Inhoudsopgave van Issue 890 - Closer

Feeling stuck in a rut? You’re not alone. Whether you want to put some va va voom back into your relationship or just feel better in yourself, we’ve got the inspiration you need. You could lose up to half a stone in just two weeks with our delicious meal plan from Slimming World. Plus, we meet three women who’ve shaped up and changed their whole lives around for the better. On page 50, Tina Malone reveals how she got her marriage – and her life – back on track after finding herself at an all-time low. And you won’t want to miss brilliant self-help guru Paul McKenna’s ingenious advice on how you can get your relationship on top form – and keep it that way. So whether you want to…

MOLLY : While it’s unclear whether Molly, 25, has had surgery or fillers, Amar says, “You can see her face has changed shape in the ‘after’ picture. Her face was heart-shaped before, but it’s now wider and much more angular.” MOLLY-MAE : Molly-Mae, 20, has shocked fans with her changing face since rising to fame on last year’s Love Island . Amar says, “She’s clearly had jaw filler, and in my opinion, too much has been injected, which has widened her face.” MEGAN: Megan, 25, has been open about her surgery, which includes lip fillers, a nose job, and veneers. Last May, she filmed her jaw being injected with filler on Instagram. Amar says, “Her filler has broadened her face and defined her jawline. Megan’s pointed chin is more square.”…

‘SHE’S WONDERING WHETHER SHE COULD MOVE IN WITH HER PARENTS’ She spent the night at her parents’ Essex home last week – giving fans a nostalgic tour of her childhood bedroom on social media while her husband David was thousands of miles away watching the Super Bowl in Miami, and their eldest son, Brooklyn, 20, was in LA. Pals have revealed that Posh – who also shares Romeo, 17, Cruz, 14, and, Harper, eight, with David – feels uneasy staying at either their £31m West London pad or their £6m Cotswolds home, which has been the target of two attempted break-ins, without David, 44. DREAD And with his upcoming move to Florida next month for the debut of his long-awaited MLS football team, Inter Miami – for an indefinite period…

Sarah Birch, 34, from Leicester, is a NHS research coordinator. She lives with her husband Ash and children Isaac, 12, Delilah, five and Annie, three. Sarah gave up drinking after feeling like she couldn’t be the mum she wanted to be on a hangover. She says, “Alcohol didn’t make me feel good, physically or mentally. I felt anxious and shy, and I never wanted to see anyone. So, I decided to make a change and had my last drink in August 2018. “When I told my husband Ash, he couldn’t understand why I felt I needed to stop. There’s a myth that only alcoholics need to give up altogether, but that’s just not true. Now, I’m a better mum, I work harder and I’m happier. I still enjoy meeting up…

Sarah-Jayne Walker, 33, a therapist from Lincolnshire, started taking diet pills in 2011 and quickly became hooked. Sarah-Jayne, who is married to James, 32, and mum to Bethany Rose, three, says, “Diet pills need to be regulated so that users can be sure they contain safe, approved ingredients, before another woman like Eloise Parry pays the ultimate price in pursuit of perfection. They should only be distributed by practitioners who can check users’ medical history. And they should be banned from sale on the internet, so unscrupulous people can’t sell them. “I first ordered diet pills online in 2011, when I was 24. I was size 18-20 and felt miserable. I’d read something about the pills on social media and, feeling desperate, I paid £15 for a 30-day supply. “Although…

• In 1995, Robbie Williams made a “blink and you’ll miss it” appearance in the soap – lurking in the background at The Queen Vic and using its payphone. • Boris Johnson attempted to enlist the political help of Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell when he popped into the pub in 2009. Peggy did actually flirt with him a little. • David Walliams appeared in the 2003 Christmas Day episode, as a fake registrar who attempted to marry Kat and Alfie Moon after the real one refused to perform the ceremony because Alfie’s divorce wasn’t finalised. • Presenter Nick Grimshaw made a very brief appearance in 2013 after he set himself a “soapbombing challenge” to appear in all five major UK soaps. He played a caretaker at the community centre…

FRESH CHOICE A blend of citrus, marshmallow and wild grasses creates this unique, addictive option. It reminds us of a freshly-cut lawn! HERBAE PAR L’OCCITANE L’EAU £52 FOR 50ML SUBTLE & UNIQUE Rose scents don’t have to feel old-fashioned – this modern buy layers the bloom with violet, blackcurrant, and white tea to give it a lift. It’s subtle enough for everyday wear, but distinctive enough to feel uniquely yours. FRESH ROSE MORNING EAU DE PARFUM £41 FOR 30ML VEGAN FRIENDLY We’re big fans of British brand Floral Street – its range has minimal and sustainable packaging and is entirely vegan. Its newest launch is this unexpected fruity fragrance, featuring juicy rhubarb and jasmine. Delicious! FLORAL STREET ELECTRIC RHUBARB EAU DE PARFUM £58 FOR 50ML CELEBRITY FAVOURITE Singer Britney’s range…

“When we went through our financial difficulties, I found myself trying to drown my sorrows. I’d go out in town and binge drink, then come back a mess. I didn’t realise I had depression at the time. I wouldn’t stop drinking until I passed out – I was in a dark place. Not being able to get work made me feel worthless. I thought, ‘I may as well not be here.’ Tina and I were on a knife edge with each other and arguing over everything. I think our split was inevitable. I still loved her but knew I was a nightmare. I then spent almost four months sleeping on my mum’s couch. Towards the end of the year, I started to feel a lot better. I was on antidepressants,…

• Trim all visible fat off meats and remove skin from poultry. • For extra health benefits and filling power, choose wholegrains – eg wholemeal pasta or wholegrain rice, where you can. • Aim to have between six and eight drinks a day – choose water, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee. Remember, any milk needs to come from your allowance. • The most successful slimmers join a group or online programme for shared support, inspiration and motivation. • If you follow a plant-based diet, your Consultant at your Slimming World group will help you incorporate any personal requirements into your plan.…

LOST: 1ST 10½LB ‘ I lost weight to land my dream job as a firefighter’ Abi Hollyoake, 32, from Cornwall, took control of her weight to become a firefighter. The mum of two says, “My now-husband Todd and I moved in together when we were 18. We regularly ate takeaways and microwave meals and, over time, I started to gain weight. After we had our son, Mason, now 12, I was wearing size 22 jeans. Two years later I’d lost some weight by restricting my diet and managed to get into a size 18 wedding dress, shortly after our daughter Evie was born. Years later, I decided to make a long-term change and began running regularly with other mums, using a Couch to 5K app to motivate us. One day,…

INSIDE NANCY’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Green chilli • Dijon mustard • Marmite • Reduced-fat houmous • Garlic • Cheddar cheese • Mayonnaise • Ketchup • Sausages • Lamb mince • Celery • Chicken fillets • Smoked salmon • Apples • Cucumber • Blueberries • Onion • Beetroot • Courgette • Cherry tomatoes • Beetroot juice • Coconut water • Penne pasta • Potatoes • Tomato purée NANCY How much do you spend per week? My husband Jim [Moir, better known as comedian Vic Reeves, 61] and I shop together. We aim to stick to a £100 budget. If we buy wine, it can go over. We also shop for our twin girls [Nell and Lizzie, 13] and my stepson [Louis, 22]. We try to buy locally to support the…

ALL ABOUT YOU HOW TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT If you find it hard to enjoy things because you’re constantly worrying, use Emma’s strategies to stop your mind wandering Research shows that almost half of us struggle to live in the moment. The sooner you can learn how to bring yourself back to the here and now, the better. If you’re too busy worrying to enjoy things, try mindfulness to be fully present, and not overwhelmed by what’s going on around you. There’s formal mindfulness, like yoga or meditation, or informal options, like walking in nature, colouring in, jigsaw puzzles, or gardening. A great trick is to concentrate on your senses, so ask yourself what you can hear, taste, feel, see and smell. This will take you away from any…

I LEFT SCHOOL AT 15 I got a job as a trainee receptionist, which I really enjoyed, but everyone went to the pub at lunchtime and because I was so young I would sit on a park bench on my own and eat my sandwich, feeling sorry for myself! I was working long hours while my friends were still being teenagers, but I loved being able to treat myself. I HAVE LEARNT THE VALUE OF MONEY I had just 80p in my bank account before going on Celebrity Big Brother [where she scooped £25,000 in prize money], so it was really nice afterwards to be able to shop in Topshop which, to me, was insane! I have made some extravagant purchases, but I was also sensible and invested most of…

1 CILLA: THE LOST TAPES UNSEEN FOOTAGE OF NATIONAL TREASURE WED 19 FEB, 9PM, ITV A must-see for fans – narrated by Sheridan Smith, who played the late, great Cilla Black in the 2014 miniseries Cilla – this is crammed with the star’s own home movies and archive footage, from the 1960s to her untimely death in 2015. Celeb pals, including Sir Cliff, Paul O’Grady and Holly Willoughby, share memories – and the vids are classic. DID YOU KNOW? The amazing documentary also includes a guided tour by Cilla herself of her family home in Denham (Bucks), and holiday trips to Fiji, Hong Kong and Australia when the Sydney Opera House was being built. There’s a lorra love... 2 CALL THE MIDWIFE BLIND PERSON HAS BABY SUN 16 FEB, 8PM,…

MUST READ Mix Tape (JANE SANDERSON) Daniel was the first boy to make Alison a mix tape. Years later, Dan’s name pops up on Alison’s phone, with a link to a song from their shared past – and she can’t help but respond. And so begins a new mix tape, across oceans and time zones, across a lifetime of different experiences, until one of them breaks the rules and sends a message that will change everything for them both… We loved this nostalgic romantic read. BEST DAY OUT Warwick Castle With over 1,000 years of history at Warwick Castle, you and your family will be transported back to medieval times to discover tales of kings, earls, battles, banquets and gruesome dungeons. With half-term fast approaching, this makes for a great…

They’re loving mothers married to successful footballers, and are unafraid to speak their minds. But it seems that’s where the similarities between Coleen Rooney and her arch nemesis Rebekah Vardy end. Pictures of the former pals that surfaced last week tell a story of two WAGs living in very different worlds. Rebekah, 37, beamed as she arrived with her kids and six-week-old daughter Olivia to watch husband Jamie, 33 – who (at time of going to press) is the Premier League’s top goal-scorer and whose team, Leicester City, are third in the top flight – play against Chelsea. In stark contrast, Coleen, 33, posted pictures on Instagram playing referee to her four sons at bath-time while her husband Wayne, 34, continues his role as a player/coach for Championship side Derby…

DANI’S NEW HEARTACHEOVER BOYFRIEND’S COURTSHOWDOWN The path of true love certainly hasn’t run smoothly for Dani Dyer. Despite being crowned winner of Love Island last summer alongside Jack Fincham, they split just nine months later. Two weeks after their break-up, Dani, 24, raised eyebrows when she reunited with an ex, Sammy Kimmence. But her romance has been rocked by scandal, as last week Sammy, 23, appeared in court after being charged with attempting to scam two elderly men out of £34,000. The stockbroker and amateur footballer is now on bail for allegedly duping the men into believing he would offer them financial services over a two-year period, and will return to court for a trial in the summer. As Closer went to press, Dani had made no comment. Dani –…

‘I love having my bed all to myself – and my dog!’ It’s been more than 14 years since her ex-husband, legendary Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer George Best, died following his long-term battle with alcoholism – and Alex Best still marks his anniversary every November. The former WAG – who was married to George from 1995 to 2004 – witnessed the devastating effect of his disease during their marriage. But despite his troubles, Alex focuses on all the positives about her ex-husband. “I’ve got so many good memories – he was such a special, lovely man. I just remember the good things about him, and they outweighed the badness of the disease,” Alex tells Closer. “I never chose to be a celebrity. I just fell in love with…

❛HE WORRIED I WOULDN’T ACCEPT HIM BUT I WAS SO OVERJOYED TO MEET MY CHILD❜ New mum Tina Bejarano-Gardere was devastated when she was told her baby girl had died at just a few hours old. But almost 30 years later, Tina completed an online DNA test and learned the incredible truth: not only was Tina’s baby, Kristin, alive, but during their time apart, Kristin had transitioned into a man, and now had a wife and a daughter of his own. Tina, 47, says, “After I gave birth, my mum – who hadn’t wanted me to keep the baby – told me Kristin had died from an infection. “Finding my child again feels like a miracle, regardless of his gender. Now we’re making memories together. I’ve finally got my happy…

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson recently split from her fifth husband, 74-year-old film producer Jon Peters, just 12 days after their wedding. Pamela, 52, was previously married to rocker Tommy Lee between 1995 and 1998, and the pair share two adult sons. She was also wed to musician Kid Rock from 2006 until 2007, and she married poker player Rick Salomon twice – in 2007 and again in 2014 – both times for just a year. She said in an interview, “I’m a complete romantic, it’s why I always get married. Someone should really stop me.” One woman who understands the lure of marriage is Helen Froggett, 52, who walked down the aisle for the fifth time last year after her new husband proposed on their third date...…

WILD THING Channel the catwalk with this designer-inspired baguette bag. The zebra print makes a bold statement, while the monochrome palette is easy to wear. V BY VERY £28 PURPLE REIGN Pretty lilac has long been underrated, but give it some love with this sassy shoulder bag. Mix and match it with your spring wardrobe. PRETTY LITTLE THING £18 HIGHLIGHTER HEAVEN A trusty clutch never lets us down. Bright magenta will always be a winner, so make a statement with this simple shape, which will last for many seasons to come. BOOHOO £12 MINI MARVEL Small bags are seriously in right now, so try them out with this yellow offering. It has enough space to stash your lippie and credit card – what else do you need? ASOS £10 RED…

He helped Kirsty Young shed pounds and Ellen DeGeneres quit smoking. Now, hypnotist and self-help guru Paul McKenna wants to help others find and stay in love. Paul has written 7 Things That Make Or Break A Relationship, which teaches good partnership habits. He’ll also be doing a live tour, with workshops helping people to transform their lives. “It’s like a personal coaching session,” explains Paul, who married Kate, his PA of 20 years, in 2016. “You come away feeling optimistic and motivated. The book is a user-friendly manual, and I apply it to my own marriage. It’ll help people who want to be in a partnership, couples who have bumpy times, and those who want to feel more content – it’s about how to achieve a fairy tale. Everyone…

DINNER  (Choose 1, all serve 4) INDIAN-SPICED FISH CURRY Ready in 35 mins • Low-calorie cooking spray • 2 onions, thinly sliced • 1-2 tbsp mild curry powder (to taste) • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • A small pack of fresh coriander, roughly chopped • 500g skinless and boneless firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks • Boiled dried rice, to serve • Salad, to serve STEP 1 Spray a large, lidded non-stick casserole pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. STEP 2 Add the onions, cover and cook for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle the curry powder over the onions and cook for 1-2 mins. Stir in the tomatoes, half the coriander and 600ml boiling water, reduce the heat to low and simmer…

Join a group and get support to make changes to the way you shop, cook and eat, as well as becoming more active. You’re more likely to be successful in the long-term than if you go it alone! At your local Slimming World group, you’ll meet other slimmers, share motivation and gain practical advice and strategies to keep you inspired to succeed in achieving your dream weight. With this offer from Closer , join your nearest Slimming World group before or on Monday 24 February 2020 and enrol for FREE, saving £10/€18, so you pay only £4.95/€9 in your first week. (Standard first week fee is £14.95/€27 or £10/€18 to enrol plus £4.95/€9 weekly fee). To find your nearest Slimming World group, visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000 (in the…

If I was in charge of the inbox for this newly launched service, where people pay £160 to send a photo of their genitals to find out whether they should visit the sexual health clinic, I’d tell pretty much everyone to pay a visit, because as a doctor you don’t want to take chances. That makes me wonder what the point of it is, especially when it comes at a hefty cost. ENCOURAGE VISITS It might be that it just helps with the awkward first step, but I don’t think we should be making going to the doctor embarrassing; we should be encouraging people to visit. Also, importantly, most STIs don’t have visual symptoms – there are crabs, warts and maybe an ulcer if you have syphilis, but conditions such…

I came across a story last week where an American woman, Katie Pfeffer, took revenge on a guy she matched with on a dating app by sharing a screenshot of his offensive comment on Twitter, which then went viral. When he asked her, “Are you one of those hot girls that’s just plain retarded? Bc your bio makes it look that way [sic]”, she sent it to his dad and his work. Of course this is an extreme example, but people can be brutal when rejecting someone. After matching with a guy on Hinge, we began exchanging messages before I took a few days to reply as I was away for the weekend – but when I went to speak to him he’d deleted me. Another guy only seemed interested…

£200 on a set of glass storage jars from Amazon. I’m sorting out my kitchen cupboards at the moment. £14.99 for a couple of beautifully scented candles from Sainsbury’s. They make my home smell lovely. £9.99 on a bunch of artificial lilies from Oliver Bonas. £32.99 on storage drawers for my home office, again from Amazon. £49.99 on a pair of black wide-leg trousers from Zara. • Follow Saira on Instagram and Twitter @IamSairaKhan…

How does it feel to be back? I’m delighted to be back hosting for a third time. I’m certain that I’ll have an exciting intro to the show – but no matter how much I try to tell myself to behave, I always end up putting my foot in it at the last minute… Do you give yourself a pep talk? There are do’s and don’ts of hosting on the night. The “do” is most definitely “make sure you have something up your sleeve if something goes wrong!” Are you nervous about anything? I’m nervous about upsetting the fans of a pop act – because it turns out they can be quite vicious on social media… What sort of prep goes into The BRIT Awards ? The show will be…

AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB Mercury starts a retrograde cycle in your Money Box, so you may be unsure about the best way forward with cash. Use this cycle to rethink your financial setup. For some, you’ll get money you’ve been owed for ages. PS Mercury retrograde-proof yourself with a free survival kit at mercury retrogradebook.com PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR It’s a big week as Mercury retrograde starts… in your sign! Now’s the time for you to rethink, review, and revise everything in your life. If you want to go back to the past somehow, it’ll be easier. However, expect some confusion as well. A sense of humour is required. PS Mercury retrograde-proof yourself with a free survival kit at mercuryretrogradebook.com ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR Go for it at work, as…

Deep Bajwa, 36, has organised luxury events for ten years with her company, Opulence Events. She says, “There’s been a rise in extravagant children’s parties in the last few years. The most incredible first birthday party I did was last year, for the boxer Amir Khan’s second child, Alayna. No expense was spared – it cost around £100,000. The theme was rainforests. The dance floor looked like a jungle, with monkeys swinging from trees. We had a red carpet, three bouncy castles, a dessert station, a five-tier cake and a 50ft buffet laden with food, plus entertainers dressed up as animals. That was my most ‘bling’ party, but I’ve done other parties for £70,000 for wealthy clients. Most of them have 50 or 60 children there, and more than twice…

Former glamour model Nicola McLean knows all too well the realities of WAG life, having been married to former West Ham player Tom Williams since 2009. And mum-of-two Nicola, 38, says that while life may be comfortable financially, it can be frustrating. She says, “WAG life can seem glamorous, but at times it’s been extremely lonely and isolating for me. Tom has moved clubs many times, meaning I’ve had to uproot my life and move to a whole new place. And while he had ready-made friends in his football team, I had no one, and had to try and make new friends each time. Coleen will know how that feels, having had to jet off to America for Wayne’s career. “You can feel like you’ve lost your identity. You’ll only…

Professor David Nutt, who’s developing a synthetic alcohol substitute, says, “The industry knows alcohol is a toxic substance. If it were discovered today, it would be illegal as a foodstuff. The safe limit of alcohol, if you apply food standards criteria, would be one glass of wine a year.” Prof Nutt adds that alcohol is now the leading cause of death in men aged under 50, and will soon be the leading cause of death in women under 50. He says, “The big upwards inflexion in alcohol-related deaths came when we allowed it to be sold in supermarkets. When I was a teenager, alcohol could only be bought in a pub or an off-licence. Access to 24-hour drinking through supermarkets and corner shops has led to a massive increase in…

The number of women buying diet pills in the UK is soaring, with at least 20 per cent having tried them by the age of 19. However, the pills – which are claimed to lower calorie intake and reduce appetite – can cause worrying side-effects, including high blood pressure and dizziness. Shockingly, since 2012, there have been more than 115 cases of fatal poisoning. Student Eloise Parry, 21, died in April 2015 after taking eight diet pills containing Dinitrophenol (DNP) – an industrial chemical used for explosives and fertilisers – that she bought online. The toxic chemicals caused her body to overheat and burn from the inside. But worryingly, despite DNP being banned for human consumption, the substance is still readily available online. In a Channel 5 documentary airing this…

Over 13 million of us tuned in on 19 February 1985 to watch the first episode of a brand-new soap. Since then, EastEnders – set in the fictional London borough of Walford – has delivered jaw-dropping storylines and nail-biting cliffhangers accompanied by its iconic theme tune, whose last few notes are affectionately known as the ‘duff-duffs’. In the past 35 years the show has featured a staggering 51 births, 131 deaths, 19 Queen Vic landlords – and the drama is showing no signs of stopping. The anniversary episodes starting next week are set to be anything but plain sailing as the residents of Walford go on a boat party – be prepared for a birth, a death and even a few laughs along the way. To celebrate the special anniversary…

Business coach and record label owner Helen Froggett lives near Stevenage, Hertfordshire, with her fifth husband, John, 61, a singer. She says, “Many people can’t understand why I haven’t given up on marriage. Even my parents question me – my father made a joke that he keeps giving me away and then I just come back again! “But there are several reasons behind it. Mostly because I’m an incurable romantic and optimist. I’ve gone into all of my marriages genuinely believing they will last. And if someone loves you and you love them back, then why not get married? “The main lesson I’ve learnt from my marriages is not to compromise your needs. My first husband, Phillip, whom I married in 1986 aged 20, was my best friend. We’d grown…

JUST LANDED COOL COVERAGE STAY NAKED THE FIX POWDER FOUNDATION WHAT IS IT? Urban Decay has released a powder version of its brilliant Stay Naked foundation, perfect for when you’re on the go. With 24 shades, combining three mastertones and seven undertones, it’s super easy to find the right match for you. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s lightweight, vegan friendly, and has anti-pollution and anti-ageing properties. It includes a charcoal-infused sponge to help detoxify and mattify the skin during application. Overall, it’s a winner for oily skin. GET THE LOOK... FLAWLESS SKIN Boost your complexion, like Jessica and Iskra, with these nourishing sheet masks… ❶ CLEANS PORES SKIN REPUBLIC BUBBLE CHARCOAL FACE SHEET MASK £5.49 Reacting with oxygen in the air to make tiny bubbles, the foaming charcoal in this…

‘I may want to kill Paul, but I’ll never divorce him’ She announced her shock split from toyboy husband Paul Chase in October last year, revealing her sadness that the couple had parted ways after 11 years together. Now, however, Tina Malone is thrilled to say that, after four months apart, the pair have worked out their differences and their relationship is back on track. Not only that, but they are also hoping to renew their vows to mark their 10-year wedding anniversary this summer. “The love never went away,” says the Shameless star, revealing their breakup came after they both struggled with mental health issues and crippling financial worries. She continues, “We’re working on things now. Our problems were compounded by depression, but I’ve learned that, in tough times,…

HOW IT WORKS: 1 Pick one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy. You’ll find more ideas at www.slimmingworld.co.uk or when you join your local Slimming World group. 2 Foods printed in bold are ‘Free Food’, which you can enjoy freely to satisfy your appetite with no weighing, counting or measuring. Base meals around Free Food like veg, pasta, lean meat, fish, rice, potatoes, fat-free dairy, eggs and more. Meat substitutes Quorn, vegan Quorn and tofu also count as Free Food. And if you feel hungry between meals, snack on fresh fruit, veg crudités and fat-free natural yoghurt. For the very best weight loss, reach for fresh fruit or vegetables first. 3 As well as Free Food, stock up on fat-free dressings,…

MUSHROOM RIGATONI SERVES 4, READY IN 20 MINS, PLUS SOAKING INGREDIENTS • 25g dried mushrooms • 150ml boiling vegetable stock • 500g dried rigatoni or other pasta shapes • 1 large red onion, thickly sliced • 1 tsp mustard powder • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 450g mixed mushrooms (such as chestnut, mini portobello or shiitake), thickly sliced if large • 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme plus chopped fresh parsley, to serve STEP 1 Soak the dried mushrooms in the stock for at least 20 mins, then lift them out using a slotted spoon and roughly chop, reserving the soaking liquid (except the gritty bit at the bottom). STEP 2 Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions. Meanwhile, place a large, lidded frying…

SPEEDY SUPPER SHALLOT, SAUSAGE AND BORLOTTI BEAN STEW SERVES 4 • 2 tbsp olive oil • 12 shallots, peeled and left whole • 8 Toulouse or spicy sausages • 1 carrot, diced • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 400g can borlotti beans, drained • 100ml red wine • 500ml chicken stock • 1 bay leaf • 150g Savoy cabbage, shredded • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, plus extra to garnish STEP 1 Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the shallots and sausages, and sauté for 4 to 5 mins until brown all over. STEP 2 Add the carrot and sauté for 3 mins. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes, beans, half the wine, stock and bay leaf. Season with…

People eating a healthy, high-fibre diet that’s rich in plant protein are about 40 per cent more likely to be bloated than if they ate more carbs alongside their fibre-rich grub. Eating lots of veggies, and plant protein like beans, legumes and nuts, along with some good fats, can reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol, but high-fibre diets also boost certain types of gut bacteria that produce gas. Tame your tum by cutting back on salt and eating healthy carbs like wholemeal bread or brown rice daily, too.…

I’M PROUD OF... raising money for charity. When my father had prostate cancer, I did a Bake Off event and raised £500. Thankfully, he’s fine now, but I feel it’s so important to raise money to support research. I WISH... I could be more proactive and motivated in finding a hobby. Sometimes I feel like I’m coasting along, filming for Made In Chelsea. It would be good to have other things that I could put all my efforts into. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN... was from my mum, who told me from a young age to treat people how I wanted to be treated. I was bullied a lot at school and I chose not to be like them. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS... having my heart broken.…

What was filming on the Thames like? Freezing! But exciting. I like leaving the studio. It’s a little adventure. How was the first day on set? I drove a crusty old car on to the Square. That was the first thing I filmed. My first speaking scenes were with Letitia Dean [Sharon]. It was all scary and bizarre! Who’s your fave character? Pat Butcher – because of her earrings! I chose big earrings for Linda due to Pat. There are some corkers in the 35th anniversary episode.…

With the BRITs celebrating their landmark 40th show, we bring you some of the stand-out moments from yesteryear… • Sam Fox and Mick Eastwood’s presenting disaster of 1989. Later, Sam said she “wanted the ground to swallow me…” • Jarvis Cocker leaping on stage and baring his bum during Michael Jackson’s epic Earth Song in 1996. Viewers watched open-mouthed! • In 2000, DJ Brandon Block thought he’d won – because his “friends” convinced him he had. He stormed the stage during Ronnie Wood’s acceptance speech. Wood was not impressed and threw a drink over him… Awks.…

Mandy wonders why friends never invite her round to their houses any more. They were fed up with the hand AND footprints on the walls. Vanessa and her pal go into panic mode in the pub toilets after someone says there’s lots of Corona behind the bar. Relax, girls – it’s beer, not the virus! AMY HART Now January’s diet season is behind us, we’re on a new plan, Amy. It’s called the Eato. Basically, you just eat all day long for skin and energy. COURTNEY GREEN Yeah, we used to make “funny” calls, too, Courtney. But since the restraining order, we’re not allowed to use the phone any more. ALEXA CHUNG Alexa reveals her number one tip for improving self-confidence: walk into every room like you damn well own…