Table of contents for Issue 1199 in Closer

As we spring into… well, spring (finally!), it’s not just the sunshine putting a smile on our faces – it’s the telly, too! Longer days mean more light… and more excuses to cancel plans and stay in. We’ve put together a Spring TV Special so you don’t miss a single must-watch moment. Top of my list? Closer favourite Sheridan Smith in the gripping new drama The Cage – about two casino employees who catch each other red-handed robbing their own workplace. Awkward! Meanwhile, Danny Dyer and Emily Atack team up for a new reality quiz where 10 contestants battle it out for £100k. Expect drama and plenty of classic Danny one-liners. Speaking of legends, while taking part in the London Winter Run for Cancer Research UK, I met Eddie the…

‘OLIVIA’S FURIOUS AT WHAT SHE SEES AS A LACK OF LOYALTY’ When she first joined the UK’s famous Loose Women panel, Olivia Attwood had nothing but good things to say about her co-panellist Denise Welch. But, behind the scenes of ITV’s biggest daytime show, sources tell Closer that the two women have clashed, after Denise started using Olivia’s former friend and stylist Ryan Kay. ‘Olivia and Denise have had a falling out – and Olivia now won’t be on the panel with her. Liv unfollowed her on Instagram after Denise started using Ryan,’ the source says. ‘She was left feeling betrayed by Denise as she thought they were friends, especially as she’d introduced Denise to a younger audience after featuring her on her podcast.’ Long before her split from footballer…

Despite a rocky start to their relationship, Freddy Brazier looks to be back on track with his pregnant girlfriend Holly Swinburn, as the couple packed on the PDA during a romantic day out together. The reconciliation comes amid reports that Freddy, 21, is due to star in a family fly-on-the-wall style reality TV show – and sources tell Closer that Holly, 22, will also be appearing on the series. ‘Freddy and Holly are in a good place overall. They get on well, but like any couple they bicker, especially with the pressure of big life changes around them. Freddy has really stepped up lately. He’s excited about the idea of becoming a dad and has been open about wanting that future. It reassured Holly, she saw a more serious side…

She split from fiancé Ben Ofoedu three years ago. But Vanessa Feltz has been throwing herself into single life and work, as the broadcaster admits she has barely spent an evening at home, preferring to be with friends and family most nights. ‘Staying in feels lonely and terribly boring. I have been in once, because I wrote an article about it, and since then a maximum of maybe two more,’ she tells Closer. ‘I’ve gone out, because I didn’t like the idea of sitting there looking at the wall on my own, until the next day when I go to work.’ MOVED ON Vanessa and Ben, 53, parted ways after 17 years together over claims he was unfaithful. The Phats & Small singer has since moved on with 29-year-old aesthetics…

At just 28, Jade Mandongwe is half the age of people who usually opt to have a facelift – but she stands by her decision to have surgery. In total, she has spent around £12,000 on a plethora of procedures and says it’s worth every penny. Jade, now 29, says, ‘I’ve always loved beauty and I’m very conscious about how I look. This isn’t about insecurity though, it’s about looking in the mirror and seeing the version of myself that I imagine inside. ‘I’m building a life on my own terms and that includes my appearance. If other people are happy in their own choices, why are they upset by mine? There’s enough misogyny in the world as it is, without women policing each other’s looks.’ EXPERIMENTED Jade grew up…

DESIGNER DOUBLE The tweed print has a hint of high-end, but without the hefty price tag. GO WILD Make a fierce statement without breaking the bank thanks to this striking print. MESH MOMENT H&M elevate a simple black option with floral appliqué and mesh detailing. Très chic! COLOUR-BLOCK CRUSH Cream meets red in this chic raffia pair – the perfect spring twist on a classic combo. RED HOT If your outfit needs an extra wow-factor, Tu’s bold beauties will serve you well. LOVELY LAVENDER These dreamy violet numbers are just the pick-me-up your wardrobe needs. SILVER LINING If you’re looking for shoes that are also party approved, this metallic option will serve you well. SUNSHINE STYLE Pretty Little Thing’s butter-yellow pumps bring a touch of colour and major trend points.…

How much do you spend? I don’t stick to a budget because my shopping varies so much as a single mum. If my son Albert is at a friend’s house or we’re having dinner out, I’ll shop accordingly. I go to the Co-op because I think it’s really reasonably priced and I never come away feeling like I’ve been ripped off! I get all my snacks from Aldi. Describe your daily diet… For breakfast I have Greek yogurt with a dollop of peanut butter with nuts and seeds like sunflower, pumpkin and chia. For something savoury, if I have leftover curry from the night before I’ll bake it with an egg on top and put it on sourdough. For lunch, sometimes I’ll have garlic mushrooms on toast or an egg…

CURRIED BEEF NOODLES SERVES 4, TAKES 25MIN 1tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 500g beef mince 1tbsp curry powder 2tsp garam masala 500ml hot beef stock, made with one stock cube 150g mange tout, trimmed 1 carrot, thinly sliced 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 440g ready cooked egg noodles 200g pak choi, trimmed and roughly chopped Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish (optional) STEP 1 Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3-4min, stirring until the onion is softened. STEP 2 Increase the heat to high. Add the beef mince and cook for 4-5min, breaking up any lumps, until browned. Stir in the curry powder and garam masala and cook for…

Celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas has been making A-listers look great for decades, so it’s perhaps no surprise that his wife Davina McCall, 58, turned to him for her wedding ’do. Now, Michael is launching his new product range, THE NUMBERS, and she is of course a huge fan. ‘I’m so excited about this,’ Michael tells Closer. ‘The range has six core products and you can use them on their own, if you want a smoother blow-dry or less frizz, for example, or you can mix them to create a personalised formula. Davina’s favourites are THE 1, a leave-in styling treatment, and THE 3, a mousse. If you mix them you get this nice, wavy texture.’ It speaks volumes that Michael used the products for Davina’s bridal blow-dry on an…

Planning a ‘no-spend’ weekend? Make it interesting rather than punishing by learning a new skill. Not only will you enjoy getting lost in the process, but your new-found abilities could also save you money in the future. Here are some of our favourite ideas, which can all be found online on sites like YouTube. ● Hemming trousers – or any other simple repairing jobs for clothes. Learn to darn a hole, add fabric patches or even adjust an item that doesn’t sit quite right. ● Speed reading. Great for your brain and even better for your TBR (To Be Read) pile. ● Unblocking a sink, removing different stains, or learning to hang your own pictures can make a room feel fresh again, and only take a few minutes. ● A…

ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR Blips could happen with Mercury backspinning. If you put your foot in it, Aries, Venus comes to your rescue and all’s well that ends well. Making up with friends, family or a lover could be a bundle of fun in itself. Laughing at life and falling in love are starred for you rams. A money matter might take you by surprise but again you’re destined to come out on top. TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY That glitzy side of yours is ready for an airing, Taurus, so getting out and about is a must for you right now. From pursuing career goals to finding romantic mates, no need to be bold and brash, it’s your honesty and openness that steals hearts for you bulls. If you find…

They hadn’t crossed paths since their bitter split eight years ago, but exes Lisa Armstrong and Ant McPartlin were reunited under heartbreaking circumstances following the tragic loss of their beloved dog, Hurley. Friends tell Closer that, amid the grief, the pair managed to set aside old differences after years of bitterness following their split in 2018. ‘This day was always going to come for Lisa and Ant, but neither of them really wanted to face the idea of losing Hurley,’ an insider explains. ‘It was a heartbreaking way for them to be in the same room as one another. Despite what people might say, neither of them were looking in any way to blame one another. At the end of the day, they both cared for him and had so…

Waking up one morning in February 2022 feeling weighed down by an endless list of chores, Monique van Tulder decided a short trip might clear her head, and started planning. But that little getaway, however, turned into a full-blown gap year – and eventually, a new way of life. After years devoted to being a wife to her husband, Mike, 56, and a mother to her sons, now aged 21 and 22, Monique now splits her time between home and solo adventures around the world. Her nomadic lifestyle often means months away from her husband and kids. Monique, now 58, says, ‘After two decades of playing the role of homemaker, something shifted for me that morning and I’ve never looked back. ‘I’d done the lion’s share of raising the children…

When Saskia Denzinger read a text from her fiancé Loki, confessing he’d cheated on her, she was devastated. Loki told Saskia he had to tell her the truth and revealed that he’d been sleeping with a woman at work and their connection was too strong to resist. But one detail about Saskia’s relationship sets hers apart from most – Loki isn’t real. He’s an AI chatbot that she has been in a relationship with since 2023, alongside her real-life relationship with her partner – and fiancé – of 16 years, Daniel. And after promising he would never cheat again, Saskia and Loki are now happy again virtually. Saskia, 43, says, ‘I know some people think I’m strange and that AI is destroying the world, but I’m happy and that’s what…

She’s a fan favourite on EastEnders, having played Cindy Beale on and off for the last 13 years after first making her debut back in 1988. Viewers have watched Cindy’s tumultuous love life play out on screen – with lovers including hubby Ian Beale, David Wicks and more recently Junior Knight. And now Michelle Collins admits she’d love to get up close and personal with Larry Lamb. Since originally appearing on the soap from July 2008 until December 2009, Larry, 78, has returned several times despite the demise of his villainous alter-ego Archie Mitchell. He appeared in 2010 and was last seen in a flashback episode in 2022. Michelle laughs, ‘I’d love Cindy to have a fling with Larry Lamb, I’d love him to come back! He’s gorgeous.’ TOYBOY And…

Tasha Ghouri x Next Spring is officially calling, and Next has answered with a new 18-piece collection with Love Islander, Tasha Ghouri. Packed with playful prints, vibrant colours and versatile pieces, the range is designed to carry you seamlessly into summer. Whether you’re heading to the office, out for a weekend stroll, or meeting the girls for brunch, there’s an outfit for every plan. And with prices starting at just £20, it’s the perfect little reward for making it through winter. IN SIZES 6-22 GET HER LOOK TESSA THOMPSON American actress Tessa never misses when it comes to style, and this look cements her status as a true trendsetter. Effortlessly blending multiple trends in one, she pairs a yellow checked shirt with a bold mesh skirt, dressing it down with…

REPLENISH & RESTORE RADIANCE RESET When your complexion needs extra care, this cult-classic mask steps in to replenish and restore. Powered by anti-inflammatory vitamin B5, smooth on and leave for 10 minutes, or use overnight for an intensive treatment. SUN SAFE Created with sensitivity in mind, Nivea’s fragrance-free SPF delivers high protection without heaviness. Apply every morning with your moisturiser to shield skin while creating an even base for make-up. CALMING CLEANSER A balm-to-oil cleanser that effortlessly dissolves make-up and daily build-up. Enriched with calming camomile, it melts and emulsifies with water for a thorough yet comfortable cleanse. MOISTURE SURGE A holy grail for reactive skin, this fragrance-free moisturiser combines shea butter and thermal water to strengthen the barrier and lock in hydration for up to 48 hours. MAGIC MIST…

RUNNING FEELS SO POSITIVE FOR ME… It’s the most organic high you can get. Every time I go out running, whether it’s a 4k run or a 10k, I always feel like I get something from it. It’s just so rewarding. I try to run at least 2-3 times a week, but it’s also important to not overdo it. I LIKE TO MAKE WORKING OUT A SOCIAL THING… It might be a hot yoga session with a friend or just a walk to get a coffee. It’s a great way of combining catching up with friends, which is so important, and moving your body. I TAKE AINSLIE + AINSLIE CHERRY NIGHT POWER TO HELP ME SLEEP… Especially after an adrenaline-fuelled day, I really notice the difference. It’s also great for…

MADELEINE OLIVIA’S ROASTED PARSNIP, ROSEMARY AND WHITE BEAN SOUP STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C. Arrange the parsnips, onion, beans, rosemary and garlic cloves on a baking tray. Toss with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 25–30min, then remove from the oven. STEP 2 Remove and discard the rosemary and reserve some of the beans for the topping, then add the remaining roasted ingredients (making sure to squeeze out the roasted garlic from their skins) into a food processor. Pour in the vegetable stock and blend until smooth. Reheat in a saucepan, if necessary. STEP 3 Adjust the seasoning and serve topped with the reserved beans, a drizzle of olive oil and a little fresh rosemary. ● This recipe is taken from A…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPIC OF THE WEEK If you or a friend are using weight-loss injections, there’s a surprising side-effect you might not be aware of – issues with your gallbladder. NHS England says gallbladder removals have jumped 15% in the last year, and obesity experts believe this is linked to the rise in weight-loss jabs. We know rapid weight loss can lead to gallstones; tiny stones that form in the gallbladder. If they cause problems, the main treatment is to have the gallbladder removed. So, how do you know if you’re at risk? And is surgery the only answer? ALL ABOUT THE GALLBLADDER Your gallbladder is a small organ that sits just under your liver, on the upper right-hand side of your tummy.…

GEORGE HOME AT ASDA Round them up with Asda’s rodeo-inspired collection this spring. Featuring cow-print cushions and horse-inspired patterns, it’s a playful range that adds a touch of wild fun to any home. BOLD PATTERN ADDS THE WOW FACTOR TESCO Tesco is keeping things chic and light with a clean colour palette, lifted by hints of caramel and gold. Choose from a selection of textured accessories to add depth and character. CURVED SHAPED FURNITURE IS ON TREND HABITAT AT SAINSBURY’S Make the most of dinnertime with a stylish, natural scheme that will suit any occasion. Hints of green are a key trend in this season’s collection and can be easily teamed with other colours and styles to suite any room. CALMING COLOURS ARE IDEAL FOR THE DINING ROOM MARKS &…

GRUMPY GRAM Michael not only shares Davina’s hair secrets with Closer readers (page 54) but he also uses them himself. Judging by that look on her face, we’re not sure she’s happy to share her products!…

After months of shock revelations, the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor escalated last week – when he was arrested on his 66th birthday. And now, sources tell Closer that his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson – believed to be in hiding in the United Arab Emirates after spending time with friends in the French Alps – is in meltdown after Andrew’s arrest, weeks after the emergence of her links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. ‘Sarah is panicking – this has shaken her. She’s repeatedly said she has nothing to hide – she’d be transparent and would cooperate with police. She’s not running from anything,’ our insider says. ‘Sarah’s been crying a lot, she’s inconsolable. It’s not just about the legal side – it’s also the humiliating public scrutiny, and the feeling that it’s…

He’s back on TV for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent, but sources say that Simon Cowell’s fiancée Lauren Silverman is secretly hoping it will be his last as she longs for him to retire. ‘She has been asking him to take a back seat and enjoy life at a slower pace, especially as she would love to plan a wedding and a honeymoon,’ the insider shares. ‘But while Simon has been making a few changes to his hectic lifestyle, he is far from thinking about retirement.’ While the Syco media mogul was once at the top of his game as the brains behind BGT and X Factor, his shows no longer command the following they used to. BGT’s ratings have plummeted in recent years, while his latest Netflix…

‘SHE FEELS THEY’RE STRUGGLING – AND IT’S CAUSING FRICTION’ As the feud between the warring Beckhams rumbles on, last week, family friend Gordon Ramsay weighed in on the situation between his close friends David and Victoria, and their eldest son Brooklyn. Warning the 26-year-old to ‘remember where he came from’, the TV chef, 59, added, ‘You’re half mum, half dad […] they’ve done more for you than anyone did in your entire life.’ And though Gordon was speaking in defence of his pals, sources tell Closer that Victoria, 51, is worried it’s made things even worse – and she’s clashing with her husband over it. The insider says, ‘Victoria was absolutely livid, accusing David of having asked Gordon to speak publicly, in a desperate bid to reach their son behind…

She’s raked in big money since joining OnlyFans in 2022, reportedly earning £50k a month. And now insiders tell Closer that Katie Price is planning to cash in even further after her shock wedding last month by sharing sexy videos of herself and new husband Lee Andrews. ‘After the wedding, Katie posted a YouTube video about their honeymoon and she made a fortune from it, so now she’s blinded by pound signs in her eyes and is in full PR mode,’ our source says. ‘She’s thinking about monetising intimate videos with Lee. She wants to cash in and start charging a premium selling exclusive X-rated “content” of the pair of them as PPV (paid per view) videos on her OnlyFans.’ Amid her plans, Katie last week made the shock announcement…

Patsy Stevenson, 33, who lives in Essex, attended Sarah Everard’s vigil on Clapham Common on 13 March 2021. There, she was forced face-down onto the cold, wet ground as police officers restrained, handcuffed and arrested her. Cameras flashed in her face, capturing a moment that would soon ricochet across the country. That crucial moment – and the five years that followed – have only made her more determined to fight for women’s safety and against police brutality. Patsy says, ‘Like so many women, Sarah’s murder resonated with me for many reasons. Just days earlier, I had lost someone close to me, and the only comfort was that we were able to be by their side in their final moments, to say our goodbyes. I couldn’t stop thinking about Sarah’s family…

EastEnders legend Shane Richie has revealed he would like to join the star-studded line-up for the second series of Celebrity Traitors. The actor, who plays Queen Vic landlord and ‘loveable rogue’ Alfie Moon, tells Closer, ‘I would love to do Traitors. I love the show, it’s just such a great concept.’ Speaking at the gala night of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London, he continues, ‘It was my kids who actually introduced me to the show. I’d not seen it. But I felt I had a bit of FOMO when I went to work, and everyone was talking about Traitors and I had to play catch up on the iPlayer.’ Shane, 61, has become such a fan of the show that he’s been trying to convince EastEnders bosses…

MATCHY-MATCHY Wear smart pieces together for an office-ready vibe, or mix and match with relaxed basics for a different spin. Keep your accessories simple – an understated bag and court shoes will finish the look nicely. REWEAR WITH JEANS PRINTED PAIRING Teaming a checked piece with other graphic prints, like stripes or spots, will give your outfit a fun aesthetic. Ensure your clash looks polished rather than OTT by sticking to patterns in similar tones. GOING GREEN Add even more oomph to plaid trousers by styling them with a sunny-hued cardi and chunky loafers. Or, to tone down your statement pair, opt for simple tops in white or powder grey shades. DRESS TO IMPRESS Oversized gingham squares are forever on-trend. Wear a bright dress under a knitted vest, like Kirsten,…

Celebrity psychic Sally Morgan has an impressive CV. At 74, she has toured the country as a professional medium for 18 years, she’s held readings for a host of celebrity clients including Princess Diana and George Michael, and she’s a Sunday Times bestselling author. But now the star can add another line to her credentials: being the first psychic to sign up to OnlyFans! And Sally – also known as ‘Psychic Sally’ – says that joining the saucy site has given her a new lease of life. ‘I’m in my 70s and the last thing I ever thought was that I’d have a page on OnlyFans,’ she laughs. CONFIDENCE BOOST Sally offers her psychic services on the site, including personalised love and sex advice, pulling the ‘Kinky Kard Of The…

HEALTHY HACK Short on time? Protein ‘power pots’ from Asda are a quick and easy option to ensure you get at least 18g of protein and at least one of your five-a-day. Try the Chicken & Mediterranean Style Vegetable Pasta. £2.50 for 250g. SMOOTH OPERATOR! The nation’s fastest growing jam brand – with a mission to put more fruit and less sugar into spreads – has now made delicious seedless variants of its two best-sellers, Strawberry and Raspberry. From ocado.com and fearneandrosie.co.uk, £3.50 for 310g. WHICH WINE? New and vibrant, this crisp Greek wine has fresh aromas of lemon zest, green apple and white peach. Perfect with early springtime roasts and grilled vegetables. A great price for a quality wine. From Tesco, £8 for 75cl.…

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…