Inhoudsopgave van ISSUE 781 - Closer

If you’re lucky enough to have some “you” time to unwind, we’ve got everything you need to help you relax, reflect… and gear up for an exciting 12 months ahead. In this issue, comedian Russell Kane gives us his take on the biggest celeb stories of 2017 and, on p30, we’ve looked back at the most shocking (and heartwarming) news headlines. If you’re thinking about making some resolutions, turn to p44, where we’ve spoken to two women who stuck to theirs with fantastic results. Plus, our news report this week addresses the importance of getting enough sleep. So, whether you want a bit of escapism and entertainment or some life-changing inspiration, we’re here to help. Happy New Year!…

• Thin and exhausted, she breaks down over her mum’s terminal illness • Has no one left to turn to as she desperately reaches out to ex-husband Peter Andre • Wishes she could forgive husband Kieran Hayler for cheating She was pictured last month looking shockingly thin, after breaking down on TV when talking about her mum Amy’s incurable lung condition. Opening up on Loose Women about the recent death of TV legend Keith Chegwin aged 60, Jordan – real name Katie Price – revealed that Keith had been suffering from the same lung condition as her mum and had been offering advice to her. STRUGGLING TO COPE Admitting that his death had highlighted how precious her remaining time was with 64-year-old Amy, Jordan sobbed, “My mum is getting worse.…

It was an emotional moment for David Beckham last month, when his sister Joanne had her first baby. The former football player, 42, welcomed his niece, Peggy, sharing a cute Instagram snap. “So proud of my little sis,” he wrote, tagging Joanne, 34, and her husband, Kris Donners. “A beautiful family. #prouduncle.” And pals say the arrival of Peggy also signifies a new start for David and wife Posh. The pair have had a tough year of fielding speculation about problems in their 17-year marriage. They reportedly had a furious showdown at Glastonbury back in June, and in October endured rumours of friction over David’s friendship with “wild” socialite Lady Mary Charteris, 30. They’ve also spent long periods apart due to their work schedules. An insider says, “Victoria and David…

LUMIE BODYCLOCK STARTER 30 WAKE-UP P LIGHT ALARM CLOCK (£39.99) The Lumie wakes you gradually with increasing natural light, , helping to keep your sleep cycle on track. BEST FOR: WINTER NIGHTS FREE SOUL SLEEP TEA (£6) Just a cup of this fragrant tea containing liquorice, lime flower and morigna helped us drift off soundly within 30 minutes. BEST FOR: COSY EVENINGS IN LUSH SLEEPY BODY LOTION (£7.95 - £13.95) With its gentle oatmeal and lavender ingredients, taking the time to smother our bodies in this lotion calmed both the body and mind. BEST FOR: PAMPERING OLVERUM BATH OIL 125ML (£29) A bath is the perfect way to relax, and with its mixture of essential oils, Olverum bath oil’s heavenly pine scent felt like a spa weekend in a bottle.…

“I’M ALWAYS WOKEN UP FIRST THING BY MY DAUGHTERS, ALAIA, FOUR, AND VALENTINA, 10 MONTHS – the time varies, it depends on what time they decide to get me up! I’ll go downstairs, struggling to open my eyes, then I’ll make pancakes or granola for breakfast and get Alaia ready for school. IT’S ALL GO, GO, GO IN THE MORNINGS, but once the school run is done, I have some time to breathe! When I’m alone, I love to have a bath – I’ll take my phone with me and get some life admin done, replying to emails and WhatsApp messages. I do a lot of my shopping in the bath as it’s the only time I have on my own – it’s quite dangerous having the PayPal app on…

It’s fair to say Rylan Clark-Neal is now one of our most popular TV presenters, since finding fame on X Factor more than five years ago, counting celebs such as Jordan (aka Katie Price) Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield as close pals. And the This Morning star – who’s been married to former Big Brother contestant Dan Neal since 2015 – says he loved spoiling everyone with festive gifts. “I’m a great present giver,” he says. “I always spend too much and my husband Dan has a go at me! I got Holly a bottle of tequila and Phil a trendy gadget. I bought Katie some welly boots, too. She’s an outdoorsy girl and she loves them!” LOVE DRAMAS But Rylan, 29, remains tight-lipped when asked about Jordan’s marriage to…

SIR BRUCE FORSYTH In August we sadly lost 89-year-old national treasure Brucie. He hosted some of the most popular TV shows from the ’50s right through to Strictly, where he was still chanting his beloved catchphrase, “Nice to see you – to see you nice!” TARA PALMERTOMKINSON The much-loved socialite died in February aged 45 after suffering from a perforated ulcer and peritonitis. The former Closer columnist had been clean of a cocaine addiction for several years, after it caused her nasal septum to collapse in 2005. HUGH HEFNER In September, the man who created Playboy and its huge empire passed away, aged 91. Hugh was controversial, but he undoubtedly made a huge impact on pop culture and the sexual revolution. He died of natural causes surrounded by his loved…

KATE MIDDLETON Heidi Agan, 36, was a waitress when she was scouted. The mum-of-two earns up to £3,000 a day for appearances, and claims to have received over 15 marriage proposals from strangers. PRINCE WILLIAM Australian Simon Watkinson, 35, has done more than 300 gigs as Prince William. He joined a lookalike agency on top of his day job as a civil engineer, and earns up to £1,000 per appearance. QUEEN ELIZABETH Retired secretary Patricia Ford, 81, is a dead ringer for Her Majesty. Patricia has been working since 2002 and charges £600 for up to four hours’ work. Just like HRH, Patricia has no plans to retire.…

STYLE CRUSH! Emma Stone, 29 It’s the ’90s trend we never thought we’d see again, but 2017 was the year Dior gave “skirt and trousers” a modern revamp – and Emma looks incredible. BEST RED CARPET Adele, 29 The singer stuns in gorgeous green Givenchy. What a gown. Alexa Chung, 34 Unique and oriental-inspired, this Prada two-piece is fabulous on Alexa. Danai Gurira, 39 We love this bold frock and The Walking Dead star looks ah-mazing. Clair Claire Foy, 33 This sheer Valentino floor-sweeper with embellished detail was made for Claire. BEST DAYTIME LOOKS Lucy Mecklenburgh, 26 Simple, stylish and sophisticated. Lucy’s winning at daytime chic. Rosie Fortescue, 27 This was the year we went mad for palm prints. And Rosie wears it best. Olivia Culpo, 25 The US actress…

JUST LANDED HAND ND SAVIOUR SAVIOU YOPE HAND CREAM WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT? This new trio of lotions make light work of moisturising while being antibacterial – they’re great to pop in your handbag for on the go. WHY WE LOVE IT… These creams use 98 per cent natural ingredients, including Vitamin E and natural oils. The freezing weather really batters our hands, and these are packed with natural goodies that nurse chapped skin back to health. Each of the three creams in the range has a different scent – the ginger and sandalwood is our fave. We love the chic packaging, too. GET THE LOOK... FLAWLESS MAKE-UP Setting sprays can keep your look intact all night long, so wow like red-carpet favourites Millie Mackintosh and Mollie King… ❶ ADDED…

• 2010 GBBO winner Edd says, “You can’t help but be impressed when you cut into the dessert and the molten centre oozes out.” LIGHT SUPPER TURKEY & COCONUT CURRY GREAT FOR TURKEY LEFTOVERS 452 CALS 23.3G FAT 8.2G SUGARS 0.7G SALT PER SERVING •  2tbsp sunflower oil•  3 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced•  2 courgettes, trimmed and sliced•  1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced•  2tsp ground turmeric•  1tsp chilli powder•  2tsp cornflour•  200ml turkey or chicken stock•  500g cooked turkey breast, cut into chunks•  200ml coconut cream•  2 pineapple rings, chopped•  50g cashew nuts, lightly toasted•  1 bunch leaf coriander, chopped STEP 1 Heat the oil in a pan, then gently fry the shallots, courgettes and pepper. STEP 2 Add the turmeric and chilli powder and cook for 1…

1 DIET SECRETS & HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH JOSIE GIBSON AND SOME VEG TUE 2 JAN, 8PM, CHANNEL 5 We’re all feeling the post-Yule bloat but, handily, telly is jammed full of slimming shows and this is one of the best. Looking at some of the most famous diets in the world, Josie Gibson tries out the “high-fat ketogenic diet,” so we don’t have to. She gives it her all – but will the regime that pushes her to want to kill a chicken be worth it? Meanwhile, we find out whether fat really is the enemy and what happens when you take diet pills (clue: this doesn’t end well). FACT FILE  There are three more eps, with different slimming celebs in the shape of Frankie Essex, Bianca Gascoigne…

‘ SHE’S WORRIED IT’S GOING TO BE MISERABLE FOR THEM WHEN HE RETIRES… FOOTBALL IS HIS LIFE’ After months of speculation, Coleen Rooney revealed before Christmas that she was determined to work on her nine-year marriage to Wayne Rooney. This came after the footballer’s arrest for drink-driving at the wheel of party girl Laura Simpson’s car back in September. But as Coleen, 31, prepares to have the couple’s fourth child, pals say she’s still nervous about what lies ahead. MOVE TO CHINA Former England captain Wayne, 32, moved from Man United to Everton FC earlier this year, before retiring from international football. And with a move to China still on the cards, Coleen is said to be worried about more upheaval for them and how they’ll cope. She’s also confided…

‘Getting in shape affects all aspects of your life’ She’s an exercise fanatic with a body to die for and has previously tried – and failed – to preach her passion for “clean-eating” and the benefits of the gym to her famous parents, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. But now Chloe Madeley says her mum has overhauled her body her own way, with a newfound love for sushi and healthy eating. Chloe, 30, previously revealed she’d given up on attempting to change her parents’ diets, saying, “I’ve stopped preaching the virtues of exercise and clean-eating to them – they’re lost causes!” AMAZING CHANGE But in September, Judy, 69, was snapped looking noticeably thinner, and Chloe says her mum has lost weight after discovering a love of raw fish and yoga.…

She’s been keeping a low profile since having baby Bear in March but, earlier this month, Cheryl confirmed she was back in the studio and recording new music with best friend Nicola Roberts and hip-hop band Team Salut. But the star saw her return to the spotlight overshadowed by partner Liam, after he caused a social media stir. The 24-year-old popstar faced a backlash when he shared a revealing photo of himself topless in a Chicago hotel room. Some online users poked fun at his “thin” frame, mocking his romance with 34-year-old Cheryl. One wrote, “Cheryl what are you doing with a child! I’m younger than you even I don’t find that attractive [sic].” Another said, “I clicked on this to see what Cheryl sees in him. I am sitting…

Kathryn Pinkham, founder of the Insomnia Clinic, suggests: 1. Don’t lie in – Help your body get into a routine by setting your alarm for the same time each day and going to bed at a regular time. If you are struggling to sleep it can be tempting to have a lie in. However, this makes things worse as the later you rise, the later you will fall asleep. So, if you get up straight away, you are more likely to be tired at bedtime. 2. Observe the 15-minute rule – Give yourself 15 minutes to fall asleep and, if you struggle, get up and do something relaxing such as colouring in, reading a book or doing a crossword. Then only return to the bedroom when you feel tired again.…

Ant’s rehab & marriage woes In June, Ant McPartlin – one half of the beloved TV duo Ant & Dec – shocked the world when he revealed he would be heading to rehab for an addiction to painkillers. And while it must have been a dark time for Ant, we were all delighted when he made a triumphant return to TV in time for this year’s I’m A Celeb! . Sadly, once home, his wife of 11 years, Lisa Armstrong told pals she feared they were heading for divorce. Cheryl has baby Bear This time last year we were still reeling from the news that secretive Cheryl was expecting a baby with little Liam Payne. After laying low throughout the pregnancy, there were more shocks in store after she gave…

He’s the rugged A-lister known for his tough-guy roles in the likes of Thor, Prometheus and Luther. But the Brit actor, who’s starring in new film Molly’s Game, isn’t afraid to show his softer side and credits all he has achieved to his loved ones. Idris, 45, lost his father Winston to lung cancer four years ago, just a week after telling him he was expecting his second child with then girlfriend Naiyana Garth. But he says he still feels his father’s presence everyday – and calls him his greatest inspiration. He says, “My father has taught me strong principles in life. He was my biggest influence. He taught me integrity, and integrity is a word I live by. There [have been] moments in my life where I’ve thought, ‘Shall…

BBC NEWS PARENTING FAIL This March, as academic Robert E Kelly appeared via webcam live on BBC News, his toddler danced into the room. Seconds later, a baby bounded through the open door in a bouncer. Viewers were left in hysterics as his wife slipped in, grabbed the kids and dragged them away. #ASKEDDIE Eddie Smith, 15, from Croydon, became a viral hero when he was given the reigns of the Southern Rail’s Twitter page in July. Within hours, he’d amassed thousands of likes with #AskEddie, after answering questions, including what readers should eat for dinner. CORBYN’S BOOB SLAP There were plenty of viral moments from the 2017 Election, but the cringe-crown goes to Corbyn for accidentally slapping Labour MP Emily Thornberry’s breasts. The pair were celebrating being re-elected when…

They both play feisty women in Hollyoaks – and now Rachel Adedeji – who shot to fame on The X Factor and joined the soap last year – reveals her first-time mum nerves were eased by friend and co-star Jennifer Metcalfe, who gave birth to son Daye in June this year. Rachel – who, as Closer went to press, was due any day – says, “I honestly couldn’t ask for better friends and better advice. Jen has been so amazing and supportive – she reassured me, offering tips and telling me it’s going to be OK. Speaking to Jen helped me actually look forward to giving birth, it’s crazy!” Closer revealed Rachel, 26, was pregnant with her first child with talent agent husband Jason Finegan in August this year –…

Capricorn 22 Dec - 20 Jan MOVE ON FROM THE PAST… Your romantic romantic r life life looks volatile! The 13 Jul your Love Zone promises the start of a new love cycle. Move on from the past, whether you’re single or forgetting tough times with a partner. For nearly all Capric corns, it’s a big year love-wise, so be e sure to treat your partner as you’d like to be treated. 2018 HOT DATES 17 FEBRUARY Love is coming your way. 16 JULY This is definitely a good time for romance. 10 DECEMBER Show your beloved how much you care! Aquarius 21 Jan - 19 Feb A BIG YEAR FOR ROMANCE… Your love life could be very exciting and even a bit hard to k up with in 2018,…

Whatever your goal, most of us will want to make this the year we ditch a few pounds. But forget counting calories, Slimming World encourages you to fill up on healthy, comforting foods – yes, even pasta and potatoes – leaving you feeling satisfied. And friends Hannah and Faye, right, are proof that Slimming World really does work. They reveal, “Before we lost weight, we’d dread seeing photos of ourselves. Then we found Slimming World and everything changed. We’re full of newfound confidence!” And there’s no need to feel nervous, as our groups are warm and friendly. There’s no humiliation, your weight is kept private and you’ll receive nothing but support. So join now! MARVELLOUS MEALS BREAKFAST Sunny side up: Poached eggs and tomatoes on top of two slices of…

It’s always been drummed into us that heat styling damages hair, which is why many of us try to give our locks a break by leaving them to dry naturally. But recent research suggests this can cause more damage than opting for a blow-dry – it’s true! A study by scientist Dr Tim Moore and hair professionals at GHD has shown that using a hair-dryer at the right distance, correct temperature and in the correct steps (see below) could be more beneficial to hair than leaving it to dry naturally. But why? Well, when hair is wet, the fibres swell and put pressure on the proteins that keep hair intact, therefore weakening it. The longer you leave it wet, the more prone to damage it becomes in its weakened state.…

“I always have cheese in the fridge so I can whip up a pasta sauce.” “Mango reminds me of my childhood. My grandparents used to buy them for me.” “Chestnut mushrooms are more flavoursome than button ones.” INSIDE ANGELLICA’S FRIDGE •  Cheddar cheese•  Apple•  Parmesan•  Yellow mustard•  Brie•  Strawberry jam•  Full-fat milk•  Petits Filous•  Sea bass fillets•  Sweet chilli salmon fillets•  Lamb mince•  Chicken breast fillets•  Home-made carrot cake•  Cabbage•  Broccoli•  Peaches•  Mango•  Spinach•  Banana•  Carrots•  Mushrooms•  Onions•  Bottle of water•  Apple juice•  Soya milk VERDICT NUTRITIONIST SALLY WISBEY SAYS: “Porridge is a substantial breakfast, but Angellica could benefit by adding chopped nuts and seeds for added protein. Avocado is a great source of essential fats and is essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. Tuna is a good source…

RELATIONSHIPS SHOULD YOU KEEP YOUR MAIDEN NAME? A study found that people judge women who take their husband’s name. Emma insists we ignore relationship busybodies According to this research, when a woman keeps her name, people perceive her husband as being less masculine and having less power in the relationship, while she is considered to have a higher status, wield more power and be more self-focused, ambitious and assertive. I think we can all agree that the participants in this study must be stuck in the 1950s! The notion that taking your husband’s name makes you appear less powerful than keeping your own is ridiculous! Furthermore, even if it were true (which it isn’t!), who cares what anyone else thinks? Such decisions are yours and only yours to make. I…

How excited were you when you were asked to front this? It was a no-brainer and proper bucket-list stuff! It was something I’d watched as a kid growing up, with Bruce Forsyth and Leslie Crowther, so when they asked me if I wanted to do it, I jumped at the chance – and I was quite emotional when I went on set. It was funny how much games like Plinko and Cliffhanger had stuck in my head. Can you explain for those not in the know, how does it all work? Explaining The Price Is Right is probably going to make it sound like the most moronic show ever! I invite members of the audience to guess the price of a series of household objects, and I think it’s a…

MUST READ Dark Skies LJ ROSS One fateful night, three friends embark on a secret camping trip, but only two return home. Thirty years later, the body of a teenage boy rises from the depths of England’s biggest reservoir and threatens to expose a killer who has lain dormant – until now. In the depths of Kielder Forest, a murderer has escaped justice before and will do anything to protect the secrets of the past. And Detective Chief Inspector Ryan is facing danger from all sides… BEST DAY OUT Cirque du Soleil Ovo With a brand-new show to kick start your January, Cirque du Soleil is back. Ovo, which runs from 7 January to 4 March, is set in the colourful world of bugs and insects, celebrating nature and co-existence.…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The year looks special – especially if you’re on a spiritual path or want to improve your intuition. It’s also a turning point year, thanks to the Full Moon in your chart. For some, there’s a relationship you need to release and lessons to be learned… about everything! THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CAPRICORN 22 DEC-20 JAN The Full Moon this week takes place in your Relationship Zone, so it’s time for you to move on in one of your most important relationships. Leave behind the negativity and forgive. Then start 2018 afresh. For your spoken forecast about your current astro-cycle, call 0906 7511 677* AQUARIUS 21 JAN-19 FEB Take a back seat in life at the moment, if it feels right. Take time…

Hard-partying Elle wakes up on a building site yet again after another night on the tequila slammers. Yes, Giovanna, we’re all thinking the same thing. When do they go back to school? HOLLY HAGAN Good idea, Holly. Also, why can’t they sell Kit Kats without that annoying biscuit bit in the middle? LAUREN GOODGER Having literally sat on our backsides watching telly for the past seven days solid, we feel your pain, Lauren. INSPIGRAM GEMMA ATKINSON She’s only 33, but after a stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Gemma’s feeling like an OAP! FYI – if you’re planning a relaxing hotel break for NYE, just make sure the Geordie Shore girls aren’t staying on your floor. When they told Charli to line her stomach before the party, she really went for…

CLOSER’S THERAPIST EMMA KENNY SAYS: “Wayne has achieved huge success in football and life off the pitch may be a shock. The adoration he’s used to from fans will understandably dwindle when he no longer plays professionally. Retiring or having a career change is a huge life event, it can be hard. He needs to find a new interest to use his energy appropriately. He’s displayed hedonistic tendencies with drinking and gambling, so he needs something to focus on to prevent his behaviour. “Coleen is supportive and I’m sure she’ll be there for him 100 per cent. She’ll need to enlist the help of both families should Wayne need guidance. She needs to remind him that he should focus on taking care of himself and their family. “Wayne’s…

BODYSHAMING: “I hate the hashtag #strongnotskinny because you can be skinny and be really strong. It’s another form of bodyshaming – another way of insulting someone’s figure. There are some very naturally tiny, waif-like girls who eat like horses but are built like that and have a thigh gap because of their bone structure.” PLUS-SIZE MODELS: “I don’t like the term plus-size model! These girls are still models, no matter their size – their job is still to make clothes look good! The Iskra Lawrences and Ashley Grahams of the world are amazing. They train every day, eat well and prioritise a healthy way of life, but are naturally womanly, curvaceous and gorgeous. THE KARDASHIANS: “I’d love to work out with Khloé! She’s really passionate about training but constantly switches…

‘IT WAS A LIVING HELL, IT GOT SO BAD I EVEN GAVE UP MY JOB’ Joanne Nicoll lay in bed tossing and turning as she listened to the clock ticking. It was 4am and the single mum was stuck in a cycle of insomnia, which meant she had survived on just two hours’ sleep a night for ten years. The medical tattooist, who lives in Eastbourne with her ten-year-old son, admits she became so desperate she began suffering from depression. She says, “I would lay awake until at least 4am every night, before getting up at 6am to take Bobby to school and go to work. “I was constantly tired, grumpy and anxious. I’d lie in bed worrying every night and eventually it got so bad I even gave up…

Showing off her recent 2st weight loss in an array of figure-hugging outfits, singer Mariah Carey looked incredible at her London show earlier this month. And, as rumours swirl that the star had secret surgery to help with her weight loss, insiders say her recent transformation was motivated by the fact she wants to have a baby with her toyboy, Bryan Tanaka, 34. A source says, “Mariah’s weight has yo-yoed for most of her professional career and, after she and Bryan decided to try for a baby, she knew that with age against her, she needed to ensure she did everything in her power to increase her chances of falling pregnant – starting with losing weight. “She wasn’t heavy enough to qualify for surgery, but she was put on some…

She’s loving being a parent to baby Daye with partner and former Geordie Shore star Greg Lake – but Jennifer Metcalfe has revealed she battles “mum guilt” on a daily basis. She says, “Being a mum is lush! I haven’t had time to think or reflect, it’s literally been the maddest conveyor belt. I’m loving it, but saying that, it’s a roller coaster – Daye had his injections recently and that was horrible. And the guilt about leaving him is the worst feeling ever.” Having only given birth in June, Jen, 35, has impressed her Instagram followers with shots of her “mummy tummy” – and admits that she’s not hard on herself when it comes to losing weight. She says, “I haven’t been trying to tone up – being a…

‘ Ilost 16 1/2 st and I’m happier than ever’ Bank manager Samantha Charles, 27, who lives in Wallington, Surrey, with fiancé David Quigley has transformed her body.She says, “I feel very lucky. I’m finally happy after nearly 20 years of struggling with my weight. And it’s all down to my New Year’s resolution. “I was morbidly obese, a size 34 and 27½st, even though I’m only 5ft 4. I’d already been warned by my doctor that my heart could fail before I hit 30. I was terrified, but I struggled to diet. I’d snack on pasties and pizza most nights, polished off with crisps and chocolate. SNAP DECISION “Then, on New Year’s Eve 2014, feeling fed up and worried about my health, I vowed to change. I was heavier…

ON TREND FANCY FOOTWEAR AT MANGO Stay one step ahead of the fashion pack this season, with Mango’s amazing collection of catwalk doubles. From Balenciagainspired slip-ons to white V-point slingbacks a la Céline, there’s a style to suit everyone, all for under £60. This bunch make convincing doppelgängers, which nobody else need know about. Wink, wink… WHO WORE IT BEST? SOFIA VERGARA VS CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara walked the red carpet in the very same Temperley London dress as Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman. The shoulder-show, damsel-like silhouette along with sparkle is spot on. Claudia adopts minimal styling, whereas Sofia embraced the more is more rule with bauble shoulder dusters and jewel-clustered platforms. VERDICT The low-key approach wins our stylish seal of approval – this chic dress needs nothing more.…

WHERE: NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS WHEN: JANUARY 2015 “I chose a Cheryl-inspired look and my friend Lyndsey Harrison did my make-up. It looked so dramatic! I always wear falsies to big events and pack Benefit mascara, MAC blusher and Charotte Tilbury foundation for touch-ups. I like a sweet fragrance – Black Opium by YSL is gorgeous.” “This dress made me feel really special. It was from Dress2Party and is a Sherri Hill design, which cost £600. Back then, I didn’t have a stylist, so I chose it myself. I’m not fussed by designer labels, I just look for something that makes me feel good. I loved all the sequins and the fact it was long and sophisticated.” “The NTAs were the first red-carpet event I’d ever attended! I was super-nervous, but…

She shot to fame in the early ’90s as a catwalk model and posing for top fashion mags, as well as fronting campaigns for Gucci and Mercedes-Benz, but, away from the spotlight, Lisa Snowdon admits she’s suffered with life-long body hang-ups. “I’ve never been massively body confident, but we women are so harsh on ourselves,” she confesses. “We always pick out what we don’t like. I don’t look as good as I did in my twenties, but I’ve reached a stage in life where I can’t be in constant angst over my flaws.” At 45, Lisa says she feels “fitter than ever” and, scrolling through her Instagram feed, it’s clear from her bikini snaps that she isn’t afraid to show off her body to her 169,000 followers. She says, “When…

‘ PMS DOESN’T EXIST? WHAT UTTER RUBBISH!’ A psychologist has claimed PMS is just an excuse women use because they can’t manage their busy lives – Dr C is seething A female psychologist has claimed that PMS is a myth. She said, “We internalise this idea that our bodies must be faulty. It’s more likely that women feel overwhelmed.” She’s even gone as far as to say that PMS is like using a get-out-of-jail-free card. How unbelievably patronising! HORMONAL CHANGES Around 90 per cent of women experience symptoms of PMS (things like bloating, breast pain, mood swings, irritability), and some can really suffer. My own mother did, and she wasn’t internalising not being able to cope! The NHS recognises it, plus one of the basic principles of science is that…

‘ MY BUSINESS IS BLOOMING!’ Closer meets “mumpreneur” Dani Bolser, 29, owner of Deluxe Blooms, who started her own business after having children When Dani Bolser had her first child, she struggled to find a career that fit around family life. “I did various part-time jobs, zero-hours contracts, working weekends,” she explains. “But nothing worked for me. It was only when I was on maternity leave with my second child that I thought about starting my own business.” Dani – who is mum to Lauren, seven, and Luca, three – then came up with the idea for Deluxe Blooms (Deluxeblooms.co.uk), which specialises in selling high-quality faux flowers. She buys beautiful flowers wholesale then makes up bouquets and sells individual stems. She says, “I’ve always been creative and I felt there…

Why do you think people love this series so much? KIRSTIE: I think it’s a very common dilemma, with one person having a different relationship with their home than another (their partner) does. It can cause real aggro in relationships – if one is saying, “I love this house and I’m never moving anywhere,” but the other person is walking in the front door thinking, “I can’t wait to leave!” Can you explain the concept? PHIL: It stems from the realisation of a conversation that many households have: Should they invest in their existing home to make it work, or is it better to sell it, move on and buy something different…? Kirstie champions the “love it” side of things while Phil, your role is about selling up? P: Kirstie…