Table of contents for Issue 1172 in Closer

‘IT’S ALL FOR DIANA – HE WANTS TO MAKE HIS MOTHER PROUD’ The next couple of years are set to be critical for the royals – but while Prince Harry is hoping upcoming projects might heal the ongoing family rift, an insider tells Closer it may prove challenging if Meghan Markle is involved. The Duke – who was last week criticised for his part in a ‘damaging’ bullying row at his ex-charity Sentebale, which he’d set up in honour of his mother, Princess Diana – will see his beloved Invictus Games back in the UK in 2027, with that summer also marking the 30th anniversary of Diana’s tragic death. And with two years until that poignant occasion, there’s plenty of time for Harry, 40, to put plans in place. An…

Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by yet another scandal as the BBC has launched an investigation into reported drug use by two of the show’s stars. And now, sources tell Closer that the news has had a profound impact on long-running host Tess Daly, as they reveal, ‘Tess is horrified. She’s worked hard to build a reputation as one of the most professional and polished figures on British television, and this is not the kind of headline she ever wanted to be connected to. Being dragged into this mess – even by association – is deeply embarrassing for her. HIGH STANDARDS ‘Tess is fiercely private and holds herself to high standards. This has shaken her confidence in the brand, and it feels like it’s just scandal after scandal with…

Two became one when super-toned Mel C was spotted sharing a kiss with her Aussie boyfriend Chris Dingwall during a holiday in Ibiza. The pair were joined by a group of friends on the Spanish island, as they enjoyed water sports and kayaking, and taking a dip in the sea. While it’s unclear when or how the couple met, they confirmed rumours about their romance last June when they attended Glastonbury together. Sporty Spice’s new beau is a model who has also tried his hand at acting, writing and film directing. Mel, 51, has previously spoken about how she was banned from dating in the early days of the Spice Girls, even though her other bandmates could have romantic relationships, being told that the others were ‘strong enough, but you…

It’s the show that propelled the likes of Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger and Gemma Collins to fame and fortune. And as TOWIE gets set to celebrate its 15th anniversary, insiders tell Closer that bosses want to mark the milestone by bringing back some of the most iconic cast members. GOLDEN ERA ‘The team are hoping to bring back some of the diehard TOWIE fans’ favourite cast from the golden era – back when the show was at its peak,’ Closer’s sources reveal. ‘And naturally they’re hoping that the high viewing figures which the show used to attract will return alongside the icons themselves. ‘On the producers’ dream wish list are the likes of Gemma Collins, Bobby Norris, Sam and Billie Faiers, as well as Joey Essex and of course Mark…

Back to school with Deichmann Let your kids step into style this season with Deichmann’s back-to-school range. Right now, they’re running an incredible ‘Buy One Get One Half Price’ offer on all school shoes, giving parents a huge saving on brands such as Kickers, Nike and – of course – Deichmann’s in-house designs. Prices start at £19.99, with the offer running until 7 September. Whether you’re after playground-proof shoes or smart classroom styles, it’s time to get your little ones sorted without breaking the bank. BACK-TOSCHOOL SPECIAL! BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE! GET HER LOOK LAURA WHITMORE Mum-of-one Laura recently made a stylish statement in a striking cyan blue tailored blazer and suit trousers. Her pointed heels break up the outfit, while her shades compliment her face – not…

OVERNIGHT OOMPH No time to wash your hair in the morning? Spritz this cult classic onto greasy roots before heading to bed and wake up to fuller, cleaner looking strands. BROW WOW This easy at-home tint gives you fuller-looking, face-framing brows that last up to six weeks. It’s the ultimate low-effort way to wake up ready. PLUMP AND PROTECT Streamline your skincare, with this all-in-one hero. The lightweight formula not only helps to nourish and plump, but it also provides UV protection. WAKE-UP CALL Packed with vitamin C and colour-correcting pigments, this clever under-eye stick helps to hydrate, brighten and disguise dark circles in seconds. DAB AND DASH Add instant colour with this clever formula for lips and cheeks. It changes colour according to your unique pH levels, making it…

I MAKE TIME FOR MY FRIENDS It’s easy with kids [she is mum to Alfie, four, and Ada, two] and busy work schedules to go months without seeing friends. But my female relationships are so important to me. I check in with my friends daily and we book in dinners or meet-ups. EXERCISE GIVES ME A BREAK I try to do regular spin classes – it gives me a pause from the stress of work or motherhood. Plus, I often do Beyoncé-themed classes which are so fun. GETTING OUTDOORS HELPS I can become overwhelmed with the noise of motherhood, but that changes when I get outdoors. Just packing up a picnic and getting out in nature with my little ones makes a world of difference. ● Ashley James is working…

MEREDITH HAYDEN’S OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH PEACHES & CREAM STEP 1 Coat a 20cm-round cake tin with olive oil, line the bottom of the tin with baking paper, and lightly brush the baking paper with olive oil. Coat the inside of the tin with 1tbsp of flour, turning over the tin and tapping out any excess. STEP 2 In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 190g of flour, salt, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. STEP 3 In a large bowl, combine the 220g of sugar and the lemon zest. Use your fingers to massage the lemon zest into the sugar to bring out the fruit’s natural oils. Add the eggs and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, for 3 to 5 minutes.…

BUDGET-FRIENDLY IMAGES WILL BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WALLS KEEP IT ON TREND WITH FRUITY PRINTS PICNIC IN STYLE AND INVEST IN SOME CHIC MELAMINE…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK If you’re a bit of a skeptic when it comes to manifestation then you might be in for a surprise. Real blessings are heading your way. That said, you do have to believe in them! Let go of old programming that says you can’t, because you really can. LEO 23 JUL – 22 AUG Snafus and delays of recent weeks will begin to dissipate. If you were patient and kept your cool, you’ll see how it all worked in your favour. Sometimes the Universe tests if you’re ready to commit to your dreams. Say yes to life; what are you waiting for? Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

After splashing out on a £3 million wedding back in 2022, they renewed their vows at the beginning of the month. And while it was a happy occasion for Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, insiders reveal to Closer that amid the ongoing Beckham family feud, the groom’s mum Victoria was devastated to miss out on an invite – leaving her wondering when the nightmare of it all will end. The source says, ‘Victoria was completely blindsided. She found out about the vow renewal through the press, just like everyone else, and it was like a punch to the stomach. To not even get a heads up, let alone an invite, felt like a final middle finger from Brooklyn and Nicola – and it understandably brought back all the old pain…

Becoming a dad would be life-changing for anyone, and Tommy Fury is no exception. But despite the young age at which it happend for him and his partner Molly-Mae Hague, Tommy, now 26, tells Closer that the birth of his daughter Bambi in 2023 put everything into perspective for him. Ahead of the release of his new docuseries, he exclusively tells us, ‘Becoming a dad has changed me massively. I think it’s the biggest thing in my life that has changed me. I obviously became a dad young, at 23 – that’s just because we thought that it was the right time to have kids and it one hundred per cent was. Having Bambi was the best thing that I’ve ever done in both my career and my private life.…

MAKING A SPLASH It’s hard to remember a time when Mark Wright and Lauren Goodger weren’t fighting, but the moment that Lauren pushed her then-fiancé into the swimming pool during an argument over his alleged infidelity was unforgettable. SWEET TALKER James Argent’s look of panic after Gemma Collins calls him out for his bad behaviour saying, ‘You ain’t ever gonna get this candy’ had fans (and Joey Essex) in stitches. It was always amazeballs when the TOWIE women stood up for themselves. FASHION FORWARD Amy Childs brought the vajazzling trend to the masses via TOWIE and the moment that she gave one to Sam Faiers back in S1 is the stuff of legend. In fact, their friendship gave viewers many key moments over the years. LOVE TRIANGLES ‘I forgive you…

When Andrea Dominguez’s father Emilio called her aside for a chat, she had no idea he’d just played matchmaker in a very unconventional romance. Unbeknown to Andrea, then just 18, her Dad had told his best friend Ernesto that Andrea was in love with him and that if they got together, he would give them his blessing – despite the 30-year age gap. Andrea, now 26, says, ‘Dad took me aside and said he’d told Ernesto about my feelings for him because he knew I’d never tell him. He said we were a match made in heaven, so he wanted to play Cupid for us! ‘Without me knowing, he’d told Ernesto, “My daughter is at home daydreaming about you. I know you like her too so let’s get this over…

It’s been four years since fans saw sisters Sam Faiers and Billie Shepherd together on screen, after Sam sensationally quit their reality show The Mummy Diaries in 2021. But the famous siblings are reunited for their new series, Sister Act. AMAZING ‘It’s just been amazing doing this again with Billie,’ Sam reveals. ‘We live an hour away from each other but with six children between us and [being] super busy, we don’t see each other that much. Filming this, I’ve seen her around three times a week so we’ve definitely become closer as sisters.’ The pair even went back to basics and gave up modern luxuries during a recent retreat with their mum Suzie and stepdad Dave. ‘We went off grid, which was really fun. We haven’t done anything as…

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! 1 BEST FOOT FORWARD With all the running and jumping kids do, school shoes need to offer both support and comfort. Hush Puppies’ great-value range combines durability and function with standout style, ticking all the right boxes. 2 TOUGHEN UP Splash and stain-resistant fabrics will keep their essentials looking fresh all year long, while clever touches such as reinforced knees help prevent rips during playtime. 3 ONE-STOP SHOP Matalan has a host of quality uniforms that hold up against the realities of your little one’s day. From polo shirts to pinafores, they’ve got all your essentials covered. 4 TIDY TOUCHES Add the perfect finishing touch to their look with this adorable blue gingham accessories set. With clips, bobbles and a matching headband, it’s both smart and practical for…

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES & FAMILY LIFE WITH COUNSELLOR, PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND LIFE COACH ANNA WILLIAMSON There is a lot to prepare at this time of year, so finding ways to make things easier on yourself is important. Start by being organised; write down a list of what you need to do, things like buying new uniform, pencil cases and water bottles, labelling uniform and signing up for after-school clubs and lunches. Tick it off day by day so it’s not a massive overwhelming task, and outsource and delegate where you can. My mother-in-law helps by sewing in name tags, she doesn’t mind doing it and it helps me so much. It’s also important to look after your wellbeing. A new term is often emotional for…

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! Carnage – it’s absolute carnage! There is no way to dress it up,’ laughs Rochelle when asked about how school mornings pan out in the Humes household. Like most busy families, Rochelle, 36, who’s mum to Alaia-Mai, 12, Valentina, eight, and Blake, four, with husband Marvin Humes, says weekdays are a juggle when the new term rolls around. But after a long summer break, which the former The Saturdays star says her family have enjoyed, she is looking forward to the start of a new term in September. ‘I hate being the rushing mum in the morning, like, “Quick, you’re late! Right, shoes on, hurry, we’ve got to leave!” So, I have enjoyed the summer holidays and the break from the routine, but now I’m so…

PICKY BITS! Check out Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference sharing range. From King Prawn Pil Pil to Hot Honey Pork Belly Slices. From £3.50 for Ricotta Stuffed Piquillo Peppers (170g) or three for £8 Deli Deal with Nectar. BREAD HEAD Made ‘without any added nonsense’, Jason’s Sourdough Creations are luscious. The Fruit Loaf is great for breakfast, while the Olive & Basil is perfect alongside a salad. From Tesco £2.80 for 400g. PISTACHIO FUDGE Thought your pistachio delicacies were covered? Now Roly’s have brought their crumby Pistachio Chocolate Fudge to the table. From Rolysfudge.co.uk or select Roly’s Fudge pantries across the UK. RRP £3.25 per 100g.…

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! School uniform, shoes, books and lunch costs can all rack up. In fact, research by Child Poverty Action found that sending a child to school can cost UK families £1,000 a year in primary school and nearly £2,300 in secondary school. But savings can be made. Money expert and mum-of-three Clare Seal gave us her top tips. GET UNIFORMS SECONDHAND Pre-loved is your friend when it comes to uniform. Clare says, ‘Check if your school does secondhand uniform sales, and if they don’t, get in touch with the PTA to see if it’s something they could organise. People are always happy to get rid of old uniform for free so check local Facebook groups or download the Olio app, where local people can advertise items they…

KAREN: ‘All six of us are born glamazons!’ London’s leading ladies are joining the Housewives wall of fame! Some of London’s most glamorous, gutsy women are ready to let cameras inside their world of palatial parties, high fashion and fierce friendships. This show promises all the glitz (and bickering) we love from the Housewives universe, culminating in a must-watch reunion hosted by comedian Katherine Ryan. We sat down with Juliet Angus, Juliet Mayhew, Panthea Parker, Amanda Cronin, Karen Loderick-Peace, and Nessie Welschinger to find out more… How would you best describe the show? JULIET M: Roller-coaster. AMANDA: High drama. JULIET A: I keep saying dramatic, but it’s traumatic! NESSIE: Profound. People think British women are reserved, but episode one has instant drama! Juliet M and Panthea, did you expect that…

VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP It’s time to let any fears, worries or anxious thoughts go. Let them be gone so you can let better thoughts, ideas and creative concepts arrive. You’ve got too many good opportunities coming your way to be worried. Bring joy into all you do! Think good and it truly will be good! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LIBRA 23 SEP – 22 OCT Whatever your career or life direction entails, it’s heading in the right direction, making some of the toil you endured earlier this year worth it. Second chances from missed opportunities are now possible. Keep lines of communication open. The rewards you’ve worked so hard for will soon arrive. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV…

‘THEY’RE STILL A UNIT AND WILL REMAIN A FAMILY’ They broke fans’ hearts by revealing that they’d split last month just weeks before they would have celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary. Now sources tell Closer that, following her split from husband Patrick Kielty, This Morning star Cat Deeley is looking ahead to the future rather than focusing on her heartbreak, as she spends the summer holiday prioritising their sons Milo, nine, and James, seven. ‘For Cat, there is life after divorce,’ says our insider. ‘She hates the stigma of divorce and the immediate thought process that they now hate one another. That’s simply not true – Cat and Patrick are aware how this will impact their boys and will work together to maintain a good bond. They want to be…

When mum-of-three Lisa Loveridge started chatting to chef Martin Sutheran online in the summer of 2015, she was smitten. Just out of a relationship, Lisa says she felt ‘lonely’ and ‘low in confidence’ when Sutheran made flattering comments about her photos in a Facebook chat group, before sliding into her DMs. But following a fairy-tale romance – and a dream wedding – Lisa, a 46-year-old civil servant, was devastated when Sutheran was arrested for attempting to engage a child under 18 in sexual activity. She says, ‘When I was told Martin had been arrested – and what for – I didn’t believe it until I was sent proof of the revolting things he’d written to a young girl on Facebook. Thankfully it turned out he hadn’t acted inappropriately with my…

Last year, Jolene Dawson made headlines after splashing out on filler and ‘experimental’ thread procedures to flare her nostrils – all to turn herself into a cat. She spent almost £6,000 on various tweaks, which she documented on TikTok, but has since admitted the whole thing was a mistake because she just wanted attention. Unhappy about her appearance – as well as her body ‘rejecting’ the filler – Jolene deeply regrets the charade and is now on a journey to achieve a more natural look and improve her mental health. Jolene, 29, from the Gold Coast, Australia, says, ‘I never wanted to be a cat, nor did I identify as one, so I felt unattractive. It really knocked my confidence. I pushed my body too far, but now I’ve reversed…

She was spotted being comforted by her son Matty Healy last week, as she broke down in tears while visiting the 1975 frontman in West Hollywood. And now, sources reveal to Closer that Denise Welch – who recently raised eyebrows for her swipe at Matty’s famous ex Taylor Swift – is conflicted over a potential move to the States, where work opportunities are coming at her thick and fast. COMMITMENTS A source says, ‘Denise could be leaving Loose Women as she is being offered mega bucks deals in the US. Since her appearance on Bravo TV – and the fact she’s the mother of a rock star – her celeb status in the States has gone through the roof. As offers pour in for Denise to up sticks and relocate…

MUM OF ONE: ‘Single motherhood needs to be embraced, rather than feared’ Rebecca Cox, 39, has a nine year old son and is the author of How To Be A Happy Single Parent. She says, ‘I’d heard so many negative stories from other mums about becoming single and how awful it was going to be and the challenges ahead, but I can honestly say it was the best decision of my life, for me and my nine-year old son. ‘I was with my ex from the age of just 18 after meeting him at uni, we married at 28 and had our son just one year later. It quickly became apparent that we wouldn’t be raising our son in a happy home if we stayed together – as is so…

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! COOL CLASSIC This trusty sports-style bag will fit all their school essentials – it even has a handy pocket for a bottle! PASTEL PERFECTION Craving colour? This eye-popping tie-dye number is sure to brighten up any Monday morning. LIGHTNING LOOK Start your engines, this bold Cars backpack is built for speed and some serious playground cred. UNICORN UNIVERSE This translucent bag comes with lashes, sparkles and a matching keychain. What’s not to love? TRANSPARENT MATERIAL GONE GRUFFALO A must-have for little monster fans, they’ll want to wear this playful style even after school ends. FROZEN FANTASY M&S’ Elsa-approved buy is made for adventures in Arendelle and the classroom. It’s water-repellent, too! SPEED STAR Sonic the Hedgehog is in sprint mode on this standout find – perfect…

INSIDE MELISSA’S FRIDGE Eggs Olives Yogurt Miso paste Limes Feta Beef steak Banana Wild salmon Tomatoes Dark chocolate Lemons Chicken Cheddar Oranges Mushrooms Lettuce Whole milk Carrots Rocket Watercress Courgettes Sparkling water How much do you spend? About £100-£130 a week. The heart of our shop is a Riverford veg box – I’ve been loyal for years – then I top up with the essentials from Ocado. Since I cook for a living and test recipes at home, it’s hard to draw a clear line between work and family meals, but the upside is there’s always something delicious to share. Describe your daily diet… After having my daughter (one-year old Summer), I’ve settled into a two-breakfast routine. I start with something quick and sweet, like a slice of homemade banana…

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! A lot of parents dread back-to-school time as it means your family is about to be thrown back into that cycle of (never-ending) coughs, colds and other unknown illnesses, especially if your kids are really little. But this is actually a good thing. Being exposed to new germs and viruses helps strengthen their immune system, preparing their body to deal with something properly the next time they come across it. If your child is always picking up bugs, it’s not because they’ve got a weak immune system; it’s actually in training! Apart from keeping tissues on standby, there are some simple ways you can support their health at the start of a new school term, from teaching them to wash their hands properly to the right…

She’s mum to two daughters, Belle, 11, and Penelope, seven, so Katie Piper is a pro when it comes to gearing up for the start of the new school year. ‘We’re not the perfect family,’ says Katie, 41. ‘Parenting can be tough, but I try to have a few pillars and non-negotiables that I know are important. And if everything else falls by the wayside, that’s OK! You can’t eliminate stress and anxiety, but you can have your go-to coping mechanisms.’ Here, Katie gives her top tips to help you and your family have a smooth start to the new term… • Katie has partnered with Haliborange YoungerMinds to help kids dream, and parents rest easy. The Haliborange YoungerMinds range has a product for every child aged 6–16 to help…

When was the last time you thought about your pension? If you’re a Millennial, the answer is most likely not recently! According to InvestEngine, Millennials are the generation who consider their retirement pot the least. More than half of those born between 1997 and 2012 say they rarely give it much thought, compared to the more financially savvy generations (43% for younger Gen Z, 38% for older Gen X). Many Millennials have more immediate financial concerns such as childcare and mortgages. That financial strain has left only 35% of them feeling that there’s enough in the kitty to see them through a comfortable retirement. It pays to do a pension MOT: check what fees you are paying on your pension and see if salary sacrifice could work for you. Double…

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 Imagine struggling through the crowds to your very expensive seat at an Oasis gig, only to find someone has parachuted into it before you got there. Don’t Look Back In Anger, Goldie!…