Inhoudsopgave van ISSUE 793 - Closer

The secret to life is resilience. It’s a given that we’re all going to have to deal with grief and disappointment, but the ability to pick yourself up and start again means there is always hope of finding some sort of happy ever after. This week, we’ve spoken to three inspiring Atomic Kittens (mums Kerry Katona, Jenny Frost and Natasha Hamilton), who between them have had more than their fair share of heartbreak. Now all of them say they have reached a more confident place where they feel in control. They’ve learned to accept themselves and also discovered that exercise and a healthy diet have been the key to lasting contentment. It’s reassuring to know that it’s the simple things we can all do that make a difference. You don’t…

After her reputation was called into question last week, insiders say Scarlett Moffatt is devastated her name has been dragged through the dirt again. Damning reports claimed her fitness DVD – released following her 3st weight loss in 2016 – was a sham. She could face paying its producers £100,000 after failing to keep off the weight for a year. The former Gogglebox star, 27, said she lost the weight through exercises promoted in the DVD, and by following a 1,200-calories-a-day diet. But new reports allege that she secretly went to a gruelling bootcamp in Switzerland for a week, surviving on between 600-700 calories a day after panicking that she wasn’t going to reach her target weight through the DVD training. UNDER PRESSURE It’s even been reported that revealing text…

Covering up in oversized sunglasses and a headband, Jordan was seen at an event last week for the first time since recovering from an op to fix a botched facelift. After the original procedure in September, Jordan, 39, was left unhappy with the results, with her face looking puffy and her skin pulled agonisingly tight – prompting online trolls to compare her to notorious surgery addict Jocelyn Wildenstein. BLOOD-STAINED And after Jordan slammed the surgeon for the botched op – telling fans he’d “f****d up” her face – she had surgery to correct it earlier this month and was pictured shortly after looking swollen with blood-stained bandages around her head. Celeb cosmetic expert Dr Nyla – who previously told Closer Jordan, real name Katie Price, may never look “normal” again…

“ CLOSER’ S PSYCHOLOGIST EMMA KENNY SAYS, “With a baby boom in the family, Kris will be feeling left out. It’s inevitable and completely natural for a mother to feel envious of her daughter throughout the stages of her life at times. Kim has previously complained about her mother trying to copy everything she does, and this may be another example of her not wanting to be outdone by her daughters. Kris is with a man 25 years her junior and she may also worry he might leave if she can’t give him a family. But she should remember these feelings are fleeting, and focus on the joy – and importance – of her role as Grandmother.”…

Her estranged husband Justin Theroux has reportedly wasted no time moving on after their separation, with reports emerging that he’s dating 25-year-old artist Petra Collins. But insiders say that, rather than wallowing in heartbreak, Jennifer Aniston, 49, has told pals she’s happy the Leftovers actor, 46, is looking to the future – and is even ready to date again herself. LIVING APART A source reveals, “Jen heard whispers about Justin and Petra earlier this month, and it was confirmed by a mutual pal who wanted her to find out before she read about it in the tabloids. “Justin and Petra have been friends for a while, but it’s only recently become a romance. Justin’s said to be smitten. “Jen hinted they had lived separate lives for six months, so it’s…

They revealed their shock split in separate announcements last week, with Gigi Hadid saying she was “grateful for the love, time and life lessons” with Zayn Malik, while he described their two-year relationship as “incredibly meaningful, loving and fun”. But pals say that while the showbiz power couple alluded to an amicable break-up, their relationship had turned sour over the past few months, as reclusive Zayn, 25, grew increasingly distant from the supermodel, 22. A source says, “Zayn was always more introverted than socialite Gigi, who had a wide circle of friends and loved being out on the showbiz scene. “He didn’t get on that well with her showbiz friends, which also became a bone of contention. “She told friends that as they grew more distant, the tension continued to…

After months of rumoured marriage troubles, Strictly stars Karen and Kevin Clifton last week confirmed they’d split. The pair made the announcement during a radio interview, with Kevin, 35, saying, “A lot of people are usually quite afraid to talk about these things, but we’ve always felt the best thing is to be honest with everyone. So we just wanted to do this now and let everyone know that, privately, we’re not together any more.” The dancer said the pair still see each other most days due to their work and remain, “the best of friends”, with Karen adding they will be continuing with their tour in May. Since December, Karen has been seen with three different men, while claims have surfaced that Kevin has grown close to Strictly dance…

She’s been trolled in the past for her surgically enhanced features, with some accusing the ex-Geordie Shore star of resembling a “blow-up doll” – but Charlotte Crosby insists she loves her new face. The 27 year old is no stranger to cosmetic procedures and has admitted to having a boob job, nose job, lip fillers, Botox and eyebrow tattoos. Speaking to Closer , she says, “I love everything about the way I look now. Everyone has different opinions, but I don’t care what they think. I think I look quite pretty and most people comment, saying I’m ‘fit’ and ‘sexy.’” CHANGING LOOKS But fans have expressed concern over the reality star’s appearance, begging her to “please stop” altering her face. Charlotte’s also had problems with her cosmetic work, with reports…

She first came to our attention in 2010 as part of the original cast of TOWIE – and her weight battles, love life and partying have dominated the headlines ever since. Here, Lauren Goodger, 31, talks to us about some of her best and worst moments and says she now feels like a completely different person. She says, “I’ve changed so much since my TOWIE debut! It seems like such a long time ago… even the little outfits we used to wear. I feel so much more settled now, but I’m looking forward to more adventures.” ‘ THIS WAS THE LOWEST I’VE FELT ABOUT MY BODY’ “I can laugh looking back at this picture now, but it’s the lowest I’ve ever felt about my body. Seeing this pic at the…

ADD A SILKY TOUCH Wrapped up around your hair, knotted jauntily around your neck, or tied around your bag – silky scarves are the most versatile accessory for spring. Look for silky fabrics covered in bright patterns and clash them over a Breton stripe or a colour-block frock. BAG SOME ATTITUDE Forget shoulder-swingers and say hello to cross-body buys for the foreseeable future. Whether it’s a sporty bumbag or a mini-sized satchel, wear it slung over your outfit as part of your ensemble, rather than as an after-thought. This hands-free trend shows off your style know-how and is practical, too. TAKE A BOW From structured shapes to silky ribbons, when it comes to cinching in your waist it’s all about the bow. We’ve clocked stars rocking this style both on…

Scientific developments continually change our beauty products, but does a breakthrough always need to include chemicals? With women now using roughly 12 products a day, the amount of synthetic ingredients on our skin can add up fast. So if you want to cut back on chemicals, but don’t know if natural ingredients can deliver as well, beauty expert and Weleda Managing Director Jayn Sterland reassures us they can. CHANGING ATTITUDES “There is sometimes the belief that because a product is natural, it can’t be luxurious or sophisticated’, explains Jayn. “But thanks to innovations in ingredients and packaging, this is no longer the case.” Chris Elms, Boots Innovation Manager, adds, “Natural ingredients can be just as effective as synthesised ingredients – many of which have proven efficacy. The key element is…

Wales already has a system where adults are automatically an organ donor unless they decide to “opt out”. Now, England may follow. Currently, 6,500 patients are waiting for a transplant, but the UK has some of the lowest rates of consent in Western Europe, so about 500 people die every year waiting for a donor. Organs can only be used if someone has signed up, but families often override the wishes of their loved ones. The hope is that the new system will change this.…

‘I keep busy and live one day at a time’ YOU NEVER GET OVER THE DEATH OF YOUR CHILD When Caron died at 41 after a seven-year battle with cancer, I fell into the blackest hole imaginable. Losing a child is the worst kind of loss. I’m not undermining other people’s loss; I’ve lost my parents, my sister, my first husband [Caron’s dad, Don Keating, died in 1997 from a heart attack]. But nothing comes level with the death of a child – you can’t carry a child, give birth, then lose that child without it taking you to a depth you never thought possible. I didn’t seek professional help, but I have good family and friends who supported me. You start to climb up the black hole, then slip…

1 THE DURRELLS LESLIE’S GIRLF JOINS PUDDING CLUB! SUN 25 MARCH, 8PM, ITV Mrs D is keen to talk to Leslie about how “life starts and where it comes from”, even offering to “provide equipment so bees are prevented”. Sadly, that ship seems to have sailed as Daphne announces she is pregnant – despite only having done the deed with Leslie “one-and-a-half times”. Her father is furious to discover she has joined the “pudding club” – and to make matters worse, something shocking happens to Aunt Hermione! FACT FILE The American writer Henry Miller is in this series. Played by Trevor White, he takes off all his clothes, which Keeley Hawes says is “very funny”. 2 MASTERCHEF KNOCKOUTS WEEK IS HERE SUN-FRI (NOT TUES), TIMES VARY, BBC1 The knockouts are…

MUST READ Fearless (JESSIE KEANE) Claire Milo and bare-knuckle gypsy fighter Josh Flynn were destined to be together from the day they met. But Shauna Everett always wanted what she couldn’t have and has had her eye on Josh for years. She knew just how to get him and, if it meant playing dirty, then so be it. In a world ruled by violence and crime, only one woman will win, but how low is she prepared to go to achieve that goal? Fans of Martina Cole will love this gritty novel. BEST DAY OUT Disneyland Paris If you’re looking for a magical weekend trip, or a one-day adventure with the kids, there’s little that trumps Disneyland Paris. Follow in the footsteps of Disneyland’s latest VIP guests, former TOWIE star…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK One of the biggest things for you to think about is how you want to come across to other people. If you’re OK with being seen as a firebrand, fine. However, if you sense a softer approach might work better for you, you will need to work on your approach! THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR You could end up getting yourself into trouble if you allow your impulses to have free reign. You’re currently under all kinds of pressure. Offset that by assuming greater responsibility for your life, rather than getting fired up. For your spoken forecast about your current astro-cycle, call 0906 7511 677* TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY What are you not telling someone? There’s drama in the air…

In a shock U-turn, Ferne McCann revealed last week that she was planning to take her four-month-old daughter Sunday to visit her dad, Arthur Collins, in prison. The news emerged despite her repeated denials about being in touch with her jailbird ex, and reports she told him he’d never see his baby again. Opening up about her decision to visit Arthur, 25 – who left the former TOWIE star, 27, devastated when he carried out a horrific acid attack at a London nightclub while she was pregnant – Ferne said, “It’s a huge thing to have to make decisions you are forced into. I have to think of Sunday and what is best for her. “It hasn’t been an easy decision and some people may think I’m wrong. But the…

She released her popular fitness DVD Then And Now in 2007. But actress Natalie Cassidy, 34, has said she regrets making it. Initially, she praised the DVD after going from a size 16 to an 8. But by 2009, she’d put the pounds back on, revealing her weight loss was due to restricting her diet rather than exercise. She said, “I was bordering on having an eating disorder. There were nights I’d go out for dinner, then I’d go home and take laxatives.” She later said, “It [the DVD] was all a bit of a farce. It was the wrong way to lose the weight, and wrong that the public believed I’d done it the right way.” Most recently, the star has been spotted looking trim again.…

He’s made a series of comments about his sex life with his doctor wife, Emily MacDonagh, who now has regular spots on daytime TV. And, last week, Peter Andre made a joke about his and 28-year-old Emily’s bedroom antics during a segment on Lorraine , after making a series of sex confessions. Now pals say Pete, 45, is keen to replicate the success he enjoyed with his ex-wife Jordan as part of a showbiz power couple. A source says, “Pete’s desperate for him and Emily to become a power couple, and thinks making Emily a sex symbol is the way to go. Pete’s keen to get Emily to sex-up her style and show people she’s a fun, sassy woman.”…

❛ IT’S UPSETTING FOR HER THAT JOAN IS BEING PAINTED IN A NEGATIVE LIGHT ❜ The drama surrounding her relationship woes heightened last week amid reports Cheryl’s mother, Joan Callaghan, was spending increasing amounts of time at the Surrey mansion Cheryl shares with boyfriend Liam Payne – with painful allegations that she’s caused a rift between the couple. The claims followed reports that Liam, 24, had gone “cold” on 34-year-old Cheryl, and that he was more committed to his career than family life with their son Bear, who turns one this week. Last week, Liam appeared to hint he may miss Bear’s first birthday on 22 March after the signer revealed he’d be in Japan this week. It comes after Liam admitted he’d missed his first Father’s Day last year…

❛PEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS ABANDONING MY GIRLS, BUT I WAS MISERABLE❜ With two young daughters and a doting husband, Charli Crowe, 30, had everything she’d ever wanted. And her loving family were by her side as she battled breast cancer. But after beating the disease in August 2016, she says her priorities changed. Shockingly, she moved to Malta – leaving her young family behind. And despite facing criticism from relatives and friends, she insists she did the right thing. RAW MEMORIES Charli, who is now back in the UK but still lives a four-hour drive away from her daughters, Summer-Rose, six, and Lillie-Mae, four, says, “People judged me for moving away, even my mum stopped speaking to me. But cancer changes you. I felt trapped in my old life and…

The turmoil surrounding Colin Firth and his wife Livia Giuggioli continued to unfold last week as her alleged stalker claimed they’d had a passionate year-long affair during a temporary split from the King’s Speech star. Livia, 48, admitted to the fling with journalist Marco Brancaccia in 2015, while she was separated from Firth, 57, the father of their two sons. But while she has told police that Marco bombarded her with “hundreds of calls” during an eight-month stalking campaign after they split, he claims he only sent two WhatsApp messages and denies hounding the couple. A source says, “Livia and Colin want to be able to move on from this and focus on their marriage.” Reports surfaced last week claiming Colin’s marriage came under strain after he grew close to…

Just days after Brendan Cole and wife Zoe Hobbs announced she’d given birth to their second child, reports surfaced their marriage has been put under strain – with sources claiming his nights out and busy schedule were to blame. Less than 24 hours after Brendan, 41 – who also has Aurelia, five, with Zoe – confirmed the arrival of son Dante, he partied with golfer Carly Booth, 25, and Anton Du Beke, 51. After the reports, Zoe posted a loved-up throwback pic of the couple on Instagram. Speaking about married life in February, after being seen holding hands with dancer Nadiya Bychkova, Brendan said, “All you can do is be there for your partner, give an honest account and deal with it as best you can.”…

She’s been open about her struggle with body dysmorphia, previously revealing that her rise to fame, and obsession with surgery, had left her only seeing “faults” when she looked in the mirror. And Marnie Simpson tells Closer that she was still battling her body-confidence demons while filming the new series of Ex On The Beach. She says, “I was nervous before I went on the show – I wasn’t confident and thought I’d feel really insecure in a bikini. I was just feeling a bit frumpy and not in as great shape as I know I have been before. “I wore swimsuits for most of the time, to be honest, because I wasn’t feeling great in myself. The girls [her Ex On The Beach co-stars] were lovely, though – they…

‘My selfies are to inspire women, not to impress men’ She’s had a turbulent love life, with two divorces behind her and a third in progress. Just last week, reports claimed Kerry Katona had been forced to take out a restraining order against estranged husband George Kay after he allegedly sent her death threats. And Kerry – who Closer reported had recently met up with her ex, reality star Jayden Fresh – insists she is in no mood to rush back into a serious relationship. She confidently tells Closer , “I’m not interested in dating in the slightest. I’ve been asked out, but I haven’t been on any dates. I haven’t been kissed, I haven’t had my hand held and I haven’t cuddled anyone. I thought I’d miss it but…

SURGERY… I’m not against surgery – I’ll have it all when I need to! I’ve had Botox already and would definitely have it again. As I get older and things sag, I’d definitely have things hoiked back up. SOCIAL MEDIA… I’m scared for my girls growing up in a time where social media is so addictive and all you see is everyone’s perfect lives online. They’re five now, so I hope by the time they’re teenagers, it comes full circle and that it will be cool for their generation to embrace being natural. STAYING IN SHAPE… I’m motivated to stay healthy and fit for my kids, so that I’ll be around for any future grandkids. I maintain my shape by eating healthily and being active, but feeling comfortable in a…

IN THE NEWS ZENDAYA TEAMS UP WITH BOOHOO Actress Zendaya has joined forces with online retailer Boohoo to curate a 50-piece edit of her favourite pieces from their S/S18 collection. With everything from sports- luxe jackets to do-it-all denim and pastel pretties, this range – starting from £8 – is guaranteed to get you a celeb-approved spring wardrobe. Buy online now. CATWALK TO HIGH STREET Actress of the moment Margot Robbie turned heads for all the right reasons in this red and black striped two-piece. Her D&G tailored separate is out of our budget but, luckily, Pretty Little Thing has come up with a near-identical version for a fraction of the price. FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Gabby Allen, 26 We admire that Gabby has made this look her own by…

JUST LANDED BRIGHT EYES OLAY PRO-RETINOL EYE TREATMENT WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT: A light cream infused with anti-ageing ingredient pro-retinol, which targets fine lines and wrinkles. WHY IT WORKS: Until now, many experts have been hesitant to use powerful ingredients around the eye, but this cream is super gentle, even on sensitive skin. We’re using pre-make-up to brighten shadows, plump up skin and smooth away wrinkles – it’s worth the cost. GET THE LOOK... GLOSSY HAIR Make your locks look super shiny, like Jessica and Laura, by introducing a hair oil into your routine ❶ COLOUR PROTECT OGX FADE-DEFYING + ORCHID OIL, £6.99 This handy shine mist contains UVA and UVB sun filters, which will help prevent coloured hair from fading fast. ❷ MULTI-PURPOSE WINDLE & MOODIE ESSENTIAL OILS ELIXIR,…

WASH-BIN WINNER We love that this classic wicker laundry basket has had a style upgrade with a new lantern-like shape, stripes and a lid to hide what’s inside! DUNELM £38 OFFICE MUST-HAVE Every office space and study needs a home for paper screw-ups. This one comes in at under a fiver – and is available in two other colours and designs. TIGER STORES £3 AT-HOME HIDEAWAY Fed up with seeing keys and loose change laying about indoors? Give them a home with this mini Moroccan-style basket. TK MAXX £3.99 LITTLE HELPER Encourage little ones to tidy away toys or put dirty laundry where it belongs with help from this friendly frog. H&M £12.99 CLOSET ESSENTIAL Use this bright patterned basket on shelves or inside your wardrobe. Buy a few so…

INSIDE SOPHIE’S FRIDGE • Eggs• Coconut oil• Pomegranate• Fat-free vinaigrette• Salted dark chocolate• Tangerines• Prawn platter• Chilli peppers• Cod• Salmon fillets• Celery• Lamb mince• Ready-made salad• Broccoli• Lettuce• Grapefruit• Cucumber• Turkey sausages• Apple cider vinegar• Almond milk• Gin• Tonic water• Vodka SOPHIE How much do you spend? Around £50-£60 per week. I’m a fan of supermarkets with variety and a lot of multi-buy offers. Describe your daily diet... For breakfast, I have a sachet of porridge with almond milk, mixed with a spoonful of low-calorie hot chocolate powder and coconut sprinkles, or I have poached eggs on wholemeal toast. Lunch is usually a chicken or prawn salad, or sushi. If I fancy something warm, I make my own vegetable broth. I eat out a lot during the evenings, so I…

RELATIONSHIPS BE AWARE OF YOUR PARTNER’S MOOD Research shows that people don’t notice when their partner is sad, lonely or feeling down. Emma says we need to talk Recently, my husband and I had an almighty row. Afterwards, we discussed how it had happened. I said that it was totally out of order that he got so angry and referred to how it made me feel. He simply said, “You never ask me how I feel.” I wanted to tell him he was wrong, but he wasn’t – I don’t ask, and I’m not alone. Research has shown that couples don’t notice when their partner is feeling down or sad, and often miss those “soft” negative emotions and behavioural clues. Other research indicates that most of us just assume that…

What sort of trouble does TV Matt get himself into? MATT, 50: Boy, we filmed it so long ago now. After the “incident” [in episode one], my character wants Sean and Beverly to develop a show for me and it’s just a disaster. It’s very funny from there. TAMSIN, 51: We can’t get rid of this monkey, and his ideas are really terrible. It’s a terrible ongoing triangle of us trying to contain him, but his wonderful imagination can’t be stopped… STEPHEN, 49: I would say this is the best series we’ve done. I can’t wait for it to be seen. Let’s talk about the scene in episode one, where Matt is caught quite literally with his trousers down… MATT: Nothing shocks me on this show, and I’ve actually pitched…

When the GC confronted TOWIE producers to demand a lift for her and pal Bobby, she actually wanted a ride home. Awkward… As they walk up the path to Beckingham Palace, Brooklyn and Harper suspect naughty Daddy has left the bath taps running again… After seeing this promotional pic of Eamonn Holmes and Ann Widdecombe, movie fans across the globe took to Twitter to announce they were going to give the Splash remake a miss… It’s a match Mer-made in hell. Momma Hadid always nabs the comfiest chair – but Bella has her own way of dealing with it. Marce l Somerville prepares for Easter. He should’ve stuck with Crème Eggs – we fear this real one will result in salmonella. GEORGIA “TOFF” TOFFOLO That’s a worrying addiction, Toff. Does…

Single Shanay Jones, 23, from Watford took her son, Blake, to visit his father in prison when he was just three months old. She says, “I can completely understand why Ferne is taking her daughter to see Arthur. It’s not an easy decision to come to, but she’ll regret it if she doesn’t. “My partner went to prison in 2015 for drug-related offences when I was just five months pregnant. We split up soon after and, at first, I was adamant I wouldn’t take my baby to visit. But when Blake was born, while I got to feed and soothe him to sleep, it felt wrong that he wasn’t getting to bond with his dad, too. So, when he was three months old – after he’d had all his vaccinations…

JOSIE: ‘I’m happiest at a size 12!’ She rose to fame as the bubbly blonde who won Big Brother in 2010. But over the past eight years, Josie Gibson has shrunk from a size 20 to a size 8 – and then gone up to a size 10-12. After a life overhaul in 2012, which included a rigid exercise regime and a “clean-eating” diet, Josie shed 6st, which prompted the release of two DVDs – 30-Second Slim and 21 Day Fat Burn – both of which were number-one best-sellers. Josie, 33, was at one point a tiny size 8 – but while fans praised her svelte figure, she admitted she felt her small frame was bordering on unhealthy, and that she felt better as a size 12. She told Closer,…

CLOSER’S PSYCHOLOGIST EMMA KENNY SAYS, “Patients feel a range of emotions when cancer treatment ends. While some find it easier to move on, others suffer long-term anxiety and depression. There can also be a feeling of living in the shadow of cancer and a fear it might return. In Charli’s case, her ex-husband and children remind her of her illness and the ordeal that she went through. It’s hard to understand why anyone who faced the awful possibility of not seeing their children grow up could willingly walk away, but by removing herself from her old life she may feel she doesn’t have to confront her past. But Charli needs to be aware that this could be damaging for her girls – especially as she’s starting a new family. She…

Her journey to a fairy-tale ending has been anything but smooth, with two marriages resulting in heartache. But Andrea McLean believes she’s finally achieved her happy-ever-after with third husband Nick Feeney, whom she married in November. Andrea split from first husband Nick Green, who’s father to her 15-year-old son Finlay, in 2005, after five years of marriage. She later wed her DIY show co-host Steve Toms in 2009 – with whom she has daughter Amy, ten – then filed for divorce in 2011. But she says her fate changed when she met Nick on a blind date three years ago. A PROPER FAMILY Andrea, 48, says, “It still feels funny to call him ‘husband’. I didn’t think it would because we’d lived together and, really, a wedding is just a…

Unknowingly working alongside and getting close to James Bulger’s killer, Jon Venables, for three years – Lucy Thomas* even went on a date with him. Then, last month, she found out the shocking truth about who he was. Lucy says, “When I learned his true identity, I felt sick. I kissed the man who tortured a toddler to death. I brushed my teeth six times that day – but I don’t think I’ll ever feel clean. He shouldn’t be free to date.” CHARMING For legal reasons, we can’t reveal Lucy’s real name, age, occupation or location, in case it leads to Venables being identified. The killer was granted lifetime anonymity on the day he was released from prison in June 2001, after serving eight years for his part in the…

WHY ARE GIRLS RISKING AGONY FOR A DESIGNER VAGINA? The demand for so-called “designer vagina” surgery has soared by almost 50 per cent year-on-year from 2015. And leading surgeons report that it is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the UK. Shockingly, new statistics have revealed that girls as young as nine are looking to have it done. Between 2015 and 2016, 200 girls under 18 had a labiaplasty, of which 150 were under 15. But what’s driving them to undergo this painful surgery? Closer talks to mum and cosmetic surgery fan Sarah Burge and GP Sarah Jarvis… MUM OF THREE: ‘ The results are amazing, but I’d never let my daughter do it’ Sarah Burge, 57, lives in Stratford-upon-Avon with her husband Tony, 57, and youngest daughter, Poppy, 14.…

Kerry’s remarkable turnaround is due in no small part to her new bestie, Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Ampika Pickston. She says, “Ampika came into my life at the perfect time. She’s empowering, generous, silly, funny – just like me! From the moment we met, I knew she was a friend for life. She tells me I can do anything I put my mind to. I’ve never met anyone more positive and open – I’m in a better mood whenever I see her!” And Ampika tells Closer the feeling is mutual. She says, “We’re both very honest, and when you meet an honest soul, you immediately connect. There’s no judgement. I know my faults and so does Kerry – and we’re not afraid to show them. I’m so happy to…

She shot to fame as part of Atomic Kitten almost 20 years ago, and Natasha Hamilton looks as amazing now as she did then. But despite being a slim size 8, the mum of four doesn’t put herself under so much pressure now. Natasha, 35, says, “The older I get, the less I worry about my looks. I’ve had four children, so I can’t compare myself to 20-somethings who are in the gym six days a week and haven’t had kids. It isn’t realistic. Women seem to get to 40 and kick it up a notch – they look amazing and are more confident. People like Davina McCall are my inspiration. I wish there were more role models out there who’ve had children, but choose to eat well and live…

DARE TO DOUBLE Take a style note from Alex and co and wear your denim top to toe. Keep it classic with a matching shirt and jeans combo, or re-vamp the look for 2018 with cinched jackets. TURN IT UP Straight leg and boyfriend-style jeans are the new “skinny” shape, and a turned-up hem will earn you extra fashion points. Dress up with heels, or keep it casual with trainers. DRESS TO KILL When it comes to wearing a denim dress, there’s a style for everyone. A slim-cut shift will showcase your shape nicely, while a smock will hide wobbly bits. Look for button-down or style with a bold belt. COVER UP IN STYLE Upsize your denim jacket – oversized and longer length ones are in. Give the timeless staple…

It’s time to pack away your winter wear for a few months and give your wardrobe a serious spring-clean. Next season is all about pops of colour, frills and fresh florals and, thanks to the team at fashion site Brand Attic, it’s super-easy to update your look. Closer readers get 30 per cent off by using the code BACLOSER30 at the online checkout* . Head to BrandAttic.com to shop the trends – we promise you won’t regret it! * The code can be used at the online checkout at BrandAttic.com. The code will be valid for two weeks, from 20 March until midnight 2 April 2018, and will offer 30% off any item excluding sale.…

‘Freddie filled a dark hole I’d had for a long time’ It’s been two months since Cara De La Hoyde gave birth to her first child, and as she cradles her baby boy on our photo shoot, it’s clear she’s completely smitten. The star, along with her Love Island co-star Nathan Massey – who got together during the hit show in 2016 – are now proud parents to their son, Freddie-George. Cara, 27, admits the pair are overwhelmed with their new arrival. She tells Closer , “I’m loving motherhood more than I thought I could. Childbirth is horrendous, but I’ll do it again because it was the most amazing feeling when we saw Freddie for the first time. It’s mad to think I’ve given birth to the first Love Island…

Six-year-old Alfie Dingley can have up to 3,000 seizures a year, and the steroids used to treat those could lead to psychosis, organ failure and, ultimately, death. Last September, he took a cannabis-based medication in the Netherlands and his health massively improved, but the Home Office won’t issue a licence here, saying cannabis has “no medicinal benefit”. To me, that’s cruel – and untrue. IT CAN BE SAFE After a seizure, you’re left completely drained, so Alfie must have very little quality of life, but this treatment helped. There’s a difference between cannabis you can smoke, vape and eat, and medical cannabis, which is grown under strict care. Certainly it needs regulation, but to just deny this licence is blinkered. There should always be room for exceptions, and this is…

Apparently, a fifth of Brits have never haggled. Natasha Rachel Smith, consumer money expert for TopCashback.co.uk, says, “There are big discounts to be had. Just be polite and friendly and you’re good to go!” DO YOUR RESEARCH “Usually, independent stores are better, as you can talk directly to the owners,” explains Natasha. “Loyalty pays, too – most reward their regular customers with discounts and deals.” But the high street isn’t out of bounds; research shows that Carphone Warehouse is the number-one high-street chain where consumers are successful at haggling, John Lewis came in second. “John Lewis has a ‘never knowingly undersold’ policy,” explains Natasha. “So if you find an item cheaper at another high-street store, it will refund the difference.” Tesco was third, followed by Debenhams, DFS, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, TK…

This was filmed in Belfast; how did you manage to perfect your character Greg’s Northern Irish accent? I worked with a magician – a brilliant dialect coach. I also spent a lot of time in pubs listening to locals. Belfast is one of the funniest places you’ll ever go to, you’re not allowed to take yourself seriously. Such terrible things have happened there that if you’re going to start thinking you’re the cats’ whiskers you’re b**locksed, basically. Greg’s wife Marie has made the life-changing decision to walk out on her three kids, husband and family home... The most important thing to Marie is the fact that she’s a mother, and ironically the mother had to leave to help those children – that’s my take on it. And maybe I’m trying…