Inhoudsopgave van Issue 899 - Closer

We’re a few weeks into lockdown and everyone’s adapting to the “new normal”. This week, we chat to Loose Women’s Andrea McLean (p28) about how she’s handling being cooped up with her family. The mum of two has a few key lessons to help her stay calm, and tells us, “To anyone struggling... Get a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign, cordon off a bit of the house that’s yours, and say, ‘I need space right now’.” Each week, we offer sound advice on how to live your best life, and now’s no exception. Turn to p64 for BBC1’s Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s resilience-boosting tips. Cheer up with our simple tricks to turn your bedroom into a tranquil oasis (p48), or experience something extraordinary with a virtual reality holiday (p68). Meanwhile, former Ultimo…

STRUCTURE YOUR DAYS TOGETHER One thing that most of us have at the moment is time, so make the most of it by going for walks and having lunch together – small actions like this help you to rebuild your connection . SHARE ACTIVITIES Common interests bond people, and this is a great opportunity to find out what you enjoy doing together. Find new activities or develop extra skills – for example, learning to cook or gardening. FOCUS ON EACH OTHER Couples should support each other and be grateful for the support they’re receiving. Make sure you focus on the good qualities of your partner. TALK THROUGH ANY ISSUES Now’s the time to iron out minor differences and sort through your issues, so you can move forward and focus on…

Their recent move to Los Angeles came as a shock, after Harry and Meg insisted they were leaving the UK for a quieter life in Canada. And last week it seemed they were making their first moves towards establishing a new life as A-listers when they revealed they would be launching their own charitable foundation to “do something that matters” – although the timing of their announcement, amid the global pandemic, raised eyebrows. The couple were also left red-faced when web users who typed in Archewellfoundation.com were redirected to the video for Kanye West’s song Gold Digger, after cyber pranksters took over the URL address. The news of the foundation – named Archewell after their 11-month-old son Archie – came as Meghan is set to donate to charity her fee…

• Keep an eye on friends and neighbours. If you are worried about someone, make sure they know the number for the Refuge’s helpline: 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, call 999. • If survivors are unable to call, they can visit Nationaldahelpline.org.uk to fill in an online form and request a safe time to be called back. • Women can also receive guidance via Refuge’s chatbot on how to secure devices such as phones, so that perpetrators can’t unlock them. Visit Refuge. org.uk for more info.…

Tammy Smith* , 45, works in a big chain supermarket. She lives in Derby with her partner and their two children. She says, “The week before the lockdown announcement was made, people were piling anything into their trolleys. I saw one customer with five loaves of bread. Some customers had so much, it was spilling out of their trolleys. “People were pushing us and swearing at staff. One customer got right in my face, yelling that the lack of stock was ‘all my fault’. There was fighting in the aisles and we even had items stolen from our food bank collection box. It brought out the worst in some people. “But recently, there’s been more recognition about the work we’re doing. Some people have bought us cards and chocolates, and…

Animal lover Chantelle Houghton tells Closer why there’s so much work to be done and how people can help big cats in captivity. She says, “The documentary is absolutely nuts. No wild animal should be locked up in a cage and paraded around for people to gawp at. But I’m really glad it’s opened up the conversation about animals in captivity, and I hope it helps change the world and how people feel. I feel privileged to have been featured. I did that campaign with PETA in 2011, where I stood outside the Houses Of Parliament dressed as a tiger to raise awareness of the cruelty of keeping tigers in zoos or circuses.” Mum-of-one Chantelle, 36 – who rose to fame on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, and who last…

Jodi Rose had always fancied tall men with curly hair – that is, until she clapped eyes on a 600-year-old stone bridge in a rural French village. The 49-year-old artist claims that she fell in love at first sight with Le Pont du Diable in Aniane, France. And, just three months after their first meeting, Jodi ‘married’ the bridge in a small ceremony attended by some of her closest friends. However, as COVID-19 sweeps the globe, it’s taking a toll on their six-year marriage, which is now facing the ultimate test. Jodi is unable to visit her beloved bridge, and the pair will even be kept apart on their anniversary this June, for the first time. Jodi says, “As soon as I saw him, I fell deeply in love. He’s…

LEARN TO ENJOY YOUR OWN COMPANY “I’m a real introvert and happy in my own company. When I was younger, I lived with my grandparents and my mum, but they moved to Jamaica and I went to live with my dad. He was a bachelor type, always wanting his own space, so I’d spent a lot of time in my bedroom. I learned to enjoy my own company – I loved drawing and just doing my own thing. That’s why, right now, I’m kind of enjoying self-isolation. I think it’s important to be comfortable with yourself and not rely on other people or other things for happiness.” BELIEVE YOU CAN BE WHATEVER YOU WANT TO BE “Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t achieve something – that’s something I…

❛HE’S STRUGGLING WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO GO TO THE BEACHIN LOCKDOWN – HE MISSES IT❜ hile most dogs love going for walks and playing fetch, six-month-old Parson Russell Terrier Thor prefers to paddleboard, and is set to compete in the UK Dog Surfing Championships this summer. But now his owner, Sarah James, from the New Forest, fears her furry friend could have his medal-winning hopes dashed as the COVID-19 lockdown means Thor is unable to get to the beach for much-needed training time. CONFIDENCE BOOST Sarah says, “Thor loves the water. Before lockdown, we’d practise paddleboarding in lakes every week, but our plans have been dashed. “He’s had to resort to going on walks instead but, luckily, we live near lots of open spaces. “We hope the championships will…

GET HER LOOK VICKY PATTISON, 32 She may be in isolation, but reality star Vicky Pattison still looks totally glamourous. She took to Instagram to record her “dining room date night”, and we can’t get enough of her gorgeous dressed-up-to-stay-in look. DESIGNER DOUBLE FEARNE COTTON, 38 We love it when celebrities post snaps of their at-home looks and, as always, Fearne Cotton gives us some major style inspiration in her lockdown selfie. Her colourful cardigan is gorgeous, but we were heartbroken to discover that it retails for over £300. Luckily, we tracked down this bargain alternative at a fraction of the price – you’ll have double the reason to smile while you wear it! IN THE NEWS... H&M’S LATEST SUSTAINABILITY COLLECTION Bursting with swishy day dresses, statement jewels to perk…

1 It’s essential to carry out a patch test at least 48 hours before you intend to colour your hair. Even if you’ve used the product before, or regularly colour your hair, this step is a must as you can develop a sensitivity to the ingredients at any time. 2 Don’t wash your hair beforehand – natural oils on your scalp help to protect your skin during the colouring process. Place an old towel that you don’t mind staining around your shoulders. Apply a small amount of Vaseline around the hairline, on the forehead and temple area, to stop the dye staining your skin. Avoid getting it on the hair as it forms a barrier to colour. 3 Make sure your hair is tangle free so it’s easy to section.…

• DITCH YOUR TECH Using blue-light devices, such as a phone or laptop, before bed can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Switch them off at least 30 minutes before you intend to slumber and try unwinding by reading or writing instead. • JUMP IN THE TUB As you doze, your body temperature decreases, meaning if you’re too warm, you might have a hard time falling and staying asleep. To help with this, keep your room fresh, and try bathing just before bed – initially, you’ll be warm, but as your body rapidly cools down, this will send a signal to your brain that it’s time to go to sleep. • TURN ON THE TUNES When it comes to getting your forty winks, you need to have…

1 FOLLOW YOUR NORMAL ROUTINE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE: “Get dressed every day, put on make-up if you want to, set your hours for work – anything that makes things feel a bit more normal. Getting some fresh air daily is really important, too.” 2 MAKE YOUR SPACE CALM: “You’re living in your space 24 hours a day now, so keep a clean space for a clean mind. I love a zen atmosphere around me. If that’s hard for you because you’re living with a big family, just focus on your bedroom – have candles and incense.” 3 KEEP PLANTS: “Plants bring a sense of being outside into the house and they make me feel calmer. You can order them from Amazon.” 4 JOURNAL THIS EXPERIENCE: “When you can express…

Watching the news about the coronavirus – and the daily government briefings in particular – can feel overwhelming. But it’s important we understand the facts behind the headlines and why decisions are being made, so we can hopefully cope better with the situation. Here, I’ll explain some of the key things you keep hearing about… HERD IMMUNITY IS TOO RISKY – WE NEED A JAB If enough people are immune to an illness, either thanks to a vaccine or because they had it and recovered, you can stop outbreaks happening because it doesn’t get passed on to vulnerable groups. For some illnesses, you’d need 60 per cent of people to be immune, for others – like measles – it’s 90 per cent, because they’re so contagious. That’s why the government…

Exes are exes for a reason, right? So why, then, during lockdown, is everyone reaching out to their former flames, past loves and the guy they went for two drinks with last year and never saw again? But then again, at the moment, nothing seems to make sense. In the last three weeks, I’ve heard from several exes. Each has a very different significance to me, but weirdly, all the messages were welcomed. My self-deprecation and self-esteem battles have always made me push exes away when they get back in touch. I convince myself they’re simply bored, lonely, or want attention. And I can’t tell you why my old flames have reached out right now. Perhaps during a global pandemic, they don’t want to have bad blood with anyone, least…

The coronavirus outbreak has put the brakes on all travel for now, but you can still enjoy the thrill of a holiday or day trip from the comfort of your own sofa. If you’re bored of scrolling on social media, have exhausted Netflix, or simply need a break from the kids, this is the perfect chance to escape, kick back and relax... And just at the tap of your fingertips. Here’s our line-up of some of the best free virtual tours from around the world – happy virtual globe-trotting! CATCH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN CANADA Tick off a bucket-list wish with a glimpse of the northern lights. You can now tune in to live cameras at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, located directly underneath the intensity of the auroral oval,…

1 CELEBRITY SAS: WHO DARES WINS STARS GET PHYSICAL MON 20 APR, 9PM, C4 Twelve new famous faces line up to put themselves through their toughest physical challenge ever, overseen by tough-as-boots Chief Instructor and ex-commando Ant Middleton. Among the stars relocating to the remote (and flipping freezing) Scottish island of Raasay to live on a derelict farm are Katie Price, Joey Essex, dancer Brendan Cole, presenter Anthea Turner and actress Nikki Sanderson. Hup, two, three, four… 2 LIFE AND BIRTH BABY JOY TUE 21 APR, 8PM, BBC1 Narrated by Suranne Jones, this six-part series offers an amazing insight into the miracle of birth through the eyes of parents and staff at three of Birmingham’s busiest maternity hospitals. Prepare to blub… 3 LINCOLN RHYME: HUNT FOR THE BONE COLLECTOR GRIPPING…

Pixie reveals her typically rebellious Geldof side when she breaks the two-metre rule and goes straight in for a hug with a complete stranger. While Ayda loves doing the ‘cat’ pose during her morning yoga, Robbie prefers the Tiger King position, complete with tiger... love the pants! Sam busts the boredom with a fitness class. Careful how far you go with that stretch – now is not the time to end up in A&E! No picnics in the sunshine with your friends, says the government. Oh yeah? Just try telling that to EastEnders’ Lacey’s gorgeous little duo. Too cute! With America in lockdown too, Mario lives out his wildest fantasy on LA’s deserted streets by doing a topless pole dance routine on a lamppost. So classy. KADY MCDERMOTT Kady, right…

Her arch rival was applauded for donating £10k towards scrubs for NHS medics battling the coronavirus pandemic last week, with both her generosity and modesty being praised after her pledge was initially anonymous. But while Rebekah Vardy, 38, was being celebrated for enabling health workers in Leicester to buy 2,000 sets of scrubs, her former pal and “WAGatha Christie” nemesis, Coleen Rooney, 34, was facing negative headlines after footballer husband Wayne’s lapsed judgment landed him in hot water again. Wayne, 34, was reportedly “swooped on by police” for breaking strict social distancing rules while walking with neighbour and fellow footballer Kyle Walker, although Wayne claimed he bumped into Kyle while out with his kids. The incident occurred just hours after the 29-year-old Man City player made a public apology for…

❛THEY’VE BEEN LAUGHING AND JOKING, IMAGINING BEAR PLAYING WITH HIS YOUNGER SIBLING IN THE FUTURE❜ She has regularly praised him for being a “great dad” to their three-year-old son Bear, despite Liam Payne admitting that he initially found it “difficult” becoming a father at the age of 24, before rising to the challenge. And as Cheryl, 36, and Bear continue to self-isolate together, sources tell Closer that Liam, 26 – who has been checking in with his family on FaceTime and over the phone daily – has revealed that he wants to become a father again, and Cheryl is thrilled for him. A source says, “Liam continues to impress Cheryl with his parenting skills and support, even during this pandemic. He’s been so creative when chatting to Bear and keeping…

• Europcar is offering to hire vehicles to key workers, to allow them to avoid public transport. The offer is for £5 a day with a free mileage of 200 miles.Visit Europcar.co.uk. • If you order takeaway food, tip your delivery driver, and leave out treats for your postmen and binmen – make sure food comes pre-wrapped. • While families and children are stuck inside, share your thanks by drawing rainbow pictures and sticking them where key workers can see them. • Remember to show gratitude to the employees who are trying to make life easier for everyone.…

Elisa Allen, director of world-renowned animal welfare charity PETA, tells Closer she’s grateful that the series portrayed what goes on in the industry, and that celebrities can play their part in changing the industry. She says, “Anyone who’s watched Tiger King has seen how wild animals suffer when they’re taken from their mothers as babies and exploited as props. The series does a good job of accurately portraying animal exhibitors as people who would do anything to keep the money coming in. “We were delighted to have Chantelle’s support on our 2011 campaign. Celebrities are incredibly influential, so when they use wild animals in music videos, or pose with exhibitors or the animals themselves, it sends the wrong message – that it’s OK. Since the docu-series went live, PETA and…

‘I hope people see my vulnerable side’ She’s a mum of five who’s endured three failed marriages, post-traumatic stress disorder and a spell in rehab – but Jordan admits that Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is one of the hardest things she’s ever gone through. The former glamour model, 41, took part in the latest series of the show – filmed last October – which sees 12 famous faces embark on the toughest test of their lives to pass the SAS selection process. A DIFFICULT TIME But Jordan – real name Katie Price – dropped out after just two days (the show is filmed over several weeks and edited into five episodes), and tells Closer, “It was so hard. I like to think, mentally, I’m strong – look at my…

‘I need time to myself every day’ Our lives have been turned upside down in recent weeks, and TV presenter Andrea McLean says that while she’s grateful to be at home with husband Nick, 47, and her son Fin, 20, and daughter Amy, 13, it’s taken time to adjust. Andrea, 50, says, “It’s a weird old time. In our house, we’ve just been trying to be positive and practical. We try not to watch the news too much – we’ll watch the government update on the TV at 5pm every day, but other than that we’re trying to stay busy and boost each other up when the morale is low. “My wine consumption has definitely gone up – it’s just nice to make an event of the evening at the…

‘I believe in fate & timing more than anything’ She has enjoyed a privileged life, travelling the world with her career as a model, before becoming a much-loved TV presenter, and even dating the likes of Hollywood superstar George Clooney. Now, Lisa Snowdon, 48 – who has recently recovered after showing symptoms of COVID-19 – is happier than ever as she plans to tie the knot with her fiancé of more than two years, businessman George Smart, 40. RECONNECTED The pair first found romance almost 20 years ago after briefly working together, but soon parted ways. Lisa went on to have her fair share of rocky relationships, including a five-year romance with A-lister George after starring in a Martini advert together. However, she rekindled her romance with her now-fiancé in…

‘I need to be fit physically & mentally’ he was a fan favourite on Made In Chelsea for six years, with the public championing her as she battled through roller coaster relationships with co-stars Josh ‘JP’ Patterson and Alex Mytton, as well as adoring her sweet friendship with BFF Ollie Locke. Then Binky Felstead quit the reality show in 2017, after discovering she was pregnant with daughter India, whose dad is JP. Now, she’s back for the brand-new series, which was filmed before the country went into lockdown and returned to E4 last month. However, after three years away, the mum of one admits it feels different this time around. She says, “I haven’t watched it since I left and don’t really know the newer, younger cast. This time, the…

ART ATTACK If comfortable, oversized T-shirts are your thing, try out this funky yet simple style. The neon leopard print will brighten up any gloomy mornings. NIGHTY NIGHT Swap your old nightgown for this etty number. The simple shape is loose and easy to wear, while the y-blue print get you ready spring. LOVELY LACE A little slinky satin will make watching Netflix and eating snacks feel like a luxe hotel break! The clashing colours on this set make a statement. ANIMAL MAGIC Fashionistas will love this designer-inspired pair. The eye-catching design and elegant fabric gives serious indoor style points. COMFY CASUAL The ribbed fabric on the top gives structure, and we love the detailing on the sleeves. Little touches, like the writing on the pocket, make all the difference.…

• KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS. When it comes to highlights or balayage, I’d leave this to the professionals, as it can be really difficult to achieve a blended finish. • MESSY STYLES such as a top knot or loose bun will help hide outgrown roots. You can also tackle any areas where they’re most obvious with a temporary concealing product. • HAIR ACCESSORIES are great distractions! Try some head scarfs, a statement Alice band, or some hair clips. • AVOID DRASTIC CHANGE – now’s not the time, unless you’re a seasoned at-home dyer! Stick to topping up your roots or adding some extra dimension to your natural colour. • GO ONE SHADE LIGHTER if you’re unsure of the colour. It’s easier to correct a too-light colour than a dark one. •…

GREEN FINGERED This playful set has everything budding young gardeners need to help get the flower beds or window boxes in order. SLIMY SCIENCE From glow- in-the-dark putty to tubs of goo that make funny noises, this kit will keep both hands and imaginations busy! ROLL UP, ROLL UP! Whether they want to play or snuggle up somewhere with a book, this circus-inspired tent is the ideal hideaway. CRAFTY KIT Let your kids’ creativity shine with this fun-filled set, packed with pens, stickers, stencils, stamps, and paints. RAINBOW BRIGHTS These jumbo neon chalks are designed for creating masterpieces outdoors – plus they’re easy to wash away. CREATIVE SPACE Build the ultimate den with this cool kit, which includes clips and clamps to secure old sheets to just about any surface.…

With our usual daily routines thrown out of the window, it’s unsurprising that our mealtimes have been disrupted, too. “With children not at school, parents working from home, and fewer trips to the supermarket, normal eating habits may have altered – and often not for the better,” explains nutritionist Juliette Kellow. “But eating well is still possible and isolation is a great time to create some new, healthier habits.” Here are some pointers… PROVIDE PERSONALISED SNACK BOXES Being at home means constant access to the fridge and store cupboards, making it easy to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Solve it! Create personalised snack boxes for everyone. Fill them each morning with snacks for the day and let everyone know that when their box is empty, it won’t…

MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT IS... meeting Usain Bolt in Australia during a three-week athletics championship, years ago. We became friends and partied together. I’d watched Usain on TV, so to be at the same competition as him was a dream come true. I WISH... I had enough charisma to act – it’s one thing I suck at. MY BIGGEST REGRET IS... getting a maths question wrong on a TV show called Challenge on MTV. I lost out on half a million dollars. I also regret not committing myself to athletics at 16. I waited till I was 19 and I wonder whether the outcome would have been different. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE HAD... was from my old mentor. He said “hard times won’t last forever”. I trusted him and…

Over the past few weeks, millions of us have been forced out of our regular routines and into a strange new life at home. Alongside worries over our health and finances, we’re cooped up with our loved ones 24/7, often juggling family commitments, such as home-schooling, with work. “We’re living in incredibly challenging times,” says Dr Rangan Chatterjee, who is a bestselling author and the resident doctor on BBC Breakfast. “There’s no man, woman or child who is unaffected, and our mental health is one of the main things to get hit. There’s the anxiety over whether we’ll get sick, then there’s the additional worry that a lot of the things we usually do to manage our stress levels – like eating out or meeting up with friends – aren’t…

Tell us about the show... It’s all happened so fast. We’ve made ten pre-recorded shows. It will be a bit like the Christmas series, but with more stumbling and getting things wrong. It will feel more like we’re all in this together – because frankly, we are! Do you think this is a perfect time to learn a new skill? It’s a great time, because basically we’re trying to entertain ourselves and stop from going stark staring mad! Crafting is a very good way to calm and distract yourself. The idea of quietly creating something in your own home is very reassuring, and I believe everyone has a crafting skill within them – you just have to find out what it is. How are you coping with lockdown? I’m a…

In the five years they’ve been married, Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan have faced speculation that their romance has been hanging by a thread, as they spent extended periods apart while working abroad and admitted to relying on FaceTime to see each other. When former TOWIE star Mark, 32, accepted a presenting role on Extra in Hollywood just a year after they tied the knot, actress Michelle, also 32, was already filming BBC drama Our Girl, which required her to be abroad on location for nine months of the year. She once complained that their long-distance marriage was “really difficult”, after spending six weeks apart. However, their situation has entirely changed, as both of them are now back in the UK and are hunkering down in their Essex home together.…

She was overjoyed when she moved into a new home with her boyfriend of two years, Ryan Mahoney, and her five children, before the loved-up couple jetted off for a romantic break to the Maldives last month. But as soon as Kerry Katona landed back in the UK, the country went into lockdown. While ex-Atomic Kitten star Kerry, 39, confessed she cried during her Maldives getaway as she missed her kids – Molly, 18, Lily-Sue, 16, Heidi, 12, Max, 11, and DJ, who turned six last week – she admits she is now trying to regain the passion in her romance with Ryan as they isolate with her brood. She recently took to her Instagram Stories to announce that she’d bought DJ a TV for her bedroom so that she…

‘ ISOLATION IS BEING USED BY MANY PERPETRATORS AS A TOOL OF CONTROL’ When Abi Blake married Sebastian Swamy in November 2014, she thought she had found The One. But just weeks into their marriage, he started to display violent, coercive behaviour. Three years later, he launched a shockingly savage attack that left Abi physically and mentally scarred. Mum-of-two Abi, 42, tells Closer , “Although I escaped Sebastian, I’ll never recover from his abuse. If my children and I had been forced into lockdown with him, I’m not sure we’d have survived it.” Sadly, 1.6 million women in the UK experienced domestic abuse last year. Now, as the country enters its fourth week of lockdown during the COVID-19 crisis, charities warn of a surge in cases while families are trapped.…

Maxine Wiley, 49, is a senior care worker with Radfield Care Home, Havering. She lives in Essex with her mum, Wendy, 70. Maxine says, “I love my job, but the current situation has made things so busy. Around a quarter of our staff are self-isolating, but we still have the same number of clients to see. My day starts at 5.45am, and I care for up to nine older clients a day. “Thankfully, we have the right protective equipment, including goggles, masks and gloves – but it frightens our clients. They panic when they see us all covered up. “Some of my clients sit alone, worrying all day, and because of the stricter lockdown restrictions on older people, I’m the only person they see. So, I do my best to…

RELAXED SIMON IS‘GRATEFUL’ FOR FAMILY TIME He’s a self-confessed workaholic who overhauled his lifestyle after collapsing in 2017, shedding 20lbs and vowing to “slow down” for the sake of his family. And insiders say Simon Cowell, 60, feels more relaxed than ever amid the lockdown, which has brought him closer to his partner, Lauren Silverman, 42, who he shares six-year-old son Eric with. He was snapped walking his dogs in Malibu last week alongside Eric, Lauren, and her son, Adam, 14, from a previous relationship, as friends say he is enjoying the quieter pace of life. A source says, “Like the rest of us, he is worried about the situation and is anxious about friends and family. But there is another side to all this which he’s embraced – it’s…

She’s usually seen looking immaculate on our TV screens, so viewers may be surprised to see glamorous Anthea Turner taking part in gruelling trials on Celebrity SAS. Anthea agreed to take part to tick off a bucket-list goal ahead of her 60th birthday later this year. She says that, despite the grim experiences, taking on new challenges keeps her young. She says, “Honestly, it’s not about lotions, potions and creams to keep you looking young, it’s actually about doing things that challenge you. Get out there and frighten yourself a bit, because you will feel euphoric. It was a great experience – the lessons I learned I’ll carry with me forever.” She’s rarely been out of the spotlight since becoming a TV presenter in the ’90s, first on kids’ TV…

EXERCISE – In life, exercise has always been about keeping both my head and my mind in check, and the side effect was that I felt good about myself. Whenever I’ve had a mental dip, it’s because I haven’t been exercising. So it’s important to keep active in these times. YouTube is full of some amazing free classes, and Joe Wicks is brilliant! KEEP YOUR MIND BUSY – Do something you’ve been wanting to do but never had the time to. Or something you’ve never done at all. Spring-clean your house, start painting by numbers, read a new book, or chat to an old friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Tidy your mind – think about your life, your goals, and what’s most important to…

BEING SCARED “I always feel very overwhelmed by time passing so quickly, feeling out of control, fear of getting older and of losing the people I love – that’s what terrifies me most.” FEELING NERVOUS ‘I still get very self-conscious and nervous before I do any hosting job. Always. The nerves are crippling. But I know that if something scares me, I need to do it. It’s rewarding when you complete a personal challenge, but if I really don’t want to do something, I won’t. I like that I’ve got to an age where I feel like I’m being kinder to myself.” GETTING ANGRY “I don’t feel as angry or anxious if I get myself to an exercise class or go for a run. I also try to monitor how…

BEING A WORKING MUM: Having to leave India sometimes due to work means I can’t always be around and it breaks my heart. But I’m doing it for her future and I have to remind myself of that. When I do get back home, the welcome smile and cuddle is amazing. CO-PARENTING: I’m very lucky because Josh and I have such a good relationship. We are co-parenting really well – he comes over whenever he wants, and we spend weekends together. I want her to feel we can hang out or go on holiday together. DATING WITH A CHILD: When I met Max at a bar, he came up to me and the first thing I said was, “I’m a mum!” I was so nervous about him not knowing I…

MULTITASKING BASE CC cream might usually be for off-duty days, but it ticks off three key stages of your routine in one go and is lighter than most foundations. A cover-up like this keeps skin hydrated and soft, corrects redness, and leaves your complexion smooth and clear. Dot at the centre of your face and blend outwards for a natural finish. GLOSSY CHEEKS If you normally love a swipe of shimmery blusher across your cheekbones but are short of time, opt for a cream colour. A soft tint like this one will blend onto skin beautifully, complete with a healthy, dewy sheen that acts as a gentle hint of highlight at the same time. It’ll save you having to apply your usual powder first, and will leave you with a…

LET THERE BE LIGHT Setting the mood of a room is super easy with the right lighting. Low-hanging bulbs or lamps make your space feel more restful, and opting for a yellow-hued bulb rather than a bright white one will create a more intimate vibe. Avoid overhead lights and switch on a table lamp in the evening for a snug atmosphere. GO GREEN Indoor greenery brings nature into your home, creating a calming environment and adding colour. Small succulents brighten up windowsills and bedside tables, or fill empty spaces with larger plants. Faux foliage looks great and requires zero upkeep, while fresh lavender or aloe vera releases a scent that helps provide natural sleep aid. Move plants from other rooms into your boudoir for the weekend – you’ll be amazed…

‘I’ve grown up so much. I’m strong and resilient’ When Closer speaks to Malin Andersson, she has just finished her first shift back as a care worker amid the coronavirus pandemic. And despite her past experience of so much personal grief and pain – including the tragic loss of her baby daughter – the Love Island star says turning her attention to looking after others has helped her in her darkest times. “I’ve just been caring for a very elderly lady. Seeing people so ill puts things into perspective,” Malin says. “It’s been a saving grace for me and it’s such a rewarding job.” TRAGEDY Malin says the past few years have taken their toll on her, after a number of tragic events left her, heartbreakingly, wanting to end her…

INSIDE NICKI’S FRDIGE • Eggs • Tahini • Almond butter • Semi-skimmed milk • Horseradish sauce • Low-fat cheddar • Grated cheddar • Turkey breast fillets • Camembert cheese • Mustard • Ketchup • Avocado • Fishcakes • Goose fat • Dates • Tomatoes • Chillies • Salad • Vinaigrette • Coconut water • Oat milk • Almond milk • Orange squash • Prosecco VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “Nicki has a pretty good diet, but she might want to eat her fruit whole occassionally, rather than blending it in a juicer. The action of chewing sends messages to the brain that help to trigger sensations of fullness – if we constantly get our fruit in juice form, we may miss out on its ability to help fill us up,…

FAMILY MATTERS SUPPORT ELDERLY RELATIVES FROM AFAR It can be worrying if you’re apart from parents or older relatives, but Emma has various strategies to keep connected to them Like many of you, I am struggling with being apart from my mum. She can’t get to the shops, and with no online shopping slots, I call daily to check on supplies to leave on her doorstep. If you are not local enough to drop off food parcels, look for nearby Facebook support groups, or call Age UK for advice. Check if their GP can deliver medication. If you’re worried about their physical health, ask the GP to phone them, as most surgeries have virtual appointments. Advise your loved one to stand for at least ten minutes every hour, which encourages…

hether you run a hairdressing salon or a cafe, photograph weddings or work as a painter-decorator, chances are the lockdown has had a major impact. Here, entrepreneur Michelle Mone, 48 – who has racked up 24 years of business experience since launching Ultimo underwear range, before leading a government review into entrepreneurship and small businesses – explains why this quiet period doesn’t have to spell disaster for your small business, and how best you can navigate the next few months to come out fighting. ASK FOR HELP “Make use of the government help on offer. If you don’t understand it, speak to an accountant, business adviser or peers who can help explain things”, says Michelle. “If your business urgently needs money to stay afloat, investigate the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan…

What is Dev’s reaction to finding naked pictures of Asha online? He goes into anger mode. He’s disgusted and ashamed and even brings the memory of her mum into it. How fast does Asha’s life start to fall apart? She starts getting trolled, and she can’t escape it. People are laughing at school and every day it escalates, with something else for her to deal with. What will this do to her? The skin-lightening obsession broke her down as a person and made her hate herself. She’s trying to be strong, but this is another level and it’s wearing her down……

Did you get much feedback from the first series? We still get hundreds of tweets a day. I try to say thank you. Some people say, ‘I lost my husband three weeks before I watched it and it really helped me’. So some of it is amazing. People come up to me. They never used to do that, they used to come up and go, ‘love the songs’. Now they say, ‘I just want to tell you I lost my wife’. People don’t usually say that sort of thing to strangers. How’s series two different? With season one, the poster said, ‘Hell is other people’. And for this one I want to say ‘hope is everything’. That’s the key thing about it. But you do think you can only disappoint…

MUST READ The Murder Game (RACHEL ABBOTT)  A year ago, guests gathered for Lucas’ wedding at his Cornish home overlooking the sea. But no one was married that day – a tragedy occurred just hours before the ceremony was due to begin. A year on, Lucas invites the guests back and tells them he has planned a game. Everyone has their part to play, but what will happen when the terrible game is over...? A brilliant read, full of suspense. TUNE IN Walking The Dog With Emily Dean Podcast Our pets are providing much needed support and company at the moment, so to add an extra little dose of happiness, we are loving the Walking The Dog podcast here at Closer HQ. Hosted by Emily Dean, she takes a whole…

THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR If your working life has felt stressful lately, breathe! Work is important and necessary, but a good personal life and strong family relationships will ultimately make you happy – so focus on what matters this week. PS Want to get cosmic? Join the (free!) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages.com/ moonlite TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY You’re at the end of a cycle where you might have felt cut off from the world (perhaps literally, given what has been going on). Hopefully, you’ll have only one more week of this to get through... Work through your fears, and you’ll get the most from it. PS Want to get cosmic? Join the (free!) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages.com/moonlite GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN The stars…