Table of contents for Issue 888 in Closer

How are you? If the answer is tired and broke (as it is for so many of us at this time of year), we’re here to help. On page 58, our brilliant Dr Christian investigates the most common causes of constant exhaustion and explains how to put the spring back in your step. We’ve also got a ten-page special devoted to making the most of your money. By shopping more carefully and changing a few habits, you could be up to £10k better off this year! Plus, we’ve spoken to women who transformed their lives by building businesses from home and slashing debts, and we reveal how to make cash from your clutter. An emptier house and a fuller bank account – what’s not to love?! So, turn to page…

It’s been three weeks since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry dropped the bombshell – dubbed “Megxit” – that they’d be stepping back from the royal family, with Harry saying he hopes they can now have “a more peaceful life”. But since their statement and subsequent relocation to Canada, the couple have been plagued with more controversy than ever. Last week, Meghan’s hostile relationship with her father was once again thrust into the spotlight as Channel 5 aired the documentary Thomas Markle: My Story, in which her 75-year-old dad accused the couple of “destroying the royal family”, as well as vowing to continue giving interviews. LEGAL COMPLAINT Meghan, 38, is set to face her dad in court later this year, with Thomas Markle reportedly preparing to testify against his daughter in…

‘SHE SEES THIS AS THEIR CHANCE TO FINALLY SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME TOGETHER’ She made the shock decision to leave Our Girl to concentrate on their marriage – sparking rumours they’re about to start a family – but now Michelle Keegan is said to be annoyed that her husband Mark Wright has taken on a new project that will see him spend more time away from home. It was announced last week that Mark, 32, would play for and co-own Essex football club Romford FC – alongside his raft of other jobs, including radio DJing and presenting Channel 5 dating show The Bachelor, as well as owning a property portfolio. HEAVY WORKLOAD But just hours later, the club’s statement was removed – with friends saying Michelle, also 32, was put…

They put on a loved-up display during their recent romantic break in Dubai, proving they’re sticking to their vow to make a fresh start. It came after Dan Osborne denied claims he’d had a threesome with his former CBB co-stars, Chloe Ayling and Natalie Nunn – allegations that overshadowed wife Jacqueline Jossa’s I’m A Celeb! win in December. But more trouble could be on the horizon for the couple, as insiders tell Closer how Jacqueline, 27, has been approached to replace Michelle Keegan as Lance Corporal Georgie Lane in Our Girl after the former Corrie star announced earlier this month she was stepping down to “spend more time at home.” CONFLICTED And pals say Jacqueline – who has Ella, four, and Mia, one – with Dan, 28, is conflicted about…

Having previously struggled with her mental health, Lisa is taking part in Japanuary – a month-long initiative encouraging people to adopt positive elements of the Japanese lifestyle. GET OUTSIDE “I need to exercise every day. I’m lucky that I live near Epping Forest and can listen to the birds and be in nature. It goes without saying that exercise boosts your mood. I’ve also taken up weight lifting, which helps me to get those feel-good endorphins.” MEDITATE “We could all take a little bit of the way they [the Japanese] live. Just having some quiet time or meditating before you start your day – I do that every day. You are so much more able to deal with any stress. You are in a better, calmer headspace.”…

Chloe Smith* , 31, was stalked by her ex-partner Neil Riley in a chilling campaign, which included him bugging her house and car to spy on her. Chloe says, “I’m pleased stalking is finally being taken more seriously – I wish SPOs had been an option when I reported my ex for stalking me, as I’d have felt so much more secure. FRIGHTENED “I met Neil in 2008 and, at first, we were happy. In May 2011, I gave birth to our daughter Lauren, followed by Dannii in November 2014. “But then our relationship deteriorated. Neil became controlling and he’d regularly check my phone and accuse me of sleeping with other men. We argued constantly and so, in 2015, I ended the relationship. “He still saw the girls but he’d…

BLAZER SQUAD Channel ’80s power dressing with a blazer and shoulder pads. For a sleek silhouette, team longer styles with midi or maxi dresses. They can also dress up boyfriend jeans and a white tee at the weekends. BLAZER ASOS £58 DRESS TOPSHOP £39 EARRINGS NEW LOOK £3.99 SHOES DUNE £65 SLEEVE IT Super-sizing your sleeves is one of the easiest ways to give this look a go. Try bold, bright prints for extra impact and keep the rest of the outfit fitted to offset the bigger shape. TOP STRADIVARIUS £25.99 JEANS BOOHOO £25 RINGS CLAIRE’S £14.50 FOR 10 FINE FLARES Vintage-inspired, wide-legged trousers give any outfit a dramatic flourish. Keep the rest of your look simple to let them do the talking – a belted jacket will streamline your…

She dropped from a size 16 to a size 6 in 2013, and Vicky Pattison admits she spent most of her twenties on a roller coaster of yo-yo dieting. But this month, Vicky has sworn off fad diets and is losing her extra Christmas pounds the sensible way. “For a spell, I turned into someone who was so fixated on calorie counting and the number on the scale that I made myself miserable,” the former Geordie Shore star, 32, tells Closer. “So many times January came around and I thought, ‘That’s it, no carbs’ or ‘Gym every day’. When I was really thin, I was counting how many blueberries I was putting on my porridge in the morning. I never want to be that woman again, it’s so detrimental to…

INSIDE SOPHIE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Dairy-free sunflower spread • Sweetcorn • Chicken pieces • Pomegranate seeds • Gherkins • Apples • Chicken gravy • Prawns • Mediterranean vegetables • Cod fillets • Chopped onions • Watermelon • Gluten-free bagels • Lemon • Chicken sausages • Salmon fillets • Broccoli • Potatoes • Robinsons peach squash • Celery • Peppers • Gluten-free bread • Almond drink • Cucumber • Carrots • Leeks SOPHIE KASAEI How much do you spend per week? About £100, and that’s just for me. It is a lot, but I’d rather pay more for quality stuff. I’m not one for checking the prices of everything. Describe your daily diet... Breakfast is two chicken sausages with scrambled or poached eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and a slice of gluten-free…

It can be easy to put your relationship last on your list of priorities, despite the fact that being in a good one has a powerful impact on your overall happiness. The key to any connection is communication, so you need time together as a couple if you’re to grow and develop as partners. Commit to scheduling times where you debrief each other about your week. Also, take turns to cook for each other, as this expresses gratitude and promotes bonding, which strengthens relationships. Having space to pursue interests independently is healthy, but a shared hobby can inject fun into your free time, reminding you of your early days. Try not to sweat the small stuff – because doing so can eventually corrode even the strongest relationships. His socks being…

I’M MOST PROUD OF... my family. My sons Neil, 23, and Aaron, 20, are at that age now where they’re achieving things for themselves. My husband Sandeep is so supportive and has given us confidence. I WISH... I was more like my husband. In business, sometimes you’ll fail, or things won’t go to plan, but he’s that one person who always picks himself back up. He is so positive about everything in life. I REGRET... nothing. Many things have gone wrong in my life, but I’ve learnt not to view these as failures. They’re life lessons and are not a problem. Why beat yourself up? None of us are perfect. I’VE LEARNT... not to worry about what other people are thinking. Sandeep always says, “Stop comparing yourself to others”. Just…

1 HOME COMEDY GOLD WED 5 FEB, 10PM, C4 The bittersweet comedy written by and starring Rufus Jones returns for a second series – and Syrian asylum seeker Sami (the brilliant Youssef Kerkour) is still waiting to hear from the Home Office. And yes, as his surrogate son John points out, he’s still wearing the same cardigan. Sami may not be living with Katy, Peter and John any more – he’s moved out to a hotel housing fellow refugees – but he’s as much a part of their family as ever. So, when Sami struggles to deal with being stuck in the system and ends up locking a hotel employee in a sauna, it’s Peter who comes to his rescue. As beautifully observed and written as the first series, Home…

MUST READ The Knock (JESSIE KEANE) Pregnant teen Dora finds herself on the streets, then in the grip of a bent copper called Donny. When her daughter Angel is born, Dora is already under the influence of drink and drugs and is handed around to Donny’s mates. Growing up in the shadow of her mother’s abusive relationship, Angel is nothing like her mother – but then matters turn murderous… A brilliant, gritty read from one of our favourite authors. BEST DAY OUT Magic Goes Wrong Treat yourself to an evening of magic and mayhem with Mischief Theatre, the company behind The Play That Goes Wrong. Created with magical legends Penn and Teller, the hilarious Magic Goes Wrong is situated in the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End. The production tells…

AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB If you want to earn more, believe in yourself and what you can offer. Don’t skimp on working hours, or try to get away with the least amount of effort. Give your all and you’ll get noticed. Get your invitation to join the life-changing (free) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages.com/ moonlite PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR On the one hand, now is a good time to get out with friends. One relationship which was in the doldrums might get a boost and feel more stable and secure, as though resentment has been cleared out. On the other hand, alone time will also appeal. Get your invitation to join the life-changing (free) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages.com/moonlite ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR Don’t worry if you can’t see the…

She was notoriously private during her pregnancy with Bear, and was seen out in public on just a handful of occasions after “hibernating” at the Surrey mansion she shared with then-boyfriend Liam Payne. But after confirming she’s ready to have her second child – and is looking for a sperm donor – insiders reveal Cheryl, 36, is preparing to follow suit by going into hiding for her next pregnancy – only this time she is considering doing it in LA, where pals recently told Closer she’s in contact with California Cryobank, which boasts to be the “cream of the crop” for donors. A source says, “Cheryl’s made no secret of her battle with anxiety, and she’s keen to lay low again when she gets pregnant to ensure she puts her…

She lapped up some male attention during a ski trip to France last week, and was seen beaming as five male fans lifted her up for a photo opportunity on the slopes, following her split from on/off toyboy Kris Boyson in December. And insiders say Jordan – real name Katie Price – has already broken her New Year “man ban” resolution after telling friends she’s fallen for an older, divorced businessman – who she’s secretly hoping will help her following news that she was declared bankrupt in December after blowing her £45m fortune. INSTANT CHEMISTRY A source says, “Katie’s been on a mission to meet a rich bachelor who can get her out of the mess she’s in and keep her in the lavish style she’s accustomed to – which…

During Clare Smith’s* career as a teacher, she has been spat at in the face and regularly felt intimidated and threatened by pupils. According to a survey by the teacher’s union NASUWT (The National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers), she’s one of 89 per cent of teachers who have been verbally or physically abused at work. A recent survey revealed that an attack on a teacher happens at least once a week – and four per cent of teachers admitted to being attacked on a daily basis. STRUGGLING Eventually, after six years working in struggling state secondary schools, Clare, who lives near Birmingham, decided she couldn’t cope with the strain any longer. She quit in 2016, and now tutors students from her home – and looks back on her…

She vowed to stop showing off her riches, after being left traumatised when she was held at gunpoint by armed robbers in Paris in October 2016 – insisting, “I’m such a different person now”, and claiming she’d never wear expensive jewellery again. But fast-forward just over three years and it seems Kim Kardashian – who’s worth an estimated £285m – appears to have forgotten that promise, as she’s been sharing images of her latest bling to her 157 million Instagram followers. FLASHY POSTS The reality star recently bragged about a vintage Cartier gold necklace her husband, rapper Kanye West, 42, gave to her, then soon after sharing a snap of the pair wearing matching Louis Vuitton “millionaire” sunglasses worth around £10,000 each. The mum-of-four’s followers slammed her for being “tacky”,…

❛MEN TELL ME I’M PRETTIER THAN THEIR WIVES AND THEY WISH THEY WERE WITH ME❜ Born a boy, Emily Alexander, 30, is finally able to become the woman she’s always wanted to be. She can now pay to physically change her gender, as she earns up to £5,000 a month in cash and gifts from sugar daddies she has met online – many of whom are married. Former male model, Emily – who is single and runs a PR firm in London – says, “I want to use the money I’ve been gifted for a boob job, facial feminisation surgery, and a Brazilian butt lift. “I’m starting hormone treatment, but I haven’t had any surgery yet. I know surgery can be painful, and obviously has risks, so it’s a daunting…

JUST LANDED FRIZZ TAMER L’ORÉAL ELVIVE DREAM LENGTHS FRIZZ KILLER SERUM WHAT IS IT? A new weapon to fight frizz. It smooths, softens and detangles strands, and also protects against the stresses of heat styling. WHY WE LOVE IT: Winter weather, blow-drying, curling and straightening tools can wreak havoc on hair and this new serum is a multi-tasking saviour. With keratin to strengthen and cocoa butter to deliver flexibility, it tames frizz and static for 24 hours. Use on damp or dry hair before styling. GET THE LOOK... CORAL EYES Revamp your eye shadow, like Saoirse and Lizzo, with soft orange and peachy shades… ❶ EASY-TO-WEAR LOTTIE LONDON THE RUSTS PALETTE £4.95 Use these muted tones for a sunset smokey-eye effect, perfect for every day. A mix of mattes and…

TAKE YOUR TIME Change one small thing at a time. It might be that one week you start to eat better, the next you go back to the gym. Don’t think it has to be all or nothing. It’s a marathon not a sprint, and going hell for leather will just make you miserable. TRY SOMETHING NEW I’ve just started zero gravity Pilates and have already noticed a difference. It’s nice to keep your body on its toes and make sure things don’t get mundane, because otherwise it gets boring. DO IT WITH A FRIEND I’m following WW with my mum and it helps us both keep on track. If I’m having a bit of a wobble and want to order a 24-inch Domino’s pizza with all the sides I’ll…

Being constantly exhausted is a very common problem. Some typical causes include having too many late nights, working long hours or funny shift patterns, and having a baby that wakes you up through the night. So if you’re getting up at 7am, going to bed at midnight, maintaining a busy job and three kids, it will take its toll, even if you’re young, fit and healthy. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK You may feel like you should be fine, but if you take a step back, you often realise you’re cramming in too much, creating the perfect storm for not getting proper rest – ever. On top of that, when we have a busy lifestyle we’re more likely to turn to caffeine, sugary foods or alcohol, all of which…

Dating apps can be amazing in so many ways, but I usually find they have an expiry date, and it’s wise to know when that is and when you need to take a breather. Right now, the likes of Tinder, Hinge and Bumble are having more action than ever before, with sign-ups booming at the start of the year. I’ve had all manner of stats arrive in my inbox showing that the sexiest tradesmen on apps are apparently electricians (no idea how they measured that), while 33 per cent of women think intelligence is important when seeking out a match – I’ll just pray for the remaining 67 per cent. But there’s also some good news. New research from Match has found that a third of single Brits want to…

‘My husband’s romantic gesture is earning us a fortune’ Kate Greenhalgh, 38, lives with her husband John, 39, and their daughter, Phoebe, four, in Bolton. She was inspired to turn a thoughtful gift into a successful business idea. She says, “For Christmas 2014, my husband gave me a jar with 72 sealed envelopes inside, each containing a proposal for a date together over the following year. He told me he’d thought of the idea himself, and originally wanted to do an idea a week but activities kept coming to him. “Every Monday, I opened an envelope and we did whatever the card instructed. The activities ranged from watching the sunset together to going out for a nice meal. “Though some ideas weren’t what I’d choose to do – like making…

What can we expect from series five? STEVE, 52: I’d say it’s the most varied season we’ve done. REECE, 50: I hope so, yeah. I was away when series four went out so I didn’t see it, but I think more people were watching it. Hopefully for series five we’ve managed to create an intriguing collection of stories that are enjoyable and surprising to watch. STEVE: We were blessed in having the 1-3 box-set go on BBC iPlayer and that was a huge wake-up call because people started recommending it, and word-of-mouth played a huge part. It became a bigger thing… Episode one is set in a referee’s changing room… STEVE: It’s a space that probably most of us don’t think about very often, but it just struck us as…

They drove fans wild when they were caught holding hands backstage at the 2020 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles last week. And speculation that the exes are on the brink of a reunion was intensified after a thrilled-looking Brad Pitt was spotted cheering “Oh wow,” when ex-wife Jennifer Aniston won her award. The photographer who took the hand-holding picture later revealed, “The moment was really touching, and you could sense the respect between two people who have known each other 20-plus years and are both outstanding in their field.” Many believe their suspicions were confirmed by Jen’s BFF Courteney Cox, who “liked” several images of the couple from the SAG Awards, including one that she cryptically captioned, “It goddam look like it”, leading fans to believe they are…

‘SHE’S BEEN FEELING SO LOW ABOUT STARTING YET ANOTHER YEAR SINGLE’ She vowed to “never drink again” after telling fans, “I feel like I’m dying” in the midst of a crippling hangover – hours before being hospitalised. But it seems Lauren Goodger’s pledge was short-lived. As she downed Champagne in a swanky London hotel last week, she informed her Instagram followers, “Haven’t had a drop to drink since Christmas Day... Hmmm, maybe it’s deserved.” And friends reveal the former TOWIE star – who has worried fans with her extreme use of fillers in the past – is suffering from crippling back pain caused by her enlarged bottom and is using alcohol to cope. A source says, “Lauren’s been in constant agony with her lower back, as her bum is putting…

Education reformer Katharine Birbalsingh is the founder of the Michaela Community School in Wembley – dubbed Britain’s strictest school. She says, “Any school can be turned around and have high-achieving pupils with no violence, though it will take four or five years. “The key is to pay attention to small details . Pupils need to be accountable from the smallest level, such as wearing the correct uniform, no make-up, and a blanket ban on gadgets and mobile phones. It gives children a rigid structure and order to work within and makes them feel secure. When small details are adhered to, the big issues never come up. We are a very strict school, but the children are happy here. “You also need to have excellent teachers, and they need to care…

SHARON VOWS TO HELP OZZY FIGHT PARKINSON’S She thanked fans for their support last week following her husband Ozzy’s revelation that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. During a TV appearance in America, Sharon Osborne said, “Ozzy will be just over the moon. He will be taken aback. I’m good. I feel very good. I feel very strong. People have been amazing with their outpouring of love for my husband, and I thank you.” The couple have been married for 40 years, after meeting in 1970 when Sharon’s dad was Ozzy’s manager, and marrying 12 years later in an idyllic wedding in Hawaii. They went on to have children Aimee, 36, Kelly, 35, and Jack, 34, who, with the exception of Aimee, all featured on their own reality show…

She’s been happily settled with fiancé George Smart for four years and plans to marry him in 2020 – hopefully in Japan. But model and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon, 48, is the first to admit she’s had her share of heartache along the way. She reveals, “There’s no doubt George is the right guy for me, but after having previous destructive relationships, marriage isn’t something I’ve been in a rush to do. I’m not sure if my parents’ divorce and the fact they weren’t happily married has affected my decision, too.” Lisa began her career as a model aged 19 in 1990, a year after she started her first serious romance, which lasted five years. She later revealed in 2005 she’d been a victim of domestic violence in that relationship.…

Recent legislation could see stalkers facing up to five years in jail if they breach Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), which came into power last week. These orders will ban them from contacting or approaching their victim for two years, and may even force stalkers to receive professional help. The order can be made before the severity of stalking has escalated to a criminal offence, so police can intervene earlier. While some campaigners have voiced concern that the powers could be used as an alternative to prosecutions, placing victims at greater risk, the new measure will be a relief for the one in five women and one in ten men who have been stalked. The Alice Ruggles Trust, which campaigns for legislation against the crime, welcomed the move. The Trust was…

GET HER LOOK MOLLIE KING, 32 We’re still obsessed with satin slip skirts, so we can’t get enough of Mollie’s off-duty take on the trend. The cool western-style boots teamed with black accessories instantly add edge to the singer’s outfit. Top marks! EVERYBODY’S WEARING... MONOCHROME POLKA DOTS From big circles to dainty dots, this playful print can work for any occasion. Take a leaf out of the celebs’ book and opt for minimal accessories, letting the bold pattern take centre stage. Get ready to be spotted for all the right reasons! FASHION WORT H TALKING ABOUT! SAG AWARDS SPECIAL! FLORAL FAILURE Sarah Hyland, 29 While actress Sarah’s outfits usually impress, this one falls short (literally). We love the lilac shade, but can’t help thinking it looks like a tacky prom…

CLEAN COMPLEXION Formulated with French pink clay to draw out impurities and daily dirt from both your face and body, this leaves skin silky smooth without drying it out. Perfect for a quick, in-shower cleanse, use instead of your daily face wash or scrub. It smells delicious, too. HERBIVORE PINK CLAY CLEANSING BAR £10 GLOSSY LOCKS Everyone should add a conditioner bar into their haircare arsenal. Simply work into a lather, then massage in for shinier, thicker locks. LUSH SHINE-ENHANCING STRAWBERRY CONDITIONER BAR £9 SENSITIVE SHAVE Gently fragranced with bergamot and infused with coconut oil, this shaving bar has a generous, natural lather. Super hydrating, deep cleaning and gentle on sensitive areas, this is a must-have for both men and women. It’s eco-friendly and cruelty free, too. LITTLE SOAP COMPANY…

SIMPLE SUPPER LINGUINE WITH BROCCOLI, PANCETTA AND PINE NUTS 503 CALS 12.6G FAT 4.9G SUGAR 0.7G SALT PER SERVING SERVES 2 • 200g linguine • 100g Tenderstem broccoli tips • 1tbsp pine nuts • 3 rashers pancetta, halved • 1tsp olive oil • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 150ml alcohol-free Chardonnay • 50g low-fat cream cheese • Few sprigs flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 1tsp lemon zest STEP 1 Cook the linguine according to the pack instructions, adding the broccoli for the last 2 mins of cooking. Drain and set aside. STEP 2 While the pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over a medium heat for 1-2 mins until golden. Set aside. STEP 3 Fry the pancetta in the same dry pan. Remove and keep…

It may be time to swap your beverage of choice. Looking at more than 100,000 people, researchers found that those who drank green tea three or more times a week had a longer life expectancy and less chance of getting heart disease and strokes compared with those who rarely or never sipped the healthy cuppa. It’s all thanks to the protective polyphenols found in the infusion, and you benefit most by drinking it often throughout you life. Not keen on the taste? Try a version with lemon or mint.…

If you’ve already ditched the commitments you made to yourself on the first of the month, don’t fear. By employing a few strategies you can still turn things round… STOP RUSHING Taking an all-or-nothing approach is the biggest reason why people give up. When you convince yourself that to succeed you have to commit to significant changes, and stick to them, however big the impact on your life, you end up overwhelmed. Then, the moment you hit a stumbling block, you throw in the towel. Research suggests that a habit takes 21 days to form, so change won’t come straight away. But this figure should spur you on, because it suggests that if you persevere just a little, your new behaviours will soon feel natural. Go back to your goal,…

How do you keep the passion for the show going? I love it with exactly the same excitement as the first day I arrived on it, but with the history of loving it now, too. It’s a really huge relationship that I’ve had with it as a show. I still feel excited by it and I still feel sad when it comes to these last weeks. As soon as we get into filming the last episode, I get like, “Oh, we’re going to be saying goodbye for a little bit!” Does working on Silent Witness ever give you funny dreams? Yes. Last night I dreamt we were all doing a scene together and there was a detective in it, who asked a question. Thomas Chamberlain answered it, but as the…

Bobby sparks outrage among teddy bear lovers after he reveals his latest fashion line – slippers made with teddy pelts. Charlotte rocks our top January look. It’s called the ‘Force nine gale and damp out there too’. Works well with monochrome. OLIVIA BUCKLAND Well, Liv, after a long hard day of thinking and writing here at Closer Towers, we usually find that straight vodka switches the brain off in a very effective manner. MONTANA BROWN Not sure this always works, Montana. Having just watched JoJo Rabbit , we can confirm we have absolutely no intention whatsoever of joining the Hitler Youth. FRANKIE ESSEX When Frankie won a competition to win a ‘Mini in pink’, she thought she was getting a new set of wheels. Turns out it was ‘Minnie’. D’oh!…