Indice dei contenuti per Issue 964 in Closer

Grab your Manolos – the Sex And The City girls are back! Seventeen years after they strode off our screens – and following two SATC movies and a spectacular fall-out with co-star Kim Cattrall – Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte return as a trio. On p24 we look at how they’ve embraced ageing, with SJP, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis revealing why they’ve never felt better in their mid-50s. Of course, it’s an age associated with the strain of the dreaded menopause. Check out our brilliant six-page special on p34 – with celeb and expert tips and a look at alternatives to HRT if that’s not for you – to help get back to normal. Talking of which, with “freedom” now upon us – albeit with rising infections and a need…

❛NOW SHE’S FOUND HER VOICE, THERE’S NO STOPPING HER❜ During another bombshell testimony, Britney Spears furiously called for her father to be charged with “conservatorship abuse” last week and defiantly told a court, “I’m angry and I will go there!” Lashing out at Jamie Spears, 69, Britney spoke via phone link to the LA Superior Court, saying, “I want to press charges against my father today. I want an investigation into my dad.” In a major glimmer of hope in her fight to remove her father from the court-sanctioned order, which has given him control over her life and £60m fortune for over a decade, the 39-yearold was allowed to hire her own lawyer for the first time. Celebrating her victory at recruiting Hollywood’s “go-to” litigator, Matthew Rosengart, following the…

Angelina’s latest move to sever business ties with Brad comes hot on the heels of her reported romance with music star The Weeknd. The pair were spotted at a private concert together in LA last week, a week after they were seen on a dinner date. Angelina was linked to ex-husband Jonny Lee Miller last month after twice visiting his New York home. But her blossoming relationship with 31-year-old Canadian singer The Weeknd – real name Abel Tesfaye – is another reason she’s keen to detach from Brad as soon as possible. A source says, “Ange hasn’t been serious with anyone since Brad but she is said to be keen to explore a future with Abel, so wants to draw a line under her marriage to Brad once and for…

Ex-EastEnders star Dean Gaffney has become a grandad at 43. In a cute Instagram photo, Dean – who played Robbie Jackson from 1993 to 2015 – announced his daughter Chloe, 24, had given birth to a baby girl called Mimi this month. He wrote, “I’m very happy to announce I am a GRANDAD, I can’t believe my baby is now a mother, proud is an understatement. I know I don’t look old enough to be a father let alone a grandfather!” He became a dad to Chloe and her twin Charlotte when he was 19, with his childhood sweetheart Sarah Burge. They were together for 22 years before splitting in 2015. He’s since appeared on Celebs Go Dating and is on dating app Raya, saying, “I’m not desperately looking for…

She revealed last week that she’d undergone her fifth boob job, a tummy tuck and liposuction surgery, dubbing it a “full MOT” after feeling miserable about her body and “drooping” boobs. Despite previously championing natural weightloss and claiming she’d finally learned to love her body, mum-of-five Kerry Katona revealed she “loathed” her curves after getting into a cycle of comfort eating and gaining weight. Speaking ahead of her surgery, Kerry, 40, said, “I’m also going under the knife in July for my boob reduction, so I’m going to tell him to tuck and suck everything on my tum while I’m there. It’s like going in for an MOT”. SNUBBED Kerry’s surgery revelation – which she was keeping under wraps as Closer went to press–follows her being snubbed by her former…

• Lean on your friends. Turn to close friends and family for support, and don’t be afraid to let them see your tears and anger. Tell them how they can help too, even if it’s just ringing you every night to check in. • Keep it civil. No matter how furious you are, try not to let things escalate. If your ex sends a message that makes you want to bite back in anger, give yourself a few hours to calm down before you reply. When you need to rant, try to do it with your friends or a therapist. • Feel your anger. It’s healthy to cry and rage. Let the tears run and find your own ways to process your anger. I found strength training, walks in the…

After England lost to Italy last week in the Euros final, the country was shocked at the horrific racist abuse aimed at English footballers Marcus Rashford, 23, Jadon Sancho, 21, and 19-year-old Bukayo Saka, who missed their penalties. Hundreds of fans later gathered at a mural of Rashford in Manchester after it was defaced. The online trolling was widely condemned. England Captain Harry Kane posted on Twitter, “They deserve support and backing not the vile racist abuse they’ve had since last night. If you abuse anyone on social media you’re not an England fan and we don’t want you.” Bukayo Saka said, “To the social media platforms Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, I don’t want any child or adult to have to receive the hateful and hurtful messages that me, Marcus…

Natalie Denny, Programme Manager for The Anthony Walker Foundation, a charity set up to tackle racism, hate crime and discrimination, says, “The racial slurs and abuse the three players received are a symptom of the ugly underbelly of structural inequality and racism in our society. And we need to tackle it.” Here’s how: ● It is vital to report any racist abuse or hate crime that you witness. To do this, go to: stophateuk.org/talk-to-us/. That way we can learn about any local hotspots and areas to tackle and also the scale of it. In the past year reporting has increased by 126 per cent on average and, in some areas, up to 400 per cent. ● You should also challenge friends and family for any racism they show, even if…

When Ulrika Jonsson started struggling to find her words and forgetting things, she worried that she had early onset dementia. “In conversations with family and friends I often found myself stopping midsentence, having suddenly lost my train of thought. My short-term memory also became extremely poor,” she said. “Eventually I confided in my friend. She told me, ‘You haven’t got dementia, it’s the menopause’. As she flagged up other symptoms – insomnia, anxiety, inexplicable weight gain and discomfort in the nether regions – I recognised every one of them. Insomnia had me awake from 2am most mornings. My stomach was tied in a permanent knot and embarrassingly, I was also in constant pain down below – sometimes I could barely sit down.” Ulrika, 53, then made an appointment with her…

Therapist Karen Whybrow, 42, lives in Essex with her children, aged eight and five. She says, “I feel as though I’m perimenopausal at the moment as I’ve got irregular periods, my mood becomes very low and I have occasional night sweats. I’ve been considering HRT, but I’ve been vegan for the last three and a half years, and I’m aware that one oestrogen pill is made from horse urine. It’s called Premarin and thousands of mares each year are impregnated for the sole purpose of collecting their oestrogen-rich urine. Equally, some progesterone comes in gel capsules which contain gelatine. I wouldn’t even eat a sweet containing gelatine, let alone regularly take it. “I was widowed four years ago and eventually I’ll want to date and have a relationship again. I…

INSIDE JESS’ FRIDGE • Eggs • Milk • Parmesan cheese • Butter • Tomato pesto • Greek yoghurt • Basil pesto • Avocado • New potatoes • Cherry tomatoes • Strawberries • Broccoli • Red pepper • Fresh pasta • Salmon fillets • Red chillies • Smoked salmon • Blackberries • Raspberries • Spinach • Basil • Orange juice JESS How much do you spend per week? Around £120-£150. Our food shop has no routine. We’ll pop to the local store and get a delivery from Mindful Chef so that there are interesting meals planned. Describe your daily diet… I make sure I get all my vitamins and nutrients through my food. I’m a fan of smoothies as they give great nutrition, or I’ll have berries, yoghurt and granola for…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY The pandemic has seen even the most career-confident of us struggle. You might have been placed on furlough and feel you’ve fallen behind. Maybe you even lost your job, or have found it hard to stay motivated when working from home. Many of us have been left feeling burnt out, stuck or isolated. So what can we do to get our careers – and our confidence – back on track? If others are being promoted or getting new opportunities, it’s important to stop making unhealthy comparisons. The only job you need to focus on is your own. If you are being passed over for a pay rise, discuss it with your boss. Before the meeting, write down…

PRESENTER NICKI CHAPMAN, 54, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER HEALTH AND MIND MY GARDEN IS A BED OF TRANQUILLITY... it’s only a small courtyard, but during the second lockdown, we had it redesigned. I’ve grown hornbeams, yew trees and there’s a bird feeder. I love being out there without my phone weeding and hearing birdsong. I’d recommend everyone to sit still once in a while and listen to nature. BODY CONFIDENCE COMES WITH AGE... in your teens, you’re comparing yourself constantly. Now, I’m much more comfortable in my own skin and know my merits. Walking has helped me feel healthier too – when I reach 8,000 steps a day, I feel good. BEING SUSTAINABLE IS A MORAL OBLIGATION... I work in a charity shop in-between my TV work and…

GET HER LOOK ZOE HARDMAN We can always rely on presenter Zoe for some serious wardrobe inspiration. We love how she teamed her A-line mini skirt with a pink poplin shirt and cream boots – it’s a great ensemble for this unpredictable British weather! Recreate her look with these high-street buys. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS… DEBENHAMS’ CHIC PRINTS In need of some wardrobe updates? Head to the newly rebooted Debenhams.com for a whole host of covetable brands – all in one place. Great for the summer months, there are plenty of punchy prints and timeless buys from affordable labels including Wallis, Red Herring and Principles. We’ll race you to the checkout! FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Taylor Hill Victoria’s Secret star Taylor pulled out all the stops…

SHOUTY SHADOW Copy Gigi’s zesty eye with vivid pigments. Using a damp eyeshadow brush will pick up more powder and create a stronger layer of colour, so start with a small amount and build up, rather than going in heavy. Dab into the corner of your eye, then sweep over lids for a bold look. Orange not your thing? Try baby pink or soft purple. BEAUTY BAY BRIGHT MATTE 9 COLOUR PALETTE £6.50 ACE BASE The secret to long-lasting liner is in the prep, and an oil-absorbing eyeshadow primer promises to give the best results. Warm up the formula by rubbing onto your fingertips first and then blend into your eyelids after applying foundation. Follow with your liner or shadow and you’ll be impressed with the extra staying power. E.L.F…

1 CHRIS PACKHAM: THE WALK THAT MADE ME EMOTIONAL JOURNEY WED 28 JULY,8PM, BBC2 TV presenter Chris Packham takes a deeply personal journey through his often challenging past, as he walks in the beautiful Hampshire countryside that he says shaped, and probably saved, his life. As he walks, Chris explores the importance of natural surroundings when it comes to wellbeing, and talks about his painful memories of living with undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome as he was growing up. FACTFILE In 2019 Packham was awarded a CBE for nature conservation, and is Vice President of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, as well as Ambassador for the National Autistic Society. 2 INDIA’S RAPE SCANDAL SHOCKING REAL-LIFE DOCU TUE 27 JULY, 10PM, C4 In India, more than 70 Indian politicians face…

LA-based reporter Louisa Barnett was outside the Superior court last Wednesday alongside #FreeBritney protesters. She tells Closer, “The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, albeit heartbreakingly sad. “As I shuffled through the swarm of blonde wigs and cardboard cut-outs of the angelic singer in her Hit Me Baby One More Time heyday, I was handed my own banner before a fan stuck a #FreeBritney sticker on my chest and handed me a pink cookie embossed with their movement’s logo. Shouts of “Extortion” “Lies” “Abuse” “Conspiracy” “Victim” came from the crowd, which was made up of a surprisingly diverse group of fans, including 61-year-old Greg Donovan, the former official ambassador of Beverly Hills. “Dressed in his official uniform proudly waving his hand-made banner, Greg – who knew Britney in her heyday…

She’s found fame as a megaconfident, sassy and no-nonsense reality star diva – but Gemma Collins is set to show her more vulnerable side in a documentary about her mental health struggles. The former TOWIE star, 40, is partnering with mental health charity Mind for the documentary Gemma Collins: Self Harm & Me, which is set to air on Channel 4 later this year. The programme will highlight the rise of self-harming over the last decade and the emotional struggles behind it. HEARTACHE Gemma spoke of her personal struggles with self-harm in an interview with Piers Morgan earlier this year. She explained that her first trigger was in her 20s when she had an abortion. After being advised to have a termination due to pregnancy complications, Gemma explained how the…

THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS AND BREAK-UPS After 23 years and two children together, Emma Bunton introduced herself as “Mrs Jones” last week after she secretly married her long-term beau, Jade Jones. And pals say the newlyweds – who have been engaged since 2011 and share sons Beau, 13, and Tate, 10 – made a last-minute decision to wed amid the pandemic in a bid to have privacy. It’s reported she didn’t even tell her fellow Spice Girls until after the ceremony. A source says, “Emma and Jade always wanted to keep their wedding private and had initially thought about doing it abroad, but after the lockdowns they decided they didn’t want to wait any longer and just bit the bullet.” Opening up about their wedding plans in 2018, Baby Spice,…

After initially saying she’d stand by her man, Dani Dyer reportedly dumped her boyfriend Sammy Kimmence last week after he was jailed for three-and-a-half years. He was found guilty of swindling two pensioners out of almost £34k between 2016 and 2018. The court heard Kimmence, 25 – who sobbed during the hearing – told the two men he would invest in horse racing bets on their behalf, but he instead spent it on clothes, restaurant bills, hotels, his overdraft and a trip to Ibiza. As the trial sentencing took place, Dani, 24, shared Instagram Stories about what she was packing for a mini holiday with their seven-month-old son, Santiago – and sources said she had booked a fight for Kimmence too, as she’d expected him to be let off after…

As filming began on the much anticipated Sex And The City reboot last week, the glamorous trio of Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte oozed confidence as they strutted down the streets of Manhattan in their designer heels. Despite the absence of Kim Cattrall – who played maneater Samantha on the hit show and has refused to return due to her notorious feud with the trio, likening them to the “Mean Girls” and claiming SJP had been “cruel” to her during their time on the show – Sarah Jessica Parker, 56, Cynthia Nixon, 55, and Kristin Davis, 56, showed no sign of a wobble as excited fans turned out to catch a glimpse of TV history in the making. The threesome shared a snap of the upcoming 10-part series And Just Like…

England and Liverpool footballer Rinsola Babajide, 23, who is currently on loan to Brighton, was first racially abused when she was a teenager. She says, “I was 16 years old and playing for Millwall Football Club when I opened my Instagram and saw a direct message calling me the “N” word. I was so shocked I didn’t know how to react or what to do, so I deleted it and told no one. I didn’t want to tell my parents as they’re so supportive and I knew it would worry and upset them. “I thought it might be a one- off, but the more my career has progressed, the worse it’s got. “Racism is the worst part of football – a game I’ve loved and played since I was five.…

FORMER LOVE ISLANDER, EVA ZAPICO, 22, GIVES HER OPINIONS ON THE SHOW ‘Jake and Liberty could win it’ Me and Nas were coupled up in the villa, and we are still together now, 18 months on. I think that’s pretty unusual for Love Island relationships but, actually, a lot of the couples from the winter season of the show are still together, like Paige Turley and Finley Tapp, and Sianisse Fudge and Luke T. I think lockdown has played a big part in that. In other series, when you first come out of the villa, everyone is so busy with work and it’s unlikely that you live near your partner, whereas it was only a few months after the show ended that we went into lockdown. Nas and I only…

MANAGE LOW MOODS In my experience, psychological symptoms can be the most difficult. Oestrogen helps to regulate our mood, so when levels fall you can be more prone to anxiety, and irritability. Every week, I’ll have an emergency appointment with a woman who is feeling suicidal because of her menopause. A lot of this is down to the fact that women just don’t feel able to talk about the menopause openly. It’s one of the reasons I founded the Menopause Charity (themenopausecharity.org) to pave the way for every woman to have access to treatment. Some women find cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) effective – ask your doctor for a referral to your NHS talking therapies service or refer yourself. SWOT UP ON HRT HRT – hormone replacement therapy – is the…

Welcome to The Boost – our brilliant new wellbeing brand, full of ideas, tips and inspiration for quick, easy and positive things you can do for an instant pick-me-up and long-term results. Whether you want to Boost your mind, body, soul, finances, relationships, love life or style, we’ve got recommendations for things that actually work. Check out the great weekly content in Closer magazine, or scan this QR code to follow The Boost on Instagram. We may be celebrating some newfound freedoms this week, but it’s perfectly normal to feel worried or anxious about stepping back into the world at large. “The prospect of ‘showing up’ in the world might fill you with trepidation,” says mindset coach Ruth Kudzi (ruthkudzi. com). “Perhaps you’re nervous about returning to your workplace, less…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Think back to when you were a teenager – if you had a spot, you were convinced that everybody was staring at it all day. Imagine how it must feel as an adult to have a spotty face or back, or arms and legs that are covered in scaly patches. Whether it’s acne, psoriasis, scarring, eczema or rosacea, skin conditions can leave a person feeling embarrassed, isolated and vulnerable. It’s about time we recognised the mental health impacts of living with a skin condition, and these guidelines are long overdue. In the meantime, here are some helpful ways to manage your skin condition and the impact it has on your life, both physically and mentally. TRUST YOUR…

Every mum wants their child to be popular and to thrive socially. Children also fall out, or transition from one group of peers to another. Before mobile technology, kids tended to sort out these problems themselves. However, if you’re a parent in extended Facebook and WhatsApp groups, you may become far more involved in their bust-ups. PROTECT YOUR CHILD Your son or daughter’s happiness and emotional wellbeing is your priority and you need to defend them above the needs and reactions of anyone else. If you or a member of your family are put in the spotlight and if you feel ganged up on, politely message that you are withdrawing from the group due to differences of opinion. RESPECT THEIR WISHES If your child has fallen out with a friend,…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Want to make sure your house is worth the most it can be, but unsure how to go about it? There are plenty of ways to improve the value of your property, whether you’re looking to sell, remortgage, or invest in the right things now to increase asking prices later. With the stamp duty holiday ending, nobody quite knows what will happen in the housing market, but it’s always a good idea to do what you can to add value to your home. “There are so many things you can do to boost the value of your home,” says Kirsty Burnham, head of property at Movewise (movewise.co.uk). “Some require significant investment – and therefore potential risk – but some cost nothing…

DRESSED-UP DENIM No wardrobe is complete without a pair of classic denim shorts – they go with everything. For a fancy vibe like Mollie’s, add a crisp shirt with a statement collar. All-black accessories streamline the look and add a modern feel. STYLISH SUIT For a summer wedding, swap a dress for a short suit that is both stylish and comfortable. Mix and match items for extra wardrobe mileage – a blazer will dress up jeans, while shorts look great with a Breton top. PUNCHY PRINT A printed pair will inject fun into your summer wardrobe and is ideal for future holidays, too. Style for a parkside picnic with a slogan tee and tan accessories. MORE STYLES TO TRY PLAYFUL PINK A tailored fit is perfect for the office, while…

1 DISSOLVE PRODUCT BUILD-UP Daily pollutants and using styling products means that over time impurities will build up around your roots. This is where a pre-shampoo treatment comes in. Every couple of weeks, slather this jelly through your hair and scalp and let the vitamin C-packed formula work its magic. It will dissolve dirt, leftover product and oil to create a healthier scalp – leaving your locks feeling rejuvenated even before your usual rinse. PHILIP KINGSLEY VITAMIN C JELLY DETOXIFYING HAIR AND SCALP TREATMENT, £28 FOR PACK OF 4 2 CONTROL & CLEANSE Swap your usual shampoo for Head and Shoulders’ new Deep Cleanse range and you’ll give your scalp the equivalent of a facial. There are three options aimed at tackling individual needs, which include oil control (with citrus),…

You’ve got Kerry Katona on episode one… I was nervous about dressing Kerry, and I think Kerry was nervous about being dressed by me. Normally, I meet the bride for the first time in the boutique where we film but with Kerry, we spoke over FaceTime beforehand and she was brilliant. I said, “This is real - you are getting married and I’m going to find your wedding dress.” She gave it everything and was so honest with her story. It’s such an uplifting series… It really is a gorgeous programme - and important at the moment, because we all want some hope, and we want people’s joy to be on display. The idea that we get to do a whole hour of it every single week, where people can…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) THE PRINCESS DIARIES B) GHOSTBUSTERS NAME THE STARS 1) CHARLIE BROOKS 2) ROMAN KEMP GUESS THE CELEB A) OWEN WILSON B) LEIGH-ANNE PINNOCK WORD LINK A) BUSH B) EVIL C) CUT D) NIGHT E) CHANCE F) HEAD SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal. co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or…

Prince Harry and wife Meghan rocked the royal family in a series of searing accusations with their claims of racism during their Oprah interview in March – something the Palace fiercely denied. And last week, Prince William waded into one of the biggest race rows the UK has experienced after it emerged that there had been vile racist abuse on social media aimed at footballers Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka following the Euros final. William made a statement via Twitter reading, “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match. It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.” PRAISED William’s statement was praised by social media…

Maura Higgins and Giovanni Pernice have made their romance Instagram-official after posting their first snap together, which the ex-Love Islander captioned, “I’m yours”. Strictly star Gio later shared the same image with the caption “You’re mine.” There’s been speculation for weeks that the pair are dating after fans spotted them at the same hotel in Cornwall last month. Maura, 30, split from fellow islander Chris Taylor three months ago, and has previously dated another Islander, Curtis Pritchard, brother of former Strictly professional AJ. Meanwhile, Gio, also 30, has had relationships with Strictly partners Georgia May Foote and Ashley Roberts, as well as TOWIE’s Jess Wright.…

She dropped several hints that she’d secretly wed boyfriend Travis Barker last week during a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas. Amid the string of snaps Kourtney Kardashian shared on Instagram – while keeping her and the Blink 182 star’s wedding ring fingers covered – she wrote, “What happens in Vegas.…” while her longtime stylist added, “NOW I understand why people tie the knot in Vegas,” in reference to its iconic chapels and speedy marriage licences. Travis’ 15-year-old daughter, Alabama, further fuelled speculation when she paid tribute to the pair on her Instagram story, writing, “So happy for you guys” while Kourtney – who has three children, Mason, 11, Penelope, nine, and Reign, six, with her ex Scott Disick – shared another snap of a bouquet of flowers from sister Khloé.…

As a comedian, Helen Thorn thrives on making other women laugh but, just as the UK went into the first national lockdown last year, she found herself heartbroken. Her life imploded when her marriage ended and she found herself facing the pandemic as a single mum. But 16 months on, Helen has transformed her life. She’s happier than ever and has rediscovered the joys of dating – and sex. She has even written a book about her experiences, called Get Divorced Be Happy, and is back touring in comedy duo The Scummy Mummies. Helen, 42, says, “My marriage ending was awful, but it was also a gift. I thought being in a long-term relationship meant everything, but I’m 100 per cent happier now. “I go on the holidays I want…

‘BEING A WORKING MUM MEANS SACRIFICE’ She’ll be touring with a baby this autumn, and Paloma freely admits that juggling kids with a busy career isn’t always easy. The singer is mum to two daughters aged four years and five months, whose names she has never revealed, and famously showed the challenges of being a mum in the music industry with her documentary, Paloma Faith: As I Am. “I don’t understand why I can’t have everything,” she said. “If anyone can do it, it’s me. It’s that age-old decision between wanting to be the best mother you can be, but also be the best at your career, simultaneously. I think that involves a lot of sacrifice and a lot of women are doing it. There are parallels you can see…

Anti-racism campaigner Shaista Aziz, from Oxford, says, “When I watched the final few minutes of the England Vs Italy game, I was devastated. Not because we didn’t win – but because I absolutely knew our three young black players would be subjected to racism afterwards. “The following morning I was sickened and disgusted when I woke up and looked online. The Football Association should have been putting out a press release saying how proud they were of our young team – instead they had to address the racism the players had been subjected to. “I knew something had to be done. I spoke to my friends Amna, Huda and Eloise and we pulled together the text for our petition calling for people who’d been racist online to be banned from…

There have been complaints from viewers that the current series of Love Island is “too tame”, and even Geordie Shore’s Holly Hagan said the contestants are too young, joking,“It’s like watching CBeebies”. Personally, I think things are finally starting to heat up in the villa as the couples start to properly form. My boyfriend Nas [Majeed] and I have been watching this series religiously – we haven’t missed a single episode. The show is amazing when it’s juicy, but sometimes the build-up is just as exciting. I was starting to like Brad and Lucinda as a couple, but then a spanner got thrown in the works when they had to choose between them which one had to leave, with Brad ending up going home. The appeal of dating shows like…

While physical changes are common, TV and radio presenter Jenny Powell admits it’s been the emotional symptoms of menopause that have affected her the most. Jenny, 53, says at times her mood has dipped and left her feeling irritable. She explained, “I’ve been perimenopausal for a couple of years, but I’ve adapted to it. I’ve noticed I have less tolerance, I get a lot moodier and can be snappy. While I’ve tried desperately to think otherwise, I know it’s my hormones. Meditation has helped and I’ve learned to be more forgiving to myself. Like most women I have up and down days, I’d be lying if I said I felt 100 per cent all the time, but I don’t give myself a hard time.” And the former Loose Women panellist…

When Mel Fallowfield, 48, went to a party last month, the birthday girl cracked a joke asking how everyone was getting on with their menopause. It was shortly after Davina McCall’s Channel 4 show Sex, Myths And The Menopause had aired and the guests – in their late 40s and early 50s – all had plenty to say. The vast majority were on HRT already or planning to have it. There were tales of libidos rocketing, and hair feeling thicker and glossier. But for Mel, the conversation left her feeling low. LIFELINE Mel, a writer from London who lives with her husband Brian, 49, and two teenage sons, says, “They were glowing – and I felt like a dried-up prune. Sadly the ‘magic wand’ that is HRT isn’t an option…

I’m not sure another dating I app is what the world needs right now but nevertheless a new one seems to arrive almost weekly. The latest addition is called Zeal, which promises to connect people through their shared love of sport. Why you can’t meet at the gym or a sports club baffles me as I still speak to people at fitness classes albeit from a social distance. But then again I am a total chatterbox and not everyone is. I also appreciate that not everyone feels safe taking part in sports in a group just yet. I certainly think it helps to find someone with shared or similar interests, but I would always remember to focus on what I think is key: shared values. So if keeping fit and…

Lisa Conway-Hughes, aka financial expert Miss Lolly, shares her top money tips… TIP ONE: There are four numbers you need to know and track. These are what you owe, what you own, what comes in each month, and what goes out each month. Knowing these numbers accurately will help you to track your cashflow and stay in control of what’s coming in and out, so write them down monthly. TIP TWO: Always aim to have three to six months’ worth of outgoings in a savings account for emergencies. This is a huge goal for most people, so break it down and save what you can. Sometimes things can catch us out, so having even a small safety net is better than nothing. TIP THREE: Only ever invest money that you…

WAIST CINCHER This cleverly panelled one-piece draws in the waist while the adjustable – and removable – straps make it perfect for avoiding tan lines as you soak up the sun. TU AT SAINSBURY’S, £16 SHAPE SHIFTER Go for an asymmetric vibe with this zesty style made from chlorine-resistant fabric. The shaping technology is also smoothing, plus it’s available in five other shades, too. NEXT, £36 TREND SETTER The contrasting side stripes on this beauty will create a sleek silhouette as you glide through the water. Lilac is also one of this season’s key colours, so it ticks all this summer’s boxes. ADIDAS, £35 PRINT PERFECTION This zingy set has adjustable ties depending on your bust size, capped sleeves to smooth over arms and high-waisted bottoms to keep tummies supported.…

PLASTIC-FREE JULY REFILL YOUR BOTTLES The Body Shop is launching refill counters in 155 of its UK stores this year (with a goal of 800 stores globally by the end of next year), providing reusable bottles to fill with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner or hand wash. Refill stores for cupboard essentials are popping up all over the UK, where you can buy plastic-free pasta, porridge and cleaning products. There are even delivery services bringing refill products straight to your door, like Zero Waste On Wheels in Kent. TRY A BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH Start phasing out unnecessary plastics in your daily routine – like toothbrushes, washing-up sponges or cling film. You don’t need to splurge to get it all done in one day, just make an effort to use more eco…

MUST READ How To Kill Your Family (BELLA MACKIE) Meet Grace Bernard – daughter, sister, colleague, friend, serial killer… When she discovers her absent millionaire father has rejected her dying mother’s pleas for help, she vows revenge – and sets out on a mission to kill every member of his family. A unique story that’s both dark and hilarious, we couldn’t put this novel down. BEST DAY OUT Hideaway Cinema What better way to celebrate a British summer evening than with an al fresco movie with your family and friends? This sunny season, the Hideaway Cinema is bringing all the blockbusters to the best UK locations. Catch classics such as Grease and Dirty Dancing at Hampstead Heath from 8 to 12 September, or go for something new like Disney’s Cruella…

20-26 JULY IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK It’s a turnaround year ahead for you when it comes to all your most important relationships. Who is always there for you? Who do you want to take with you into the next year of your life? Celebrate the people who make you feel amazing and release the people who make you feel rubbish. This should also be a good year for you financially. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CANCER 21 JUN – 22 JULY You could be in a chatty mood, which will be nice, but if you find yourself in a massive argument with someone, go easy. You should have learned some important lessons about not taking it too far verbally with people in the past few years. Visit yasminboland.com…