Inhoudsopgave van Issue 921 - Closer

We couldn’t help but be moved after Kate Garraway admitted she faced a “tough day” last week when she spent her 15th wedding anniversary away from husband Derek amid his battle with coronavirus. Derek, 53, was put into an induced coma after being rushed to hospital in March and remains in a minimally conscious state, with doctors unsure as to whether he will ever fully recover. This week, we spoke to Kate’s close friend, weather presenter Clare Nasir (p24), who reveals how, six months on, Kate’s ability to smile and keep a positive front for her young family serves as a balm in this toughest of times. She’s full of praise for the GMB star, whom she describes as the “strongest person I know”. Resilience and positive thinking help you…

Having risen to fame on the show at the same time as Mark Wright and Lauren Goodger, TOWIE veteran Harry Derbidge knew the couple well back in the day, and says that scenes with them were always a roller coaster. Harry, 26, says, “Lauren and Mark were iconic – they were the ‘it’ couple of TOWIE in the early days. And whenever you had a scene with them, you knew something was about to go down. Filming with them was always so mad!” And Harry adds that he believes Lauren’s throwback post was harmless, but that he hopes she finds love like Mark has. He adds, “I think Lauren’s post was just a throwback to ten years ago. It wasn’t anything disrespectful and I know she’s moved on; she’s had…

● Volunteer to assist refugees settling into new communities. To find out how you can join your local team, email contact@helprefugees.org. ● Often, single refugees aren’t prioritised for council housing, so many may face homelessness. If you have a spare bedroom, consider sharing your home with a refugee. Visit refugeesathome.org for more information. ● Donate items such as PPE, tinned food and warm clothes to the Calais refugee camp. To find your local drop-off point, visit helprefugees.org/ donate-goods. ● Before gaining refugee status, asylum seekers can’t legally work in the UK. To sign a petition calling for an end to this ban, visit refugee-action. org.uk/lift-the-ban.…

❛IT BROUGHT UP RAW EMOTIONS AND MEMORIES OF HIS THOUGHTLESS ACTIONS❜ Despite their high-profile divorce in 2005, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt have grown close again recently, even leading to rumours the pair were reuniting romantically after they were snapped hugging at the SAG Awards in January, with the actor also attending her 50th birthday last year. Speculation intensified following reports the pair had been spending most of their time together during lockdown, with sources revealing Brad was also helping Jen realise her dream of becoming a mum by supporting his former wife’s plans to adopt. However, their growing bond was put in jeopardy in the summer as Brad reunited with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, with the pair coming together to spend more time with their six children – something…

Showing off her envious abs in an underwear selfie last week, Saira Khan told her Instagram followers that being fit and healthy enabled her to “live her life with quality”. The 50-year-old Loose Woman, who is a regular gym-goer, said, “A strong core, that allows me to live my life with quality and able to the things I want to do, is why I work at it. “A strong core also gives me confidence and comfort in my clothes.” Saira – mum to son Zach, 12, and daughter Amara, nine – enlisted celebrity personal trainer Bradley Simmonds last year to help her tone up ahead of a bikini competition she took part in, but she’s never revealed how much weight she’s lost. She continued her training during lockdown, posting regular…

She’s become one of the nation’s favourite presenters as the bubbly star of breakfast TV, and won over a whole new set of fans last year as a loveable campmate in the I’m A Celeb! jungle. But 2020 has been devastating for Kate Garraway and her young family, as her husband Derek has fought for his life during a tortuous six-month battle with coronavirus. Derek, 53, was rushed into hospital with COVID-19 in March and, after struggling badly, was put into intensive care days later where he remains in a critical condition – with doctors still uncertain as to whether he’ll ever fully recover. Agonisingly, Kate, also 53, revealed last week how she’d only seen her husband – reportedly one of only five people in the world to have been…

In my experience, when people discover you’re a reality TV star, they often think you’re dumb. But for nine years, I’ve been working with a team of physicists to build a nuclear rocket, called a nuclear fusion reactor. I left school very young and I wasn’t that interested in physics until I was about 20. People were very sceptical of my credentials because I’d been on Made in Chelsea, but my background only made me work twice as hard. I’m also surrounded by very professional physicists, who have taught me a lot. I started hiring physicists and I managed to raise the money to fund the project, which involves creating a very fast engine to try to increase distances that people can travel in space. The rockets we’ve made so…

● Use the Silent Solution – if you are in danger, dial 999, and if you are unable to speak, dial 55. Police call handlers will then try a number of ways to find out what’s happening and where you are, even if you can’t speak to them. If you can, give your location. ● If you are worried about a friend or neighbour, create a safe space where they can speak to you privately, explain your concerns and reassure them it isn’t their fault, before encouraging them to contact a support organisation. ● If you see or hear an assault, or are worried that a friend or neighbour might be in an emergency situation, call 999.…

While Charlotte and Matt have yet to decide on their son’s name (she says they “quite like” the name Jude), the couple have agreed he’ll take his mum’s surname. And it looks like Matt will be following in his boy’s footsteps by doing the same. Charlotte reveals, “Matt said he might get the Dawson name when we get married, as I’ll be keeping it. He really does love my dad.” Charlotte and Matt are closer than ever – something the star admits she has lockdown to thank for after a rocky few years. The pair, who first met in 2016, reportedly split after having couples’ therapy on Celebs Go Dating earlier this year. She says, “I think lockdown saved us. We were always working and missing each other, but it…

SIMPLE SUPPER ONE-PAN ROAST TROUT WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES SERVES 2 • 16 asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed • 10 cherry tomatoes • 2 British trout fillets • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 150g basmati rice • 4 tbsp light mayonnaise • Squeeze of lemon juice, to taste • Chilli flakes and fresh basil leaves, to garnish (optional) STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/ gas mark 6. STEP 2 Put the asparagus and cherry tomatoes in a small roasting tin, and lay the fish on top. Drizzle over the oil and balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 10-15 mins until the trout is cooked and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. STEP 3 While the…

Pesearch has claimed that 75 per cent of kids have said they want to grow up to be a social-media influencer. This makes sense, as there is big money to be made for a lucky few, but it also means that an unrealistic amount of young people are setting their sights on a career that needs a plan B. WHY GRADES MATTER Every parent should be their child’s greatest cheerleader, but even the most famous online stars may eventually wish to pursue another career, which is why working hard and attaining decent qualifications should still take centre stage in your kids’ plans. My youngest son wants to be a stunt man, so when I am telling him to revise , he is busy throwing himself from trees and watching action…

Suzanne Flannery, 31, has been in and out of the red for years. Here, she discusses how she got into overdraft debt and how she’s finally managed to clear half of it. “My bank gave me an overdraft when I was at uni, but at the time, I never used it. After graduating and working for a couple of years, I was made redundant, so I moved to London from Leeds to find work. “While I was job searching, I used my overdraft for everyday costs, like taking the Tube to an interview, and since I got into my overdraft around six years ago, I’ve never been able to get out of it, despite always working. “And even though I’ve now managed to pay off half the debt as I’ve…

DO-IT-ALL JUMPSUIT Find your perfect jumpsuit and it’ll fast become your go-to for any occasion. Wider leg shapes are universally flattering, and neutral shades are totally timeless. Now the weather is starting to cool, rock this one over a fine-knit grey roll-neck for a busy day at work, then layer under a chunky patterned cardie for a low-key day at home. STATEMENT DRESS Flattering and tummy-skimming, longer-length frocks are a trend everybody can get on board with – and they can be styled in a multitude of ways. Team this polka-dot piece with ankle boots and a classic trench for a meeting with your boss. For a low-key look, throw on a pair of box-fresh trainers and a denim jacket. LOVE-FOREVER BLAZER A fashion favourite from year to year, heritage…

How excited are you to be back on air? To be honest, getting out of the house and going to work is a new joy! Normally, you think it’d be lovely to stay at home all the time – but we’re all so desperate to get out now that I’m even appreciating getting on the train. I was really proud of the lockdown series and I can’t believe we managed to get on air and do that, but it’s really nice to get to the studio and make this the show that I wanted it to be. And, unlike last time, you don’t have to tidy up your lounge? Honestly, if you’d scratched the surface you would have seen things rammed under the sofa. I was constantly looking for blind…

When Jordan left rehab earlier this year, she hoped it would mark a new chapter after a troubled couple of years in the wake of her marriage split from third husband Kieran Hayler, which saw her turning to cocaine and alcohol to cope. But last week, the mum of five revealed she was back in The Priory facility after hitting rock bottom following her horror accident in July, which saw her break both feet after jumping off a 25ft wall while on holiday in Turkey. The wheelchair-bound star admitted her mental health had been “badly affected” and she was concerned about the impact it would have on her three-month relationship with ex-Love Island star Carl Woods – with whom she put on an amorous display last week while making their…

Die-hard Kardashian fans were devastated last week when the family announced the end of their iconic reality show, which has charted their drama-filled lives for the past 14 years. Kim was first to break the news that the 20th season of KUWTK – which turned the mum-of-four and her sisters, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall and Kylie, plus their momager Kris Jenner and her ex Caitlyn into global superstars – will be their last. She told her 52 million Instagram followers, “This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever.” The bombshell announcement came amid reports that Kim, 39, had initiated the decision as part of a new marriage pact she made…

Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker recently took in a refugee to live with him. Journalist Helen Pidd, 39, from Stockport, has also shared her home with refugees. She tells Closer, “In 2015, I had become haunted by the picture of Alan Kurdi. I wanted to help and was introduced to Yasser, a Syrian refugee, through a mutual friend, who was also from Syria. He had hidden in a truck to cross the English Channel. “He had nowhere to go, and I had a spare room, so I decided I wanted to help. The night before he moved in, my dad called and warned me to put locks on my bedroom and bathroom doors. “Still, Yasser moved in and, slowly, we bonded over trashy reality TV during his six-month…

They’ve been embroiled in a bitter divorce battle for four years – twice the length of their two-year marriage – making it one of the longest-standing divorces in Hollywood history. And although it looked like the pair had finally reached a civil relationship in July – when Brad Pitt was twice pictured at Angelina Jolie’s LA home – the court case has since been pushed back even further, after Angelina filed paperwork to replace the private judge who is mediating the terms of their separation last month. The main disagreement is said to be over child custody and splitting their combined £470m fortune. Brad’s team hit back at his ex’s request to stall the proceeds, saying that she had “made his life hell for years by blocking so many of…

❛I WAS HAPPY TO HAND THE BABIES OVER SO THEIR PARENTS COULD DEAL WITH THE HARD BIT❜ Ashleigh Wayte loves everything about being pregnant – from the growing bump to feeling the baby kicking inside her. But she freely admits, after having two babies – Lily, now seven, and Oscar, five – that she doesn’t like the “baby stage” and never wants to have another child of her own. Instead, to satisfy her craving to be pregnant again, she has become one of Britain’s youngest surrogate mothers to triplets – falling pregnant with them aged 24 and giving birth when she’d just turned 25. And, incredibly, she can’t wait to do it all again! ENERGY Single mum Ashleigh, who lives in Bury and works as a healthcare assistant, admits, “As…

‘I work anti-relationship hours… I can’t give someone my best’ He found fame on Love Island in 2018 so, naturally, Wes Nelson’s romantic life has gripped fans ever since. After leaving the villa as runner-up alongside his then-girlfriend, glamour model Megan Barton-Hanson – controversially dumping Laura Anderson midway through the series – the former engineer has gathered a huge following, thanks to his stints on other reality shows and his celebrity relationships. But Wes, 22 – who is currently single – tells Closer that dating in the public eye has come at a price. He says, “It’s been very difficult – people having an opinion on everything you do… For example, I go to a club appearance. And if one picture gets out on the wrong angle, it may look…

EastEnders bosses shocked fans last week, when it was revealed that Chantelle Atkins (played by Jessica Plummer) will be murdered by her abusive husband, Gray, when she attempts to leave him. News of the disturbing soap plotline came days after Love Island star Malin Andersson, 27, spoke of her relief after her abusive ex-boyfriend Tom Kemp was jailed for ten months after admitting assaulting her – leaving her with broken bones and bruising. Uploading a picture of her bruised neck to Instagram, she captioned it, “Justice has been served”. EastEnders’ Chantelle’s ordeal has been played out on screen, as viewers have seen her being beaten up by her husband, who also attempts to control her work and social life. The soap’s producers are working with Women’s Aid and Refuge on…

Lisa King, director of communications and external affairs at Refuge, says, “Chantelle’s tragic murder [storyline] reflects the true nature of domestic abuse, which takes and ruins lives. Domestic abuse remains the biggest issue affecting women and children today, and Refuge has worked closely with EastEnders over many months to ensure this important storyline has remained as realistic as possible. “Sadly, many perpetrators have used lockdown restrictions as a tool to further their abuse, and Chantelle’s experience will resonate with many abused women. “Leaving an abusive partner can be very dangerous. We would urge anyone who is affected by this storyline, or any woman who is thinking about leaving her partner, to contact Refuge’s freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Or visit Nationaldahelpline.org.uk to fill in a…

‘I still need to have chocolate every day!’ She found fame and fortune in her twenties amid the party-loving TOWIE set – but after becoming a mum and reinventing herself as a fitness guru, Ferne McCann insists she’s finally found true happiness at 30. Ferne, who hit the milestone last month, has undergone an incredible transformation since the birth of her daughter Sunday in 2017. She puts her amazing figure and inner confidence down to clean eating, regular workouts and, after a tough few years, finally learning to love herself. “I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life,” she beams. “My old lifestyle left me bloated, lethargic and demotivated. Now I feel strong, super lean and have a real sense of strength. Back then I didn’t have anywhere…

KIMBERLY How much do you spend per week? Around £40. My mum and I order a lot of meat from online food delivery service Muscle Food. I have simple tastes and don’t need fancy food. I eat for convenience and don’t really plan meals. Describe your daily diet… I start the day with a three-egg omelette. When I’m filming Corrie, I go to the staff canteen for lunch and the food is delicious. The other day I had grilled chicken, potato salad and crispy veg; I also love their beef chilli. In the evenings, I’ll have a piece of chicken – I’ll bake it rather than fry it, as I like to watch what I eat. I’ll have it with broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn on the side. I prefer dry…

Stress creeps into relationships gradually, and by the time you realise something is wrong, you may have built up some pretty big resentments. It is really important to repair the cracks before they cause irreparable damage. It can be hugely helpful to have some outside intervention, particularly if you are at a point where any discussions you have about your relationship dissolve into arguments and blame. Trauma can lead to us make rash decisions that we eventually regret. It makes us feel out of control, so we seek to have power over the things we can influence, and in relationships, this can lead to catastrophic choices. When you bring in a third party, like a mediator or a therapist, online or face-to-face, you have a professional, objective set of ears…

MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT IS... buying my first house this year. Basically all the money I’ve ever earned has gone into it. I haven’t bought it with a boyfriend or had money from my dad, it’s all my own effort. People often say, “Geordie Shore this and Geordie Shore that,” but that TV show got me this. I WISH I WERE... more punctual. [C-star] Holly Hagan and I argue so much when we travel together. She needs to be at the airport three hours before, whereas half an hour is fine for me. She’ll fall out with me over it! MY BIGGEST REGRET... is losing money over a business. I had my own boutique and poured thousands of pounds into it, but eventually I had to put the shutters down. I…

GET HER LOOK MAYA JAMA, 26 We adore Maya’s peachy co-ord. The Bermuda shorts and over-sized blazer made for a seriously on-trend outfit, and her gold jewellery and strappy heels were a perfect colour match. Try finishing off the jacket with a giant buckle belt and teaming it with mom jeans for autumn lunches out. IN THE NEWS... CHI CHI LONDON’S NEW ACTIVEWEAR COLLECTION Whether you’re doing an at-home workout or heading out for a run in the park, Chi Chi London’s brand-new fitness range will ensure you sweat it out in style. The 26-piece collection, in sizes S-L, includes sports bras, tops and leggings in a range of bold and pastel hues – all for under £30! FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! SPARKLE QUEEN Rita Ora, 29 Rita dazzled in…

GIVE LASHES A LIFT If you don’t want to go for a full-on eye look, using a subtler brown shade will give your lashes a hint of definition without being too OTT – especially if you have fair eyelashes. This bestseller is now available in a brown tone – wiggle a single coat on to the top and bottom lashes for a natural finish. L’ORÉAL PARIS PARADISE VOLUMISING MASCARA IN BROWN, £11.99 CREATE A FLAWLESS FINISH When you’re using a lighter base, some imperfections like dark circles or scarring may still be visible. If you want to cover these up, use a long-wear creamy concealer to create a more flawless finish. Use your fingers to dab it on to spots or under eyes to erase them – the product will…

This back-to-basics ’70s style is a winner this year and a mirror like this one is an easy way to bring the look home. This unusual piece doubles up as an eye-catching print. You’ll feel like you’re on holiday each time you look at it. This one is perfect for hallways and bathrooms to hang jewellery and accessories – or even your keys! Don’t forget the little ones! This cute design will add a playful, sensory touch to the kids’ bedroom. Hanging shapes are on point and this pretty china design ticks off the trend beautifully.…

Toby-Alexander Smith, 30, who plays Gray Atkins, is domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid’s newest ambassador – and worked with them on this storyline. He says, “Having them there was invaluable. Gray is such a complex character and I wanted to delve into how a person could behave this way. It’s not just that Gray kills Chantelle, it’s all the incidents on the way. I hope we can encourage conversations and let survivors know that people are listening.”…

What can we expect from the specials? All the best bits from over 17 seasons of Strictly – and lots of memories from the show! There have been so many good routines over the years. And the professionals will be putting on a new dance number? It wasn’t a difficult routine, but there are limits to what you can record at home – and you don’t know what the other pros are doing… But watching it back, it looks phenomenal and like we are in sync, which is great. I was thinking, ‘Well done us!” How are you feeling about the return of the main show? The show gives lots of joy to people watching at home – and everyone is waiting for Strictly to start up again. Us professional…

RYLAN CLARK-NEAL Rylan, after everything we’ve all been through this year, you have our permission to not only put up Christmas decorations, but send a Valentine’s card, chow down on hot cross buns or chocolate eggs, and launch as many fireworks as you like! TAMZIN OUTHWAITE Apparently, none of the cast have seen EastEnders either, Tamz, which is a shame – they could’ve learned a lot from Kathy, Kat, Kelly, Kerry, Kim, Kai, Kamil, Kush, Kyle, Keanu, Karin, Karen and Kheerat! INSPIGRAM CALUM BEST To be honest, Calum, we have absolutely no interest in regular, either. When we order our fries, there’s only one way to go – LARGE!…

❛BREAKING UP FROM HIM WASN’T JUST A SPLIT – IT WAS LOSING A SAFE SPACE❜ Her roller-coaster relationship with Mark Wright played out on our screens a decade ago, before their bitter split in 2011. And last week, old memories were brought to the surface when Lauren Goodger posted a throwback photo of her and ex-fiancé Mark to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of The Only Way Is Essex, the show that catapulted them both to fame. The reality star, 33, posted a number of pictures from when she and Mark – now married to actress Michelle Keegan – were together, including the two of them cosying up on the BAFTAs red carpet in 2011 and other group shots with their co-stars. She wrote alongside them, “I was 22 when I…

Syrian anaesthetist Dr Wafaa, 57, arrived in the UK in 2015 and was taken in by volunteers for the Refugees At Home charity. She’s since gained refugee status and moved to High Wycombe, where she was joined by her husband, mother and two children in 2018. She says, “In Syria, I was an anaesthetist, but when I arrived in the UK I knew no one and spoke little English. All I had was a suitcase containing a few belongings, and a small amount of money. I desperately needed somewhere to stay while I sought official refugee status – which would allow me to work – but I had no idea where to turn. I’d nearly become homeless when Refugees At Home stepped in and found me a home. I stayed…

LILY AND DAVID’S VEGAS WEDDING Their romance has delighted fans since they began dating last year – and now singer Lily Allen and Stranger Things star David Harbour have tied the knot. Speculation of an engagement mounted when she was pictured wearing a diamond ring in April – and Lily, 35, last week confirmed the pair had married by sharing a series of photos on Instagram of their Las Vegas wedding, featuring an Elvis impersonator and a pic of her munching on a burger in her vintage Dior wedding dress after the ceremony. David also shared the news on social media, posting, “In a wedding officiated by the king himself, the people’s princess wed her devoted, low born, but kind credit card holder in a beautiful ceremony lit by the…

She turned 60 in May, and Anthea Turner wowed fans last week as she showed off her toned figure during a romantic holiday to Greece with her fiancé. The TV presenter posted the Instagram snap to her awestruck followers – who praised her for looking “younger than [her] years” and “so healthy” – after revealing she and business tycoon Mark Armstrong had travelled to Santorini after being forced to postpone their summer wedding in Italy due to COVID-19 sanctions. During lockdown, Anthea told Closer she had stayed motivated and in a routine by doing regular exercise, as well as cutting down on booze to keep the pounds at bay. She said, “Mark and I have loved cycling, and I’ve done a lot of walking, using some light handweights and the…

Rachel Westbury from Nappy Endings says, “The average length of time it takes for a couple to find a surrogate and have a baby is 12 to 18 months. While surrogacy is legal in the UK, if you make an agreement it can’t actually be enforced by law, so a lot is taken on trust. Happily though, it’s rare for it to go wrong. We make sure everyone has counselling and we also get a letter from the surrogate’s GP stating that they are both mentally and physically fit to go through with it. And we always make sure we’re available 24/7 to support them through their journey. I know from experience – I’ve been a surrogate three times – that it’s a roller coaster, but it’s also the most…

Jo Beverley’s sister Natalie was just 32 when she was murdered by her ex-partner, Paul Hemming. Jo, 43, lives in Wakefield with her husband Stephen, 54, and their four children. She is also raising Natalie’s eldest daughter Kirsty, 16. Jo tells Closer, “Those EastEnders scenes will be hard to watch, but I’m pleased that they’re covering such an important issue. Two women a week are killed by their partners – and so much more needs to be done to help victims. “When Natalie met Paul, she was besotted, and I was thrilled to see her so happy. He was 11 years older and had a good job working for a carpet company. “It was a few months before I met him, but although he was charming, I couldn’t help noticing…

‘I want to get married first, then have a baby girl!’ It’s rare to find Charlotte Dawson lost for words. But on 5 September, just weeks after the reality star announced she was expecting her first child, she tearfully accepted former rugby player Matt Sarsfield’s heartfelt proposal in front of a statue of her late dad, legendary comic Les Dawson. “My fairy tale came true,” she later revealed in a post to her Instagram followers. “I feel the luckiest girl in the world; my dad got to witness me get engaged.” Now, as she looks ahead to her wedding day, Charlotte, 27 – who is 21 weeks pregnant and expecting a baby boy in January – says it’s her mum, Tracy, and her father’s own truly loving marriage that will…

DAVE, 30 He taught himself to bake, and when not taking his dog (and cat) for a walk, he likes to make bread – and loves a mirror glaze. LAURA, 31 A Gravesend girl, Laura is amazing at piping buttercream flowers – and she likes musical theatre (performing, too). ROWAN, 55 Rowan swims a mile most mornings and likes to decorate his bakes with flowers gathered from his Worcestershire garden. MARK, 32 Northern Irish Mark fell in love with baking at a pie shop in Edinburgh – which he visited every day at uni to eat mac ’n’ cheese pie. HERMINE, 39 The mum of one is a “notorious feeder”, who relishes making high-end patisserie and jam (with pretty labels). MARC, 51 Single parent Marc began baking as a form…

Last week, Ferne’s best friend and former TOWIE co-star Danielle Armstrong, 32, candidly admitted she’d been left in tears after being fat-shamed by cruel trolls just four days after giving birth to her daughter Orla in May. Ferne, who has been heavily trolled in the past, says, “It’s outrageous. The pressure on women to look good is a joke. Danielle is one of my best friends and she’s made of strong stuff. When you’re pregnant, you feel totally out of control and it’s such a marathon – being trolled is the last thing anyone needs. Women need to be supporting one another!”…

after the meal replacement phase. In the studies, this support was face-to-face and in groups, but it’s likely to be online in the ongoing NHS plan. We know from things like gastric bands that if you’re given proper before, during and aftercare, it can be really effective. But it’s human nature to look for shortcuts, so people get the gastric band, then often don’t bother with the therapy and it doesn’t work. It’s all very well handing out shakes and soups, and if this diet is as successful as the NHS hopes it will be, it’s great news. But I wonder how 5,000 people will stick to such a restrictive plan. Even those who know Type 2 diabetes can lead to blindness and limb loss, and who desperately want to…

Wouldn’t it be nice to know what the person you’re dating is thinking? I’ve tortured myself over and over about it – why hasn’t someone messaged in two days when he used to be in touch daily? Why has he parted ways, saying, “See you later”, instead of asking to meet up again? I’m guilty of assuming rejection – even when it’s not there. It’s not something I’m proud of and I know how silly I look. However, this could soon be ending, as I’ve entered into the world of the set-up. I’ve been on a few dates with a friend of a friend. It’s been a refreshing change in so many ways – and one major benefit is that our mutual mate has been reassuring me where my date’s…

1 WINTER TAN Autumnal tones of caramel and chestnut will be some of the most sought-after shades in the coming months. When you combine them with this season’s glossy pleather trend, you have yourself one heck of a hero buy! RETRO ACCESSORIES Animal print is never far from the style spotlight, and soon safari-inspired spots and stripes will be filling the accessory aisles. Zebra-patterned shoulder bags have a retro-cool feel – sling over a camel-coloured coat and you’ll be all set. 3 QUILTED COVER-UP As well as the glamour you’d expect from the big labels, there were practical styles on the AW20 catwalks, too. Cosy puffer coats were a big hit – the brighter the colour, the better! This sunshine number protects against the elements while perking up drizzly mornings.…

INTENSE EYES Try out a chocolate smoky eye with flattering wine hues for an impactful look. Or, for a subtler approach, switch your black eyeliner flicks for a burgundy shade – apply with a damp brush to give the colour a more vibrant pigment. SULTRY LIPS A dramatic dark lipstick is the ideal autumnal outfit accompaniment – keep your eyeshadow minimal so it can really stand out. This satin-finish lippie is quite versatile – dab on sparingly for more of a stain effect, or apply with a brush for an opaque colour. Use a lipliner with a full dark lip to stop the colour bleeding, or go without for a more subtle, pressed-on look. CHERRY CHEEKS A stick formula gives you more control over application. This slightly sheer shade gives…

‘EXPLOSIVE RELATIONSHIP’ Sally Carman, 39, has played recovering drug addict Abi Franklin for three years… Does Abi still have feelings for Peter? Absolutely – there’s a spark for him because of what they had before. She was crazy for him. Would you like to see her fall off the wagon? I like the drama, but I love it when Abi’s causing mischief – when she’s mouthy and putting her fingers in pies that she shouldn’t be. I’m really lucky I get to do the funny stuff. What’s coming up for Abi and Debbie? The scenes we’ve filmed so far are brilliant. They love Kevin, but there are clashes. I think it’ll be an explosive relationship. DID YOU KNOW? In real life, Sally is dating fellow Corrie star Joe Duttine, who…

1 THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF A UNIQUE YEAR IN THE TENT TUE 22 SEPT, 8PM, C4 GBBO has “had to make some changes” this year. As one new contestant puts it, they’re living in a “Bake Off village” – the 12 new bakers weren’t able to see loved ones for seven weeks while they were holed up in a bubble, so that filming could go ahead without any social-distancing measures. All their efforts paid off, however, as this is the same series we know and love, with the only real difference being 12 new faces – and Matt Lucas (as the “new Sandi Toksvig”). It’s as awesome as ever – kicking off with a mouthwatering cake challenge. Anyone for Battenberg? TURN TO PAGE 34 TO READ CLOSER’S CHAT WITH…

MUST READ (RUTH JONES) Us Three Best friends since primary school, Lana, Judith and Catrin swore they’d always be there for each other. And after a trip of a lifetime, the three girls are closer than ever. But an unexpected turn of events shakes the foundation of their friendship to its core, leaving their future in doubt. And an innocent childhood promise they once made now seems impossible to keep… We couldn’t turn the pages fast enough on this brilliant book. TUNE IN Deliciously Ella Podcast You’ll know Deliciously Ella – real name Ella Mills – from her food blogs, recipe books and her range of healthy, tasty treats found in supermarkets. So it may surprise you to know that, among all those other things, she also hosts a very…

It’s a potentially wonderful year ahead. You’re the sign most likely to meet your soul mate, so if you’re single and open to love, be optimistic. You have the magical New Moon in your chart, so your life could change – you could be feeling far more secure this year. IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP The New Moon this week brings good vibes and, yes, it’s in Virgo! Use it to decide how you want life to look in the next 12 months, given circumstances. If you’ve felt worried, you should soon feel more secure. PS The Moon is magical and free! Get in tune via moonmessages.com/ moonlite LIBRA 23 SEP-22 OCT Work through your fears this week. Planetary alignments…