Inhoudsopgave van ISSUE 827 - Closer

Most of us have a vision of our perfect Christmas – a house full of smiling family and friends, thoughtful gifts, twinkly decorations and delicious food. But the reality is often exhaustion, rows and debt because we ran out of time and had to throw money and late nights at the problem. That’s why we’re firing the festive starting pistol this week and urging you to start ticking a few things off your to-do list each week. Our brilliant supermarket guide starting on page 45 is full of gift ideas, style, home and beauty buys you can pick up with the weekly shop. Plus, on page 73 we reveal how to get the very best Black Friday deals. Stick with us and your stress barometer could go from Poor You…

❛IT’S CERTAINLY A VERY ODD WAY FOR A MARRIED COUPLE TO ACT❜ • Couple hit by fresh claims over the state of their marriage as David “cuts ties” with joint manager • Expert reveals their PR clashes speak volumes • Fans speculate that “divorce is pending” They’ve battled constant scrutiny over the state of their 19-year marriage in recent months, with accusations that the pair are leading increasingly separate lives from each other. And last week, David Beckham fuelled speculation once again when it was claimed he was cutting ties with long-term business partner and manager Simon Fuller – who is Victoria’s manager and the brains behind the success of the Spice Girls and Brand Beckham. DEEPER ISSUES Reports claimed David wanted to buy Simon out of their joint ventures…

After leaving rehab following her treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, Jordan made a bold return to social media last week with an inspirational quote, saying that you “shouldn’t leave the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket” – leading fans to believe she was finally embracing single life. ❛SHE’S DESPERATELY TRYING TO PROVE SHE’S OK – BUT SHE NEEDS HELP❜ She later reflected on her recent fall from grace in a trailer for the new series of her reality show My Crazy Life, insisting, “Everything I did was disgusting – but now I’m back”. However, photos taken just days earlier appeared to show Jordan – real name Katie Price – back to her old ways when she was pictured on a boozy night out with on/off boyfriend Kris Boyson.…

Paula Hall is a psychotherapist and runs the Laurel Centre (www.thelaurelcentre.co.uk), a specialist organisation providing sex and porn addiction therapy. She says, “Many people can watch porn without it becoming problematic. But with wider availability, more people are being exposed to it and some are more susceptible to becoming addicted, such as the socially isolated, those with a troubled childhood and people who struggle with their emotions. “The consequences of an addiction are, at worst, suicide – one in five people who come to see us has contemplated taking their own life. That is because addicts have often lost their self-esteem, friends, job or partner. We treat it by getting to the root causes of the addiction and also look at the triggers for watching it. The biggest problems are…

Yvonne Lawson, 47, (right) lives in Enfield, North London. Her son, Godwin, was 17 when he was stabbed through the heart in 2010. She says, “Yet another stabbing brings back terrible memories for me. I know the pain of losing a loved one to senseless violence, and I’m determined to stop it. “Godwin and I were so close. He was kind, worked hard at school, and was a talented footballer. He had dreams of playing for England one day. We lived in Enfield, North London, but I’d never talked to him about knife crime. We were a normal family – I didn’t think gangs or knives would affect us. “But then, in March 2010, everything changed. Godwin, then 17, had been visiting friends in Stamford Hill, nearby. I knew he’d…

Last week, Nicole Kidman caused a stir when she admitted that she gives up the things she wants in order to put her family first. Nicole, 51, shares two daughters – Sunday, ten, and seven-year-old Faith – with her husband of 12 years, country singer Keith Urban. She also has two adopted children – Isabella, 25, and Connor, 23 – from her marriage to Tom Cruise. The actress said, “The thing you really have to learn when you have children and a career is the preciousness of time, and trying to balance everything and be willing to say ‘no’ to things. I want to be a good wife and a good mother, so that requires giving up things I want sometimes.” It’s a sentiment that Kim Kardashian, 38, also echoed…

He’s already a father to two sons – despite not being romantically involved with either of the mothers. And last week it was claimed that Hollywood star Owen Wilson was refusing to meet his newborn daughter, Lyla, and did not wish to share custody. Four-week-old Lyla’s mother is Varunie Vongsvirates, who Owen is said to have dated on and off for five years. In June, he reportedly underwent a paternity test to see if he was the father. Owen’s rep reportedly commented, “This is a private matter and it’s not appropriate to comment further.” Varunie says the child is his. The 49-year-old Wedding Crashers star also has two sons, Robert, seven, and four-year-old Finn, from previous relationships. Opening up about fatherhood last year, Owen said, “Ford [Robert] seems like he…

SCARLETT: ‘I wouldn’t go back in’ She’s come a long way from the Gogglebox sofa after conquering the celebrity jungle in 2016 and going on to become a fully-fledged star. And while Extra Camp presenter Scarlett Moffatt admits she’s excited to be heading back to the show, she’s adamant she’d never return to the Aussie undergrowth. She explains, “I just feel like my experience was amazing. If I was back in there with different people, or if it was a different time of my life, it might not be the same. So, no, I wouldn’t return! “The hardest part for me was missing my family. I wanted to try to enjoy every second of it because I’m a massive fan of the show, and whenever it got harder, I just…

LIZ HURLEY Hugh dated the model for 13 years, before parting ways in 2000. The couple weathered a few storms during their relationship, but they have remained close and Hugh is godfather to Liz’s son, Damian. JEMIMA KHAN He split from the socialite in 2007 after three years, amid claims she’d grown tired of his reluctance to settle down. She was allegedly overheard joking to pals about his “commitment phobia.” TINGLAN HONG Hugh reportedly struck up a “fleeting” romance with the secretary in 2011 after meeting at a Chelsea wine bar. She welcomed their daughter Tabitha in late 2011 and their son Felix in 2013. ANNA EBERSTEIN After striking up a romance with the TV producer in 2012, the pair welcomed a child together later that year, but the birth…

Alexis Fleming spoils the animals she looks after – and for very good reason. The 37-year-old, alongside her partner Adam, 34, runs the first and only animal hospice in the UK, providing tailored end-of-life care for abandoned pets, most of whom have just weeks to live. She gets to know the dogs, cats, chickens – and even the sheep – that come to her, so she can make their final moments special. SAFE PLACE Alexis, who founded the hospice near Dumfries, Scotland, says, “The purpose of the hospice is to give care, peace and friendship to terminally ill abandoned animals who otherwise would have nowhere to go to spend their final days.” The Maggie Fleming Animal Hospice is named after and inspired by Alexis’ beloved bullmastiff, Maggie, who died suddenly…

JUMBO JEWELS When it comes to earrings this season, the bigger the better. This XXL pair will give even the simplest of outfits a glam new feel. F&F AT TESCO £6 SHIMMER & SHINE A heavily sequinned skirt will make a fun alternative to a dress over party season – buddy up this bobby dazzler with a silky black cami and strappy heels. F&F AT TESCO £40 RETRO REVIVAL If it was cool in the ’80s, then it’s officially cool again now. Puffy sleeves, a glossy fabric and an asymmetric hem make this frock a trend-ticking gem. GEORGE AT ASDA £20 CRAFTY CHIC Pop this embellished blouse under a knitted jumper – the peek of a cute collar is a fast-track way to daytime glam. GEORGE AT ASDA £16 BAGS…

TIMELESS TABLES Glossy metallics will give your dinnerware a luxury feel, and make your turkey and veg feel extra special. Your guests will certainly be impressed! Plus, gold and silver will work after the big day, too. THREE OF THE BEST… WREATHS Create a welcoming entrance and make the neighbours jealous by perking up your door with one of these gorgeous leafy buys. BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES Whether you’re looking for traditional styles or something a little different, add to your collection with these statement-making ornaments. Who has the finest tree of them all? You do, of course! COOL WRAP Once you’ve got the decorations sorted, ensure the pressies under the tree look just as good. The supermarkets have plenty of wrapping paper and cards to choose from – starting at just…

COPPER FEEL The cactus trend shows no signs of slowing down, and this rose-gold vase is a great refreshed take. DINO-MITE DECOR This quirky wall decoration will add instant impact to a child’s room or newborn’s nursery. BAGS OF STYLE Any lady would be happy to find this beauty under the tree – you can never go wrong with fuchsia velvet. FELINE FUN Cats sometimes get less fuss than dogs over Christmas – but this jingling toy will provide hours of fun for your moggie. HERO HAMPER Including truffles, fudge, chutney, pastries, coffee and a chocolate bombe, this hamper is ideal for grandparents. SASSY SNOOZER A perfect little stocking filler, this would also make a great gift when paired with a pillow spray and some bath salts. RAINBOW REVIVAL Neon…

As Nancy Sorrell emerges from the dressing room on our bikini photo shoot, she oozes confidence. While she has a figure most women in their forties would dream of, refreshingly, the star – who rose to fame as an underwear model in the noughties – isn’t a slave to the gym and doesn’t believe in crash diets. In fact, Nancy credits her size 10-12 figure to regular walks with her husband of 15 years, comedian Jim Moir, better known by his on-screen name Vic Reeves. Nancy, 44, tells Closer , “I feel good about my body, but I’m not one of those crazy women who wakes up each morning at the crack of dawn and exercises! Every weekend, Jim and I go for long walks around Kent – we’ve been…

INSIDE NADIYA’S FRIDGE • Onion chutney • Lime pickle • Cheddar cheese • Cadbury Boost Bites • Dark chocolate • Tomato chutney • Harissa paste • Baby spinach • Chillies • Cheestrings • Babybels • Chicken fillets • Smoked salmon fillets • Coriander • Whole milk • Apples • Twix • Soya milk • Chives • Radish • Mint • Almond milk • Appletiser NADIYA How much do you spend per week? Never more than £50 and, if I do, it’s a luxury. I do a lot of batch cooking, and my curries are bulked up with lentils and veg. I tend to shop at Asian grocery stores because meat is cheaper there, but sometimes I’ll do an online order from Tesco or Asda. Describe your daily diet… I start…

RELATIONSHIPS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH FAT SHAMING Discrimination is usually frowned upon by society, but fatphobia is rife. Emma offers strategies for coping when you feel judged Last month, journalist Piers Morgan was so incensed by a fat woman gracing the cover of a magazine, he spent hours bad-mouthing her. Twitter was filled with fat abuse as people described American plus-sized model Tess Holliday’s body as “grotesque”. It’s true that Tess’ weight is compromising her health, but the bullying she has faced is disgusting. Reality star Gemma Collins has also spoken about the abuse she’s received because of her weight. It’s truly shocking that people feel directing this hostility towards overweight people is acceptable. Compassion is replaced with assumptions that overweight people are lazy and greedy. That’s why…

£850 For a huge festive party for my twin boys [Jett and Jax, five] and their school friends. We had 70 adults and kids, so I went to Costco and bought food and decorations. £450 On ski gear from Decathlon for our next holiday. £675 For a pink Alex Perry dress. It was a treat and super glamorous. £200 For two BMX bikes for my boys. £30 On a blow-dry from Blow Limited. They come to your house and do your hair, it’s great! • Caprice’s new bedding collection, By Caprice Home, is available at Dunelm.…

What can you tell us about the new series? Everything about it is bigger and better than the last one! Send To All – where I send some very silly texts to all the contacts in celebrities’ phones and we see what hilarious replies they get – is back. Unexpected Star returns! There’s a married couple, a pilot, and the oldest Unexpected Star is 92 years old. We’ve also got the Midnight Gameshow slot, where I creep in to people’s bedrooms in the middle of the night and wake them up with a gameshow. Has the surprise for the Unexpected Star ever gone wrong? We’ve had things nearly go wrong… We surprised a group of nurses the Christmas before last. They thought they were getting into a lift, but when…

SCARLETT MOFFATT… It’s a good job you’re in Australia, Scarlett. Being on the other side of the world might save you from one of Miss Piggy’s lethal karate chops. Hi-yaah! LANA DEL REY… That’s a tempting offer, Lana. But a jail term for pouring paint remover over our cheating ex’s sports car isn’t our idea of fun. INSPIGRAM CASEY BATCHELOR We’ve tried cauliflower pizza, Casey, and the truth is, it’s vomit-inducing. Now please leave us in peace to chow down on a Domino’s.…

They insisted they still had “so much love for each other” when they announced their shock split in June, after two years together. However, recent reports have appeared to paint a different picture. If those reports are to be believed, it appears Cheryl and Liam Payne’s split hasn’t been quite so amicable, with insiders claiming last month that X Factor producers ere forced to ensure they performed their new singles on separate shows to avoid running into each other backstage, as well as claims they’ve clashed over raising their 18-month-old son, Bear. Last week, it was revealed the pair were set to play the Jingle Bell Ball in December – with event organisers reportedly also having to ensure the famous exes won’t cross paths. TENSION But days later, amid rumours…

She’s endured her fair share of heartache in the spotlight and was left devastated in July when she split from on-off jailbird boyfriend Joey Morrison, after he was accused of messaging a string of other women. And last week, Lauren Goodger, 32, admitted she had turned to a life coach to help her find her Mr Right. Opening up about her decision, the former TOWIE star revealed, “Hopefully she can stop me going for the wrong men all the time. I know where it all stems from.” BAD BOYS A source says, “Lauren’s split with Joey was a turning point for her and it made her realise that, unless she gets to the root of what makes her keep going for bad boys and picking men she knows aren’t right…

‘Richard wasn’t ignorant – there needs to be more awareness about autism!’ Richard Madeley caused controversy on Good Morning Britain recently when he asked an autistic guest, Daniel Wakeford from C4 series The Undateables, whether he's “always been autistic”. Some people branded him “ignorant” and “insensitive”. But I don’t blame him. Lack of knowledge around the subject is something I’m personally trying to solve. When my daughter Lavinia, now five, was younger, I was concerned she was progressing slowly for her age – she wasn’t able to speak properly until she was three years old. I took her to numerous doctors, and they said that she was at high risk of being autistic. I was back and forth between the US and the UK and I found that, while the…

The murder of a 16-year-old boy in London last week marked the 250th stabbing in the UK this year. A car pulled onto the housing estate in Tulse Hill, South London, before the attack took place. “His stomach had been split open,” said one eyewitness. “The boy’s mum was screaming.” He was the fifth person to be fatally stabbed on the capital’s streets in six days, as gang killings spiral out of control. The knife crime epidemic has seen more stabbings take place this year than in 2016 and 2017 combined. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan blamed cuts to police and youth services. He said, “We’ve got to be tough in relation to enforcement… taking knives off our streets, making arrests. And we’ve got to give young people constructive things…

She revealed to Closer last month that she feared she was close to a breakdown due to her hectic work schedule and party lifestyle. And last week, Charlotte Crosby sparked fresh worry when she revealed she’d broken her nose following a freak accident during filming for her reality show The Charlotte Show in South Africa. She uploaded a photo of her swollen and bloody nose as she headed to hospital and reps for the 28-year-old star revealed she had slipped on the edge of a pool during filming. BURNT OUT A pal says, “After Charlotte posted the pic to Instagram, her friends messaged her to check she was OK. It was a freak accident, but everyone still worries that she’s pushing herself too hard. They’ve told her to take care…

For years Stephanie Norman couldn’t walk without suffering excruciating pain in her legs and was confined to bed for weeks at a time. But the 32-year-old former teacher, who left doctors dumbfounded with her symptoms, has found a unique way of easing her agony – by transforming herself into a real-life mermaid. ‘ THE CHANGE IN MY BODY WAS AMAZING – I GOT STRONGER AND THE PAIN EASED’ The UK now has 15 schools which teach “mermaid” skills such as bubble-blowing and dolphin strokes. And just last week, mermaids hit the headlines when Lindsey Cole rescued a drowning cow, while swimming the Thames dressed in a mermaid tail as part of a one-use plastic campaign. CHILDHOOD HERO Stephanie from Halifax, Canada, discovered swimming like a mermaid relaxed her body and…

‘Anaiya would love a brother or sister’ It’s been widely publicised that there’s been friction between the Girls Aloud bandmates. And singer Nadine Coyle – who once claimed the animosity was because she was given more lines to sing – seemed to add further fuel to speculation of a rift during her recent appearance on Celebrity Juice, when she cryptically claimed there was “no friendship to begin with” in the band. But speaking to Closer, Nadine appears to put feud claims to rest as she insists she’ll always have her bandmates’ backs. The 33 year old says, “I would never let anyone say anything bad about the girls – you just wish the best for everybody and that they’re happy. I’m very supportive of all of them and everything they…

IN THE NEWS.... KIT OUT THE KIDS FOR UNDER £15 The cold weather has officially arrived, so it’s time to give your little one’s wardrobe a seasonal revamp. This year, the supermarket aisles are brimming with stylish buys to suit even the smallest of budgets. From chunky knits to cosy cardigans and oh-so-sweet accessories, these purse-friendly pieces will ensure your kids are the coolest on the block this winter. WHO WORE IT BEST? LAURA WHITMORE & JAMEELA JAMIL Clashing prints are big news, and presenters Laura and Jameela showed us how to rock the trend in this Coco Fennell dress (£115). Jameela gave the fancy frock an off-duty spin by pairing it with simple sneakers, while Laura went for a dressier feel with suede heeled boots and a mini shoulder…

JUST LANDED MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS GEORGE’S A/W18 BEAUTY RANGE WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT: Asda’s cosmetics range has launched its party-ready A/W collection, fronted by Strictly’s Georgia May Foote. WHY WE LOVE IT: This latest range has all you need for party season – including brow tamers, moody eye shadow shades and sparkling highlighter drops – all at totally affordable prices. GET THE LOOK... BRIGHT EYES Disguise late nights and achieve a flawless look, like Lily and Miranda, with these under-eye concealers ❶ REFRESHES AND REVIVES GEORGE ILLUMINATE CONCEALER, £4.50 Available in three shades, Asda’s concealers work impressively well to brighten up tired eyes – no matter how little sleep you’ve had! ❷ DESIGNER DOUBLE LACURA CONCEALER PEN, £3.49 Made using flattering rose tones, and in luxe-looking gold packaging, Aldi’s pick is…

EATING WELL… “I never have takeaways or too much bread. I’ve recently cut out cheese because I was eating it every day. I have Marmite on brown toast for breakfast, sushi for lunch and hot smoked salmon and lentils for dinner.” UNDERGOING IVF… “It’s hard for any couple, and it was a long process to try to think positively every day. We were very lucky, because it happened in the first attempt for us. I still count my lucky stars – finding out I was pregnant was the best day of my life.” FUTURE SURGERY… “I’m all for anti-ageing, but in a nice way. I look after my skin every day, and I have regular facials at Harley Street Skin Clinic. I’d never say never to surgery because I take…

I applaud anyone who gives up meat for animal rights reasons, but if you’re doing it to be healthier, be very careful what you eat. CHECK THE LABEL Action on Salt found that more than a quarter of meat-substitutes exceed salt targets. That’s because when trying to emulate another food, manufacturers often pump it full of salt, sugar or binding agents to make it taste and feel right. The saltiest food was a fake smoked bacon – two rashers provide 15 per cent of your daily salt allowance – and I doubt anyone just has two. Most veggie burgers were saltier than meat ones, too. I understand people shunning meat for ethical reasons, but if they do it by eating fake meats, that could damage their health. DODGE THE STODGE…

The hype surrounding dating shows from Love Island to Naked Attraction couldn’t be bigger. And now there’s another TV show to turn things on their head: dating with your parents. The (as yet unnamed) programme, from the producers of Don’t Tell The Bride , will see a single parent team up with their single daughter or son to find their perfect partners. It will certainly make for interesting viewing. If my parents were in a position where they needed help with dating, I’d steer them towards choosing someone who was the polar opposite to the person they married. I’d like something entirely new for my parents – dating should be about new experiences and meeting a whole host of different people and taking the opportunity to explore a bit. Asking…

It can be hard to stay awake regarding haulage yard matters, so Nicola Wheeler – who plays Nicola King – explains, “Nicola and Robert are planning to take back the [haulage] shares that Joe [Tate] stole from Robert. There’s no love lost between Nicola and Home Farm, and this is Robert’s scam, so the big question is, will Nicola get cold feet? Graham in his drunkenness is willing to put pen to paper, but is it right to take advantage of someone in a weak position…?”…

hat’s it like having your own show? I never imagined in a million years that I would have my own show on TV! To actually have a show all about what I love to bake and eat is awesome. The fact that it includes my home, friends and family – I still can’t get my head round it. It’s crazy! Who of your friends and family do we get to see on the series? My mum, dad, nan, nephews, nieces, and pals from university – and friends from Hackney [where Liam was born and bred]. I couldn’t fit everybody in, as it’s only a six-week run. I would need a year-long show to get everyone in! What does cooking for friends and family means to you? I think I’m a…

She made a bold return to the spotlight last week, unveiling the music video for her new single Love Made Me Do It. But it was Cheryl’s appearance that seemed to grab the most attention from fans, with a huge number posting online to ask what had changed. One fan commented, “I can’t get over her face! She looks like a totally different person. She was very beautiful before, now she looks really odd!” Another added,”She must have had work done, she looks unrecognisable.” Speaking to Closer, surgeon Dr Mark Ho-Asjoe suggested Cheryl – who has previously denied having any surgical work – may have turned to wrinkle-busting injections to enhance her appearance. He says, “It looks to me as if Cheryl may have had a bit of filler injected…

After finalising her divorce from Ant McPartlin, Lisa Armstrong was pictured looking strong and determined as she headed to court last week to discuss the settlement terms. But despite a reported £62 million being at stake, insiders say the real battle between the pair centres on their beloved chocolate Labrador, Hurley – with the couple now locked in a bitter custody row over who should keep him. The couple – who have spoken in the past about their struggle to have a family – are both deeply attached to Hurley. And while Ant and Lisa haven’t been pictured together in months, they have been snapped separately, looking after Hurley. FINAL INSULT TV presenter Ant, 42, has previously taken the beloved pooch on to the Britain’s Got Talent set and along…

He burst onto our TV screens as Made In Chelsea’s resident Lothario in 2011, and Spencer Matthews admits he did a great job of creating drama during his four years on the show. But despite multiple romances, cheating accusations and a string of fiery bust-ups, Spencer insists he’s a different person off-screen and happier than ever after welcoming son Theodore (nicknamed Teddy) with wife Vogue Williams in September. Spencer, who quit the show in 2015, says, “Given that it was my job to provide drama on MIC, I’d like to think I did quite a good job. It’s not that my relationships on the show were fake, it’s just the drama was exaggerated – everything would be strung out. DRAMA FREE “In reality, my life isn’t like that. I’ve found…

SAM: ‘Getting fit is easier if you have a goal’ She gave birth to her second child last year, but TOWIE star Sam Faiers’ toned curves are firmly back in place. The Mummy Diaries star, 27, had daughter Rosie last November – and also shares son Paul Tony, two, with boyfriend of four years, Paul Knightley, 30. And Sam told Closer recently how she got back to her size 8 figure after baby number two. Sam said, “With my second baby I wasn’t terribly overweight, but I do feel like I found it a bit harder to shift the weight – but I’ve been back in the gym doing toning exercises and swimming. “My downfall is tea, biscuits and sandwiches, so I’ve been cutting back on them and chocolate, and…

He’s been a Geordie Shore favourite since he joined the show in 2015 – but last week Nathan Henry shocked fans with his drastically different appearance at MTV’s European Music Awards. Fans flooded social media with confused and concerned comments about Nathan’s change in appearance. One wrote “What has Nathan done to his face? Dear God”, while another posted, “Nathan looks so different, he looks like a pantomime villain.” Nathan, 27, is no stranger to surgery. The reality star has had filler inserted into his jawline, lips, cheeks and tear ducts, as well as liposuction, since rising to fame three years ago. Fans have also speculated he’s had a Brazilian butt lift. Speaking to Closer earlier this year, Nathan said that he’s a big fan of cosmetic procedures and has…

For years, he was dubbed the “eternal bachelor” – but actor Hugh Grant enjoyed a rapid introduction to the world of fatherhood when in the space of just 15 months, he went from single man to a dad of three. Fast-forward six years and he is now a father of five. Hugh had his first daughter, Tabitha, at the age of 50, with secretary Tinglan Hong in 2011. He welcomed his second child, son John Mungo, with his now-wife Anna Eberstein, 39, in September 2012. He then raised eyebrows when, just three months later, Tinglan gave birth to his son Felix Chang. Hugh and Swedish TV producer Anna – who would have been pregnant at the same time as Tinglan – then had a daughter in 2015. And in March…

CHILDREN IN NEED… “I’ve been fundraising for Children In Need since I was about five. Recently, I visited Limes Community Centre in Walthamstow, where they have play areas for disabled children. It was amazing to see the good that everyone’s fundraising does. The money raised is going towards something that you can physically see, which is great.” MY DREAM ACTING ROLE… “If they remade Pretty Woman, I’d love to play Julia Roberts’ part. That would be great. And I like some of the comedy ones, like Miss Congeniality.” PRE-SHOW RITUALS… “I have eaten a potato before every show for a decade, probably longer. I’m typically Irish, they’re part of my DNA – they give me energy. Preferably, I’d always have them mashed.”…

FANCY NIGHT OUT Nothing lights up those winter evenings like lashings of sequins. Team shiny metallics with bold colour-pops and jewelled accessories to really dazzle on the dance floor. COSY SOFA DAY The best thing about frosty weekends? The excuse to snuggle up in oversized knits! Team with wide-leg trousers and trainers for off-duty. FESTIVE LUNCH Slogan tees are sticking around for the winter months. Wear yours with tailored trews and a quirky clutch for a chic take on daytime dressing. SHOPPING TRIP Classic fine knits will fast become your go-to winter staple. Layer under floaty dresses or buddy-up with fash-forward separates. AFTER-WORK DRINKS The timeless trench has had a high-fashion rework. This year, PVC will take you from work to that trendy new bar seamlessly. COCKTAIL PARTY Bold prints…

AMANDA SEYFRIED Amanda made her debut in the teen comedy Mean Girls. Now married to actor Thomas Sadoski, she worked on the film with Dominic Cooper, whom she dated on and off for two years. MERYL STREEP Three times Oscar-winner Meryl is often described as the best actress of her generation. Her most famous films include classic The Deer Hunter and The Devil Wears Prada. LILY JAMES Brit actress Lily’s big break came in Downton Abbey, as racy Lady Rose. She later starred in 2015’s Cinderella. CHER Ultimate diva Cher, 72, plays Donna’s notoriously unreliable mum, who steals the show when she makes her entrance via a helicopter, no less.…

London’s Winter Wonderland opens next week in Hyde Park. Open 10am till 10pm, it’s free to enter and has a range of pay-as-you-go attractions, including Peter Pan On Ice, plus plenty of market stalls and cosy bars. Elsewhere, Drayton Manor opens its Magical Christmas event this weekend. The theme park has had a Yuletide makeover – and you can meet Santa! Tickets start at £26 if you book ahead. Or head to Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland for ice skating and a festive drink in the ski lodge. Adult prices start at £8.50 when booked online.…

• TV presenter Stacey says, “Using a pressure cooker to make this rich and fragrant Thai curry makes the beef extra tender in a fraction of the time.” GO VEGAN YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... ACAI BOWL SERVES 1 • 60g banana ( 1/2 large), cut into chunks and frozen • 1–2tsp acai powder, to taste • 90g frozen berries • 200ml coconut milk drink • 1tsp vanilla bean paste FOR THE TOPPING: • Handful frozen blackberries • 1tbsp chia seeds • 1tbsp toasted coconut flakes • Handful mint leaves • Few redcurrants, to garnish STEP 1 Put the banana, acai powder, coconut milk and vanilla bean paste into a blender and blend until smooth. STEP 2 Pour into a bowl and top with the…

When you need to liven up your brain (hello 4pm slump), take a gentle walk. In a study, 36 people either sat quietly on a stationary bike for ten minutes, or pedalled very gently for ten minutes. Straight after, they completed a tricky memory test. Those who did light exercise did better in the test and it showed that their brains also worked more efficiently; coordinating different areas of grey matter. The researchers suspect it’s due to changes in blood flow and hormone levels thanks to movement. Nice!…

“Last year, 11.6 million Brits splashed out online, and 9.5 million headed to the high street to make the most of Black Friday,” says Anita Naik, from vouchercodes.co.uk. Luckily, you can avoid getting caught up in the hysteria by following our guide for nabbing the best deals. PLAN AHEAD Retailers have methods – like countdown clocks – to make you feel under pressure, but don’t waste cash on impulse purchases. “It might sound obvious, but you’re not saving money if you’re buying things you don’t need,” says Anita. “If you’re planning on buying gadgets like phones, TVs or white goods, go out beforehand and find the best product for you, so you’ll hunt out the best deal in the sales, rather than desperately scanning hundreds of TVs on offer on…

1 I’M A CELEB! TIME TO HEAD DOWN UNDER (WHOOP!) KICKS OFF SUN 18 NOV, 9PM, ITV Oh yes, it’s here – with a totally different look, seeing as Holly Willoughby will be playing Ant to the Dec this year (Ant McPartlin is busy seeking treatment for his addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol). ITV won’t be confirming the line-up until much nearer to when the show goes out, but the rumour mill is rife – with names like Love Island’s Eyal, Corrie actress Sair Khan, Harry Redknapp, Nick Knowles, Stephanie Waring and ex- EastEnder Rita Simons being bandied about. Whatevs, we can’t wait! 2 ESTHER RANTZEN’S HOUSE TRAP SCAMMERS BEWARE THU 22 NOV, 7PM, CHANNEL 5 Dame Esther Rantzen OBE fronts this new series, where despicable rogue traders who…

MUST READ Providence (CAROLINE KEPNES) In 2008, 13-year-old Jon Bronson disappears on his morning walk to school. After even his parents give him up for dead, only his best friend, Chloe, remains certain that he will return. Four years later, Jon comes back with no memory of where he has been. But something’s different about him. Jon’s only clue to his missing years is the battered book left behind by the man he believes abducted him. And he and Chloe are determined to figure out what happened before Jon’s presence becomes more dangerous… BEST DAY OUT Hogwarts In The Snow What’s better than witnessing the magical world of Harry Potter brought to life? Seeing it all dressed up for Christmas, of course. The clever muggles at Warner Bros Studios, in…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 24 OCT-22 NOV This part of the year is meant to be fun. So, if you are stuck in the past, use this week to make some changes. Loving Venus will be back in your sign before too long and sexy Mars is in your Flirting Zone. What’s not to like? Want to know more about what’s happening energetically this week? Call 0906 7511 677* SAGITTARIUS 23 NOV-21 DEC Here comes an interesting cycle for you. The planet of communications, Mercury, goes retrograde this week – and it’s happening in your sign! Don’t panic. It’s actually a chance to right a past wrong as much as it could herald a rather confusing few weeks ahead. Want to know more about what’s happening energetically this…