Table of contents for Issue 1022 in Closer

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Sarah Jones*, 27, lives in London with her husband Jake, 33. She says, “When I was 15, I developed a crush on my school science teacher. He always gave me special treatment, and was particularly warm, friendly and helpful towards me. “When I was 16, I bumped into him while I was in the pub. He gave me his phone number and we started texting. “Then, one day, he led me into his office attached to the classroom, saying I needed to help him get something, and he kissed me. “I was shocked but I felt special. Things progressed in the next two months to oral sex in his office and then full sex. And then he dumped me, saying what we were doing was wrong. “I felt used and…

She has spent years out of the limelight raising her young family, but former soap star Helen Flanagan has told pals she is ready to step back into the showbiz world. The ex-Coronation Street star was last week announced as a shock inclusion in a special series of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! and pals close to the 31-year-old mum-of-three say she can’t wait to return to the show – which for the first time will be filmed in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. An insider tells Closer, “Helen has been offered pretty much every reality TV show going in recent years, including Strictly, but nothing has felt quite right – until now. “She absolutely adored her time there and she is fully aware that it transformed…

She shot to fame on Love Island, and though she didn’t find romance, Amy Hart’s dreams have now come true – as she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Sam Rason, 33. Last week, Amy, 30 – who has publicly documented her fertility journey over the last three years – appeared on Loose Women to announce the happy news. She also posted on Instagram: “Family is so important to both of us, it was a value that bonded us right from the start and we are so excited to become a family of our own in March. From a sober 30th, to a sober week-long hen do, it’s been so hard keeping it a secret but we’re so happy we can finally share it all with you!” In 2019,…

She’s happily loved-up with fiance Martin Lowe, who she’s been with for over a decade. And TV star Jenny Powell, 54, says that while she and sports therapist Martin, 48, haven’t set a date yet, she has her sights set on a relaxed, laidback big day. She says, “I suppose it’s a cliché that life gets in the way, but we’re quite happy the way we are, to be honest. We’ve got a really nice campervan, maybe we should do a campervan hippie wedding – that would be fun. I’m such a hippie!” Jenny was married to businessman Toby Baxendale for three years until 2009, and they share two daughters, Pollyanna, 21, and Constance, 13. However, the couple split up after she discovered he had been unfaithful to her while…

They first broke onto the scene as a fierce and fiery girlband a whopping two decades ago – but The Pussycat Dolls have been hitting the headlines more recently for feuding behind the scenes. Lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, 44, is currently being accused by Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin of threatening to walk away from the group’s reunion tour unless she was granted a majority share and “complete creative control” and “final decision-making authority” – something Nicole has denied. LAWSUIT And although this lawsuit has shelved any plans the Dolls – who performed together on The X Factor in 2019 after disbanding originally in 2010 after seven years together – had of touring together, Kimberly Wyatt, 40, says the girls are staying strong together. Talking to Closer at the Big…

HOW WAS IT FILMING BACK AT WELFORD PARK AFTER TWO YEARS IN A COVID ‘BUBBLE’? PAUL HOLLYWOOD: It’s quite emotional going back after we’ve not been there for so long. It’s one of the most special places that we’ve ever filmed at. PRUE LEITH: I agree. I don’t want to knock Down Hall Hotel [in Essex] where we filmed in lockdown – but we were shut up for seven weeks at a time in a Covid bubble, and that was just lovely to get out of. My heart lifts when I drive into Welford [Park country estate in Berkshire], even if I’m tired or slightly hungover, and I don’t really feel like going to work. PAUL: The people who own it are so gracious to allow us to wreck their…

Whether you want to Boost your mind, body, soul, finances, relationships, love life or style, we’ve got recommendations for things that actually work. Scan the QR code for more tips or search for @TheBoostUK on Instagram! Every year in the UK, we throw away 4.5 million tonnes of perfectly edible food – enough to fill 38 million wheelie bins or eight Wembley stadiums! It’s food that could go into our bodies rather than landfill, benefiting both our health and the planet. Better still, enjoying that food could save a typical family of four a massive £720 a year. Here are some easy actions you can take… AVOID COOKING DISASTERS A quarter of the food we throw away is because we’ve cooked or served too much – those few spoons of…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK A recent research paper made a splash. In it, researchers brought together the evidence we already had to prove that depression isn’t caused by an imbalance of a brain chemical called serotonin. Lots of you may have heard that the reason you’re taking antidepressants is to correct an imbalance in brain chemicals – because that was the theory at the time – but the really important thing to say is that this paper isn’t saying antidepressants don’t work, it’s simply saying they don’t work by correcting an imbalance in the serotonin system. KNOW THE SCIENCE Medicine often progresses thanks to good luck, so sometimes when we test a new drug there’s a fortuitous side effect that happens…

We put so much pressure on ourselves to create the perfect childhood for our kids that at times we feel like failures because we cannot afford to give them what they are asking for on a materialistic level. Until children reach school age, they tend to be entirely satisfied with their lives as they don’t yet have any comparisons to draw on. EXPLAIN THE FEELING When they start school and are introduced to kids from all walks of life, playdates give them a snapshot of their friends’ lifestyles. If they see them with the latest toys and technology, or hear about them jetting off on exotic holidays, they may feel jealous. Jealousy can serve as an important guide that helps us to figure out what we want for our future…

SCHOOL GATE GLAM In warm weather, embrace cycling shorts for running errands. They may seem daunting but, when layered under an oversized top like J-Lo, any lumps and bumps will be disguised and you’ll have ticked off the sporty trend with ease. SUPERMARKET CHIC Give wardrobe staples such as jeans and a Breton tee an athletic new spin with a lightweight parka and trainers. This smart-casual combo will see you through trips to the supermarket or a walk round the park even on rainy days. COFFEE CLUB Meeting your BFF this week? Go for a high-low vibe with soft knitted co-ords and chunky boots. Hooded details on your separates will give them a modern spin. Sling a body bag across your front for fash-forward finishing touches. BEST OF THE REST…

STEP AWAY FROM THE GREY Grey can look lovely but there is a lot of it around. Your home should reflect your personality, so try different tones. Pastel colours can work really well as a base – my favourite shade is Brass Buckle by Dulux. It’s a gorgeous camel tone that works equally well with a retro ’70s vibe or a modern minimalist flat. ADD CHARACTER There are clever ways to add character and a vintage feel to even the most modern of homes. Faux wall panelling is a great example – where you hammer on wooden frames or paint on the shapes. You’ll find that a bit of panelling can completely change the feel of a room. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Painting your ceiling is a way to instantly…

NEW SERIES 1 THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF 30 BRAND NEW CHALLENGES TUE 13 SEPT, 8PM, C4 Launching this year’s Bake Off with the most amazing opening sequence (wait and see), the nation’s most famous tent opens its, er, flaps – pitched in the grounds of beautiful Welford Park again (after two years of being in a Covid bubble elsewhere). With Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas on presenting duties, plus Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith taste-testing the goods, we kick off with Cake Week (but of course!) 12 perfect mini sandwich cakes are the order of the day (“what we’re looking for is originality,” says Prue) – and that music will give you goosebumps. Turn to page 34 to read Closer’s chat with Paul and Prue NEW SERIES 2 PROFESSOR…

MUST READ This Beating Heart (LAURA BARNETT) Christina’s marriage to Ed has ended, fractured by the stress of five rounds of IVF and two miscarriages. Her dream of becoming a mother rests on persuading him to let her go ahead with one final round of IVF, using their last frozen embryo. But when Ed drops a bombshell, she is forced to realign her plans. Is this the end of her dream, or an opportunity to consider a different – perhaps happier – version of her future? A compelling read. BEST DAY OUT The London Cabaret Club’s Queen Of Roses Celebrating all that is majestic, royal and undeniably British, as well as being inspired by key moments from our female monarchs, Queen of Roses is a fully immersive show. With vintage-style…

She caused a stir with her new “unfiltered” podcast last month – and Meghan Markle has fuelled yet another drama with a shocking interview in which she took further shots at the royal family. DIVISIVE Meghan, 41 – who married Prince Harry in 2018 – gave an interview to US magazine The Cut, where she described her time within The Firm as “a cruel chapter”. She also revealed she had been writing a journal during her time as a working royal, leading to speculation that yet more divisive secrets are to be revealed by the couple after the release of Harry’s tell-all memoir this autumn. But there was uproar after Meghan claimed that when she attended the premiere of The Lion King in 2019, a cast member from South Africa…

She’s the golden girl with a glittering career and a string of accolades to her name – but friends are reportedly growing concerned about Sheridan Smith as she takes time off from her demanding work schedule. TEMPTATIONS Pals of 41-year-old Sheridan – who has been open about her tumultuous relationship with alcohol in the past – are said to be keen to step in to help the mum of two-year-old son Billy from her relationship with ex-fiancé Jamie Horn “before it’s too late” after she reportedly went on a five – hour drinking session. An insider tells Closer, “Her friends only have her best interests at heart and though they know she was only enjoying herself, they’re keeping watch to make sure she’s OK. It’s no secret that without a…

• Changes in behaviour – a child may start being aggressive, withdrawn or clingy. • An abused child may have difficulty concentrating and learning, and their grades may start to drop. • Children may also drop hints and clues that the abuse is happening without revealing it outright. The NSPCC’s Report Abuse in Education helpline provides support and guidance to anyone who’s suffered sexual abuse or harassment in an educational setting, both recent and historic. The helpline can be contacted by calling 0800 136 663, or emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.…

She’s always raised eyebrows, and 64-year-old Madonna shocked fans again when she revealed that sex is what keeps her going and that she regrets getting married. In a Q&A uploaded to her YouTube channel, she told fans that her favourite thing to make was “love”. And when the superstar was quizzed over a life decision that wasn’t the best idea, Madonna openly said, “Getting married. Both times!” The pop icon previously married actor Sean Penn, now 62, back in 1985, before splitting in 1989. She then found love with British-born director Guy Ritchie, now 53, in 2000 before divorcing eight years later – publicly saying, “I think I’d rather get run over by a train [than get married again].”…

‘IT WON’T BE PRETTY OR PLEASANT FOR HER: PEOPLE ARE LOOKING TO SETTLE SCORES’ After her humiliation in court earlier this year and the resulting multi-million pound loss to rival Coleen Rooney, Rebekah Vardy is preparing for her Wagatha Christie ordeal to get worse. Pals close to the 40 year old say she is “bracing herself” for a big backlash following her tell-all interview earlier this summer, in which she claimed she’d been let down by the legal system. Reports suggest her former agent, Caroline Watt, is planning to tell her side of the story, after missing the trial due to her fragile mental health. But in another blow, Closer can reveal others are also lining up to stick the boot into the wife of football star Jamie, who was…

TV presenter Sarah Beeny was met by a wave of love from fans last week when she revealed that she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. The 50-year-old lost her mum, Ann, to the same disease aged 39, when Sarah was just 10, and admitted that she’d been expecting her own diagnosis for decades. She said, “I have waited 40 years to hear those words. I knew I was going to hear them one day.” In the UK, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with the disease doubles the probability. People with a faulty BRCA gene are also at a higher risk, and many women with the mutation opt to have preventive…

JANUSZ, 34 PA Janusz grew up in Poland but lives on the southeast coast with his boyfriend Simon and their dog. His baking style is “cartoon-like”. KEVIN, 33 Kevin likes to use the best, seasonal ingredients and is a talented musician – he can play the saxophone, flute, piano and clarinet! REBS, 23 She can Irish dance and play the tin whistle, due to her childhood in Northern Ireland. Rebs likes to play around with Middle Eastern ingredients. MAXY, 29 Swedish-born Maxy studied fine art and has DIY-ed every corner of her flat. She began baking five years ago and is mum to two daughters. ABDUL, 29 The electronics engineer is a keen salsa dancer. For him, baking is all about creating chemistry, and he loves the flavour of Matcha.…

Does anyone else feel there are now so many “steps” and what feels like “tests” to go through before you actually get on a date? It’s what I call “date admin” and I find it’s a whole load of predate hurdles to jump through. I appreciate people don’t want to commit to spending an evening in a bar with a stranger before knowing a few details, and some chat ahead of the first date is necessary, but I don’t want to speak daily. I’d rather save it for when we actually meet. And now I’m seeing a pattern with the men I speak to, it’s almost as if they’re looking for reasons not to go out with me – in what I feel is a bid to avoid rejection. A…

She’s finally found her happy ever after since getting back together with Rami Hawash. Last week, Gemma Collins and the Essex businessman – who ended their relationship nine years ago before reigniting it at the end of 2020, with Rami proposing to the former TOWIE star last Christmas – were pictured soaking up the sun on a romantic getaway to Greece. Wearing a Versace-inspired swimming costume, Gemma, 41, looked content as she lounged around the pool with company director Rami, 48, who began an on/off relationship with his now-fiancée after meeting in 2011. But while she is enjoying time with Rami, pals say that Gemma has an ulterior motive for the getaway – and is treating the trip as an “unofficial babymoon” as she hopes to fall pregnant while they…

Every morning, Rachel Rounds looks in the mirror and repeats her mantra, “I’m a survivor, not a victim.” Rachel, now 51, was sexually abused when she was just 13 by a teacher who she knew and trusted – Graham Wilcock, who was 26. Sickeningly, he preyed on Rachel when she was at her most vulnerable, making his move weeks after her father had suddenly died from an epileptic fit. Rachel, who runs her own communications business and lives in Wiltshire with her husband Tom, a retired RAF officer, and nine-year-old son Tanoa, says, “I respected and trusted him – as did my mother and the other teachers at school. If anything, they believed it would be helpful to have a male influence to guide me through the grieving process. My…

She’s enjoyed being in her newlywed bubble for the past six weeks, spending quality time with husband Joe Swash and their five children at their love nest, Pickle Cottage. But the honeymoon period will soon be over for Stacey Solomon as she heads back to work and finds herself more in demand than ever – which, while flattering, is causing stress. The 33-year-old star is thrilled because she’s being courted by This Morning to join the team, but insiders say she’s also feeling worried and torn as she doesn’t want to upset her Loose Women family or current regular presenters, Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond. Closers source says, “Producers have seen Stacey’s star rise and her popularity grow, but it was really after her wedding that discussions were had about…

THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS AND BREAK-UPS They announced they’re expecting their first child together earlier this month and Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton ooked thrilled as they celebrated their happy news with friends over the bank holiday. Out for a coffee in London with a pal, documentary maker Stacey showcased her blossoming bump. Meanwhile, professional dancer Kevin, 39, couldn’t keep a smile off his face as he left rehearsals with his Strictly Ballroom: The Musical castmates. In an interview with Radio 2, Stacey – who won the 16th series of Strictly with Kevin in 2018 – admitted, “I cannot quite believe it! I feel so delighted and I am really made up, I feel very lucky.” Of sharing the news with her one million Instagram followers, Stacey continued, “I thought,…

She’s been married three times before but Trisha Goddard has finally found Mr Right after announcing that she had tied the knot for a fourth time last week. Sharing a picture of two mugs which read “Mr and Mrs #Boo” and the date of their wedding, the talk-show host, 64, told her 49k Instagram followers, “The most magical, loving day… August 28th 2022.” While the identity of Trisha’s new husband is unknown, the couple first met four years ago, before the TV personality moved to America in March 2021 to be with him, getting engaged in January this year. Trisha’s first marriage was to Australian politician Robert Nestdale – but it lasted less than a year later after a row in which Trisha claimed he lurched at her with a…

When her boyfriend revealed he’d won over a million pounds on the lottery, overjoyed Courtney Cousins started making plans for a fairy-tale wedding, and an around-the-world trip of a lifetime after he encouraged her to quit her job as a carer. But five months later, Courtney learned the horrible truth – her fiancé, Reece*, had inexplicably made it all up. There was no money, and after months of spending their “winnings”, the pair were immersed in thousands of pounds of debt. Courtney, 23, says, “Reece had shown me the winning Lotto numbers on his phone and he even produced an official email confirmation. We told our friends and family too. But it was all a lie.” Courtney and Reece met on Tinder in 2019. They got engaged a year later…

Louise Birdsall, 53, lives in Weatherby, Yorkshire, with her husband and has three sons aged 29, 18 and 16. She says, “My heart goes out to Sarah and her family. I understand what it’s like to live in anticipation of a diagnosis. “When I was three, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, and following a mastectomy and radiotherapy, she made a full recovery. I have no memory of that time, but it was discussed as I grew up, and I learned that my grandmother and great-grandmother had also had breast cancer during their lives. “So, when I found a lump in my breast in my early 20s, I felt a sense of dread. Thankfully it was benign, and after its removal, I attended annual mammograms. “At the time, BRCA…

From the moment Cherri Lee first laid eyes on Kim Kardashian in an episode of her famous family’s reality TV show, she was obsessed. Kim’s hourglass figure and glamorous lifestyle were everything Cherri wanted – and incredibly, she set about turning herself into her favourite star. Now, eight years, 15 operations and a staggering £50,000 later, Cherri’s transformation is complete. Cherri, from South Korea, says, “I was 16 when I first saw Kim Kardashian on TV and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Instead of someone tall and thin, Kim was pocket-sized and curvy – I found her so inspiring. To me, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. I became obsessed with Keeping Up With The Kardashians and every day I’d watch her and her sisters,…

IMPROVE YOUR MIND, BODY, RELATIONSHIPS & MONEY 12-PAGES OF EXPERT ADVICE! She’s had a tumultuous few years, overcoming alcohol and drug addiction, and wasn’t sure she would ever bounce back. But as we catch up with Michelle Heaton, the star is in awe of her incredible turnaround after overcoming her demons. Michelle, 43, tells Closer, “I’m amazed at how I’ve been able to transform my body. A few years ago, the confidence and love that I had for myself just wasn’t there, whereas now I have a newfound appreciation.” The singer, who shares children Faith, 10, and eight-year-old AJ with husband and fitness expert, Hugh Hanley, adds, “I was drinking copious amounts of alcohol and I looked emaciated and malnourished because I wasn’t getting the right nutrients. It’s made me…

INSIDE TANYA’S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Chocolate mousse ● Rich Tea biscuits ● Galaxy chocolate ● Salmon ● Banana ● Bacon ● Ham ● Tomatoes ● Mayonnaise ● Ketchup ● Teriyaki sauce ● Houmous ● Spinach ● Raspberries ● Strawberries ● Semi-skimmed milk ● Coca-Cola ● Strongbow cider ● Sparkling water ● Apple cider ● Broccoli TANYA How much do you spend a week? About £100 for me, my husband Phil and the four kids, plus my mum and dad are in and out. We shop day by day and order a lot through Deliveroo. Describe your daily diet… I start off healthy and have a banana each morning, but and by the end of the day I’m eating loads of chocolate. For brunch I’ll have avocado and eggs with…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY If you have managed to get away this year, it is doubtful that you will have been able to fully switch off from all the doom and gloom regarding the cost-of-living crisis. You may have assumed your holiday would render you relaxed and recuperated, and feel disappointed that it isn’t how you feel. You have lived through two traumatic years and the emotional impact may still be affecting you. It is going to take considerably more than a holiday to provide a remedy. Recognising that you may be burnt out is key to making the changes that you need to get back on track. Symptoms include sleep problems, irritability, a general lack of motivation and a sense…

CHEF MICHEL ROUX, 62, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND I HATE ENERGY DRINKS BUT LOVE COFFEE… I like a double Espresso in the morning and another after lunch. I enjoy the taste, the ritual of making coffee and the buzz. DURING LOCKDOWN I TOOK UP YOGA… My wife does it so I joined her and it was incredible. Anybody who doesn’t rate yoga should try a session and they’ll be amazed. I RUN FOR MY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH… It’s good to get your heart racing and away from everything – no phone, no music, no screens. Twenty minutes of sport is 20 mins of your own time to get rid of problems that are nagging you. I’M A BIG FAN OF NAPPING. I sleep well…

8-PAGES OF AFFORDABLE TREATS! GET HER LOOK KATHERINE JENKINS, 42 A lady who always oozes class is none other than Katherine Jenkins. Stepping out at a recent event, the mum-of-two left us with the ultimate outfit envy in a flawless pink sleeveless shirt dress with a pair of clear PVC heels – gorgeous. IN THE NEWS Following on from the huge success of the first Nobody’s Child X Happy Place collaboration, Fearne Cotton is back again. This time it’s all about autumn/winter where the presenter adds her rockstar touch to the 20-piece collection. From ditsy florals to crisp power suits, this brilliantly versatile range can be dressed up with knee-high boots or down with a pair of trainers. Sizes 6-18. Nobodyschild.com. STYLE CRUSH: EVA LONGORIA Actress Eva Longoria, 47, is…

1 EXFOLIATE Exfoliate with AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), which melt away dead skin to reveal a fresh complexion. Use Pacifica’s peel pads after cleansing and before serums and moisturisers. PACIFICA GLOW BABY BRIGHTENING PEEL PADS, £13.99 2 HYDRATE Ensuring you have hydrated skin is an integral part of achieving natural-looking radiance. The ingredient you need is hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse for thirst-quenching. Apply daily before moisturiser for soft and supple skin. THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 HYDRATION SUPPORT FORMULA, £6.40 3 BRIGHTEN The holy grail of brightening beauty buys, vitamin C is your best friend for tackling dark spots, pigmentation and boosting natural luminosity. Garnier’s 2-in-1 serum and moisturiser has the added benefit of SPF25 without feeling greasy. GARNIER SKINACTIVE VITAMIN C 2IN1 BRIGHTENING SERUM CREAM SPF 25, £9.99…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK “They” say that good things happen quickly. That can be the case for you in the year ahead, especially if your plans include study or taking a trip somewhere. You can move on from past relationship dramas and start all over again. Financially, a rethink is due. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN VIRGO 23AUG – 22 SEP The Full Moon this week is taking place in your Love Zone. Suffice to say that if one relationship is hanging by a thread, this is the week that someone might cut it. Go easy if you want to mend fences with someone you love. Talk things through. Again! Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope LIBRA 23 SEP – 22 OCT Do a little bit of soul…

Well, you know what they say, Ella. Sun’s out, buns out. Mind you don’t burn them! Joe stars in new reality show Mystified Millennials where 30-somethings work out what old tech was used for. He tried to make a phone call with this… Cardi’s absolutely right. This draggy bit between August bank holiday and Christmas Day is soooo boring – just get on with it! And this, Em, is the reason everyone phones in sick after a holiday complaining of a gippy tummy. We just need a rest! Amanda had requested an open-top limousine for her hols but had to style it out when this tiny flatbed truck turned up. Time to sack your agent, Mandy? With just days before Ant & Dec win the NTA awards YET AGAIN, ITV…