Closerの Issue 978 の目次

He’s one of the best-loved faces on telly (and voices on radio) and has become a national treasure since finding fame on The X Factor in 2012. But the usually fun-loving Rylan has suffered a difficult year since splitting from husband Dan in June, leading to a four-month break from the limelight as he struggled with his mental health. Thankfully, in our exclusive chat this week, Rylan says he’s enjoying life again and reveals it’s down to the power of good friends – including “absolute goer” Ruth Langsford, his This Morning co-star. Meanwhile, on page 42, TV’s Dr Rangan Chatterjee guides us through how to cope when life is stressful. Following his easy tips for a few minutes a day will leave you feeling calm and in control. We’ve got…

She has had a well-publicised battle with sobriety and, last week, Kelly Osbourne reportedly sought help for alcohol addiction issues for the seventh time. It comes just weeks after splitting from her cinematographer boyfriend of 18 months, Erik Bragg, 37, and pals say her heartache over another failed romance left Kelly at rock bottom. And in July, the troubled star, 36, told her 2.4m Instagram followers she was “broken” after her six-year-old dog Polly died from a heart defect. DOWNWARD SPIRAL A source says, “Losing Polly hit Kelly extremely hard and it was at a time when things with Erik had already started turning toxic, so it sparked a downward spiral, which left her in a dark place and struggling to cope.” Back in April, British-born Kelly confessed she’d fallen…

I lost my husband [TV magician] Paul Daniels in 2016 and it took me a long time to want to start dating again. But last year, I decided to give it a go. I thought dating would be really scary, but because I now know who I am as a person and I know what I want, I think of going on a date as merely a chance to get to know someone, with no pressure. I think, as you get older, you become more aware of what you want to get out of a relationship. I want someone funny and kind, like Paul was. I’m enjoying it! My advice to anyone dating later in life is make sure you’re really familiar with someone before there’s any intimacy. If a…

Little Mix fans were dealt another blow last week when it was revealed Perrie Edwards has been secretly planning to leave the band for the last two years to work on her own wellness brand. Named Disora, the health hub will be launching this month – as reports say the group will announce their split in November. And it seems new mum Perrie – who welcomed her first child, son Axel, with boyfriend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in August – is channelling the likes of fellow mums Holly Willoughby and Gwyneth Paltrow as she enters the lucrative wellness industry. This Morning host Holly launched her website, Wylde Moon, last month, and it’s thought the hub could earn her up to £12 million. Meanwhile, Gwyneth’s brand Goop has earned the actress £180 million…

Akua Blacq was just 14 when she started buying bleaching treatments in an attempt to lighten her skin. Akua, 28, says, “After I moved from Ghana to the UK, people would constantly stare at me and comment on how dark my skin was. Boys at school would tell me that they only fancied girls who were white or mixed race. “I turned to lightening creams that gave me terrible eczema and dry skin, hoping they would make me ‘more desirable’. “Now, I realise my skin is beautiful, and I look after it with oils and moisturisers. I even became a model to show the world that black skin is beautiful.” PREJUDICE A survey by the British Skin Foundation found that a third of those using skin-lightening products did so because…

After spending 18 months in lockdown, many of us have been longing for a much-needed night out with friends – and Rylan Clark is no different. Months of baking, yoga and sanding his skirting boards during the pandemic have left the popular TV host eager to get back out into the world. Rylan tells Closer, “I do need to start going out as I’m a bit of a hermit. I love a cosy night in, tracksuit on, lighting a candle with a glass of i heart Merlot wine, but recently I’ve got a little bit of an itch to start going out again.” And while his showbiz pals include Nicole Scherzinger, Jordan and Emma Willis, Rylan, 33, says his perfect wing woman is his This Morning co-star Ruth Langsford. He…

BEYONCÉ & JAY-Z’S SHOCK PDAS They’ve kept their 13-year marriage relatively private, but fans have been left gobsmacked after Beyoncé and Jay-Z have posted a series of spicy posts recently. The pair have flooded their social media with almost daily PDAs as they toured Europe, and promoted their new collaboration with jewellery brand Tiffany & Co with a video called Date Night With The Carters. One fan said, “They look happy but they never used to pose together this much,” while another added, “You’re scaring me – you’re so active.” Previously speaking about keeping her private life out of the spotlight, Beyoncé said in August, “I’ve fought to protect my sanity and my privacy because the quality of my life depended on it. A lot of who I am is…

She was said to be “shocked” by her ex-husband Jamie Redknapp’s whirlwind nuptials to pregnant Frida Andersson last week, amid reports she didn’t even know the couple were engaged. And pals say Louise Redknapp, 46, has been floored by snaps of the Swedish model showing off her blossoming baby bump in her figure-hugging wedding frock, alongside the two sons the former Eternal singer shares with the ex-footballer, Charles, 17 and Beau, 12. A source says, “Louise was only told about the wedding a couple of days before and was understandably knocked for six. “She’s struggling to process it all – especially after only just getting her head around the fact her ex of almost 20 years is expecting a baby with a woman 10 years younger than her.” After ending…

Earlier this month, Luke Dawson left viewers shocked at the MAFS UK reunion show, where the usually shy firefighter accused Morag of “playing” him, before explosively ending things. And last week Luke, 36, gave an insight into his experience and his thoughts on Morag now. During a Q&A on his Instagram, Luke said he’d been wrong about his feelings for her. He wrote, “I genuinely thought I [did love] Morag. I was caught up in the moment”. Luke also expressed heartache over the failed romance, writing, “I wasn’t Morag’s type. That’s it. It hurt like hell... But you know what, I’m someone else’s type, right?”…

Nicola McLean, 40, has been married to footballer Tom Williams for 12 years and they have two sons. Tom has earned up to £10k a week during his career, but Nicola says she’s always had her own income, and would never choose money over love. She says, “I met Tom on a blind date and I immediately knew I’d marry him. I’m a romantic and although people may think, ‘She’s married to a footballer’, I fell in love with Tom, not his pay check. I had my own money as a successful Page 3 girl. “Marrying for money is shallow and not something I would do – you have to work hard yourself. Being a footballer – unless you’re one of the world’s best players – has a short career…

When Sally Morgan speaks to Closer it is just a few weeks since her husband of 46 years John tragically passed away from Coronavirus. Sally, who shares two grown-up daughters, Rebecca and Fern, with him, says she is understandably overcome with grief and disbelief, but says that her spirituality is helping her through this devastating time and that she speaks to him every day. “We’re still in shock because it happened so quickly,” she says. “He went into hospital on 8 September and he died on the 27th. We didn’t see him until he was dying – I’m heartbroken and in pieces – sometimes I’m on the floor crying my eyes out.” The star has used her psychic ability to communicate with the dead throughout her career – working with…

INSIDE GABY’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Mozzarella • Houmous • Beetroot • Symprove supplement • Salmon fillets • Avocado • Kimchi • Spring onions • Olives • Pickled cucumber • Lettuce • Sliced pineapple • Blueberries • Vegan burgers • Falafel • Courgettes • Aubergine • Spinach • Sweetcorn • Tonic water • Oat milk • Almond milk GABY How much do you spend per week? It varies, but around £100. I always try to keep stock of things we need at home, whether it’s rice, lentils and beans, and be organised. Describe your daily diet... I’ll have Symprove first thing. I’ve been taking it for two years and it keeps my gut healthy. I’ll have eggs, kimchi and beetroot for breakfast, sometimes with avocado. Lunch varies - soup or…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Research suggests that you have eight seconds to win over a stranger. Luckily, there are some simple yet highly effective strategies to help you build instant rapport. If you are attending an interview and feeling nervous, before walking in, take some deep breaths, close your eyes and imagine yourself getting a call to say you got the job. Try to amplify those positive feelings - this will help you feel confident and will use adrenalin to your advantage. Keep an upright posture and smile widely while making good eye contact, to look friendly and approachable. Then introduce yourself and thank the interviewer for the opportunity, while adding that you are excited to be present. This sets you…

PROFESSIONAL SNOWBOARDER AIMEE FULLER, 30, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I HAVE 30 MINUTES TO MYSELF EVERY MORNING... no matter what I’m doing. I like to switch on the telly, watch the news, drink my coffee, get some water in me, then it’s time to go. I TRY TO DO SOMETHING NEW EACH DAY... If you’re going for a walk, try a different route, or make something new for dinner. Variety makes life so much more interesting. I AVOID EATING TOO LATE... because it can throw your body’s energy system out of whack. When I eat earlier, I wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to go. BEING OUTDOORS IS THE BIGGEST HEALER... As a professional snowboarder, I was lucky that the mountains used to be…

1 JESS WRIGHT: THE WEDDING BUILD-UP TO THE BIG DAY TUE 2 NOV, 9PM, ITVBE On 9 Sept, TOWIE’s Jessica Wright tied the knot with William Lee-Kemp in front of family and pals at a beautiful Spanish castle on the island of Mallorca. The day was indeed glorious; the bride stunning in a frock fit for a princess (“The whole church gasped” – commented her proud new hubby, though we imagine spending a penny when the need arose would’ve been mighty tricky…). Michelle Keegan (hitched to the bride’s brother, Mark Wright) was one of the bridesmaids, and this must-see 90-minute special for fans documents Jess and Will’s journey to the alter as they set about staging their dream day. Well, if you’re going to get married, you might as well…

Spice Girls Spice: 25th Anniversary Celebrating a mighty 25 years since the Spice Girls’ debut album was released (wow, where’s that time gone?!) is a special 2CD edition of the offering itself. Featuring smash hits Wannabe, Say You’ll Be There, Who Do You Think You Are and 2 Become 1 and special alternative mixes on disc 2, get ready to spice up your life once more! Out 29 October.…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The last year or so has been full of restrictions. For you, as a lover of freedom and spontaneity, this was hard, but a cosmic influence is about to open up. The year ahead invites you to explore your soul’s desires and expand your capacity for compassion. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV This isn’t a time to take your health for granted. Everything from your food choices and exercise to your mindset is so important now. If you’ve let healthy habits slip, then over the next few weeks, you’ve got a rare opportunity to get back on track. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscope. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC You might not like this, but it’s time for you to hit…

Her family ties have slowly disintegrated since she married Prince Harry in 2018 – with huge fallouts and mud-slinging on both sides. And last week, Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, once again stoked the drama when he spoke about his estranged daughter. Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Thomas, 77, said, “Once she hooked up with Harry, she changed. She’s pretty much disowned both sides of her family and I don’t understand the reason for it.” Thomas went on to say he’d considered seeking legal action in order to meet his grandchildren – Archie, two, and four-month-old Lilibet – saying, “I’d love to see my grandchildren. I’ve been told by several lawyers that grandparents have sued to see their grandchildren and won in California. But I’m not going to…

Since moving to Los Angeles five years ago, Londoner Adele’s life has changed beyond measure. The Easy On Me singer – who is worth an estimated £130m – owns three lavish estates in one of the most exclusive enclaves in Beverly Hills worth an estimated £22m, with neighbours including her best mates, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, Cameron Diaz and Nicole Richie. With her most recent single breaking chart records, the star of the moment will also be the subject of a two-hour interview with Oprah Winfrey next month, in which she’ll open up about her 2019 divorce from Simon Konecki, her incredible recent weight-loss, and raising her nine-year-old son, Angelo. Her glamorous existence is a far cry from her early life on a central London estate. But the notoriously private…

Journalist Victoria Sanusi, 27, from London, says, “When I was 11 years old, I went to the hairdressers and a new stylist was doing my hair. She looked at me and said, ‘You’re pretty, but you’re too dark. I have some bleach in the back for you.’ “I didn’t try the bleach, but it played on my mind for a long time. I’d compare myself to other black women who were lighter and notice they were treated differently. They received more attention from boys and would be deemed as more attractive. “As a teenager dealing with puberty and living in a town that was mostly white, colourism destroyed my confidence. Even now, when I go to the hair salon, I always see skin-lightening products at the tills and it makes…

We are increasingly open about discussing mental health, but it’s not just humans who suffer from low mood or anxiety – pets do too. And experts are reporting a worrying rise in dogs who are plagued by separation anxiety and other behavioural problems, as their owners return to work post lockdown. HUGE SHOCK “Our pets need stability, love and care, just like us,” says RSPCA’s Head of Companion Animals, Dr Samantha Gaines. “Many people took on puppies impulsively during lockdown, but now our routines are changing and we are returning to work. This can be a huge shock for a dog who may never have spent much time alone. Even pre-pandemic it was estimated that 80 per cent of dogs struggle to be alone – they really value human company.”…

His colourful love life has made headlines in recent years, but The Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood is now ready to settle down with girlfriend of two years, Melissa Spalding. A source says, “Paul’s never been happier. Melissa has put a huge smile on his face so he has asked her to move in with him.” Just last week, Paul, 55, whisked his girlfriend off to Cyprus – the same place he’d met and married his ex-wife, Alex, in 1998. And after Alex, 53, and Paul separated in 2017 - due to his affair with The American Baking Competition co-judge Marcela Valladolid –he also jetted off to the island with his next girlfriend, 25-year-old barmaid Summer Monteys-Fullam, who he dated for two years. But in 2019, the GBBO…

Donna Johnson ordered an at-home DNA kit so her children could learn more about their family tree. But shockingly, the results revealed that her husband, Vanner, 46, was not the biological father of their son, Tim, 13, who was conceived through IVF. Online detective work by the couple revealed that Tim’s real father was a man called Devin McNeil, and that he and his wife, Kelly, had used the same IVF clinic as the Johnsons. While mix-ups at fertility clinics are incredibly rare, there have been a number of cases in the UK and worldwide – although mistakes with embryos are usually spotted a lot sooner, either during pregnancy or at birth. Remarkably, the Johnsons and McNeils have now become friends and are helping each other come to terms with…

WE HAD OUR PHONES CHECKED We weren’t allowed to communicate with any of the other couples while we weren’t filming. The production team would take our phones and check them to see if we had. WE’D REFILM SCENES If we said something the producers liked, they’d say, ‘That was great, now say it again like this.’ Sometimes we had to film things over and over again. WE WERE CHAPERONED We’d always have someone with us. We were even escorted going to the gym, and someone would sit outside and wait until we were done. It was like we were in prison!…

Radio presenter Lizzie Cundy, 53, was married to footballer Jason Cundy for 16 years, and shares two sons with him. She says, “When I married Jason, I was earning more money than him through my presenting and modelling, and then I stopped work when I had my children and I stayed at home with them. That was my job – and I supported his career while he provided for us. If you are a partnership, and you truly respect each other’s roles in the marriage, then it can be a success. We live in a world where it’s not OK to say it, but every woman likes to be treated like a princess and spoiled by her man from time to time! “Whatever people say, it’s usually up to the…

Whether you want to Boost your mind, body, soul, finances, relationships, love life or style, we’ve got recommendations for things that actually work. Scan the QR code for more tips or search for @TheBoostUK on Instagram! We’ve all experienced that bubble of anxiety that wells up when we’re stressed, but it can cause other health issues, too. Insomnia, irritability, tummy trouble, lack of motivation and backache are some ways stress can affect your body and mind. Over time, it can lead to serious and long-term health problems, like heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity. “Research shows 80 to 90 per cent of what a GP sees is related to stress,” says Dr Rangan Chatterjee. “It’s very real! But the great news is we have the power to reduce the…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Half of women have reported noticing a change to their periods during the past 18 months of the pandemic. It may feel worrying if yours have become heavier, lighter, longer or shorter – or even stopped completely, but it isn’t a surprise to doctors. All illnesses and even emotional issues, like stress and anxiety, can impact menstruation. THINK ABOUT STRESS Periods are subject to any sort of emotional or physical challenge to the body. If you think about it in evolutionary terms, being ill, stressed or hungry isn’t a good time to get pregnant, so your body waits for you to be in a good place physically and emotionally. When you’re stressed, your body releases the hormone…

As an adult you understand why apologising is an essential part of being a partner, friend, parent and colleague. Sadly, kids aren’t always quite as willing to apologise when they get themselves into hot water and it’s easy to feel frustrated as a parent, as this adds stress to family life. LET THEM COOL OFF Saying sorry means nothing unless it is meant and the reasons behind it are understood. If a child knows they can just say a word that magically means Mum is no longer angry, it is likely they will quickly use this as a key to unlocking conflict, without actually recognising the impact of their behaviour. Instead, firstly allow a cooling-off period. This gives all parties a chance to take stock of what happened. DISCUSS IT…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER We all know the high we get from clicking “order now” or when that eagerly anticipated parcel lands on your doorstep – and there’s a reason it feels so good. Buying new things gives us a hit of dopamine – the ‘feel good’ hormone – that makes our brains feel pleasure. While there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself, if we’re constantly chasing that dopamine high, it can leave our bank accounts depleted. “When we make a purchase, we experience a dopamine rush, which triggers the brain’s reward systems. That instant gratification can be addictive, but also short-lived,” says Sarah Bramall, transformation coach and co-founder of The Coaching Catalysts. “Days or even hours later, we may experience buyers’ remorse as we rushed…

A IS FOR APRES-SKI KNITS Embrace the chic chalet vibes and keep cosy with retro-print, turtleneck jumpers. JOANIE £45 B IS FOR BUTTONDOWN SKIRTS Swap jeans for a ’90s denim midi – the linear button detailing helps elongate legs. RESERVED £19.99 C IS FOR CHECKED PRINTS Checkerboard is making serious waves on the high street, from fluffy coats to sequin dresses. This knitted dress is a joy. WAREHOUSE £64 D IS FOR DISTRESSED DENIM The ’80s are back with a bang! Layer a Breton top under this somewhat classic boiler suit. MANGO £59.99 E IS FOR EMBELLISHED HEMS Jewelled detailing adds a blingy touch – this statement blazer will dress up basics. RIVER ISLAND £85 F IS FOR FURRY-TRIM CARDIES We can’t resist this Clueless-inspired trend – pair with high-waisted…

BRIGHTENING BOOST Skin can look lacklustre during the winter, so go for a serum containing natural brightener vitamin C. This silky formula, derived from 98 per cent natural ingredients, instantly perks and plumps up dull cheeks. It’s a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. CAUDALÍE VINERGETIC C+ VITAMIN C ENERGY SERUM £34 INSTANT EYE LIFT Like a power nap in a tube, this caffeine-infused eye serum removes signs of puffiness brilliantly. It has a cooling feel, which is seriously refreshing first thing, and it lessens the appearance of shadows premake-up. Tick, tick, tick! PIXI DETOXIFEYE SERUM £22 GLOW GIVER This tinted liquid softens your face while adding a subtle hint of bronzed colour and a warm, dewy glow - it’ll…

Tell us about The Pet Show… DERMOT, 48: It’s a love letter to our nation’s favourite friends – a simple, really fun teatime show. I suppose the best way to describe it would be that it’s like the Top Gear for animals. JOANNA, 44: It’s all about our pets and our love for them, but it’s not just about cats and dogs – it explores all of the different animals that we have. How did you find filming? DERMOT: It was amazing because me and Jo were surrounded by these wonderful animals, so every day was different. One day you’d have a llama turning up, or a snake or a donkey. We’re both animal lovers, so for us it was incredible. JOANNA: I did about eight weeks of being a…

In an impassioned Instagram message, Britney Spears sensationally revealed she’s quitting music after more than two decades in the spotlight. Four months after telling a judge “I just want my life back” amid her battle to lift her “abusive” conservatorship, Britney, 39, also lashed-out at her family in her scathing post last week, writing “Lord have mercy on my family’s souls if I ever do an interview!” DISGUSTED The Toxic singer – who was also spotted house-hunting in LA’s secluded “Hidden Hills” with her fiancé Sam Asghari, 27 –added, “I haven’t done anything to be treated the way I have the past 13 years. I’m disgusted with the system and wish I lived in another country.” And as she starts to map-out her new life now freedom is in sight,…

EVERY WEEK WE BRING YOU A BRILLIANT NEW GUEST COLUMNIST ‘Strictly is a performance – you’ve got to get close!’ Despite only being in its fifth week, Strictly Come Dancing has already been hit by controversy this year. Last week, there was an outpouring of support for Tilly Ramsay, 19, after LBC presenter Steve Allen said on his show, “She’s a chubby little thing, isn’t she? Probably her dad’s cooking.” There were calls for Steve, 67, to be fired – I think they were awful comments and he should totally be reprimanded for them. I’m all for freedom of speech, but that was just a very unkind thing to say. On top of that, everyone was talking about the Strictly curse, too. It was claimed Giovanni Pernice - with whom…

After disruption last year due to the pandemic, the annual Pride of Britain Awards ceremony is back – and host Carol Vorderman can’t wait to get dressed up to celebrate the occasion. Carol, 59 – who last year presented awards to the likes of Captain Sir Tom Moore and Marcus Rashford for their achievements during the pandemic in pre-recorded links, without the usual big ceremony – says, “I’ve missed big events. I think it is going to be a double celebration because, for the vast majority of people, this is the first event they have been to since we reopened, so it’ll partly be a celebration that the vaccine has allowed us to return to a relatively normal life again.” EXHAUSTED In her excitement, the former Countdown host – who…

• Give your dog a special toy – and make sure they only get it when you’re not there. Also leave out some recently worn clothes that smell like you. • Leave them in a quieter room or leave the radio on to prevent your dog from being disturbed and barking. • Get a dog sitter. The RSPCA recommends that you don’t leave your dog alone for more than four hours. However, if your dog struggles with being alone they may start feeling anxious within minutes of you leaving. Using a dog sitting service means that someone can keep your dog company and take them for a walk while you’re out. This is a good way of easing the stress they may feel when you’re not there. • If you…

Roxanne Pallett melted fans’ hearts as pictures emerged of her cradling her baby bump in New York last week, a month before she is due to give birth. The former Emmerdale actress announced she is expecting a boy with US reality star husband Jason Carrion – who was seen supporting his pregnant wife with a reassuring arm around her waist – in August. She said at the time, “We can’t wait to cuddle him! I’d always spiritually seen myself having a little boy so it’s beautiful for that dream to come true.” And their son has already been named, with Jason revealing during their lavish baby shower at a rooftop bar last month, “Rox has loved the name Maverick for years. He’s kicking away like crazy so I think he…

She’s the blonde and bubbly Essex girl who starred on the most recent UK series of Married At First Sight. But Morag Crichton was also one of the show’s most controversial contestants, dividing opinion over her relationship with Luke Dawson, which resulted in her being viciously trolled. She says, “It was bad – I had really horrible messages, including death threats and people telling me they hope I get diseases. There was one week I literally couldn’t get out of bed. I told myself, before doing the show, I wouldn’t go on Twitter to read comments, but I did. It took me a while to feel OK again, but I’m in a good place now I’ve learned to block it out.” Morag, 31 – who applied for the show after…

Former TOWIE star Ferne McCann sparked a social media recently frenzy when she admitted she used to want her ideal man to be a “banker” or “footballer”, so that they could fund her lifestyle. But now, after finding fulfillment earning her own money, she says it’s no longer important for a potential partner to be rich. Ferne, 31 (right), said, “I’ve been that girl on a Friday night going into London, dressed up to the nines, trying to meet a banker, and I’ve dated footballers.” But now worth £5.5m in her own right – and a single mum to three-year-old daughter, Sunday – Ferne, who has dated footballer Dele Alli and comedian Russell Brand, says, “I will never stop working or rely on a man to fund me and give…

When Tyson Fury reclaimed his world heavyweight champion title earlier this month – securing himself a place in history as the best boxer in the world – his wife Paris was by his side to celebrate with him. She was snapped beaming as they partied with other family members - including his brother and Love Island star Tommy – after Tyson’s victory over his biggest rival, American Deontay Wilder, in Las Vegas. But despite their solid marriage – celebrating their 13th anniversary next month – not everything has been smooth sailing for the couple. The pair have endured his attempted suicide, a brief marital split, and the agony of child loss. NIGHTMARE Just two months ago, the pair – who share children Venezuela, 13, Prince John James, nine, Prince Tyson…

• Gordon says, “In this version of shakshuka, the eggs are cooked in a bed of green vegetables instead of tomatoes.” ONE-PAN DINNER BALSAMIC CHICKEN AND PUMPKIN TRAY BAKE SERVES 4 • 3 tbsp olive oil • 4 boneless chicken breasts (skin on) • 2 red onions, cut into wedges • 600g pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and cut into large chunks • 300g cherry tomatoes • Few rosemary sprigs • 4 garlic cloves, skin on • 150ml chicken stock • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, plus extra for drizzling • Handful chopped parsley STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/gas mark 5. STEP 2 Heat the oil in a large roasting tray set over a medium heat on the hob. Add the chicken and cook for 8-10 mins, turning occasionally, until…

I don’t need to tell you, my fellow singles, that people are constantly making assumptions about us, which are often entirely wrong. Last week, a friend decided to tell me that “I hate being single”. He was shocked when I told him I don’t, and he couldn’t fathom that. Flying solo isn’t as black and white as people in relationships would like it to be. I love the freedom, independence and the possibility that anything could happen when you’re single. I hate the lack of support, financial pressures on just me, and the way people treat each other while dating. Another mate grilled me over how I can possibly be happy single while also looking for a boyfriend. It took ages to explain that you can be perfectly content in…

● OLD CAR TAX DISCS sell for hundreds on eBay. After being abolished in 2014, they’ve become a collectable item for “velologists”. The older and rarer they are, the more they’re worth, so look for discs issued in Northern Ireland and Wales and unperforated ones. Any discs that are very old or ones with typos and printing errors are also more valuable. If you still have the original perforated paper seal, mention it in your ad as that gets you a higher price. A set of five from Northern Ireland sold for £1,666 in May! ● ’90s CLOTHING Like it or not, it’s now vintage! ’90s music T-shirts sell for up to £600 - genuine Nirvana, Björk, The Smashing Pumpkins, Suede, and Pearl Jam T-shirts all go for hundreds. Original…

ROARSOME JACKET Including all the essentials – a hood, multiple pockets and sustainable polyester padding-this coat also comes in a cool dino print to help you spot little’uns in a crowd. F&F FROM £20 (1-7 YRS) SPLASH PROOF Jumping up and down in muddy puddles will no longer be your worst nightmare once you’ve kitted them out head to toe in this unisex waterproof set. Plus, it’s fleece lined. PRIMARK PUDDLE SET £20 (0-36M) FRENCH ACCENT For festive outings and beyond, this warm woolly beret is a chic footnote that’ll keep heads cosy. ZARA £10.99 (6-12 YRS) BEST FOOT FORWARD With Christmas looming, the whole family has a reason to get dressed up. These high- shine boots will work with leggings – and party frocks! MATALAN £16 (4-12 YRS) SNUGGLE…

DREW BARRYMORE STEAL HER STYLE…

MUST READ We Are Not like Them (CHRISTINE PRIDE & JO PIAZZA) Riley and Jen have been best friends since they were children. It never mattered to them that Riley is black and Jen is white. But then Jen’s husband, a police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed black teenager and everything changes in an instant. As their community takes sides, so must Jen and Riley, and for the first time in their lives the lifelong friends find themselves on opposing sides… A powerful, important read. BEST DAY OUT Rocky Horror Show To mark the spooky season, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ’n’ roll musical Rocky Horror Show is back and off on tour around the UK from now until next June. It’s also being screened for one…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) LIFE OF PIB) DEFINITELY, MAYBE NAME THE STARS 1) EMILIA CLARKE2) ELTON JOHN GUESS THE CELEB A) JAMIE REDKNAPPB) RITA ORA WORD LINK A) EVENB) TRAPEZEC) COVERD) SPLITE) RUSHF) GIN 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 competition of any nature included in Closer magazine…