Closer -julkaisun Issue 661 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

The murder of Cecil the lion rightly sparked global outrage and highlighted the appalling issue of trophy hunting. But the mistreatment of wild animals isn’t always so “in your face.” This week Rihanna was pictured feeding a baby monkey in Barbados. We don’t know the background, but any celeb being pictured in such a way should be aware that many creatures are abused and used in beach resorts as photo opportunites for tourists. If you’re going on holiday, read our feature on page 33 to ensure you don’t unwittingly get sucked into promoting cruelty.…

She hit back at weight critics over her blossoming pregnancy body last week, posting a naked selfie with the caption: “Everyone’s body is different, every pregnancy is very different! I’ve learned to love my body at every stage!” But insiders say despite her apparent confidence, image-obsessed Kim Kardashian has become increasingly fretful about her weight gain, sobbing to pals: “I’ve lost control.” Sources say her body worries were fuelled after Kim – who’s nearly six months pregnant – saw photos of herself at sister Kylie’s 18th birthday party in a sheer black dress – and days later, in a bodycon grey outfit. A source says: “Kim felt she looked huge and that her outfits hugged her figure in all the wrong places. Her friends and family have been trying to…

They split six years ago, but Jordan last week appeared to hint that she and Peter Andre might still be together if it weren’t for their fame. Jordan said: “Because we met on a TV show our whole life was on TV, a reality show, birthdays, kids born, everything was a photo shoot and filmed… If it wasn’t, would we have stayed together? Who knows?” She also said: “I thought that we could have been together forever. I idolised him and he did me.” The pair are set to meet in court in January when their three-year legal battle – over Jordan’s claims Pete launched a smear campaign against her – will finally be heard. A pal says: “Pete thought Katie was being delusional about why the marriage ended. Emily…

There was a backlash after their four-year-old daughter Harper was pictured with a dummy – now it seems the Beckhams are furious at having their parenting skills questioned. Last week, David hit back at critics – who warned Harper could develop dental and speech issues from using a dummy at her age – and posted: “Why do people feel they have the right to criticise a parent about their own children without having any facts?” He continued: “Everyone who has children knows that when they aren’t feeling well or have a fever you do what comforts them best and most of the time it’s a pacifier, so those who criticise think twice about what you say about other people’s children…” A pal says: “David and Victoria were horrified that their…

As a nation, we’re obsessed with taking selfies. Last year, 1.2billion Brits posed for snaps of themselves and sales of selfie sticks are soaring. We’re bombarded with digitally-altered images of celebs such as Lauren Goodger and Kelly Brook on social media, and Kim Kardashian even released a coffee-table book of her selfies called Selfish. But experts fear the nation’s fixation with selfies is affecting girls’ body image, and fuelling a rise in eating disorders. Recent figures reveal that the number of 13-19 year olds admitted to hospital with eating disorders has almost doubled in the past three years. Recovering anorexic Rachel Hornsby – whose weight plummeted to just 4st last year – says her condition was spurred on by poring over celebrity selfies. At the height of her illness, the…

Last week, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness was accused of ranting at a nail technician, because he believed the worker had made a sexual remark about his model wife, Christine. Mum-of-two Christine, 26, who visited the American Nail Studio in Wilmslow for a pedicure, claims she heard a male member of staff make an inappropriate sexual comment under his breath while carrying out the beauty treatment in July. And Take Me Out’s Paddy, 41, is said to have reacted by charging into the shop the following day and shouting at the worker who allegedly made the comment. Ronald Giron, who owns the salon and says they have a large celebrity clientele, said: “It was unbelievable. He stormed in and was shouting. The place was full. “He shouted something like: ‘I will…

She wowed onlookers as she showed off her svelte size 8 frame in Dubai recently, and Sam Faiers, 24, admits her enviable body owes a lot to cutting back on booze. Sam tells Closer: “I’ve cut down on alcohol because it used to make me bloated. I was a party girl from the age of 17 and I drank a lot when I was on TOWIE. “My boyfriend Paul [Day] doesn’t drink, and although he doesn’t have a problem with me doing it, I don’t drink half as much as I used to and I feel better for it. If I know I’m going away, I cut it out completely because it makes me feel thinner. I used to smoke socially, too. It’s not something I’m proud of, but I…

MICHELLE’S VIEW ‘Free bleeding is too much of a shock tactic for me!’ I totally applaud Kiran Gandhi – who attempted to break the taboo about periods by “free bleeding” (not using a tampon or sanitary towel while on her period) as she ran the London marathon in April. The story went viral last week when Kiran, 26, shared pictures and wrote on her blog that she wanted to break the stigma behind periods and raise awareness of the plight of women who don’t have access to sanitary products and have to resort to using rags, newspapers and leaves. According to the charity Water Aid, one in three women also do not have access to a toilet. But while I’m behind her on the need to highlight this important issue,…

1 FRINGE A staple this summer, fringed skirts are sticking around. This Burberry-esque number will take you through to autumn seamlessly. Simply swap sandals for ankle boots and start layering. FASHION UNION AT ASOS, £28 2 KNITTED PENCIL This knitted pencil will make an eye-catching addition to your wardrobe. The carefully placed stripes also slim thighs, giving you a gorgeous hourglass shape. TOPSHOP, £40 3 FLUTED Add a flirty twist to your outfit with this fluted option. The bright mustard tone will work perfectly for winter as well – team with berry hues and a ladylike blouse for an instant pick-me-up. RULE ONE LONDON, £30 4 PLEAT-FRONT A-LINE Take note, ladies, the pleat-front A-line is a new shape for A/W and is set to be a top seller. The flattering…

TRADE SECRETS… According to the beauty gurus at Hairtrade.com... “To prevent bubbles in your nail polish bottle, which can end up ruining your at-home mani by giving the polish a bumpy texture, store nail polish in the fridge during warmer weather. Also, be sure to always roll the bottle instead of shaking it before application.” ON TRIAL This week we tried conditioning hair masks from £1.99 to £24. Here are our top three. 1 COLOUR SAVIOUR Use once a week to nourish dry, coloured hair and make it look more vibrant. The combination of shea butter and olive oil helped soften coloured hair while leaving it fragranced with a gorgeous sweetness. It’s not the cheapest, but the tube lasted three months. 2 MOISTURE RECHARGER For coarse or sun-dried hair in…

After finding happiness with fiancé Sam Greenfield in 2013, Suzanne Shaw announced the pair were expecting their first child together in March this year, sharing the moment she told him she was pregnant with her adorable candid video on Twitter. And despite being just seven weeks away from the birth, the petite star is full of energy on the set of our exclusive shoot, proudly parading her bump in a floaty boho dress. The singer and actress, 33, gushes: “I can honestly say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Sam and I can’t wait to meet our new baby. This pregnancy has been a real breeze. No health complications or morning sickness. I’ve been so surprised.” Suzanne’s joyful pregnancy is in stark contrast to her first – when she was…

THE MOVES She’s a slim size 12, yet when Rebecca gave birth to her youngest, Arabella, last October, critics judged her shape. But the 29-year-old hit back, saying: “I’m curvy, I’ve got thighs, but I’m not big. I eat healthily and I’m breastfeeding, so the weight will come off naturally.” Now Arabella is 10 months, Rebecca’s enjoying early morning hikes and gym sessions with the baby tagging along in a knapsack, and has happily shared snaps of her progress on Instagram. THE FOODS Rebecca has a breakfast smoothie with blueberries, a scoop of protein shake and some almond milk. A typical lunch is a salad with broccoli, kale, avocado and sunflower seeds, and dinners are light and nutritious – fish with veggies or a chicken stir-fry. THE CHEAT To keep…

What if the stress you’re suffering from doesn’t really belong to you? Scientists have proven that, like a yawn, stress is contagious. We are hard-wired with survival instincts so, if everyone around us is anxious, our bodies perceive a “danger” and react. “But with stress having such a negative effect on our mental and physical health, we need to find ways to combat it. Surrounding yourself with optimistic people is helpful – your mood can also be positively affected – but there are strategies to help you avoid taking on other people’s negative mindsets... STRESS-FIGHTING STRATEGIES DON’T INDULGE THEM: When someone is moaning, help , him or her to be proactive and explore solutions to the problem. RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES: Find time for yourself, whether that’s going for a walk,…

Trainee lawyer Emily Mason, 25, lives in Taunton with her partner, Ben, and their daughter, Olivia “I’m currently on maternity leave, but when I go back to work in a few weeks I will be earning £1,100 a month. Once I’ve paid my share of the mortgage and bills, plus my half of the £600 nursery fees for my daughter, Olivia, it’ll be a struggle to make ends meet. As I’m a trainee lawyer and my partner, Ben, runs a coffee shop, we don’t qualify for help as our incomes are above the threshold. We’ve cut back on most of our luxuries, such as reducing our Sky package and using less petrol. I save Nectar points and use online vouchers, too. I’ve been breastfeeding, so I don’t buy formula but,…

GET HIM TO THE GREEK RUSSELL BRAND IS A ROCK STAR SAT 22 AUG, 9PM, E4 “Russell Brand a film star?” they cried. Well, actually, yes. And he is pretty amusing in this movie in which an ambitious exec at a record company (Jonah Hill) must escort British rock legend Aldous Snow (Brand) to LA’s Greek Theatre for the first stop on his lucrative comeback tour. Of course, it doesn’t go well… CALENDAR GIRLS CLASSIC – WITH BUNS SAT 22 AUG, 10.10PM, BBC2 This utterly wonderful feel-good Brit flick stars an A-list cast including Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, Celia Imrie and other fabulous leading ladies, along with a 40-year-old Philip Glenister as their nervous photographer. After the death of her best friend’s husband from cancer, spirited Yorkshire housewife Chris Harper…

It’s been a year since Danielle Lloyd’s marriage to Jamie O’Hara imploded amid allegations he’d been unfaithful with two other women. And despite throwing herself back into the dating scene, the mum of three – who’s mum to Archie, five, Harry, four, and George, one – has seen her romances with nightclub owner George Panayiotou and businessman Tom Jimson both fail. Meanwhile, in a cruel twist, the star’s cheating ex Jamie has found happiness with 23-year-old lingerie model Elizabeth Tierney – even sparking rumours they’d secretly wed last month when he referred to her as his “wife” on Instagram. The footballer has also seen success in his career, signing a new contract with football team Fulham in July. Two weeks ago Danielle vented her anger when she retweeted a fan’s…

She’s been turning heads with her raunchy outfits lately, stripping off for a recent photo shoot, posting a series of sexy selfies and flaunting her curves in a sheer top last week. And after her fellow X Factor judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini dominated headlines for her shockingly skinny figure, sources say Rita Ora’s sexy style is a part of a ploy to pull the spotlight back on her. A source reveals: “Rita is very competitive and saw how much attention Cheryl got for her skinny frame, even if it was mostly negative. She wants to be the star and friends say she’ll do whatever it takes to outshine Cheryl. “She doesn’t want to drop any weight and she’s going to use her sexuality and curves to grab headlines. She’s posed for…

She’s been hitting the headlines non-stop since she was dumped by Zayn Malik – and now insiders say Perrie Edwards will get her revenge by becoming an A-list star. The Little Mix singer has been dressed to kill while promoting her band’s new album Stateside, and has also posted a string of sexy selfies. A source says: “Perrie’s determined to turn this into something positive – she wants to use this attention as a platform to further her career. She refuses to be the victim, so she’s going all-out to command attention.” Ex-One Directioner Zayn, 22, ended his four-year romance with Perrie, also 22, by text last month just as Little Mix celebrated their single Black Magic reaching the No1 spot. Now celebrity branding expert Nick Ede says the sky…

Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Abigael San says: “Our fixation with selfies is breeding a culture of narcissism, which is dangerous. We’re placing too much importance on shallow attributes, like a pretty face or slim thighs, rather than important things like integrity and kindness. This can have a negative impact on vulnerable teenagers. If someone is anorexic, it may make their condition worse to have easy access to images of ultra-thin celebrities, who are likely to have posted a certain way or doctored their images to look perfect. But the selfie trend isn’t going to disappear, so parents need to instil in their children the importance of virtues that aren’t physical. By recording every event our children do with a video or photos, we’re re-enforcing the importance of selfies. So try…

Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, 25, who has been dating Mitch Jenkins on and off for two years, says: “I agree that Paddy should have stepped in to defend his wife’s honour. I would want Mitch to defend me in that situation, too. In fact, I would also expect it of my mum or a friend. I wouldn’t be embarrassed in the slightest – it shows that the person cares. It clearly bothered Paddy that much he went in to protect his wife, and I think it’s really sweet that he did. Looking back at the men I’ve dated in the past, I’ve always liked a fiery man who can stick up for himself – and me, too. But Mitch is a bit different – he isn’t much…

Looking in the mirror, Charlotte Payne can’t help but think of her elder sister who had the same striking brown eyes. Charlotte was just six when, after playing outside, eight-year-old Sarah Payne vanished from a country lane near their grandparents’ house in July 2000. A nationwide search was launched but, tragically, Sarah was found dead 16 days later in a field in Pulborough – 15 miles from where she vanished in Kingston Gorse, West Sussex. Over a year later, paedophile Roy Whiting, 56, was convicted of her abduction and murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. A BEST FRIEND After the trial, it was revealed Whiting had previously been convicted of abducting and indecently assaulting another eight-year-old girl – which led to the introduction of Sarah’s Law (see below). Now, 15…

She’s been a huge star for over 20 years, but while Hollywood is notoriously surgery obsessed, actress Courteney Cox insists she won’t ever go under the knife for her looks. The 51 year old – who rose to fame as Monica in Friends – has sparked surgery rumours due to her youthful looks. But while she admits she’s turned to Botox to keep her complexion fresh, she says she won’t hit the operating table. She reveals: “It’s no secret I’ve had some Botox in the past, but I won’t go under the knife. I’d rather take good care of my body with a healthy diet and exercise. I try to stay out of the sun, I eat well, I lay off carbs as much as I can and get lots…

Megastar Rihanna was pictured last week snuggled up to a young monkey, as she flaunted her bikini body. The photos were taken in her home country of Barbados, where she’s been holidaying with friends. The image comes after Rihanna first Tweeted a pic of herself clutching a slow loris in Thailand in 2013, claiming in jest that the endangered primate was “talking dirty” to her. Now Dr Alison Cronin, director of the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset, tells Closer it’s a tragedy the animal was treated in such a flippant way. She says: “Monkeys should be with their mothers for six months before being on their own. This infant looks no more than four weeks old. Also, the fur on its coat shouldn’t be spiky and wet as…

Caitlyn Jenner won a stream of praise for her decision to come out to the world as transgender in April, turning her back on her former life as Bruce and embracing her journey as a woman. And speaking to Closer recently, Blue singer Duncan James, 37, admits he relates to the 65-year-old’s struggle, after previously keeping his sexuality a secret from the world. Blue gained a loyal female fanbase in 2001, and Duncan admitted to being bisexual in 2009 before confirming last year that he now identifies as gay. He says: “I was in LA back in April when Caitlyn’s interview with Diane Sawyer aired. It was fascinating to hear her story, and heartbreaking to hear of her struggle and concerns about coming out and being herself. “It’s something I…

WHO WORE IT BEST? Jennifer Lopez vs Kendall Jenner Chic and comfy? It’s no wonder singer J-Lo and model Kendall donned the same pair of Solace London trousers to two different events. Despite the age – and style – gap, both ladies killed it. J-Lo wore the pants with a chiffon blouse and diamonds, while Kendall opted to show her taut tum in a crop top. VERDICT Both looked equally as fab, so it’s a tie this week! TWO-PIECE WONDER Lizzy Caplan, 33 The US actress looks oh-so stylish in this floral-print embroidered two-piece. The metallic ensemble gives us major abs envy! CHER WANNABE Noah Cyrus, 15 It seems Miley's younger sister has been taking style notes from singing legend Cher, circa 1980. It’s definitely eye-catching, we’ll give her that.…

Create a cool pyjama suit with palazzo trousers – the prints don’t have to match. Pull all the layers together with an obi belt, as above. Platforms or mules will make a modern footnote. Light and loose, kimonos make a great summer cover-up for the arm conscious. Try throwing in a block colour with neutral. Additional fringing gets a fashionable thumbs up, too. Dress down a slouchy kimono with dungarees and urban trainers. The pack-a-punch print also helps to liven up basic, off-duty outfits. Kimonos also work really well as a super-stylish poolside cover-up. Choose longer styles if you wish to conceal your derrière. Up the glamour by wearing a statement collar necklace, like the one below. Otherwise, layer up long, delicate pendants for something more understated but equally stylish.…

LIT-FROM-WITHIN GLOW Want to make your skin glow like A-lister Amber Heard? Celebrity facialist Nichola Joss says: “Facial oils help plump the skin, while massage is great for improving muscle tone and boosting your complexion – and you can do it at home.” Step up your make-up routine by layering up your products. After applying foundation, sweep a cream highlighter along your nose, the highest point of your cheekbones, and along your brow bones with a blending brush. Finish by applying a tiny amount on your forehead and the centre of your chin with your finger.…

MY HIGHS: “I found fame at just 18 with Hear’Say. I was barely out of college. And I’ve been able to experience such a varied career. I’ve been on stage, a TV presenter and I’ve starred in Emmerdale . I feel thankful every day.” MY LOWS: “Losing your privacy is something you can never prepare for. I was only 23 when I split from Darren and it was hard to have it as public knowledge and know people were talking about it. But it means I have lots of fans who relate to me and my experiences.” MY WISH: “There were so many times in my life when I just wanted to be happy. And now I am, my only wish is to stay this way.”…

GUILT-FREE TREAT COCONUT SPARKLER DRINK STEP 1 Pour 1 cup each of Innocent Apple Juice & Elderflower, Innocent Coconut Water and lightly sparkling water into a jug and stir it all together. STEP 2 Fetch 2 of your very best glasses, add crushed ice (wrap ice in a kitchen towel and hit carefully with a rolling pin) then pour over the coconut sparkler. Decorate each drink with a sprig of fresh mint leaves or a wedge of lime – or both – and 1tsp of toasted desiccated coconut. Sit back and enjoy! For more info on Innocent, visit www.innocentdrinks.co.uk GABY ROSLIN’S QUINOA WITH SALMON AND PESTO DRESSING SERVES 2 150g quinoa 2 handfuls spinach 213g can salmon, drained and flaked 1tbsp raisins 2tbsp sesame seeds 10 grapes, halved…

DJ AND PRESENTER CHARLIE HEDGES, 26, REVEALS ALL What are you scared of? Spiders. Describe yourself in three words DJ, short and happy. What’s your earliest memory? Waiting for my parents to bring home my baby brother from hospital after he was born. I was only four, but I remember it clearly. What’s your favourite smell? The food at festivals. When’s the last time you said: ÒI love youÓ? Earlier, to my gran! What animal would you be? A Chihuahua. They’re cute and get cuddled a lot. What’s your proudest achievement? Becoming a DJ. Charlie presents the KISS FM Breakfast Show weekdays 6-9am. Follow her @charliehedges…

MY FIRST JOB WAS… Working with my uncle at Wembley Market, selling women’s dresses on a Friday. He used to give me £15 a day! I SPENT MY FIRST PROPER PAY CHEQUE ON… When Blue signed a record deal in 2000, I went to Zara and bought a jacket for £80. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman! THE BIGGEST IMPULSE PURCHASE WAS… A Bang & Olufsen TV and CD system that cost me £15,000. It was great for parties back in the day. THE PRICIEST THINGS I OWN IS… A white Ozwald Boateng suit, which cost £2,500. MY BIGGEST MONEY MISTAKE WAS… I’ve made a few – I declared myself bankrupt last year. I bought a house in St Albans, two years before the credit crunch, and lost…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The coming year will be as awesome as you want to make it. if you decide you’re going to be miserable, then that is what you’ll attract into your life. However, if you decide it’s a year when something wonderful will happen, then that is what you’ll get! THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG You can make big changes to your love or financial life this week. It may turn out that the key to doing this is to live and let live. In other words, expect the best and then allow events to unfurl on their own. That way, they're more likely to go in your favour. Yasmin has a message for you – call 0906 7511 677*…

Earlier this year, Danielle and Jamie had family counselling in a bid to maintain an amicable relationship for the sake of their sons. But in May, things turned sour when Danielle opened up in an interview about her struggle to cope after the cheating allegations. She said: “It was like he was someone I didn’t know any more. It’s just embarrassing and degrading, not just to me but to the kids as well.” Jamie was quick to blast Danielle for her claims, Tweeting: “Don’t u hate them people that sell stories for money??” After Danielle revealed two weeks ago that Jamie’s betrayal had left her with trust issues, he appeared to make veiled digs against her on Instagram. In a photo with girlfriend Elizabeth, he wrote: “My love, my world,…

She’s made it perfectly clear that she hasn’t forgiven Jane Pountney for having an affair with her husband Kieran Hayler, after shockingly saying last week she would be happy if her former friend “died in a car crash.” In new Channel 5 show Katie Price: In Therapy Jordan explained: “My head is full of stress, upset and pain… I know this is harsh but if Jane could die in a car crash or get an illness to make her suffer and she’d die from it, I’d be a very happy woman.” Now pals say Jordan, 37, who was mum-of-two Jane’s best friend for years before the scandal, has started looking into black magic and has spoken to an “expert from the US,” even joking she could get the ultimate revenge…

After a sad few weeks following the death of his mum, Julie, last month, sources say Simon Cowell is learning to enjoy life again, thanks to his long-term girlfriend Lauren Silverman and their one-year-old son Eric. And insiders say that while enjoying their recent break in Ibiza, Simon was happy to talk about marriage with Lauren, who he’s been dating since 2013. The 38-year-old mum-of-two looked stunning on the family break, as she showed off her toned, size 10 figure wearing a skimpy bikini. She showcased her slim shape in the stylish two-piece as she soaked up the sun on a yacht. A source says: “Simon appreciates that Lauren has seen him through this really difficult time and he’s continued to speak to her about marriage. She’s completely smitten with…

They’ve weathered more romantic storms than most couples – having split up and got back together several times, had a sex tape of them leaked, and had to face constant comparisons to Lauren’s ex, Mark Wright, and his wife, Michelle Keegan. But after officially reuniting in June, Lauren Goodger and Jake McLean tell Closer their relationship is stronger than ever, even cheekily hinting at their electric sex life. Lauren, 28, reveals: “Anything I say about our sex life is X-rated, as in too rude to print! Jake bought me £500 worth of underwear from Agent Provocateur – it makes you feel great. But with Jake whatever I wear isn’t on for long!” Entrepreneur Jake, 26, chimes in: “Sex is all part of a healthy relationship, especially when you’re young. Lauren’s…

TV presenter Lizzie Cundy, 46, who’s single, says: “I thought Paddy overreacted and I would have cringed if I was his wife! I consider myself a strong woman and I definitely like to fight my own battles. It seems likely that Paddy got the wrong end of the stick and escalated the situation. I don’t like dating men who are prone to jealousy and volatile mood swings. And it’s not how I’ve raised my sons, Josh, 21, and James, 15. I was with Josh recently, having my car repaired, and the guy tried to chat me up by saying: ‘You look like you’ve had too much sex.’ Josh raised an eyebrow and l laughed it off. If something serious had happened, Josh knows I could deal with it by myself.”…

Sarah’s Law – or the Child Sex Offenders’ Disclosure Scheme – came into force in 2011 following public outrage over the murder of Sarah Payne by convicted paedophile Roy Whiting. The scheme, which was started in consultation by Sarah’s mum, Sara, 46, allows parents and others to ask UK police forces for details about known paedophiles living in their area. After a successful pilot, the scheme was rolled out nationally in 2011. Between 2011-2014, more than 6,000 applications were made to police under the new law. Sara has been awarded an honorary doctorate and made an MBE in recognition of her work.…

Natacha Tormey, 31, grew up in a cult known as The Children Of God, set up in 1968 by leader David Berg. At its peak, the group boasted approximately 10,000 members and at one point even counted the parents of Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix and Charmed actress Rose McGowan among its members. Writer Natacha, who now lives with husband Kevin, 46, in Buckinghamshire, says: “Reading about Gloriavale reminds me of my own upbringing. All cults demand total control over members’ lives, dominating everything from work to relationships. Like Gloriavale, I wasn’t allowed any contact with the outside world and was taught that all non-members were “evil.” Birth control was banned and no proper education was provided. It’s designed to ensure that you become a robot – unable to think for…

EastEnders is set for some of its most heartbreaking scenes ever, when seven months pregnant Shabnam Masood suffers a stillbirth. Working closely with neonatal death and stillbirth charity Sands, the BBC1 soap hopes to tackle what is, sadly, a not uncommon but little talked about subject. Actress Rakhee Thakrar, 31, who plays Shabnam, tells Closer: “When I found out about the story I felt incredibly sad, then the feelings of responsibility crept in. I took it really seriously – I wanted to do it justice.” In the scenes, due to air later this month, Shabnam and her fiancé Kush go to hospital worried she can’t feel the baby, and learn that their child has died in the womb. To prepare, Rakhee – who doesn’t have children – met women affected…

IN THE NEWS NEW LOOK GETS AUTUMN READY Autumn, we hear you cry?! Yep, ’fraid so. It may be high summer out there, but style waits for no lady, and with the fashion focus already shifting to autumn, New Look are on hand with an accessories aisle brimming with brilliant new season wardrobe re-booters. From patchwork shoulder swingers and suede knee-highs to sporty backpacks and fringed loafers, they’ve superbly ticked off tons of the upcoming trends – so much so, you’ll be willing the cold weather to arrive early! MEET THE MICRO TREND... ZIP-FRONT DRESSES Back from the wardrobe wilderness of the ’90s, the zip-front frock is a favourite among A-listers. Wear yours with chunky sandals for an ensemble that’ll work for any occasion JUST LANDED GET SLEEK! This latest…

8.30am First job of the day is getting dressed, as I sleep in the nude. Most people do, right?! Then I’ll take my bulldog, Leo, out for a walk. 9am Breakfast – something filling like scrambled eggs on toast. 9.30am I’ll get myself ready. For daytime, it’s usually jeans and a T-shirt or a maxi dress in the summer. I’m super-organised – my wardrobe is all colour co-ordinated and everything has to be hung just right! 10am I always cleanse, tone and moisturise before putting on make-up. I like Anastasia’s contouring palette and YSL mascara is always in my make-up bag. I love big bouncy hair, so I’ll wear sleep-in rollers overnight. 10.30am If I’m going to work [Amy owns a beauty salon and clothes boutique in Essex], I won’t…

Where do you shop? I buy meat and fish from M&S, and my veg from a local farmers’ market. I have coeliac disease, so I usually grab my gluten-free foods from Holland & Barrett. I spend £60 a week. What is your typical daily diet? Breakfast is gluten-free toast with jam, mid-morning I’ll have a gluten-free muffin to keep me going, then for lunch, I’ll make a Greek salad with chicken, feta cheese, lettuce, black olives and basil. Dinner is usually sea bass with steamed veg. I snack on cashews, dried cranberries and raisins. Is there anything you refuse to eat? I hate mackerel – it stinks! What’s the strangest thing you’ve eaten? A pair of bull’s balls when I was in Spain. I felt like throwing up! What would…

A recent survey found there has been a 200 per cent rise in the number of adults seeking specialist treatment for acne, and one in three sufferers is over 35. It’s something GPs are familiar with, because hormones have a major impact on your skin long after your teens. Hormone spikes during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the menopause can cause overproduction of sebum (a natural oil that moisturises your skin). Too much blocks hair follicles, encourages bacteria to grow and leads to spots. But rest assured, there’s plenty you can do… HORMONES WREAKING HAVOC Fluctuating hormones can cause monthly acne, often on the chin. Certain drugs can also alter hormone levels; corticosteroids, anti-epileptics and some mood-stabilising pills are common offenders. Having too much male hormone in the body can…

CUT YOUR BILLS British Gas are reducing their standard tariff by 3 per cent, and more reductions are expected so review your deal. Also check direct debits. Research from uSwitch says 12 million households could be owed a total of £1.1 billion by suppliers. Submit meter readings and pay the right amount to avoid your cash sitting in an energy account. NO MORE IOUs! We know the nightmare of trying to collect money from friends for a group trip or holiday. Try Flendr.com instead – one person pays, then everyone gets a link to pay their share. Easy!…

CBB: Get ready for crazy This year’s Celebrity Big Brother UK vs USA theme will split the housemates up from launch night, with the famous faces from the two countries pitted against each other from the word go. Host Emma Willis reckons things will be “tense,” adding: “You can only hope people have a sense of humour!” (Er, we’re not sure previous CBB contestant Perez Hilton got that memo…) Rylan Clark, who fronts spin-off show Bit On The Side, adds: “You get certain American housemates like Speidi [husband and wife team Heidi and Spencer Pratt, CBB 2013] and Perez who are like, ‘Team USA!’ and so patriotic – they even have the American flag above their bed...” And speaking about what Emma, 39, and Rylan, 26, (who won CBB in…