Table of contents for Issue 907 in Closer

So much about the way we eat and drink has been changed by lockdown. Sales of alcohol have soared as more of us tried to drown out negative feelings and yet, on the other hand, experts say many of us have cut down on meat and dairy in favour of healthy, plant-based options. We all know what we put in our bodies affects how we feel, so in this issue, Dr C gives practical advice on how to reduce the amount we drink. And we’ve got a brilliant vegan special, full of celeb chats, delicious recipes, and tips for a healthy lifestyle. We’d also love you to read our report on the unnecessary cruelty of live exports (page 31). If you care about animal welfare, you’ll see you really CAN…

It’s been a difficult few weeks for Jacqueline Jossa. Sources close to the devoted mum of two say she hates having the spotlight on her marriage, but, once again, her relationship with Dan Osborne has made headlines for the wrong reasons. When news broke that the actress had left her family home and moved elsewhere, she shot down split rumours by saying she just needed space. Explaining her decision to divide her time between her marital home in Essex and a house in Kent, she said, “I’ve been staying at another house – a house my parents will eventually be moving into. I had really been struggling (haven’t we all!?) lately and, as I said the other day, I’ve just needed some time and breathing space.” But just days later,…

NHS A&E doctor Dr Frankie Jackson-Spence says, “The long-lasting damages from severely suffering with coronavirus, as Derek has, are still unclear. We’re seeing some evidence that there can be lasting scarring on the lungs if they become very inflamed. This would mean a patient may have trouble breathing in the future, or may become susceptible to other lung illnesses, and may struggle to exercise or move as well as they did before. “I think some of the most severe long-lasting effects, though, will be the mental impact. We’ve seen that patients who spend time in ICU often suffer post-traumatic stress disorder – it can be a really frightening time and these patients may need therapy to help come to terms with what happened afterwards. But equally, I’ve seen patients who’ve…

‘ I FEEL LIKE THE LITTLE BIT OF HOPE I HAD HAS NOW BEEN SNATCHED AWAY’ Earlier this year, Sarah Valentine was filled with optimism. She’d been accepted on a clinical trial to treat her breast cancer and had just had her first session. She had every reason to believe it would buy her precious time with her four children. Tragically, her treatment was halted when lockdown started in March and Sarah, 40 – whose condition is terminal – is still facing months of uncertainty and fear. DEVASTATED Sarah, who lives in Kent with her children Jessie, 19, Poppy, nine, Teddy, seven, and Billy, four, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2016, and it spread to her bones and liver. She says, “Even with a terminal diagnosis, I had…

‘I don’t feel like I’m about to turn 50!’ She’s known for her exuberant attitude to life and boundless energy, but TV presenter Julia Bradbury admits a recent breast cancer scare knocked her for six. In March, the former presenter of Countryfile found a lump after checking her breasts, which she does regularly. Julia – who was working in Costa Rica at the time – tells Closer, “I felt a lump and it was sore... but when I got home, it was lockdown and I was distracted with the family and life just took over.” The star, who turns 50 next month, admits it was only after speaking to a friend who shared her concerns that she contacted her GP, leading to a visit to the breast specialist at her…

Psychologist Dr Jane McCartney, says, “The last 13 years will have been unbelievably painful for the McCann family, and although it now looks like the police are coming close to an answer, this will be a fresh agony. Maddie’s disappearance will have been like a cloud hanging over them every day since she went missing and they would never have stopped hoping for positive news. Whether they receive confirmation of her death, or it turns out to be another false line of enquiry, it’ll be devastating. And her poor younger siblings, twins Amelie and Sean, now 14, have had to live with this heartache all these years too. The long-term effect on them will be so hard. Although Kate and Gerry would have tried to make life as normal as…

Christine Watson, 61, runs the Fleece Inn, a 400-year-old pub in Yorkshire, with her husband Alan, 64. She says, “When I began managing the Fleece Inn in 1993, local punters warned me of spooky occurrences. I didn’t believe in paranormal activity and shrugged it off, but on my first night, I sensed someone within inches of my face, watching me sleep. “Then, when my son claimed his toys were moving in the night, we decided to do an experiment. We sprinkled flour all over a table and locked the door before going out for the day. “When we returned, it looked like fingers had been dragged through the flour. It convinced us that the punters had been right. “Now, we catch glimpses of spirits lurking in the corridors or walking…

It’s been two decades since one of the most iconic shows in British reality TV history appeared on our screens – Big Brother first aired in 2000, and eventually had 19 series and 22 versions of the celebrity spin-off. The show launched the careers of a host of stars – including Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson and Chantelle Houghton – with the celebrity version catapulting already well-known names into even greater mainstream fame. And Vanessa Feltz – who starred in the first-ever series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2001 – tells Closer why she believes Big Brother was one of the best shows on TV, and how it set a precedent for the nation’s obsession with reality TV today. RAW She says, “It’s an absolutely brilliant concept. If Shakespeare were alive…

• The 14 June marks Ban Live Exports International Awareness Day. Head to Ciwf. org.uk/BanLiveExportsDay, where you can sign up for social media events such as Twitter storms and creative challenges on Facebook. • To sign a petition ending live exports in the EU, visit Thepetitionsite.com and search “15,000 sheep”. • All calves exported from the UK come from Scottish farms. Compassion in World Farming has launched a judicial review challenging the Scottish Government on the live export of unweaned calves from Scotland to mainland Europe. Please urge the Scottish Government to stop this cruel trade. Visit Ciwf.org. uk/justiceforcalves.…

‘I’m much happier and more positive now’ She’s talked openly about battling crippling depression in the past, but Suzanne Shaw reveals that overhauling her diet and fitness routine has dramatically improved her mental health – and has even helped her cope with the strain of lockdown. Over the last nine months she’s gone vegan, cut out alcohol and started exercising – with incredible results. Suzanne, 38, tells Closer, “I used to have anxiety attacks, but since changing my lifestyle I’m coping so much better. I don’t take everything so seriously and I no longer have those horrible moments where you feel scared of your own shadow – it’s awful living like that.” VICIOUS CIRCLE The star – who rose to fame as part of pop group Hear’Say in 2001 –…

KRISTINA RIHANOFF: ‘I have so much more energy now!’ She has recently launched her own yoga business, teaches daily exercise classes, and still manages to run around after her four-year-old daughter – and Kristina Rihanoff credits her vegan diet for her endless energy. “I love being vegan so much – my body feels so good for it,” she says. “I feel so healthy and I have so much more energy now.” It’s been over three years since Kristina, 42 – who is mum to Mila, four, with her rugby star partner Ben Cohen – switched to a plant-based diet, and she attributes much of its success to helping her drop a dress size, from a size 12 to a 10, after giving birth. But the former Strictly dancer says that…

ALL ABOUT YOU BUILD CONFIDENCE AS LOCKDOWN LIFTS The thought of returning to work and adjusting to former routines can be daunting. Emma advises how to handle the ‘new normal’ Life has changed dramatically over the past few months. But after getting used to spending time in the comfort of our own homes, things are changing again as society tentatively reopens, and a few minor changes have been introduced while the UK remains in lockdown. Feeling anxious about whether you’ll be able to readjust back to ‘a new normal’ is to be expected. For the past two months you have been exposed to traumatic news – making you fear for your health and that of your loved ones. This has led to your sense of personal security being challenged, affecting…

Now estate agents are back, Zoopla and Rightmove are always handy, but these other apps could help you make good choices when searching for a new home: MORTGAGE CALCULATOR UK can assist in working out your maximum budget, by checking how much a mortgage will cost you per month and what it could cost if interest rates change. You can also talk to expert mortgage advisors. AROUNDME helps you to work out if an area has everything you need nearby, as it checks for local banks, supermarkets, parks, cafés, and hospitals, with maps and user ratings. PLANNER 5D aids with planning a home makeover, allowing you to create, view and edit your home interiors in 2D or 3D. Input details from the floor plan, then drop and drag furniture and…

FAB FRAME From doodles to photos, get creative this Father’s day by framing something special for the ultimate DIY keepsake. SENTIMENTAL SOCKS Turn your child’s artwork into quirky socks! Upload drawings and he’ll have a colourful keepsake that brings a smile. SWEET TREAT Give something sweet to wake up to with these chocolates. Pop them through the letterbox if he doesn’t like a fuss! GRAPE ESCAPE Offering a virtual tour from a vineyard, treat a wine lover to a lesson in how to choose, drink and enjoy his top tipple. BOOK SMART A sport-mad dad will love Tyson Fury’s autobiography – covering the life of the world champion heavyweight boxer. HOME-GROWN HEAT For gardeners who like spice, this parcel contains a personalised plaque and three different chilli seeds to plant.…

CREATIVE SPACES As we spend more time outdoors, treat your garden or balcony like an extension of your home and spend some time decorating it. Painting brick walls or a fence in a unusual colour can completely transform the space, while pretty string lights and accessories will add personality to even the simplest of areas. If you’re not very green-fingered, cheat your way to foliage with faux baskets and plants. PRETTY DETAILS Even over-barbecued food will feel special on a pretty set of plates! Don’t worry about matching sets – create an eclectic feel by mixing items in similar prints or tones, and try dressing the table with complementary ornaments or candles. A tablecloth (or even a bed sheet!) will add a restaurant vibe to an old table, while a…

1 MARTIN & ROMAN’S SUNDAY BEST! FIRST SERIES TOGETHER SUN 14 JUNE, 8.30AM, ITV Father and son duo Martin and Roman Kemp have talked about the “something special” they’ve been working on, and here it is! Each week two celebrity guests will be linked up to two families via a video (as is the modern way). The families featured have all recently done something nice (such as caring for others), so this is all about thanking them (and giving them an opportunity to swoon over Martin Kemp). The man himself says, “Lockdown has been a really tough time for everyone, and we are just pleased to be able to bring some feel-good entertainment and hopefully put a smile on people’s faces.” Roman, meanwhile, is just excited about being able to…

This was a story that captured headlines around the world? ANNE-MARIE, 49: When you think about Salisbury, you think of a beautiful city with its beautiful cathedral. The power of it all was that this smallish place had something happen to it that was akin to a huge disaster movie. It could’ve been globally catastrophic. RAFE, 37: Working on a show that garnered attention around the world is interesting, but the drama really isn’t about politics – it’s about human beings in desperate situations. Anne-Marie – you play Wiltshire Council public health director Tracy Daszkiewicz? ANNE-MARIE: Tracy was very much in the middle of it all, but we had a real sense that her story hadn’t been told. Even when you Google this subject, she’s hardly there and it seems…

Open Mind with Frankie Bridge We all know her as being part of girl group The Saturdays, but Frankie has also been busy recording her Open Mind podcast. Focusing on mental health, she talks about her ongoing journey with her own breakthrough and experiences, and invites fellow celebs to chat through theirs too. Chatting to the likes of Sam Thompson, Laura Whitmore, Nick Grimshaw, magician Dynamo and Vogue Williams, Frankie hopes that this podcast will help others to speak out and be confident and open about their own battles. Listen now on Spotify. MAGIC RADIO IS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK ON YOUR DAB DIGITAL RADIO FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.MAGIC.CO.UK…

GEMINI 21 MAY–20 JUN Loving yourself is the most important thing now. And if you’ve fallen out of love with yourself, then don’t be surprised if no one else seems to be tumbling head over heels for you either. It’s also a perfect time to look up an ex. Get Yasmin’s free Venus retrograde course at Moonmessages. com/venusrx CANCER 21 JUN–22 JUL If you’re feeling slightly dreamy, don’t worry. This part of the year is always a little hazy for you. It’s a great time for you to reflect on the year that’s been. Soon enough, you’ll feel plugged back in, and it will be time to start a whole new cycle. Get Yasmin’s free Venus retrograde course at Moonmessages.com/venusrx LEO 23 JUL–22 AUG They say that friends are like…

Saucy Robbie suggested he and Ayda try swinging from the chandelier – sadly, they slipped and crash-landed. Ouch. With so much more time on his hands, Roman has perfected his make-up skills. We wonder if EastEnders needs a new barmaid? CHRISSY TEIGEN... Thanks for the steer, Chrissy. We’re going to go back and watch re-runs of every series. Hopefully by then we’ll actually be able to return to normal life… in 2025! AMBER ROSE GILL... Amber, if we take a day out for ourselves it certainly won’t involve deep cleaning. But it may involve eating something with a deep crust! INSPIGRAM CALUM Sadly, Calum, in our case that means eating lots of saturated fats. Good for the soul, terrible for the waistline! PADDY MCGUINNESS After a hard morning spent playing…

They’re planning to build an underground escape tunnel to ramp up security at their £6 million Cotswolds mansion, following two attempted break-ins in 2018 that had left them “shaken”. And insiders tell Closer that the extreme move has been sparked by Posh, who is nervous about staying at their sprawling nine-bedroom country retreat alone when husband David Beckham moves to Miami – the home of his MLS soccer team Inter Miami – once the lockdown is lifted. A source says, “Vic’s petrified at the thought of staying there without David. After discussions with their security team, they’ve decided to implement some military-style measures, insisting money is no object when it comes to their safety. “While she loves the remoteness of their country pad, she hates being there alone and doesn’t…

❛SHE CAN’T FULLY GRIEVE AND CAN’T FULLY HOPE – SHE’S STUCK IN BETWEEN❜ In an emotional live segment on Good Morning Britain (GMB) last Friday, Kate Garraway, who shares Darcey, 14, and William, ten, with psychotherapist Derek, 52, revealed he was free of coronavirus but unresponsive, and she doesn’t know if he will ever fully recover – saying they needed just one more “miracle” so that “he could make that next step.” DAMAGE Kate, 53 – who has been married to Derek for 14 years – welled up as she said, “He has fought the most extraordinary battle, the fact that he’s still here and holding on… He is now COVID-free, he has tested negative, the fight with the virus is over, but it’s wreaked extraordinary damage on his body…

‘ SHE CAN’T HELP WONDERING HOW THIS NEW DYNAMIC MIGHT AFFECT THINGS’ They’ve only recently renewed their friendship, more than a decade after their shock divorce left Jennifer Aniston heartbroken. But now, it appears the growing bond between the star and Brad Pitt could be in jeopardy as he reunites with ex-wife Angelina Jolie to support their children. Brad, 56, is rumoured to be on friendly terms with Angelina, 44, following multiple reports of issues around custody, after she gave her blessing for him to reunite with the children they share – including his estranged 18-year-old adopted son Maddox – ahead of their daughter Shiloh’s 14th birthday at the end of last month, after lockdown rules were relaxed. In the US, up to ten people could gather on private property…

The NHS is urging people still to get checked out by a professional if they have any cancer symptoms. Speak to your GP if you notice any of the following: • Unexplained bleeding in your urine, faeces, spit or vomit. For women, it also includes vaginal bleeding in between periods or after sex. • Unexplained lumps or swellings anywhere on your body. It can help your GP to tell them how long it has been there and if it is getting bigger or causes discomfort. • Extreme tiredness – if you’ve been feeling more tired than usual with no obvious reason. • Weight loss – if you have lost weight without trying to and it cannot be explained by changes in your diet or exercise. • If you have a…

SET ASIDE ‘ME TIME’ “Make sure you carve out time for your mental and physical health. It isn’t selfish, it’s self-care. A bubble bath, a podcast or meditation. A tea break with a nibble of your favourite chocolate. Let your mind wander and switch off.” GO FOR A WALK “Put on your trainers and find some green space and connect. Nature puts you in a different place mentally away from urban life. There’s something comforting about it.” FIND A HAPPY CREATIVE ACTIVITY “It might be gardening, reading, knitting, baking – any activity that you can get lost in and gives you pleasure and makes you smile. It’s restorative for your brain. Try to do it every day.” LAUGH LOUDLY “Find a TV show that makes you belly laugh. Laughter releases…

ALEXANDRA: ‘I work out daily to keep my mind healthy’ After wowing fans as she showed off her strong, lean body in a yellow bikini during last month’s heatwave, Alexandra Burke revealed she has been working out every day during lockdown in a bid to ease her anxiety. The 31-year-old X Factor winner – who slimmed down from a size 14 in 2015 and is now a size 8 – said, “Working out every day has kept me going. It can sometimes be hard to get up and find the motivation. Once you’ve found it, even 20 minutes a day can help clear the mind and boost the serotonin levels that might be low during lockdown.” She previously admitted that the tragic death of her 52-year-old mum in 2017, Soul…

DRESS UP – “If I’m having a low day, or getting worried about Boris’ next announcement, I’ll put some music on, do my hair, make-up and take some sexy selfies. It makes me feel so good!” KEEP ACTIVE – “I know it’s hard to find the motivation and routine in lockdown – I’ve had my ups and downs. But I’ve had weeks where I’ve done a lot of exercise and running, and it really makes you feel amazing.” USE SEX TOYS – “Self-care isn’t just dressing up or going for a run – it’s masturbation too. Don’t neglect your sexual desires! Try a sex toy or just explore and enjoy yourself as a woman.”…

I didn’t expect to have such an emotional response to the murder of George Floyd [the unarmed black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes], but I felt traumatised. It was like watching my dad or brother take their last breath, with someone so arrogantly thinking, “I am going to get away with this.” When I go to America I’m scared that if I get pulled over by the police, I could die. It’s literally a case of being targeted because of your skin colour. In the UK, I don’t feel the intense fear that I’m going to get shot dead, but I still encounter casual racism. It’s more about being judged when I walk into a room, and having…

BIG BROTHER ASKED ME FOR HELP “During the first nominations, Anthea Turner was chosen and she started sobbing. Everyone felt terrible, and started vowing that they wouldn’t take part in any more nominations. Big Brother called me to the Diary Room and asked me to convince everyone to take part again!” WE WEREN’T PAID A PENNY IN 2001 “Back then, it was all for charity, for Comic Relief – which is great. But it’s funny how, later on, the show was paying millions in celebrity fees. Ray J, Kim Kardashian’s ex, was reportedly paid £800k in 2017, even though he quit after a week. We weren’t even paid expenses!” FAKE ESCAPE “At one point, my housemate [comedian] Jack Dee came into the room covered in mud, seemingly like he’d tried…

WATCH OUT FOR PROCESSED FOOD: “At one point I was buying vegan sausage rolls, but now I’m choosing healthier options.” USE MUSHROOMS: “If you shred the base of oyster mushrooms, it looks like chicken and gives a great placebo effect. They’re especially delicious in fajitas.” REMEMBER TO TAKE VITAMINS: “I’m taking a vegan supplement containing vitamin B12, which keeps the nervous system healthy.” ADAPT YOUR FAVOURITE DISHES: “I make a veggie Thai curry for myself with loads of roasted peppers, broccoli, butternut squash and green beans. Then I fry up some chicken and add that in for the boys.”…

Sales of alcohol have soared, which is no surprise. People are stressed, restless, and bored, and alcohol is ingrained in society as something to turn to in times of grief, anxiety, happiness – every emotion. People may think they’re just drinking a bit more because it’s a stressful time and it’s only for a few months, but we don’t know how many people will have formed a habit of increased drinking that may be very difficult to stop. FOCUS ON SLEEP People are using alcohol as an emotional crutch. We can’t ignore the fact it does provide some in-the-moment relief – but long term, it won’t help. One major impact it has is on your sleep. Alcohol severely lessens your deep, recovery sleep. As some people may be drinking nearly…

GET HER LOOK MICHELLE KEEGAN, 32 A classic pair of jeans with a white tee is a timeless look – it never goes out of style and is so easy to wear. Michelle shows us how to rock the basics by teaming hers with a baker boy hat and printed bag. A wardrobe winner! IN THE NEWS... KATE’S VERY COLLECTION Kate Ferdinand is back with another knockout edit for Very – this time with a focus on loungewear. Offering everything from comfortable dresses to casual blazers in soft fabrics and calm tones, and with prices starting from £18, it’s not to be missed! Available at Very.co.uk now. RED CARPET VS OFF DUTY  These celebs always look stylish, whether all dressed up or chilling out at home... Sofia Richie, 21 She…

Davina, you’re back hosting Big Brother (sort of…)? I can’t believe it’s been 20 years! When I first got the call, they said, ‘Big Brother’ and I said, ‘Yes!’ They asked me if I wanted to know what the show was about and I said, ‘No it’s fine, I’ll do it!’ Stuff that I do now is very sensible, so it will be nice to watch back some irreverent TV again. You fronted it for 11 years – dream job? Oh my God. I loved it so much – so, so much! There was the cult of Big Brother, where a certain group of people were as obsessed as me and we could talk about it forever. It became a sort of clique that we were all a member of.…

MUST READ Precious You (HELEN MONKS TAKHAR)  When Katherine first meets her new intern Lily, she reminds Katherine of everything she once was – and it’s not long before she develops a dark fascination with her new colleague. But is Lily as perfect as she seems – or does she have a sinister hidden agenda? We were hooked from the first page – a brilliant and dark story. BEST DAY Luna Drive-In Cinema This summer, Luna Cinema is going retro with its new socially distanced drive-in screenings. So far, they have announced four different picturesque locations – Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace, the Allianz Park stadium in London and Knebworth House. So pack your family (from your own household) in the car and settle in to watch hit movies, like Rocketman,…

• IAN WRIGHT Sporting pundit Ian Wright, 56, has spoken about the “terrifying” moment an armed gang held a knife to his wife’s throat and threatened to cut off hers and their two daughters’ fingers, before fleeing with some of their possessions, including his treasured MBE, in June 2014. The former Arsenal player, 56, was away working in Brazil during the World Cup at the time. • CHLOE GOODMAN Chloe Goodman was left unable to sleep following a burglary shortly before Christmas, when thieves took off with £20k worth of designer goods from the £1.8 million home she shares with her fiancé, footballer Grant Hall, 28. • ABBEY CLANCEY AND PETER CROUCH Abbey Clancey, 34, and former England star Peter Crouch, 39 – who share four children together – were…

Hopes for a third Sex And The City movie were dashed when its star, Sarah Jessica Parker, crushingly revealed in 2017, “It’s over. We’re not doing it,” as rumours swirled that the project had fallen through because fellow SATC actress Kim Cattrall refused to reprise her role as man-eater Samantha Jones. But Hollywood insiders tell Closer that mum-of-three Sarah Jessica, 55, has spent time in lockdown trying to re-think a strategy to get the movie – which had a finished script written by Michael Patrick King – back in production, and lift the spirits of fans of the show. “Sarah Jessica feels that, coming out of lockdown, Hollywood will be looking for exciting new projects and believes there’s a chance they could do it,” an insider shares. “She’s even reached…

Nancy Carter-Bradley, 44, lives in Hampshire with her daughter Freya, 20, and husband David, 54. She also has a son, Toby, 21. She says, “In 2005, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had an operation, which removed most of it, followed by radiotherapy and then chemotherapy. Since then, I have had regular scans, but sadly, in October last year, doctors confirmed the tumour had started growing again. “I’ve already defied my life expectancy, and because so few survive for as long as I have, there isn’t any clear data on how long I will live, though my consultants have estimated between a year and three. But, crucially, that’s only if I’m treated. “In March, I was told my treatment would be put on hold for the foreseeable future.…

‘ IT WOULD BE DEVASTATING FOR THEM TO FIND OUT SHE HAD DIED – BUT THEY DESERVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HER’ The biggest breakthrough in the 13-year search for Madeleine McCann came last week, when German authorities said they had almost enough evidence to charge a convicted paedophile with her murder. At the time of going to press, the suspect was a 43-year-old German man, who has a long history of sex crimes against women and children, and is currently in jail for the torture and rape of a 72-year-old woman. Police are also reopening the investigation into a missing five-year-old girl, dubbed “the German Maddie”, who was snatched from woodland in Germany while on holiday with her family in 2017 – at a location less than 50…

JAMIE & REBEKAH SET TO RENEW WEDDING VOWS They only celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary last month, but Jamie and Rebekah Vardy are already planning to renew their vows, complete with a lavish garden party for their friends and family, at their £1million Leicester mansion. The loved-up couple – who share Sofia, six, Finley, three, and five-month-old Olivia, as well as Rebekah, 37, having Megan, 15, and Taylor, nine, from previous relationships – are hoping to host the ceremony to mark their fifth anniversary next year. This will then be followed by a “Vardy party” – the term coined to celebrate footballer Jamie, 33, leading his team, Leicester City, to Premier League victory in 2016. A source exclusively tells Closer, “Rebekah is already very excited about it, especially because, this…

When I joined TOWIE in 2014, I believe I was the first black person to become a main cast member on a structured reality show in the UK, and I was inundated with racial abuse from the start. The audience loved to pinpoint me as this angry black man, and I felt pressure to play that role. Eventually I had to step away from the show because it wore down my mental health. I don’t regret going on it, though, because it gave me a platform to speak about this issue and to help other people. Shows like Love Island are getting much better at representing black people. They’ve really listened to the public on this. But I’ve still watched so many heart-wrenching episodes where the black contestants are getting…

● Plan properly – meat, fish, eggs and dairy provide protein and essential vitamins and minerals. When you cut out animal products, make sure to replace them with nutrient-rich plant foods, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, vegan Quorn, nuts and seeds. ● Follow healthy eating guidelines – they apply whatever your diet. Eat plenty of fruit and veg, base meals on fibre-packed starchy carbs, include dairy alternatives, and choose veggie proteins. ● Don’t expect to automatically lose weight by going vegan. Dishes made with a lot of oil, coconut products, vegan cheese, avocado, nuts and seeds can be calorie heavy. And avoid relying on ready-prepared dishes such as meat-free sausages, burgers and ready-meals, as they can be high in fat and salt. ● Snack sensibly. Cakes, biscuits, crisps and…

CHICKPEA ‘TIKKA’ MASALA SERVES 6 • Coconut oil, for frying • 1 onion, finely diced • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 tsp garam masala • 1 tsp ground cumin •1/2 tsp ground turmeric • 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped • 2 x 400g cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes • 1 x 400g can coconut milk •1/4 tsp cayenne (optional) • Salt, to taste TO SERVE (OPTIONAL) • Brown rice or naan breads • Chopped coriander and chilli STEP 1 Heat enough coconut oil to generously coat the bottom of a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. STEP 2 Add the onion and yellow pepper and season with salt. Cook, stirring, for…

JESS How much do you spend per week? About £50-£60 for my mum and me. I go to the supermarket just once a week and I’m amazed at how well they’ve adapted to social distancing with one-way systems. Describe your daily diet… I’ve been vegan for three years. Breakfast is either Weetabix or overnight oats with almond or oat milk. Then I go for a run and have a vegan protein shake and a coffee. An hour later, I have toast with avocado, rocket, spinach, tomato, beetroot and lemon juice. In the afternoon I’ve been eating crisps out of boredom. For dinner I’ll have spag bol, or Richmond vegan sausages with mash and onion gravy. For a healthy choice I’ll make a vegan ratatouille. What do you snack on? Blueberries,…

Lina Bombova, 24, from London, signed up to TaskRabbit – a site pairing freelancers with locals who need jobs doing – in 2015. “When I was made redundant from my bar job, I signed up to the TaskRabbit site. At first, I did a few hours a week alongside my degree in Criminology and Psychology, doing cleaning and admin for £11 an hour. Then, when I finished university last year, I increased my hours and rate – now I make £28 an hour for admin and cleaning, and £31 for deep-cleaning. “Since lockdown, I’m doing a lot of tasks from home, and I’ve been hired for cleaning jobs when nobody else is present in the house. For safety, I always wear a mask and gloves and wash my clothes every…

1 BOLD BASICS For ultimate comfort, opt for joggers. This bright adidas pair will work just as well for a power walk as they will an online Pilates session. Take note from Gemma and match them with fresh white pieces. ADIDAS £42 2 BOTTLE IT Keeping up your water intake is key when getting your sweat on, so do it in style with this pretty ombre number – plus the sleek metal design will keep your water cooler for longer. NEW LOOK £12.99 3 COOL COVER-UP Made from sustainably sourced fabric, this easy-to-wear hoodie will keep you warm on those cool, early morning runs. It’s stylish enough to wear with jeans, too. M&S £25 4 TECHNICAL TRAINERS Avoid wearing flat-soled pumps for working out as you can damage your feet…

• CHECK EXPIRATION DATES – the bottles you have left over from last year may no longer work effectively. • MAKE SURE YOU’RE VIGILANT ABOUT THOSE EASY-TO-FORGET AREAS – the back of your neck, lips and hands. Use a hair spray with included SPF to protect your scalp and locks. • STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE. You can also keep it in the fridge on extra sweltering days, which gives a nice cooling hit without affecting its potency. • ONLY BUY BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN, meaning they shield from both UVB and UVA rays, and a minimum of SPF 30.…

Actor Rob Mallard, 28, has played Daniel Osbourne since 2016. When Adam cancels their boys’ night in, Daniel decides to take matters into his own hands. Rob explains, “Daniel gets very excited about the prospect of Adam coming over – he even makes some (bad) fairy cakes – but when Adam bails on him and he finds himself talking to Sinead, he knows he needs to snap out of it.” On Wednesday, the boys do go out – and Daniel meets someone. Rob adds, “She’s the opposite of Sinead. Daniel’s had a few drinks, and he thinks, ‘Why the hell not…?’” Stay tuned!…

Rylan Clark-Neal on his amazing prophecy at the age of 12… You were 12 when Big Brother started? I became obsessed with it. In 2003, I went on a school trip to the Isle of Wight and printed off the Big Brother eye with my name and stuck it on a suitcase. I then lied to people that I was going on it. I mean, it came true ten years later, but still! Skills! What’ll this be like? Nostalgic and emotional. A walk down memory lane. Favourite quote? ‘This is Big Brother’ – it does something to me!…