Indice dei contenuti per Issue 915 in Closer

As we went to press, it was announced that some of the expected lockdown easing measures were going to be postponed. We’re still living in such uncertain times that staying strong and positive is more important than ever. This week, on page 48, we’ve got expert advice on how to break some of the bad habits we may have unwittingly acquired (mainlining chocolate buttons and gin is apparently not a sustainable lifestyle!) and we look at why it’s important to set children a good example by limiting phone time – not easy when much of life still happens via Zoom. But it’s important to have fun, too, so we’ve found the best affordable home, fashion and beauty buys from the supermarket to help you make the very best of summer…

❛KATE WILL HAVE EXPECTED PRIVATE TIME WITH MEGHAN TO REMAIN PRIVATE❜ Despite moving away from royal life five months ago, Meghan and Harry are at the centre of a media storm once again due to a book some suspect was written with their blessing. Finding Freedom details the lead-up to their decision to step back as senior royals and records the authors’ claim of a deepening rift. The book lays bare the turmoil in the royal family following Meghan Markle’s arrival. It claims senior members showed the Duchess of Sussex, 39, little respect, and describes royal courtiers as “vipers” who widened the rift between the couple and the rest of the family. It’s been claimed there’s no way the book would have been published without Meghan’s seal of approval –…

She shared a sweet snap with former Friends co-stars Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox to Instagram last week, at a socially distanced gathering for pal Sandra Bullock’s 56th birthday. Posing with her friend Sandra in comfy quarantine clothes, Jennifer Ansiton gushed, “Celebrating our girl properly distanced with so much love. Happy birthday Sandy. We love you!!!” And sources say the twice-divorced actress – who’s been single since her 2018 split from actor Justin Theroux – welcomed the opportunity to discuss adoption plans with single mum Sandra. The Oscar winner was the same age as 51-year-old Jen when she adopted daughter Laila, now eight, in 2015, four years after bringing home son Louis, ten. The source says, “Jen wanted to make the most of the rare opportunity of everyone being free…

Lockdown has been tough but, for me, the hardest thing has been not seeing my nan. She has dementia and lives in a Greek care home in London. Usually I see her every two weeks, but I haven’t seen her in months. My nan’s dementia is something we’ve had to learn to live with. It’s been heartbreaking. Her not knowing who we are has been really difficult – she knows who Georgia is, but when she looks at me, she can’t understand why I’m grown-up. She thinks I’m a little girl still, and I’ve found that so sad. And although she’s Greek, she’s always been fluent in English, but because of the dementia, she’s forgotten how to speak it. The only thing we can do is make her smile and…

When Chloe Matthews catches sight of herself in the mirror, she feels incredibly proud of what she’s achieved. She’s not only lost 7st, but has transformed her mental and physical health. Just two years ago, Chloe endured regular panic attacks and suffered from anxiety because of her size – and admits she even had suicidal thoughts. Chloe, 25, who works in admin and lives in the Forest of Dean, explains, “I was a size 24 and weighed 17st 7lb. I’m just over 4ft 11, so was morbidly obese. I felt like I had an armour of fat around me that stopped me from being the person I wanted to be. “I was extremely depressed. I simply didn’t want to live, looking and feeling the way I did. I had very…

She finished third on last year’s Love Island with the season’s most loveable male star, Ovie Soko. But, sadly, India Reynolds’ romance with the former professional basketball player wasn’t to be – they split just four months later, blaming conflicting work schedules. Shortly after the break-up last October, India, 29, revealed she had rallied her close friends to “take her mind off things”, and had planned a few nice getaways, including trips to Los Angeles and Dubai with her sisters to “keep busy”. Reflecting on her and Ovie’s decision to go their separate ways, India tells Closer it was a tricky period in her life. “I think any break-up is difficult,” she says. “It’s not good for your confidence, especially when you’ve got a million people giving their opinions and…

‘After Consy died, I didn’t care about my body’ She admitted to starving herself for years to maintain a tiny size 6 figure, but after enduring a toxic relationship with food Malin Andersson reveals she’s learned to love herself as she is. The former Love Island star battled with a devastating eating disorder from the age of 16, obsessively counting calories for six years, and was often so hungry she would faint while working as a flight attendant. Now Malin – who says she feels more confident in her skin than ever and recently posed for an unretouched photoshoot for lingerie chain Boux Avenue – admits she’s finally free of her negative mindset. ADDICTION Malin, 26, tells Closer, “I’m living proof that being super skinny does not make you happy!…

INSIDE LAURA’S FRIDGE • Double cream • Raspberries • Clementines • Houmous • Avocado • Butter • Chocolate • Smoked salmon • Blueberries • Salmon fillets • Broccoli • Peaches • Tomatoes • Cucumber • Peppers • Spinach • Potatoes • Tonic water • Lettuce • Oat milk • Celery sticks • Carrots VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “It’s great Laura thinks about the planet and her health. Using up leftovers limits food waste and means nutrients end up in our body rather than the bin. Steaming food also reduces cooking times, which helps to maintain vitamins. Laura’s diet seems to be mainly plant-based, with lots of fruit and veg – that’s good for her and the environment.” FRIDGE HEALTH RATING 8.5/10 LAURA How much do you spend per week?…

MAKE SURE YOUR CV ISN’T IGNORED “It’s crucial that you have a polished, professional-looking CV that is written with both the ‘hiring bots’ [automated systems that sort through CVs] and HR managers in mind,” says Amanda Augustine, careers expert at TopCV. “Always save your CV as a Word document as, nowadays, many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan, sort and rank CVs based on keyword tracking. Some of this software cannot convert PDFs, HTML or Apple Pages documents and will discard these applications upon receipt.” KEEP IT READABLE “Choose a simple, clean CV design that avoids charts, images, or unusual fonts to make it as easy as possible for the employer to see your information,” says Amanada. “Each time you apply for a job, customise your CV…

Nicola Roberts, 34 Pictured at the 2020 BRIT Awards, singer Nicola proved the impact a bold colour can make on the red carpet. However, the star has gone for a chilled-out approach recently. She went back to basics by pairing a simple sweatshirt with joggers and minimal make-up. AJ Odudu, 32 Is there anything AJ can’t pull off?! The presenter looked sensational in her sequinned mini dress at an awards ceremony back in September, and her garden attire is just as glam. A printed co-ord is super stylish, while cat-eye shades give the look a retro finish. Andrea McLean, 50 Loose Women star Andrea always looks glam, and she hasn’t let lockdown put a stop to her stylish ensembles. Swapping heels for comfy kicks, the presenter nailed off-duty dressing, replacing…

STRENGTHENING KALE The leafy green is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, as well as being packed with antioxidants, which help boost collagen production to plump skin, and calm inflammation. In mask form, kale is an ideal detox, leaving skin looking energised and healthy. SANCTUARY SPA GREEN SMOOTHIE RECHARGE MASK £12 STRESS-REDUCING MUSHROOMS Sensitive skin will benefit from the anti-inflammatory benefits of mushrooms in skincare, as it eases irritation and balances stressed skin, helping to reduce redness. Use this effective moisturiser after cleansing. THE INKEY LIST SNOW MUSHROOM MOISTURISER £9.99 BRIGHTENING CARROT For dull, tired skin, carrot oil could be the magic ingredient. It helps prevent dehydration and signs of ageing, while giving skin a subtle glow. Warm between palms and press on to your face before bedtime,…

1 MANDY BRILLIANT NEW COMEDY THU 13 AUG, 9.30/9.45PM, BBC2 Diane Morgan (Cunk On Britain, Motherland) writes, directs and stars in this fresh new comedy about the hapless Mandy, who dreams of breeding Doberman Pinschers but, in the meantime, has to make money. The first episode sees her make a spectacular mess of two jobs – working as an arachnid controller in a banana factory and as a chicken-shop assistant – after she’s threatened with a cut in her benefits. All episodes are just 15 minutes long, but it seems Mandy can do an awful lot in a short time… 2 (UN)WELL LOOKING AT FADS WED 12 AUG, NETFLIX Extreme fasting, breast milk, tantric sex... Each episode of this new docuseries lifts the lid on controversial wellness fads –…

How has lockdown been for you? Amazingly good! I got to see a lot more of my family – and I’ve still been working. We finished filming Catchphrase with no audience, which I was really worried about. It was great, though, as the contestants stopped worrying about being laughed at and were freer with their answers. What’s happening with In For A Penny? That’s obviously all about interaction… [It’s based on a segment in Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, where Stephen takes quizzes and games to the streets]. I’ve had a meeting with Ant and Dec to come up with new games that could work if we’re not standing so close to people… Tell us about Rolling In It? Three teams have to roll a coin down a moving…

She enjoyed a “much-needed” holiday in Barbados last week as she prepares for her court battle with Rebekah Vardy, in what is expected to be one of the most explosive in showbiz history after Coleen Rooney publicly blamed Rebekah’s Instagram account for leaking stories about her in October – which Rebekah, who was pregnant at the time, vehemently denies. But while fans have been hooked by each instalment of the so-called “WAGatha Christie” scandal, they were distracted from the drama last week when Coleen, 34, was snapped wearing a selection of modest swimsuits including one with a skirt that covered her tummy – in stark contrast to her usual beach attire of skimpy bikinis. She kept fans guessing, though, when she shared a photo alongside Wayne with what appeared to…

MADONNA The star was 58 when she adopted twin girls Estere and Stelle from Malawi in February 2017. Opening up about her adoption journey, the mum-of-six – who also has two adopted sons – said, “It’s a hard road. It’s complicated, but it’s so worth it. It’s like they’ve always been here.” KRISTIN DAVIS The SATC star was 53 when she adopted her baby son, Wilson, in 2018. Kristin – who adopted daughter Gemma, who’s now eight, in 2011 – said raising black children opened her eyes to prejudice and admitted being single stopped her doing it earlier – “One of my issues was could I do it by myself?” BRIGITTE NIELSEN In 2018, the former CBB star gave birth, aged 54, to her fifth child, daughter Frida, following failed…

Emma Armstrong, 30, is Services Manager at Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid refuge. She says, “I had an abusive partner when I was a young adult, during which time I was physically, sexually and financially abused. When I finally left, I decided I wanted to help other young women with abusive partners, so I became a play therapist at a woman’s refuge, which means I use creative mediums to help an individual understand the trauma they’ve experienced. Now, I go home every day knowing I’ve made a difference. We want a survivor’s time in the refuge to be as welcoming as possible. To those trapped with an abuser still, try to find someone you trust who will support you to get help. You are not alone.”…

DANIELLE: ‘This is the most confident I’ve felt’ She’s a busy mum to four boys, so last week Danielle Lloyd treated herself to a romantic break in Ibiza with electrician husband Michael O’Neill, saying it’s “nice to have some ‘me time’”. Danielle, 36, ensured she was in top shape by following a keto plan – a high-protein and low-carb diet – in lockdown, while working out to fitness DVDs. In one Instagram-shared snap of her ketones supplements, she said the diet had given her “better energy, focus and mood”. Despite vowing she’d never go under the knife again after a botched boob job in 2012, last year Danielle showed off breast implants, lipo and a Brazilian bum lift, telling Closer, “This is the most confident I’ve felt about my body…

Comedian and national treasure Alan Carr has called upon the government to put a stop to foie gras being imported into the UK. The force-feeding of animals is currently illegal in this country – meaning the cruel delicacy cannot be produced on British soil. But shockingly, imports of the product are still permitted. Now, Alan Carr has joined Animal Equality, an animal rights group who are urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to include a ban on foie gras imports as part of the Brexit negotiations. Alan Carr exclusively told Closer, “Animal Equality’s footage of La Ferme Turnac is enough to make anyone gag, which is why I’m supporting their campaign to ban foie gras imports. These ducks and geese belong in water, not in cages, and these sweet animals deserve…

CLOSER’S PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY SAYS, “For the people who have repeatedly failed to benefit from diet and exercise programmes, bariatric surgery can sometimes be the only solution. But it does come with problems and psychological barriers, and it cannot bypass previously learned behaviours. Having surgery doesn’t suddenly teach you about nutrition and the importance of exercise. It’s better to educate yourself so you have a healthy and balanced diet. Speak to your GP about the options for getting your weight under control in a supported way.”…

India decided to become a vegan three years ago, after watching documentaries about battery farming, and says her new plant-based lifestyle has become more manageable as time goes on. “I became a vegan because I care about animals and the environment. I was horrified by battery farming and thought, ‘I really don’t want to be involved in this any more,’” she says. “You learn to cook different things and try different things.” India’s average day consists of a vegan protein shake with oats and fruit or toast for breakfast, a meat-free bolognese for lunch and a salad with “fake chicken” for dinner. She’s also a big fan of vegetable fajitas and M&S plant kitchen kievs. “Being vegan makes you healthier,” she says. “If there are chocolates and sweets lying around,…

EXERCISE... “I’m great at cancelling sessions with my personal trainer at the moment! I’m not very disciplined, but I like to walk and sometimes run. I do it when I want to and it always makes me feel better.” POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS... “Every day I look at myself in the mirror and I think, ‘This body has done a lot. It’s unique, it’s beautiful, and it is mine’. Whether you’re a size 6 or a 16, it’s all about being the best version of yourself.” POSTING INSPIRATIONAL PICTURES... “If it makes one person feel better about themselves and embrace their body, then it’s worth it.” WORKING AS A CARER... “I went back to working on the front line as a carer for elderly people at the start of the pandemic. I…

CONVERTING A BEDROOM You might need to use bedroom two as a study, but if you want to sell, move the desk out and dress it as a bedroom – and advertise as two-bed, as most buyers search for properties based on the number of bedrooms. Not using the extra room could reduce your market value by 20 per cent, and with the average UK house costing £232,000, that would be a massive £46,000. AN EXTENSION WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION While a good extension is definitely a winner, if you fail to get the correct planning permission, it could knock up to 15 per cent off the property value. You need full approval from your council, otherwise potential buyers will be put off when it’s flagged in the survey, as applying…

1 GRAB SOME BEACHWEAR Heading on a staycation? This belted designer-inspired swimsuit will pull you in at the waist, smoothing over any lumps and bumps. 2 STOCK UP ON SUNSCREEN No mum bag is complete without sunscreen. In fact, we should all be wearing it daily (even during winter). This Aldi one is full of nourishing antioxidants to hydrate skin, while protecting it from UVA (skin ageing) and UVB (skin burning) rays. For kids that can’t keep still, Tesco have a handy spray option that’s waterproof. 3 LIGHT-UP YOUR GARDEN No matter how big or small your outdoor space, these solar-powered bulbs will create a cosy vibe on warmer evenings. Drape the bulbs over your garden fence or dot these glass tealight lanterns around your patio. 4 KEEP FOOD FRIDGE-COLD…

GET RID OF THE GRIME Glycolic acid is an exfoliating ingredient that, when used regularly, brightens and clears complexions. These pads are soaked in resurfacing glycolic, to dissolve dead skin cells, soothing witch hazel, which has healing antibacterial properties, and hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse for hydrating skin. Use every day, followed by an SPF moisturiser, before popping your face covering on. NIP & FAB GLYCOLIC FIX DAILY CLEANSING PADS £16.95 DOUBLE DEEP CLEANSE Whether washing your face in the morning or removing makeup after wearing a mask all day, this cleanser is a sensitive skin saviour. Thanks to its formula of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it balances the pH level of skin to hydrate and keep skin clean. It works hard while being gentle. Double cleanse daily to keep spots…

What can viewers expect? FREDDIE, 42: I think most people have seen Wipeout before – it’s just fun, isn’t it? This time it’s a round-up of the best episodes from ten years ago, with me and Paddy doing the voiceover. Were you excited to get involved? PADDY, 46: There was a great response when the [comeback] news was announced, so I really hope people enjoy it. We need those big red balls back in our lives! The show that is, not Fred… FREDDIE: The two of us are doing Top Gear now, and when this came along, it was a no-brainer. We both know the show, and with me from Preston and Paddy a Bolton lad, it’s a Northern takeover! What do you love about it? PADDY: I’ve always loved…

MUST READ The Love Square (LAURA JANE WILLIAMS) Penny Bridge has always been unlucky in love – so she can’t believe it when she meets a perfect new man. Followed by another. And then another… Penny has to choose between the three. But are any of them The One? We adored this very funny book. NIGHT OUT Luna Cinema Indoor cinemas might be tricky at the moment, but thankfully the Luna Cinema is back once again for the summer. With extensive social-distancing measures in place, you can enjoy watching blockbusters and classic movies out in the open at fabulous picturesque locations. Movies and venues include Rocket Man at Hampton Court Palace, Dirty Dancing at Bolton Abbey and Pretty Woman at Lincoln Castle. For tickets and info, visit thelunacinema.com. TUNE IN…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This year, the main risk you face is going too hard after what you want. Determination is good, but ensure you don’t flip into ruthlessness as you chase your goals. The next 12 months can be a turning point and full of great achievements, if you get it right. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 23 JUL-22 AUG The Full Moon in your Love Zone means there will be a conclusion in at least one of your most important relationships. Don’t panic. Good connections can go to the next level but feeble ones may crumble. If that’s the case, let them go. You deserve better. PS Get your free Full Moon kit at Moonmessages.com/ fmk VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP The wonderful thing about you…

❛CARL MAKES HER FEEL LESS VULNERABLE AND INSECURE❜ It was meant to be a relaxing holiday after “the month from hell” – which included her disabled son Harvey being rushed into intensive care and an attempted robbery. But Jordan’s fun in Turkey came to an abrupt end when she broke both her feet , shattering her ankles after jumping off a wall during a trip to a theme park with her new boyfriend, Carl Woods, 32, and her children Junior, 15, and Princess, 13. She will have to endure the horror of painful surgery to have pins put in her feet, and doctors have told her she may be unable to walk for six months. While the mum-of-four, 42 –real name Katie Price – put on a brave face in…

• Add your voice to Animal Equality’s critical campaign, by visiting Go.animalequality.org.uk/ foiegras • Don’t buy foie gras, and if you spot it on offer in a restaurant or on a store’s shelves, write to the management to ask for its removal. • Try to avoid buying down material, often found in duvets, pillows and padded jackets. Birds raised for foie gras may endure the trauma of live-plucking before they’re slaughtered. • Take PETA’s Pledge To Go Vegan for 30 days. They’ll send you tips on the best places to eat and their favourite vegan recipes.…

I’VE BEEN TO A COUPLE OF HUGH GRANT’S BIRTHDAYS. I always drop in the Hugh Grant story at family Christmases when I want to make my life look much more glamorous than it actually is. MY FAVOURITE COMICS ARE MY FRIENDS, LIKE KATHERINE RYAN, Roisin Conaty and Shappi Khorsandi. I guess because I like them so much as people, I’m always excited to see their new material. I ONCE WENT TO ONE OF EMMA THOMPSON’S PARTIES. She’d said it was a “party for nothing” but actually it was because she’d been awarded a DBE! Emma was on the dancefloor all night; she has this energy where everyone wants to be around her.…

Closer has teamed up with fashion brand Pour Moi to offer readers 20% off India’s new collection. To claim your discount, enter INDIALOVES20 at the checkout. Offer is valid from 04/08/2020 00:00 to 11/08/2020 23:59. This offer only applies to ‘India Loves Pour Moi’ collection items. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount will be applied to the original selling price at basket using code INDIALOVES20. Pour Moi reserves the right to amend or cancel this offer at any time. Offer is valid online only at www.pourmoi.co.uk.…

ALL ABOUT YOU BREAK BAD HABITS THAT HAVE SET IN Many of us have got into patterns of eating badly or drinking too much, but Emma advises we can stop if we take it slowly At the start of lockdown, millions of us did Joe Wicks workouts, had clear-outs, and tackled long-ignored DIY jobs. As the pandemic has dragged on, apathy has set in, and our initial enthusiasm has waned. Many of us have fallen into bad habits, whether it’s drinking too often, impulse-buying online, or eating junk. Analyse which behaviours have crept in for you, then try to identify your triggers. These are often emotional – feeling bored, anxious, or unhappy. Once you have recognised these, start to challenge them. Make a plan – for example, commit to only…

SPOTLIGHT ON... ASOS KENYA It’s been almost ten years since ASOS launched its “Made in Kenya” range, and the collection is back for summer. The vibrant collection includes co-ords, jumpsuits, and dresses in a range of punchy prints and bold colours, which are ideal for making a statement. Available online now, in sizes 6-16, there’s a menswear collection too. The brand works with SOKO Kenya, a clothing workshop providing fair and safe employment and training for some of the country’s poorest communities – so you can look good and do good too. We’re all for this right now! EVERYBODY’S WEARING... NATURAL HUES Understated and timeless, these stars have been embracing the beige revolution. Give the classic colour a stylish spin with printed pieces in subtle shades of caramel, cream and…

HERO BUYS Team these tailored trousers with an oversized shirt and mules for at-home date nights. With an elasticated waistband and fuss-free pleats, this is ideal for summer day trips. Midi-length dresses flatter, while flared sleeves conceal upper arms. Balloon sleeves are a keeper, and this ditsy pattern is just as trendy as jumbo prints. Turn this stylish swimsuit into a top by slipping into high-waist shorts. MAKE IT WORK Co-ords are a great investment as they can be dressed up or down. Cinch in the shirt with a large raffia belt, or pair individually with basics. Finish with block-heel sandals and a show-piece mini bag. WEAR IT WITH... …chunky trainers for an off-duty, sporty spin. PRIMARK £18 …a classic pair of flared denim jeans to make the print pop.…

EASY PLEASER Quick-growing (up to ceiling height!) and low maintenance, a Swiss cheese plant can last for decades! THE LITTLE BOTANICAL £25 STYLISH BUY Quirky polka-dot leaves give the spotted begonia wow factor! Out of direct sunlight and with weekly watering, it’ll liven up a living room. BAKKER £13.99 SKIN SAVIOUR The inner gel of the aloe plant’s leaves soothes irritation, dryness and even sunburn. Perfect for a kitchen or bedroom. PATCH PLANTS £7.50 DURABLE GEM A snake plant, also known as Mother In Law’s Tongue (it’s spiky), can go up to a month without water. Great for busy households. BLOOMBOX £17 BREATHE EASY! Best known for their tall stature and deep, glossy leaves, fiddle leaf fig trees can reach high heights. They’ll reward you by purifying the air, making…

Corrie favourite Tina O’Brien joined the Street at 16, playing 13-year-old schoolgirl Sarah Platt. She became a gymslip mum to Bethany – before having son Billy in 2004, who died shortly after birth. On-screen, she’s also mum to Harry. Tina, 32, who has two children in real life, says she was given a video tape of a woman in labour to help her 16 years ago. “I was horrified,” she laughs. “This was before Call The Midwife and One Born Every Minute!”…

• It first aired on 3 January 2009 and ended on 31 December 2012. • The show was filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina. • A total of five women have won. One of them was Danielle Lloyd, who triumphed on her celebrity special (in 2009) – beating Dominic Littlewood by a second. • Winner of episode 3, ‘Worm Andy’, had a time of 1.07 minutes on The Wipeout Zone, making him one of the fastest-ever contestants. • 54 seconds is the course record, set by the British athlete Dalton Grant during a celebrity special. • ‘Gymnast Rachel’, the winner of episode two, was the show’s first-ever female winner. • There were 69 episodes – including ten with famous folk.…

Heidi shows off the new skill she acquired during lockdown, but we reckon she’s probably best sticking to her day job... Poor Lewis Hamilton really thought he had texted to ‘come over Sunday’, not ‘some day!’ At least he is practising social distancing... DEMI JONES It’s not odd at all, Demi. We can’t help but wonder what Keith Harris and Orville could have done for our spirits lately. We all need a giant green bird in a nappy in our lives. GREG O’SHEA Thanks for sharing that brilliant insight, Greg. We just find it funny... INSPIGRAM ANDREA MCLEAN We salute you! Now pass us the rosé and the Percy Pigs. With a plea in his eyes to stop the kissing, Sharon’s pooch Elvis ain’t nothing but a hound dog, sighing…