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For many of us, the last six months amid the pandemic restrictions have given us a chance to reflect, and maybe reset. Someone who knows all about self-scrutiny and starting afresh is Kerry Katona, whose turbulent life has been played out almost entirely through reality TV. On p12, the mum of five reveals that the deeply personal experience has taught her some surprisingly useful life lessons, even shaping her ensuing wellbeing and happiness. Meanwhile, another Closer favourite, Gail Porter, tells us that despite coping with “not the kindest of years”, she’s embracing a brighter outlook ahead of her 50th birthday, saying the older she gets, the younger she acts. Gail has been open about her two decades of mental health struggles, and remains hopeful for the future. Turn to p40…

• Peter Andre’s sexual history is dragged up in the bitter court battle between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy • Media litigation lawyer Caroline Kean warns there are ‘no winners’ and we’ll continue to see celebrities ‘slagging each other off’ • Insiders reveal multiple stars linked to the WAGs are starting to get nervous their names could be brought into the dispute ‘THE RISK OF THEIR FRIENDS BEING CALLED ON TO GIVE EVIDENCE COULD BECOME A REALITY’ As Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy count down to their £1million High Court showdown next month, their now infamous WAG war dropped another bombshell last week when Peter Andre was dragged into the drama. Explosive new court documents from Coleen’s legal team specifically referenced dad-of-four Pete, 47. Becky claimed to have slept with…

‘DAN MAY HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT SHE WILL BE THE BREADWINNER, BUT THIS RISKS CAUSING JEALOUSY’ He looked every part the Essex businessman last week as he was pictured driving away from a London dealership in a swanky new Audi RS6 sports car, worth a staggering £167,000. But former TOWIE star Dan Osborne quickly came under fire from trolls who questioned how he could afford such an eye- wateringly expensive car. Last year, reports claimed Dan’s firm – Storms Entertainment – had just £978 left on the books. And in 2017, another of his companies – Charlie Entertainments – was dissolved with undisclosed debts. Meanwhile, his actress wife Jacqueline Jossa is worth an estimated £1.5m, with experts suggesting she could cash in another £1m this year through collaborations and sponsorships…

Alex Meyer, 29, from south-east London, says, “I found out I was pregnant in early May. My husband Dan, 30, and I hadn’t been trying for long and we were so excited. We rushed ahead of ourselves, talking about names and wondering what the little person we’d created would be like. “Then, at five weeks and three days, I started spotting. I did a pregnancy test, which came back positive, but I knew something wasn’t right. I desperately tried to convince myself it would stop and I knew that, for some people, bleeding was a normal part of pregnancy. But over the next two days it got heavier and I started to get cramps. I went to the early pregnancy unit and the doctor confirmed I was having a miscarriage.…

She’s kept her love life largely out of the public eye over the years, but now Joss Stone has revealed she’s expecting her first baby with American musician boyfriend Cody. The singer, 33, announced the happy news on a podcast, saying that while she’s overjoyed at being pregnant, she’s nervous about the birth. She said, “I’m going to have a little baby! I am at week 17 and I just stopped being sick all the time. I woke up in the middle of the night – randomly – and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m really scared!’ I just got really terrified of having to push it out!” It’s unclear how long Joss and Cody have been together, but the pair are said to be engaged. Joss revealed she…

Next January, Gemma will turn 40 – and the self-confessed diva says she’s not feeling overwhelmed by the milestone, because she’s more aware of who she is. “The older I get, honey, the better I become,” she reveals. “I like the thought of turning 40, because I’m more mentally aware now. I’ve experienced so much more and I’ve got life experience. I’ve had the knocks, but I’ve had the comebacks. Turning 40 is when I’m really going to do some damage. She adds that her upcoming special birthday will be a “game changer”. “Everything I’ve done up to this point has been a warm-up for the big 4-0. Turning 40 is going to be the real game changer for me. I still want to keep myself looking young, and just…

Max: ‘I used to have a huge crush on Caroline!’ Although he made up one-fifth of boyband The Wanted, followed by a successful stint on American musical series Glee, Max George insists dancing “doesn’t come naturally” to him. While his bandmate Jay McGuiness won the series in 2015, Max, 32, says, “I’m not feeling the pressure [to live up to him]. Jay was always a top dancer, and at the audition process for the band, I nearly didn’t get in because of my [poor] dancing. “I did a bit of dancing in Glee – but the reality was, I had a body double. There was a dance lift that I couldn’t get, and I nearly dropped one of the dancers, so after that they brought [a double] in to do…

STORMZY In June, rapper Stormzy revealed he was going to give away £10m over a decade to help organisations that are dedicated to fighting racial inequality in the UK. Talking about his first donation of £5m to fund educational scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Chizzy says, “I think what Stormzy has done with that scholarship for underprivileged children is incredible.” BEVERLEY KNIGHT “I also really love Beverley Knight,” Chizzy reveals. “I think she is an incredible musician, and I don’t think she gets the recognition she deserves, because her voice is phenomenal. I’ve heard her sing live in concert and she is something special. I really don’t know why she didn’t break out bigger.” LENNY HENRY “He learned how to cross over, and he appeals to everybody. He’s not…

“There are so many people who are holding their emotions inside and not letting out how they’re feeling. Mental health issues at the moment are at their peak and affecting every age group. If I had a magic wand, I would be there for every single person in the world. People are extremely depressed, they’re losing their jobs, and there are students who don’t know what’s happening one day to the next. Suicide rates are going up and there is much uncertainty. If you’re embarrassed about the way you feel, don’t be. If you’re feeling bad and don’t think it’s worth talking to someone, I urge you to speak to a friend. Pick up the phone and tell them how you feel – talking can do so much. We all…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Given how stressful this year has been, I was surprised to learn that there’s been an increase of almost two-thirds in the success rate for people giving up cigarettes. It’s brilliant news, and there are lessons we can all take from it. CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE One suggestion as to why people have managed to quit this year is that coronavirus attacks the lungs, so smokers knew they were at greater risk and that encouraged them to give up. I’m not convinced, though. If people gave up smoking for health reasons, nobody would smoke by now. Others have linked it to the fact that pubs were forced to close for months during the national lockdown. I know people…

Two recent studies have shown that dealing with rude work emails can create lingering stress and take a toll on your wellbeing and family life. First off, remember that the way you feel emotionally can affect the way you read into any situation. CHECK YOUR EMOTIONS Ask yourself if you feel stressed – are you hormonal, or are you having any problems in your relationship? This helps you to make a more informed judgement regarding why you are reacting so strongly. If you still feel that you are dealing with unacceptable correspondence, allow yourself some time to cool off. Make a cuppa, grab some fresh air then, once you feel composed, read the email again. This will help you check whether it still reads the same. GAIN PERSPECTIVE If you…

HERITAGE CHECKS This classic print has had a face lift – think punchy tones and oversized shapes – and can be found on everything! HOW TO WEAR Either downplay the print and pair it with plain basics for ease, or go all-out and clash two checks for maximum impact. Either way, stomping boots with thick treads will make this look extra current. CHIC CARAMEL Beige does not equal boring. Neutrals are versatile, timeless and chic. Pick a shade that contrasts with your skin tone. HOW TO WEAR Experiment with different textures and fabrics to give the subdued hue a bit of a lift. Upgrade sportswear for elevated basics, like this roomy hoodie – it’s comfy while still feeling stylish. Mix toffee shades, light and dark, together too. WILD PRINTS The…

PIXIE LOTT’S MESSY ’80S BUN 1 Start by spritzing locks with dry shampoo. This will eliminate any oils, while creating extra volume and texture. 2 Next, gently tease your roots with a backcombing brush, before scooping your hair into a loose ponytail. Twist then wrap your hair around the base of the pony, securing it with a scrunchie and hairpins. 3 Give the look a slightly dishevelled finish by pulling out face-framing strands using a tail comb. THANDIE NEWTON’S SLEEK SIDE PONY 1 Start by applying a pea-sized amount of hair oil to freshly washed and straightened tresses. This will tame frizz, prevent flyaways and amp up glossiness. 2 Part hair on the side and brush up into a high ponytail, leaving the flipped-over front section free. 3 With the…

13-19 OCTOBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The coming 12 months could be extremely exciting, thanks to the New Moon in your birthday chart. That said, there’s also negative energy that you need to banish from your life. Love-wise, it could be slow, but romantic. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LIBRA 23 SEP-22 OCT The New Moon in Libra means it’s time to start all over again. First, though, there’s housekeeping to attend to; sort out any negativity or toxic relationships and decide if you’re willing to work hard for what you want to achieve in the coming 12 months. For your free gifts, visit moonmessages.com/freegift SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV Mercury will be retrograding in your sign for the coming weeks. So you get to rethink every single thing…

Macaulay enjoys a blast from his past with his new face mask. Let’s face it, there’s no better time to stay Home Alone than during a pandemic. Alan’s a stickler for the two-metrerule. Even when he bumps into lovely Lisa (sensibly wearing a face mask) during a beach walk, he STILL won’t let her near him SOPHIE KASAEI... Not sure about that, Sophie. But what we do know is that since the latest series of Strictly began, we’ve decided to call it HRVST this year. NICOLA ROBERTS... To be honest, eating a whole chocolate birthday cake to yourself, even if you’re not allergic, is quite something, Nic. We salute you!! INSPIGRAM GEORGIA HARRISON Lovely thought. But we’re struggling to see how effectively being locked up for 200 days is in…

She was once Britain’s biggest female artist, but Cheryl’s glittering career has been far quieter of late. In April, she lost her judging role on The Greatest Dancer when the show was cancelled by the BBC, and as Closer previously reported, her plans to brainstorm her next career move with Simon Cowell have been put on ice as he recovers from his back injury following a cycling accident. POP CROWN Now, insiders tell Closer that Cheryl, 37, is looking into ways to revive her solo music career. She once broke the record for becoming the first British female artist to have five No 1 singles, including her fastest-selling single Call My Name in 2012. But despite her enormous successes, Cheryl’s last three singles struggled to make a dent in the…

She’s the ultimate comeback queen and despite all her hardships and dramas, Kerry Katona always returns fighting and with a smile on her face. But it’s taken a serious journey to get there – following a turbulent life, which stretches back to a childhood spent in and out of foster care, with Kerry admitting her infamous drug battle started at just 14, when her mum, Sue, gave her speed while pretending the substance was sweets. At 17, she was given a lucky break when she was picked to be in girlband Atomic Kitten and then, in 2002, she married her first love, Westlife’s Brian McFadden. After forgiving him for cheating on her during his stag do, Kerry was left devastated when he walked out on her two years later, and…

A year after his split from fellow pro dancer Katya Jones, it seemed Strictly’s Neil Jones had finally found love again with bisexual dancer Luisa Eusse. But last week it was claimed that his new girlfriend had cheated on him just days after he’d gone into isolation in preparation for the upcoming series of Strictly. Neil, 39, and Columbian dancer Luisa, 23, only went public with their relationship three weeks ago – with the pair reportedly meeting before lockdown, then becoming official in August. But student Daniela Becerra has now claimed that she spent the night with Luisa after meeting on a night out in London, while Neil was in a hotel quarantining with the other Strictly pro dancers. And Daniela claimed that Luisa only revealed she was in a…

They’ve shared the ins and outs of their love lives on TOWIE for many years, but Chloe Sims and Pete Wicks shocked fans last week when they revealed they had been having a clandestine on/off sexual relationship for two years. The aftermath of Chloe and Pete’s huge fallout in January – which lasted for six months – had so far dominated the current series of TOWIE. At first, they didn’t reveal the reason behind their falling out – so fans were left gobsmacked as they watched Chloe, 37, and Pete, 31, sit down for couples’ therapy and reveal that their relationship had become sexual. He admitted they had “blurred the lines” of their friendship – with Chloe even confessing she “loved Pete”. RISKY Relationship expert Jo Barnett tells Closer that…

There’s been so much in the news about how important it is to teach children social skills and educate them about societal issues – I recently read how six in ten parents believe it’s more important than academic achievements. And I do agree, to an extent. I have five-year-old twins called Louis and Pearl, who have just started reception, and it’s great to see that even at that level, schools are approaching huge topical issues and teaching children social skills. They had to fill out a questionnaire about how they felt about their race and it prompted some really interesting conversations. My kids have grown up in London, where it’s really multicultural, so they don’t see anyone as any different. I make sure the kids can hear me talking about…

It looks like Keith’s hosting stint on The Fantastical Factory Of Curious Craft has rubbed off on him, because he’s teamed up with crafting YouTube channel Create And Craft to try his hand at clay modelling. In one clip, as part of his Crafty Doings series, Keith is seen sculpting a baby Yoda – while modelling a T-shirt he made out of a Star Wars duvet cover. He says, “Lockdown has sent me nuts! I’m a different man. I even have a sewing machine. I thought, ‘Wow, I’m beating the system.’ I’ve got something that costs me nothing and I can wear it. It’s incredible!”…

First there was catfishing – where someone pretends to be an entirely different person online – then came dogfishing, where men try to snare single women by posting pictures of themselves with pooches when they don’t even own a pet! And now, the dating world has given us “wokefishing.” This involves pretending to have more progressive and “woke” views than you really do in order to impress and secure a date. We’ve reached new lows in the singles sphere if someone needs to pretend they have a different personality just to get a date. While I’m pro being progressive, I don’t necessarily want someone with identical views to my own. Sure, I’d like someone who shares the same values – kindness, family and fun – but I want to be…

It’s been revealed that dualflush toilets – which have two buttons, allowing you to pick how powerful you need the flush to be – are wasting us money. They were sold as being better for the environment, and therefore our water bills, because they should use less than half the amount of water per flush, but they’re actually wasting water because they’re so prone to leaks. These pesky leaks mean loads of loos are continuously flowing all through the day and night, wasting gallons of water, and pushing up bills. Campaign group Waterwise say about 400 million litres of water leak from UK toilets every single day and just one lowly leaking toilet wastes as much as 400 litres of water per day. Between five and eight per cent of…

KIDS SPECIAL! ALL UNDER £25! HERO HAT No winter wardrobe is complete without a bobble hat! This stripy classic is super soft and will work with a coloured coat for the coming months. M&S £10 SIZES 6-13YRS PADDLE-PROOF SUIT If your little one loves splashing in puddles, keep them dry in a splash-suit. This zip-up, showerresistant onesie packs up small, for easy storage. GEORGE AT ASDA £12 SIZES 1-6YRS WONDER WELLIES Keep mini toes snug in these cheery wellies – they have a cushioned sole for comfort, a cosy fleece lining and a toggle top for warmth. NEXT £14 SIZES 3-12YRS CLASSIC MAC A total classic, this sunshine-bright waterproof coat fends off bad weather, with a soft jersey lining for comfort. RESERVED £19.99 SIZES 9 MONTHS-4YRS COSY COVER-UP This faux-shearling,…

‘MY VELOUR TRACKSUIT IS MY SCHOOL RUN GO-TO!’ MORNING 7AM: I have two human alarm clocks, thanks to my sons [Bobby, five, and Cole, three]. They wake me up and get into bed for a cuddle before we go downstairs for breakfast. The first thing I do is put the coffee machine on; I need to have caffeine instantly to function! 9AM: When it comes to dressing for the school run, I tend to wing it. I make sure I’ve got the boys’ uniforms laid out but, with me, it will be how I feel on the day. I bought an amazing velour Adidas tracksuit just before lockdown – it’s so cosy and my go-to! 10AM: If I’ve got the energy, I’ll make myself do a workout. I do zero-gravity…

MUST READ The Returnees (ELIZABETH OKOH) After a bad break-up, Osayuki Isahosa leaves behind everything in London to return to Nigeria: a country she hasn’t set foot in for many years. While waiting at Milan airport for her connecting flight to Lagos, she meets Cynthia Okoye and Kian Bajo. Cynthia is unsure of how to put her life back on track and Kian is a wannabe Afrobeat star, desperate to make it big. After the plane lands at the Lagos airport, their lives will intertwine and change the course of their lives forever. A brilliant read. TUNE IN The Vamps Cherry Blossom Since forming in 2011, pop rockers The Vamps have always been on our radar. Cherry Blossom is the fourth offering from the four-piece and we are loving Married…

She’s spoken openly about starting a family as soon as possible with toyboy Carl Woods, saying, “This is the real deal… We’re excited about everything; babies and marriage. I’ve even discussed it with my mum and what it will be like.” But last week, Jordan’s hopes of a fresh start were thrown into chaos when ex-boyfriend Kris Boyson dished the dirt about their relationship, accusing her of cheating on him and staying out all night partying – something new man Carl, 31, has admitted he dislikes. The drama unfolded after Jordan – mum to Harvey, 18, Junior, 15, Princess, 13, Jett, seven, and Bunny, six – gushed about her relationship with Carl in a recent interview, where she even claimed her other previous romances, including marriages to Peter Andre, Alex…

There was a glimmer of hope for her fans last week when reports revealed Sarah Harding was “holding up well” as she undergoes “intensive” cancer treatment. In August, Sarah, 38, received an outpouring of support after revealing she’d been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, which had spread to other parts of her body. At the time, she told her fans she was having weekly chemotherapy sessions and was “fighting as hard as [she] possibly can.” The former Girls Aloud singer has been living with her mum in Manchester, who has been her “absolute rock”. In the summer, Sarah’s former bandmates vowed to be there for her – with Cheryl posting a heartbreak emoji and Nadine Coyle writing, “I am here for you all the way & always will be!!!”…

When Chrissy Teigen posted pictures of herself on Instagram looking visibly emotional in hospital, announcing that she and her singer husband, John Legend, had lost their baby, Jack, she received outpourings of love. Tragically, one in every 250 babies in the UK ends in a stillbirth, and up to 20 per cent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Studies from around the world have also reported a disturbing rise in the proportion of pregnancies ending in stillbirths since the coronavirus pandemic started. PRECIOUS MEMORIES In July, Asma Khalil, an obstetrician at St George’s, University Of London, and her colleagues, reported a nearly fourfold increase in the incidence of stillbirths at St George’s Hospital – from 2.38 per 1,000 births between October 2019 and the end of January this year, to…

She’s been married to Spy Kids star Daryl Sabaram for nearly two years, and now singer Meghan Trainor has announced the pair are expecting a baby. Meghan, 26, made the announcement on America’s The Today Show, where she was also promoting her Christmas album – and teased, “We were so excited, we couldn’t sleep… We’re pregnant!” She later posted a photo of the sonogram on Instagram, writing, “You all know how long I’ve wanted this!!!! Daryl and I are so beyond happy and excited to meet this little cutie early next year! WE’RE PREGNANTTTTTT!!!’ The All About That Bass singer began dating Daryl in 2016 after mutual pal Chloe Grace Moretz set them up, and they tied the knot two years later. Meghan’s been open about her desire to become…

Anthony Walker was just 18 years old when he was ambushed at a bus stop by two white men. In a horrifying attack, his killers drove an ice axe 6cm deep into his skull. By the time help arrived on the scene, Anthony was brain dead. Fifteen years later, his story was turned into a powerful BBC drama, Anthony, which aired in July and imagined the life he could have led. The programme – which saw the future Anthony getting married and having a child – was described as “devastating” by viewers. Anthony was aired two months after George Floyd’s murder sent shockwaves around the world, and during a time when the Black Lives Matter movement was dominating headlines. KIND-HEARTED Now, Anthony’s mum, Gee, hopes that Black History Month, which…

My mum works as a dementia care nurse, and I’ve worked in the care sector in-between acting jobs – so I’ve seen first-hand the devastating effects dementia and Alzheimer’s can have, both on those suffering, and their loved ones. It’s something I’m really passionate about. I took part in a Memory Walk – walking 10k in honour of my friend and legendary actress, Barbara Windsor, 83. I did it with five of my EastEnders co-stars, including Natalie Cassidy, and our team was called #TEAMBABS. It was so much fun. I love Barbara – she was my mentor when I was on EastEnders, and was always happy to pass on her pearls of wisdom to me when I joined the show. She’s incredible, and my children love her, too. She’s an…

She’s been open about her struggles over the years, including alopecia, anorexia, and her ongoing battle with depression – but despite it all, Gail Porter remains positive and hopeful as she catches up with Closer. Tragically, the star lost her father earlier this year when he died suddenly, and while she admits she’s not “quite dealt” with his death, she insists she’s in a good place. “This year has not been the kindest, but I feel good,” says Gail, 49. “I’ve got wonderful people around me and great friends. At times, it’s been extremely difficult, but I can’t change anything, and I have to carry on. It taught me a life lesson – if I can get through these past 12 months, I can get through anything.” TOUGH TIMES After…

CASEY How much do you spend per week? Usually, around £180, [Casey lives with her fiancé Dane and their daughters, Florence, two, and nine-month-old Sadie] which includes nappies, baby food and toiletries. I often order online to save time. Describe your daily diet... I always have a smoothie for breakfast. I make lots of different types, but they usually contain spinach. Lunch is tuna on crispbreads with cucumber and tomato, or a mixed bean soup with sourdough bread. Then for dinner, I’ll make something like a spaghetti Bolognese with turkey mince, or a prawn stir-fry. What do you snack on? Fruit and a handful of nuts. I love cashew nuts. For a sweet treat I also love the Halo Top ice cream sticks – they’re only 100 calories, and taste…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY No matter how selfless you are, you still need time for yourself. If you care for a loved one, explore delegating some of your duties to other people in the family. People will happily let you carry the entire burden if you quietly do so, so be clear about the capacity you have, and the help that you need. With your free time, draw up a timetable to work out exactly how many hours you have, to plan activities that bring you joy. Make space to exercise and get outdoors, as these are essential for positive wellbeing. If you don’t have people to help you, the Carers Trust can offer support and practical guidance and help you…

MADE IN CHELSEA STAR JAMES DUNMORE, 29, REVEALS HIS INNER SECRETS MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IS... being able to be happy, despite everything I went through with both of my sisters passing away when I was younger [James lost his sisters, aged 19 and 22, to cystic fibrosis]. My parents and I are now in a good place and able to talk about our experiences, which can help others who are grieving. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS... my parents passing away, purely because so much of my life and my sisters’ is wrapped up in them. They’ve been there through it all and they know my sisters better than I do. Even now, they tell me things that I never knew about them. THE ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN IS... to just be…

KIDS SPECIAL! BATHTIME RELAXER Designed to help little ones unwind at the end of the day, this sulphate-free body wash will feel calming for busy mums, too. As well as the soothing oat extract, this cleanser is infused with lavender and vanilla to create a sleepy scent to help you both drift off. AVEENO BABY CALMING COMFORT BEDTIME BATH & WASH £5.99 WINTER PROTECTOR Infant skin is much thinner than ours, so cold weather can damage their little cheeks and noses. This protective face cream is packed with organic calendula extract and almond oil that acts like a barrier to keep them moisturised, and will work just as well for parents. WELEDA CALENDULA FACE CREAM £9.95 SENSITIVE SAVIOUR Designed for delicate skin, this hero hydrator has also fast become a…