Table of contents for Issue 1137 in Closer

It comes as no surprise to Love Island viewers that Maura Higgins has charmed the nation once more on I’m A Celebrity! with her no-nonsense character. The reality TV favourite and model has followed in the footsteps of former campmates Myleene Klass and Helen Flanagan, as she’s left viewers at home swooning over her amazing bikini body. And as the Irish beauty celebrated her 34th birthday in the jungle, one fan commented, ‘She’s 34?! Girl could pass as 24.’ While Maura was adjusting to jungle life – entering camp as a latecomer along with Reverend Richard Coles – photos from her pre-Love Island modelling days circulated online, leading many to speculate that she had undergone a number of cosmetic procedures on her face and body. A former ring girl, Maura…

As Sarah Sutcliffe* looked at the Christmas lists her youngest children had written last year, despair threatened to overwhelm her. She didn’t even know if they’d have a roof over their heads by then, let alone if she’d be able to afford to buy presents. ‘My husband had left, leaving me with so much debt there was a chance we’d lose our home,’ Sarah, 48, says. Two of her five kids have additional needs – one at home and one who’s grown up, but still needs lots of support. Sarah’s mental health suffered because of the stress she was under. ‘I’d been suppressing everything and trying to carry on for the kids, but I wasn’t coping,’ Sarah admits. ‘I developed functional tics, involuntary movements often caused by stress, and was…

After quitting Strictly last year following shocking allegations by actress Amanda Abbington — with a BBC investigation acknowledging he’d verbally bullied and harassed her, but that he’d not been physically aggressive — Giovanni Pernice is said to be planning his return to the show. Giovanni, 34, appears to have well and truly moved on – now appearing on the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars, and striking up a romance with his celebrity partner, Bianca Guaccero, 43. However, a source tells Closer that the professional dancer is ‘determined’ to one day return to Strictly. They reveal, ‘Giovanni is tormented by the fact that his time on the show has been tainted by the scandal, and it’s his dream to return and win the Glitterball again. Giovanni is very determined,…

1 STATEMENT SUIT A tailored co-ord has officially made the move from office-attire to partywear. Opt for a boldly-coloured set like this one to make a style statement, and then mix and match each half with other separates to get plenty of extra wear out of it. 2 GOLDEN WONDERS Faux-leather trousers are big news right now, and this shimmering, metallic pair will show off the trend perfectly. Wear yours with a silky cami for cocktails, and give them a casual twist for daytime with a fluffy knit. 3 FANCY KNIT Pretty embellishment like pearls and gems on everyday staples like knitwear and shirts will add a fancy twist to an otherwise simple outfit. Throw a delicate cardigan like this one over a T-shirt and jeans for a subtle take on…

I PRACTISE YOGA AND PILATES… After struggling with burnout and fatigue, I’ve had to step back from the high-intensity gym sessions I used to love. Instead, I’ve found my groove with yoga and Pilates – both offer a challenging workout without the intense spike in heart rate that comes with traditional cardio. I GO TO THERAPY REGULARLY… I engage in inner child work to create a sense of safety and peace within myself. I’m fortunate to have a strong support network of friends and family who I can count on whenever I need them, creating a solid foundation of love and connection. I HAVE ADHD… I often struggle with racing thoughts at bedtime, which can make winding down hard. To help quiet my mind, I’ve found comfort in listening to…

‘These chocolate orange cheesecake pots have a creamy chocolate orange filling, topped with a hard chocolate orange shell that you smash.’ FITWAFFLE’S CHOCOLATE ORANGE CHEESECAKE POTS STEP 1 For the base, put the biscuits into a food processor and process until finely crushed. Alternatively, put them into a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Tip into a small mixing bowl, then pour in the melted butter and mix until fully combined. Divide the mix between 2 small pots or ramekins and press down gently with the back of a spoon. STEP 2 For the filling, in a small mixing bowl, beat together the soft cheese, icing sugar and 20g of melted chocolate orange with an electric hand mixer until smooth, then scoop the mixture onto the bases and…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPIC OF THE WEEK This is such tragic news – six young people dead after drinking bootleg booze. When I went travelling on my gap year, the dangers of drinking homemade booze was the thing we were warned about most – more than malaria. I still tried it, because I was young and silly, but the next morning, whole parties of people didn’t wake up. The police entered these drinking dens to find everybody dead. KNOW THE RISK In Southeast Asia, a lot of people brew bootleg alcohol from rice and sugarcane, and sometimes they mix it with methanol because the right ingredient – ethanol – is too expensive. Even a mouthful of methanol can turn you blind, give you organ…

TESCO Playful and vibrant, Tesco has a great range of young-at-heart decorations. Perfect on the tree and used around the home, this joyful Christmas look will put a smile on anyone’s face. CO-ORDINATE WRAPPING FOR A CHIC FINISH MORRISONS Natural decorations are the theme at Morrisons this year. A mix of green and wooden choices are easy to introduce into your home, keeping it simple and stylish. DECORATIVE LIGHTING ADDS A FESTIVE GLOW SUPERMARKET SPECIAL! ASDA We’re loving this disco-inspired collection from Asda. Tones of pink and red are hugely popular this season and, teamed with glitzy silver and glitter balls, offer a truly fun feel that will be the talk of Christmas. CLASHING COLOURS BRING A SENSE OF FUN TO YOUR TREE SAINSBURY’S Keep your decorations simple with a…

Research from Dr. Oetker has found that eight in 10 of us are planning a DIY Christmas to save cash, so here’s some inspiration! • HOST A MOVIE NIGHT It’s an affordable way to feel festive, without spending on cinema tickets or a meal out. • UPDATE AN OLD OUTFIT Updating your jewellery, hair accessories or make-up look is way cheaper than buying a whole new outfit. • COOK OR BAKE GIFTS Giving someone chutney, pickle or cookies is thoughtful, fun to do and frugal. • MAKE DECORATIONS You can pick up sprigs of holly etc on a walk around your neighbourhood or the park. Or try classics like paper chains with cheap bits from stationery shops. • CHOOSE THRIFTY STOCKINGS ITEMS Head to Poundland, the Aldi middle aisle, charity…

3-9 DECEMBER THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC Mercury is now going retrograde in your sign, which is bound to cause the odd upset. The more you can maintain your famous sense of humour now, the better. Expect things to go a little haywire and do what you can to get ahead of mix-ups. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope CAPRICORN 22 DEC – 19 JAN If you were on a bit of a spiritual journey a while back but got sidetracked, use the current energies to get back on the path. There is so much peace to be found from a bit of meditation or even just walking in nature and appreciating your surroundings. Take some time out. Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope…

‘SHE’S FEELING BURNT OUT, EMOTIONAL AND OVERWHELMED’ It’s clearly been a tough time for Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash after their out-of-character row last month. And Stacey has revealed she’s been feeling the pressure as her husband Joe has been absent, and will be away for the majority of the next month on pantomime duty. The 35-year-old recently admitted in a candid Instagram story that she feels ‘estranged’ from Joe, 42, as he prepares to star in Beauty And The Beast in Bedfordshire, over an hour’s drive away from Pickle Cottage, where the family resides in Essex, and will only have four days off over Christmas until January. Speaking to her army of followers, Stacey said in her post, ‘Home sweet home with my husband who has been estranged. He’s…

Fans have hailed Victoria Beckham as the newest member of ‘Club Ageless’ after the 50-year-old was pictured looking younger than ever at the launch of her new collection last week. Showing-off her flawless skin and wrinkle-free complexion, the mum of four looked like she’d barely aged from her days as a fresh-faced Posh Spice, who shot to fame with the Spice Girls three decades ago. NEW REGIME And now an insider tells Closer that since celebrating her milestone birthday earlier this year, Victoria has made it her goal to turn back the clocks and recapture her youth. A source says, ‘Vic’s made anti-ageing part of her job since turning 50 and has been turning to her “ageless idols”, including Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, J.Lo and pal Eva Longoria for all…

Fans have speculated that there may be another Strictly romance on the cards, after professional dancers Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington posted a cosy snap together on Instagram. But while viewers were thrilled over Kai, 29, and Katya’s, 35, potential romance, a source reveals that fellow professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, 35 – who called it quits on her two-year relationship with Kai last year – is feeling hurt by the speculation. A source reveals, ‘Kai and Katya have grown closer since he split from Nadiya. Nadiya’s obviously been a bit surprised by all the dating rumours – she might not be with Kai now but, even so, she doesn’t like seeing him linked to someone she knows so well.’ And while there’s no confirmation of romance between the two Strictly…

Mark Wright shocked fans when he revealed he had been rushed to hospital last week following a nasty accident in Las Vegas and insiders have told Closer the incident has left wife Michelle Keegan panic-stricken. Mark, 37, shared his battle wounds with fans on Instagram, revealing that he had been left needing stitches after falling over in his hotel room. Debuting the wound, the TOWIE star shared, ‘I’m coming home with a little scar. I fell in the bathroom, I wasn’t drunk. It was in the middle of the night, half asleep. Needed a few stitches, but I’m all good.’ But while Mark got off lightly with a quick hospital dash and 30 stitches, an insider reveals that the incident left wife Michelle, also 37, very worried. The source says,…

In The News…George at Asda George at Asda is proving that looking stylish doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s new Studio Edit winter collection is the perfect mix of cosy and chic, offering a range of layering pieces, snug knitwear, stylish jackets and statement coats that look more like luxury than supermarket. The earthy tones – rich browns, soft greens and taupes – give it a sophisticated vibe, while the denim and leather are bang on trend. What really stands out is how luxe everything feels – soft, well-made and built to last. For a supermarket brand, George is seriously stepping up its game! Shop now, before it’s gone! LUXE LOOKS FOR LESS GET HER LOOK DAKOTA JOHNSON Actress Dakota nails winter dressing with this effortlessly cool ‘Mob Wife’…

SUPERMARKET SPECIAL! FAUX FLUTTER These lightweight lashes are naturallooking and deliver the perfect amount of definition. If your eyelashes need a little help in the volume department, these will do the job nicely. BRUSH UP Made up of three brushes, this handy set covers all the basics, with each brush being versatile, silky-soft and essential for all the products in your routine. ROSY-HUED This cream blush is great for adding a subtle sheen to cheekbones. The finish is so beautiful, it blends into skin effortlessly and is super lightweight. SHADOW SAVER This eight-shade palette is an affordable gem, perfect for festive occasions. With a mix of matte and shimmer shades, it feels like a luxury product at a fraction of the price. POUT PERFECTOR This handy duo consists of a…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRED! To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Homepride Baking, these special edition tins will keep your flour fresh. To order these and other collectibles, visit homepridebaking.co.uk, £4.99 each. FESTIVE MASH UP ManiLife’s festive Mince Pienut Butter is a delicious fusion of mince pies and peanut butter. Use it as a filling for yule logs or stir into ice cream. From Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Waitrose, RRP £4/260g. A COFFEE BOOST If you need a caffeine boost to get through the festive season, try Nespresso’s Coffee+ range with extra benefits, such as Viviva B12 with added vitamin B12 to support immune health. From nespresso.com, 84p per capsule.…

ON YOUR BIKE Little ones will love this vibrant dinosaur balance bike, which will help their coordination and steering skills. COOK UP A STORM Budding chefs will appreciate this oil and vinegar tasting set, which comes with a handy stand for the kitchen counter. FATE SEEKERS Great for curious minds, this set of reading cards contains 60 illustrations that teach the basics of palm reading. GAME NIGHT Can’t make it the bingo hall? Bring the fun to your home with this glitzy twist on classic bingo – perfect for festive nights in. GLAM GIRLS TikTok is obsessed with this stylish make-up organiser, which has three storage segments, a lid and carry handle. FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE WELL GROOMED Treat him to this beard grooming set complete with beard…

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GRUMPY GRAM Hailey had been looking forward to celebrating her birthday with one of her favourite Espresso martinis – sadly, Justin’s ruined EVERYTHING by using instant coffee. Sending thoughts and prayers!…

Fans were left shocked and upset last month when TV favourite Davina McCall revealed she was undergoing surgery for a brain tumour. So it came as a relief last week when she posted an emotional update to reveal the operation had been a success. The My Mum, Your Dad presenter posted a video of herself from bed hours after revealing that a ‘very rare’ colloid cyst had been found by surgeons. ‘I just thought I’d check in and say an enormous heartfelt thank you to everybody who’s messaged me or been in touch. It’s meant the world,’ she said. Visibly moved and wiping away tears, she added, ‘It’s been mad and it’s just really nice to be back home. I’m on the other side. I am feeling much better.’ Davina,…

He’s been setting tongues wagging with rumours of a love triangle — but as he juggles feelings for both Jowita Przystal and Maura Higgins, a source tells Closer that Pete Wicks wants the best of both worlds. TORN Former TOWIE star Pete, 36, has fuelled romance rumours with dance partner Jowita, 30, following reports that they’d grown close both on and off the dance floor. It came as Pete was also romantically linked to Love Island’s Maura, 34. The couple were spotted smooching on a night out, before Pete took to Instagram to cheer on Maura, who is currently going down a storm on I’m A Celebrity!. With both women on his radar, the source now reveals that Pete is feeling torn. Our insider shares, ‘For the first time in…

Christine Lampard is one of TV’s busiest presenters. Between anchoring Loose Women and filling in on Lorraine, the 45-year-old is now adding another string to her bow as one of the hosts of the new Not Just Football podcast. But her most important role is being mum to daughter Patricia, six, and son Freddie, three, who she shares with football manager husband Frank Lampard, 46. In between recording episodes of the podcast, Christine sat down with Closer to tell us how her family is prepping for Christmas, what she makes of her pals in the I’m A Celebrity! jungle, and why she won’t be taking part in Dry January… So, are you looking forward to Christmas? I’ve been mentally prepping for weeks! I love Christmas anyway, but now I have…

She’s the ultimate girl’s girl, a Strictly star and a ’90s pop princess – and now Louise Redknapp says she can’t wait to celebrate the festive season at home in Surrey with her dreamy boyfriend Drew and her two sons. The singer started dating Drew Michael, 40, last year, and gushed, ‘It’s so lovely to have met someone that makes me so happy.’ And after celebrating her 50th birthday in style last month, Louise now appears more confident than ever as she tells Closer she can’t wait for Christmas this year. Speaking at Peacocks’ Christmas party, the mum-of-two – who shares sons Charley, 20, and Beau, 16 with ex Jamie, 51 – says, ‘I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas at home this year with the boys and Drew!’ REGRETS…

1 Glam up your look with these festive earrings! 2 EDITOR’S PICK! This comfy kitten heel will take you from dinner to dance floor. 3 This mistletoe wreath looks designer. 4 Earn a spot on the nice list with this super-cute beauty bauble gift. 5 Pair with matching indigo jeans for a cool, weekend-ready style.…

HAVE A KITCHEN SORT-OUT Go through your food cupboards to see what you can use during the festivities. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are perfect for mulled wine. Raisins and currants can go into mincemeat. Open packs of nuts can be roasted with cayenne pepper, and half-used jars of mustard, horseradish or mint sauce can be mixed with mayo, cream cheese or plain yogurt to make dips. Remember to clean your oven – dirty ovens work less efficiently, so food takes longer to cook and more energy is used. Create fridge space by removing items that don’t need chilling to stay safe, such as unopened sauces and soft drinks. Check your fridge is set below 5°C so that food stays safe and lasts longer, and make sure there’s a 10cm-gap…