Tabla de contenidos para Issue 892 en Closer

At just 17, Jodie Chesney should have had her whole life ahead of her. Instead, the avid girl scout made horrifying headlines as she was knifed to death in a sickening and unprovoked attack. That was a year ago and this week her stepmum Joanne chose to speak to Closer to pay tribute to Jodie and to raise awareness of the charity set up in her name to educate about knife crime. Nothing can prepare you for the sudden death of a loved one, but on page 16 our psychological therapist Emma Kenny explains how the ‘rules’ she’s devised are helping her to cope since losing her father to suicide seven months ago. She admits the news of beautiful and charismatic Caroline Flack’s tragic death blindsided her. It did everyone…

He was a late entry into Love Island in 2018, but during Sam Bird’s short time in the villa, the show’s host Caroline Flack had a lasting impact on him. Speaking to Closer at the Warner Music and Ciroc BRIT awards afterparty, Sam, 33, says, “It’s a desperately sad and tragic situation. It just makes you think about the world and the industry. She was an amazing person and I’ve got nothing but great things to say about her. “She was such a big part of my journey into the showbiz world. She made sure every single Love Island contestant felt they were OK before they went in, and even during [the show]. “There was a time when I was really down in the villa, and I was sitting on…

‘ THE PAIR ARE ENJOYING THEIR QUIET NEW LIFE AND ARE MUCH HAPPIER’ They caused shockwaves when they announced they were “stepping down” from royal duties last month, before moving to Canada to start building a new life there with their “Sussex Royal” brand. But the controversy around their decision continued last week after it was reported that the Queen and her advisers were planning to refuse permission for the couple to use the word “Royal” in their new venture. ESCAPE The news was met with a mixed response from fans on social media. One wrote, “We’ll miss them – a loss to the royals”, while another wrote, “Should have given more thought before they registered the brand. Too busy trying to find an escape from their royal duties.” Another…

THE SAMARITANS – THE CHARITY THAT PROVIDES SUPPORT TO ANYONE IN EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR WHO IS STRUGGLING TO COPE – ADVISES TO TALK OPENLY TO SOMEONE WHO YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT. THEY SAY: • Focus on the other person – make eye contact, put away your phone. To really listen to somebody, you need to give them your full attention, maintain eye contact with them and be engaged. • Talk to them about their feelings. Useful questions you might ask them include: • “Have you talked to anyone else about this?”; “Would you like to get some help?”; “Would you like me to come with you?”; Or, for someone who is reluctant to get help, “Do you have someone you trust you can go to? If it helps, you can…

BALANCE Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Initially, it’s a massive juggling act and you’re probably going to experience a hell of a lot of mum guilt, but just relax and know that, with time, it will settle and you’ll find your flow. SELF-CARE Every mum experiences guilt, but I think it’s important to still do stuff for you. Just make sure you nail your childcare. Sunday goes to nursery for three days and another day she’s with my mum. You need moments to yourself for self-care. CRITICISM I think it’s important to grow a layer of thick skin and turn a blind eye to those who don’t know anything about you. Just forget about anybody who’s irrelevant and surround yourself with those who support and love you.…

COSMETIC WORK: Sam says, “Looks aren’t as important when you become a mum. With fillers and surgery, I don’t think subtle tweaks are the end of the world, and it can be great if you it makes you feel better. But it’s never something I’d promote and encourage people to get.” BODY CONFIDENCE: Billie says, “I train to feel good, but when you put on outfit on and have lost that bit of weight, it does feel great. I hate my belly, so it does feel great when I’ve been working out and it’s a bit more toned.”…

She had set out to enjoy catching up with friends in her local park – but a fun evening out turned to horror for talented student Jodie Chesney after she was stabbed to death in a crime that sickened the nation. Jodie, 17, was knifed in the back by a gang member in what he later claimed was a case of mistaken identity – becoming one of 23 teenagers killed during London’s knife crime epidemic of 2019. As the first anniversary of her senseless murder on 1 March approaches, her devastated parents are still trying to understand how their daughter, who was a skilled musician and avid Girl Scout, became caught up in a “turf war” between drug dealers. SAVAGE Her distraught stepmum, Joanne Chesney, 37, tells Closer , “My…

MUST-BUYS MAKE IT WORK Slogan sweats and white trainers are a great way to dress down a tailored suit. The combat-style pockets on these Nasty Gal trousers give them a more relaxed finish. WEAR IT WITH...…

When she celebrates her 55th birthday next month, Coleen Nolan will be raising a glass to new beginnings. It’s been a challenging few years after divorcing her husband, musician Ray Fensome, in December 2018, but she insists she’s never been more ready to start a new chapter. After nearly five decades in showbiz, she’s busier than ever, hitting the road in September with a UK theatre tour of the smash-hit play The Thunder Girls – the story of a fictional ’80s pop band torn apart by envy, ego and greed. It’s the perfect role for Coleen, who knows all about the ups and downs of being in a girl group from her early days performing with her sisters as The Nolans. FRESH START And the star is giving her home…

INSIDE HANNA’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Natural yoghurt • Double cream • Tomato ketchup • Multivitamins • Butter • Tomatoes • Blueberries • Stilton • Raspberries • Cheddar cheese • Apples • Bacon • Seabass • Chicken breasts • Cooked chicken • Salmon • Almond milk • Baby potatoes • Rocket salad • Bananas • Oat milk HANNA How much do you spend? Between £70 and £100 a week. It’s just me and my husband, Martin. We shop at supermarkets, but I get fresh meat from the butcher. Describe your daily diet… For breakfast, I’ll have overnight oats with berries and bananas. I don’t get hungry until lunchtime, when I usually buy a healthy M&S ready meal like a seafood linguine, or have a chicken or tuna salad I made…

RELATIONSHIPS WAYS TO SPOT A DISHONEST PARTNER Apparently, men think they’re better liars than women. Emma explains the ways you can spot deceit – and challenge it Research has found men are twice as likely as women to consider themselves good liars. Statistically, you are lied to between ten and 200 times a day. Lying is part of being human – it’s due to the difference between who we are and who we really want to be. In a marriage, one in every ten interactions between partners involves a lie. In a longterm relationship, that goes up to one in three. Many are small, like, “I didn’t eat the last biscuit,” but for bigger ones, the art of seeking truth is being confident in challenging those we think are deceiving…

Late last year, Caroline Flack shared a poignant Instagram post with the words, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” The words have since been shared worldwide and printed on T-shirts, while the hashtag #bekind was trending on social media for days. But how can we maximise kindness in our lives? “Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate,” says Anna Black, wellbeing expert and author of A Year Of Living Kindfully. “We most commonly think of kindness in relation to others, but being kind to yourself and the planet we live in is also really important.” In fact, a study by Oxford University found seven days of “kindfulness activities” significantly boosted participants’ happiness levels. “Being kind stimulates the production of serotonin –…

Meg Abernethy-Hope, 23, is co-founder of the Billy Chip, created to help the homeless people of Bristol. The Billy Chip token, which costs £2 from supporting shops, is given by the buyer to anyone they believe is in need and it can be exchanged for refreshments anywhere displaying the Billy Chip sign. The scheme, launched in November 2019, has already helped more than 2,000 people. Meg says, “My brother Billy was 20 when he died in a freak motorcycle accident while travelling in 2018. “He was so kind and always thought of other people, especially the vulnerable. “He understood that people might not feel comfortable giving a homeless person money, for a number of reasons, and before his death he talked of giving a token instead. “My dad Jon and…

£10 On a Chinese takeaway. I only go for the house special fried rice – it has to be very spicy. £30 On Uber journeys. I recently moved to London and I’m not comfortable driving around here. £15 On pyjamas from Primark. They’re a warm teddy bear set to get me through winter. £30 For an iPhone charger. I must replace mine every three months. • Yewande is working with Santander UK, as part of the #GetTheInvisibleLook campaign, highlighting the dangers of purchase scams for young people…

Lucy Fallon, 24, who’s played Bethany Platt since 2015, bids farewell this week… Where is Bethany’s head at? She loves Daniel, but she realises he isn’t over Sinead. What about his proposal? She’s confused, as he’s drunk, and she finds out the ring he’s proposing with is Sinead’s. Is it a fitting exit for Bethany? I’d be so sad if she was killed off! I’m glad she’s going due to a decision she made herself, with no bad blood.…

What sort of person is your character, Maggie? DAWN: She’s got a high opinion of herself – let’s put it that way. But I think she’s the kind of person who is like that because she actually has a really low opinion of herself. She feels like she doesn’t matter very much. So, when she is asked if she would like to do an interview for local radio, she couldn’t think of anything better. It ticks all the boxes. And she’s good-hearted, that’s a key thing. Being a gossip doesn’t make you a dreadful person. We’re all gossipers. It’s how you handle the gossip and how you handle the aftermath. Have you met many Maggies in your time? I think we’re all a bit Maggie, to be honest. Human beings…

BTS Map of the Soul: 7 As South Korean K-Pop is now part of the mainstream music scene, it’s hard to ignore this new offering from boyband giants BTS. With 7 members – RM, SUGA, Jin, J-hope, Jung-kook, V and Jimin – this album is made up of extremely catchy tunes and feel-good beats, despite the language barrier. And with a sell-out world tour on the horizon too, you’d be silly not to give this new record a go! Out now. MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB DIGITAL RADIO FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.MAGIC.CO.UK…

The news of Caroline Flack’s death has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and tributes from her family, friends and fans. One emotional fan wrote online, “You can be talented, beautiful, have a great job, good friends, be financially stable, and loved by many, but still suffer.” While another added, “I can’t stop thinking about it. She just always seemed so bubbly and fun. She seemed to have it all, but you never know what is going on in someone’s mind.” Caroline’s death prompted Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague to donate 100 per cent of the profits from her clothing line to charity Mind, while In The Style raised £250k for Samaritans in 24 hours with “Be Kind” T-shirts – echoing a message Caroline had posted on Instagram. The much-loved presenter…

They’d not been pictured together in public for six months, but last week Wayne and Coleen Rooney put on a display of unity when they were snapped walking side by side as they went out for breakfast. And while Wayne, 34, may have been regarded as one of the biggest party boys in football, he appears to have changed his ways after new reports claimed he’d given up alcohol and, as a result, their 11-year marriage is said to be “stronger than ever”. Insiders say the pair are in such a good place that Coleen, 33 – who has previously expressed her wish to have a daughter – are planning baby number five. A source says, “Coleen and Wayne have had a lot of ups and downs and dramas, but…

She admitted she’s on the hunt for a sperm donor last month, as the single star opened up about her fear time is running out to give her two-year-old son Bear “at least two” siblings. And insiders say Cheryl, 36 – who split from Bear’s dad Liam Payne, 26, in July 2018 – has told pals she won’t be bringing up her next baby alone, after revealing her BFF and former Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts, 34, has vowed to support her through the journey – even offering to move in to Cheryl’s Buckinghamshire home to help. SUPPORT A source says, “Nicola and Cheryl used to live minutes apart in Surrey, and Nicola even moved in for a while. She speaks to Cheryl almost every day and told her she…

When the news broke about Caroline’s death, I felt blindsided. When you have lost someone you love to suicide, as I have, hearing about another life lost under such circumstances takes you back to the moment it happened to you. Before my dad took his own life seven months ago, I genuinely thought I understood grief. My close childhood friend had died three years before and I had been with her until she took her last breath. Afterwards I struggled, yet I was also able to rationalise that the pain she had been in was excruciating, and I loved her enough to want her free of it. That’s a million miles away from the grief I have in relation to my dad. Suicide leaves such a mark on your life,…

Earlier this month, James ‘Arg’ Argent and Gemma Collins were rumoured to have gone their separate ways when she was noticeably absent during his return to Essex following a month-long stint in rehab in Thailand, instead choosing to spend the weekend with her friends. But, like most of their rumoured splits, it didn’t last long. Arg, 32 – who has been in a turbulent on/off relationship with Gemma since 2011 – declared his love for the 37 year old with a gushing tribute on Instagram, writing, “I’m so lucky to have a one in a million and very special girlfriend like you. You’ve stuck by me through my best and my worst times.” Touching on his ongoing health battles – including his drug and drink addiction, in addition to his…

‘ MY FRIENDS TRY NOT TO MAKE ANY JOKES WHEN I’M AROUND’ When Billie Hodgson hears a friend making a joke, she quietly moves out of earshot, and people often think she’s down in the dumps. That’s because the 17 year old, from Sheffield, suffers with cataplexy – a rare brain disorder that triggers sudden muscle paralysis and can attack whenever she starts to laugh. NO CURE Billie, who lives with her mum and sister and is studying for her A-levels, says, “Although my condition sounds funny, it’s anything but. If I ever feel like I’m about to burst out laughing, I force myself to think about my symptoms, and the possibility I could collapse. “My friends and family often say something funny and then apologise straight after, which just…

‘ I can count my friends on one hand – and that’s the best way to be’ I read a report the other day in which researchers found that people with only a few “real life” friends were happier than those with lots of online ones, and the quality of friendships were far more important than the quantity. It really resonated with me, because I’ve definitely realised how essential proper pals are over the last few years. With social media, it can be so easy to fixate on the number of followers you have, or how many “likes” you notch up. When I was younger, I used to want more friends, but as I’ve grown up, my circle has become smaller and smaller, and I feel happier than ever. As…

GET HER LOOK MARGOT ROBBIE, 29 Whether on the red carpet or off-duty, Margot Robbie always gives us fashion envy – like with this chic, smart-casual outfit. Versatile leather-look trousers are ideal for both work and play – our new wardrobe go-to! RACHEL BROSNAHAN VS NICKY HILTON It’s the battle of the blondes between House Of Cards star Rachel Brosnahan and socialite Nicky Hilton, both in a gorgeous Prabal Gurung skirt. We’re obsessed with all the sequins, giving the classic pencil a party-ready upgrade. Rachel opts for a pretty lilac look with matching heels and simple make-up, while Nicky goes for full-on glamour in glitzy accessories. VERDICT: While Rachel looks like a total babe, Nicky wins our style crown. We love the matching floral top, ticking off a massive S/S20…

I’VE FINALLY MADE PEACE WITH MY FIGURE “I know I’m overweight and that at some point I’ll tackle it, but I’ve ditched the scales and stopped trying to please other people. I don’t care whether other people think I’m fat – it’s liberating!” I’M MANAGING THE MENOPAUSE “It took me a long time to work out why everything was hurting. I’m taking a leaf out of my mum’s book and just getting on with it! I’m only really bothered by the hot flushes, which sometimes keep me awake.” I’LL AVOID SURGERY “I don’t plan to have cosmetic surgery any time soon, and my kids beg me never to do it. It’s a huge pressure, because nearly everyone in my industry is getting cosmetic work. But I’m going to carry on…

These figures left me shocked and ashamed. In the UK, we treat our older population badly. People shouldn’t be dying of malnutrition in one of the world’s richest countries, but old people in Britain are lonely, depressed, and starving. That’s the fault of us younger people, as many of us just ignore them. BE NEIGHBOURLY A lot of elderly folk won’t go to the doctor, because they fear they could be taken to an old people’s home. While they may worry about social services knocking at their door, they won’t be so concerned if a neighbour does – so pop over to see them, and bring some food. As people get older, they tend to have smaller appetites and eat less, so it’s important for them to eat nutrient-rich food.…

After six years of trying my luck – or rather, experiencing a lack of it – with online dating, I’ve found the one thing that’s missing from my life, other than the obvious absence of a boyfriend, is romance. I do not mean a one-liner on WhatsApp. I mean real, old-school charm and courtship. It appears I’m not alone in my craving, either, as a new survey has found that half of Brits believe their parents’ generation had more romantic love stories than we do, with a quarter jealous of those tales. And who can blame them? Everything feels so disposable now. With dates readily available at the next swipe right, everything I’ve experienced makes me think that no one feels the need to make the effort with one individual.…

Every day for the last four years, mum-of-three Dani Saveker has made a difference to someone’s day. Whether it’s by leaving a much-loved book in a café for others to read, placing sweets on a stranger’s car, or simply sending a thoughtful message to someone she hasn’t spoken to for a little while, Dani has carried out an act of kindness. Now she has done more than 1,500 nice things for others – and believes it has changed her life. Dani, who is mum to Ben, 22, Max, 19, and Emmy, 13, says, “It can be something as simple as wishing someone a nice day, it’s just about raising a smile. You never know how that can help save others. For me, kindness means giving without expectation or exception.” Dani,…

The stray dogs given sanctuary Every year, furniture retailer IKEA’s branch in Catania, Italy, helps stray dogs during the winter months by opening the doors so the animals can come in and sleep on their rugs. Customer Martine Taccia shared a picture of the sweet gesture on Facebook. She said, “The dogs receive daily food and pampering from IKEA’s employees and customers. “Some dogs have even found a family, going home with customers.” The police officer who went above and beyond In July 2016, police in West Yorkshire stepped in after an elderly woman suffering from dementia became confused and distressed during a shopping trip. PC Dave Cant befriended the lady and took her home. The woman gripped the officer’s hand tightly and refused to let go, even as he…

1 READY STEADY COOK KITCHEN DRAMAS! MON-FRI 2-6 MARCH, 4.30PM, BBC1 Green pepper and red tomato alert! Yes, it’s the return of the hugely-popular afternoon cooking show – but with an eco-friendly makeover, so jute totes are everywhere, with not a plastic bag in sight, plus a new host in Rylan Clark-Neal. Each day, two amateur (and sometimes clueless) cooks are paired with a professional chef, and compete to win a hamper. For the first task, on a budget of £7.50, each team has to conjure up a meal in 20 minutes. Then it’s time for a ten-minute challenge where it’s a race against the clock to make something edible from random ingredients chosen by cards held up by the audience. Yum! 2 MCDONALD & DODDS ENTERTAINING NEW CRIME DRAMA…

In the showbiz world, most celebrities prefer to clock on and off while dealing with press, never exchanging more than a few pleasantries with reporters once the interview is over. But Caroline – who I met several times throughout my career – was one of a kind. She wanted you to feel happy in her company. She’d welcome you as if she recognised you, and she laughed loudly at a rubbish joke I made once, just to make me feel comfortable. When she saw you, she’d jump up and hug you as if you were a long-lost friend, squeezing you tightly. She was never late or rude, and would even hang around after interviews to have dinner with everyone. On one occasion, the group of journalists I was with were…

• No one can say anything to make a suicide of someone close any easier. Rather than worrying about finding the perfect words, admit that you haven’t a clue, and tell your loved one that you are there for them however and whenever they need. • Avoid saying things like “they are at peace now”, or “they must have felt that life wasn’t worth living”. These are not based on knowledge and can distress loved ones who may have a completely different perspective. • Check-in with them very regularly, and if they seem unable to cope, insist that you stay with them. People who lose someone close to them by suicide are ten times more likely to kill themselves. • Tell them that you will listen and accept their feelings…

‘It’s all about having chemistry with someone!’ She’s experienced more than her fair share of relationship drama – but the tide has now turned for Ferne McCann, who reveals she’s the happiest she’s ever been after finding love with a new man. Though Ferne, 29, has kept her new romance under wraps, her mystery new partner is rumoured to be a city trader who she met on holiday in Dubai last year. She has also teased fans on social media that they will be seeing more of her new boyfriend on the upcoming series of ITVBe show First Time Mum this spring. WEDDING DREAM Ferne now confesses she’d love to fulfil her dream of getting married, and wants her two-year-old daughter Sunday – who she shares with jailbird Arthur Collins…

AMY: ‘Dating with two kids is hard’ She’s mum to daughter Polly, three, and a 16-month-old son whose name she has never revealed – and now Amy Childs is on the hunt for a husband. The 29 year old hopes that any of her potential suitors on her upcoming stint on the latest series of Celebs Go Dating will be both hilarious and handsome. “I don’t want to find a boyfriend,” she tells Closer. “I want to find a husband. I want someone who can make me laugh – they’ve got to be funny and have banter. You need to have some good looks, but at the same time, they’ve got to be ambitious and just be a lovely guy.” Amy briefly dated her former TOWIE co-star Kirk Norcross in…

They’ve amassed millions of fans with their parenting reality show The Mummy Diaries. And now that they’ve got to grips with life as mums-of-two, sisters Sam and Billie Faiers admit they’re already planning to add to their broods. STABLE PLACE ‘I get criticised by parents – but I’ve learnt to ignore it’ Sam – mum to Paul Tony, four, and Rosie, two, with boyfriend Paul Knightley – says, “I definitely want more kids – Paul and I have always wanted a big family. Little Paul starts school in September, we’re moving house, and it’s my 30th this year, so I think after all that we will try. I want to be in a stable place to get pregnant – and I know Billie wants to wait, too.” Billie – who’s…

DON’T BAD-MOUTH YOUR EX “I’ve just separated from Bev [TV presenter Beverley Turner, 46], and there’s a lot to take on board. Bev and I were together for 17 years. I don’t think I would have stuck it with me as long as she did. Bev had it really hard. She had one husband for the first eight years we were married, then a very different one for the rest [after James suffered a head injury in a cycling accident that changed his personality]. Our children – Croyde, 16, Kili, 11, and Trixie, nine – can read everything out there. We don’t want them to see anything negative. We want to protect them. We don’t need to say anything bad about each other.” LET YOUR CHILDREN KNOW YOU’RE THERE FOR…

BODY BUILDER A good conditioner keeps locks nourished and hydrated – this one is specially designed to strengthen and thicken thinning hair, while expertly detangling. A little goes a long way, so although this is expensive, it lasts ages. KÉRASTASE GENESIS ANTI HAIR-FALL FORTIFYING CONDITIONER £27.50 FOOLPROOF TONER Brunettes, rejoice – this salon-grade shampoo has been designed for brown hair. Blue tones balance unwanted orange or red tints, giving a rich chocolate shade. Use once a month for pristine colour. REDKEN COLOR EXTEND BROWNLIGHTS BLUE TONING SHAMPOO £16.50 HEALING MASK If your hair is snapping or falling out more than usual, opt for strengthening ingredients to boost fragile locks. This mask, with biotin and vitamin B5, is an easy way to do this – apply once a week, leaving in…

SIMPLE SUPPER PRAWN PASTA SERVES 4 • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 6 tomatoes, roughly chopped • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 1 courgette, coarsely grated • ½–1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional) • 400g spaghetti • 350g cooked king prawns • Large handful fresh basil, finely chopped, plus extra leaves to serve • 30g Parmesan cheese, finely grated STEP 1 Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and tomatoes and cook for 10 mins, stirring, until the onions have softened and the tomatoes have broken down. Stir in the garlic, courgette and chilli (if using) and cook for a further 2 mins. STEP 2 Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and cook the…

Hayfever sufferer? Stand by, because the pollen season normally starts in just a few days. Tree pollen kicks in from March to mid-May, grass pollen tickles noses mid-May to July, and weed pollen is around from the end of June to September. If you know you get an attack of the sneezes every spring, experts recommend starting taking your antihistamines in advance, so you’re ready and protected. Check the pollen forecast daily at Metoffice.gov.uk, and download the free My Pollen Forecast UK app, too.…

I WISH... I was braver and more daring – I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat. When I took part in I’m A Celeb!, I felt so liberated because it was so far out of my comfort zone. They’d asked me three years in a row and I kept saying no. When I did it, I couldn’t understand why I didn’t do it the first time I was asked. I’M PROUD OF… my first single, Sax, because it was my first entry into the world of music. I remember getting to the set to film the video, and it was my childhood dream come true. Sax is nearly five years old, and it’s still being used for adverts and films. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS... heights. I once went to see Beyoncé…

Alice Tapper, an economist who runs the personal finance website Gofundyourself.co, tells us, “Money can cause conflict, but with good communication, it can also bring you together.” Here’s how to do just that... BE HONEST You don’t need to share your pay slips on a first date, but Alice recommends being open about your financial priorities early on. “If one of you wants to save for a house and the other wants to travel, it’s better to discuss that sooner rather than later,” she says. DECLARE YOUR DEBTS “It’s important to know about a serious partner’s financial commitments, as one person’s debt can affect the other’s score if they become financially linked,” explains Alice. “It will also have an impact on your combined ability to borrow money, like a mortgage.”…

How did you feel about the reaction to the first series? JOANNE: A lot of people came up to me in the street when it was shown. It was probably one of the biggest reactions to anything I’ve done, emotionally. People were just amazing. Everyone was talking about it. The general reaction was that people were completely gripped by it, which is the best reaction you can hope for. I was very pleased with that. You’ve described Laura as one of the most challenging characters you have ever played… JOANNE: Definitely – because of the subject matter of sexual assault and everything that surrounds it; the research, and looking into how few of these rape cases even go to court. How are the themes of Liar further explored in this…

MUST READ Can You Hear Me? A Paramedic’s Encounters With Life And Death (JAKE JONES) Jake has worked in the UK ambulance service for ten years. Every day, he deals with difficult and challenging scenarios – the hoarder who won’t move his collection to let his ailing father leave the house, the blood-soaked man who tries to escape from the ambulance, a young man who’s stopped breathing in a supermarket toilet… This moving memoir is an honest examination of an exceptionally tough job. A must read. BEST DAY OUT Legoland Discovery Centre The Legoland Discovery centre is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground and perfect for hours of family fun. With lots to see and do, including creative workshop, LEGO 4D cinema, Mini Land and LEGO DUPLO Farm, as well as…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR It’s a big week. Look at the past to see how far you’ve come and where you want to go, but be careful you don’t push it too far in whatever you decide to do – especially where a friend is concerned. Restraint is required! PS Make a wish on the New Moon – visit moonmessages.com/ freechart ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR It’s time to work through your fears. You need to face up to the fact that there’s stuff you’re worried about, which is blocking you from moving forwards, and deal with it properly. Asking the Hindu elephant god Ganesha will help – research him! You just need to get over the past. PS Make a wish on the New Moon…