Inhoudsopgave van ISSUE 818 - Closer

Not a week has gone by without Lisa Armstrong hitting the headlines since her agonising split from Ant McPartlin. After being seen down in the dumps in London, she jetted off to LA to start her incredible transformation and, last week, we finally caught up with her ourselves to get the inside scoop. Speaking at a charity close to her heart – Pup Aid, which was set up to stop cruel puppy farms – she refreshingly told us that she’s on the mend and owes much of her recovery to her beloved dog Hurley, who has been by her side every step of the way and is her best friend. Ricky Gervais also spoke to us at the event about how his cat Ollie is the centre of attention at…

Stalking victim and Corrie star Kym Marsh last week showed her support for a new bill that could stop stalkers before they kill. It comes after Christof King, 39, received a nine-month suspended sentence last month after bombarding TV star Christine Lampard with “sinister” tweets about her “crucifixion”. Shocking statistics show over a million people are stalked every year, with many victims murdered by their aggressors. But while a stalker’s actions can be intimidating, they’re not always unlawful, meaning they can’t be stopped until it reaches terrifying levels. Last year, just 806 stalkers were prosecuted, but MP Sarah Wollaston’s Private Members’ Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, calls for Stalking Protection Orders, which would allow police to go to magistrates at the first sign of stalking, they could then…

She raised eyebrows when she was pictured partying with new toyboy Alex Adderson in Spain last week, just days after her sudden split from Kris Boyson. But Jordan faced a barrage of online abuse when she appeared to miss her four-year-old daughter Bunny’s first day of school, seemingly leaving her with estranged husband Kieran Hayler, who uploaded a photo of their daughter in her school uniform alongside her brother Jett, five. Trolls were quick to blast the mum of five – real name Katie Price – with one branding her “a horrible mother”, while another posted, “She clearly cares more about her toyboys than her children”. To add to the drama, while former glamour model Jordan, 40, was snapped gyrating against Alex, 25, in a Majorcan beach club, Kieran, 31,…

2008 Kerry first filed for bankruptcy in 2008 after failing to pay the final £86,000 of a whopping £417,000 tax bill. According to reports, Kerry had blown thousands on luxury cars for then-husband Mark Croft, lost her lucrative contract to promote supermarket brand Iceland and was axed from her weekly magazine column. She later recalled, “It was a tax bill for 86 grand, which was nothing for me with the money I’d earned from the Iceland ads. I was like, ‘I don’t understand this,’ but at the same time I was taking a lot of coke and a lot of that period is a blur.” 2013 Kerry pulled herself out of her financial mess after three years, but later found herself in more hot water. “It’s just a vicious circle,”…

He’s one of the funniest men on the planet and regularly rubs shoulders with Hollywood’s glittering A-list but, behind the scenes, Ricky Gervais has always been a committed animal rights activist, supporting campaigns to end cruelty and making a stand against the horrendous sport of trophy hunting. And when he’s at home in London’s Hampstead with his partner of 36 years, writer Jane Fallon, 57, he says his Siamese cat Ollie – who has his own Facebook and Twitter page – is the centre of his world. RULING THE ROOST Speaking at Pup Aid, a charity set up to put an end to cruel puppy farms, he laughs, “Ollie rules the roost in our house and I absolutely love him. He’s quite scary, though – he sits by the window…

Fitness expert Melissa Lorch says, “Natalia has done well to shape up, but women shouldn’t put pressure on themselves to bounce back post-partum. Pregnancy and labour puts your body under an enormous strain, be careful and listen to what your body needs. You don’t need to throw yourself into an intense workout programme – it’s a marathon not a sprint. You don’t have to lose a certain amount of weight in record-breaking time. Give yourself at least 12 months post-partum to achieve the look and body you desire. After having a baby your body has been through new stresses, you should be nourishing it, not punishing it.” • For more info, visit www.fit4mum.com…

Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field announced the arrival of their third child – Colette Josephine Williams – last week, revealing the “long and difficult path” they had followed to have their new daughter. The new X Factor judges – who are parents to Teddy, five, and Charlie, three – revealed in an Instagram post that Colette had been carried via surrogate. Ayda, 39 – who wed Robbie, 44, in 2010 – posted, “We are delighted to share with you that we have had a baby girl… Family comes in all forms, and this little lady, who is biologically ours, was carried by an incredible surrogate mother, to whom we will be eternally grateful.”…

❛ ALL OUR NEEDS ARE MET BOTH INTELLECTUALLY AND SEXUALLY ❜ Branded BBC One’s “filthiest ever” drama, Wanderlust hit our screens last week. The six-part series sees middle-aged couple Joy and Alan desperately trying to revive their sex lives by embarking on an open relationship. With its drug-fuelled romps and the first female orgasm on BBC One, channel bosses say the show asks an important question – whether monogamy is possible or even desirable. AMAZING SEX A recent survey by dating website Seeking.com suggests the amount of married people joining the site has doubled in the past two years, with one in five of those members in an open relationship. Pauline Schueler, 51, a business consultant who is in an open relationship, tells Closer, “I’m pleased that TV viewers are…

It’s extraordinary that research has found British men are afraid to choose a vegetarian option in a restaurant for fear of being socially shunned. If I go out with my male friends, we’ll go for a steak dinner because we all like meat, but if we were going for lunch, and not at a meat restaurant, it might be different. If I fancied a vegetable risotto, I’d feel totally comfortable ordering that, and I wouldn’t feel that I may not be considered “masculine” by doing that in front of my friends. I just choose food that I like the sound of, and I sometimes go to a restaurant and think the vegetarian option sounds really delicious and interesting, so that’s what I go for.…

‘Kim & Kylie’s babies are so close in age – it’s awesome’ She’d dreamed of starting a family of her own for years, but her first pregnancy was rocked by scandal when, just days before giving birth in April, her partner Tristan Thompson was spotted kissing a woman thought to be stripper Lani Blair – closely followed by other cheating rumours. But after appearing to forgive the basketball star for his alleged infidelities – with the pair since being pictured holding hands on numerous occasions – Khloé Kardashian appears happier than ever as a doting mum to their now four-month-old daughter, True. Opening up about motherhood, the 34-year-old star admits, “True is so girlie and so sweet. She doesn’t have a lot of hair yet, so I love to put…

BE PATIENT “I used to want everything to happen immediately – but you’ve just got to work hard, take your time and let life take its course. Trust the process.” HAVE CONFIDENCE “It’s the most attractive thing. If you don’t feel good about yourself on the inside, how are you going to feel good on the outside?” TALK TO SOMEONE “I’ve spoken about my struggles and, if someone can relate to that, that’s great. If you’re struggling, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” CHALLENGE YOURSELF “My turning point was when I left Love Island. I put myself in this situation that made me uncomfortable, but it was so rewarding.” TAKE CARE “Try to pamper yourself every so often. I like to look after my skin with face masks.”…

1 DITCH THE SLEEVES A popular style in the ’70s, the relaxed trouser suit is back in a big way for A/W18. Team the sleeveless blazer with a silky cami while the sun shines, then give it a chic spin with a roll-neck as the weather cools. JACKET, £12; TROUSERS, £16, BOOHOO 2 RETHINK A CLASSIC A suit doesn’t have to mean a jacket and trousers. The actress shows us how to rework co-ords with this matchy-matchy jumpsuit and blazer combo. She layers her one-piece over a fine ruffled blouse, creating the perfect mix of masculine and feminine. JUMPSUIT, ASOS, £38; BLAZER, H&M, £39.99 3 EMBRACE NEW TEXTURES No longer reserved for the 9-5, smart sets have made the move from the Monday office to Sunday brunch, thanks to low-key…

JUST LANDED FRUITY FIX TOO FACED IT’S BANANAS SETTING POWDER WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT? This setting powder colour-corrects skin tone while adding a touch of fruity fun to your make-up bag. WHY IT WORKS: This soft scented, velvety smooth powder sweeps over foundation easily to create a smooth and even complexion, minus any shine. The clever yellow undertones work well to brighten tired skin and you can touch up throughout the day to fight off any oil build-up. The beauty desk is going bananas for it! GET THE LOOK... SCARLET LIPS Beauty’s love affair with a red pout is still going strong, as proven by Alexa and Jaime… ❶ SHINE-FREE BOURJOIS ROUGE VELVET LIPSTICK IN POPPY DAYS £8.99 We haven’t found a lipstick that stays on as long as this…

‘For the first time, I don’t want anything else’ She famously lost over 6st in 2012, but since getting together with her partner Terry last year and falling pregnant, Josie Gibson admits that she’s regained a lot of the weight and is back to a size 18. The 33-year-old star – who is 37 weeks pregnant with a baby boy – says, “I don’t feel the best, but I’m not overly worried about it, either. I’m a size 18 now and have been eating all the things I wouldn’t have dreamed of eating for years.” Josie – who went from a size 20 to a size 8 when she originally lost weight following her success on Big Brother in 2010 – told Closer at the beginning of the summer that…

A virus called adenovirus-36, a common cold bug that is easily passed on through coughing and sneezing, is found four times more often among the obese than people with a healthy weight, and experts think a vaccine against it could halt obesity – but the problem is far too complex to solve with a jab. Research has only shown a possible link, so to say a vaccine can wipe out obesity is a stretch. Animals infected with the virus show several signs associated with obesity; they are heavier, have increased glucose absorption and lower secretion of leptin (a hormone that tells you to stop eating), so there’s a possible link, but so many factors cause us to become overweight and you can’t vaccinate against them all. MAKE GOOD CHOICES You…

HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR WEDDING The most popular day to get hitched is 30 August, and the average couple plans the big day for a year – so now is the time to start saving! Here are the new ways to rein it in, from real brides BLAG A SAMPLE DRESS “Consider getting an off-the- peg dress at a bridal store. You may need to shop around more, but you get the bridal quality for a fraction of the price. My dress was £2,300, but because I bought the sample it was £680. It wasn’t quite the right size, but I only needed to spend £150 on alterations to get it to fit perfectly.” Annabelle, from Hereford SAVING: £1,620 SELL OLD CLOTHES “Utilise Facebook Marketplace to save up. It’s…

How happy are you to be on TV wearing little more than just your pants? I think if you’re going to create a programme where you face your body demons, then you have to face your body demons! There were many moments where I really didn’t want to take my clothes off, but my whole reason for doing the show was because of my issues with my body… You visit a cosmetic surgeon who recommends you splash out £18,000 on some “work”... After turning 30 and having my daughter (Coco, eight), I’ve done a lot of work unpicking the unhealthy narrative in my brain. That’s nearly a decade of trying to love myself. When the surgeon was prodding me and lifting my boobs I was thinking, “Get off me!” It…

‘SHE FEELS AS IF DAVID GETS AWAY SCOT-FREE AND SHE’S SHOWN IN A BAD LIGHT’ It was meant to be her defining moment, celebrating ten years of her fashion empire as she graced the cover of Vogue with her four children. But last week Posh faced a bitter backlash over the article, which fuelled more speculation over her 19-year-marriage to David Beckham. Fans questioned why David, 43, was noticeably absent from the cover shot, which featured Victoria, 44, and their children – although he did appear in family pictures inside the magazine and with Posh on the cover of the subscribers’ edition. Then they were attacked for the “bizarre” way they described their relationship, with Posh saying, “We both realise that we are stronger together than we are as individuals”.…

She’s been a staple of the show for 18 years but, last week, Coleen Nolan revealed she’d quit Loose Women – and postponed her upcoming solo tour – after receiving a “horrifying torrent of abuse”. The 53-year-old presenter came under fire after she became embroiled in a row with former CBB housemate Kim Woodburn, 76, on the show recently. Kim was left in tears after talking about childhood abuse, and over 25,000 people called for Coleen to be fired. Announcing the news via a statement, the star’s rep said, “Coleen is devastated to let her supporters and fans down, but is currently not strong enough to withstand this constant unfounded online abuse, so she will be taking time out and spending it with her children and family where she feels…

MARRYING JANE: “I don’t think there’s any point to us getting married. We don’t want any more toasters and we never want our families to meet – that would be terrible.” CHILDREN: “There are loads of reasons why I don’t have kids. The world is overpopulated; no one’s sitting around going, ‘Oh Rick’s not going to have kids, we’re going to run out.’” TAKING THE MICK OUT OF A-LISTERS AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES: “I’m more a court jester at the Golden Globes than any other time. The room is filled with millionaires and I’ve got to play the idiot, to stick it to the man for the guy at home. I try to make it a spectator sport.”…

His hit show Celebrity Island has just returned to our screens for a third series, with the likes of TOWIE star Pete Wicks, controversial actress Roxanne Pallett and Spandau Ballet singer Martin Kemp joining forces to survive being stranded on an island off the coast of Panama for four weeks. But survival expert Bear Grylls tells Closer that the celebrities – who also include Saleyha Ahsan, Montana Brown, James Cracknell, Anthony Ogogo, Jo Wood and Paris Lees – weren’t equipped for the gruelling challenges, which were filmed in May. So much so that former Love Island contestant Montana quit within days, swiftly followed by Roxanne. STRUGGLE TO COPE Speaking to Closer before Roxanne’s infamous CBB exit last week, Bear, 44, says, “As soon as I leave the island, there is…

First-time dad Declan Donnelly was beaming following the birth of daughter Isla last week. The TV presenter, 42, was all smiles as he and wife Ali Astall, 40, returned home with their little bundle of joy. Dec announced the couple’s happy news on Twitter, posting a pic of her tiny hand wrapped around his finger. He wrote, “Mother and daughter both doing well.” Dec’s pal Ant McPartlin, 42 – who won’t return to co-host the new series of I’m A Celeb! after battling drug and alcohol issues – Tweeted, “Can’t wait for cuddles. I love you already!” A source revealed, “Ant couldn’t wait to see Dec and Ali and Isla. It’s a dream come true and everyone is besotted.”…

After tying the knot in June, Spencer Matthews and wife Vogue Williams last week welcomed a baby boy into their family. Model Vogue, 32, gave birth to their 9lbs son in the early hours of 5 September. Announcing his arrival, Vogue posted a snap and wrote, “He is beautiful and healthy. We feel truly blessed.” Former Made In Chelsea star Spencer, 29 – who also posted a snap of their little one – added, “Our son arrived this morning and both mother and baby are doing well. I’m so proud of Vogue.”…

‘It’s so important that dads are taken seriously’ Both parents have an important role to play in their children’s lives, and the makers of breakfast cereal Coco Pops were forced to recognise this when they changed the slogan on their reduced sugar boxes after fathers complained it was sexist. Dads in the campaign group Fathers4Justice staged a protest at a supermarket in Peterborough over the slogan, which read, “Improved recipe, loved by kids, approved by mums.” I’m not in a situation where I’m a single father, or a father who is fighting for custody, but I have friends who are, and it’s incredibly important that fathers are taken seriously in their positions. Everyone is trying to be more fair in how we treat the issue of gender roles, and the…

No one seemed more surprised than Holly Willoughby when she landed the biggest job on TV last month, filling in for Ant McPartlin on I’m A Celeb!. The elated star said, “[I] actually feel like I’ve won a competition to go and hang out on my favourite show!” Holly, 37, has become one of the most successful faces on primetime TV, and one of the best paid. She even hit headlines last summer, when her This Morning salary was upped to £600,000, in line with co-host Phillip Schofield’s fee. And her I’m A Celeb! earnings will only add to her £10m fortune, which is topped up with lucrative endorsement deals with Diet Coke and Garnier. She’s also co-written a series of children’s books with older sister Kelly, as well as…

Need help with a neighbour? Amy Hughes, housing expert at the Citizens Advice Bureau, explains your options… • If you’re being harassed because of your religion, race, gender, sexuality or disability, report it as a hate crime. If your neighbour is violent, tell the police. • A mediator may be able to help you and your neighbour come up with a solution. If you’re a council or housing association tenant, they may have their own mediator. • Ask your neighbour’s landlord to speak to them on your behalf. If your neighbour lives in social housing, their landlord should have a policy for dealing with antisocial behaviour. • Your council might be able to help. Visit their website for more information. • If you’ve tried everything, ask for a Community Trigger…

BEING FAMOUS… “The thing I dislike the most [about being a Kardashian] is the judgement on us. If I want to go out with a group of friends, it’s never as harmless as that. There has to be a story.” SOCIAL MEDIA… “I think people who say they don’t read the comments are lying. What’s sad is that I can read ten beautiful comments and then one bad one, and I’m like, ‘Ugh!’” GOING DAIRY-FREE… “I started with baby steps. I cut out sodas, then I went dairy-free for two weeks and lost 11lbs. Now, I only drink almond milk.”…

GET HER LOOK The CBB host has been wowing on our screens and Emma Willis looked ultra-chic in this sharp, orange co-ord – from none other than Topshop. We’re suit-ably impressed! SPOTLIGHT ON M&S JEWELS Jumbo earrings are the accessory to be seen in right now and M&S has surprised us with all kinds of new show-stoppers – from geometric shapes to bold embellishment. So, go forth and dazzle! EVERYBODY’S WEARING... 50 SHADES OF PINK Hot pink flashes have been spotted up and down the red carpets and we predict this trend is going to stay well into autumn. So, get your frock fix… FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Tilda Swinton, 57 Narnia’s White Witch certainly scared a few people in this head-turning outfit. Despite, Tilda’s dress being so on-trend, we…

ASOS IS BEST FOR BIGGER BUSTS If you’re curvier on top, dressing can be tricky. Thankfully, ASOS has come to the rescue with their Fuller Bust range of tops, blouses and frocks, especially designed to encase a larger chest, and made to fit DD-G. So say goodbye to gaping buttons or pulls in your fabrics. Bigger just got a whole lot better! TALL GIRLS HEAD TO TOPSHOP If you’re over 5ft 9 and leggy, it can be tricky to find separates that don’t look like they’ve shrunk! The high street has plenty of collections for tall shoppers, but the variety of styles at Topshop is second to none. Covering everything from dresses to suits, with some exclusive designs especially for those in need of extra length, this is a one-stop…

Warm copper colours might not be the most used shades in your eyeshadow palette but, this season, fiery hues were all over the catwalks, as well as being swept across the lids of some of our favourite celebs, so maybe it’s time for a rethink. With everything from high-shine creams and pencils to matte formulas available, we put the rich hue to the test, to see if auburn could be our new go-to shade for the cooler weather months… CHLOË GRACE MORETZ The Hollywood star gave her rusty eyes a matte finish, tracing the hue along her lower lashes for a sultry look. She finished with lightly pencilled brows and a sheer gloss. WE TRY IT OUT! DEPUTY STYLE EDITOR MATILDA SAYS, “I expected to like this as I thought…

GO VEGGIE SIMPLE SUPPER KOREAN PORK BELLY SERVES 4 • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 3cm piece ginger, peeled and grated • 1tbsp chilli paste • 5tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce • 1tbsp sesame seeds • 4tsp brown sugar • 1tsp rice wine vinegar • 600g pork belly slices • 1tsp sesame oil • 600g boiled rice • Cucumber sticks, little gem lettuce leaves and sliced spring onions, to serve STEP 1 Mix the garlic, ginger (set aside 1/2tsp), chilli paste, 3tbsp of the soy sauce, sesame seeds, 3tsp of the sugar and vinegar in a non-metallic bowl. Add the pork, turn to coat, cover and refrigerate for 2hrs. STEP 2 Preheat the oven to 200˚C/180˚Cfan/gas 6. Line a baking tray with non-stick foil. Add the pork and cook for 30-40…

The kids are back at school, so we’re all preparing for those cold germs to strike! If you get a dreaded cough, new official guidance says not to bother your doc, but instead make a beeline for honey. Coughs are usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics can’t shift them (they only work on bacterial infections). Most coughs will disappear within three weeks, but while you’re still hacking, dissolve a spoonful of honey in hot water, or just eat it straight from the jar to soothe your throat, and calm the cough.…

£55 On Winsor & Newton watercolours as I love painting. £200 In my local antique shop on old cake tins, cutlery and tarnished bowls to use as props in my cookery book. £495 For a floral dress from We Are Leone. It’s pricey, but I’ll wear it multiple times. £395 On a pair of Gucci trainers – I’ve been working hard and they were a treat. £200 For a box of ShinHan Touch Twin brush markers for creating slogans on my range of T-shirts. • Stacey creates statement T-shirts, homeware and artwork. For more info, visit www.staceyforsey.co.uk…

Did you ever think you’d hit the ten-year mark with Celebrity Juice ? Last series, I said to Holly (Willoughby), “Next series will be ten years,” and she said, “I know,” and gave me a wink. Everyone’s looking forward to the celebrations. I can remember when Gino (D’Acampo) joined and he made T-shirts for everyone that said, “Juice day.” He said, “There’s no Monday, no Tuesday, no Wednesday, it’s Juice day.” I just wish he’d given me a bigger size… What have been your stand-out moments? Having (Austin Powers star) Verne Troyer on the show was definitely one of them, what a great loss when he died. He was Juice family. Whenever you have friends on, it’s ace. Often, I’ll say to people, “Can you believe we’re…

She was forced to face the public and address her actions in two televised interviews last week, just days after causing one of the biggest scandals in the history of Celebrity Big Brother. After what appeared to be a playful jab from fellow housemate Ryan Thomas, Roxanne Pallett claimed the actor had “punched her repeatedly”, and called him a “woman-beater”. After he was given an official warning, she even demanded to sleep in a separate bedroom to be away from him. The former Emmerdale star, 35, was forced to retract her allegations after being shown the footage when she left the house. The troubled actress, who had her first interview since leaving the house with Jeremy Vine for his Channel 5 show, admitted she’d got the incident “wrong”, and had…

Danielle Lloyd sparked global controversy on the fifth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2007 when she was caught in the middle of a race row with fellow housemates Jade Goody, Jo O’Meara and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. She later admitted that after the backlash from her CBB experience, her depression got so bad she even considered taking her own life. Speaking to Closer 11 years on, Danielle says Roxanne needs to face the music and admit to her actions. The former glamour model adds, “I made mistakes on CBB and owned up to them and was truly sorry. But I wasn’t calculating, I was just young and naïve. The public backlash can be harsh. I know what it’s like to feel everyone is against you. But in Roxanne’s case,…

‘THIS MOVE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT STARTING AFRESH’ She had hoped that her move to America with husband Wayne Rooney and their four children would signal a fresh start for the couple, after enduring a difficult 2017. But sources say Coleen Rooney was left humiliated last week, when a profile article on Wayne – who recently signed to Washington-based football team D.C. United – went into detail about their past marital issues, and even described him as a “prostitute shagger”. US newspaper The New York Post delved into the 2004 bombshell claims that Wayne, 32, had regularly visited prostitutes – one of whom was a then 48-year-old grandmother, which Wayne would later admit to. It also mentioned his drink-driving arrest last September, after a drunken night out with party…

She transformed her life after ending her third marriage to ex George Kay in June 2017, throwing herself into health and fitness, and finding love with personal trainer Ryan Mahoney in July. But sources say Kerry Katona’s new happiness could be shaken by the threat of a third bankruptcy. Last week, the mum of five, 38, revealed that 15-year-old daughter Lilly-Sue’s school bus service had been axed by council bosses, possibly meaning she’d need to fork out £200 a week in taxi bills. Opening up about her situation, Kerry said, “I’ll end up back in bankruptcy if that’s the case. I’m in panic.” A source reveals, “Kerry works hard to provide for her family. She feels like she’s watching every penny as it is, and doesn’t know how she could…

She endured the horrors of an agonising and very public split from Ant McPartlin earlier this year. But when Closer meets Lisa Armstrong at charity dog show Pup Aid, she looks like a woman fighting back, dressed in black hot pants, high boots and bright red lipstick. Previously, Lisa, 41, only revealed her heartache by retweeting messages from supportive fans after her TV presenter ex swiftly moved on with his PA, and her former friend, Anne-Marie Corbett. After seeing loved-up pics of the pair holidaying in Florence together, with speculation that Anne-Marie may even be pregnant, Lisa favourited several tweets calling her ex-husband of 11 years “insensitive” and “disrespectful”. Now, she’s completely transformed herself from the sad and lonely figure she cut after the split was first announced in March.…

Radio 5 Live presenter Rachael Bland revealed that she had just days left to live in a heart-rending Twitter post last week. She wrote, “I’m afraid the time has come my friends. And suddenly. It’s very surreal. Thank you so much for all the support I’ve received.” Tragically, just 48 hours later, Rachael passed away. Since being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer two years ago, the 40 year old had documented her journey on her blog and in the chart-topping podcast You, Me & The Big C. She revealed that it was in April this year, while out with her three-year-old son Freddie, that she received the call confirming the worst – her cancer had spread to the skin and was incurable. Rachael, who lived in Cheshire with her…

After finding herself embroiled in a fresh scandal last week, Kim Kardashian was forced to respond to claims that she once enjoyed an illicit affair with rapper Drake. Kim – who’s married to Kanye West, with whom she has children North, five, Saint, two, and Chicago, seven months – was targeted by TV presenter Nick Cannon, 37, whom she dated in 2006. He claimed that Drake, 31, had “something real personal” he was holding “over the whole family”. Pouring cold water on the affair rumours as they escalated online, Kim, 37, wrote bluntly, “Never happened. End of story.” Speculation about the pair had been sparked by Drake referencing a woman named Kiki – Kim’s family nickname – in his hit song In My Feelings. He sang, “Kiki, do you love…

This time last year, she was single after ending her relationship to actor Joshua Sasse. But last week, Kylie Minogue looked more loved-up than ever as she appeared at an event alongside new man Paul Solomons. Kylie, 50, made her red- carpet debut with GQ’s creative director Paul, believed to be in his mid-40s, at the GQ Men Of The Year awards last week. The pair have reportedly been dating since February after being set up by mutual friends, and Kylie confirmed their romance when she shared a photo of them kissing at her 50th birthday party in May. Kylie – whose exes include actors Jason Donovan and Olivier Martinez, and the late INXS singer Michael Hutchence – got engaged to actor Joshua, 30, in 2016 after dating for six…

“I HAVE TO GET UP AT 3.20AM FOR GOOD MORNING BRITAIN . I jump in the shower, get dressed and then drive to work. AT THE STUDIOS, I AM STRAIGHT INTO MEETINGS AT 4.15AM TO DISCUSS THE SHOW. I eat some fruit and drink five cups of tea or coffee, all during the show. When I come off air at 8.30am, I will have a meeting afterwards with the team to discuss the next day, and then have a substantial breakfast of poached eggs, sausage and avocado. I WILL THEN TRY TO SLEEP AT HOME IF I CAN, and later go to the gym and do a bit of calisthenics to help protect my back. I slipped a disc in March. I also run, swim and do…

FAYE ‘I’ve wanted to do the show for so long – it’s a dream come true’ Steps singer Faye Tozer has admitted that she’s over the moon to be taking part in Strictly this year – but she tells Closer just how eager she’s been to take part in the show. She says, “I’ve wanted to do Strictly for such a long time. Every time we did a Steps tour, I’d invite casting agents from Strictly to come and have a look. I was like, ‘Hi! I’m here!’ I’m over the moon that, finally, they let me in. It’s a dream come true.” Faye, 42 – who has been paired up with Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice – was one fifth of the ’90s pop group Steps, but despite her experience…

‘I didn’t think much of myself before’ She found fame on Love Island in 2016, becoming a TV presenter for This Morning, the face of a make-up brand, and landing her own TV show. On top of that, she’s set to wed the man of her dreams this month. But before her success and happiness, Olivia Buckland – who has been dating her Love Island co-star Alex Bowen, 26, for two years – has revealed she suffered crippling anxiety, self-confidence issues and was on antidepressants. IN A BAD PLACE And looking back, Olivia, 24, says she’s proud to have come out the other side. She reveals, “I was in a bad place when I was 18 and 19. I was lost, partying a lot, and I didn’t think much of…

HEAVY PETALS Double-duty dresses in dramatic blooms will serve you well this autumn. Switch knee-high boots for bright platforms, or leopard-print courts for evening glam. CARDIGAN QUEEN The geek-chic cardigan is set to outshine jumbo turtlenecks. Pair with bright colours for extra wow. KNITTED CO-ORDS The pyjama-style co-ord has been replaced with cosier fine knits. Layer with a belted cardie. WILD THING The cat is out of the bag – animal prints are huge! Go for clashing colours, or keep it classic. CORDUROY COOL Make an impact with a ’70s corduroy two-piece in millennial pink – buddy up with a giant pendant.…

SPEND OR SAVE RIVER ISLAND BRINGS IT HOME • The high-street favourite is finally introducing homeware. Hurrah! Their whopping 160-piece range starts from £8 – available from 25 Sept.…

INSIDE LINDA’S FRIDGE • Natural yoghurt• Diet Coke• King prawns• Back bacon• Honey• Soured cream & chive dip• Mackerel fillets• Pork lion steaks• Smoked salmon• Chicken fillets• Haddock fillets• Coriander• Potatoes• Parsley• Tomatoes• Broccoli• Lettuce• Asparagus• Cauliflower• Water bottles• Pink grapefruit juice• Orange juice LINDA How much do you spend per week? Between £100-£200. There’s my husband (actor Samuel Kane), my two children (Lucy, 20, and Jack, 18) and their other halves to cook for, so I buy a lot. I often go to Lidl or M&S. Describe your daily diet… For the past three months, I’ve been doing the SlimFast 3.2.1 Plan, so I have a shake for breakfast, followed by their snack bars, pretzels, or cheese biscuits. Lunch is usually a couple of pieces of salmon or chicken…

RELATIONSHIPS DON’T FEEL RUSHED TO PUT A RING ON IT Several celebs have got engaged within weeks or even days of meeting. Emma says a solid base is crucial to make it last Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas got engaged after a few months of dating; CBB star Roxanne Pallett said “yes” just a week after meeting steelworker Lee Walton; and Caroline Flack called off her engagement to reality star Andrew Brady after a three-month whirlwind romance. When it comes to love, there are no rules or “normal” time frames, but there are certain factors to always bear in mind. When we start a relationship, we are on our best behaviour, only wanting our new partner to see our most flattering side, shielding them from our less…

1 BODYGUARD BURSTING WITH INTRIGUE SUN 16 SEPT, 9PM, BBC1 There’s only one episode to go after tonight, and while much of the storyline is shrouded in secrecy until it actually goes out, we can reveal David might possibly have let the cat out of the bag regarding his fling with the Home Secretary by calling her “Julia” (oopsy), and much snooping about goes on while he tries to figure out how the bomb happened. Everyone gets a bit suspicious about the injury on his head as well. Gripping. 2 STRICTLY: THE BEST LOOKING BACK ON STRICTLY SAT 15 SEPT, 7.10PM, BBC1 Filling the gap while this year’s contestants stay away from the cameras to practise their moves (until Sat 22, when it’s back), this sees over 30 past Strictly…

MUST READ An Unwanted Guest(SHARI LAPENA) As the guests arrive at beautiful but remote Mitchell’s Inn, they’re all looking forward to a relaxing weekend deep in the forest, miles from anywhere. But when a violent storm breaks out, the group finds itself completely cut off from the outside world. Nobody can get in – or out. And then the first body is found and the horrifying truth comes to light – there’s a killer among them, and nowhere to run… A gripping “whodunit” read. BEST DAY OUT Peter Pan: An Arena Spectacular The festive season is slowly creeping up on us, and what comes along with it? Panto, of course! Oh, yes it does. This year, the classic story of Peter Pan is coming to life in an arena spectacular,…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP There is a New Moon this week taking place in your sign, and linking to the planet of transformation, Pluto. If you can throw out the dead wood from your life, then you really can start all over again wherever you may need to. It’s a gift. Find out what this week’s New Moon means for you – call 0906 7511 677. LIBRA 23 SEP-22 OCT This week, if some kind of spiritual idea or practise captures your attention, listen. The New Moon is triggering your Spirituality Zone and could bring some major shifts – think meditation, chanting or yoga. It will help you personally and professionally, what are you waiting for? Find out what this week’s New Moon means for…

When Ferne falls off the healthy eating wagon, she really falls off hard! Anyone fancy a slice? Lionel still loves dancing on the ceiling, but these days it takes 200 helium balloons to get him up there… LOUISE THOMPSON ON... Louise, swap the word “think” with the word “wee”, and we’re right there with you when we’re suffering from a hangover. CHRISSY TEIGEN ON... That covers a lot of what you see on Channel 4 these days, Chrissy. Given the double entendres currently flying around, it could well be Bake Off . All Alan remembers is that one minute he was swimming in the sea, the next he woke up with bite marks all over his body. He’s lucky this shark chose to spit rather than swallow. In her downtime,…