Table of contents for Issue 928 in Closer

With longer nights and bigger lockdowns, many of us are once again looking for as much happiness and comfort as we can find close to home. Things like binge-worthy telly and little treats mean a lot. That’s why we’ve compiled the best Great British Bake Off recipes to create your own sweet showstoppers, and we look at hit TV show The Crown, with actress Emma Corrin lifting the lid on playing the late Princess Diana. Plus, this week, we’ve got practical advice on how to help someone isolating, and tips to ensure you don’t spend so much cheering yourself up that you get dragged into debt. And while many of us are missing loved ones, our report on p18 on healing family rifts may be food for thought if there…

Never one to be understated, last week Kim Kardashian’s 40th birthday celebrations were overshadowed by a fierce public backlash against the “selfish” luxury event following her “tone deaf” social-media posts boasting about her lavish multi-million pound party. The reality star jetted 30 friends and family out to a private island in Tahiti to have a sense of “normality” for the occasion. Among a flurry of furious posts, one angry fan wrote, “Instead of spending all that money on a damn trip you could have donated to food banks across this country.” Another said, “Disgusting. Would have been a more meaningful 40th if you took that money and helped families ruined by COVID.” But Kim defiantly continued to share photos and videos from her trip as well as a video of…

❛SHE WANTS TO BE DESIRED AND FEEL LIKE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PERSON❜ It’s only been a matter of weeks since they went public, but Lauren Goodger and Charles Drury’s whirlwind romance is heating up. Former TOWIE star Lauren has even declared she’s ready to marry her toyboy builder, as he moves into her Essex pad. After enjoying a cosy pizza night together, Lauren, 34, posted about kissing Charles “in his sleep” as she laid next to him, adding, “I love you so much”. Proving he’s just as smitten, Charles, 23, shared his girlfriend’s message on his Instagram story, writing, “Waking up to things like this is exactly why I adore you.” Lauren then reposted a raunchy quote that read, “In the middle of sex, he stopped to tell me that…

ARRANGE A DATE NIGHT I’m really lucky that Michael’s mum is so hands-on with the kids. It allows us to go on date nights, which are so important to reconnect and actually have some fun together. GET DRESSED UP Everyone likes a bit of role play, and getting dressed up can really liven things up! I’m usually lounging around the house in PJs, but if I’m making an effort I’ll put on some sexy underwear and a nice outfit. It gets you in the mood. DITCH THE DISTRACTIONS If you’re at home, try to put your phone down or turn off the TV and just concentrate on each other. That could mean preparing a nice meal together or giving each other a massage.…

Chloe’s Ex On The Beach co-star Laura Brown underwent an £80k body transformation after she says the show made her feel insecure. She has since admitted her addiction to surgery has spiralled out of control. In the past three years, she’s been under the knife around 20 times. She’s had six Brazilian butt lifts, five full-body lipo sessions, as well as regular lipo top-ups on individual areas, three boob jobs, two nose jobs, one breast uplift and fillers in her face. “I’m obsessed with how I look, and addicted to improving my appearance. As soon as I have something done, I’m thinking about what’s next. I’m always wanting the latest procedure and if I put on any weight, I get lipo. I know it’s not normal, but I can’t help…

Single mum Kerrie, 38, lives in South Wales with her three children, aged 13, 11 and six. She was devastated when she became estranged from her aunt – but won’t rekindle their relationship. She says “Growing up, my aunt was like another mum, my older sister and best friend rolled into one. She was only 15 years older than me and we did everything together. But in 2013, she argued with my mother about my grandparents’ will and, as a result, we stopped having contact with her. I couldn’t believe this was the same person who’d helped me learn how to breastfeed. It was as if I’d never known her. I needed therapy to come to terms with losing her from my life and my two older children missed her…

VERNON KAY The TV presenter, 46, said in 2016, “I’ve been asked for the last two or three years to do I’m A Celeb!. I’ve always turned it down… But we’ll see. Never say never.” VICTORIA DERBYSHIRE The newsreader, 52, is rumoured to be a campmate this year. After battling breast cancer in 2017, she said, “Now I’m squeezing life out of every second. I’m saying ‘Yes’ to more.” AJ PRITCHARD Former Strictly star AJ, 26, has cheekily teased that he’d be thrilled to do the show alongside brother Curtis, saying, “We would love to do it together… It doesn’t rain in Wales does it?” SHANE RICHIE As Closer went to press, the ex EastEnders star, 56, who’s played Queen Vic landlord Alfie Moon on and off since 2002, was…

Many of us Love Island stars have had cosmetic enhancements – but recently, Molly-Mae Hague, 21, decided to get her lip filler dissolved because she wanted a more natural look. Natural beauty should be celebrated and no one should feel pressured to conform to a certain look. There’s been a rise in body confidence, and it’s great that so many more industries are doing their best to appreciate all bodies, like fashion brands using models of different shapes, colours and sizes. But at the same time, I don’t think people should be shamed for getting fillers. I have lip filler and, for me, it was the right choice because it makes me feel more confident. When I look back at old photos, I realise how happy getting lip filler has…

LOUISE FEARS SHE’LL BE SINGLE FOREVER It’s been three years since Louise Redknapp split from ex-husband Jamie, and she says she’s yet to go on a date with another man. The singer, who turns 46 this week, said she still struggles to come to terms with her divorce from the former footballer, 47, after being married for almost two decades. She said, “I’m by no means in this amazing place; if I said I was, I’d be lying. I still struggle on a daily basis, because I don’t know if someone ever gets over getting divorced after 20 years. I don’t think that will ever get easier for someone like me. I don’t want to feel hurt, I don’t want to feel worried about everyone I know and love, I…

When Chantele Montover-Adams walked into the maternity ward, she couldn’t wait to see the first grainy images of her unborn twins on the screen. The 46-year-old mum-of-four thought she was done having children, but when she fell in love with her childhood sweetheart, David*, the pair were desperate for a child of their own. But given Chantele’s age, the couple used a surrogate, Sarah*, who they found via a surrogacy matching website. Chantele and Sarah – who’d had her own fertility issues in the past – soon became close, as did David* and Sarah’s husband, Mark*, who were both war veterans. But when Chantele watched the sonographer scan Sarah’s bump, it would be the beginning of a horrific journey. After that six-week scan, Sarah cut Chantele and David out of…

She hit our screens back in 2013 as the party-going Geordie lass who loved skimpy clothes and getting “mortal” on boozy nights out, but Marnie Simpson’s life has since changed beyond recognition. Instead of hitting the tiles, she’s now enjoying being at home with her one-year-old son Rox and is busy planning her wedding to boyfriend Casey Johnson, 25. Former X Factor star Casey surprised her on a date night in August, when he went down on one knee in their candlelit garden. “It was so romantic,” Marnie, 28, tells Closer. “The garden was lit up with fairy lights and candles, and Casey set up a big screen, which was showing photos from our relationship. “He played my favourite song, Daniela Andrade’s Un-thinkable, then he got down on one knee.…

INSIDE NICOLE’S FRIDGE • Semi-skimmed milk• Salsa• Tomato ketchup• Olives• Margarine• Cucumber• Banana milkshake• Salmon fillets• Cured meats• Steak• Chicken breast fillets• Fusilli pasta• Broccoli• Peppers• Corn on the cob• Tomatoes• Onion• Lettuce• Spinach• Potatoes• Coconut milk• Sparkling water• Orange juice NICOLE How much do you spend per week? I tend to buy food as and when, but it averages at around £140-£150 a week (Nicole lives with her husband Joe, a former West Ham footballer, and they share son Remi and daughters Kira and Luka). Describe your daily diet… I’m not great with breakfast and tend to skip it, but occasionally I’ll grab a banana, or I’ll have oats with coconut milk and fruit on top. If I’m at home in the day, I’ll have a healthy wrap for…

It’s the question every single person dreads: “How’s your love life, been on any good dates recently?” It’s usually asked by those who are happily coupled-up and will never truly understand how hard it is to date in the post-Tinder world. As someone who writes about dating for Closer, I don’t mind being open, but I do mind everyone’s expectations of my dating life – no matter how well-intentioned they are. It’s wonderful to have support and encouragement, and for people to take an interest in my love life. What isn’t so wonderful is their expectations and how, three months into a new romance, I should have ticked certain boxes by now – as if dating was a paint-by-numbers exercise to get into a fully-fledged relationship. What happened to letting…

EVERYDAY WEAR These relaxed jogger-style trousers will work just as well for shopping as they will for a meeting. ZARA £25.99 CASUAL CHIC This cute frock is such a gorgeous sherbet shade. Team with tights and boots for daytime. ZARA £29.99 FRINGE BENEFITS A timeless classic that promises to give you years of wear. The fringe details make this jacket look designer. TOPSHOP £59 FLIRTY FORMALS This statement top is a fasttrack way to formal dressing. Wear with flares and heels for a knockout outfit. RESERVED £34.99 SHAPE UPDATE The longer length on these Bermuda shorts will give you extra confidence to show off your legs. Wear with a roll neck and boots. MONKI £35…

WHAT IS IT? Niacinamide is the ultimate multitasking skincare ingredient. Also known as Vitamin B3, this naturally occurring ingredient offers an array of benefits to the skin. It’s often found in foods, but works particularly well as a topical treatment. WHAT DOES IT DO? Niacinamide improves the skin’s surface structure, smooths out wrinkles, and prevents the skin from drying out, which is crucial for a healthy complexion. This wonder ingredient helps to hydrate the skin, enhances collagen production, helps to diminish enlarged pores, reduces hyperpigmentation, and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, so is an ideal ingredient to use on acne and spot-prone skin. WHO SHOULD USE IT? Niacinamide is beneficial to all skin types, and if you struggle with dry or rosacea-prone skin, it can be particularly useful, as it boosts…

MUST READ Ghosts (DOLLY ALDERTON) Nina Dean is in her early thirties, is a successful food writer, and has loving friends and family. When she meets Max, who tells her on their first date that he’s going to marry her, it feels like all is going to plan. But then she is ghosted, and on top of that, she has to deal with fading friendships, ex-boyfriends moving on, and a beloved dad who is vanishing into dementia… A funny but moving novel about relationships and family. TUNE IN Kylie Minogue Disco This is the 15th (wow) studio album from the iconic Australian songstress. We love the ’80s synth disco vibes from already-released singles Magic and Say Something. Certainly a different sound to her last offering, 2018’s Golden, which had more…

Nicole and Thom take their gym routine out into the garden. Their long-suffering neighbours call this exercise “GET A ROOM!!!” After hearing about the Government’s retraining website, curious Madge typed in her details – and was told she ought to run a burger van. MICHELLE KEEGAN Michelle finally reveals the real reason she and Mark are moving house – there are mice in their snack cupboard!! OLIVIA BOWEN Try not to worry, Olivia. The only time you need to be concerned is when Mercury is rising in Uranus – which could require urgent medical assistance. INSPIGRAM TOMMY MALLET And Tommy, if they could also please make sure that’s all they are spreading, then the rest of the world would be very grateful. Thank you! Either Alex is trying to tell…

Nearly 40 years after her ill-fated wedding to Prince Charles, and the numerous scandals that hit the royal couple before their divorce in 1996, the late Princess Diana has been back in the nation’s headlines. Two new documentaries, which aired last week, told the inside story of the princess’ infamous 1995 Panorama interview, which went down in royal history and was watched by 23 million people. At the time, the country was both shocked and captivated, as Diana shared candid details about royal life and opened up about her and Charles’ marriage. These new documentaries highlighted the hypnotic power of Diana, 25 years on. And now her sensational and tragically short life story has been reimagined for series four of The Crown, focusing on Lady Diana Spencer’s early years in…

She hit a low last week thanks to cruel social-media trolls, but pals say Kerry Katona has picked herself up and is now pouring her energy into eluding any money troubles instead. It’s been a tough year for those in showbiz, and to top it off, Kerry’s star turn in pantomime The Wizard Of Oz was recently postponed due to COVID-19. For the first time in more than ten years, she won’t be performing in one of the lucrative Christmas shows, which can see celebs pocket up to £200,000. BANKRUPT A pal says, “Kerry has been hit very hard by the pandemic. It’s led to a lot of work being scrapped, and much of her income has dried up. She was banking on being in pantomime, and losing the Christmas…

Chloe Ferry has always been open about her ongoing battle with her body. Just two weeks ago, she told Closer, “I get down days about my body.” The star – who has been single since splitting with Sam Gowland in February – has previously confessed to Closer about having body dysmorphia, which she feels is a result of her having cosmetic surgery done when she was 20. “I am actually a really unconfident person,” revealed the former Geordie Shore star, who was in the show for five years before leaving earlier this year. “I don’t think anyone knows that about me. I’ve actually got really bad body dysmorphia. People say I look good and I don’t think that I do. I look in the mirror and think I look f***ing…

Dr Becca Bland says, “Everyone has different reasons for being estranged and it’s not something anyone undertakes lightly – often, it’s an absolute last resort. I’m often told by people that they wonder how they might feel when the person they are estranged from dies. People often question whether they’d feel guilt or regret. This is possible but, sometimes, people feel a sense of relief and closure. You can liken it to ending a romantic relationship – you do your grieving when you split up, not when that person dies. “However, if you feel you might regret not reconciling before it’s too late, then that’s something you should absolutely think about when you’re considering a reunion because it could complicate your grief if you don’t. You might miss the opportunity…

This time last year, Gemma Collins called emergency services over fears her on/off boyfriend James “Arg” Argent had overdosed. The shocking incident sparked Arg, 32, to give up alcohol and head to rehab for the third time. After a successful stint, he revealed Gemma, 39, had given him an ultimatum, saying, “She wants marriage and kids, but if I relapse again or go downhill, it’s done.” They later broke up in July, and this year has marked the longest of their splits during their rocky 10-year relationship. While Arg is going from strength to strength and embarking on a fresh health kick – following a 5st weight loss during training for a gruelling 10-mile swim from Europe to Africa – sources say his recovery and sobriety anniversary is bittersweet for…

Aleema Ali was helping her mum with housework when a freak accident left her close to death with appalling injuries. The schoolgirl’s nose and ears were burnt away, she lost seven fingers, and was left with third-degree burns over 55 per cent of her body when leave-in shampoo on her hair ignited beside a lit hob. Aleema, then 12, was scarred beyond recognition. TERRIFYING But incredibly, she says she’s glad the freak accident happened. The now-16 year old – who lives in Bradford with her mum Tihra, 40, dad Zulfiqar, 45, and sister Anayah, six – tells Closer, “It was a terrifying experience and I thought I was going to die. But in a way, I’m glad this happened to me – I used to focus on looks, whereas now…

She’s been titillating the nation for the past four years as the host of dating show with a twist Naked Attraction – where hopeful singletons choose a date from a line-up of naked suitors. And now, in its seventh series, Anna Richardson jokes she’s become very blasé as her guests prepare to once again bare all – literally. She tells Closer, “I’ve seen nearly 1,000 c**** and fannies. I’ve become a little bit c*** blind… they all just blend into one massive genital now! I get a bit confused. I can’t match faces to fannies!” But for 50-year-old Anna, the show is more than just a good laugh. It’s about encouraging body positivity and celebrating what we have. She says, “I will defend it to the bitter end. Yes, the…

Rachel Westbury is the co-founder of surrogacy agency, Nappy Endings. She says, “Chantele’s case is extremely rare, but if you are considering surrogacy, it’s important to be fully informed. In the UK, the surrogate is the legal parent at birth – that’s why it’s so important to draw up a surrogacy agreement, which covers every eventuality, including what happens in the event of medical problems, and who the child will be cared for immediately after birth. The agreement isn’t legally binding, but if there were any issues, it would be considered. I also advise using a surrogacy agency. At Nappy Endings, we provide 24/7 support for all parties. If everyone is comfortable throughout the process, surrogacy can be an amazing gift.” • For more information, visit Nappyendings.com…

It’s been a tough year, but Marnie says Rox has helped her through the dark times. “Rox is amazing, I’m very proud of him,” she says. “He’s so funny, and his cheeky little smile has kept us strong. He slept through the night from four months and he’s just started crawling at 11 months. He’s a lazy boy, like his mum! He’s perfect, though. I didn’t realise how maternal I was, but being a mum has changed me in so many ways. I’m much more mature, and it’s put all my priorities in place. All I care about now is our health, and being happy as a family.”…

CANDICE BROWN’S TRIPLE-LAYER BERRY VICTORIA SPONGE SERVES 10-12 • 335g self-raising flour • 335g unsalted butter, softened • 35g golden caster sugar • 3tsp baking powder • 6 large eggs • Grated zest of 2 lemons • Juice of 1 lemon • 150g fresh raspberries • 600ml double cream • 500g fresh strawberries, hulled • Icing sugar, to finish STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Grease three 25cm round, loose-bottomed sandwich tins and line the bases with greaseproof paper. Sift the flour into a large bowl and add the butter, sugar, baking powder, eggs, lemon zest and juice. Mix together until smooth, fluffy and combined. If using an electric mixer, mix on a medium speed and do not over-mix. STEP 2 Divide two-thirds of the mixture…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Social isolation has long been known to have a devastating impact on mental health, because we are social creatures who need company to feel happy and healthy. But with COVID-19 cases rising, more and more people will be told to self-isolate. The answer to loneliness is, of course, connection, and while you may not be able to be with those being isolated physically, you can still support them in lots of ways. Rally the troops and agree a schedule of calls, quizzes and virtual nights. You could have a virtual film night, where you Zoom one another while watching a movie. During lunch and dinner, connect online, so that you can share these everyday activities together. Letter-writing…

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE HAD… came from my radio dad, Terry Wogan. He said, “Spread yourself as thinly as possible, because it makes it more difficult for people to get rid of you.” That’s why I like to try everything from radio to TV and singing. I WISH I WERE… more easygoing, as I’m a professional worrier. It must be a sign that I’m getting older, as I never used to be like this. MY PARENTS ALWAYS TOLD ME… to find the fun in everything. I’m still a big kid – I should be grown up by now. When I’m working with people, I always try to make it a fun experience, and laugh and joke. THE BRAVEST THING I’VE DONE… is wing-walking (standing on a plane in…

SPOTLIGHT ON… CHIC NEW SPORTSWEAR AT MANGO This has been the year that casual basics reigned supreme, and this new activewear range from Mango gives us another excuse to add to our ever-expanding off-duty wardrobe. The soft, breathable fabrics and muted colour palette work beautifully to create a chic set of buys to wear for yoga, Pilates, dancing… or even just a day on the sofa! Prices start from just £12.99. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS… UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE WITH TOPSHOP’S IDOL RANGE! Packed full of statement buys, covering everything from sharp blazers to boho dresses, Topshop’s hero capsule collection is back with a new drop, and has everything you need for a stylish winter. Prices start at £14.99 and sizes are UK 4-18. FASHION WORTH TALKING…

CELEBRITY FAVOURITE Tackle two trends in one, like Amanda, by opting for bold checks. There are countless options out there, but this Zara buy ticks all the boxes for us - it’s one of those things that will add a stylish element to just about everything - even over gym leggings! TIMELESS TEXTURE Corduroy is a classic autumnal fabric that’ll never go out of style. This pastel number is light enough to layer on top of chunky knits, without the risk of overheating. It’ll really come in handy in spring too, adding another layer to your summer dresses. It’s available in four other shades. FIGURE FIXERS The traditional oversized fit won’t suit everyone, but it doesn’t mean you have to forgo the trend. Look for options with a tie-waist to…

❛SHE FEELS SHE CAN’T KEEP QUIET ABOUT SOMETHING SHE FEELS SO STRONGLY ABOUT❜ She has made a series of thinly veiled digs at the Kardashians over the years – and rubbed salt in the wound last week when she discouraged fans from voting for Kim Kardashian’s husband, Kanye West, in the upcoming US presidential election. In a plea to her 35m Instagram followers, Jennifer Aniston urged voters to “consider the future of our world” as she endorsed Donald Trump’s democratic rival, Joe Biden – adding, “PS. It’s not funny to vote for Kanye. I don’t know how else to say it. Please be responsible.” But insiders reveal that her latest outburst has created tension with her ex, Brad Pitt, who is friends with the rapper. Hitting back at Jen’s swipe,…

SOPHIE DAHL In 2010, former plus-size model Sophie Dahl, who went from a size 16 to a size 10, said she was unprepared for the public reaction. She said at the time, “People definitely said I had betrayed them. Strangers felt very open to comment about it.” KHLOE KARDASHIAN TV star Khloé Kardashian also hit back at the negativity she received for losing weight in 2016. She said, “Never would I have ever thought I would be in the media for being ‘too skinny’. What on earth?!?!…First I’m too fat and now I’m too skinny!” SCARLETT MOFFATT In 2016, Scarlett Moffatt shed 3st for a weight-loss DVD, which was later slammed as a sham. The reality star, 30, said, “I got trolled really badly for being too thin, people telling…

People were shocked last week when Chloe Ferry was snapped looking dramatically different. The Geordie Shore star, 25, had already had a breast reduction in Istanbul four weeks ago, but fans spotted how her chin also appeared to be more pointy and her waist even more nipped-in than usual. One cruel comment said, “She no longer looks human”. Chloe has spoken about her insecurities driving her surgery obsession, saying, “Getting called ugly on every single photo I put on – does no one think that’s going to affect someone’s mental health? No one has a clue.” Chloe’s friend, EOTB star Laura Brown, 31, has been open about her multiple surgeries too. But this worrying addiction isn’t just sucking in the celebs. Thanks to the increase in video calls during the…

It’s one of the nation’s bestloved shows, but I’m A Celeb! was hanging in the balance this year amid the pandemic and the travel restrictions that come with it. But viewers breathed a sigh of relief when ITV confirmed the show would be going ahead in December – only with a drastically different set-up, with beloved hosts Ant & Dec and the celebrities now being shipped to Gwrych Castle in Wales. ITV has revealed the series will take place at the 200-year-old haunted country house, rather than its usual location in New South Wales in Australia, where celebrities will compete to be crowned King or Queen of the Castle. Rumoured changes also include the stars swapping their uniform of shorts and tank tops for thermals and taking on the challenges…

EVERY WEEK WE BRING YOU A BRILLIANT GUEST COLUMNIST The new Borat film, which stars Sacha Baron Cohen as a fictional Kazakh journalist playing more pranks on US citizens, was recently released on Netflix. I haven’t seen it yet, but I enjoyed the first one. And, like the original, it’s been accused of being offensive and inappropriate. There’s even a petition calling for the film to be cancelled, which already had over 100,000 signatures as Closer went to press. We can’t ignore the fact that some people are more sensitive than others and may get offended. As a society, we need to be mindful about what we say. But I read an interview with Sacha, 49, where he argued that, actually, the film is an extension of his work in…

NHS GP and founder of Ten Minute Medicine, Edward Pooley, says, “Always read labels and err on the side of caution by staying away from naked flames when any treatment is applied. Shampoos and creams can be highly flammable – be cautious when using. “As well as lice shampoos, I’ve heard horrendous incidents with people using moisturising creams for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which can be flammable too. Always check and be extra careful with anything containing paraffin or that is oil-based.”…

STRUCTURE: Lack of purpose will affect your mental health. Make sure you have structure in your day. Speak to at least one person every day, whether that’s nipping down to the shop or connecting with friends and family over the phone or on Zoom. LANGUAGE: Be positive with your language when talking to yourself and other people. Your mind is always listening and your subconscious will believe what you tell it. If you sit there and think, “This is killing me”, your mind will think it is, and it will make you ill. GREEN THERAPY: It’s important to go outside every day. It’s proven that if you go out into nature every day, your brainwaves change and you go into a more meditative state. • Visit Mind-box.co.uk for more information,…

❛HE’S SUPER HAPPY HE’S BEEN GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE – HE’S FEELING OPTIMISTIC❜ After a decade of raucous parties, ride-or-die bromances, and a tumultuous love life, Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing revealed he’d ditched the reality show that made him a household name just a day after his debut on the Strictly dance floor. And Jamie’s former co-star and close pal, Alex Mytton, 29, reveals how the E4 reality show isn’t the only thing Jamie, 31, has put on the back-burner as he hopes to cha-cha-cha his way to the Glitterball trophy. “He’s stopped eating cake and he’s cut down on boozing. I don’t think he’ll be out drinking or partying any time soon. He’s taking it seriously,” he says. A sudden foot injury ahead of the show’s launch last year…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK An Irish judge has ruled that Subway’s bread contains so much sugar, it cannot legally be defined as bread. Instead, under Irish law, it falls into the category of “confectionery”. This sounds shocking, but it’s another example of what’s happening more generally in our food. Many savoury foods now contain some form of sugar, which means sweet tastes have become “normal” for us. A 15cm sub roll from Subway, for example, contains 5g of sugar, which is more than a milk chocolate digestive. We’ve been conditioned by food companies to need salty and sugary tastes, so if a product doesn’t have them added in, it can seem lacking in flavour. IDENTIFY CULPRITS With its sugar reduction programme,…

I practice non conflict parenting. I don’t shout, hit or threaten my children, and having worked for a decade with troubled teens, I have seen how flawed the authoritarian model is, where good behaviour is demanded and falling short leads to disciplinary action. SHOW UNDERSTANDING Children often “act out” when they feel intimidated, stupid, embarrassed or sad. They need to be treated with respect, patience and compassion. A young child’s developing brain cannot differentiate between positive or negative attention, so they would rather have you shout than ignore them. The more you reinforce the negative, the more negative the behaviour grows. As teens, their bodies are flooded with hormones and their brain goes through another period of rapid development. CREATE A CALM HOME They struggle with social, emotional, psychological and…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Many of us are treating ourselves to distract us from COVID-19. Fashion retailer ASOS has reported its profits have quadrupled this year, while other online companies such as Amazon have seen a huge sales boom. Along with this trend, we’ve also seen a surge in popularity of buy now, pay later (BNPL) schemes, like Klarna and Clearpay. They make it easier than ever to delay paying for your purchases-with huge brands, including ASOS, Marks & Spencer and H&M partnering with the schemes. STOP AND THINK Klarna allows users to spread the cost of shopping online. They have three options – two of which (pay later in 30 days and pay in three instalments) are unregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This…

EVENING DRINKS Whether you’re catching up over Zoom, or heading out, this outfit will work for pretty much any setting. The pleather shirt can easily be dressed up or down, and the soft hue is seriously flattering. FANCY DATE NIGHT If, like us, you’ve basically been living in your loungewear, what better excuse to dress up than for a special date night? Pair this ‘80s-style dress with leopard-print and gold tones for a seriously luxe look. WEEKEND MEET-UP Rethink how to wear dressier items, like this snakeskin skirt, and style them up with cosier textures already in your wardrobe, like knits and light jackets. Perfect for outdoor gatherings.…

STAYS PUT ALL DAY LONG We were impressed by the staying power of this matte-finish crayon. The fine nib makes it easy to apply a neat, defined shape with minimal effort, and the colour lasted for hours without needing a touch-up - even under a face covering. The vitamin E-enriched formula stops skin from drying out and it comes in 14 shades. L’ORÉAL PARIS INFALLIBLE VERY MATTE LIP CRAYON IN FLIRTY TOFFEE £9.99 DOUBLES UP AS EYESHADOW This clever newbie can also be worn on your eyes, saving you money - and time, if you need to get ready quickly. The oil-infused tint has a gentle shimmer to it for a subtle take on gloss, and shades cover everything from girlie pink to a moody plum. It swipes over the…

3-9 NOVEMBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The best thing you can do in the coming 12 months is talk things through, even when it’s the last thing you feel like doing. It’s always better to discuss any fears you have with someone you know you can trust. Remember this, as the year unfolds. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV The skies are a bit rough this week and you’re in the middle of it. If you’re suffering from tension headaches, take time out and have a nice bath to relax. If you find yourself getting into arguments, be the bigger person. Find out your Rising Sign for free at www.moonmessages.com/freechart SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC There will be issues coming up for everybody this week. For…