Table of contents for Issue 1090 in Closer

She ended 2023 on a high, following the success of her Disney+ documentary and tell-all memoir, and husband Wayne's return to the UK from the States to manage Birmingham City. But insiders say Coleen Rooney was left feeling rocked just days into 2024 after Wayne was sacked, followed by more bleak news that her Wagatha nemesis Rebekah Vardy could make an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in March, with the prospect of more tellalls about the drama. Former England and Manchester United footballer Wayne, 38 – who previously coached D.C. United in America – was appointed Birmingham City manager in October, but lasted only 83 days and 15 games, during which time the team slipped from sixth to 20th position. HUMILIATION Our source says, “Coleen had such high hopes for…

Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper tragically lost his fight for life last week aged 56, following years of serious health complications caused by Covid-19. The Good Morning Britain host announced the tragic news on Instagram on Friday, writing to her 1.1million followers, “I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications. Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.” She added, “I have so much more to say, and of…

Julie Cook was just 13 when she had her first taste of alcohol from her dad's barrel of home-brew. She and her friends helped themselves while he was at work – but while her pals only had a couple of glasses, Julie had four. Julie, 46, a writer who lives in Hampshire with her husband Cornel, 43, a musician, and her two children, aged 15 and 10, says, “The pattern for my binge drinking was set early on. We would get older kids to go to the off-licence and buy us alcopops and cider. But when the others stopped, I'd keep drinking until I couldn't stand up. “As a young journalist, women at work were encouraged to ‘drink men under the table’. And so my tolerance increased. On a binge…

Singer Fleur East has revealed that she's expecting her first child with husband Marcel Badiane-Robin, showing off her growing belly on Instagram and joking, “2024 is gonna be different…” The 36-year-old's followers were quick to share their congratulations, with Fleur's 2022 Strictly Come Dancing professional partner Vito Coppola writing, “I will be a good uncle”. Last week, Fleur – who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2014 – also admitted that she and her husband of nearly five years, fashion designer and stylist Marcel, 35, have decided not to find out their baby's gender.…

They became parents to baby Bonnie last September, months after their relationship ended. But now Laura Anderson and Gary Lucy have confirmed they're back together by sharing a sweet snap of them kissing on New Year's Day. Laura, 34, later posted a video of her and baby daddy Gary, 42, cosying up together on an ice skating date. The pair first met in 2022 while starring on Celebs Go Dating, but split in January 2023 after five months together. Just weeks later, Laura revealed she was pregnant with Gary's baby. Love Island star Laura and actor Gary – who already shares kids India, 18, Elvis, 12, Sadie, eight, and Theodore, five, with ex-wife, actress Natasha Gray – initially struggled to stay friends after the split, but Laura recently told Closer…

He was once Formula One's party boy – but Jenson Button tells Closer he now prefers a quiet life at his sprawling Malibu mansion. Jenson, 43, married Playboy model Brittny, 33, three years ago, welcoming children Hendrix, three, and Lenny, two. He smiles, “We live in the middle of nowhere, which is fantastic. It's a couple of acres for the dogs and kids to run around. If Brittny and I go on a date night, we'll head to Soho House in Malibu. I've never seen a Kardashian there – I think they live in a different area, behind big gates and security!” And the World Champion – who is the face of Hackett London – also says Brittny isn't intimidated by his hoard of female admirers. He laughs, “My wife…

He came to our attention on Love Island, but over the past six years, Dr Alex George has thrown his energy into championing mental wellbeing, becoming the government's first Youth Mental Health Ambassador, and has written four books on the topic. His latest guide, A Better Day Journal, is packed with tried-and-tested confidence builders and creative activities for nine-to-14 year olds, but Dr Alex, 32, says it's the perfect manual for the entire family. “All this comes from the adult version of what I do,” Alex tells Closer. “When I released my previous tool-book, many adults stopped calling it a children's book because it's just as helpful for them and gives them tools to talk to children. We focus on a mental health crisis, but life isn't just about preventing…

Alongside the usual new year shenanigans I try and then fail at (cutting back on wine, ending my crisp addiction and giving up shopping on Vinted), it's also the time when I try to shake up my dating. This is the busiest time for dating apps – with not much else going on in January, activity always spikes. Although the typical rebel I am, I'm going against the trend and have deleted all my apps, hopefully for good. Instead, I'm open to meeting people in other ways. So, when I read how one American single was finding that suitors were sliding into her DMs on LinkedIn of all places, I was curious. I know this has happened to a lot of us on Instagram, but that feels more appropriate than…

Want to get the most from your loyalty card when buying coffees and treats? Here's a rundown of how the biggies operate… ● STARBUCKS – 17 drinks. You get three stars for each £1 spent (including partial pounds spent), then a free drink when you hit 150 stars. Considering drinks cost around £3, you could need to buy as many as 17 drinks before you get a free one. They also give you 25p off when you use a reusable cup. ● CAFFE NERO – 9 drinks. For each drink you buy, you get a stamp, and after nine stamps you get a free drink – but if you use a reusable cup, you'll get an extra stamp, which means you'll get your free drink after five! ● COSTA –…

11 JAN AT 11:57 CAPRICORN This is the time to make a wish about your brilliant career. Not bothered about career? Use this New Moon to make a 12-month plan for yourself for 2024. 9 FEB AT 22:59 AQUARIUS Make a wish about your social life. It's a good time to make a wish for someone to come into your life who can help you make your dreams come true. 10 MAR AT 09.00 PISCES This is a very spiritual New Moon so wish to be more connected to the cosmos, to your Angels and guides. Also a very powerful New Moon for visualisations. See your dreams as real. 8 APR AT 19:20 ARIES Wish for the courage to chase your goals. It's quite scary sometimes to admit what you…

REUSE, REFILL AND REPEAT Reducing waste is always a good idea, and this shower gel is an easy eco change to make. The glossy aluminium pump can be refilled with a fully compostable pack, and the body wash is vegan, smells divine and leaves skin refreshed. MULTI-TASK WITH MAKE-UP Save yourself time and money by looking for clever multi-tasking products. This creamy tint can we swiped over lips, cheeks and eyes to create a wearable pop of colour that lasts all day. The matte-finish pigment is rich, so start with a minimal amount and use fingers to blend and build up colour. PLAY WITH COLOUR Brighten your look and your mood by experimenting with bright and fun tones. A bold lip or eyeliner will make a statement, but for a…

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…

Totes agree, Ry – our new year's resolution is to be able to go out at least once in 2024 without needing a rub down with a towel afterwards. At the grand old age of 52, Snoop reveals he's going for gold at this year's Olympics. The event? It's the 24-hour bong marathon – on your marks, get set… light up! GRUMPY GRAM That new year feeling of waking up really, really early then setting off to explore what exciting viruses await us on public transport. Sending hugs, Alexa!…

“THEY ARE TRYING SO HARD, THEY'RE GREAT PERFORMERS, BUT IT'S JUST SO UNCONVINCING” It's been a year since Prince Harry's explosive memoir, Spare, was released, sparking yet another series of bombshells for the royal family as he detailed the traumas that both he and wife Meghan Markle had endured behind palace walls. The bestselling book – which followed on from their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and their December 2022 Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan – was quickly dubbed a thinlyveiled attempt to take down the monarchy in one swoop. But the couple's plan appeared to backfire as their own reputation plummeted – spelling the start of a 2023 that was blighted by professional and personal loss as their toxic war with the royal family rumbled on. However in December, Meghan,…

Five years after their Valentine's Day engagement, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have sparked rumours that they've secretly tied the knot, after the singer was spotted wearing a gold band on her ring finger. Katy, 39, and Orlando, 46 – who met at the Golden Globes in 2016 and welcomed their daughter Daisy Dove, three, back in 2020 – were photographed at LAX airport, returning from their New Year's Eve getaway. Eve getaway. Katy was previously married to comedian Russell Brand, while Orlando shares son Flynn, 12, with his ex-wife, model Miranda Kerr.…

Marissa, 31, is a healthcare: administrator who lives in Kent with her husband Russell, 36, a healthcare insurer. The couple have both struggled with their weight but after appearing on the TV show, feel confident for the future. Marissa says, “My husband and I were desperate to lose weight but had tried everything without success. When we saw an advert to apply for a weight loss show, we jumped at the opportunity and were thrilled when we were chosen. We haven't looked back! I've lost 5st and have never felt better. “My weight problems started when I was at primary school. I was bullied and sought comfort in food. If anything bad happened, I'd eat, and it snowballed. It was my comfort but also my hell too. CHANGE OF MINDSET…

When Rae Richmond heard about the burgeoning “MILF” market on OnlyFans, she wanted a piece of the action. And after gaining a new lease of life following her divorce and receiving support from her toyboy, Rae, 57, took the plunge. Now, she's one of the website's most successful creators, earning an annual six-figure sum from regularly uploading sexy videos of her exploits in the bedroom with her hunky lover Cam, 36. Rae says, “I spent years struggling with my confidence, especially in the bedroom. But Cam makes me feel sexy and beautiful. Even when the camera is off we have such a special relationship – he's my rock and my best friend.” UNHAPPY In 2018, Rae was 3st overweight and deeply unhappy in her marriage. After much soul-searching, she finally…

GO VEGGIE YOU DON'T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT… MEDITERRANEAN BOWL SERVES 2 ● 200g couscous ● 1 vegetable stock cube dissolved into 200ml boiling water ● Olive oil, for drizzling ● 100g baby spinach ●1/2 tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed ● 1/2 cucumber, chopped ● 200g cherry or sundried tomatoes, chopped ● 1/2 red onion, chopped ● Handful olives, pitted and chopped ● 100g houmous ● Pinch chilli flakes ● Juice 1/2 lemon ● Handful parsley, chopped ● Handful vegan feta, chopped STEP 1 Add the couscous and stock to a large heatproof bowl, cover with a lid or plate and leave to stand for 5-10 mins. When the couscous is soft, fluff it up with a fork, then drizzle with a little oil. STEP 2 To…

THE Boost Taylor Swift was named as the Person Of The Year by TIME, sent the UK into overdrive when her concert tickets were released, and now she could help you save a life! According to experts at the American Heart Association, her track You ‘re Losing Me is the ideal song for performing CPR. It has 103 beats per minute, which is the perfect tempo to perform chest compressions. Kneel next to the person, put the heel of your hand on their breastbone at the centre of their chest and the palm of your other hand on top with your fingers interlocked. With your shoulders directly above your hands, press straight down by 5-6cm on their chest and release, allowing their chest to return to its original position to…

TV STAR SHERRIE HEWSON, 73, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I'M ALWAYS ON MY FEET AND NEVER STOP…. You've got to try to keep as active as you can as you get older. I walk a lot with my granddaughters, they keep me on my toes in more ways than one. Being with them also keeps my brain sharp, they're both into TikTok, and although I have no idea how to use it, talking about it and looking at what they're reading and watching helps me stay connected with the world. I'M DONE WITH BOTOX AND FILLERS… I've had face lifts too, but I've realised there comes a time when you should just be “me”. I don't know if I want to keep filling myself with…

AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK LUCY HALE Go back to work in style like Lucy, who was spotted in a monochrome co-ord by Dior. The actress layered her sleek waistcoat over a classic crisp shirt – which is perfect for adding an extra layer during the winter months – finishing off with a simple tie. We love the 34-year-old's fashion-forward spin on classic tailoring. IN THE NEWS LOUISE REDKNAPP X PEACOCKS Add a little star style into your wardrobe this year with help from Louise Redknapp's latest edit for Peacocks. Featuring plenty of classic denim pieces, cosy knitwear and everyday basics, the singer and presenter's collection has got all you'll need for the upcoming months. Best of all, everything comes in at those bargain Peacocks prices – what's not to…

There's drama this week when Mandy accompanies Paddy to a vets’ social, opting to turn up in a frock inspired by the iconic Liz Hurley safety pin dress (well, why not?). Rude bigwig Jules makes a mean comment, and Mandy is fuming with Paddy when he panders to his boss and refuses to introduce Mandy as his girlfriend! Then Jules’ PA, Ella, pours a drink over him – and when Paddy clocks what's happened, he assumes the chaos is down to Mandy. It isn't, so either Paddy apologises or he's in for a dousing next! FOLLOW OUR LIVE TWEETS OVER AT @CloserOnline…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The whole “New Year/New Me” idea can carry some weight this time around. Real new beginnings are possible for you. The catch? You have to be willing to, once and for all, put the past behind you. Do this and 2024 could truly be your best year ever! CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 19 JAN If you're ready to commit to something, there is no stopping you. For the most part, you're finally free of some steep learning curves, but what will you do with all these learned lessons? The best is yet to come. It's time to see what you're really made of. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

Last month Lauren Goodger shocked TOWIE fans when she announced her return to the show that first brought her fame a decade ago. But now as her comeback, which is expected to be this February, fast approaches, insiders say the reality TV favourite, 37, fears she'll be forced into reliving what has been an incredibly traumatic two years for her. A source says, “Lauren has been feeling more anxious than ever since confirming her return to TOWIE because of all the horrific things she's been through since we last saw her on the show. “She's not sure how much of her real-life she can bear to share with everyone because it's too painful, and she hates the idea of bringing it up for the sake of entertainment. And she's said…

It's been three months since she last appeared on our TV screens, so fans were delighted when Holly Willoughby announced her return to Dancing On Ice when series 16 starts later this month. And insiders say that Holly's husband of 16 years Dan Baldwin, and some of her closest TV pals, including Christine Lampard, were crucial in helping her make her comeback decision. A source says, “Dan, together with Holly's close circle of friends, were instrumental in her decision to return to Dancing On Ice – particularly Christine Lampard and Fearne Cotton, who she often turns to with big career decisions since they're also in the presenting world. “Christine has been her rock over the last few months and has helped steer her towards going back as gently and sensitively…

Breaking her Instagram silence after more than two months, actress Emily Atack returned to social media last week to announce that she's expecting her first child. Sharing a black and white picture cradling her blossoming bump, Emily told fans she was “so happy and utterly terrified”, adding, “I've got to know my body on such an insane level. It's made me appreciate the one I've been given SO much, I'm doing my absolute best to make it a home for the little squid I'm growing.” Celebrity pals including Alan Carr, Cat Deeley, Kimberley Walsh, Vicky Pattison and Laura Whitmore rushed to congratulate the former Inbetweeners star, with Scarlett Moffatt adding, “Welcome to the mam club, I promise you it's so much fun.” Emily, 34, is reportedly five months pregnant with…

Sitting in a stark room in a Turkish airport surrounded by six customs officers, Joanne Prophet had never been so terrified. The 28-year-old mumof-two thought she was about to be taken to prison. Her crime? They thought she was travelling on a fake passport as she looked so different from her picture after nearly a decade of cosmetic treatments… Thankfully, after several hours of questioning, she managed to persuade the officers it was indeed her and they eventually let her on her flight home. Joanne, who lives in Rossendale, Lancashire, with her partner of seven years and two children – Hudson, five, and Harrison, three – remembers, “I'd been in Turkey getting my teeth done. I was thrilled with them and was heading home, excited to show them off to…

It's no secret that she longed to have children when she was married to Ant McPartlin – but last week Lisa Armstrong had to face speculation that her ex and his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, are about to welcome their first child together. BETRAYAL And after a turbulent few months in her personal life following her split from James Green, insiders say that it's dredged up past hurt. Our source says, “Lisa's understandably upset about the rumours Anne-Marie could be pregnant. To learn that AnneMarie may be expecting a baby with the man she tried to start a family with and loved for years has rocked her, as it would for anyone in her position. “The betrayal still stings and is something that will likely never go away. While she has…

As she gets ready to reach new milestones in her work life, the next 12 months could be presenter Vogue Williams’ most exciting yet. But with her career taking off, Vogue shares that she feels torn over leaving her young family behind while she juggles being a working mum. Irish-born Vogue tied the knot with Made In Chelsea's Spencer Matthews, 35, in 2018, with the loved-up couple going on to welcome son Theodore, five, daughter Gigi, three, and baby son Otto, one. She says, “I think any mother works on a home/work balance. I love my job and I feel very lucky that it allows me to spend so much time with my children. But I think there's always that level of guilt if I am away touring. I think…

CLOSER EXCLUSIVE! She shot to fame on TOWIE back in 2011 – turning herself into a household name and becoming the longest-serving cast member before her shock exit in 2022. During her 11-year-reign, Chloe Sims’ turbulent love life contributed to some of the show's biggest storylines, as fans watched the single mum endure multiple heartbreaks amid her continual search to find The One. READY TO DATE And since leaving Essex behind for a new life in LA, the 42-year-old tells Closer she's determined to finally break the cycle of being “famously single” and find her American Mr Right. “Now I'm settled in LA, I'm ready to put myself out there and start dating.” Chloe tells us from her plush Beverly Hills apartment. “I think my husband will be from New…

INSIDE HELEN'S FRIDGE ● Butter ● Pesto ● Damson chutney ● Mayonnaise ● Mustard ● Ketchup ● Dark chocolate ● Lettuce ● Houmous ● Brie ● Goat's cheese ● Cheddar ● Manchego ● Vine tomatoes ● Grapes ● Strawberries ● Blueberries ● Pâté ● Smoked salmon ● Cocktail sausages ● Carrots ● Coriander leaves ● Ginger & lime pressé ● Cranberry juice ● Milk ● White wine VERDICT CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Helen seems to enjoy simple meals. She can make sure they are balanced by including a starchy food, veg or fruit, a little dairy and some protein at each meal. She should make sure she gets her five fruit and veg a day and might benefit from more whole grains in her diet, such as swapping muesli…

RELATIONSHIPS STOP A NEGATIVE PARTNER DRAGGING YOU DOWN Research shows that negative emotions are passed between couples more often than positive ones. Here's how to handle it When we spend a lot of time around someone, we take on characteristics from them. I call it pumps and hoovers people who pump energy into life; and hoovers who suck it out. If you have a negative partner, it's reasonable to ask them to be mindful of what they say and how they phrase it. Obviously we should be there for each other, and we all go through tough patches due to grief, job problems, financial issues and stress, so we need to help prop up our partner, but it should be equal. If your partner is constantly telling you about all…

FASHION SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE An easy way to create those warm and cosy vibes is to go head-to-toe tonal. Keep it simple with a chocolate-toned maxilength dress and throw on a knitted cardie for an extra layer of warmth. Finish the look with white trainers for on the go or, if you're staying in, keep it comfy with some chunky-knit socks. STAY NEUTRAL Neutrals were huge for autumn/winter and they aren't going anywhere fast, making this coordinating cardie and trouser set from River Island a great investment. Whether you wear them together with a white tee or separately to get the maximum cost-per-wear, they can easily be styled up or down with a clever change of footwear. SKIRT AROUND A knitted skirt is a wardrobe must-have thanks to its classic…

Closer TV TV WEEK: 13-19 JAN NEW SERIES 1 LOVE ISLAND: ALL STARS HOTLY-ANTICIPATED SHOW MON 15 JAN, 9PM, ITV1 / MON 15-FRI 19 JAN, 9PM, ITV2 Legendary Islanders from series gone by attempt to find love again in this new series which replaces the classic winter one we normally get in January. Maya Jama returns as the host, and the action will take place at a luxury villa in South Africa as favourite, iconic cast members crack on in their bid to couple up and avoid being dumped from the island. So far confirmed to be getting involved are Georgia Harrison (S3), Kaz Kamwi (S7) and Chris Taylor (S5) – with more to be announced. Whatever happens, that's our January sorted! 2 LOL: LAST ONE LAUGHING IRELAND SERIOUS STUFF FRI 19…

9-15 JANUARY AQUARIUS 20 JAN – 18 FEB This could be the best year of your life or, on the other hand, it could be the worst. In either scenario, so much of it will be about what you make it. This week, be sure to reflect on your past. The outcomes you seek will be decided by the intentions you set. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope PISCES 19 FEB – 20 MAR The company you keep can really change the direction of your life. You've learned so much over several years about friend and foe. Don't be shy about severing ties with those who haven't earned your respect or you are unsure you can trust. Keep those who count even closer than ever. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily…