Indice dei contenuti per ISSUE 811 in Closer

They are both mums of five with three failed marriages behind them, and they’ve both recently been pictured flaunting their bodies on holiday… But that’s where the similarity ends. While Kerry Katona is still enjoying being single, her friend Jordan is all over new toyboy boyfriend Kris like a limpet. She seems to feel being pictured with an adoring younger man proves she’s still got it. But actually Kerry’s confidence is more inspiring… and less likely to end in tears. Meanwhile, if you feel you’d like to shape up for the great summer strip-off, don’t worry that you’ve left it too late. You could lose half a stone in a fortnight with our Slimming World diet plan. Turn to page 64 to join for free!…

Meghan Markle faced fresh controversy last week when her father Thomas claimed she was secretly “terrified” in her new royal role. Thomas – who missed Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in May after suffering a reported heart attack – said, “My thing about my daughter right now is that I think she is terrified. I see it in her eyes, I see it in her face and I see it in her smile... It really worries me. There’s a high price to pay to be married to that family.” Sharon Osbourne was quick to blast him, saying, “It’s so obvious you have a bad drinking problem... Just be happy for your daughter. Let her live her life. She is so dignified, you should try to give a little bit of…

DANI DYER, 21 High points: Her brilliant one-liners and caring nature. Low point: When she broke down after producers sent Dani a video of Jack with his ex, prompting 2,644 complaints to Ofcom. Georgia says: “We’ll be friends for life.” JACK FINCHAM, 26 High point: His hilarious impressions. Low point: When ex Ellie Jones revealed that Jack had a poster of Dani’s dad in his bedroom. Cringe. Kendall says: “He really loves Dani – they’ll get married!” KAZ CROSSLEY, 23 High points: Her flawless skin, banging body and winning the “Hottest Couple” poll with Josh, Low point: Her loved-up smugness with Josh. Kendall says: “Kaz is stunning – she’ll get lots of modelling deals.” JOSH DENZEL, 26 High points: His bromance with Wes, and his “wow” facial expression. Low point:…

She jetted out to LA in June just weeks after her estranged husband Ant McPartlin’s romance with former PA and friend Anne-Marie Corbett was exposed. And last week, Lisa Armstrong wowed fans with a stunning selfie on Instagram – showcasing a new slicked-back blonde bob and smokey eye make-up. One fan wrote, “Looking gorgeous!”, while another added, “You look fantastic.” And after a removal van was pictured outside the house she shared with Ant last week, insiders say the Strictly make-up artist, 42, is determined to move on and focus on her happiness. The source says, “Lisa is putting herself first and is on a health kick. There’s such a big emphasis on healthy living in LA and she’s been eating well and going for hikes. She’s been meeting up…

They both have questionable reputations – while she’s nicknamed “Mental Megs” for her epic temper tantrums, he’s been labelled “Muggy Mike” for his Lothario behaviour. But Megan McKenna – who revealed last week she was ready to marry boyfriend Mike Thalassitis – tells Closer she and the Love Island star bring out the best in each other and they’re determined to defy their critics. She says, “They called him ‘Muggy Mike’ – but I got to know him with a clear head and no judgement. Honestly, he’s the loveliest boy. He hasn’t given me any reason to doubt him – he puts me first and makes me feel secure. And I’ve calmed down a lot – I just don’t get so worked up any more. Mike handles me well –…

According to a new survey, one in five women consider their mum the person they have the closest relationship with. I’m incredibly close to my mum, and I’m very close to my own three daughters. I know firsthand how mums can change your life. Mine took on the role of both my parents, because my dad wasn’t around. And although we lived on a council estate, she made life wonderful. She worked her way up in her career to become manager of the play centre she worked at – and seeing her succeed inspired me to do well in my own career. I talk to my mum about everything and she always supports me. Plus, mums always know best!…

Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, 58, gave a talk to students in Toronto, Canada, last week where she claimed that healthy eating trends could be disguising eating disorders. Nigella said, “A lot of so-called healthy eating is a cover-up for an eating disorder and I think people persecute themselves to what they do eat and what they don’t eat.” It’s not the first time Nigella has discussed the topic, as she’s previously said she is “disgusted” by the idea of “clean eating” as it implied “any other form of eating is dirty or shameful”. Here, Closer speaks to two women about their very different experiences of the trend… ‘My zero-sugar diet could have killed me’ EVE SIMMONS, 27, A WRITER FROM LONDON, SAYS, “I know that Nigella’s comments are spot on,…

EXERCISE: I can think of nothing worse than pounding the treadmill. I meditate to release energy and stay active by walking my dog. I practise yoga for 10 minutes a day and you can get an amazing body from it, but that doesn’t have to be the goal – for me, it’s about keeping my joints and muscles supple and improving my balance. DIET: I don’t follow strict diet rules, but I am a vegetarian and, where I can, I go vegan. I try to listen to what my body wants. In the past two weeks I’ve had Twirl Bites and ice lollies like there’s no tomorrow, I don’t believe in making life hard for yourself. Breakfast is a berry granola with a cherry yoghurt, I’ll graze on rye bread…

HERO BUYS MAKE IT WORK A satin slip will elevate an off-duty look, and can work for day or night. Add interest by picking similar toned accessories in a variety of textures. WEAR IT WITH... Give the retro fabric a modern take with these great styling options…

HOW SWEET! This giant guilt-free doughnut is both practical and Insta-worthy, plus it’s guaranteed to get you noticed. THE WORKS £12 MINI BUT MIGHTY Little ones will love this ultra-soft duck-hooded towel. Shark, unicorns, and dinosaur designs are available, too . GEORGE AT ASDA £7 PRINT PERFECTION Forget traditional rectangle shapes and go round, instead. This one also doubles up as a blanket for festivals. MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE £11.99 IN THE BAG Fruity and fun, this towel conveniently folds away into a bag for easy storage when the sun goes down. TOPSHOP £38 CITRUS COVER-UP With a hood at the top and tie sides, this zesty towel poncho will keep your hands free for ice-cream! H&M £17.99 TRAVELLING LIGHT Unlike some towels, this rainbow number won’t weigh you down. It’s made…

DINNER (Choose 1) TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH CREOLE SAUCE Serves 4. Ready in 50 minutes • Low-calorie cooking spray • 800g lean turkey mince (5% fat or less) • 2tsp dried thyme • 1tsp dried chilli flakes • Small handful of chopped fresh parsley, to garnish • Roasted vegetables, to serve For the creole sauce • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 onion, thinly sliced • 6 celery sticks, finely chopped • 3 peppers (a mix of red, yellow and orange), deseeded and roughly chopped • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 2tbsp tomato purée • A pinch of sweetener • 1 bay leaf • 1tbsp Cajun seasoning 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan160°C/Gas 4. Put all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil over a…

• GBBO star Liam says, “I went through a phase of making biscuits to go with cakes I baked, so these carrot cake cookies were made.” GO VEGGIE YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... PASTA WITH NO-COOK SAUCE SERVES 4 • 320g spaghetti • 200g cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 20g capers, rinsed • 100g green olives, stones removed • 1 red chilli, finely chopped • 125g mozzarella, cut into 2cm cubes • 5tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley • Handful basil leaves • 100g ricotta STEP 1 Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of salted, boiling water according to packet instructions, until al dente. STEP 2 Meanwhile, gently mix the tomatoes, garlic, capers, olives, chilli,…

‘THE HPV JAB’S MADE AN AMAZING DIFFERENCE’ It’s caused a lot of controversy, but the HPV vaccine has almost wiped out infections in young women – now boys will get it too. Dr C is thrilled The rate of HPV in women aged 16 to 21 who had the vaccine has dropped by a huge 86 per cent. It’s HPV that causes cervical cancer, so that’s amazing news, and complete proof of everything we’ve been saying to anti-vaccine naysayers for years. Since the jab was introduced in 2008, it’s caused controversy, with claims of side effects such as chronic fatigue and thrombosis. However, the safety of the vaccine has been rigorously tested. Boys are also going to be vaccinated now, which is something I’ve campaigned for, so I’m delighted. People…

Other than being ghosted (where someone dumps you by going silent) there’s nothing ruder than someone chatting up your friend while ignoring you. I’ve been both the “invisible wingwoman” and the “target”, but last Saturday one guy surpassed all bad manners by turning his shoulder into my face so he could chat up my friend. Needless to say, my pal asked him to go. But it’s a fine balance between ensuring the man you actually fancy knows you like him, and speaking to his friends at the same time. This was a problem I encountered while at Candypants beach party (candypants-events.co.uk) in Marbella last month. With the sun out and everyone dancing, drinking and, of course, flirting, I started speaking to one guy who was with a big group. With…

There’s a belief that eating healthily is pricey,” says Eat Shop Save author Dale Pinnock (Mitchell Beazley, £14.99). “You can easily spend a lot of money if you choose weird faddy ingredients or go to the high-end supermarkets. But eating healthily is actually just about getting back to basics, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.” SHOP LOCALLY “Where you buy your food has an enormous impact on your shopping bill. With increased interest in and demand for healthier food, some shops have added a tidy premium to the price of some fresh produce. Do you have a local greengrocer? A vegetable delivery scheme? Or – my top choice – a local market? At local markets, the produce is usually priced honestly. There are no vast overheads to cover and there’s…

You play tattoo artist Tina – have you been inked yourself? No, I’ve been [to get one] three times and chickened out at the last minute! Why? The first time I thought, “I’m so pale, and you need nice olive colour skin to make them work.” Then, as soon as I heard the “zzzz” of the machine I was like, “No, no no!” But, if Age Before Beauty gets a second series, I will get a Manchester Bee tattoo. I’m Mancunian through and through. You started filming just before last year’s devastating Manchester Arena bombing… It happened just after we started filming, and it was so upsetting because we drove by the Arena every day from our hotel to the set. When I was 17 I was caught up in…

In the wake of her marriage to third husband Kieran Hayler collapsing, Jordan wasted no time in moving on with her latest toyboy, Kris Boyson. And she put on yet another awkward public display of affection last week when she was pictured provocatively straddling Kris, 29, in Thailand in nothing but her bikini bottoms. The snaps surfaced just a week after Kieran was seen with his new girlfriend, air hostess Michelle Penticost, 36, amid claims Jordan, 40, wants to marry Kris to get back at her ex. And after reports last week that Jordan – real name Katie Price – is heading for bankruptcy, following a difficult year in which her marriage fell apart and her mum Amy was diagnosed with a terminal lung condition, pals say the former glamour…

He was infamously loose-lipped during their two-and-a-half year relationship, revealing a string of personal details about notoriously private Cheryl – including how she thought she was “huge” following the birth of their son Bear and how she had “no complaints” about the size of his manhood. Now insiders say that following their split earlier this month, Cheryl is growing concerned over what ex Liam Payne, 24, could divulge next. Amid reports that Cheryl’s new album, which pal Nicola Roberts has helped with, is set to be inspired by her heartache, sources say Liam is also working on new music ahead of his debut album release in September. A source says, “Cheryl was recording her album at a very challenging time when their relationship was failing, so she used much of…

In another upsetting blow last week, trolls turned on Brooklyn Beckham following reports that he had quit his prestigious photography course in New York after just a year due to reported homesickness. One wrote, “Brooklyn was NOT home sick, bone idle more like.” Another remarked, “Dropped out as he has no one to wipe his backside for him at uni.” And pals say the comments about her 19-year-old son are upsetting for Victoria. A source says, “Vic always feels devastated when Brooklyn comes under fire and feels helpless that she is unable to protect him from it. “They are extremely close and, as his mother, it’s only natural that she feels partly to blame, so she’s determined he’ll prove his critics wrong.” Budding snapper Brooklyn has now reportedly secured an…

Relaxing on her sofa with a cup of tea, Sherry Lever admires her spotless floor and sparkling windows. But the 67 year old hasn’t finished an afternoon of housework. Instead, she’s watched as a man wearing a French maid’s outfit cleans up around her. Sherry is a dominatrix who charges men £120 an hour to be abused, whipped or become her slave. And they do everything from changing her sheets and planting flowers in her garden to washing her son-in-law’s car. Sherry, who goes by the name “Mistress Sophia” and lives in Swindon, Wilts, with her daughter Amy, 30, and Amy’s fiancé, 39, says, “I’ve been doing it for six years. I’ve turned the conservatory into a “dungeon” complete with chains, whips, mouth gags and cages. It’s a far cry…

REALITY TV SHOWS I’ve done them all! I enjoyed them, but there was too much shouting and aggro for what it was worth. I had a blast, but right now reality TV isn’t for me. Maybe in the future Mike and I could have a show – Muggy Mike And Mental Megs! LOVE ADVICE I’ve learned to not let my guard down with boys until I know they feel the same way about me. I’ve had my confidence knocked and I’ve suffered heartbreak far too many times. I’ve been in serious relationships since I was 17 – so now I know what being treated well is really like. SURGERY I don’t want to have cosmetic surgery. I’ve had lip fillers, but that’s all I’ll have. I like the natural look…

Research by dating app Badoo recently revealed that 65 per cent of women are happy to pick up the bill on a first date. I’m shocked by this! I like to think I’m a feminist and I’m all for being a strong and independent woman – but I want my first-date bill picked up for me. If a man invites me out for a drink or dinner, I like to think he wants to spoil and impress me. I’m very unorthodox when it comes to dating. I met and married my husband (she married a mystery man in secret last year) within four months – and I put that down to having a very successful first date. They are really important in building a foundation for a relationship. You can…

‘I DIDN’T WANT HIM FOR MYSELF BUT I KNEW SHE’D BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM’ For most mothers, the idea of even flirting with their daughter’s boyfriend is strictly taboo – but Linda Fraher, 43, went much further than that. Closer revealed earlier this year how Aimy Dennis, 25, caught her mum Linda in bed with her then-boyfriend of four years, Ryan, 26, and even videoed it for proof. To make the betrayal even worse, Aimy was 35 weeks pregnant at the time. Speaking about it for the first time, Linda now tells Closer that she doesn’t regret having sex with Ryan, because it meant his relationship with Aimy finally ended – and she is convinced her daughter is better off without him. Linda, who’s unemployed and lives in Lowestoft,…

GET HER LOOK ROCHELLE HUMES, 29 Presenter Rochelle made us burst with envy in this hot-pink designer suit. Bold, smart and packed with girl power (with a side of ’80s pineapple hair) we love everything about this look. Here’s how to cheat it… I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! 29.99 EVERYBODY’S WEARING... KNOTTED SHIRTS It’s the wardrobe staple that never goes out of fashion. Whether you’re teaming your shirt with a skirt or culottes, tie it up – tummy flash optional! FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! SUPER TROUPER Amanda Seyfried, 32 With trousers as blue as the Greek seas, Mamma Mia! star Amanda was always going to turn heads! We love the actress’ high-waisted culottes and simple black additions. TRACKSUIT TERROR Celine Dion, 50 Our hearts nearly didn’t go on after seeing…

JUST LANDED FEELING FRUITY THE BODY SHOP TAKE ME TO THE TROPICS GIFT SET WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT: A limited edition set of useful, sweet-smelling hair and beauty goodies wrapped in a fun pouch. WHY IT WORKS: This new banana-infused collection of treats from The Body Shop will leave your hair and body looking, feeling – and smelling – gorgeous, thanks to the nourishing formulas. There is a shampoo and conditioner, as well as a shower wash and a body butter – a perfect holiday grab-and-go kit. And the banana-shaped pouch makes for a fun new make-up bag, too. GET THE LOOK... PEACOCK EYES Take inspiration from models Joan and Bella and inject a shot of colour into your eye make-up. These bold liners are sure to make a statement……

HOW IT WORKS 1 Pick one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy and you’ll find more ideas at www.slimmingworld.co.uk or if you join your local Slimming World group. 2 Foods printed in bold are “Free Food” which you can enjoy freely to satisfy your appetite with no weighing, counting or measuring. Base meals around Free Food, like veg, pasta, lean meat, fish, rice, potatoes, fat-free dairy, eggs and more. Meat substitutes Quorn and vegan Quorn fillets, mince and pieces (plain only) and naturally smoked and plain tofu also count as Free Food. And if you feel hungry between meals, snack on fresh fruit, veg crudités and fat-free natural yoghurt. 3 As well as Free Food, stock up on fat-free salad dressings,…

CHICKEN WITH FETA AND BUTTER BEAN SALAD SERVES 4. READY IN 35 MINUTES, PLUS MARINATING • 3tbsp white wine vinegar • 2tbsp chopped fresh rosemary • 12 skinless and boneless chicken thighs • Vegetables, to serve FOR THE FETA AND BUTTER BEAN SALAD • Low-calorie cooking spray • 1 shallot, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 2 x 400g cans butter beans, drained and rinsed • 1tbsp lemon juice • 6tbsp fat-free vinaigrette • Small pack fresh parsley, chopped • 75g reduced-fat feta cheese STEP 1 Put the vinegar and rosemary in a small bowl, season to taste and whisk. Arrange the chicken thighs in a glass or ceramic bowl and pour over the marinade. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Meanwhile, light the barbecue. To…

INSIDE SARAHJANE’S FRIDGE • Dairy-free margarine • Avocados • Dairy-free sour cream • Veganaise • Rye bread • Tofu • Shitake mushrooms • Baby carrots • Falafel • Tomato purée • Grapes • Watermelon pieces • Peppers • Spinach • Tomato • Garlic • Salad leaves • Spring onions • Still water • Pomegranate juice • Oat milk • Apple juice • Beetroot juice VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “It’s good to see dairy-free choices in Sarah-Jane’s fridge – she should make sure plant milks are fortified with bone-strengthening calcium. Fruit and veg juices are good alternatives to alcohol, but limit them to one 150ml glass a day, as they’re high in sugar. As vegan diets can be low in B12 and omega-3, it’s wise to take supplements of these.”…

I’M PROUD OF... My career, I’ve had so many great jobs, including Hollyoaks, EastEnders and my first gig, Brookside. But you can’t top the moment your children are born. I have Billy, 12 [with an ex-girlfriend], and Polly, seven [with former wife Kym Marsh]. I WAS HAPPIEST... When I was in the [I’m A Celeb!] jungle. I didn’t have my phone and had to engage with strangers. These days so many people have their heads stuck in their phones and the art of communication is dead. It was liberating not having any technology to distract me. I’VE LEARNED... To face my fears. The jungle taught me that anything is achievable if you put your mind, heart and soul into it. It made me a stronger person. • Jamie is the…

£60 On a fan for my baby’s [son Stanley, 23 months, with actor boyfriend Jonathan Smith] bedroom as the weather has been so hot. £300 For a pair of Mykita sunglasses. I’ll wear them year after year, so they’re an investment. £35 On a tweed coat from River lsland. It was reduced from £75 in the sale. £40 For a pair of Converse trainers for my boy, they have a little Minion on the side. £24 On a bottle of gin, I don’t usually drink it, but it’s lemon-flavoured and sounded nice. • Catch Sarah on Hollyoaks, weeknights, C4, 6.30pm…

On his character, Sean, ending up homeless, Antony Cotton – who has played Sean since 2003 – tells us, “Being homeless is a monstrous beast; it’s horrific.” To research this twist in Sean’s story, Antony was put in touch with someone who lives on the streets via the charity Shelter, explaining, “He hid his tent and bag every day in order to survive. The basics of his story are in Sean’s – my first scene is Sean getting the tent out of the bush where he’s hidden it. Doing this storyline was really humbling for me, and an eye-opener.”…

What’s in store for series four? It’s basically a slice of family life in the well-situated market town of Lichfield, England. Is working with Greg Davies as entertaining as it looks? It’s great. We all get on, and there’s a real family feel about doing this show. Does being on telly in your PJs and make-up free faze you? No, I don’t mind the PJs – and to be honest, you’re never completely make-up free… You look beautiful – all the time – please share your secret? I think you need to check your glasses! I swim every other day for 20 minutes – it’s boring, but I feel better afterwards. What’s the first thing you do when you get home after work? I put on a pair of trousers…

‘SHE KNOWS HOW HE GETS CARRIED AWAY IN INTERVIEWS’ He helped her find love with ex Liam back in 2016 – telling the former One Direction star that Cheryl had a crush on him and encouraging the singer to ask her out. And after Cheryl attended the summer party for Simon Cowell’s record label Syco earlier this month, insiders say the music mogul, 58, wants to play Cupid for her again. A source says, “Simon adores Cheryl and knows how much she wants to meet a long-term partner, so he’s planning to help. “He’s thinking about who would suit her and considering setting up some relaxed ‘dates’. Ideally, he thinks it would be good for her to be with someone behind the scenes in the music industry, like a producer…

She gave the biggest signal yet that she’s going to America, where husband Wayne now plays for Washington-based club DC United, revealing on Twitter last week that it was “a move we are going to do as a family.” And reports claimed Coleen Rooney had “confirmed” she’d be relocating, with a friend reportedly saying, “Coleen and the kids could easily join him”, adding how she’s “really keen on a few years in the USA.” Speaking in an interview last week, Wayne said, “I would not have come out [to America] if my family did not want to come out. They are my priority. It was important they came over with me.” EXPERIMENT But sources tell Closer that the move will initially be temporary and that Coleen, 32 – who shares…

• Remember that everyone grieves in their own way. So don’t worry if you’re feeling something others aren’t. There is no normal way. Be aware that grief can last a long time. • Physical exercise has powerful mood-boosting and uplifting effects, so even going for a short walk can help. • Connect with others. Getting the support you need is vital, so reach out to friends and family even if you don’t feel like it. Try to limit the time you spend alone. • Keep busy. If you are alone, try to do an activity like reading a book, drawing or listen to your favourite music. • Stay healthy. Make sure you get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet. • Remember support is available. The Cruse Bereavement Care Freephone…

Back for its 15th series, the new-look X Factor line-up was announced to a fanfare of publicity – and quickly caused controversy among fans. The inclusion of husband and wife judges Robbie Williams and Ayda Field sparked the most negative comments, with critics airing their anger online, one posting, “What sort of expertise does Ayda have exactly? How to be in a sham marriage to a washed-up pop star?” Another wrote, “I can’t believe people still watch this show. X Factor’s had its day.” But during the show’s launch, boss Simon Cowell was adamant it would be a hit with viewers, saying, “The three of them are going to bring a whole new energy.” Closer joined the new team at the show launch to find out what’s in store… Louis:…

They’ve been plagued by split rumours during their four-year marriage, with Kanye West even admitting recently that he feared his wife Kim Kardashian would leave him. And pals are worried trouble might continue to brew for the couple, as Kanye’s friendship with singer and model Teyana Taylor – who worked with the rapper on her latest album, KTSE – could cause tension between him and Kim, 37. A source says, “Kim’s been feeling a bit put out by Kanye and Teyana bonding over their music. They’ve spent hours holed up in a studio over the past few months, while Kim feels more distant than ever from Kanye. He’s always been close to Teyana, but since working on her album, he’s been singing her praises. And when they’re not working, they’re…

“MY BABY GIRL TRUE IS ONLY SEVEN MONTHS, SO MY SLEEPING PATTERN IS ALL OVER THE PLACE. I’m up with her during the night, so my husband gets up with her at 6am and lets me sleep in until 9am or 10am. My eldest daughter Teja, 17, gets herself to college now, and will take my other daughter Tiani, 12, to school, so I can sleep in. MY HUSBAND AND I MAKE A BREAKFAST OF POACHED EGGS AND AVOCADO OR A GREEN SMOOTHIE. We both work from home, so the mornings will consist of us taking it in turns to work in the office, then play with True. She’s sassy and really rules the roost in our house! AT LUNCHTIME, I’LL GO FOR A WALK WITH TRUE. There’s a lovely…

She’s an outspoken advocate of breastfeeding, and has been criticised for continuing to nurse daughter Fifi, four. But with Fifi starting school in September, Tamara now says she might soon be ready to wind down. She says, “I don’t have a time frame and I’m not aiming to stop the breastfeeding before she starts school, but Fifi has naturally been doing it less and less. We’re not ready to stop just yet – she still gets comfort from it – but it’s winding down. “I know there are people who stopped breastfeeding abruptly and felt emotional, but others say that by stopping slowly, the effects are reduced. I think I’ll be OK.”…

‘I didn’t see myself the way other people did’ When Melinda Messenger emerges from the dressing room on our photo shoot, there are gasps from the entire team. With her toned figure, glowing skin and beaming smile, it’s hard to believe this is the first bikini shoot she’s posed for in 16 years. The star – who rose to fame as a glamour model in the ’90s before presenting TV shows such as Fort Boyard and Cowboy Builders – admits it’s taken her years to accept her body and is refreshingly honest when it comes to discussing her insecurities. Melinda tells Closer, “I’m 47, I’ve got three kids and I don’t work out, but I’m proud of my body! It’s taken me a long time to finally accept myself as…

If I could only wear one thing on repeat every day it would be… jeans or a dress. I’m good at dressing for a fancy occasion but, most of the time, I’ll be very casual in a T-shirt and jeans, or a very old adidas grey tracksuit that my family hate – they want me to throw it away, but I love it! I very rarely wear designer pieces… I much prefer the high street. It’s affordable, and there’s so much choice. The fabrics may not be as luxurious as high-end brands, but the designs and prints are brilliant. I just don’t want to spend £2,000 on a handbag when I could buy over 20 dresses for the same price. I love Marks & Spencer, Monsoon and New Look. I…

• Trim all visible fat off meats and remove skin from poultry. Use low-calorie cooking spray (1 cal per spray or less) instead of oil and fats for cooking. • Keep hydrated. Aim to drink between six and eight glasses of fluid a day. Choose water, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee. Remember that any milk needs to come from your allowance. • Join your local Slimming World group for even more recipes, guidance and support. To find your nearest group, visit Slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.…

DROPPED 5 DRESS SIZES ‘A heart attack at 49 shocked me into action’ Angie Jones, 51, is from Shefford in Bedfordshire. The mum-of-two says, “My weight had crept up due to health problems and comfort eating but, at 49, I assumed I still had lots of time to get back on track before I had to worry about developing a serious illness. But one day, I suffered a heart attack while spring cleaning, and after having a stent fitted, I was shocked when the cardiac nurse told me my weight was a risk factor. I was determined to slim down and become more active to give my heart the best chance of recovery. “I was petrified about joining Slimming World, but decided my fears were nothing compared to the possibility…

How much do you spend per week? Around £100-£150. I’m vegan so I like Tesco’s dairy-free range. I buy everything else from Planet Organic and Whole Foods, although it can be expensive. Describe your daily diet... Breakfast is usually a protein shake, with matcha powder, granola, almond milk, dates and banana. For lunch, I’ll have rye bread with mashed avocado and cherry tomatoes. For dinner, sometimes I’ll order Chinese food because it’s easy to find vegan options, like tofu stir-fry with boiled rice. If I’m out, I’ll have a vegan “fried chicken” burger made from seitan – a wheat-based meat substitute – with fries. Plus I snack on Hippeas, which are chickpea snacks. Is there anything refuse to eat? I stay away from drinks like Diet Coke and anything that…

FAMILY MATTERS WAYS TO CALM DOWN HYPERACTIVE KIDS There were 1.5million prescriptions for stimulants last year. Emma suggests strategies to help kids feel calmer, with or without pills In the last decade, Ritalin prescriptions have doubled, which deeply concerns me. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, I understand why medication seems like the right decision, but it’s also worth trying alternatives. If your child isn’t active, their behaviour is likely to be more challenging. Getting kids moving for 30-60 minutes daily improves their mood and sleep, and burns off energy, making them less fidgety and more able to focus. Certain vitamins have been proven to have a positive impact on managing symptoms. The B-vitamins are essential for a healthy nervous system, and vitamin B6 is especially important for…

We all want to make sure we’re doing our best to support our local community and give back. But between work commitments, family events and all those important everyday activities, it’s hard to find time for yourself, let alone for others, because life has a habit of getting in the way, even when we least expect it. But across the UK, there are so many local charities out there doing brilliant work every day that really need our help. Charities like Dundee Bairns, who help support local children each year. While thousands of children across the UK rely on free school meals to get through the day, what happens during the school holidays? Dundee Bairns have helped to come up with a solution with their “Fun and Food” programme, which…

1 LOVE ISLAND: THE LIVE FINAL IT’S ALL OVER (WAH!) MON 30 JULY, 9PM, ITV2 FINAL It’s the end of the must-see hit of the summer, and one couple will emerge victorious – once they’ve convinced us they are legit and all loved-up. While for a long time Jack and Dani looked like they would walk it, the competition has got tougher of late (hello, Megan and Wes). Our all-time fave however was Doctor Alex – even if he wasn’t ready to be “exclusive” with gorgeous Alexandra. Don’t miss! 2 MEET THE DRUG LORDS: INSIDE THE REAL NARCOS FOXY RISKS HIS LIFE THU 2 AUG, 9PM, C4 NEW SERIES Jason “Foxy” Fox (of SAS: Who Dares Wins fame) goes all Ross Kemp, with a show where he meets scary gangsters.…

MUST READ The Party (LISA HALL) When Rachel wakes up in a strange room, the morning after a neighbour’s party, she has no memory of what happened the night before. Why did her husband leave her alone at the party and why are Rachel’s arms so bruised? Everyone remembers what happened that night differently, and everyone has something to hide. But someone knows the truth about what happened to Rachel – and she’s determined to find them. An addictive read. BEST DAYS OUT CBBC Summer Social Taking place across 3-5 August in Liverpool, the CBBC Summer Social is the first festival for kids! Meet your favourite CBBC and CBeebies characters and watch amazing performances from Union J and New Hope Club. Little ones can see Mr Tumble and even listen…

VIRGO 23 AUG – 22 SEP Take as much time out as you need now, while the Sun moves through the most shadowy part of your chart. You’re allowed to want to be alone now – in fact, you’re downright encouraged to! Do your duties, and then take some time out if you can. It’ll do you good! Find out where the Full Moon is affecting you – call 0906 7511 677* LIBRA 23 SEP -22 OCT You have put such a lot of focus and emphasis on your friends and social life of late. However, this week’s Full Moon eclipse is asking you to rein things in a little. You need others, but you also need to express yourself and have your own needs attended to. Find out where…