with Emily, said, “A new addition to our family in 2024. The kids are so excited. So are we!” Celeb pals rushed to congratulate the couple, who met in 2010. Vicky Pattison wrote, “I knew you weren’t done! Omg! Buzzing for you both babe. Congratulations”. Former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse commented, “Congrats Pete”, and former Corrie actress Catherine…

It’s hard to believe Diags – real name James Bennewith – has been a staple on The Only Way Is Essex for over a decade. And as the show’s longest-running cast member, Diags, 32, says he’s still close to the original Essex crew – especially best pal Joey Essex. Joey, 33, left the show in 2013 after two years, but his on/off romance with Sam Faiers and his close friendships saw the “reem” Essex star catapult to fame and go on to appear in I’m A Celeb!, The Jump and Dancing On Ice. But now Diags reveals he wants Joey – who last year blasted the show as “drama-less” and said he would pull in extra viewers – to return. He laughs, “He’s still my best mate. We see each…

LOOSE WOMEN “Socially, I keep up with Brenda, Ruth, Jane and Janet. Brenda lives near the studios, so we often have a cuppa after the show, which can turn into a rum and Coke for me and a glass of Malbec for her!” MENOPAUSE I have hot flushes and insomnia, but the biggest challenges were emotional and psychological. I’ve always been a positive person, but some days I’d wake up and feel really low. Once I understood that menopause can have a huge impact on mental health, I changed my mindset by saying, ‘It’s OK, it’s the menopause’. A friend recommended magnesium cream to help with sleep, so I’ll try that. What’s fantastic is the amount of support available and that people are talking about menopause. I grew up with…

WINTER WARMER (Filled Yorkshire Puddings, Aldi, £2.99) Undeniably comforting, these supersized puds are generously stuffed with either roast chicken with stuffing, or sausage and mash. The ultimate Sunday lunch crowd pleaser! BOOZE-FREE TIPPLE (J20 Mocktails, supermarkets, £1.29 each) Great for Sober October if you’re trying to eliminate alcohol, choose from these fruity concoctions – Strawberry & Orange Blossom Mojito, White Peach & Mango Daiquiri or Blackberry & Blueberry Martini.…

HEALTH FIGHT Tory ‘red wall’ poster girl Dehanna Davidson quits as minister amid battle with chronic migranes When Levelling Up minister Dehenna Davison resigned saying she’s been battling with chronic migraines, she revealed how, on some days, she’s fine but on others it’s impossible to keep up with the demands of her job, which is very unpredictable. It must be so disappointing for her. THEY CAN BE SEVERE A migraine isn’t just a really bad headache. The pain is classically in one part of your head – it’s not a general allover headache – usually you can point a finger at where the pain is. That pain often stops you doing most things because even moving your head or looking at light will exacerbate it. The sensitivity to light can…

Never been dumped? I really don’t believe the people who claim this. Unless you’ve only ever had a handful of relationships and dates in your life, there is no way out of a law of averages that this could be true. We all get rejected. Even the most attractive, charismatic and interesting of people do. It’s part of life and a significant part of dating, although I really wish it wasn’t. I had a phone call from a close friend last week who, at the end of a second date, was effectively rejected. She was a little taken aback that he’d said it directly to her face, but appreciated the honesty and not being led on or left hanging for days, wondering if he was going to reply to her…

Women spend over £128 a year on sanitary products – so period pants could save us a fortune The fabric moulds to your body, and the high fit feels safe and secure. Made from breathable cotton, they worked a dream, with no leakage. Leak-proof and great a design for workouts. We recommend sizing up. Seamless and soft, these proved leak-proof for a full nine-hour work day. Made from eco bamboo fabric and a little bulky – perfect for bedtime.…

SPEND OR SAVE SPOTLIGHT ON: LUXE KITCHENWARE! • Elevate home cooking using chef Gino D’Acampo’s stylish collection, with pastel blue and green crockery, as well as aprons, utensils, ovenware and small appliances, from just £3. Available from George at Asda.…

Jamie Borthwick, 29, on Jay Brown’s life spiralling out of control… “Jay has hit rock bottom – he’s low, and he doesn’t know where to turn, which is why he’s resorted to taking drugs,” says Jamie, who’s been on the soap since 2006. “When the whole Nadine situation comes out, Jay knows he’s in hot water – and just when he thought he couldn’t get any lower, it jeopardises his relationship with Lexi. This is his worst nightmare besides Lola dying and he can’t cope. He drives to Margate on a whim, and under the influence – but it doesn’t quite go to plan…”…

17-23 OCTOBER THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LIBRA 23 SEP – 22 OCT The recent eclipse activity in your sign has probably brought up a lot of stuff which you now realise you need to release because it’s toxic. If so, give yourself a pat on the back. So what now? Forgive and move on. That’s the quickest fix. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV Trying to fight an enemy you can’t see is exhausting. That’s what is happening for you now. It’s as though you feel like life is against you so you’re behaving in a way that is actually attracting … negativity. Of course, the best thing to do is stop that! Meditation will help. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope SAGITTARIUS…