Inhoudsopgave van 10 May 2016 - Closer

Things don’t always work out how we’d wish – much as we’d like hearts and flowers, it can end in heartbreak. Natasha Hamilton has suffered more than her share. Her relationship with 5ive star Ritchie Neville ended in March and, with four children by four dads, Twitter trolls call her a “4x4 mum.” But in our interview on p22, Natasha reveals how she’s strived to give her kids a normal upbringing. She says of Ritchie: “There’s no point in hating each other or having barnies. The only people who suffer are the kids.” When it comes to making the best of what life throws at us, she’s an inspiration.…

She’s the golden girl of stage and screen but, last week, Sheridan Smith’s Midas touch appeared to slip when she was accused of being “drunk” and “all over the place” during her performance in Funny Girl on stage in London’s West End – something her representative denies. While show producers claimed the show was aborted halfway through due to “technical difficulties,” rumours swirled that Sheridan, 34, was locked in her dressing room after having a meltdown on stage, where she allegedly grabbed a male co-star’s crotch. UNDER PRESSURE The drama follows a turbulent few months for the star. Her year began with the end of her relationship with actor Greg Wood, followed by more sadness when her father Colin was diagnosed with cancer – 26 years after she tragically lost…

Last month she revealed she was trying for a baby with her latest toyboy and hopes to marry him this year. And it looks like Danniella Westbrook’s dream might come true, as she confirmed on Twitter last week that she and George Arnold, 24, have been shopping for rings. And pals tell Closer despite her previous heartache, Danniella – who ended her on/off engagement to Tom Richards, 25, in early 2015, and moved on with Jude Moore, 20, before meeting George at the end of last year – is going full throttle with her wedding plans. A source says: “Danniella’s pals are concerned about the relationship moving so fast, but she’s adamant nothing will stop her from marrying George. She’s told everyone she’s found a perfect gent and that the…

She showcased her amazing body during a Miami holiday with family pastor and friend Rich Wilkerson last week. And pals say 4ft 9 Kourtney Kardashian, 37, has lost two dress sizes and just under a stone with the help of Rich, 32 – who’s been supporting her through her split from Scott Disick. A source says: “Kourtney turned to Rich to help her get fit and strong, both mentally and physically. She speaks to him up to three times a week and they go hiking and running together. He’s put her on fruit and veg smoothies three days a week and on the remaining days she eats 1,400 calories. She’s gone from a UK size 8-10 to a 6 in five weeks.” Kourtney and Scott, 32 – parents to Mason,…

They split earlier this year, but Coronation Street couple Alan Halsall and Lucy-Jo Hudson were spotted kissing last week, finally confirming their relationship is back on. Pals have said the pair – who cuddled up at a celebrity football match in Manchester, alongside their daughter Sienna-Rae, two – are having a “trial reconciliation” amid marriage counselling to see if they can salvage their 10-year relationship. Lucy-Jo said last week: “Al and I did keep talking through our four months apart, and recently we started spending time trying to work things through together. We both want to save our marriage.” A source says: “Alan and Lucy-Jo are continuing to live apart, but are dating each other in a bid to get their spark back. Lucy-Jo has said couples’ therapy is the…

‘She’d be up until the early hours and I’d find her crying’ It might seem like something more commonly associated with adults, but mental health issues are becoming an increasing problem among young children and teens. According to the Office for National Statistics, one in 10 five to 16-year-olds, have mental health disorders and nearly 80,000 youngsters suffer from severe depression. Shockingly, for many children their feelings spiral out of control and the number of hospital admissions for young people self-harming has risen by 68 per cent in the last decade in the UK. Supermodel Cara Delevingne has spoken about her battle with depression as a teen. At 15 she was “hit with a massive wave of depression, anxiety and self-hatred.” And the pressure children face today was highlighted last…

Author Meghann Foye caused a furore last week after claiming that all non-parents should be entitled to so-called “meternity” leave. Her comments came after she published a novel, Meternity, about a stressed editor who pretends to be pregnant to get some time off. In an interview, Meghann said she felt envious of women who take maternity leave and can let their personal lives “take centre stage.” She proposes that women get time off to avoid burnout after she watched new mums come back to work following maternity leave with fresh confidence. Closer asks two women – one with children; one without – if it would be fairer to allow everyone to take a break……

CHARLOTTE She once said that lacking a tan in Newcastle “makes you immediately invisible.” But since then Charlotte, 25, who lost 3st in 2014, has undergone a dramatic transformation, turning from brunette to blonde and having a nose job and lip fillers. REBECCA Rebecca was a raven-haired, heavily made-up teen on the first three series of Geordie Shore , leaving in 2012. Now with blonde hair and soft make-up, she’s virtually unrecognisable. Rebecca, 24, a mum-of-one, hit back at critics of her old image, Tweeting: “I was 18 years old on Geordie Shore and I did look a clip [Geordie for ‘a mess’] but I don’t appreciate people making comments.” VICKY The reality queen, 28, has overhauled her wardrobe and is more Kate Middleton than Katie Price these days. The…

Last week insiders revealed that Janet Jackson is pregnant with her first child, just a few days short of her 50th birthday on 16 May. Janet announced last month she would be postponing her Unbreakable tour to start a family with husband Wissam Al Mana, 41, a Qatari billionaire, who she married in 2012. Janet posted a video on Twitter that said: “We’re in the second leg of the tour and there actually has been a sudden change. I thought it was important that you be the first to know, my husband and I are planning our family so I’m going to have to delay the tour. Please, if you could try and understand that it’s important that I do this now. I have to rest up, doctor’s orders.” The…

She grew up in Hollywood, the daughter of actor and director Andy Garcia, and is besties with actress Dakota Fanning (who she happens to be meeting after our shoot). But Alessandra Garcia-Lorido reveals she’s never felt the pressure to conform to an LA size zero. She tells us: “I’ve always had a different body shape from my Californian girlfriends. I’m a Latin curvy chick, and it wasn’t until I was older that I realised being different was actually a good thing.” Part of that realisation came from her parents, who encouraged her to be proud of her size 16 body. “My dad’s advice has always been, ‘Don’t let other people make you feel bad and don’t let them walk all over you. Be proud of who you are,’” she says.…

IN THE NEWS WALLIS’ PRINT-TASTIC HOOK-UP There’s nothing we love more than bagging designer looks at high-street prices. So Wallis’ brand new collaboration with legendary British print designer Hermione de Paula is right up our street. The 14-piece collection has left us with a serious style crush thanks to Hermione’s whimsical take on pretty florals and botanicals, which combine her signature florals with peacock feather prints, all of which adorn the season’s key silhouettes. We’ll be snapping up the navy printed bed jacket with matching pants, along with the pretty printed playsuit – and that’s just for starters. Oh, and did we mention the most expensive piece comes in at just £55? Now you’re just spoiling us, Wallis! MEET THE MICRO TREND... HEAVY METAL Last week’s Met Gala dress code…

Fitness trainers don’t come much more buff than US hottie Jessie Pavelka. Best known for his work on The Biggest Loser US, Sky TV’s Obese: A Year To Save My Life, and Fat: The Fight Of My Life, there isn’t much 33-year-old Jessie doesn’t know about shedding a few pounds. “Eat, sweat, think and connect,” says Jessie. These four words sum up his basic philosophy. “It’s about making small changes to your diet and doing something physical every day, even if it’s just going for a walk or doing some light cardio. When you exercise, you want to eat better so you don’t sabotage your good work.” • Jessie is supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life. Take part in one of 300 nationwide 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy events.…

• Nutritional health coach Madeleine says: “The sweetness of the apple goes well with this strong-flavoured fish.” GUILT-FREE TREAT ROSEMARY, HAZELNUT AND ORANGE BISCOTTI STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C/gas mark 3. Line two baking trays with parchment. STEP 2 Whisk two egg whites, 115g rice malt syrup, 1tsp orange zest, 2tsp chopped rosemary and 1/2tsp liquid stevia in a bowl. Sift in 300g plain flour and 1/2tsp baking powder, then add 100g hazelnuts and 50g pine nuts. Mix to form a dough. STEP 3 Divide in half and roll each half into a log. Bake for 30 mins. Cool on the tray. STEP 4 Slice the logs diagonally and bake for a further 20–25 mins, turning the slices over after 10 mins. STEP 5 Allow to cool. Serve.…

HEAL IT: REMESCAR SILICONE SCAR STICK This stick helps to heal old and new scars and reduce visibility. Use on all areas of the face and body. £19.99, BOOTS.COM MAINTAIN IT: VITAMIN A CAPSULES Vitamin A helps to maintain and repair skin tissue so it’s stronger, and also protects it from further damage. HOLLAND & BARRETT, £5.49 RESEARCH IT: SAVE FACE Receive safe and impartial advice about surgery, and also connect with verified practitioners. SAVEFACE.CO.UK…

MILD WINTER WIN! Almost3/4 of homes used less energy due to the mild weather last winter. uSwitch say one in 10 households who pay their bills by direct debit could be entitled to £200 credit if they’ve paid more than the energy they’ve used. Head to uSwitch.com to submit meter readings and reclaim your cash! GIVE AND SAVE! Mountain Warehouse has announced a new charity initiative: Jacket In. Until 6 June across 174 stores, customers can trade in old jackets and receive 20% off a new one. Jackets will be collected by Clothes Aid and the cash raised will be donated to YMCA.…

HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU CHICK FLICK, STARRY CAST FRI 20 MAY, 9PM, E4 The flick is based on a self-help book (inspired by an episode of Sex And The City), and boasts a starry cast including Jen Aniston, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Connelly and Bradley Cooper (phew!). Nine best pals and lovers in Baltimore, Maryland, deal with their respective problematic love lives… DID YOU KNOW? To get into the role, Reese spent two weeks studying the behaviour of sorority girls. She says on the DVD commentary they were all very kind and polite, and she enjoyed her time with them. LEGALLY BLONDE REESE IS ACE FRI 20 MAY, 10.40PM, ITV Unbelievably, this fabulous film is now 15 years old (!) but it’s still a joy,…

It’s been less than 12 months since they had their fairy-tale wedding at the end of May last year, but already Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have been plagued by split rumours. Michelle, 28 – who flew into the UK last week after spending the last few months in Cape Town filming Our Girl , while Mark, 29, remained in Essex – raised eyebrows recently when she was snapped partying with her co-stars without her wedding ring. Mark has also enjoyed several nights out in the UK with his pals, amid claims the pair were leading “separate lives.” GROWING DISTANT The reports come after the couple – known for regularly posting loved-up selfies on social media – set tongues wagging when they uncharacteristically stopped sharing pictures of each other. Pals…

CLOSER PSYCHOLOGIST EMMA KENNY SAYS: “Sheridan will be under a lot of pressure as she deals with her show, her dad’s illness and a rocky love life. She’s very talented and creative, but also a perfectionist – often people with those personality traits are prone to pushing themselves too far. “Her dad being diagnosed with cancer will be playing on her mind heavily. She’s also had a tough time with her relationships, which is bound to add pressure. I’d advise her to see a therapist and focus on herself more.”…

All eyes were on Kim Kardashian’s shrinking frame as she unveiled an incredible 3›st weight loss while in Cuba with her family last week. But Closer can expose the real price of Kim’s dramatic dropping of the pounds and new size 8 figure. Pals reveal they are concerned she’s become addicted to daily “skinny shots” – which help to burn fat and speed up the metabolism – in a bid to be a size 0 (UK size 4). A source says: “Kim is desperate to be a size 0 and wants to get there as quickly as possible. She felt she wasn’t losing weight fast enough on her current diet so has been having skinny shot injections to speed up her metabolism and burn fat. The shots contain B12 and…

Beyoncé and Rita Ora raised eyebrows last week when they posed for a photo together at the Met Gala, which Rita later posted on Snapchat with the caption “Family.” The photo came after intense interest in the pair following the release of Beyoncé’s album Lemonade. Many of the songs refer to a cheating spouse, sparking speculation Beyoncé was referring to repeated claims that her husband Jay-Z had been unfaithful with a string of women, including Rita. But pals say Beyoncé, 34, was not impressed with Rita’s photo opportunity. A source says: “Rita ran straight up to Beyoncé, taking loads of pictures and talking to her about being her ‘sister’ Beyoncé was so taken aback she barely had a chance to react and just smiled because so many people were watching…

She’s made a public show of harmony with ex-husband Peter Andre after calling a truce on their bitter seven-year feud, but their newfound friendship is causing increasing tension between Jordan and husband Kieran Hayler, with sources saying they are “arguing now more than ever.” As Closer reported last week, Kieran, 29, was reportedly planning to throw Jordan – aka Katie Price – a party when she turns 38 on 22 May, and he’d agreed to her request to invite Pete and his wife Emily McDonagh. But explosive rows are threatening the bash after Jordan made the revelation two weeks ago that she “didn’t want to divorce” Peter when their marriage crumbled in 2009. A source says: “Despite initially wanting Peter to come to the party, after everything that’s happened, Kieran…

Mum-of-two and former councillor Karen Danczuk, 32, says: “I couldn’t feel more angered by this if I tried. As a mum of two young boys [Milton, seven, and Maurice, five] who suffered post-natal depression after both births, maternity leave was nothing like ‘me’ time. It was an emotional rollercoaster of endless nappies, sterilising, sleep deprivation and having a body that seemed alien to me. I felt anxious, overwhelmed and each day seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. I would often run out of time to brush my teeth or make a meal for myself as my priority was caring for two children, who needed my undivided attention 24/7. As my then- husband [MP Simon Danczuk] worked in London throughout the week, I was on my own…

Shameless star Tina Malone, 53, became pregnant at 50 through IVF with her husband Paul Chase, 33. She says: “Having children in your 40s and 50s is becoming much more normal – it’s not as controversial any more. “I had my first daughter, Dannielle – from a previous relationship – at 17, and my second daughter, Flame, now two, at 50. So I’ve been at both ends of the spectrum. I don’t think there is any disadvantage to being an older mum; if anything, I prefer being a mum at 50 because I’m more mature and secure in myself. I’m much less anxious in my parenting skills now than when I was in my 20s. In your 20s you’re still a baby yourself, so taking care of another living thing…

Gillian Bayford, 43, last week spoke out about how her colossal £148m Lottery win had ripped her family apart. She claimed that despite handing over £20m to her mum, dad and brother, a family feud meant she hadn’t spoken to them in over a year. The mum-of-two, who also split with her husband Adrian just 15 months after their Lotto scoop in August 2012, claimed: “The money was supposed to make everybody happy, but it’s made my relatives demanding and greedy.” Gillian isn’t the first winner to speak out about her struggle to handle such a huge win. Britain’s youngest winner, Callie Rogers, who won £1.9m aged 16, frittered the money away on drugs, booze and cosmetic surgery. And “Lotto lout” Mickey Carroll blew £9.7m on a wild lifestyle that…

WHO WORE IT BEST? Karlie Kloss vs Gillian Jacobs This cute denim dress has summer written all over it and both Karlie and Love star Gillian prove you can dress it up or down. While supermodel Karlie opts for breezy trainers and shades, Gillian goes for strappy heels and wavy locks. VERDICT Both ladies are gorgeous, but we prefer Karlie’s off-duty, cool style. It must be something in the jeans! STYLE CRUSH! METALLIC MARVEL Jourdan Dunn, 25 The Met Gala has seen its fair share of dress disasters over the years, but model Jourdan turned heads for all the right reasons in this incredible slinky metallic gown. Her silvery toned bob adds an apt futuristic touch to the look. Stunning. NOT A FAN Solange Knowles, 29 She’s no stranger to…

‘My style is colourful, classic and edgy. I work with an amazing stylist, but I’m the one who drives what I wear. I am a 37-year-old woman; you can’t tell me what to wear! For Britain’s Got Talent I want to wear pieces that are interesting, as does Amanda – we both like to make sure we don’t disappoint! Amanda and I are lucky – our taste in clothes is very different. Amanda’s style is classic and chic – she likes Roland Mouret and Victoria Beckham; I’m more edgy and love Michael Costello gowns. We always check we’re not wearing the same colour, though. We want to complement each other, rather than clash. Simon always winds me up, but he’s also very honest. If he loves an outfit he’ll be…

TRADE SECRETS… Dreaming of that wondrous wide-eye effect? Ditch dark liner for a nude shade. Black kohl can make your eyes appear smaller when sketched into the inner bottom lash line. For an instant eye-opening effect, apply a nude liner in your waterline to make peepers pop. Urban Decay’s new 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is even waterproof so it won’t budge – it’s also handy for highlighting inner eye corners, the brow bone and even cheekbones. Just remember to blend! Multitasking at its best. ON TRIAL This week we tried powder contour kits from £6.49 to £12.50. Here are our top three... 1 BEST FOR BEGINNERS This kit is ideal for contour novices, with a helpful step-by-step guide included and a purse-friendly price if you’re looking to experiment. The powder…

THE MOVES Forget the gym – singer and former Strictly Come Dancing star Pixie, 25, is a fan of fun exercise like Zumba and ballet-based Pure Barre. “Dancing is a full-body workout and it doesn’t feel like exercise,” she says. “You don’t even have to be a good dancer, just book a beginner’s class.” Her trainer Hayley Newton also advises 30 mins of running a few times a week to get Pixie’s toned legs. THE FOODS The size 8 star keeps in shape with a balanced nutritional plan, eating smaller portions often throughout the day. Breakfast is avocado on toast with eggs and a kale smoothie. She has sweet potato soup for lunch, while dinner is chicken breast with vegetables. Pixie snacks on bananas and enjoys the odd guilty pleasure.…

Where do you shop? I still live with my parents and brother in Essex. We normally do a big shop once a week at Tesco or Sainsbury’s and spend around £200. What’s your typical daily diet? I start the day with a tea and two slices of toast with either peanut butter or scrambled eggs. Lunch is usually a chicken salad sandwich or a jacket potato, and for dinner I’ll have tuna pasta or a chicken stir-fry. If I’m feeling peckish, I snack on cashews. Is there anything you refuse to eat? I have IBS so I have to avoid spicy dishes and I’m really careful with foods that have gone past their sell-by date. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? I love having crisps in my sandwiches, or…

“I’ve cut back on my social expenses since I left home and moved into a London flat with my boyfriend. Now most of my earnings go on rent, I’m wondering how I’ll ever be able to afford to buy a house. “We live in Tooting, in Zone 3 in south London, because it’s close to where my boyfriend works and we split £1,200 rent between us. We also each pay £200 into a joint account for food and bills. Next time I’m flat hunting I’ll look for somewhere cheaper, even if it means moving further out of London. I had £2,000 saved, but I spent most of it travelling in Thailand and going to festivals before getting my full-time job. Now I have £500 left. I like to travel so…

During my time as a single mum I met a gorgeous guy – intelligent, funny, decent career. On paper he sounded perfect, but we both wanted totally different things out of life. No matter how much we connected physically and intellectually, our goals were mismatched. We can’t be too prescriptive about what makes the perfect man, but figuring out your deal-breakers should save you future heartache. Here are some to consider... DEAL OR NO DEAL • SEX MATTERS If you find your sex life consistently unfulfilling you may be physically incompatible. It may not be an issue at first, but it will become one. You deserve a sizzling sex life. Don’t settle and feel frustrated. • FUTURE FAMILY If you aren’t on the same page when it comes to wanting…

With the nation going Game Of Thrones mad for season six, super-fan Sue Perkins is also back with spin-off show Thronecast – and what Sue wants more than ever is a Thrones-themed Bake Off… “I’d love it if someone rendered King’s Landing in sponge, it would be perfect,Ó chuckles Sue, who also hosts The Great British Bake Off on the Beeb. “I’m not a judge but I would lean heavily on poor Mary Berry to give it first place. But no, instead we get a lot of windmills…Ó As for Thronecast – which is on weekly after each episode of GoT – Sue reveals she’s as much in the dark about sneak peeks as the rest of us, adding: “When Barack Obama has to beg us to see an episode,…

Her dreams of having a baby with Jake McLean came to an abrupt halt last week after they split amid claims he’d cheated on her after a series of rows. But insiders say Lauren, 29, who dated Jake, 26, on/off for four years, still wants to pursue her dream of being a young mum. Closer reported just last week how Lauren, who lost 4st last year, had eased off her strict diet and exercise regime to prepare to have a baby with Jake. A source says: “Lauren feels like she’s invested so much in Jake – she’s heartbroken that it’s over. He’s moved out of her home and they haven’t spoken since. “Lauren has been really broody for a while and her pals all thought that she might be sharing…

A host of celebrities gathered last week for the funeral of musical producer and reality star David Gest, among them Kerry Katona, who described him as the “bestest friend” she’d ever had. Following the funeral, there was further grief for the star after she was forced to deny reports she’d left the wake early after getting drunk and arguing with a fellow guest. But pals say despite the former Atomic Kitten singer – who met David in 2006 after he left the I’m A Celeb! jungle and she was a guest on the show, and says they spoke on the phone “at least twice a week”– feeling grief-stricken, she found solace by striking up a new friendship with Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas. A BRAVE FACE An onlooker at The…

Derek Basile, manager of medical spa The Solution ( thesolutioniv.com ) – an IV nutrition clinic in West Hollywood – tells Closer : “Weight-loss shots, or ‘skinny shots,’ are a combination of three amino acids – methionine, inositol and choline (MIC) – also known as lipo injections. They’re a blend of fat-burning acids, which enhance liver function as well as helping to release fat throughout the body by targeting fatty deposits in places like the inner thighs and stomach. We recommend patients have the shots twice a week alongside a diet plan to see results. It takes four to five weeks to notice a difference and six to eight weeks to see a substantial weight loss. It would be dangerous to have them daily…

There were rumours that lovebirds Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris were in trouble after she turned up to the Met Gala solo last week – and was seen dancing the night away with hunky British actor Tom Hiddleston. But insiders say the mischievous singer just likes to keep DJ Calvin “on his toes.” A source says: “Taylor enjoys flirting with other men and loves to show Calvin that she’s hot property when it comes to the opposite sex – but it’s all just playful. Taylor jokes that she likes to keep him on his toes. She made it clear that she only has eyes for Calvin and that she’s committed to the relationship.” The couple, who have been dating for two years, were later seen driving around Los Angeles in…

Her world was rocked when reports surfaced she’d split from her on/off boyfriend of seven years, James Argent, amid claims he had relapsed into his alleged cocaine habit. Last week Lydia Bright, 26, posted snaps on Instagram from her holiday in Bali, but pals tell Closer how behind the picture of tranquillity she’s been trying to paint, the TOWIE star is a “heartbroken mess” after dumping Arg, 28 – which she says this time is for good. A source says: “Lydia may be giving the impression she’s a world away from her troubles, but she’s sobbing on the phone to pals and struggling to eat and sleep. “She believed Arg had grown up and was ready to commit, but it became clear that Lydia had made a huge mistake.” TOWIE…

As it emerged Stacey Giggs is divorcing footballer husband Ryan after he was linked to PR girl Kate Greville and caught flirting with waitresses in a restaurant near their Greater Manchester home, Jordan has now made the revelation that Ryan also flirted with her. She said last week: “Years ago I met Ryan, and I felt like he was flirting with me. But it was a different kind of flirting, he was very quiet, charming, but intense.” Last week, it was reported that 42-year-old Ryan’s nine-year marriage to Stacey, 37 – mother of his two children – had broken down three months ago, five years after Stacey forgave his affairs with model Imogen Thomas and his sister-in-law Natasha Giggs. It’s not the first time Jordan has rocked the boat in…

Making a rare public appearance, Hugh Grant was seen on a night out in Mayfair with the mother of two of his children, Anna Eberstein, last week. And pals say while Hugh, 55, and Anna, 35, are clearly enjoying each other’s company, they’re not putting any labels on their relationship. A source says: “Hugh and Anna love spending time together and regularly go on dates. They’re private about their relationship and don’t want to label anything.” Hugh became a dad to daughter Tabitha in September 2011 after a “fleeting affair” with Tinglan Hong, a receptionist at a Chinese restaurant in London. A year later he had a son, John Mungo, with Swedish TV producer girlfriend Anna. Then he reunited with Tinglan, who gave birth to son Felix Grant in 2013,…

Sarah-Jane Mee, 37, Sky News Sunrise co-anchor, says: “This could be a great new way of tackling the work/life balance so many of us struggle with. Some companies already offer a ‘sabbatical,’ but career breaks are often frowned upon by bosses rather than encouraged. While maternity leave is by no means a holiday, it does give you valuable time to nurture your life outside of work and revaluate what is important to you. Often, women without children in the workplace feel they get a raw deal and pick up the slack when others have childcare issues or get first refusal on leave during school holiday times. I realise this could be seen as petty, but I do genuinely think it is an issue for a lot of women. “Personally,…

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE HERO! There really is no bond like that between us and our furry four-legged friends. And sometimes that bond is so strong it almost gets spooky. Take the case of four-year-old Sadie Brooks and her alert dog Hero. The Labrador is specially trained to spot when Sadie, who has Type 1 diabetes, is suffering from dangerously low blood sugar levels – and whimpers and paws her parents’ left hands when he senses Sadie’s about to fall into a pre-diabetic coma. It's something legions of alert dogs have been taught to do by picking up on a special scent the body gives off when sugar levels change. But Hero proved he’s a pet in a million after sensing Sadie – who also has Down’s Syndrome – was in…

‘My ex-husband and I were dubbed the ‘Lotto losers’’ Lara Griffiths was overjoyed when she and her husband Roger won £1.8m on the Lottery in October 2005. The couple splashed out on property, including a £680,000 barn conversion, holidays and a Lexus 4x4 car. But their lives soon fell apart after 45-year-old Roger squandered some of their winnings on making a record. Lara was then forced to sell the beauty business they’d set up together at a loss after they split in 2011. She had suspected Roger was cheating – although he strongly denies the allegations he was unfaithful or that their problems were entirely his fault. HUGE PRESSURE Lara, 46, who is mum to Ruby, 12, and Kitty, nine, has now set up a new beauty business and got…

With a glimpse of summer comes a buzzy social calendar and that can only mean one thing – a wardrobe refresh! Invites are pouring in thick and fast for festivals, weddings and birthday bonanzas and your weekends will soon be filled with garden parties, play dates and BBQs aplenty. Fortunately, Very.co.uk is on hand with speedy next-day deliveries of summer goodies that will easily work with the basics you already have. So, why not top up with a few summer heroes that’ll bring your current collection bang up to speed. Top of the lust list is a peasant top, which ticks off the boho trend nicely. Try pairing with jeans, dungarees or denim shorts. And if you’re looking for comfortable footwear with knockout fashion flair, look no further than these…

‘It’s easy to think everyone’s judging you, but no one is’ She shot to fame as part of girl band Eternal, becoming a ’90s pin-up, married a top footballer and was once hailed as the Sexiest Woman Of The Decade. But away from the spotlight, Louise Redknapp is refreshingly normal. “I’ve never been massively body confident,” Louise tells Closer . “I’ve got boobs and a bum and I’m a real woman. I don’t love my body, but I don’t hate it either. I look at long skinny models and think: ‘I’d love to look like that,’ but it’s never going to happen, not unless they invent a stretching machine!” she laughs. And Louise, 41, candidly admits she’s been plagued with body hangs-ups all her life. She reveals: “Growing up, I…

1 EAT MORE FRUIT AND VEG These are highly nutritious, so make sure you get your five a day. A single apple or pear counts as one portion, as does 3tbsp of cooked veg like broccoli. 2 PACK IN THE PROTEIN You need protein to build muscle, so fill up on white meat, fish and plant proteins like lentils and chick peas. Moderate your red meat intake, though, as it can be high in saturated fat. The more muscle you build, the more calories you’ll burn. 3 MAKE YOURSELF A BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE Breakfast should be nutritious. If you’re in a rush, blend a banana, a handful of cherries, a handful of oats and 1tsp of almond or coconut butter with plant-based protein powder. 4 MEDITATE DAILY Stress often causes people…

BOTOX Botox is currently unregulated, but it’s classed as a prescription-only medicine so should only be given by a doctor, dentist or independent nurse prescriber. Done properly it looks natural, but done badly you could have drooping, blurred vision or weakness in places like your eyelids. It will also take three or four months to wear off. The General Medical Council are banning things like 2-for-1 deals and pressuring people into surgery. That’s always been the advice from The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), so clearly surgeons are wilfully ignoring it. Often when people have cheap surgery on the cheap overseas, they run into problems as they’re unregulated. But even in the UK there are certain things…

“ MY POCKET MONEY WAS… £5 a week. I was terrible at saving and blew it every Saturday morning in the local record shop. MY FIRST JOB WAS… Door knocking for a carpet cleaning company. I thought I was going to become one of their top reps, but I was fed up, cold and damp; I only lasted three days. I SPENT MY FIRST PAY CHEQUE ON… Bike parts for £75. I was 16 and my mates were taking girls out, but I was obsessed with my motorbike. MY BIGGEST IMPULSE PURCHASE WAS… A black convertible Ferrari, which I bought against the advice of my family. It gave me an adrenalin rush but then I got the invoice for its first service. THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING I OWN IS… Some…

PRESENTER CHERRY HEALEY, 35, TAKES OUR QUIZ… What are you scared of? Getting to 90 and feeling like I’ve wasted my life – it’s a good motivator. What’s your favourite smell? Lavender, the back of my children’s necks after a nap, melted cheese, toasted tortilla, and my mum’s bread and butter pudding. When’s the last time you said “I love you”? I say it all the time to lots of people because it’s true. Have you ever had a near- death experience? Yes. I went to Thailand in my 20s with a boyfriend – we hired a motorbike and nearly went over a cliff. What animal would you be and why? A cat. I like to do my own thing but I also need love. • Cherry’s book, Letters To…

Let’s talk Eurovision (how exciting!). How did you end up taking part? I’ve always loved Eurovision. Ireland has always had a great relationship with it because we won it a lot in the mid ’90s. For the past three years I’ve been delivering the results on the big night, so I suggested representing Ireland this year with my track Sunlight. Do you worry about getting the dreaded “nul points”? If I can restore some national pride to Ireland and do well, it will be amazing. It is a risk but life goes quickly and I don’t want to look back and wish I’d done it. The short answer to “Am I nervous?” is, yes! Someone said the other day: “What’s the worst that can happen?” And I replied: “I could…

JENNY’S A HERO IN BLACKPOOL CORONATION STREET So, off Jenny and Johnny go to Blackpool – the place where her dad was hit by a tram years ago. Tim also happens to have booked a trip there, and with snobby Sally turning her nose up at it (before she feels guilty and turns up), his companions are Kevin and Jack. Cue drama when Jack runs into the path of a tram, Jenny sees it happen and guess what happens next? Elsewhere, Billy is forced to reveal his secret about dodgy Lee, and Carla frets about her future with Nick… HE HAD IT COMING… HOLLYOAKS John Paul discovers Cleo is jacking in her A-levels to run off with Pervy Pete. Cue fisticuffs – and a confession that causes turmoil. Meanwhile, Lindsey’s…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You have a potentially awesome year ahead thanks to a link between Venus and Jupiter in your chart. Assuming you’re involved with the right people, you could have a wonderful time in your relationships. Get ready for a surge in good luck. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN TAURUS 2I APR-21 MAY With Mercury going backwards in your sign, you have a chance to rethink everything. Moreover, you’ve just had the New Moon in your sign, so you're starting a new cycle – you could finally sort out an old issue relating to love or money. Yasmin has a message for you – call 0906 7511 677* GEMINI 22 MAY-22 JUN When it comes to financial and family matters, positive change is forecast. Work out…