Table of contents for ISSUE 803 in Closer

Supermarket ranges have become ever more stylish and sophisticated, which means you can pick up fantastic home, beauty and fashion bargains with your weekly shop. But as most of us tend to buy our groceries from the same place, we aren’t always aware of the great choices on offer. That’s why our style team has devoted ten pages this week to the best summer wardrobe staples, kids’ clothes, skincare products and gorgeous interior buys you can find in the aisles. And there’s an extra special treat on page 50 – your chance to win £250 to spend on F&F at Tesco. So why not liven up your trolley this week with a few treats. Our top picks won’t break the bank… but they will lift your spirits!…

In 2015, Victoria was spotted crying at an event just moments after David appeared to refuse to hold her hand. Two years later, insiders said Posh was angered by photos of a bleary-eyed David partying with socialite Poppy Delevingne. Reports claimed they rowed at Glastonbury 2017 after she felt David ditched her to party with pals, including Lady Mary. Fans criticised David’s body language in this picture posed on her birthday. He described her as an “amazing mummy”.…

There’s been a baby boom in the family, with Khloé, Kim and Kylie all having children in the first four months of this year – and pals say their father Caitlyn Jenner, 68, is keen to have another child with her partner, model Sophia Hutchins, 21. The source says, “Caitlyn’s been broody watching all the new babies enter the family, and she knows Sophia’s keen to become a mum. “She’s told friends they’re talking about going down the IVF route, and Caitlyn insists she’s not worried about her age, as she still feels young and healthy, and is ready to do it all over again.” Last week, the star – who has 10 children – revealed she didn’t speak to them regularly, saying, “I have a lot of children, but…

❛I REALISED HAVING A CHILD WASN’T THE ONLY INCREDIBLE THING I’M CAPABLE OF❜ After ten years of trying for a baby, 11 rounds of IVF and five miscarriages, Jessica Hepburn finally realised the truth – she’d never have a child of her own. Jessica, 47, from London, had taken out loans, re-mortgaged her home and maxed out her credit cards to afford the £70,000 cost of fertility treatment – only to be left heartbroken. But now, after accepting that her baby dream will never become a reality, Jessica says there is more to life than having children. STRUGGLE She says, “The battle to conceive was physically and emotionally draining, but after trying so hard for so long, I accepted defeat. I was forced to find other ways to be happy.…

Fans couldn’t resist teasing Ashley Cole in the days following the Royal Wedding, with many taking to Twitter to remind the footballer of the time he missed out on dating Meghan Markle back in 2013. Meghan, 36, is alleged to have spoken to a newspaper journalist at the time, revealing that a then-single Ashley, 36, had been desperate to date her. “He follows me and he keeps trying to talk to me on Twitter. He’s trying really hard,” Meghan reportedly commented. But the former actress – who is now known as the Duchess of Sussex after marrying Prince Harry – was warned off dating Ashley by friends because of his bad reputation with women, particularly his ex-wife Cheryl, who he was married to for four years, before they split in…

Love Island returns this week and the UK is going mad with anticipation over which sexy singletons will be entering the villa! I don’t watch the show, but I enjoy the nation’s obsession with it. It’s crazy how much reality TV has changed since I was a judge on Popstars and Pop Idol back in the early ’00s. Back then, the contestants were different – they auditioned because they loved to sing. There was no social media. Nowadays, they seem to go on these shows then carve out an Instagram career. But I say good on them. They are modern-day business people and are being really savvy in my opinion. Bring on the new batch of reality star celebs.…

CHLOE & MARCEL: ‘We’re a tough act to follow’ They were the key characters to the most successful Love Island series ever – with two million fans transfixed last summer – and Marcel Somerville and Chloe Crowhurst have some sound advice for this year’s wannabes. Marcel, 32 – who recently split from co-star Gabby Allen after he admitted cheating on her – tells Closer , “I can’t wait for this series, it’s going to be fun to watch. I still haven’t seen last year’s show because it’s stressful watching yourself on TV. People going in this year are going to have to compete with our year – it’s going to be a tough act to follow. “The contestants need to remember to be light-hearted and not to take anything too…

Flaunting her fabulous figure poolside last week, popstar Tulisa looked back to her best as she relaxed in the LA sunshine, amid reports she’s reigniting her career after half a decade in the dark. Just five years ago, the singer – who rose to fame with hit band N-Dubz, alongside cousin Dappy and bandmate Fazer – was on top of the world. She had landed her first solo No.1 single, was crowned the “World’s Sexiest Woman”, and had replaced the nation’s sweetheart, Cheryl, on the X Factor judges’ panel. She had all the trappings of celebrity, from her own fashion range to showbiz pals and a luxury £4.5m mansion. But it all came crashing down in June 2013, when she was arrested on suspicion of supplying class-A drugs. The case…

‘I didn’t think people would want to see a 57-year - old housewife sing!’ She was the darling of the pop world back in the ’80s, selling over 30million records, and even supported David Bowie and Michael Jackson at the height of her fame. Now, she’s back with new album Here Come The Aliens, her first collection of songs since 1995, and her first solo UK tour in 30 years. But Kim, 57, admits she still looks back fondly on her time as a global sensation, especially going on tour with Michael, who tragically died in 2009. RETIRING FROM FAME She smiles, “He was very gentle and sweet. He always had a lot of people around him – it was a complete circus and he just seemed this lonely figure…

❛SHE SAID THEY’D SLEPT TOGETHER UP TO TEN TIMES – EVEN ON THE SOFA WHILE I WAS ASLEEP UPSTAIRS❜ When Annie Macrae kindly offered to give her homeless cousin Charlotte a place to stay, she had no clue that her fiancé would sleep with their guest behind her back. But the mother of one, 23, was left heartbroken when Charlotte, 19, began an affair with Annie’s long-term love Luke Weston, 22, within days of moving into her Lowestoft home. BARELY COPING Annie – who shares five-year-old daughter Olicia with Luke, a painter and decorator – says, “At first, I thought I must be being paranoid when I started worrying there was something going on between them. But in March this year – nearly 18 months after she moved out –…

‘I keep in shape by running after the kids all day’ Although she’s starring alongside her sister Sam in hit reality TV show The Mummy Diaries, that doesn’t mean that Billie Faiers has forgotten where she started. The mum of two – who rose to fame on TOWIE in the original series back in 2010 – tells Closer she still watches the show to keep up with the dramas in Essex, and reveals her only regret about her time on the show was her fashion faux pas. She says, “I love watching TOWIE – I’ll watch it whenever I have the chance. I like to keep up with what everyone is up to. Looking back to when I was on the show, my one real regret is my outfit choices…

WIN! £250 WORTH OF VOUCHERS TO SPEND ON F&F AT TESCO! ENTER AT CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK/WIN* VALID UNTIL MIDNIGHT 4 JUNE 2018…

SUN SAVIOURS ASDA PROTECT RANGE WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT? The sun care range from Asda has been updated and there’s some new additions, including spray mists and aftersun gels. WHY WE LOVE IT: Stocking up on SPF for the whole family can be pricey, but this range is effective and purse-friendly. There are plenty of lotions, including a mattifying face cream that protects while keeping shine at bay. The light mist is our favourite – it can be used all over, and feels super refreshing. It absorbs quickly, too, so you can stay safe without any hassle.…

‘I’m glad I waited to get pregnant, but I did feel pressure’ It’s been over ten years since the Sugababes topped the UK charts, and it’s fair to say Amelle Berrabah’s life has changed considerably since. “It all seems such a long time ago now,” smiles the singer, who is curled up on the sofa of our London shoot location, holding her baby bump. After finding global fame in the Sugababes in 2005, and achieving a number one on her own with Never Leave You in 2009, Amelle, 34, has consciously stayed largely out of the limelight, apart from stints on BBC celebrity gymnastics show Tumble, and Celebrity MasterChef in 2016. And she says she couldn’t be happier with her life. In October 2014, she married businessman Marcio Sousa Rosa,…

INSIDE JENNIFER’S FRIDGE • Cheddar cheese • Mustard • Semi-skimmed milk • Greek yoghurt • Milk chocolate • Eggs • Lurpak • Ketchup • White wine • Mayonnaise • Lemons • Broccoli • Fresh pasta • Onions • Lentils • Avocado • Chicken breasts • Noodles • Seabass • Houmous • Fresh salsa • Orange juice • Sparkling water • Peppers • Portobello mushrooms • Tonic water VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS: “Jennifer’s fridge is packed with fruit and vegetables, as well as starchy foods like pasta and dairy, and protein-packed eggs, fish and lentils. This makes it easy for her to eat a healthy, nutritious diet – her great meal choices reflect this. It’s good she cooks sauces from scratch; pre-made ones are usually loaded with salt, and often…

Our body clocks are determined both by our genes and our environment, so if you think you can’t help being a night owl, you have a point, but you can influence the environment bit. Getting lots of sunlight in the day helps us to produce the hormone that makes us sleepy, so get outside in the morning. Throw your curtains open as soon as you get up, sit near a window when you’re working, and go for a walk at lunch if you can – then ditch screens and avoid artificial light an hour before bed. You’ll soon find mornings easier to cope with.…

I’M PROUD OF… Being a good uncle to my nieces and nephews, it means a great deal to me. Professionally, I’m proud of everything The Wanted achieved, and also winning Strictly in 2015. I WISH… I was more decisive. Often I go along with things because I can’t decide what I want or where I want to go. I REGRET... Not spending enough time with my family. While I was away on tour, some people had got married, or weren’t around any more. I missed out on some important moments. I’VE LEARNED... To try to forgive others and accept that people make mistakes. I’ve always tended to hold on to grudges. I’m vegetarian and, when they announced Guinness wasn’t veggie, I’d been drinking it for ten years, I was so…

• Chas still hasn’t told Paddy about the baby’s condition, desperately hoping the diagnosis is wrong. She spends hours painting the nursery, and struggles when Paddy suggests they go for a 4D scan… • Faith wants to throw Liv a welcome home party, but Aaron doesn’t think it’s a good plan – and then Liv seems sad when she’s back in the village. • Megan gets locked in a toilet, and Graham has to rescue her. Bog standard.…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The best suggestion for circumnavigating professional puzzlement this year is to make sure you’re doing a job that either uplifts you or enlightens the people you serve. In terms of money, consult a financial expert and you could make some proper cash. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN There is uncertainty in the stars this week. So if you’re not quite sure what your next best step is, don’t let anyone force you into making decisions you’re uncertain about. What to do will become clearer soon enough! For your spoken forecast about your current astro-cycle, call 0906 7511 677* CANCER 21 JUN-22 JUL It could be a strange week where you just want to be alone but you’re not really sure…

She looked relaxed and content as she soaked up the Barbados sunshine last week on a family holiday. But insiders say that behind her smiles, Coleen Rooney was secretly stressing about husband Wayne’s potential move to the States, fearing they may be forced to live separate lives. Last month, it was reported that the couple – who are parents to sons Kai, eight, Klay, five, Kit, two, and Cass, three months – were considering relocating to America after Wayne, 32, was said to have signed a deal “in principal” with DC United in Washington. But sources say Coleen, 31, is torn over whether to uproot her sons’ lives. A source reveals, “Coleen was excited about the prospect of a move because she felt it could mark a fresh start, but…

❛ SHE IS BUSY PLANNING THEIR LIVES TOGETHER ONCE HE’S FINALLY RELEASED ❜ When it comes to her relationships, Lauren Goodger is an all or nothing kind of person. After Closer recently reported that she was already talking about marriage with on/off jailbird beau Joey Morrison, she revealed last week that they had met up following his temporary release. And ahead of Joey’s imminent release from prison for good – where he’s currently serving a 16-year sentence for drug-related offences – Lauren, 31, has set up a business in both their names, invested in “JOEY” number plates on her car, has a picture of them together as her phone screensaver, and even wears a ring on her wedding finger. Insiders say friends fear the former TOWIE star – who slammed…

Showing off her baby bump on her billionaire father’s luxury yacht in Monaco, Chloe Green looked relaxed and happy last week as she soaked up the sun and flaunted her curves in a green bandeau bikini. The Topshop heiress, 27 – who’s reportedly due to give birth to her first child with her former jailbird boyfriend, Jeremy Meeks, 34, next month – has been keeping a low profile since reports of her pregnancy first emerged earlier this year. And pals say Chloe, who publicly showcased her relationship with Jeremy during the initial months of their relationship, has been excitedly preparing for motherhood. A source reveals, “Chloe’s on cloud nine and incredibly excited to start a family with Jeremy. She’s feeling good, apart from some nausea in the early weeks, and…

Fertility Network UK’s Catherine Hill offers the following advice if you’re having difficulty conceiving: • Speak out. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. • Seek Help. There is counselling and emotional support available to you. As a starting point, The Fertility Network runs a More To Life webinar series, offering talks and advice from professionals on how to move forwards. • Find others. Talking with those going through similar circumstances can really help. Fertility Network UK organises meet-ups in safe spaces. Visit our website, www.fertilitynetworkuk.orgfor more information.…

PR CONSULTANT LAUREN LUNN FARROW SAYS: “I can’t see that Meghan would have ever dated Ashley Cole given how different they are, but if they had, I think it would be a very different story. It’s certainly less likely she would have been in the position she’s in now. Meghan would have been famous in the UK for being a WAG and her every move would have been watched. Meghan and Harry have spent a lot of time getting to know each other outside of the public arena and there is a sense of respect towards Meghan, because she doesn’t court the media outside of her work and charity commitments. If she had been known as a WAG, I think she would have earned less respect from the British public.”…

MALIN’S RETURN When Malin Andersson was booted out of the villa, Terry Walsh vowed to stay loyal to her – but didn’t. Malin returned to confront him. EMMA & TERRY’S EXPLICIT ROMP Emma-Jane Woodhams and Terry Walsh had full-on sex in front of shocked housemates. MUGGY MIKE & JESS After being voted out together, reports claimed Jess Shears – who vowed to stay faithful to Dom Lever – slept with Muggy Mike. ZARA IS DE-CROWNED Zara Holland was stripped of her Miss Great Britain title when she had sex with Alex Bowen on TV. KADY’S MELTDOWN In series two, Kady McDermott shocked viewers with a foulmouthed tirade after Scott Thomas took another girl on a date.…

JACQUELINE: ‘I’m going to fight for our family’ Despite Jacqueline Jossa initially hinting their split was temporary and divorce wasn’t an option, Dan Osborne broke his silence last week, blaming the pair’s constant rows for his separation from his heavily pregnant wife. Speaking in an interview, the former TOWIE star – who has Ella, three, with Jacqueline, who is just days away from giving birth to their second child – said, “I left because we were arguing, and it is such a waste of energy. I still care for Jacqueline, but if we can’t make each other happy then we shouldn’t stay together. Life is too short.” He added that he planned to move back home before the birth, but was unsure if the couple will reunite. Insiders say Dan’s…

She’s already spoken about marriage and children with her boyfriend Joshua Richie – but two weeks ago, Charlotte Crosby was seen having an explosive fight with him in St Lucia, where she even appeared to punch him. She quickly issued a denial, saying, “I pushed Josh’s arm away from me and flung a plastic cup at his feet. We had an argument, which isn’t really the strangest thing to happen in the world is it?” And now Charlotte, 28, insists that they’re still completely loved-up. The former Geordie Shore star, who appears on MTV’s The Charlotte Show, tells Closer, “Josh and I are great together – we’re just about to go to Champneys Spa to celebrate his 24th birthday. People have spoken about us having a reality show together, but…

‘I always worry about my kids’ happiness’ She’s mates with Ed Sheeran, admits she likes to get drunk with U2’s Bono, and says her celeb crush is Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney. But despite mixing with some of the hottest men in the industry, radio presenter Jo Whiley would never dream of swapping her husband of 27 years – band manager Steve Morton – for any of them. Speaking to Closer , she says, “I met Steve when he booked a band on my radio show back in the ’90s. There might have been times when we’ve got on each other’s nerves over the years, but I always tell myself to just walk away and take a breather. I would never give up on my marriage. “Things change throughout a long-term…

‘I knew Lee was The One the minute I met him’ She shot to fame on the first season of TOWIE alongside original cast members Mark Wright, James “Arg” Argent and Lauren Goodger. But Lydia Bright tells Closer she no longer talks to former best friend Lauren Goodger, saying, “I still speak with Lucy [Mecklenburgh], Ferne [McCann] and Georgia [Kousoulou]. But I don’t see Lauren so much any more – we kind of lost touch.” Having starred on the hit reality show for seven years before quitting in 2017, Lydia, 28, has moved on and is, as she says, “the happiest I’ve ever been.” While she was once half of one of Essex’s longest-running romances – having dated Arg, 30, on and off since they were teenagers – Lydia now…

WORKWEAR WONDER A striped piece is a great choice for keeping cool in the office. Just add brogues and an oversized tote. NUTMEG AT MORRISONS £18 OFF-DUTY DENIM A pared-back alternative to a summery frock, these denim dungarees will look great with a Breton top and retro kicks. TU AT SAINSBURY’S £24 BIKINI COVER-UP A brilliant buy for your holiday wardrobe, slip this embroidered dress over your bikini when heading for poolside snacks. GEORGE AT ASDA £25 BRIGHT SPARK This pretty top will instantly add some sunshine to your wardrobe, even during the unpredictable British summer. F&F AT TESCO £16 STATEMENT MAKER From weddings to christenings, this colourful skirt is guaranteed to get you on the best-dressed guest list at every event. F&F AT TESCO £20 MONOCHROME MUST-HAVE Make a…

FIRMING CREAM Aldi’s cheap-but-effective skincare has won over countless fans. And when the store debuted its Caviar range – at a fraction of the price of expensive brands – everyone from beauty bloggers to industry experts raved about it. Caviar is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and Aldi’s offering feels super luxurious. Apply at night and wake up to renewed, vibrant skin. DOUBLE-PURPOSE MOISTURISER We love multi-tasking products, and Sainsbury’s skincare offerings are great for this. Their bargain Q10 range (a key ingredient for skin repair) is especially impressive. The hydrating day cream offers UV protection, as well as SPF15, to combat sun exposure and pollution damage 24/7. And all for £3! SMOOTHING SERUM The new Cien range from Lidl includes a Day Cream, Night Cream, Serum and Eye…

STRETCH MARKS: “Luckily, I’ve managed to avoid getting any on my bump. I’ve been using egg whites mixed with coconut oil, which is a Moroccan remedy, and it’s really worked!” CRAVINGS: “I don’t like pancakes, I never have – but since being pregnant I’m obsessed with them! I also want Branston Pickle on everything and I’ve never liked it before. It’s so strange.” LABOUR: “I’d love a water birth, and I want to try to make labour as relaxing as possible with nice music. I’m nervous, but I’m hoping being in water will calm me down.”…

How much do you spend per week? It depends what Greg [Lake, her boyfriend and father to her son Daye, 23 months] and I have going on. If we’re eating out a lot, we’ll only spend £20 but, if we’re at home all week, it can be £100. I tend to shop at M&S, though I do buy bits from other supermarkets, too. Describe your daily diet... I have two boiled eggs with avocado on brown toast for breakfast, then chicken pasta for lunch. In the evenings, I’ll have a chicken Caesar salad or a piece of sea bass with lentils and vegetables. If I’m peckish, I’ll have a Lighter Life bar or a banana. Is there anything you refuse to eat? I don’t eat much read meat. I’ll have…

RELATIONSHIPS HOW TO COPE WHEN YOUR EX MOVES ON Emma explains how to react when your old flame finds new love while you’re still recovering – and why it’s not the end of the world Break-ups are tough, especially if you didn’t choose to end your relationship, and discovering your ex has moved on makes healing even harder, particularly if it happens quickly. Even when you think you are getting over it, logging on to Instagram to find their new loved-up snaps can ruin the best of days. None of us like to feel we are disposable or replaceable, particularly so publicly, but because social media is pretty unavoidable, the healthiest approach is to block your ex from all your social media channels. This doesn’t mean you can’t be cordial…

NEW MUMS – NEW BUSINESS Friends Leah and Louisa share their experience of starting their company, Pimp my Pram, while on maternity leave – and explain how you can do it, too… Most mothers struggle to juggle family life with a career, but Leah Caffrey, mum to Gray, one, and Louisa Hills, who has son Oscar, 22 months, found a surprising solution: starting their own business after leaving their jobs to have kids . “I’m a freelance TV producer and it’s not your average 9-5, so I wanted something more flexible,” says Leah, 34. Her friend Louisa, also 34, who worked in market research and was also freelance, felt the same. “We were both new mums and by coincidence we’d both been decorating our pushchairs to make them look a…

1 LOVE ISLAND DON’T GET MUGGED OFF, TUNE IN! MON 4-FRI 8 JUNE, 9PM, ITV2 It’s pretty much taken over the past two summers, and now it’s back on our screens (having scooped a BAFTA for Best Reality Show). Here’s what we know: it will be on for eight weeks, with the newly engaged Caroline Flack hosting as usual. Iain Stirling returns to provide the series’ dry commentary again and, as ever, Ms Flack is promising a “long, hot summer”. Yessss. FACT FILE 60,000 people applied to be on the latest series of Love Island within 12 hours of the applications opening. The full line-up will be revealed on the night… 2 VERSAILLES RAUNCHY DRAMA RETURNS MON 4 JUNE, 9PM, BBC2 This caused something of a stir when it debuted…

MUST READ Whistle In The Dark (EMMA HEALEY) Jen’s 15-year-old daughter goes missing for four days – and when Lana is found, unharmed, in the middle of the countryside, everyone thinks the worst is over. But Lana refuses to tell anyone what happened and, when the once-happy family returns to London, things start to fall apart. Lana begins acting strangely and Jen is sure the answer lies in those four missing days. But will Lana ever reveal what happened? From the bestselling author of Elizabeth Is Missing, this is a fast-paced, gripping read. BEST DAY OUT Forest Live festival If you go down to the woods today... you’ll discover Forest Live festival! Managed by the Forestry Commission and now in its 17th (!) year, Forest Live is renowned for its…

Hailey’s bath has everything you could wish for – loads of bubbles and a special tap that dispenses red wine. Want! This, Fearne, is what we call our “got home at 3am and forgot to drink water before going to bed” face. GEORGIA TOFFOLO Something tells us that Toff is especially excited to hear the news about the next Love Island line-up… LUCY MECKLENBURGH Thanks to Lucy, we’ve set a goal for this Thursday. We’re going to jump out of bed, phone in sick, then jump back in! JADE THIRLWALL When Jade went on Bumble and said in her profile that she wanted to find “a great big bear of a man”, she hadn’t expected to end up on a date with this fella. Get him booked in for a…

After enduring months of speculation over their 19-year marriage, Victoria Beckham’s hopes to put on a united display with husband David during the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were shattered when viewers blasted her for appearing “miserable” and “unhappy” – with one fan describing them as looking “bored and glum.” Just days later, reports claimed her frosty expression could be due to revelations that David had partied with socialite Kara Keble-White at The Farmhouse in Oxfordshire the night before the wedding, which was watched by 1.9 billion TV viewers. In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Kara tagged David with the caption, “Thanks for the shots”. As a result of the shock allegations, trolls then insisted Victoria and David’s marriage must be “for the cameras only”, adding they…

❛ SHE CAN’T WAIT TO WHISK KANYE OFF FOR HIS BIRTHDAY AND TELL HIM THE NEWS ❜ It’s been just four months since she welcomed her third child, Chicago, via surrogate. And in a shock move, Kim Kardashian’s pals say she is keen to set the wheels in motion for her next surrogacy. Earlier this year, Closer revealed how the reality star, 37 – also mum to North, four, and Saint, two – wanted to complete her family with triplets. PREGNANT AGAIN And pals say Kim is determined to surprise the troubled rapper on his 41st birthday next month, with the news that their surrogate is ready to get pregnant again. The source says, “Kim’s been racking her brains over what to give Kanye for his birthday, and says that…

She’s been on a dramatic mission to prove she’s moved on following her marriage split from estranged husband Kieran Hayler earlier this month – partying at clubs across the UK, going out bra-less, flirting with a string of reality stars and reportedly enjoying a fling with toyboy footballer, Shane Duffy. And last week, Jordan even left Kieran – who as Closer went to press was reportedly considering moving out of the family home – while she enjoyed a romantic trip to Belgium with reality star Kris Boyson for her 40th birthday party. Kris – who featured in Holly Willoughby’s dating show Meet The Parents, and E4’s Five Star Hotel alongside Holly Hagan – posted a photo with the former glamour model to mark her milestone birthday and added their location…

Mum-of-one Nilufer Atik, 42, is a writer from Surrey. After being told she’d be unlikely to conceive, she was left devastated – until she accidentally fell pregnant. But she admits “motherhood isn’t everything”. She says, “I really wanted kids, but was very focused on my career, social life and travelling in my 20s. I was planning to try for kids with my ex until we broke up when I was 38. Then, due to a hormonal condition, I was told the chances of me having children were slim. Suddenly, everywhere I went I’d see mums cooing over their babies and I’d feel that longing. I was convinced I’d never be truly happy unless I had a child. “I met my partner, Matt, when I was 39, and ten months into…

‘ Life is too short for family feuds – you need to make the effort!’ Family estrangements have been in the news a lot, from Meghan Markle’s drama with her dad, Thomas, to Anthony Hopkins’ revelation he hasn’t spoken to his daughter, Abigail, in 20 years. But it’s not all doom and gloom. It was great to see Liam Gallagher reunite with his daughter, Molly, last week, after 19 years apart – life is too short for long-term feuds. I’m lucky to have a very large, loving, blended family. My parents split when I was 20 and this could have been a catalyst for rows, but instead we gelled together. Now both my mother and father have new families, meaning I’ve got stepbrothers, stepsisters, plus step-nieces and nephews. The key…

❛I AM A STRONG PERSON BUT SOME ONLINE COMMENTS CAN BE REALLY NASTY❜ She’s known for her knockout figure, but after body shamers criticised her slimmer frame recently, and accused her of having an eating disorder, Megan McKenna was forced to hit back. The former TOWIE star – who’s in an on/off romance with Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, 25 – insisted, “It’s not OK to call someone fat, so why is it OK to call me anorexic? The pressure of trolls on social media can be very stressful. I need to stop caring about what other people say. I’m a strong person, but I am only human and sometimes things can get to me. Some [comments] can be really nasty. “I like my body, my hair, my lips... but…

French au pair Sophie Lionnet, 21, had moved to London to improve her English, but instead she found herself at the mercy of evil couple Sabrina Kouider, 35, and Ouissem Medouni, 40, who tortured and eventually killed her, before attempting to burn her body in their back garden. Last week, a jury heard how mum-of-two Kouider had convinced herself that her former lover, Boyzone founding member Mark Walton, had planted the nanny to spy on her. TORTURED Innocent Sophie had never met Walton, but in the weeks leading up to her murder on 20 September 2017, Kouider and Medouni tortured her to gain a confession. The shy au pair was starved and beaten with a cable, leaving her with five broken ribs and a cracked breast bone. More than eight…

They became friends through the reality circuit, but Scotty T says he’s now fallen out with TOWIE star Gemma Collins after she refused to do a favour for him. Scotty, 30, says he asked Gemma to record a “happy birthday” message for a friend of his – but despite her saying she would do it, she still hasn’t sent the clip. He says, “I kept asking her if she could just do a quick video, and she kept messaging back, saying, ‘Doing it tomorrow, on a plane!’ But I still haven’t got the video. I know she’s busy, but she has a lot of fans and it’s not difficult. She’s definitely in my bad books!” And notorious ladies’ man Scotty, who has been linked to Marnie Simpson, Holly Hagan and…

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST ROMANTIC GIFT? “For Christmas one year, my husband bought me a Renault 4, which is the car I learnt to drive in. It was in the exact same colour and it was so sweet.” HAVE YOU HAD ANY EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?“I fell off a stage when I was DJ-ing at an event once. I had some really high heels on… I took a step to the right and fell off the stage and disappeared.” WHO DO YOU MISS? “My grandmother Joan died last year and that was awful. She was 94 and had lived the longest and happiest life… but that somehow didn’t seem to matter and it still felt too soon.”…

ON TREND PALM PRINTS As soon as the sun comes out, tropical prints are always back in the fashion spotlight, and you’ll find plenty to choose from in the supermarket aisles. From casual cover-ups to occasion-ready frocks, these leafy pieces are ideal for adding an exotic twist to your wardrobe. And whether you choose a head-to-toe look like Poppy, or opt for just a hint of print, there’s a style to suit every shape and budget. WHO WORE IT BEST? HOLLY VS MILLIE Presenter Holly and reality star Millie both proved the suit trend is still going strong in this matching tailored two-piece. Holly kept the look sleek, teaming the sunshine co-ord with nude sandals, while Millie opted for a more laid-back approach, adding embroidered lobster sliders and a bright…

GET THE LOOK... NUDE LIPS Ditch shouty colours and paint your pout in a barely-there pink hue, like Kate and J-Lo ❶ LONG LASTING GEORGE SATIN LIPSTICK IN RARE £3 This one has a gentle sheen to it, without being too glossy, and stayed budge-proof for hours after application. ❷ SHINE FREE RIMMEL STAY MATTE LIQUID LIP IN BE MY BABY £6 AT MORRISONS If you’re looking for a matte option, this one is the answer. There’s no nasty drying effect, even after days of wear. ❸ CREAMY COLOUR SAINSBURY’S BOUTIQUE LIPSTICK IN IN THE BUFF £7 The buttery texture of this lippie felt silky soft to wear and the rosy tone was a slightly warmer take on nude, which suits most skin tones. 3 OF THE BEST…

CLUB TROPICANA Ensure the sun is always shining at home with bold, primary pops and fun accessories. Channel that holiday feeling with playful patterns and finishing touches or, for a more subtle approach, simply introduce one or two bright pieces. SCANDI CALM Soft pastel hues and pale-wash wood come together to create a light, pretty space that will work especially well in a smaller room. Mix prints and textures in a similar colour palette for an eclectic vibe that won’t feel messy. GLIMMERING GOLD Gold is back in the spotlight again, and is a simple way to add some glamour to your décor. Shiny, metallic pieces will sit particularly well against midnight hues and powder greys, or use them to perk up a dinner setting. Shine on! IN THE NAVY…

• MasterChef presenter John Torode says, “Pad Thai is central Thailand’s greatest snack food.” YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... PICNIC JAR WITH EGGS AND SALSA SERVES 2 • 125g bulgur wheat • 2 large, vine- ripened tomatoes, chopped into 1/2 cm pieces • 30g green olives, pitted and roughly chopped • 1 mild red chilli, finely diced • 1 small clove garlic, crushed • Handful basil leaves, shredded • 2tbsp olive oil • 50g rocket, roughly shredded • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped • 30g pumpkin seeds STEP 1 Put the bulgur wheat in a pan with 500ml water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 8-10 mins. If the water has not all been absorbed, drain off any excess then set aside. STEP 2 Put…

‘CARBS BRING ON THE MENOPAUSE? RUBBISH!’ Recent headlines said a stodgy diet could cause early menopause. Dr C says it’s the silliest carb-bashing story yet A study that looked into how your diet impacts the start of your menopause hit the headlines earlier this month and, true to form, the papers all screamed that you should “cut carbs for a delayed menopause”. But it’s just not as simple as that. KNOW THE TRUTH The study showed that women who ate lots of refined, white pasta and rice tended to start their menopause one and a half years earlier, and those who ate lots of healthy foods, like oily fish and legumes (peas and beans), started theirs three years later. The average age women start their menopause in the UK is…

Does anyone believe in love at first sight – actually, make that first swipe – any more? Lust, certainly; love, I’m not so sure. According to new research from Gala Bingo, almost half of Brits believe it takes three months to fall in love, although there isn’t any data as yet on how many relationships in the dating app era last that amount of time. I’m witnessing an alarming spike in casual relationships, dubbed “seeing each other”, which roughly translates to dating, spending sober time together, sleeping together, being somewhat committed, but not enough to be mutually exclusive or to call them your partner. What this really should be called is “having your cake and eating it.” A single pal of mine has been “seeing someone” for six months and,…

£120 On a shopping spree in Topshop. I bought loads of essential items like plain white T-shirts and coloured vests. £80 For a pair of white Adidas trainers. They’re so comfy, I live in them. £250 On three new light fixtures for my bedroom, hallway and bathroom. I’m currently renovating my place. £30 For a meal from Wagamama with my makeup artist. The yakisoba dish is my favourite. £24.75 For Studio Sculpt Foundation by MAC – it gives flawless coverage. • Olivia is working with i heart Wines as a brand ambassador. Visit iheartwines.co.uk…