Inhoudsopgave van Issue 932 - Closer

This Christmas is probably going to be unlike any other we’ve experienced. With confusing rules about who we can and can’t see and financial worries about the future, we’re all going to have to dig deep to find the joy. Little treats matter, so we’ve found the very best festive bargains - from stocking fillers to table decorations, to gorgeous fashion and the most delicious supermarket food that won’t break the bank. And if we’re lucky enough to have friends and family to celebrate with - even via screens - we can count our blessings. Our report on page 12 reveals how many people have struggled with loneliness this year (it affects everyone, no matter their age or circumstances). Our readers’ stories may make you feel less isolated and we’ve…

● The Duchess of Sussex reveals she suffered a miscarriage in July in a moving article called ‘The Losses We Share’ ● Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny believes Meghan will provide a huge comfort for anyone dealing with the loss of a baby Sharing her grief with the world last week, Meghan Markle revealed how she and Prince Harry had suffered a miscarriage with their second child. The Duchess of Sussex revealed the rawness of her heartbreak after the miscarriage in July, describing how she had been cuddling the couple’s son, 18-month-old Archie, when sharp cramps started in her stomach. “I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was…

● Understand your feelings are normal. You may feel sad, shocked, angry, guilty or jealous, or find it hard to open up. ● If you feel it’s affecting your mental health or making an existing problem worse, contact your GP. ● Partners may feel they need to be strong and supportive, but their feelings are also important and they should seek support too. ● If you know a friend or family member who has been through a miscarriage, provide support by listening - be guided by them. Sometimes just a hug (when allowed), a text or phone call will make a big difference ● For more help, visit the Miscarriage Association, www.Miscarriageassociation.org.uk, or Tommys, www.Tommys.org.…

After reaching the all-important three-month milestone, last week Jordan’s sister Sophie Price announced she was expecting her first child with her boyfriend Harry Brooks - posting a sweet baby scan pic on Instagram alongside the caption, “13 weeks and tired AF! Bring on May 2021”. Insiders say that while Jordan, 42, is thrilled for her younger sister, 30, whom she describes as her “best friend”, the happy news is bittersweet, as she’d have liked for them to have been pregnant together - despite the fact she’s still recovering from breaking her feet in August in a horror fall on holiday in Turkey. The mum of five has been advised she could be in a wheelchair until April next year - despite tentatively taking her first few steps last month. Jordan…

Student Margo Woollard, 19, lives next door to her grandparents’ house in Kent. She says, “This year was meant to be exciting for me. I was due to take my A-levels, before going on to university. I enjoyed school, and loved spending time with my friends, my boyfriend Charlie, or my grandparents - I moved into a cabin next to their property when I was 15. “When the first lockdown hit, it was tough, but my friends and I were all in the same boat - frustrated that we couldn’t do our A-levels, and wondering what our futures would look like. “But the recent lockdown in England was much more difficult. Most of my friends went away to university, while I stayed home so that I could be around and…

Retail worker Paige Morgan, 29, lives in Derby with her partner David, 41, and their daughter Quinn. She says, “My pregnancy was very difficult. After the first scan at 12 weeks, lockdown started and David couldn’t come to any more of my appointments. We’d already had two miscarriages, so I found it tough on my own. “Because of the restrictions, I couldn’t go to antenatal classes and meet other mums-to-be. “Fortunately, by the time Quinn was born, in October, we were allowed to mix inside, so my close family managed to meet her. But before long, England was back in lockdown, and then the tier system was introduced - I live in a tier three area. I was back to feeling very alone, especially as David works shifts at a…

She has been “officially” single since her separation from second husband Justin Theroux in 2018, but Jennifer Aniston has sparked excitement among fans over a mystery man who inadvertently appeared in one of her Instagram videos last week. While showing off her pet dog Clyde on the set of her TV series, The Morning Show, the 51 year old also snapped a man lying on the floor next to her and accompanied it with a heart emoji - although the man’s face remained hidden. While his identity remains unknown, there had been hopes of Jen reuniting with her ex husband, Brad Pitt, after inviting him to her 50th birthday party last year. Those hopes were raised further after the pair embraced during the SAG Awards show in January. They also…

January will mark a year since her messy, painful and very public divorce from Ant McPartlin was finalised following the collapse of their 12-year marriage. And in a rare and emotional confession, Lisa Armstrong has opened up about how she suffered through the “rainiest of days”. The Strictly make-up artist thanked her best pals for “encouraging and inspiring” her as they acted as her “support network” following her tough marriage split. And Lisa, 44, who has a new cosmetics range out with Avon, described how make-up has helped her put on a brave face during her recent troubled years – including her dad Derek’s death last year after his battle with cancer. Writing in a newspaper article about how the pandemic has affected sales of lipstick, she said, “Lipstick really…

As the eldest daughter of Britain’s first same-sex parents, Saffron Drewitt-Barlow is no stranger to controversy. But even she was shocked when her dad Barrie, 50, fell for her ex-boyfriend, Scott Hutchison, 25. Barrie dumped his cancer-stricken husband of 32 years, Tony, and got engaged to Scott. They then had a baby, named Valentina Willow, via surrogate, making headlines around the world. Saffron’s fathers are worth £60million and run a medical research business and surrogacy centre – splitting their time between a ten-bedroom house with its own pool in the US, and a secluded mansion in Essex. LOVE TRIANGLE Now, for the first time, Saffron, 21, has opened up about her remarkable blended family. Speaking exclusively to Closer, Saffron, who refers to Barrie as “Daddy” and Tony as “Dad”, explains,…

CREATIVITY IS GOOD FOR YOU There is a really simple pleasure in making something for yourself. It is a route to very low-cost happiness. A ready-meal might seem convenient, but if you want to do the most simple thing, and the most joyful, make it from scratch yourself. It sounds daft, but it could just be scrambled eggs or something on toast, but if you’ve made it, you get a much greater connection with it. We know things always taste better and appreciate them more if it takes a bit of work - there is no feeling like it once you’ve done it. Have a crack at making bread. Find a good soda bread recipe - Dough & Daughters (www.doughanddaughters) give a step-by- step guide. You can make your own…

With just a few weeks left of her pregnancy, Charlotte Dawson reveals she’s feeling good as she poses naked for our shoot. “I’m bumpilicious at the moment,” she laughs. “I feel like a completely different person with a bump, but I’ve loved watching my body grow, it’s magical.” The reality star – who is expecting a baby boy in January with her fiancé Matt Sarsfield – hasn’t had an easy few weeks after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. She says, “At first, I thought it was all my fault as all I do is eat bad food. I was worried people were going to say, ‘I told you so’ because I’ve been eating chips and gravy for most of my life. But it can come on with pregnancy, it’s all…

INSIDE ANNA’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Ketchup • Nando’s sauce • Perinaise sauce • Cheshire cheese • Diet Coke • Baked beans • Apples • Chicken sausages • Greek yoghurt • Chicken fillets • Lamb mince • Carrots • Cucumber • Tomatoes • Rocket • Red cabbage • Spinach • Peppers • Asparagus • Oat Milk VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Although Anna’s fridge contains plenty of fruit and veg, her typical day’s intake doesn’t seem to include much - she should have five portions per day. Her lunch isn’t very substantial either and may lead to mid-afternoon snacking. She could swap her corn cakes for a wholemeal pitta or jacket potato and serve with low-fat houmous and a big salad to fill her up.” FRIDGE HEALTH RATING 7.5/10 ANNA…

It would be easy to think that now schools are open, children have returned to normal, but sadly a recent Ofsted report found that lots of children have gone backwards with their social skills, with some struggling to hold a pen or concentrate for long enough, while pottytrained little ones are back in nappies. The pandemic is still with us, so the disruption is too, with teachers off sick and some schools having to close thanks to high numbers of cases. KNOW IT WILL PASS Firstly, I want to reassure you that most of these concerns are temporary. Children are very resilient and, once the world returns to normal, the likelihood is that your child will quickly return to a typical level. Behaviour-wise, when stressed, they can regress or become…

Between buggies, baby equipment, toys and food, children don’t come cheap! In fact, the cost of raising a child (excluding housing, childcare and council tax) from birth to 18 is now £75,436 for a couple, and £102,627 for a single parent, because costs aren’t shared. We need all the savings we can get! In a bid to put less strain on storage space and be more environmentally friendly, many companies now offer rental services on a host of kids’ essentials, which work out cheaper. We asked two experts for their verdicts… HIRE PRAMS TO SUIT YOUR BABY’S CHANGING NEEDS Buying your first pram can feel like buying a car – often eye-wateringly expensive and with hundreds of confusing options to choose from. New company Buggi (Buggi.com) offer prams for hire,…

ʻMORNING 6.30AM: I’ll be up nice and early as I like to seize the day – plus it’s the first year Sunday [three] is aware of Santa, so it’s going to be really magical. 7AM: Having Sunday means I get to re-live all of my childhood Christmas traditions. I will put a sack full of goodies at the end of her bed, just like my mum did for me. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees Santa’s been! 8AM: We are massive foodies in my house. We usually go all-out – full fry-ups, plus continental breakfast including cheeses, pastries and smoked salmon! To me, Christmas is all about food and family. Oh, and I’d love to have a boyfriend too for Christmas, that’s top of my list…

CREATE A CENTREPIECE Decorate with lots of festive objects - the more variety, the better! Stars, reindeer, tealights and trees will give your meal a personal and homely feel. These honeycomb trees will make a real impact - plus they easily collapse so you can store them away for next year. AVAILABLE IN 10 COLOURS A Nordic set of three light-up houses that will make a great focal point. Dot these beautifully crafted wooden trees along the table - they look far more expensive than they are! UPGRADE CANDLES For a cosy glow, festive scent and splendour, candles are a Christmas table must! Add some grandeur by dotting these tall candlestick holders along a table filled with decor. INSTAGRAM TREND Colourful twisted candlesticks are all over Instagram - these will…

STAY ENTERTAINED WHILE AT HOME! Being indoors doesn’t have to be dull - our smartphones and tablets play a key role in helping us find new ways to come together with others and have fun. The Apple HomePod is perfect for providing the tunes to hold your very own talent show over video call with its high-quality audio. Plus, you can use it to control your smart home and set up multiroom audio - just ask Siri to play pretty much any song you can imagine! With more time indoors, Apple TV+ will also satisfy all your viewing needs. For £4.99 a month, you can watch Apple Original shows (with new ones added every month) exclusively on the Apple TV+ app, and stream on your Mac, iPad or TV with…

MOLLY-MAE HAGUE We’re with you, Molly-Mae. It’s miserable. But, on the plus side, it’s less than a month till the nights start pulling out again. Hooray! TAMZIN OUTHWAITE Quite right, Taz! The boys in the Closer office also get through boxes of tissues watching DIY SOS and The Supervet. Bless. INSPIGRAM BROOKE VINCENT Not sure what you mean, Brooke, but this perfectly describes our broadband - and quitting our useless provider is definitely going to speed it up!…

Mum-of-four Danielle Lloyd suffered a tragic miscarriage in August last year, when she was around eight weeks pregnant. The former glamour model, 36, tells Closer, “Suffering a miscarriage is devastating, so it’s amazing that Meghan is raising awareness. Someone of her stature speaking out is going to help so many other women. Maybe she took time for them both to take it in and grieve and she now feels like she’s able to talk about it. “There’s still a stigma around miscarriage, and some people think women shouldn’t talk about it. I had some horrible, cruel online messages when I spoke out about my miscarriage saying ‘It wasn’t even a baby’, and I thought, ‘A baby is a baby, and if you’re pregnant, you’re pregnant’. It’s something that you’re really…

The Beckhams’ Insta-perfect family life will come to an end with the lifting of the second lockdown this week. And insiders say Victoria Beckham, 46, is anxious about the reality of their usually hectic lives going back into overdrive in the near future as her husband, David, 45, prepares to jet back to the US to honour his work commitments for his football team, Inter Miami FC. To make matters worse, just three months after her eldest son Brooklyn’s engagement to US model Nicola Peltz, 25, fashion designer Posh is bracing herself for an even emptier nest after her middle son, Romeo, 18, revealed he wants to move in with his girlfriend of almost two years, Mia Regan, also 18. A source says, “Of course it’s been a difficult time…

Michelle Heaton was by her best pal Jordan’s side for her weddings to Peter Andre in 2005, Alex Reid in 2010 and Kieran Hayler in 2013. But the 41-year-old mum of two jokes that if her close friend marries Carl Woods, she won’t have space for another gown. “I’m not sure If I would be bridesmaid again for Katie and I’ve got no more room in my wardrobe for another dress, to be honest,” laughs Michelle. “But she seems really happy with Carl. I’ve known Katie since she went into I’m A Celeb! the first time in 2004 - we’ve been best friends ever since and I’ve been her bridesmaid three times. She’s godmother to my two kids. I don’t know if she will get married to Carl, but she…

Sheila Glass, 76, was widowed 15 years ago and lives in Benfleet, Essex. She says, “Prior to lockdown, I lived a very full life. I worked as a support artist on TV shows, and I loved seeing my friends. We’d catch the train to London, go shopping and watch a show. My children - Paul, 41, and Caroline, 42 - also live nearby, so I saw them all the time. “But then lockdown happened, and because of my age, I was in the high-risk category. Since March, most of my face-to-face interaction has been with my supermarket delivery driver. My children still visit, but I only see them through the window. They both work in jobs mixing with other people, so even when it was permitted, it was too risky…

• Volunteering is a great way to meet people and help others. The homeless charity Crisis is looking for people to lead online activities, call members and even perform live music online. Visit Crisis.org.uk • Going for a walk with another person is a chance for real-life conversation and company. If you’re looking for a walking parter, Go4awalk.com can connect you with people in your area. • Online choirs are uplifting and connect people through music. The Sofa Singers is a twice-weekly singing event. Register for free at Thesofasingers.com • The Silver Line is the only free, confidential helpline providing support, friendship and advice to older people. Call them any time on 0800 470 8090. • The Cares Family is a social club that aims to bring together people from…

Swapping the Australian jungle and its creepy crawlies for a derelict north Wales castle may have been a risky move, but the current series of I’m A Celeb! has brought a bit of fun to viewers in a difficult year. However, it seems not everyone is impressed, with some viewers and even former contestants accusing the show of being too easy on the celebs. Not only do the campmates have hot showers, but there’s even been speculation that the castle is being heated. FURY “I do think there’s going to be a lot of past campmates sitting round and watching this year’s I’m A Celeb! and going, ‘What the f***? They have it so easy compared to us’,” said 2015 winner Vicky Pattison. Last week, fans took to social media…

‘Every day a new part of my body aches!’ He’s little known outside of the vlogging world, but YouTuber and singer Harvey Cantwell, who goes by HRVY on his vlog, is already the hot favourite to reach the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard final with his pro partner, Janette Manrara. The 21 year old was pitched as joint favourite to win against actress Maisie Smith, with judge Motsi Mabuse praising Harvey and Janette’s moves as “the best first dance I have ever seen”. ROMANCE RUMOURS Away from the dance floor, he’s sparked speculation of a romance with EastEnders actress Maisie, 19. Keeping us guessing, he gushes, “Yeah, she’s beautiful. I mean, she is very beautiful! When I saw her in her blue dress…wow, she looked incredible. She’s got great banter and…

For six decades, the inhabitants of a small backstreet in Salford have kept the nation glued to their TV screens. Originally feared by Granada TV executives to be too downmarket, Coronation Street became the most-watched television show in the UK a mere three months after its very first episode aired in December 1960. It’s now the longest-running soap opera in the world and a national institution loved by viewers, celebrities and Prime Ministers alike! Now, as a special week of explosive episodes airs - including Ray’s dramatic attempt to bulldoze the street and Yasmeen’s trial for attempted murder - we round up some of the show’s most interesting facts. From members of the Royal Family popping into the Rovers for a pint, to Steve McDonald’s many wives, it’s certainly been…

LABOUR FEARS “I’m scared of giving birth but my mum has said, ‘You’ve climbed Kilimanjaro, you can have a baby’. I might end up having to have a C-section because my placenta is lying really low, but we’ll see. I’ve always loved the idea of a water birth, but I haven’t got a plan set in stone.” BREASTFEEDING “I’ve always wanted to breastfeed, so I’m definitely going to try it. I’d like to express as well though, so Matthew can feed him too, because I want to sleep sometimes!” BABY NAMES “I think everyone will be shocked by the name we’ve picked. When Matt and I met four years ago, we were a bit drunk one night and this name cropped up and it’s not changed since.”…

Having kids who are fussy eaters can cause stress at mealtimes, result in wasted food and, if you’re not careful, longer term faddy habits. “When it comes to eating, it’s normal for infants and toddlers to go through phases where they refuse certain foods and meals,” says Charlotte Stirling- Reed, a leading expert in infant and toddler nutrition. “But there are some things that you can do as a parent to try to stop fussy behaviours turning into hard-to-break habits.” Here, Charlotte reveals her top tips to help picky eaters… KEEP CALM “It’s common for there to be some fussiness at mealtimes. There’s so much that can affect your little one’s appetite, including illness, sleep, teething, environments and temperatures. When it happens, the best thing to do is to try…

when I first read about a dating app for men with smaller, um, equipment, aptly named “Dinky One,” it was behind school girl-style giggles. I had a similar reaction when I discovered the same company has now launched a platform for follicly challenged men, called Bald Dating. But on reflection, I think it’s a pretty brilliant idea. There are already apps for people who feel they’re physically superior, in the form of Raya, so why can’t there be ones for the rest of us? Tinder used to filter matches based on what was known as the Elo Score - a now outdated system which was essentially an online popularity test where the more swipe-rights you got, the higher your score and the more people you were shown. And a match…

With so many of us using cards instead of cash, and only shopping online, there’s been a spike in credit card fraud. Security experts at NordPass say we can still shop safely. Here are their best tips to bear in mind.. VARY YOUR PASSWORDS Passwords are the leading cause of identity theft. The best way to be safe is to make every log-in unique, with no repeats – but most of us use the same two or three over and over. Use free password manager Nordpass.com to create different passwords for each site and it will remember them for you. CHECK STORES ARE LEGIT If you’re shopping on a new site, there are ways to verify it’s a safe place to spend. Look out for poor website design and language,…

JAZZ UP HAIR WITH JEWELS If you’re not keen on too much bling, some fancy clips will make your party outfit pop. Slide a couple into your hair on one side to complement any outfit. PRIMARK £2.50 SLIP ON A HERO HEADBAND This gothic number is asking to be worn with oversized danglies and a bold red lip. Pair it with a see-through blouse for sheer perfection. RESERVED £7.99 DAZZLE IN DIAMANTÉ Nothing says Christmas like a pair of diamanté earrings! These beauties will instantly brighten up the simplest of outfits. RIVER ISLAND £14 GO REGAL WITH RIBBONS This could-be-designer velvet clip is perfect for adding a pretty spin to a messy bun. ACCESSORIZE £8 ADD CHARM Statement gold chains are the must-have accessory. This charm-filled design gives the trend…

ENJOY FAMILY FUN Need a family-friendly activity to fill the gap between your roast dinner and Christmas pud? Prepare to get competitive with this racing set game from Tesco - the box comes with a board and dice, and each cracker includes a racing game character and a hat. Or, for musical types, create a little symphony with Ocado’s option. Each cracker includes a kazoo, hat and a joke, as well as easy-to-follow musical sheets for you to play festive tunes. FEEL CHEERY & CHARITABLE Check out charities’ online shops for options packed with nostalgic hats, jokes and gifts - plus you’ll be giving back. We particularly love M&S’ charitable offering this year, with comedians such as Dawn French and Keith Lemon providing revamped jokes. Best of all, proceeds will…

Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, 35, meeting people who are passionate about food on the other side of the pond… Where did you love visiting the most? I have never seen a marching band, and in Louisiana I got to walk with one and hear their music. It was out of this world, and an opportunity I would never have had without the show. Do you have a favourite dish from the trip? The Vietnamese crawfish boil [an iconic Cajun delicacy] was my absolute favourite, and the fact that this is their equivalent of a Sunday dinner totally blew my mind! In LA, I loved the tacos. You can get so many different variations and I loved every single one. In San Francisco I recommend the Golden Gate fortune cookie…

She briefly walked out of their home in May to deal with their “issues” and, last week, Jacqueline Jossa opened up about their relationship as she revealed how therapy in lockdown had helped save her three-year marriage to Dan Osborne. Their marriage was thrown into doubt last year after it was claimed Dan, 29, had cheated on her during a threesome with his former Celebrity Big Brother housemates Chloe Ayling and Natalie Nunn during a night out in 2018. And in a revealing admission last week, Jacqueline, 28, finally explained why she had moved out earlier this year, saying, “I kept it in for a while, but then over lockdown it was a really good time and place for Daniel and I to go through everything - an opportunity for…

Francesca Woodstock, 34, from Tring, Hertfordshire, lost her second child in 2018. The mum-of-two says, “When I read about Meghan’s miscarriage, my heart went out to her as I know the heartbreak losing a baby can bring. “I was 12 weeks pregnant when I found out I’d miscarried. Like Meghan, I was already a mum to my then 18-month-old daughter, Scarlett, and I was looking forward to getting past the first trimester so I could share my happy news. But the week before my first scan, in October 2018, I started bleeding and had painful stomach cramps. As the pain intensified, my husband Dan rushed me to A&E where a scan confirmed our baby had no heartbeat. We were both heartbroken. “The next day, I underwent a surgical removal procedure,…

The tragic death of Natalie Langham, 45, made headlines recently when she took her own life after feeling unable to cope with being separated from her loved ones during the coronavirus lockdown. Natalie was described as “outgoing” and “sociable” and was known for organising charity events. Sadly, she’s one of the 4.2million adults who in November described themselves as “always or often lonely” - a shocking increase from the 2.6million who felt this way just ten months ago. And those aged between 16 and 29 were twice as likely as those over 70 to feel lonely. As we approach Christmas, it’s likely that even more people will struggle. The Samaritans say that being separated from loved ones at Christmas due to tier rules is one of the most common concerns…

Kelly Allen, 37, lives in London. She says, “Last year, I was lucky enough to buy my own flat and I used to love coming home and it just being me. I loved being single - I had a great career as a journalist, and loving family and friends. “But overnight, my social diary was wiped out. Zoom quizzes seemed a welcome distraction, but then they started to dwindle because people were sick of staring at a screen all day - but friends didn’t seem to realise that it was the only chance I had for a conversation. “There were weekends when I didn’t speak to anyone. I spent evenings scrolling social media, becoming resentful of people who were isolating with others. “The first time I saw my best friend…

He’s no stranger to heartache, having battled drug and alcohol addiction in the past. But Friends star Matthew Perry is now in a happy place, after announcing his engagement to Molly Hurwitz last week. The 51-year-old actor told fans, “I decided to get engaged. Luckily, I happened to be dating the greatest woman on the face of the planet at this time.” It marks a happy change for the star, who was once famously unlucky with women. AMICABLE SPLIT Matthew and literary manager Molly, 29, are believed to have been dating since 2018, and she confirmed the relationship on Valentine’s Day this year by sharing a tribute to him on social media. However, rumours surfaced in May that the pair had split, with sources saying at the time it was…

As a Radio 1 DJ, not many people had even seen Jordan North’s face before he vomited on a cliff side at the start of this year’s I’m A Celeb! But fast-forward three weeks and he’s the name on everyone’s lips, as fans credit him for being on the biggest journey of the series. He’s transformed from being scared of heights, enclosed spaces and reptiles, to facing his fears and feeding the camp with his successful trials. As Closer went to press, Jordan was a favourite to win the show, with odds of 7/4. But popular culture expert Nick Ede says he’ll emerge a “true winner,” even if he doesn’t ultimately take home the crown. Nick explains, “Nobody knew who Jordan was, but he’s undoubtedly made the biggest impact. Being…

They’ve been the subject of romance rumours for weeks – with Strictly’s Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice’s sizzling tango doing little to quieten the whisperings. So much so that viewers of the show were left convinced the GMB presenter, 43, and the Italian dancer, 30, had actually kissed at the end of their intense routine. Earlier this month, Ranvir, who confirmed her split from husband Ranjeet just weeks before making her dance debut, set tongues wagging when she tweeted, “Oh, and @pernicegiovann1 literally gets out of bed and looks like that, and that’s not even a joke”, followed by a flame emoji. Adding fuel to the fire, she also joked how Giovanni knew her body ‘better than my own GP’ when speaking to Lorraine Kelly on GMTV last week. Earlier…

My ex-colleague Ant Middleton, the chief instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins, has said that despite actress Rebel Wilson’s dramatic weight loss, he doesn’t believe Celebrity SAS would be a good fit for her (the pair became good pals while shooting a TV special together in Mexico last month). I don’t know Rebel personally, but it’s definitely the case that not everyone is right for the show. It’s true that you have to be physically strong but, in reality, your mind will give up way before your body does. The show transforms people because it’s fully immersive. The only people who make the grade are those who very quickly understand they can’t design outcomes that make them look good, unlike on other reality shows. I think that’s why people love…

At just 5st, Natalie-Amber Freegard was dangerously underweight. But when doctors saw her thin frame – and noted that she was a model and dancer – she was diagnosed with anorexia. Shockingly, for seven years, her stomach pains and sickness were put down to the eating disorder, despite Natalie, who is 5ft 4in, insisting that she loved food. But in 2017, Natalie collapsed and was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered she had a blockage, which meant no food or fluid could pass through to part of her intestine – a common sign of Crohn’s disease. Natalie, 28, recalls, “After every meal, I would suffer with stomach pains so bad that it would make me sick. My doctor told me I had an eating disorder – I wasn’t taken seriously.”…

FESTIVE STARTER PRAWN AND MANGO SALAD SERVES 2 AS A MAIN, 4 AS A STARTER • 120g rocket • 1 mango, peeled, pitted and sliced • 250g cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced into medium-sized pieces • 2tbsp extravirgin olive oil • 1 garlic clove, sliced • 200g peeled large raw prawns • Juice of 1 lemon • Small bunch of coriander, roughly chopped 198 CALS 13.4G FAT 7.7G SUGAR 0.6 G SALT PER SERVING BASED ON 4 STEP 1 Spread the rocket over a serving plate large enough to accommodate the finished salad. Arrange the mango, cherry tomatoes and avocado on top, and season to taste with salt and black pepper. STEP 2 Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add the olive…

MORRISONS THE BEST CAMEMBERT SHARING BREAD (V), £5, SERVES 6 Who doesn’t love tearing off a chunk of garlic bread and scooping out some gooey camembert? THE BEST CRACKLING ROAST JOINT, £15, SERVES 10-14 If you don’t fancy turkey, this sweet cured gammon is a great alternative. It’s hand scored, so you can get crispy crackling. THE BEST BEEFLESS WELLINGTON (VE), £5, SERVES 3 Golden puff pastry surrounds the mixture of cranberries, apricots and chestnuts, with a wholegrain mustard melt. Even non-vegans will be fighting over it! THE BEST CHRISTMAS STAR PANNA COTTA WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE, £7, SERVES 8 This gold-sugar sprinkled dessert has serious wow factor. It’s creamy and rich, with a delicious raspberry and Prosecco compote. MARKS & SPENCER GIANT GOLD BULLION BAR (V), £20, SERVES 4-6 Worthy…

ALL ABOUT YOU HOW TO FEEL MORE CALM AT WORK After months of the ‘new normal’, far less interaction and way more stress, we’re frazzled. Emma explains how to get balance Whatever your career, you will likely have had far less positive interactions - and potentially more negative ones - for months and months. You can’t have a quick moan with colleagues or giggle with your work wife about dating disasters, yet these micro interactions are genuinely important - and you will miss them. Then there’s the little rewards from a brief “good job” from your boss, or praise for your ideas in a meeting. These have largely disappeared, too. If you’re a home worker taking endless video calls, or a shop worker feeling harassed by stressed customers, your selfcare…

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT... is the cancer storyline I took part in on Coronation Street [Katie’s character had cervical cancer] because there was such a wonderful reaction to it and so many people, even now a year later, tell me how much it has helped them. I also received a National Television Award because of the storyline in January, which was a wonderful surprise. MY BIGGEST REGRET... is trying a cigarette. I finally managed to quit smoking this year, but if I’d never even picked one up in the first place, then I never would have had to quit. THE BEST ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN IS... to never read social-media comments. I believe in the saying, “out of sight, out of mind”. I GET ANNOYED BY... bad manners. People who don’t…

GET HER LOOK ZOE HARDMAN, 38 Layering up doesn’t have to mean losing out on style points, as shown by Zoe! Her tonal blazer and teddy coat combo has a super-chic feel, while her casual denim and chunky boots give it a cool, low-key spin. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! FASHION WOR TH TALKING ABOUT! METALLIC MAGIC AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS Taraji P. Henson, 50 One of 12 outfits host Taraji wore on stage, the Empire star looked stunning in this form-fitting gown. Oversized shoulders added a touch of drama, while her sleek bob kept the ’80s look modern. Becky G, 23 Award-winner Becky G embraced the metallic trend with this gorgeous, figure-hugging satin gown, accentuated with diamonds. Red-carpet perfection. Cara Delevingne, 28 Cara proves she’s the androgynous queen by sticking…

CREATE A GLOW Opt for a foundation with staying power. Suitable for all skin types, this silkysmooth offering from MUA helps to blur fine lines and imperfections to give you a glowy, impeccably flawless complexion that’s selfie-ready this Christmas. Use the sponge applicator to buff in the product for a natural-looking finish. MUA PRO BASE LONG WEAR MATTE FINISH FOUNDATION £5 MAKE CHEEKS BLUSH To add to your glam factor and create some definition, this 3-in-1 palette contains everything you need. Apply bronzer just below cheekbones and dust hairline and chin. Then create a flush of colour by sweeping the blush on to cheek apples and across the bridge of your nose. Finish by lightly dusting the hi-shine illuminator over the top and up to your temples, cupid’s bow and…

ALL £5 AND UNDER! PENS FOR PALS Practical but still with desk appeal - these cute cacti pens will brighten up any working-from-home space. PUPPY LOVE Avoid plastic and opt for more planetfriendly wooden toys instead. This cute and colourful puzzle will delight little ones. HEAD CANDY Statement hair clips are still a big trend - please the trickiest of teens with this lightening duo. IN THE FRAME We love these hanging mini frames - perfect for baby snaps, special moments and kids’ artwork over time. PLANT PERFECTION For those without green fingers, this faux plant comes in a stylish pot and - crucially - doesn’t need watering! DIY DINO Get kids’ imaginations and problem-solving skills working with this cool prehistoric jigsaw puzzle. CHESEY TREAT Grandparents will love this handy…

MUST READ The Hunters (C.V.FRODSHAM) Ora is forced to hide from The Hunters, a treacherous group of men and woman, hired by the command. Ora’s parents are awaiting her eighteenth birthday, the day she can present herself to them and become a legal citizen. But this will cost her parents their lives - and Ora loves them too much and will never let that happen. But how will she leave the city and escape the Hunters? A brilliant dystopian novel. SAVE UP TO£75 O BEATS HEADPHONES SCAN ME There are special offers available on the Closer Apple Portal. You can get up to a third off Beats EP, Beats Studio Wireless and Studio 3 Wireless models. Scan the code for more info. TUNE IN Shawn Mendes Wonder The Canadian-born singer/…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS SPOT THE DIFFERENCE GUESS THE FILM STILL A) INSIDE OUT B) DADDY’S HOME NAME THE STARS 1) SAM THOMPSON 2) SHANE RICHIE GUESS THE CELEB A) PATRICIA CLARKSON B) LIAM HEMSWORTH WORD LINK A) TALK B) FORMULA C) SCORE D) TREE E) LEAP F) SERVICE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal. co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Your year ahead looks pretty good. You have a lovely Mercury/ Saturn link in your chart. This suggests you’ll be stable and secure over the coming year - even if the rest of the world seems to be spinning off its axis! Plus, you could have a super-romantic year! THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC Your emotions could be running quite high this week. Love is either making your heart sing or making it feel like it’s been ripped out! Whatever happens, it’s happening for a reason! Believe it or not, the universe is on your side. Get your Moon free gifts at www. moonmessages.com/ moonlite CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN Don’t see anyone unless you absolutely have to. Turn down any…