Table of contents for Issue 1136 in Closer

When Elisha Louise won £6,000 on an online gaming site, she was thrilled and immediately started planning all the things she could buy for her one-year-old daughter. But just a few hours later, the money was all gone – lost in the same way she’d won it, by online gambling. Elisha, 27, a care worker from Dorset, says, ‘All I ever wanted was the best for my little girl. That’s why I started gambling in the first place, I just wanted to buy her anything she wanted. But it was a slippery slope and I felt into an addiction which cost me over £200,000.’ SUPPORT Sadly, Elisha’s story isn’t an unusual one. According to the gambling commission, the rise of online gambling has particularly impacted women. In 2022, 29% of…

Kristen Kime grew up in a close-knit family and she’d often stay at her uncle Steven’s house with her cousin, Samantha*. But in 2008, when she was just 15 years old, Kristen began getting creepy phone calls late at night. The shocking harassment continued until she was 17 years old and got a boyfriend and they mysteriously stopped. But when she was 25 and had become a mum, the mystery stalker called again. STUNNED Determined not to let it ruin her life, Kristen turned sleuth and did some digging to find out who the unknown number was – and, to her shock, it belonged to her uncle Steven. A stunned Kristen didn’t want to believe it, until a police investigation confirmed the worst. Kristen says, ‘He was under my nose…

Ilana Richardson, 78, lives in Brighton. She accompanied her husband, Crispin Ellison, to Dignitas in 2019. She supports a change in the law. Ilana says, ‘Going with my husband to Switzerland in order for him to end his life was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s not a situation I ever thought I would be in, but four years after he received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease, Crispin decided he wanted to end his life before he got to a vegetative state. ‘He was 65 when he was diagnosed. At first, he gradually lost movement in his legs, and became wheelchair-bound a year later. Then it affected his arms and hands, and by then he was on a range of medication. I couldn’t look after him as well…

When Alexis Smith sat at her desk one morning in 2019 and Googled ‘side hustles to make extra money’, she could never have imagined just how lucrative her next job was about to become… The 34-year-old left her career in advertising to become a financial dominatrix and now has ‘slaves’ across the world who get their kicks simply by sending her their cash. Queen Alexis The Baddest, as her ‘slaves’ know her, says the income she’s made has given her a luxury lifestyle full of posh cars and designer clothes, shoes and handbags. Alexis says, ‘One slave gave me £11,500 over a seven-week period, which is the biggest amount I’ve received in the shortest time. I bought a top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz in cash thanks to what another slave paid me over…

COSY CARDIE Throw a button-down cardigan over a T-shirt and jeans or a plain dress for an instant festive update. TALKATIVE TOP Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve as it’s all about wearing your Christmas thoughts on your jumper right now! KITSCH KNIT This playful embellished knit ticks all the right boxes. Flashing earrings are optional! MATCHY-MATCHY A fair isle jumper that looks great by itself, but there are also matching options for the rest of the family too! SWEET TREAT Get your candy cane fix minus the calories with this sweetie-inspired knit. Buddy up with a slick of red lipstick for added oomph. JUMPER FOR JOY You can’t help but smile when wearing this! The bold colours will sit well with a leather midi skirt and boots. SHIMMER…

Christmas is just around the corner and celebrations are in full swing in the Goodman/Hall household. ‘I’ve booked up all the events like meeting Santa and Disney On Ice,’ Chloe smiles. ‘The Elf is coming for the first time this year too, so he’ll be getting up to some mischief. I absolutely love Christmas with children, you get to see it through their eyes and it’s magical.’ She adds, ‘We’ve got Grant’s family over for Christmas Day this year and Amelia and I will be doing the cooking. Last year, we had an argument over the carrots, I think the pressure got to us! But we’re quite the duo in the kitchen, we have novelty aprons and everything. On Boxing Day we will host our big annual party with friends.…

NOUGHTY! Smirnoff Ice, the drink of the noughties, is 25 years old! And to celebrate, it is now available in a ready-to-drink 250ml can with a bold new design – the perfect modern way to enjoy the iconic citrus flavoured drink. From major retailers, RRP £1.99 HONEY, HONEY Honey Heaven is joining the ‘swicy’ trend with their hot honey range. They have blended organic acacia honey with fiery peppers to produce an explosion of sweetness and spice. £10/300g, from honeyheaven.co.uk. WE'VE CRACKED IT Asda’s frozen pre-brûléed Extra Special Classic Crème Brûlée is the first of its kind in the UK, and is perfect for last-minute hosting dilemmas – just defrost and serve. £5/serves 6.…

It’s been one of the toughest years yet for Holly Willoughby after enduring uncertainty over her career, a public court case following a terrifying kidnap plot and the ongoing betrayal of her former best friend. But ever-triumphant as TV’s unbeatable golden girl, Holly, 43, is returning with bells on this Christmas as she makes her TV return for ITV’s You Bet!, alongside Stephen Mulhern next weekend. And an insider tells Closer that, while fresh starts traditionally begin in the New Year, Holly believes that Christmas is the perfect time to shed the ghosts of her past, and she’s determined to make this year’s festivities the best yet. The source says, ‘It’s been an endless year of horrendous problems, and Holly has told Dan that after the year they’ve all had,…

NEWS ' THE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK FROM HER COLUMN HAS TAKEN A HUGE TOLL ON HER ' She faced a crushing backlash after writing scathingly about her arch nemesis Coleen Rooney in her new column this week – and Becky Vardy has told Closer it’s all been too much. Last week, Becky, who said she wanted her rival to eat ‘penis’ and ‘humble pie’, blasted Coleen, saying, ‘She likes to be the victim… I will never forgive her,’ adding, ‘She always wanted my life, so she’s following in my footsteps… Everything Coleen does is calculated.’ And with fears over what Coleen could say during her time in the I’m A Celebrity! jungle, fans have expressed their concern for Becky, who looks noticeably different, with some even suspecting that she has been…

Love dramas As she continues to recover from brain surgery after discovering a benign cyst, insiders say that Davina McCall is now looking to the future. The TV favourite, 57, shocked fans when she revealed the news just ahead of her operation, but reassured well-wishers that her long-term partner of five years, celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas, would be posting updates on social media. And now a source says that Michael, 49, who revealed the op had been a success, has gone above and beyond when it comes to caring for Davina – so much so that she’s now determined to marry him in the not-too-distant future. LIFE-CHANGING A source says, ‘It’s been a life-changing couple of days for Davina. She now wants to do everything on her bucket list…

From the moment she stepped onto the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing this autumn, Tasha Ghouri marked herself out as one to watch. And with the reality star going from strength-to-strength, a spot in this year’s final seems all but guaranteed. The sequins and sparkle of Strictly are worlds away from Tasha’s first introduction to the public, as a contestant on Love Island in 2022. The model, 26, made history as the first ever deaf islander, and is continuing to break boundaries with her moving performances on the dance floor with partner Aljaž Škorjanec. The pair tell Closer about their bond in rehearsals – and double-dating with Tasha’s boyfriend, Andrew le Page, and Aljaž’s wife, Janette Manrara. How has your Strictly experience been so far? TASHA: I’ve loved every…

Party-perfect outfits JD Williams is setting the tone for our festive wardrobes this season with its latest collection – a dazzling range adorned with sequins and luxurious textures. From chic dresses and coords to accessories and shoes, it’s a treasure trove of head-turning pieces. So, whether you’re stepping out for a gathering or dancing the night away, JD Williams has got you covered. MAKE AN ENTRANCE GET HER LOOK NICOLE SCHERZINGER Nicole always looks effortlessly chic, and her latest outfit was no exception. The former Pussycat Doll sported a sleek and sophisticated cobalt co-ord, paired with ivory point-toe heels and gold jewellery – ideal for those dressy-yet-casual events. Recreate her look for less with these high-street buys. 5 THINGS WE'RE LOVING THIS WEEK EDITOR’S PICK! 1 We’re fully on board with…

SWEET DREAMS Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with these aromatherapy treats. The set features two pillow sprays infused with essential oils to help you fall asleep faster, as well as a roll-on to maintain calmness wherever you go. MAKE-UP MARVELS Look fa-la-la flawless this Christmas with No7’s dewy lip and cheek duo. The liquid blush gives cheeks a beautiful wash of colour, while the lip shine will leave your pout with a gorgeous glossy sheen. LUXURIOUS LATHER Add a little luxury to your routine with heavenly-scented bath and shower gels. Not only does each one smell sublime, they’re packed with good-toskin ingredients to leave limbs feeling perfectly cleansed. RADIANCE REVIVERS Transform dullness with Q+A’s trio of illuminating skincare products. Brimming with vitamin C, the body cream, serum…

TIM SPECTOR'S FOOD FOR LIFE, TRANSFORMED MY EATING HABITS… I’ve become more mindful about incorporating whole foods and gut-healing ingredients into my family’s diet. While my two youngest aren’t fans of kimchi due to its spiciness, they love kefir and kombucha. 'BROWN NOISE' HELPS ME SLEEP… It’s reminiscent of the comforting hum of a plane’s engine. I limit my caffeine intake to a morning tea, as I’m very sensitive to it; even a tiramisu for dessert can disrupt my rest. I also prefer going to bed with a full stomach. Dinner is my heaviest meal of the day, and I always like to end with something sweet. WE SHOULD NEVER FEEL GUILTY ABOUT TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN NEEDS… My favourite ways to nourish my wellbeing are through tap dancing,…

How much do you spend? I tend to do my shopping little and often as I’m away a lot and often working, so I don’t like to do a big weekly food shop and waste food. I’d say in total I spend about £80 across the week and I usually shop in Tesco. INSIDE MOLLY'S FRIDGE • Cottage cheese • Yogurt • Cheddar cheese • Tabasco sauce • Houmous • Peanut butter • Protein shake • Chicken breasts • Prawns • Halloumi • Cranberries • Blueberries • Avocado • Sea bass • Strawberry cheesecakes • Noodles • Chocolate • Kale • Mushrooms • Spinach • Carrot batons • Sweet potato Describe your daily diet… I usually work out first thing so I don’t tend to eat breakfast as it can…

GO TO CHURCH Enjoy a festive carol singalong at your local church. Look out for plays, concerts, musicals and candlelighting services, plus midnight mass on Christmas Eve. St Albans Cathedral, Hertfordshire (stalbanscathedral.org), will host several events during December, including Carols On The Hour, where you can sing carols and watch local choirs perform, a live Nativity trail around the city, and a wonderful New Year’s Eve carol service. TAKE IN THE LIGHTS Many towns and cities pull out all the stops with beautiful light displays, which are worth a visit to get you in the festive mood. There’s always something pretty to look at, including shop window displays, and some towns offer free Christmas countdown trails or window advents, which the kids will love. In London, search out the atmospheric…

Gen-Z are budgeting pros when it comes to minibreaks. Here, Gary Clark, Academy Director at SIA, a gap-year ski instructor course provider, reveals the clever swaps they’re making! SWAP LISBON FOR PALERMO The Sicilian city has stunning views, fresh Mediterranean food and historic castles, making it a great alternative to Lisbon. SWAP BARCELONA FOR GIRONA Girona features the charming Old Quarter akin to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, while the grand Cathedral rivals Sagrada Familia. SWAP AMSTERDAM FOR UTRECHT Utrecht offers picturesque canals and historic sites but with fewer tourists and lower costs. SWAP ST TROPEZ FOR BODRUM St Tropez’s chic vibe commands a steep price. Enjoy equally stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife for a lot less in Bodrum. • Visit siaaustria.com/ski-instructor-course THE Boost For more quick fixes to boost your money…

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…

26 NOV-2 DEC CAPRICORN 22 DEC - 19 JAN Take time to contemplate life – doing so will be very healing. Old fears or hidden emotions could resurface – use that as a chance to release them. It’s a time for rest and spiritual growth, not action. Allow space for solitude, healing and personal transformation from within. Trust your intuition. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope AQUARIUS 20 JAN - 18 FEB As your life changes, so too can the circles that you choose to belong to. You will find that you want to cut out any friendships or situationships that are no longer aligned with who you are becoming, and that’s OK! It’s also a great time to make up with an old friend. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily…

GRUMPY GRAM When Rylan signed up for guitar lessons, he hadn’t expected it to be so tricky: ‘How am I supposed to play Wonderwall on this bloody thing?!’…

They’re usually the picture of happiness, but Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash were reportedly spotted arguing recently while filming their new reality show, with pictures showing Joe storming off and Stacey being consoled by a member of the production team. The images and reports worried fans – but a source tells Closer the Loose Women star, 35, and former EastEnders actor, 42, are still madly in love and the blip came during a heated moment before Stacey jetted off to Las Vegas with pals. The insider reveals, ‘Stacey has been feeling incredibly overwhelmed since they started filming the reality show and has admitted that she didn’t fully realise just how intense it would be. ‘She thought she had mentally prepared herself for filming, but now admits she had no idea…

I’m A Celebrity! is back in full force, with fan favourites already emerging – including WAG Coleen Rooney. The mum-of-four, 38 – who was reportedly paid more than £1.5m to head into the jungle – has delighted viewers with her likeable and easygoing nature, as well as her juicy discussions with camp mates about the infamous ‘Wagatha Christie’ court case that played out two years ago with Rebekah Vardy. But insiders tell Closer that a different WAG drama could have been at the centre of camp this year, as Lauryn Goodman was actually lined up to be the signature WAG for this year’s show, following her success on Channel 4’s Celebs Go Dating over the summer. The source reveals, ‘Lauryn was on I’m A Celeb!’s radar to be booked after…

She’s been the face of countless modelling campaigns, but now Caprice Bourret has finished filming her first movie and is loving life as an accomplished actress. The 53-year-old – who shares 11-year-old sons Jett and Jax with husband Ty Comfort – recently filmed her holiday romcom, A European Christmas, alongside hunky leading man Philip Boyd, and she’s already making her next flick! Caprice exclusively tells Closer, ‘The film has The Holiday vibes! It’s so great and so is my co-star, Philip. FESTIVE SPIRIT ‘Luckily, my husband didn’t feel nervous with me having a hunky co-star. Ty stayed for the first eight days of filming and then he did a runner, he said, “I’m bored, I’m out of here!” It only took 14 days to film! We went to Serbia to…

FASHION UNDER £40!…

She’s newly married, a working mum-of-two and studying for a nursing degree, but Chloe Goodman says despite her busy life, she still can’t help but feel broody! The Celebrity Big Brother star – mum to Isla, four, and Hudson, two, with footballer husband Grant Hall – is unable to carry another child due to health complications. But despite this, she says her family doesn’t feel complete and she’s considering using a surrogate next year. Chloe, 31, explains, ‘I had Isla and Hudson really close together and it was a whirlwind. But Hudson is almost three now and I look back at them as babies and long for that time again. I was one of three growing up too and I love the idea of it.’ SISTERLY SUPPORT In 2019, Chloe…

CELESTE WONG'S GINGERBREAD LATTE STEP 1 Put the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and vanilla into a 300ml mug or cup. Add the espresso and mix the ingredients into a syrupy paste. STEP 2 To steam and froth the milk, if using a machine with a steam wand or wand attachment: in a jug, with the milk wand or frother below the surface of the milk, froth the milk until smooth, creamy and heated (the ideal temperature is 65-57°C). Alternatively, heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave, then use a small batteryoperated milk frother to ‘whiz’ until the milk is aerated. STEP 3 Pour the heated textured milk into your cup so that the syrup mixes with the milk. Dollop some whipped cream on top and dust with ground ginger.…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPIC OF THE WEEK I've always recommended eating as a family or group around a table, for various reasons – mainly psychological in that you’re getting together once a day to chat, but also you see what other people eat, which helps children in particular to see how much their parents are eating and how fast they’re eating. When you look at the problems we’re having with both childhood obesity and eating disorders, you can see why that matters. STAY REGULAR! Mealtimes matter because our bodies work to a rhythm – the night and day cycle is the big overarching one, and then all the things we do in the day that also influence it, like getting out in daylight, exercising…

CLASSIC STYLING Create a simple evergreen theme with craft paper, bags and natural ribbons. Try adding sprigs of fresh greenery tied with ribbon and a home-made tag for a personal touch. CUE THE COLOUR Go bold with funky colours and fun designs to make a statement with your gift wrap. These gifts will look stand-out special under the tree. TOP WITH TRIMMINGS Pretty tags and co-ordinated ribbons and bows will instantly jazz up your gifts. These quirky honeycomb gift toppers will be a hit with the kids. CREATIVE TOUCH Home-made paper, recycled bags and upcycled boxes are great for keeping costs down. We love these paper bags from Hobbycraft, which have been decorated with fun designs.…

IF IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This could be an amazing y one hand, you get a chance to look back and see what you need to make peace with. On the other, you get to have a restart in your life, once you decide you need one. Win/win! SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC The December New Moon is in your sign, which means it’s time for you to start all over again. However, Mercury retrograde also in your sign is demanding that you slow down and reassess… everything! Use this week to reflect and reset. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…