Inhoudsopgave van Issue 895 - Closer

At 11 years old, Marissa Salter is just one of a hidden army of young carers who look after a sick or disabled loved one. She began helping out at the age of four, after her mum, Suzanna, suffered debilitating injuries following a car accident. We report on the realities of life for youngsters like her across the UK, as the Children’s Society wants to help tackle the loneliness many young carers feel by calling on schools to help them feel “more like everyone else”. Mum-of-one Suzanna shares their story, and it’s clear the pair share a very close bond. Mother’s Day will be extra special – as it will be for families everywhere. In this week’s issue, we hear from former party girl Marnie Simpson, who will celebrate Mother’s…

‘WITH EACH PASSING WEEK, THEIR RELATIONSHIP JUST GETS STRONGER’ She was adamant that tying the knot was no longer on her agenda, previously telling Closer that she’d “done the whole marriage thing”. But with Kerry Katona currently more loved-up than ever with boyfriend-of-two-years Ryan Mahoney, insiders say that the mum of five is thinking about making a U-turn on her vow to never get married again. Kerry, 39, has been flooding her social media with gushing posts about personal trainer Ryan as the pair enjoyed a luxury holiday in the Maldives. The star even cheekily suggested he “get down on one knee” as pictures emerged of the pair kissing and cuddling as they lapped up the sunshine. HEARTFELT TALKS Now insiders say that Kerry has come round to the idea…

She’s made no secret of the fact she’s open to finding love again, despite the heartache of two failed marriages and splitting with Liam Payne, the father of her two-year-old son Bear, in 2018. Now, insiders say Cheryl is making her most active move yet to find a relationship. She’s reportedly joined forces with her single pals, including fellow ex Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts, to look for men and support each other through the ups and downs of dating. CONFIDENCE A source says, “The thought of dating again is a bit scary for Cheryl, as she’s been out of the game for a while. With her profile, she can’t just sign up to a dating app and meet people that way. “She’s got a few single friends, including Nicola,…

‘SOMEONE ONLINE SAID I LOOKED LIKE I WAS HAVING A STROKE’ Former N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos last week revealed she’d been silently suffering from a condition called Bell’s palsy, which causes temporary paralysis and drooping on one side of the face. Hitting back at trolls who had often heartlessly targeted her over her appearance – with one even likening her to a stroke victim – Tulisa, 31, told Loose Women viewers how she developed symptoms after sustaining nerve damage from a horse riding accident. She confessed, “There’s been times people have criticised the way I look and my face, not knowing I’m going through a Bell’s palsy attack. “Someone online said I looked like I was having a stroke. “I have emergency steroids on me and I know how to…

DENISE: ‘We’re still friends and always put our daughter first’ She’s co-parented her daughter Betsy with ex-husband Lee Mead since their split in 2013. And despite both of them moving on with new partners, Denise Van Outen says she and Lee, 38, have a strong and solid relationship, and co-parent Betsy, nine, very amicably. In fact, the pair, who were granted a divorce in 2015, have even holidayed together since their split, and she has previously admitted he comes round for tea once a week. Denise, 45, says, “I have a great relationship with Lee and I’m so grateful for that. We have respect for each other and we get on with it. I think it just works so well because we have the same view that Besty comes first.”…

‘We’re one of the good things to come out of the villa’ She turned heads with her stunning looks and curvaceous figure on Love Island 2017. Two and a half years on, Jess Lever – formerly Shears – is now a wife and a mum of one, and she’s blissfully happy with her new life. And a major part of that, Jess says, is that she’s finally happy in her own skin – something she’d never felt in her teens and early twenties when she was modelling and starring in the villa. The 26 year old says, “It’s so funny – now I look at my body as this amazing thing that grew my baby, carried my baby and gave birth to my baby. I’ve probably put on around 2st…

❛THE KIDS CALLED ME “THE TANK” – IT WAS AFFECTIONATE, BUT IT WAS CLEAR HOW LARGE I WAS❜ Sharon Morgan still pinches herself when she looks in the mirror and sees the reflection of her trim figure. In just two years, the 49 year old has lost over half her body weight, dropping from 22st to 9st. And she credits quitting her junk food addiction for her staggering 12st weight loss. Sharon, who lives near Caerphilly, says, “I’ve never looked – or felt – better. “I used to snack constantly. I’d eat at least 10 bags of ready salted crisps a day, as well as countless packets of biscuits. I never ate a proper meal. But after suffering two heart attacks due to my size, I ditched the junk food…

JUST LANDED SUPER SCENTS AVON ARTISTIQUE EAU DE PARFUM WHAT IS IT? Global beauty brand Avon has partnered with some of the world’s leading scent experts to create a trio of premium-smelling fragrances that are long-lasting and budget-friendly, too. WHY WE LOVE IT: Presented in a fancy apothecary-inspired bottle, these smell as good as they look. Each perfume is formulated with a range of sweetly fragranced ingredients, but our favourite is Iris Fétiche – a delicate mist with notes of bergamot, iris and vanilla. GET THE LOOK... GLOSSY POUT Get a hi-shine finish, just like Ashley and Kendall, with these glitzy lip toppers… ❶ HYDRATION HIT LOTTIE LONDON GLOSS’D LIP GLOSS £4.95 Enriched with nourishing jojoba, this oil-based gloss softens lips and prevents them from drying out. ❷ VOLUME BOOST…

GO VEGGIE DIVINE DESSERT CHOCOLATE, BERRY & PISTACHIO PAVLOVA 418 CALS 26.1G FAT 42.7G SUGAR 0.1G SALT PER SERVING SERVES 8 • 4 medium egg whites • 225g caster sugar • 40g pistachio nuts, chopped To finish: • 100g dark chocolate, melted • 300ml double cream, whipped • 550g strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 140°C/fan 120°C/ gas mark 1. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Draw on a 23cm circle. STEP 2 Whisk the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks. STEP 3 Whisk in the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time. Once all the sugar has been added, whisk for a few more mins until thick and glossy. Fold in the pistachios. STEP 4 Spoon the meringue…

It might not be worth buying supplements to boost your partner’s fertility. In a study, 171 men with confirmed fertility problems were either given a fertility supplement or a fake pill. The supplement contained vitamins C, E and D, selenium, zinc, folic acid and lycopene, but taking it didn’t improve sperm concentration, mobility, shape or DNA quality. You can enhance male fertility for free by stopping smoking, cutting booze, eating well, being active and managing stress. If it’s a major struggle, see your GP.…

I’M PROUD OF... getting my medical degree after six years of hard work. It was a big deal for me. I was the first in my family to do it. I’m also so proud of my CBeebies show, Get Well Soon. I co-created it and we won a BAFTA – it has pride of place in my hallway! I’M HAPPIEST WHEN... I’m sitting on my sofa in my onesie with a cup of tea and a biscuit, watching TV. My life is so busy, so my happy times are when I can just sit down, switch off, reflect and feel gratitude. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN... came from my ex-Strictly partner, Janette [Manrara], who became my mentor and good friend. She told me, “Whenever you do anything,…

HOLLYOAKS FAVA BEANS & A NICE CHIANTI? Drug dealer Liam vows revenge on residents of the village who he feels have wronged him recently, by throwing a ‘Devil’s Dinner Party’ at The Dog. A (reluctant) Mercedes, Grace, James, and Maxine are summoned (surely a simple hair-washing would’ve got them out of it?) and Liam – at his most manic – invites them to a “meal they will never forget”. Yikes… Elsewhere, Edward tries (and fails) to get Tony back on side. EASTENDERS PHIL AT THE FUNERAL It’s Dennis’ funeral, with Sharon insisting no Mitchell is welcome (“Get outta my church!” etc). As Ian joins her to say their goodbyes, someone is lurking around watching them (yes, it’s Phil!). Once she realises her dear, departed ex is back on the Square,…

1 THE NEST CAN’T LOOK AWAY SUN 22 MARCH, 9PM, BBC1 Written by Nicole ‘Three Girls’ Taylor, this gripping new thriller is set in Glasgow, and follows a wealthy couple and the teenage girl they ask to carry their baby. Martin Compston (Line Of Duty) is Dan (finally able to use his native Scottish accent) while Sophie Rundle (Gentleman Jack) is Emily. The cute pair are all loved up, but just can’t seem to fall pregnant. This is where the 18-year-old Kaya comes in, a troubled kid who agrees to be their surrogate – but at what cost? You’ll be yelling, “Don’t do it!” at the screen a lot, while also marvelling at the stunning house they live in. (For the Martin Compston fans out there, we’re also treated to…

Entrepreneur Justin reveals his latest sideline as he flops down on one of his new “Justin Bien-bags”. Looks comfy. Jack loves riding his moped indoors. How did his Love Island co-stars put up with him in the Villa? AMY HART Amy reveals that, in the event of supermarket shelves being completely emptied, the very last place you’d want to go for dinner is her mum’s. DAVID WALLIAMS Meanwhile, we’ve found out why all the toilet rolls have sold out – turns out David and his pooch are the stars of the new Andrex puppy advert! Amanda uses her incredible camouflage skills to eavesdrop on a conversation in the corridor. Keep still, they’ll never see you Mandy! Yes, Jake, this is what happens every time we order something online – it…

‘THE IDEA OF HAVING GRANDCHILDREN ONE DAY IS REALLY EXCITING’ They went “Instagram official” in January, after dating for just a few months. And now, Brooklyn Beckham and his American girlfriend, Nicola Peltz, seem ever more serious, with her calling him the “love of my life” in one of many gushing social media posts, while he posted one with, “I promise to always love you with all my heart”. Actress Nicola, 25, the daughter of US billionaire Nelson Peltz, was pictured cosying up to Brooklyn at his lavish £100k 21st birthday bash last week. The event, held at the Beckhams’ £6m Cotswolds home, saw rapper Stormzy performing in front of A-list guests including Spice Girls Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton. Proving to be a big hit with the family, Nicola…

‘THEY’VE BEEN SPENDING TIME TOGETHER AND ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE NEXT CHAPTER’ It’s been over a year since it emerged that Tristan Thompson had cheated on Khloé Kardashian with her little sister’s best friend, Jordyn Woods, leading to a bitter break-up between the new parents. But sources say, despite the drama, the pair have remained close since their split – and, in a surprise twist, are even considering rebuilding their family with a second child. FLIRTY Fans were in uproar when it was revealed that Tristan, 28, had kissed Jordyn, 22, at a house party in February 2019 – with heartbroken Khloé, 35, tweeting her family “had broken up”, before later adding, “I have to move on with my life & count my blessings, my family, my health, & my…

Despite being only 11 years old, Marissa Salter’s typical day starts at 6am. She makes breakfast for her mum, before getting ready for the 30-minute walk to school. And when she arrives home, she cooks dinner, and then gets on with her homework. Marissa is one of the army of children across the country who give up their free time to look after their loved ones as a young carer. Marissa, who lives in St Ives, Cornwall, explains, “It can be hard sometimes, and I feel very lonely. The worst bit for me is when I’m at school. “I get anxious and struggle to concentrate, as I’m always worrying if my mum’s OK. “But Mum never makes me feel like I have to care for her – I do it…

KIERAN POPS THE QUESTION TO MICHELLE He may still officially be married to Jordan, but that didn’t stop Kieran Hayler proposing to long-term girlfriend Michelle Pentecost while on holiday. Michelle announced the news on Facebook with a picture of them in the Maldives, writing, “So today at sunset I became a fiancée.” Michelle and Kieran, 32, met through their children, who attend the same school, and the pair went public in July 2018. She now lives with Kieran and his children Jett, six, and Bunny, five – whom he shares with ex Jordan, real name Katie Price – as well as Michelle’s son from a previous relationship. While the pair seem blissfully happy, their relationship hasn’t been without drama. Last year, Michelle became embroiled in a playground row with Jordan,…

‘Tom is so reassuring & tells me I’m beautiful’ She’s been on cloud nine since finding out she was expecting her first child. And now, Danielle Armstrong has even more reason to smile after getting engaged to her boyfriend, childhood sweetheart Tom Edney, during a Dubai babymoon two weeks ago. The star, who is due to give birth to a girl in May, is brimming with joy. Danielle, 31, tells Closer , “The last seven months of my life have been a whirlwind – but the best. Tom and I have known each other for 20 years. I’m pregnant and engaged, at the same time, and it couldn’t be more perfect.” Despite feeling more content than ever, Danielle – who shot to fame on TOWIE in 2013 – is the…

‘I wouldn’t have cosmetic surgery now’ She’s swapped nights out for nappies, and booze for baby bottles, but Marnie Simpson says she couldn’t be happier to have ditched her Geordie Shore lifestyle since she became a first-time mum. The reality star, who gave birth to her son Rox in October last year, says having a child has made her so content. “I just love him so much,” she smiles, as she cuddles baby Rox during her photoshoot with Closer. “I’m loving every second of motherhood.” Marnie, 28 – who shares Rox with boyfriend Casey Johnson, 24 – says she feels like a totally different person now and doesn’t mind saying goodbye to her party days one bit. NEW CHAPTER “I’m at home all the time now and I like that,”…

The last time Closer spoke to Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, 50, he’d just announced his shock split from his husband, Tony, and revealed he was moving on with 25-year-old Scott Hutchinson – his teenage daughter’s ex-boyfriend. Now, in a further revelation, Barrie and toyboy Scott have revealed they’re having triplet girls via a surrogate. They’ll be using a controversial sex selection method, which is illegal in Britain, and they’re splashing out £100,000 on a nursery for their girls in the Florida mansion where, surprisingly, they will continue living with Barrie’s ex, Tony. The triplets will make Barrie a proud dad of eight. He and Tony became Britain’s first same-sex parents when they had twins Aspen and Saffron, now 19. They went on to have Orlando, 16, and twins Jasper and Dallas, now…

GET HER LOOK ELLE FANNING, 21 The weather makes it hard to know what to wear, but take inspiration from Elle and stay stylish come rain or shine! This gorgeous shirt and skirt combo is perfect for a sunny spring day, while the boots will last all year long. So chic! CELINE DION VS SHAILENE WOODLEY Talk about flower power! Celine and Shailene are seriously rocking their attention-grabbing ’60s-style Moncler x Richard Quinn coats. The intricate detailing makes both women look super-glam. Singer Celine opts for matching tights and sunglasses, while actress Shailene picks some chunky boots for a more casual look. VERDICT We love both gorgeous outfits, but Shailene’s is a bit more wearable. We like the coat being the focal point of her look, while the rest is…

PROTECTIVE PATCHES These will shrink spots instantly. Apply to the problem area and leave on overnight, and by the morning they will have significantly improved or even vanished! The patches stop you touching or picking at blemishes, so preventing them from spreading. They have a mix of shapes and sizes, depending on how big the area of acne is. COSRX ACNE PIMPLE PATCHES £5.99 FOR 24 REFRESHING CLEANSER Prioritising your cleansing routine is vital – it makes a huge difference to your skin. This cooling gel formula feels luxurious to use, removing make-up and grime without stripping the face. CAUDALIE VINOPURE PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER £16 SUPER SERUM Combining the spot-killing combination of salicylic acid and witch hazel, this potent serum will make a huge difference when used regularly. Lightweight and…

INSIDE KAREN’S FRIDGE • Twix bars • Gummy bears • Salted caramel dark chocolate • Semi-skimmed milk • Mozzarella • Tomatoes • Cheddar cheese • Feta • Greek yoghurt • Camembert • Cream cheese • Prawns • Beef medallion steaks • Chicken fillets • Salmon fillets • Oat milk • Almond milk • Kale • Sweet potato • Avocado • White wine • Prosecco • Balsamic vinegar VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “Karen’s diet is really healthy. Carbs are energy providers, so it’s good she enjoys these. Wholegrain bagels, tacos and pasta help boost fibre, giving a steady release of energy. She could eat more fruit or veg at breakfast to get five a day. Fish is good, as it’s full of protein, with heart and brain-friendly omega-3 fats and…

ALL ABOUT YOU WAYS YOU CAN PRACTISE SELF-LOVE Many of us think ‘self-love’ is basically ‘self-indulgence’, but according to Emma, it’s a must-have skill for happiness Studies show that self-love and compassion keep depression and anxiety at bay and ensure a sense of balance even in the most challenging times. One helpful strategy to achieve that is to decide to treat yourself how you treat others. You make a huge effort with friends, and chances are, you won’t have told them to pull themselves together or try harder if they want to succeed. You will have been kind and compassionate. Similarly, when your inner critical voice tells you you’re a failure, silence it with kindness. Sit with a pen and paper, and write a list of things you like about…

SHOULD I BE TAKING A PROBIOTIC? “More than 70 per cent of the immune system is in the gut. If you’ve been on antibiotics a lot, or you worry about your digestion, it could be useful to take a probiotic. In general, take a ‘food first’ approach, and eat a varied diet with plenty of fibre.” WILL TURMERIC HELP MY IMMUNE SYSTEM? “The body’s ability to absorb turmeric is pretty low, and the evidence doesn’t necessarily show that it helps us fight infection. It is known to be anti-inflammatory, so adding it to food is good, but often the dose you’d be getting wouldn’t be enough to make a difference.” WHAT ABOUT DRINKING HOT DRINKS? “When you’re ill, the steam from hot drinks can help remove mucus, which helps your…

It’s another tough week for Gemma. She accidentally locks herself out of her house, and when Bernie shows up with Mother’s Day balloons, they force the door in and poor Gem dissolves into tears, confessing that she thinks she’s an unfit mum – and how she’s exhausted but refuses to stop watching over the quads so she can get some sleep herself. Bernie takes her to see Dr Gaddas, but Gemma plays things down and insists she’s just overly tired……

Tell us about your new series? It’s emotional. People come on because they don’t know what clothes to wear. We had a long-running joke that I just make people cry. I felt terrible by the end of it, but obviously, they’re crying in a good way… Do you enjoy working with real people? OMG, yeah. Give me real people any day of the week. I’m one of the normal ones – I don’t get affected by any of [the fame], so when I’m with the people we’ve got on the show, I love it. I don’t feel like I’m at work, and you don’t realise how much an outfit can change someone. You’re very ‘real’ too? On all the jobs I do, I’m just Rylan. When the cameras stop rolling,…

MUST READ You Are Not Alone (GREER HENDRICKS & SARAH PEKKANEN) Shay Miller wants to find love, but it eludes her. She wants to be fulfilled, but her job is a dead end. She wants to belong, but her life is becoming increasingly isolated. She wants to be like the Moore sisters. They have an unbreakable circle of friends and live a life of glamour and perfection. They always get what they desire. Shay thinks she wants their life. But what they really want is hers... A brilliant thriller. BEST DAY OUT The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre We all grew up reading Roald Dahl stories, and now our little ones enjoy them just as much as we did. A great place to learn all about the author is…

She sent a clear signal their rumoured feud was over, after wearing a £950 dress designed by the former Spice Girl during her first public appearance since returning to the UK earlier this month. Now, following Closer’s report that Meghan Markle, 37, and singer-turned-designer Victoria Beckham, 45, were rekindling their friendship, insiders say the pair are now considering launching a sustainable fashion line together. A source says, “Meghan’s always been a huge advocate of fostering change in the industry and is in talks with Vic about creating her own eco-fashion line, knowing it’s something Vic’s been consciously trying to focus on too. “Vic has offered to help her, given the extensive research she’s done for her own range. They’ve spoken about collaborating on a fashion line, either with Vic’s label…

• The Children’s Society provides a map of young carers projects around the UK. Direct a young carer to Childrenssociety.org.uk/ youngcarer/young-carers-services where they can find the support available to them in their area. • Suggest they chat with other young carers. Support groups are widely available, and talking to others in a similar situation can help carers feel less alone. • The Young Carers Festival is an annual event for young carers to have fun, unwind, and make friends with other children who are young carers. Go to Childrenssociety.org.uk/ youngcarer/festival for more information. • Simply checking in with a young carer, and asking them how they are, is a way to make someone feel supported.…

Nicole reveals her new arrival after secret pregnancy Friends and fans flooded Nicole Appleton with congratulations last week, following her surprise revelation that she’d given birth to a baby girl after keeping her pregnancy secret. The All Saints singer, 45, welcomed a daughter named Skipper with millionaire boyfriend Stephen Haines, who she’s been dating for just over a year. Nicole shared the happy news on her social media, saying she didn’t even tell some of her friends she was expecting a baby, posting, “After hiding my pregnancy for the last 9 months... which was SOOOOO difficult & keeping her a secret from all my friends... I can finally announce our incredible news!! Our little girl ‘Skipper Hudson Haines’ has arrived… I’m SOOO HAPPY!!” Nicole and Stephen, 47 – who works…

THE TOWIE REUNION Everyone’s been talking about it and I think it’ll be great. I’ll always love TOWIE. The lives me and most of the girls lead are because of the show. I’m open to it, but it depends whether I can fit it around my pregnancy. MY PREGNANCY ESSENTIALS Tom bought me a great pregnancy pillow from John Lewis. I take Gaviscon with me everywhere because I suffer with heartburn a lot. For stretch marks on my stomach, I use Bio-Oil. ADVICE FROM FERNE Ferne and I speak more or less every day and she’s always giving me good advice, whether it’s about the best birth position or what to buy. I’ve also spoken to Lydia [Bright], who’s just had her little girl, Loretta Rose. There’s a baby boom…

MOTHER’S DAY: “I don’t know what we’ll do – it’s Casey’s job to organise it! I’m sure we’ll go out for a nice meal or something, and see our own mams of course.” ASKING FOR ADVICE: “My mam has just moved around the corner from us, which is great, and she’s so good with helping. We’re always asking her and Casey’s mam and dad for advice. They’ve had four kids, so they know everything when it comes to babies. Rox was the first grandchild on both sides, so it’s been lovely.” POST-BABY BODY: “My belly is still a bit swollen, but it doesn’t bother me. I got stretch marks on my bum and legs when I was pregnant. I also got grey hairs, which wasn’t great, so I hope they…

She started running to lose weight after the birth of her second child 14 years ago – and Sophie Raworth says taking up exercise in her late thirties completely transformed her life. The BBC newsreader, who lives with her property guru husband Richard Winter and their three children, Ella, 15, Georgia, 14, and Oliver, 11, explains, “Running has given me strength, and the belief that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. It’s the most special thing to discover and it’s completely changed my life!” Sophie – who lost a stone after running a 150-mile desert ultra-marathon two years ago – reveals she’s better mentally and physically than she was three decades ago. She adds, “I’m happy and proud to be 51 – I wouldn’t want…

LAID-BACK LADIES Combining comfort with style, these mums have nailed casual dressing. Follow suit and stay warm on the school run with a teddy coat, cosy knit, wide-leg jeans and boots combo. HOW TO WEAR This look is all about layering, so don’t be afraid to bulk up. Muted and earthy tones work well together, so invest in mustard, khaki and cream-coloured pieces. BOARDROOM BABES These power-dressed celebs mean business. A two-piece takes the hassle out of outfit planning, while a classic pencil skirt and blouse get-up never goes out of style. HOW TO WEAR Glam up a smart blazer by adding strappy heels and a lace cami, or dress down a pencil skirt at the weekend with chunky sneakers and a slogan tee. SPORTS STARS These women prove the…

BRIGHT SPARK Add a touch of sunshine to your home with a splash of yellow. A vibrant hue is guaranteed to lift the darkest of corners. HOMESENSE £39.99 RATTAN REBEL Rattan is huge right now, so channel the trend with this beauty. It’ll revamp halls and kitchens, and give a natural vibe alongside house plants. IKEA £29 TROPICAL TREAT Ruffle feathers with this flamboyant flamingo stand and pretty palm print shade. It’s guaranteed to make a bold statement. ARGOS £45 GREEN LIGHT A bottle-green light will give your room a botanical feel, and will look great next to some greenery. The glass base makes it extra special. DUNELM £42 STYLISH SHRUB Plant lovers will adore this unique buy. Place this head-turner on a side table and bring nature inside –…

Some studies show that eating late can make us pile on the pounds, but I think that’s because it’s driven by boredom or tiredness, not hunger, so you raid the fridge and eat a whole cheesecake. It’s not the fact you’re eating after 6pm, it’s the kind of food you’re having and how much of it that’s the problem. IGNORE THE HYPE Your body isn’t that bothered about what time you have dinner; it is bothered by the fact you’re adding the equivalent of a whole meal. Look at big eaters in the wild, like lions for example. They kill something, eat it, then go to sleep for a couple of days. Sleep doesn’t affect their digestion – in fact, they need it – so I don’t believe that if…

You always want what you can’t have – or so the saying goes. In dating terms, this means unavailability in a person can appear to make them seem more alluring. I worry that swiping for our suitors has got us all addicted to the initial highs of dating and relationships, and that the safety and security of a loving partnership is seen as boring and undesirable. If you’re lucky enough to reach the three-months-in territory, you’re still not in the safety zone. I’ve seen time and time again, with my own experiences and that of my single friends, once you become available and relax into the relationship, the other party pulls away. Sure, if you swallow your emotions and be noncommittal, you can probably ride things out for six months…

GEORGINA BAIDON SAYS, “My mother refused to put in place a Legal Power of Attorney (LPA), which would have allowed me to make decisions for her in the future, if she wasn’t able to, as she was terrified of losing control of her money. “She lived alone and refused help until just before her 99th birthday, when her GP said she lacked mental capacity and social and care workers took over. She had enough money to pay for her care, but no one had access to it, so the council had to provide temporary funding. Social workers told me to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship, which would let me to make financial decisions for her, because she had already lost the capacity to make an LPA.…

• Chas finds it VERY hard to forgive Paddy for what happened with Eve. The pair are barely speaking, and Paddy can’t get over what he’s done. Social services turn up, and Paddy goes missing. • Pollard is another one feeling in the mood for some lovin’. Jacob reckons his grandad may have a soft spot for Brenda, and later his suspicions are confirmed! • Dan eats one of the wraps at the launch of Brenda’s new café menu – but suddenly his throat is itchy and his face turns red, then he collapses. What is going on?!…

What appealed about Hitmen ? MEL, 51: The script, the stories and the characters. We just read it and thought, ‘This has made us laugh just reading it off the page’. And that’s quite rare, isn’t it? SUE, 50: Mel and I have been friends for 30 years, and these characters have known each other since they were kids. How did Fran and Jamie end up being killers? SUE: The back story is that we were cleaners in a very big, smart office block. A heavy had come on to me in a none-too-savoury fashion, and after a tussle, Mel had saved the day and killed him. The heavy was connected to a gangland boss who gave us a choice – either he killed us, or we could go and…

Disney Dreamin’ With Matthew Morrison You’ll probably know Matthew Morrison as Mr Schuester in the hit TV show Glee, or from his stint as a judge on BBC’s The Greatest Dancer. This month, the singer-songwriter brings us a fabulous album of Disney covers, which is exactly what the world needs right now. With songs such as Friend Like Me, A Whole New World and Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, this will add some magic to your morning commute. MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB DIGITAL RADIO FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.MAGIC.CO.UK…

ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR This week, find a balance between what you need to feel Zen versus the daily duties of life that must be taken care of. This could be a lucrative week for you, with the chance of a lovely surprise to do with money! PS Manifest your dream life with the Moon via moonmessages. com/moonlite TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY Changes at work, a rethink of your career, and/ or finishing a big professional project are all possible this week. What happens now looks exciting and even liberating for you. Leave room for a bit of magic – the last thing you expected could happen in a way that delights you. PS Manifest your dream life with the Moon via moonmessages.com/moonlite GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN This week’s Full…