Inhoudsopgave van Issue 983 - Closer

ECO SPECIAL! Christmas this year feels as if it should be even more special after last year’s was effectively cancelled – but that doesn’t have to mean bigger gifts and more “stuff”. Most of us just want the chance to spend time with the people we love. We’ve all learned the importance of being grateful for what we have, caring for each other... and the planet. So, if you want to have a more meaningful but less wasteful time and you’re not quite sure how to start, we’ve got loads of inspiration – from gift ideas to “green” decorations that quite literally won’t cost the earth. And if you need a little push to make some changes, read our report on page 14 about the amount of extra plastic the…

‘WITH THE STRESS OF THE ONGOING TRIAL... COLEEN IS PRIORITISING SELF-CARE’ All eyes were on Coleen Rooney as she showed-off her glowing complexion and trim figure at a glamorous bash in Manchester last week. The mum-of-four, 35, posed for a crowd of photographers, flashing her tanned legs and décolletage in a plunging red minidress as she arrived at Julie Perry’s Annual Fashion Lunch. Fans were quick to praise her – with one gushing, “She looks really bloody good. Wow, what a transformation! Well done Coleen, whatever you’re doing is working in your favour.” Another added, “She looks absolutely stunning – she gets better with age.” Her stylish new image was a far cry from the down-to-earth look fans were used to as she’s regularly snapped running errands make-up free in…

Before the pandemic, the issue of singleuse plastic was at the forefront of our minds. BBC documentaries such as Blue Planet II and Drowning In Plastic sparked a national conversation about the impact plastic has on the planet, with the environment secretary at the time, Michael Gove, saying he was “haunted” by the images he’d seen on television. As a result, sales of reusable coffee cups soared and shoppers ditched plastic carrier bags for bags for life. But the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that an estimated 8.4m tonnes of plastic waste has been generated by 193 countries – from plastic masks and gloves to testing kits and hand-sanitiser bottles. Many cafés also banned the use of reusable cups due to concerns about transmitting the virus. Shockingly, it’s estimated that 3.4bn…

Most coffee shops are now accepting reusable coffee cups again, so don’t forget your own cup. Several supermarkets, including Aldi, ASDA and M&S, have also started offering packaging-free groceries in some of their stores. Shoppers can bring their own containers to fill up on products like fruit, veg and pasta. Check your local supermarket’s website for more information, or Tessa suggests looking for zero-waste groups in your area on social media, where members share information on local refill options. “When it comes to bathroom products and toiletries, try buying shampoo and conditioner bars instead of liquids that come in plastic bottles,” says Tessa. “f you want to check the green credentials of any brand, look at ethicalconsumer.org." Whenever you go shopping, always take a reusable bag – plastic bags can…

Despite Stacey’s tiredness as she adjusts to life with a newborn, her Loose Women pals have rallied around the new mum, telling Closer she’s doing brilliantly. Nadia Sawalha recently visited Pickle Cottage with Jane Moore and was in awe of her co-star. Nadia says, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier new mum – Stacey’s beaming and the breastfeeding is going so well. “She’s exuding ‘Mother Earth’! It was the same when we went to her baby shower – she looked like a Disney princess. Jane and I went over in the first week and Rose is the most heavenly baby. I’m hoping to go again soon. We got them pyjamas and Stacey said it was the first matching mum and baby gift she’d had.” • Turn to page…

Emmerdale’s Danny Miller is the bookies’ favourite to be crowned Castle King, and Simon Lennon (right) – who plays his love interest Ben Tucker in the soap – is pleased his “really generous and caring” character is being shown. Simon, 27, says, “Danny’s not afraid to show emotion, yet he’s also a great laugh. He’ll always have everyone’s back. He’s also a natural born entertainer, so he’s great for team morale. “I think a lack of food is always a challenge. But that’s when spirits need to be kept high. Like we’ve seen already, eating challenges are a struggle for him. But even though his challenges have been hilarious to watch, he’s also absolutely smashed them.” Danny welcomed baby Albert with his fiancée Steph just four weeks ago, but Simon…

Fans flooded Jessie J with messages of support last week after the singer revealed she has sadly suffered a miscarriage “after going for a third scan and being told there was no longer a heartbeat”. Sharing the news on Instagram alongside a picture of herself holding a positive pregnancy test, Jessie, 33, wrote, “I decided to have a baby on my own. Because it’s all I’ve ever wanted and life is short. To get pregnant was a miracle in itself and an experience I will never forget and I know I will have again.” A day later, she broke down in tears on stage as she performed an intimate gig in Los Angeles and told the audience, “I’ve never felt more alone than I have felt in the past week.”…

Married At First Sight’s Megan Wolfe has delighted fans after revealing she’s got a new boyfriend – while her ex “husband” Bob Voysey is also in a new romance. Wellness coach Megan, 26, was seen cosying up to her new man, whose identity she’s keeping secret, in Cheshire last week, months after calling it quits with Bob, also 26. Meanwhile, Bob also shared his first photo of his girlfriend – who also remains unnamed – after watching a comedy night in Bournemouth together. Bob recently revealed the romance began after the show had finished filming in July, but before it was aired to the public in August.…

INSIDE MARILYSE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Single cream • Chilli mayo • Lurpak butter • Tomato pasta sauce • Brie cheese • Maltesers • Avocado • Grated cheese • Chicken breast fillets • Coleslaw • Tofu • Cucumber • Grapes • Gnocchi • Mushroom stir-fry • Mozzarella • Vegetarian lasagne • Peppers • Mixed vegetable stir-fry • Bottled water • Coconut milk • Semi-skimmed milk MARILYSE How much do you spend per week? Around £150, which includes the odd takeaway. I have every intention of doing an online order but never get round to doing it, so I go in-store. Describe your daily diet... For breakfast, I’ll make a smoothie using berries, banana, coconut milk, honey, peanut butter, sunflower seeds and a date. I also love peanut butter on crumpets.…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY While this season is often full of joy, the organisation involved can take its toll, particularly for those hosting the big day. Knowing how to balance the burden without becoming a little bit bah humbug can be challenging, so take a step back to effectively plan your time. On the runup, try not to feel pressured to attend every social event. Instead, only agree to the ones that you really fancy going to – it’ll stop you exhausting yourself and the chances are you’ll feel more energised and have a better time at those parties you do prioritise. For Christmas Day itself, ask guests to bring a course or some booze. Get your family on board with…

X FACTOR STAR JANET DEVLIN, 27, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND PODCASTS HELP ME SLEEP... after years of suffering with chronic insomnia, I retrained myself to sleep. I’m in bed at 9.30pm and read till my eyes can’t stay open. Or I’ll listen to a podcast. The presenters are so softly spoken, you soon fall asleep! BEING SOBER HAS CHANGED MY LIFE... I’m prone to depression so putting a depressant in my body isn’t a good mix. It hasn’t affected my social life. The hardest part was getting to three months – after that, it gets easier. I can think more clearly and I look better on the outside, too. FIND A HOBBY THAT WORKS FOR YOU... I go horse-riding and that always makes me feel…

GET HER LOOK LUCY HALE, 32 Lucy always looks effortlessly chic and her latest outfit was no exception. We’re loving the actress’ bright teal trousers, which she paired with a floral puff-sleeve top, an on-trend ruched bag and chain detail heels. Chunky hoop earrings add a touch of glam to tie the whole look together. Gorgeous! IN THE NEWS... MICHELLE KEEGAN’S FESTIVE VERY RANGE Michelle’s latest collection with Very.co.uk has just dropped, and we’re gearing up to restock our entire Christmas wardrobe. It covers everything you’ll need, from polished luxe dresses ready for the dance floor to comfy loungewear to cosy up in. There are 43 pieces, with sizes ranging from 6-18. The edit also includes stylish knitwear with matching dog jumpers, so you can twin with your furry friend…

INSPIRATION YOU’LL LOVE! ECO SPECIAL! GO FOR GREENERY Avoid buying plastic wreaths and garlands and utilise garden foliage – it’s less wasteful and smells great! Get creative with displays – hang branches from ceilings, drape holly along banisters and create wreaths out of eucalyptus cuttings, or whatever you have in your back yard, using a damp foam base to keep roots hydrated. If you don’t have an outside space, check your local garden centre for deals closer to Christmas. RETHINK THE TREE There’s no rule that says you need an actual tree – real ones can be messy and impractical for small spaces. Get creative by adding baubles to house plants or even a wooden tree ladder. Or look for eco-conscious tree initiatives. You can even rent a tree locally…

You filmed during Covid, how was that? Filming in 2020, in Vienna, in Covid times was an incredible treat. We had the luxury of having filmed the series before, so we knew each other and we knew the place. For most people it was the first work they’d done since lockdown began and so it was fantastic. Would you like to have lived in 1907 Vienna? That’s an interesting question, because my character Rachel – plus Mendel and Leah Liebermann – are slightly pretending that something dark and difficult isn’t coming, which is this rising wave of antisemitism. But it is. She adores [son] Max, and he’s the one who says, “Look, this is coming, and you need to pay attention to it.” Back then, being a Jewish person living…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Here is the news – you have a New Moon eclipse in your sign. This is so mega! The year ahead is going to be memorable, hopefully for all the right reasons. Make the most of the energies now by cutting ties with anything in your past you know you need to. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC There’s a New Moon eclipse this week and guess which sign it’s happening in? Sagittarius! In other words, it’s time for you to wipe the slate clean and start all over again in any and every part of your life where you know you need to. Forget about the past. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN As a rational…

‘SHE’S TRIED SO HARD TO MOVE ON BUT IT STILL COMES BACK TO HAUNT HER’ Following a five-year police investigation, the 12 suspects accused of a terrifying £8m jewellery heist – which saw Kim Kardashian bound, gagged and held at gunpoint in her rented Paris apartment – are finally set to stand trial. The harrowing incident left mum-of-four Kim traumatised and, while there is no date yet set for the court hearing, insiders say she is dreading reliving the experience again. A source says, “Kim’s tried so hard to move on from that night but it still comes back to haunt her when she least expects it. The thought of having to relive it all in court if she is called as a witness is terrifying.” SHAKEN Recalling the harrowing…

He showed off their “baby” Christmas tree last week as Brooklyn Beckham and his fiancée, Nicola Peltz revealed that they had already begun getting into the festive spirit. Brooklyn, 22, gushed, “Our tree is so baby,” as he took to his Instagram stories to share the first decoration at the new five-bedroom Beverly Hills mansion he recently bought with the American-born model, 26. It follows growing speculation among fans that they are expecting their first child following an apparent string of recent hints dropped by the couple, who surprised friends by opting for a family home over a trendier, smaller pad in the Hollywood Hills. A source says, “They’ve made no secret of how broody they are. They’ve already earmarked one of the rooms in their new home for the…

Lifting restrictions prompted many to buy new outfits for the return to workplaces, restaurants and the gym, but most sparkly tops and stretchy trousers contain synthetic fibres like nylon and Lycra, which are forms of plastic. These take hundreds of years to biodegrade, plus each wash releases around 700,000 tiny plastic microfibres that end up in the oceans and air. Tessa Wardley, author of the The Eco Hero Handbook (Ivy Press), says, “On a daily basis, we eat, drink and breathe in microfibres from synthetic clothes and fabrics.” She recommends wearing synthetic clothes until worn out and recycling them, then choosing organic cotton, linen, silk, wool or hemp. Tessa adds, “Think how often you wash synthetic fabrics – the more you do so, the more microfibres will be released. Try…

After last year saw families separated over the festive season, 2021 is set to be a Christmas like no other. But as shoppers return to the high street, it’s important we think of the environment. Tessa says, “Choose your wrapping with care. Many shiny or glittery papers are made using plastic, plus they often can’t be recycled.” Instead, opt for a recyclable traditional paper or fabric bags, which can be reused. Ditch plastic tape for biodegradable alternatives, like Sellotape Zero Plastic, made from plant-based ingredients. If you’re considering a fake tree, think twice. They are made from plastic, are non-biodegradable, and are often shipped thousands of miles to the UK. In comparison, real trees gobble carbon while they grow, are biodegradable and – when locally grown – have a lower…

Jennifer Lopez made a less-than-subtle hint to her boyfriend Ben Affleck when she wore a bridal frock on stage at the American Music Awards last week. Jen, 52 – who sent fans into a frenzy when she reunited with her former fiancé in April, 17 years after their engagement ended just months before their wedding – sported the nude custom Dior gown while performing a new song from her upcoming movie, Marry Me. And insiders say J Lo’s outfit choice was a tactical move to persuade her beau, 49, to re-pop the question, as she fears he may get call it off again. A source says, “It was a very conscious decision on her part. She knows how much he loves that whimsical, fairy-tale look so she worked closely with…

Jamie Redknapp has proudly introduced his baby boy with new wife Frida Andersson. The couple, who married last month in a surprise wedding ceremony in London, have welcomed a son named Raphael Anders Redknapp, with Jamie proudly posting a snap of the newborn on Instagram. He wrote alongside it, “We’re so in love, mum is doing so well too. So excited for him to meet my boys.” Swedish model Frida uploaded more snaps on her Instagram, and revealed his sweet nickname as she wrote, “Our Viking has arrived.” Jamie, 48, also shares Charley, 17, and Beau, 13, with ex-Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, from whom he split in 2017 after 20 years together. Earlier this month, Louise – who was said to be “floored” by news of Frida’s pregnancy this summer…

They got married just a month ago, but Selling Sunset’s Heather Rae Young and her new husband, Tarek El Moussa, are already discussing plans to extend their family. The glam LA estate agent, who stars in the hit Netflix show – which follows the lives of agents selling the most expensive properties in California (including Orlando Bloom’s former home) – said last week, “We’re going to freeze embryos first, go from there and see what happens.” Heather, 34, is already stepmum to the two children Tarek shares with his ex-wife, Christina Haack – Taylor, 11, and Brandon, six – and admitted, “Our life is already crazy. We’re raising two kids. I’m already a mommy. So I’m like, ‘Well, why not have just one more?’” Heather’s co-star Mary Fitzgerald has also…

She’s become well-loved for her risqué bodyconfidence pictures – and Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha says she has more revealing shots planned. Some of her previous Instagram posts – in which Nadia, 57, has recreated naked and semi-clothed photo shoots by Kim Kardashian, Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow – have gone viral with her 473k fans, who praise her for promoting body inclusivity. “I’ll definitely be doing some more Kim Kardashian posts over Christmas. People just love them!” Nadia says. However, her two daughters, Maddie, 18, and Kiki-Bee, 14, aren’t always happy about their mum’s snaps. “My girls used to hate my posts. Their friends will message them and say, ‘Uh-oh, your mum’s on Instagram again…’ and their stomachs will drop because they don’t know what I’ll do next! But…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK It’s really heartwarming that fans helped judge Shirley Ballas, 61, get a lump checked out after seeing it during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve sometimes been sat on trains, seen something that doesn’t look right on a passenger and had to weigh up whether I should mention it. Being a doctor is all about spotting things. They may already know, but it’s common for people to notice something but not do anything about it. That can be dangerous, which is why we sometimes need to – politely and sensitively – speak up. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS Politeness is important. As children, we’re told not to point out what’s in front of us, and we carry that…

It’s no easy job bringing up children and agreeing on how that’s done can be even harder. If you and your partner disagree on parenting techniques it can cause issues in your relationship later down the line, so it’s best to stick to some key points early on. DISCUSS EXPERIENCES The key to great parenting is to realise that you are both playing for the same team. The more on the same page you both are when it comes to rules, expectations and discipline, the better it will be for your family. Sit down together to explore what worked and didn’t work for you growing up. Talk through how these experiences made you feel, and why you wish to avoid certain behaviours. Agree where you draw the line where boundaries…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER ‘You can win £££ in online comps’ Jemma Smith, 30, from Oxfordshire, says, “I started getting into online competitions when I was at university during the Christmas holidays, and wanted to make some extra cash. There’s a whole category called Advent Competitions, with hundreds to enter each day. Most are free to enter and I find the best ones on ThePrizeFinder.com. For some you just input your details, for others you fill in a quick questionnaire. It varies. I run a tutoring agency so I don’t have time to do competitions regularly, but over Christmas I really get stuck in! “I generally win a couple of hundred pounds each year in prizes – in the past I’ve also won a trip…

COVER UP IN A CLASSIC The sky’s the limit with an aviator jacket! Faux suede and fleecy trims will toughen up fine knits for daytime cool. INVEST IN A DO-IT-ALL DRESS Animal prints are a fail-safe – buy a patterned piece now and you’ll love it forever. PLAY WITH TEXTURES Buddy oversized snuggly knits with faux leather or sequins for a high-low vibe that will work just as well for day or night. GO GRAPHIC WITH PRINTS Zigzags, chevrons and squares in orange or brown scream seventies yet feel current. Pick a piece and style with pared-back accessories. LAYER IN LUXE HUES For a fresh take on autumnal layering, pop rich jewel tones under bolder patterned separates.…

FRESH AND FRUITY LUXE Feminine, delicate and slightly vintage, this ultra-fruity, juicy cocktail smells like no other. With top notes of apple and pear blended with jasmine, violet and musk, this scent reminds us of a garden – fresh yet fancy, like something in a boutique perfumery. TOCCA FLORENCE £68 (EDP 50ML) BUDGET Celebrity fragrances can get a bad rap but this competes with bigger labels – it’s gorgeous! With 91 per cent natural ingredients, the mix of pear, rose, cedarwood and vanilla is sweet but not sickly. Impressive! ARIANA GRANDE GOD IS A WOMAN £36 (50ML) SWEET AND SUCCULENT LUXE Rich, decadent and sexy, one spritz of this packs a sensual punch of oriental florals. With top notes of mandarin and peach, it’s sweetened with vanilla but has an…

MUST READ Alphabet Of Animals (ROSE CORCORAN) The beautiful illustrations in Alphabet Of Animals celebrate wildlife, while the carefully selected quotations and poems highlight the threat that the human population poses to their very survival. This book would make the perfect gift for animal lovers. BEST DAY OUT Cirque du Soleil Luzia The marvellous Cirque du Soleil returns to the Royal Albert Hall from 12 January 2022 with the amazing production of Luzia, inspired by Mexico. You’ll be amazed by the gravitydefying routines and stunts that you won’t believe are humanly possible! With fabulous costumes, storytelling, music and visual effects, this will certainly wash the January blues away. To grab tickets and for more information, visit cirquedusoleil.com/luzia or royalalberthall.com. MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) MARY POPPINS RETURNS B) SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION NAME THE STARS 1) BRIE LARSON 2) ZENDAYA GUESS THE CELEB A) DOLLY PARTON B) JASON SUDEIKIS WORD LINK A) STAR B) SHIP C) CUP D) WAVE E) FROG F) ORDER SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 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…

Last week marked four years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially announced their engagement, posing outside Kensington Palace with huge smiles. It was a promising beginning, but life since has been a roller coaster of emotions for the pair, who famously left the UK for a new life in California and had a public falling out with their families. And last week Harry, 37, was dropped an anniversary bombshell when a controversial BBC documentary, The Princes And The Press, delved into his love life, revealing the strain his exes had suffered when dating the sixth in line to the throne. The show included an interview with a private investigator about Harry’s childhood sweetheart, Chelsy Davy, who he dated on and off for seven years, until 2011. The investigator claimed…

Sam Faiers has revealed she is expecting baby number three next spring – last week sharing the happy news with a sweet black and white picture of herself and boyfriend Paul Knightley with son Paul, five, and daughter Rosie, four, kissing her blossoming baby bump. Sam, 30, wrote, “Soon to be a family of 5. We have a spring baby on the way. We’re so happy and feeling blessed.” And the former The Mummy Diaries star wasted no time showing off her growing tummy again later in the week as she hit the red carpet in a black feathered dress for an event hosted by ITV in London. Sam’s sister Billie – who had been on a romantic getaway in Dubai with husband Greg Shepherd – was among the first…

Unfortunately, there are some waste products generated by the pandemic – such as testing kits – that were invented in a hurry so are not recyclable in domestic waste. Some items, like hand-sanitiser bottles, can go in with your usual recycling. Wilko has recently launched a face mask recycling scheme. Drop off used masks at a local store, where they will be collected safely, recycled, then turned into boards that can be used in building materials and furniture. Visit wilko.com/ face-mask-recycling. It’s also important to cut ear loops off face masks when disposing of them to prevent wildlife from getting entangled. The World Health Organisation states that surgical masks, which are made from plastics, should be worn if you suspect you have Covid-19, if you’re over 60, vulnerable, or live…

She’s been praised for her candid revelations on parenting, her long-term struggle with mental health and her battle with postnatal depression. And, six weeks after giving birth to daughter Rose, mum-of-four Stacey Solomon, 32, confessed she’s struggling as she grapples with life with a newborn again. Last week, the worn-out Loose Women panellist – who shares her first daughter with fiancé Joe Swash, 39 – posted a video for her 4.8m Instagram followers, saying, “And we’re back in bed again. Shock horror. I am as tired as I look – I look like a small boy. “I’ve just got no energy. I had so many plans for my maternity leave and can’t wait to get some energy back and do all the stuff I imagined we’d be doing.” As Rose…

Laila: ‘Adam loves his grub – he’ll definitely get ‘hangry’ in the Castle!’ Fans were delighted when soap legend Adam Woodyatt arrived as a latecomer to Gwyrch Castle last week, alongside Simon Gregson who plays Corrie’s Steve McDonald. And according to Adam’s EastEnders co-star, Laila Morse, viewers are in for a treat as they will “see another side to Ian Beale”, the character he has played since 1985. Laila, 76, who plays “Big Mo” in the soap, says, “Adam’s very different to the character he plays – Ian Beale can be a bit of a plank, a bit stupid. He likes the women and thinks he’s God’s gift. That’s the character, but Adam is nothing like that at all – he doesn’t think he’s God’s gift! “He’s quite knowledgeable and…

She recently confessed that she’s still looking for her Mr Right, following her “hot girl summer” after shedding an incredible 5st. And insiders say Rebel Wilson, 41 – who split from ex Jacob Busch in February, just four months after going public with their relationship – has grown close to a crew member she met last month while filming a “secret” project in Fiji. A source says, “Rebel’s not said too much amid fears things could go sour as soon as it becomes public, but she’s admitted it’s the first time since meeting Jacob that she’s had feelings like this. “She is a private, guarded person when it comes to love but she’s said that a ‘certain someone’ is putting a big smile on her face and giving her butterflies.”…

Two years since making her name on reality TV show Love Island, Maura Higgins now has her sights set on becoming a supermodel in the US and raking in a fortune. Maura, 30, has dumped the management agency she signed with when she left the show and has instead signed an agreement with top modelling agency Elite, who represent the likes of Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell. Sharing her news on Instagram, Maura uploaded a snap of herself in the Elite reception, writing, “Here’s to new beginnings” – and sources say she’s now eyeing up global success. An insider reveals, “Maura is hoping the new modelling deal will open up a lot of opportunities for her in America and she is really excited by that. EXCITED “She loves travelling and…

Young people have lots of stresses in today’s society, what with work, social media, Covid-19 and the lockdowns. I put a lot of pressure on myself by always wanting to be the best that I can be, because when I was growing up in gymnastics, I got told by people that I would never make it, which felt really crushing at the time. When that happened, my mum would always take me out for food or shopping to take my mind off things. Now, to destress, I like to watch a nice movie to take my mind off any issues. As I’ve got older, I cook more and clean more, which actually makes me feel better. I also have a dog, Willow, and, whenever I feel a bit upset, I…

Brace yourselves – we’ve entered into peak dating season, and it’s time to GO GO GO on your hunt for love. Contrary to what I’ve always believed about summer being the best time to meet someone, according to Bumble, the busiest time to date is from now until mid-February. Even though you may, like me, want to spend the next three months snuggled under a blanket on the sofa with a cuppa, it appears you’ll be wasting valuable time. If you don’t believe me, trust the research, Bumble also found that 70 per cent of people would go on as many as four dates a week during this period. After so many lockdowns and social distancing measures, singles are now looking to maximise their opportunity to date again. And who…

SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE 1 START WITH THE BASICS Get children comfortable handling cash. Explain how money is used to buy things and that it must be earned before it can be spent. 2 DISCUSS SMALL FINANCIAL DECISIONS Start getting your child involved with minor money matters, such as which brands and items to buy when shopping. Older children could also help with budgeting if you ask them to keep a running total of the items you buy. It can also help them to understand how small items add up and not everything is affordable. 3 TRY SIMPLE GAMES Counting pennies can help your child understand the value of different denominations of money. Use a pile of 1p coins and ask your child to match the price with…

NEW SERIES 1 AND JUST LIKE THAT… BELOVED SERIES REBOOTED THU 9 DEC, 9PM, SKY COMEDY / NOW The wait is finally over! Yes, the fabulous BFFs Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) are back – but sadly minus Kim Cattrall as the man-eating Samantha. They’re strutting around New York in some truly fashionforward outfits, dealing with the challenges of life, love, being in their 50s – and of course, enjoying the occasional cocktail. Chris Noth also makes a return as Big (hurrah!), as does the late Willie Garson as much-loved character Stanford. FACTFILE Sex And The City originally ran for 94 episodes over six seasons from 1998 to 2004, receiving an incredible 54 Emmy, 24 Golden Globe and 11 Screen Actors Guild nominations. NEW…