Closer -julkaisun Issue 889 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

When ex- Towie star Kate Wright married Rio Ferdinand, she officially became stepmum to the widowed former footballer’s three children. Now the couple are speaking about their experiences in a BBC documentary. We think it’s brilliant they’re shining a light on the joys and challenges of ‘blended’ families, as they are the fastest growing type of family in the UK. This week, we’ve chatted to TV star Anthea Turner, who reveals she’s still incredibly close to her three stepdaughters, despite splitting from their father. We also have stories from real women, who share their tips for making it work. They agree it’s vital that the children come first, but it’s also important to make time for your relationship. Hint taken! With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, our style team has rounded…

She was slammed by animal rights groups last week for carrying a £16,000 crocodile skin handbag just months after declaring her fashion and beauty lines were “100 per cent cruelty-free”. The former Spice Girl, 45, had garnered praise when she announced she was ditching exotic animal skins from her label last year – but has been left feeling “hurt” by the backlash over her Hermès Birkin crocodile bag. One online commenter said, “What a hypocrite!” – and pals say the star is worried the backlash could further damage her already struggling brand and has vowed to be more conscious about her fashion choices. A source says, “Victoria was devastated at being branded hypocritical when she’s working so hard to carefully promote her enterprises and be as relatable and genuine as…

“ SHE’S FINDING IT HARD TO FORGET EVERYTHING THAT’S HAPPENED” They’ve put on a united front since she was crowned Queen of the Jungle – amid claims her husband had cheated on her in a threesome in 2018 – but last week, Jacqueline Jossa, 27, and Dan Osborne looked stony-faced as they left the National Television Awards. Earlier in the evening, when Closer asked the ex-EastEnders actress if “all was good” between the couple, she snapped, “Yep”, before storming off, leaving her husband alone. TENSION Awkwardly, ex-Love Island contestant Gabby Allen, 26 – who has denied claims she slept with Dan, 28, in 2018 – was at the ceremony. Gabby’s ex-boyfriend Myles Stephenson – who reportedly told his I’m A Celeb! campmate Jacqueline off air that he had read texts…

When Emma Jones* was 19, she became pregnant with her son. At seven months pregnant, her mother kicked her out because she didn’t approve of the pregnancy due to her religious beliefs. Emma’s local council couldn’t find her a hostel, so she was on the streets. When Closer last spoke to Emma, she was still pregnant and living in a homeless shelter. She told Closer, “It’s terrifying. I still can’t believe what happened to me. One moment I had everything – a job as a carer for the elderly, which I loved, a boyfriend, and a comfortable home. “But when I got pregnant, it all went wrong. I’d just split up with my boyfriend of two years, as he suffered from depression and couldn’t cope with a relationship. And I…

When Susanna Reid recently posted a throwback snap – dating back 20 years - fans commented that she looked “younger now” and inundated the star with requests for her to spill her secrets. The Good Morning Britain presenter, 49, insists she has “never had Botox” and says her flawless skin is the result of ditching booze and cleaning up her diet last year, after a dermatologist revealed her eating and drinking habits were causing her blemishes. The fitness fanatic – who has completed two marathons and two Great North Runs – has lost over a stone as a result. But the mum of three, who is a toned size 8, insists her new image is largely down to the “glam squad” at GMB, saying, “They blow-dry the frizz from my…

They shared a life together for 23 years, before splitting in 2015 – but it seems Caitlyn and Kris Jenner also share the same fashion sense, as the transgender icon has been taking inspiration from her ex-wife. Most recently, Caitlyn, 70, was pictured wearing a classy black knee-length dress with metallic zip detailing, paired with black high heels, to a Loose Women appearance last month (left) – an identical outfit to the one Kris, 64, had worn eight years previously at a red carpet event. Caitlyn – who transitioned from male to female four years ago – has previously revealed that she’d often spend time in Kris’ wardrobe while she was struggling with her identity, as well as exploring the clothes collections of their daughters Kendall and Kylie. She said…

Every winter, the RSPCA receives more than 1,000 complaints regarding neglected rabbits. People often assume rabbits’ thick fur will give them extra warmth and protection during harsh winter months, but in reality, they struggle to keep warm when kept alone in outdoor hutches – in the wild they retreat to burrows and snuggle in groups to generate heat when it’s cold. Like humans, rabbits love feeling snug, and huddle in warm bedding to go to sleep. In the winter months, provide your pet with swathes of straw or clean blankets. While recycled newspaper can make a good lining for a hutch, too much of the inky paper will be dangerous for your furry friends, who will rip and chew it if bored. Where possible, always keep rabbits in pairs. Weight…

BEING A WORKING MUM: I don’t think women can win. Working mums and stay-at-home mums get a tough time. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. You just have to do what’s right for you and not listen to what the mummy brigade say. PRIORITISING FAMILY: My job as a mother isn’t just to provide for my children, it’s to be there for them, too – someone they can speak to, hang out with, and lean on. When it comes to the kids, I don’t ever want to feel like I’m missing out on stuff. HAVING MORE CHILDREN: Will I have a fourth child? I don’t know. Sometimes I think, “Why not?” and sometimes I think, “No way!” My husband Dan changes his mind, too.…

When news of Kobe’s tragic death hit the headlines, social media was awash with tributes. Celebrities – including the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber – shared their sadness and offered condolences to the Bryant family. Kim Kardashian, who, along with husband Kanye West, was friends with Kobe and Vanessa, wrote, “My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through. This has affected us all so much but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it.” Close friend David Beckham wrote, “Kobe always talked about Vanessa and his beautiful girls and how proud he was of them. Kobe’s passion was his family and basketball. He…

ZAYN MALIK: When One Direction were on The X Factor, there was a point when Zayn said he’d had enough and didn’t want to carry on. I found him and said, “You know what, Zayn? If you give it one more shot, it might just change your life.” In this particular case, it did. JAMES ARTHUR: He is one of the nicest, most sincere and loyal people you will ever meet. He went off, wrote his own material and came back with this record [2016’s Say You Won’t Let Go]. There wasn’t a big hullabaloo about the release. LEONA LEWIS: One of the best performances I’ve ever seen was Leona performing Summertime on the X Factor live shows in 2006. If we can still find people like that on The…

GET HER LOOK SELENA GOMEZ , 27 While promoting her new album Rare , singer Selena nails smart casual, giving us serious winter fashion inspiration. To style like the star, invest in a chunky knit to beat the cold and add tan accessories for a chic finish. IN THE NEWS... ROCHELLE’S STYLISH STAPLES TV presenter Rochelle Humes is back with her tenth edit for New Look, full of wardrobe essentials for an easy seasonal update. Think comfortable jeans, cool khaki jackets, and statement bags. Prices start at just £7.99, so time to stock up! FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! NTAS SPECIAL! HALFHEARTED Binky Felstead, 29 It seems MIC star Binky couldn’t decide what to wear, so stuck two completely different dresses together. At least her lovely hair and glowy makeup distract…

JUST LANDED GLOW GETTER PIXI +C VIT PRIMING OIL WHAT IS IT? A nourishing oil infused with vitamin C and turmeric to brighten and rehydrate thirsty winter skin, prepping it for flawless make-up application. WHY WE LOVE IT: We’ve never used a primer like this before. The oil formula feels really luxurious, and worked wonders in terms of radiance. A little goes a long way, plus it doesn’t make skin feel greasy. After a week’s use, our complexion was visibly brighter and healthier. We’re sold! GET THE LOOK... ROSY CHEEKS Get date-night ready, like Mandy and Jodie, with these pretty pink blushers… ❶ BUILDABLE COLOUR MAYBELLINE CHEEK HEAT SHEER GEL-CREAM BLUSH IN PINK SCORCH £8.99 The water base gives this formula a sheer finish, perfect for a natural, flushed look…

GO VEGAN YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... TURMERIC & GINGER SWEET POTATO SOUP 267 CALS 12.2G FAT 13.7G SUGAR 1.9G SALT PER SERVING SERVES 4 • 1 tbsp groundnut oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh turmeric, grated (or 1 tsp ground turmeric) • 750ml vegetable stock (made with 1 stock cube) • 1-2 tsp dried chilli flakes, to garnish • 1 tbsp chopped chives, to garnish For the tofu ‘croutons’ • 200g firm tofu, cut into 2cm cubes • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari • 2 tbsp groundnut oil •1/2 tbsp sesame oil • 1 tbsp…

When it comes to skin issues, you want to give your kids all the support they might need, but there’s always the worry you’re drawing attention to something that either upsets them or that they aren’t even bothered about. BE HONEST AND OPEN When my boys started getting teenage acne, I had an honest discussion with them about hormones and general skin health. I told them that spots, pimples and acne are a completely normal part of growing up. I researched and bought them skin-friendly products, and made an appointment with our GP, who prescribed antibiotics and a topical steroid treatment. This early and proactive approach has kept their skin under control, and has taught them that there is always a solution. It’s true of things like eczema, too. HELP…

Actress Ali Bastian, 37, reveals her last few purchases £4 For a hot chocolate in Caffè Nero. They made me a special one with salted caramel – it was delicious. £300 On two return flights to the Canary Islands. £16 For Bump and Glory pre-natal vitamins from Bare Biology [Ali is expecting her first child in March]. £22.99 On a Deliveroo takeaway from my local coffee shop. I had chicken pesto pasta and salad. £57.70 To bulk-buy 240 Seeking Health Optimal pre-natal vitamins. • Ali supports Action for Children (Actionforchildren.org. uk) Follow her on Instagram at @alibastianinsta…

• Don’t force anything. Being in the background and letting the children adjust to you is a much better way to move forward. • Help the children to feel secure. Once they realise you aren’t going anywhere, they will begin to open up. • Make sure you take time for your relationship. It’s important to reflect on you and your partner and how you feel together. • Be honest with the children, otherwise they will see through you straight away. If you’re not happy, they will notice, so you need to be open about how everyone is feeling. • Understand the relationship is a work in progress and might not be perfect straight away.…

‘My priority is my kids’ emotional wellbeing’ “Like many people, I thought my marriage would last forever. However, things fell apart after six years, when I discovered my ex-husband, Andy, was having an affair with a friend. In 2008, I found myself as a single mum to Tyde and Evan, who were aged two and four at the time. I had no money and one clear objective: to stay absolutely and happily single for the rest of my life. Then, five years later – just as we’d got used to life as a unit of three – I met my new husband, Pete, and realised I wasn’t as cynical about love as I thought. But I was very worried about how the relationship would affect my boys. My main aim…

1 RIO AND KATE: BECOMING A STEPFAMILY “DEEPLY PERSONAL” DOCUMENTARY MON 10 FEB, 9PM, BBC1 In 2015, former footballer Rio Ferdinand, 41, suffered heartbreak when his wife Rebecca died at 34, after being diagnosed with breast cancer a second time. However, Rio, 41, married reality TV star Kate Wright in Turkey last year, two years after they met. This one-off documentary shows the months leading up to the couple’s nuptials, and looks at the “emotionally complicated dilemmas” the family deal with together. It also explores the challenges Kate, 28, faces in being new stepmother to three children – Lorenz, 13, Tate, 11, and eight-year-old Tia. A moving watch. FACTFILE  This is the follow-up to Rio Ferdinand’s BAFTA-winning documentary Being Mum And Dad, in which he came to terms with the…

MUST READ The 24 Hour Café (LIBBY PAGE) Day and night, Stella’s Café opens its doors to the lonely and the lost, the morning people and the night owls. Everyone is always welcome. Hannah and Mona are waitresses there, and best friends. But is it time to step outside and make their own way in life? Can they leave the comfort and safety the cafe brings? A feel-good and lovely read. It makes us want to step inside the cafe! BEST DAY OUT KidZania London When we were little, we always dreamed about what we wanted to be when we got older: doctor, vet, fireman or even an undercover spy! Well, at KidZania, your little ones can actually play out their dream profession at a purpose-built indoor city ran by…

No need to apologise for being powerful, Amy. But how about a sorry for that naughty language! Megan’s new fella reveals the full extent of his chronic shyness on their first date. Awkward. CHRISSY TEIGEN We can finally reveal why Closer turned down Chrissy’s application for our job as resident nutritionist… EMILY ATACK Well, Ems, last time we checked, it was half-past warp drive. GEORGIA TOFFOLO Toff flies long-haul so often that she actually goes upstairs on a double decker bus expecting to find a first class lounge. “But where’s the cocktail bar, darling?” Yes, Emma – out here in the real world, this is what happens when you do your make-up on public transport. The latest must-have for people who sleep through their alarm – Shakira, on drums, in…

“ SHE THINKS IT’S A CHANCE TO MAKE MONEY AS A LESBIAN POWER COUPLE” With her third divorce about to be finalised with her ex-husband Kieran Hayler, 32, Jordan stunned fans during a make-up masterclass in Liverpool last week by declaring she “needs to be a lesbian” as men “just f** k [her] about”. At the event, she continued, “Maybe that is a good idea. Maybe I’m a lesbian…. I’ve been there, done that and got the T-shirt, but I’d do it again.” And pals tell Closer that, after initially making the comments in jest, Jordan – real name Katie Price – is now considering a headline-grabbing romance with another female celebrity. CONTROVERSY Sources say the star, 41 – who’s had a turbulent year, having been declared bankrupt, and was…

“ SHE MAKES OUT SHE’S INVINCIBLE BUT SHE’S HARBOURING INSECURITIES” She made no attempt to hide her voluptuous curves last week when she was pictured in her native Essex in a skimpy hot-pink gym outfit – beaming as she confidently posed for the paparazzi. But the latest snaps of Lauren Goodger prompted a barrage of cruel comments from body-shaming trolls, who likened her to the “Michelin Man” and “Mr Blobby” – as well as other even more abusive and upsetting remarks. BULLYING Unimpressed by the taunts, fans waded in to defend Lauren, 33. One said, “I hope Lauren never sees these comments. It’s bullying. And what right do we have to comment on another’s body? Imagine if it was your sister, your daughter? No one deserves that.” A complimentary male…

VICKY: ‘ We’ll get married abroad!’ Following a visit to a fertility clinic late last year, Vicky Pattison revealed she’d been told that if she wanted to be healthy enough to have a baby, she should cut down on alcohol. The former Geordie Shore star, famed for her partying on the show, has since opened up about overhauling her diet and lifestyle, telling Closer she’s keen to have a family, and wants to give her body the best chance of conceiving naturally. And when we caught up with Vicky at the National TV Awards last week, it was clear she was sticking to her resolution, going sober for the evening and even shunning the glitzy after-party in favour of an early night. But despite fans speculating she may already be…

She’s ruled out ever going under the knife, but Denise Van Outen admits to having had a little help when it comes to reversing the ageing process, opting for non-surgical treatments to firm up her face – and bottom! The 45-year-old mum and TV presenter was featured in a video clip last year getting a bespoke face and bum lift at a beauty clinic. She reposted the clip of her undergoing the treatment, alongside the caption, “Head to toe bespoke treatments by @shanecooper non invasive & non surgical. My skin feels amazing.” Denise, who lives with boyfriend Eddie Boxhall, 45, and is mum to nine-year-old Betsy with actor Lee Mead, is a huge advocate of the natural-looking “lift” saying, “I’m often in my swimwear so I wanted to have something…

POWER SUIT Kris donned a white suit at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2018. Three months later, Caitlyn wore a similar style at a pre-Grammys party. Kris’ sunnies give her the edge. FLORAL FANCY Both rocking red floral frocks – Caitlyn for a Grammy party last year, and Kris for date night with boyfriend Corey Gamble in 2016. Kris’ rich velvet coat gets our vote on this get-up. BEADED BEAUTY You can’t beat a bit of sparkle, especially if you’re a Kardashian. Caitlyn took inspo from Kris’ beaded gown, rocking an even glitzier dress to one of Elton John’s parties in 2017. Caitlyn wins! BLACK MAGIC Everyone needs a black dress, and both ladies look great in these floor-sweeping numbers. We love the slit on Caitlyn’s, worn to a…

After losing an impressive 14st with weight loss surgery, Krystina Butel hoped she’d look and feel incredible. But the gym owner – who had previously undergone six boob jobs – was devastated to be left with saggy and deformed boobs after losing the weight. Determined to get them fixed, the surgery addict spent a staggering £100,000 on yet another boob job, performed by celebrity surgeons in LA. The operation was a success – despite her surgeon discovering that one of Krystina’s implants had actually exploded inside her breast – and she finally feels amazing. Krystina, 33, from Rotherham, Yorskhire, says, “After having a gastric bypass, I’d look in the mirror and all I could see was wonky boobs that hung down to my belly button. “I couldn’t believe it when…

‘I mute and block people who troll me’ When it comes to body confidence, Scarlett Moffatt has had a tumultuous ride. She’s suffered intense public scrutiny over her weight in recent years, but the 29-year-old star – who recently admitted on a TV documentary that she has days where she doesn’t like what she sees in the mirror – tells Closer she’s finally getting to grips with loving her body and accepting herself for who she is. The star says, “However you look – whether you’re super slim, muscly or curvy – you’re not just the sum of your parts. You’ve got more value than the way you look. No one is going to lie on their deathbed, look back on their life, and go, ‘Oh my God, remember that…

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INSIDE ZOE’S FRIDGE • Bananas • Miso paste • Oranges • Prunes • Raspberries • Chocolate • Salmon • Avocado • Lemons • Limes • Turkey mince • Ginger • Goat’s cheese • Chicken fillets • Spinach • Kiwis • Red peppers • Leeks • Spring onions • Almond milk • Sweet potatoes • Courgettes • Prosecco • Carrots ZOE How much do you spend per week? I’m really lucky as my husband Will is a butcher – he and his family own farms, along with nine deli shops. I don’t pay for meat and fish from there. I’ll order the rest of my shop online and spend about £50. Describe your daily diet… I drink a litre of water when I wake up, and then decide if I fancy…

Eight in ten of us are affected by the winter blues, or a milder form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). We are more likely to feel tired physically and low emotionally, due to the lack of white light and sunshine on our skin from spending too little time outdoors. Counteracting these feelings takes determination and commitment. Little reinventions go a long way, so book a hair appointment and try out a new style. When you look good, you feel better. Getting your life organised can also help boost your mood, because when you feel in control you’re better able to manage emotions. Download a budgeting app, create a weekly planner, clean out clutter, and take clothes you’ll never wear again to the charity shop. Twenty minutes of transcendental meditation (with…

I’M PROUD OF... still being in the music industry, 26 years later. I never expected the success I had with Dreams . Having my children [Jordan, 24, and Patricia, 17] come to my shows is incredible. I’VE LEARNED... to be true to myself and speak my truth. I never used to say what I meant. When I reached 39, I stopped being a people pleaser. I REGRET... not speaking up for myself earlier. I waited too long before saying no. Young people now are far more assertive than I ever was. I FEAR... running out of time to do the things I want to do. My diet is a big thing – I worry I’ve left it too late to look after my health. I’ve got two beautiful children. I…

• If you have an ex on the scene, it’s important to keep relations civil. Don’t argue in front of the kids, as that leaves them with upsetting memories and may even shape their future longterm relationships. • You may be thrilled at the prospect of blending two families, but your kids may feel distraught, angry, or jealous. Understand that kids struggle with change and you can’t expect them to automatically respect your choices. • Plan “shoulder-to-shoulder” activities, to encourage bonding through shared experiences. For little ones, it could be colouring or for older ones, cooking or a kick-about. Make sure each child gets individual time with each parent. This gives the direct message that everyone is important. • Let both sides of the new family incorporate traditions from their…

Can you sum up the series? It’s very different to New Lives In The Wild [Ben’s other show]. It’s still about changing your life, but it’s less extreme. I wanted to do a slightly more realistic and achievable series for viewers, who can watch and not just dream, but actually maybe do something like this for themselves. And you talk about your own dream, which is to open a boutique hotel... I’ve often joked with Marina [Ben’s wife of 14 years] that when the work dries up, we might just abandon city life and go and find a little island somewhere really remote. I think we all have dreams – mine is to have a little hotel. I think if I could really and truly be myself, I would wear…

Despite being advised by her legal team to stay off social media and keep quiet over her impending assault trial, Caroline Flack broke her silence last week by venting on Instagram, “I’m going to speak today… mine and my families life is no longer up for entertainment and gossip [sic].” “ AFTER HER HOLIDAY, SHE’S REJUVENATED AND READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER” MOCKED The TV host’s outburst came amid a flurry of reports that she has separated from her partner, Lewis Burton, 27, who she’s accused of beating across the head with a lamp as he slept in her north London home before Christmas – with him allegedly telling police, “She tried to kill me, bruv” – leading to her shock arrest. Although Lewis has since stood by his girlfriend…

“ I’D FLY IN BY HELICOPTER AND THEN WALK UP A SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL AISLE” She’s long been open about her dreams of settling down, getting married and starting a family – and now Gemma Collins has gone one step further and been spotted trying on wedding dresses. The former TOWIE star, 39, was seen modelling designer gowns at a wedding boutique in Essex, where she was pictured in a £1,650 lace-sleeved dress from the plus-size collection, completing the look with a veil and diamond tiara. FUN TIMES She was then spotted leaving with one of the dresses, having seemingly just bought it, causing fans to speculate whether the star is now engaged to on-off boyfriend James ‘Arg’ Argent, 32, who is currently undergoing rehab abroad. On The Gemma Collins Podcast…

Homeless charity Shelter’s tips for keeping hold of your home: 1) If you are struggling to pay your housing costs, talk to an expert adviser as soon as possible. Shelter offers a free helpline and web chat service open every day of the year. 2)Make paying the rent or mortgage your top priority. You can get help to deal with debts such as credit cards and phone bills separately. 3)Don’t withhold the rent, even if your home needs repairs. 4) Avoid borrowing if you can – high-interest loans could make things much worse quickly. 5) Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you’re a mum-to-be facing homelessness or simply feeling overwhelmed by your housing problems, get in touch for free expert advice by visiting Shelter. org.uk/get_help. As well as…

With her sleek blonde bob, svelte figure and fresh-faced glow, Kate Garraway wowed viewers during her appearance at the National Television awards, with one fan taking to Twitter to praise her “Hollywood-worthy looks”, adding that she “blows most 20 year olds out of the water!” The TV presenter, 52, who’s mum to Darcey, 13, and Billy, ten, with psychotherapist husband Derek, 52, first caused a stir during her stint on I’m A Celeb! late last year, where she showed off the impressive results of her lifestyle overhaul – even prompting 28-year-old fellow campmate and Rak-su singer Myles Stephenson to describe her as “really hot”. COSMETIC SURGERY And while it’s hard not to notice Kate’s slimmer frame – she lost 2st prior to her jungle appearance, dropping a further stone on…

CHRISAPOLOGISES TO JESY AFTER SHOCK PUNCH-UP She broke down on stage as she accepted her NTA award for her BBC Three documentary Odd One Out , thanking her boyfriend of one year, Chris Hughes, for “bringing me up every day and making me feel confident”. But Jesy Nelson’s big win was marred by her partner after he attacked a paparazzo outside the after-party, leading to a police investigation being launched. A shocking five-minute video emerged showing Chris angrily approaching the photographer, claiming he’d called him a rude name. He started punching and kicking the man, as others intervened. Chris can then be heard ranting, “Why have you called me a p **** ? I’m a nice guy. I’m from the Cotswolds.” Chris, 27, then got into a cab with his…

They’re the television duo known for their brilliant on-screen chemistry, but recently Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have been hit by speculation over the state of their behind-the-scenes relationship, with reports of a bitter rift between the pair. The two long-term hosts of This Morning began presenting together in 2009 when Fern Britton – whose own relationship with co-presenter Phil was famously frosty – announced her exit after ten years on the popular ITV show. And last year, reports emerged there was tension between Phil and former co-host Amanda Holden, after she accused him of blocking her from sitting in for Holly while she filled in for Ant McPartlin on I’m A Celeb! in Australia. TENSION Holly, 38, and Phil, 57 – who also host Dancing On Ice together –…

Victoria Milligan lives with her three surviving children, Amber, now 18, Olivia, 17, and Kit, 11, in London. She says, “I know all too well what Vanessa is going through. Losing a child is unimaginably horrific. You ache to see them again, to tuck them up in bed one more time, to read them one more story. To lose your husband at the same time – the man you want to turn to, to get through the grief – is agonising. “Grief is different for everyone, but I’d tell Vanessa not to hide her emotions from her children, hug them and cry with them. They’ll get through this together. “I was on holiday in Cornwall in May 2013 with Nick and our children, Amber, then 12, Olivia, 10, Emily, eight,…

‘I’m really happy – I have loads of energy!’ Going topless on a beach in Barbados in December, a slimmed-down Simon Cowell shocked fans by showing off his 1½st weight loss, crediting a predominantly plant-based diet for his dramatic transformation. He began a lifestyle and body overhaul in 2017, after suffering a serious fall down the stairs in his London home. He’d fainted due to low blood pressure, with a doctor telling him he had “the worst diet he’d ever seen”. BUFF NEW LOOK The fall was a wake-up call for Simon, 60. Since then, he has cut out sugar, bread and gluten. He initially adopted a vegan diet, before reintroducing white meat – and he’s lost four inches off his waist, dropping from 36 inches to 32. The TV…

Peacocks is thrilled to launch its upcoming spring/summer collection alongside brand ambassador Scarlett Moffatt, with the Scarlett Loves Peacocks Edit. And Closer has teamed up with Peacocks to offer readers an exclusive 20% off in-store and online from 4 February until midnight on 18 February. Peacocks specialises in providing high-quality clothing at affordable prices for all the family. Simply redeem your 20% off at the till or enter the code CLOSER20 at the checkout at Peacocks.co.uk. Ts&Cs: This voucher entitles you to 20% off full-price items only in one transaction at Peacocks stores and Peacocks.co.uk. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion. Excludes gift cards. To redeem, enter code CLOSER20 at online checkout or show code CLOSER20 at tills. Voucher is not exchangeable for…

HERO BUYS MAKE IT WORK Pair with bright accessories and a borg jacket in winter, and swap for tan sandals and a wicker bag when the sun shines. WEAR IT WITH...…

SWEET SLEEPWEAR Everyone loves a PJ set and this cute co-ord is a bargain. Celebrate Galentine’s Day in style by giving them to your bestie. PRETTY PAIR Raise a mug to Valentine’s with this stylish matching set. Nothing says “I love you” like a good morning cuppa. CARING CUSHION Gift this cute pillow to a pal who loves to make a statement. Perfect for brightening up a drab bed or sofa. RED-HOT DATE Spice up your love life with this date-night dinner kit. Each month, you’ll get spices and recipes for a romantic meal for two. PERFECT PAMPERING The ultimate gift for those who deserve some TLC, this box includes body wash and lotion, a candle and a bath bomb. SASSY SLOGAN Reusable cups are an essential, so be planet…

As we all travel so much, things like this spread easily. Within days of it being identified in China last month, a man tested positive in Germany. At least 70 people have been tested in the UK, and Public Health England think it’s “likely” the virus will end up here, though so far all tests have been negative. But, if you take precautions, you can stay safe from infection. NO NEED FOR MASKS As far as we know, it circulates like cold and flu. Like most superbugs, it’s very contagious, so hand-washing is important. It’s also transmitted when people cough and sneeze without using tissues. You may have seen people wearing masks, but there’s no evidence to show they work, and they could make you more complacent in other ways…

Awhile back, I wrote about my disgust with a dating trend known as “hyping”, where people go on dates solely to boost their confidence. The merry-go-round of rejection in dating harms the confidence of single people enough as it is, so I’m not surprised some people turn to this tactic. I’ve had a knock in confidence due to dating, and it isn’t nice. But although I definitely do not advocate hyping, I do think you can allow someone to restore faith in yourself and in dating to help you on your path to love. Essentially, it’s like a mini “practice” relationship – as long as you boost the other person up, too. Before Christmas, I started seeing a lovely guy. I wouldn’t say he was my type or that we…

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN The Royal Horticultural Society has reported a ten to 15 per cent year-on-year increase in houseplant purchases since 2013. “Plants improve your environment visually, as well as having air-purifying and de-stressing benefits,” says Chloe Bullock, Interior Designer at the British Institute of Interior Design. “My favourites are snake plants and peace lilies, which are both low maintenance.” Pick up budget-friendly greenery from farmers’ markets or supermarkets, or visit garden centres after Bank Holidays when they reduce surplus stock. You can also try growing plants from seed instead of buying at full-grown price. ADD HINTS OF BLUE Pantone’s colour of the year is Classic Blue. Wondering how to use it? “Paint just one wall to dilute the impact if you’re not sold on a dramatic look,” says…

Cath Jones, 46, lives with her husband Dave, 57, in Caerphilly. While Cath has no children of her own, she became stepmum to Dave’s four children – Gareth, now 24, Catherine, 27, Victoria, 29, and Alexandria, 33 – when they started a relationship following his divorce from the children’s mother. They married in 2010, and although Cath found it difficult at first, she feels lucky to have found a “ready-made family”. ❛I WAS TERRIFIED OF MEETING THEM… I HOPED THEY WOULD LIKE ME❜ Cath says, “I’m glad Kate and Rio are speaking out about being a stepfamily because, until recently, it’s not something that people often discussed. When I met Dave and became an instant mum to four children, I didn’t have anyone I could relate to. But, luckily –…

When Anthea Turner marries fiancé Mark Armstrong later this year, there will be three guests of honour at the celebrations: her gorgeous stepdaughters Lily, 28, Amelia, 27, and Claudia, 23. The girls were just six, five and two when Anthea got together with their father, property developer Grant Bovey. The couple married in August 2000 and her stepdaughters followed her down the aisle. In fact, their special relationship remains today, even though Anthea and Grant divorced in 2015. “The girls are a beacon of light in my life and I love them,” she says. “When you’re a step-parent, you appreciate it more – maybe because it’s not an ‘umbilical cord relationship’ and you’ve had to work at it. Now that I’m no longer married to their father, we’re in each…

Shona McGarty plays the troubled Whitney Dean… What’s the ideal outcome for the situation with Leo? Although he’s Tony’s son, and it’s awful and tragic as they can never be together, she holds a torch for him… How did she feel when she found out Leo is Tony’s son? She was shocked and heartbroken. She thought she’d found the perfect man, but it went horribly wrong. Is Whitney in danger? She’s oblivious about Leo in her loft, which is terrifying. When she realises the letter from Tony is gone, her and Leo have a big showdown……

You look like you all get on behind the scenes… We really do – though funnily enough, the joyous scenes are really quite tricky to film. You go a bit nuts, because it takes more energy to manufacture joy. Scenes when we’re all crying are much easier. And Hannah’s swimming again? It’s unfair having to film those scenes. You’ve got no make-up on and you get to an age where you really don’t want to be seen in a swimming costume, but that’s how she is conducting her affair. She thinks she’s being the most discreet she can be – I don’t think she used the gym membership until now. Why do you think series one was such a hit? It’s written so well – you see the confusion and…

AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB You have a chance to heal a hurt with someone. Talk things through (use soothing tones) or write a message, but sort it out. Now is also a great time to change your daily routines for the better. Get your invitation to join the life-changing (free) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages.com/ moonlite PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR This is a good time for you to lay low as the Sun moves through your 12th House. Use this week for ‘me-time’, and work on solving any dramas you’ve had which made you doubt yourself or challenged your self-worth. Aim to boost your self-esteem. Get your invitation to join the life-changing (free) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages.com/moonlite ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR If you’ve been through the romantic mill lately,…