Table of contents for Issue 859 in Closer

The price of ‘perfection’ It’s a sad fact that more people than ever are turning to surgery to fix hang-ups – and some women are prepared to go to extreme lengths to achieve today’s ideal of perfection. On p45, we speak to 58-year-old mum Sarah Burge, who has spent a staggering £20k on a surgery overhaul to compete with her teen daughter. And, on p42, former model Carla Bellucci brazenly admits she faked depression to get a £7k nose job on the NHS. Reassuringly, we’ve also spoken to I’m A Celeb! star Emily Atack (p62), who learned to love herself, and her body, after her jungle experience. It makes sense that self-love is the key to looking – and feeling – great. And as the long-awaited sunshine gives us all…

Food addiction specialist Rochelle Craig agrees that a gastric band may be a last resort for Gemma to shed the weight, but she warns that his ’n’ hers weight-loss procedures could cause more problems between the couple. She says, “A gastric band is a last resort for when all other options have been tried. But while the band can help with being overweight and addicted to food, there need to be psychological changes. “It’s important to have a support network, but weight loss or recovery from food addiction is a personal journey and the focus must be solely on yourself. If you are going about it with a partner or friend, your journey can be affected if they are more successful than you or if they fail in their efforts.”…

‘SHE’S PROUD OF HER CURVES AND INSISTS SHE’S NOT HIDING ANYTHING FROM HER FANS’ She’s spoken about “keeping it real” since welcoming kids Paul, three, and Rosie, one, with partner Paul Knightley, wowing on her Instagram last week with a snap of her bikini body. But, hours later, Sam Faiers was accused of “deceiving” fans when new photos of her in Majorca emerged online. One wrote, “Her figure is lovely but that Instagram post is incredibly deceiving. She looks nothing like that. This is the reason young women are so insecure. Instagram should be putting laws on this stuff.” SHOCKED Another commented, “People need to stop giving an unrealistic view of themselves. A bit of good lighting and good angles is normal. Cropping off half your body and changing your…

‘HER FRIENDS ARE URGING HER TO REIN IT IN A LITTLE’ She was embroiled in sex scandals last year when she was forced to deny she was turning to porn after revealing she was set to join the subscription-based app OnlyFans – notorious for X-rated content – and later caused outrage when she launched an adult dating site that offered members explicit content. FULLY NAKED And last week, Lauren Goodger, 32, continued to push the boundaries when she posed fully naked for a raunchy new photo shoot – as pals say she’s being encouraged by her Celebs Go Dating co-star Megan Barton-Hanson to amp up her sex appeal. A source says, “Megan and Lauren are getting on so well, and Megan has been giving her tips on love and dating.…

Liam Barnes, 35, from Stratfordupon-Avon, set up the Laura Hyde Foundation in 2018 to honour his cousin Laura, a nurse who took her own life in 2016, aged just 27. He says, “It’s heart-breaking to hear about the high suicide figures among nurses – but, sadly, I think it’s just the tip of the iceberg. “Laura was my cousin, but she was more like my sister. She was the most selfless person I’ve ever met, always taking care of others. So, it was no surprise when she became a nurse in the Royal Navy before going on to be an A&E nurse at Derriford Hospital in Devon. “She worked so hard, without complaint, and always had a smile on her face. The hours were gruelling, though, and she often looked…

COLD FEET The cast of the Brit sitcom – including Fay Ripley and James Nesbitt – reunited in 2016 after 13 years, and the show was met with widespread praise. The revival was so successful it went on to have two more series, and will return again in 2020. SEX AND THE CITY Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha got back together for two Sex And The City movies, the first coming four years after the series ended in 2004. Plans for a third film were pulled after a fallout between co-stars Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker. THE INBETWEENERS The BAFTA-winning show was made into two successful films after the series ended in 2010. But the show’s 10-year reunion Fwends Reunited in January garnered a negative response – actor James…

Josie Cunningham, 29, achieved notoriety when she admitted to getting a boob job on the NHS in 2013 to attain a career as a glamour model. The defiant mum of four from Leeds says, “When I had my boob job, it was medically needed. I had absolutely no breast tissue – but I admit I did want to be a glamour model, too, and I couldn’t afford to have it done privately. “Of course, I had a lot of backlash, but that was fine. What mattered was that it gave me a lot more confidence and, since then, I’ve made my living from the proceeds of the publicity I received, so I can’t complain. I’d rather be a hate figure than work in Asda and hardly see my kids.” And,…

PIERS MORGAN – Piers is a really good example of someone who doesn’t just go with the populist opinion… I find somebody that delivers their opinion with conviction very inspirational, and I find that confidence quite attractive. It’s not a popular opinion to say you fancy him! GORKA MARQUEZ – I’m still friends with Gorka [after being paired on Strictly]. I learnt he’s very patient, and that’s a good quality for a dad [Gorka is expecting a baby with his partner, soap star Gemma Atkinson]. I love Strictly, and I can’t wait to watch this year’s series. SIMON COWELL – Seven years ago, Simon reached out and supported me, and he has been there for me ever since. He’s a man who sticks to his word. And if he raises…

PARADISE PRINTS UP TO A G-CUP The Frida swimsuit was Figleaves’ best-seller last year, and we can see why. With its hidden tummy control, flattering ruching, punchy print and detachable straps, it ticks all the confidence-boosting boxes. SWIMSUIT, FIGLEAVES, £50 SUNGLASSES, QUAY AUSTRALIA, £40 STRIPE IT LUCKY The pattern helps to elongate and streamline your shape, while the adjustable tie bottoms are flattering to the hips. BIKINI TOP, MARKS & SPENCER, £12 BIKINI BOTTOM, MARKS & SPENCER, £8 EARRINGS, ACCESSORIZE, £10 BELT UP They have been popping up on swimsuits a lot this season, and as well as adding a cool retro touch, belts are super-flattering, cinching you in at the waist. This beauty is guaranteed to get you noticed. SWIMSUIT, F&F, £16 SUNGLASSES, PRIMARK, £2 BE A FRILL -SEEKER…

LIGHT SUPPER BUTTERNUT SQUASH & HAM NOODLES SERVES 4 • 40g tomatoes • 70g Parma ham • 200g butternut squash noodles • 100g angel hair pasta nests • 1tbsp olive oil • 1tbsp butter • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 sage leaves • 40g rocket • 125g burrata or buffalo mozzarella, quartered • 4tsp balsamic vinegar • 2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Chilli flakes, to garnish STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan160°C/Gas Mark 4. STEP 2 Slice the tomatoes in half, place on a baking tray, drizzle with oil and bake on a low heat for 60-90 mins. Remove and cool. STEP 3 Put the ham on a non-stick tray and cook for 5 mins. Turn and cook for another 10 mins. Transfer to kitchen paper. STEP 4…

£20 On self-help books. One is called You Are A Badass, by Jen Sincero, and the other book is How Not To Die, by Michael Greger. £5 For a veggie McDonald’s meal. I’ve gone semi-vegetarian. £116 On a flight to Mallorca for my friend’s birthday. £4 For hooks from Wilko to hang up a family collage. £50 On Chakra cleansing. Two crystal healers came to my home, and afterwards I felt like I’d had eight hours sleep. • Nadia is working with beauty app Hairstee, hailed as “The Uber of Hair”. Download on the Apple Store and Google Play…

What is Dark Mon£y about? It’s the story of the Mensah family and their son Isaac, who gets a role in a Hollywood movie. He goes over to LA to shoot the film but, when he comes back, he reveals to his parents that he’s been abused by the producer – and then everything starts to implode from there… You play Isaac’s mother, Sam... She’s married to Manny (played by Babou Ceesay), and she works in a bank. They have two children; Isaac and Jess, and she has a stepson, Tyrone. She has an inner strength but she’s not necessarily the most gregarious person you would ever meet. She’s a quiet, thoughtful kind of woman – but if you crossed her, she wouldn’t be a pushover. This is your first…

She appeared determined last week to prove that fame hasn’t changed her, claiming in an interview that she wants her son Bear, two, to grow up around children from council estates, so that he can appreciate his mother’s humble beginnings. And Cheryl added that she is every inch the normal mum, revealing how she was “up at 1.30 this morning cleaning dirty nappies” before appearing on CBBC show The Playlist. MUM-SHAMING However, online trolls were quick to blast Cheryl, 36, writing, “Sorry, don’t believe she’s as hands-on as she pretends to be,” while another said,“Mum in changing nappy shocker. Seeks attention and sympathy from everyone.” The mum-shaming is the latest in a string of blows for the former Girls Aloud star, whose recent single Let You debuted at number 57…

She had totally transformed her body following the breakdown of her marriage to third husband George Kay. And she recently revealed she was determined to get back into her fitness routine after gaining a stone due to her hectic work schedule, heading to a bootcamp in Greece with eldest daughter Molly, 17. But just days later, Kerry Katona, 38, was last week forced to defend herself after trolls attacked her for enjoying a burger and a chocolate milkshake while sunbathing topless on a beach. Hitting back, the mum of five – who has previously spoken of her cocaine addiction during her marriage to Mark Croft – said, “I know everyone’s going mad about me scoffing a burger in my bikini but, sorry, would you prefer it if it was a…

‘HE FEELS INCREDIBLY UPSET AND CAN’T UNDERSTAND WHERE IT’S COME FROM’ His squeaky-clean image as the “Mr Nice Guy” of daytime TV was in danger of being tarnished last week when he was reportedly branded an “arch manipulator” by Fern Britton’s former agent, and reports emerged he’d allegedly blocked Amanda Holden from standing in as his co-host on This Morning, while Holly Willoughby hosted I’m A Celeb! last year. Phillip Schofield, 57, allegedly became embroiled in a bitter feud with the Britain’s Got Talent judge, 48, amid claims he told execs Amanda was “difficult to manage”, and was “actively campaigning” for Rochelle Humes, 30, to fill in for Holly, 38. Insiders say the veteran TV presenter is shocked by the drama. BETRAYED A source says, “Phil’s feeling incredibly betrayed and…

KELLY’S PALS URGE HER TO SLOW DOWN ON MARRIAGE PLANS She set tongues wagging recently when she was pictured wearing a ring on her engagement finger, and now Kelly Brook’s friends are reportedly warning her to take time before tying the knot with beau Jeremy Parisi. Kelly, 39, sparked rumours when she was pictured wearing the rock while on holiday in Majorca, though her rep has denied that the couple are officially engaged. But insiders say Kelly’s pals are urging the model to think twice about walking down the aisle with Italian boyfriend Jeremy, 34. They expressed their concerns about him after, in 2018, he made comments implying Kelly needed to lose weight, saying she was his “little balloon”. A source reveals, “Kelly’s pals still haven’t forgiven Jeremy for the…

‘There are more important things to worry about than looks’ ‘APPRECIATE THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE’ “My family have recently been through a difficult time – we were scammed out of £90k after my husband Joel [Ryan] invested in a fraudulent business. We had put a lot of money aside to save for the future and now it’s gone. While it’s heartbreaking, it’s actually made me want to live like every day is my last. I wish I’d enjoyed that money – that we had used it to go on holiday with my family or something. You never know what’s going to happen, so appreciate the good times and enjoy yourself.” ‘FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS’ “I used to be a real career girl and fiercely ambitious – my career…

‘NOW I THINK I HAVE THE EDGE OVER HER AGAIN’ With her long blonde hair, wrinkle-free complexion and enviable figure, Sarah Burge doesn’t look anything like her 58 years. But with her 60th birthday fast approaching, she’s more determined than ever to look good – especially now her daughter Poppy, 15, is blossoming into a gorgeous young woman. BLOSSOMED And Sarah – who has two other children, Charlotte, 35, and Hannah, 25 from previous relationships – admits she is jealous of her youngest’s looks. She says, “Poppy is easily the most beautiful of my daughters, but I didn’t realise until she had her braces removed in December last year quite how stunning she is. They’d been on for two years and, in that time, she’d really blossomed. “It made me…

CHASING RAINBOWS Add some sparkle to the sand with this rainbow-sequinned number. Perfect for taking you from seashore to bar. GEORGE AT ASDA, £14 FEELING ROPEY This cool rope bag can hold your book, sun cream and towel – and then roll up into your suitcase, too. TOPSHOP, £27 HOT MESH For a sporty vibe, this mesh shopper is the perfect companion. Wear with a classic black swimsuit to make the colour pop. LINDEX, £12.99 MONO MAGIC This monochrome shopper would look just as chic on a city break as it would on a beach. The tassels add a fun touch. H&M, £24.99 POM-POM PARADE These pom-poms add a playful finish. Make a statement and pair with a bold pink bikini for maximum impact. MATALAN, £16 FUN IN THE SUN…

INSIDE NICKI’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Tahini • Yoghurt • Almond butter • Semi-skimmed milk • Grated Cheddar • Low-fat Pilgrims Choice Cheddar • Horseradish • Turkey breast fillets • Camembert • Mustard • Ketchup • Avocado • Salmon fishcakes • Goose fat • Dates • Tomatoes • Red chillies • Sweet leaf salad • Fat-free vinaigrette • Coconut water • Oat milk • Almond milk • Fruit squash • Prosecco VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “Smoothies add fruit and veg to our diet but may not be as filling as whole fruit or veg, because chewing triggers signals that tell us when we’re full. Nicki doesn’t need to be a good cook to eat healthily – grilled chicken or fish with steamed veg or salad, and new or jacket…

FAMILY MATTERS KEEP EXERCISE FUN FOR KIDS AT ANY AGE At around nine, children stop enjoying physical activity just for the fun of it. Emma suggests how to extend the appeal I was a competitive swimmer growing up. Dad took me to hundreds of galas and instilled in me a real love of sport, so I enrolled both my boys in gymnastics as toddlers and, a decade on, they remain committed to fitness. Children don’t always want to take part in competitive sports; both of mine hated big gymnastic events. But there are loads of strategies to get them active and, the earlier you motivate them, the stronger their relationship with fitness will be. Routine is key, so if you don’t have a weekly activity schedule, create one. There are…

BAFTA-NOMINATED BABOU CEESAY, 40, BEST KNOWN FOR HIS ROLE IN THE TV MOVIE DAMILOLA, OUR LOVED BOY, PLAYS DAD MANNY… The family accept a substantial pay-off to keep silent... The beauty with what the writer Levi (David Addai) does is that he goes, “OK, so 90 per cent of people take the money instead of fighting. But what happens when they get home and put that money in the bank? They look at it and think, ‘I’ll buy one new suit but I know that money has come from my child being abused.’” That’s what it’s about – it’s about money earnt dishonestly. We see the impact of that... Dark Mon£y focuses on the impact of the family accepting the money. You have to look at yourself in the mirror.…

What have you and Freddie brought to Top Gear? Fred and I love cars, but we don’t have the same knowledge as Chris. He’s unbelievable. I try to pull him up on things and catch him out, but he knows anything and everything about cars. Fred and I are coming to it with eyes wide open, finding out things as we go along. Even looking back now at the footage from Borneo, it’s just bonkers. I’m not very well travelled so, for me, this is like an incredible voyage of discovery. Is it true that before this series, you were a reluctant traveller? Yes. I didn’t like flying – although not in a Mr T way (aka B.A. from The A-Team) where they have to give me a glass of…

‘SHE’S WORKED HARD TO DO IT THE NATURAL WAY, BUT THIS MAY BE HER ONLY OPTION’ She’s flown the flag for curvy girls since hitting our screens on TOWIE in 2011, famously flaunting her “candy” on the show, proudly showing off her voluptuous curves on Instagram, and launching her own plus-size fashion label. But last week, Gemma Collins, 38, admitted to using appetite suppressant injections – just weeks after furiously denying claims she’d taken diet pills to aid her recent 3st weight loss. And now, pals say the star – who was last week spotted with bruises on her face after she had an under-eye filler to remove dark bags – is considering a gastric band to get back her size 12 figure, and reinforce her romance with on/off boyfriend…

It’s a TV smash that sets social media ablaze with every episode. But while contestants’ names and catchphrases constantly trend online, an overwhelming number of fans are calling out the show for appearing more “set up” than ever before. They have debated how “fixed” the latest series is after a number of head-scratching inconsistencies. Questioning the “forced” way the Islanders ask each other “for a chat” to discuss their feelings, fans also challenged why Islanders Yewande Biala and Anna Vakili bizarrely appeared to swap places during a scene, writing, “It must be set up!” They also accused the producers of staging the moment Maura Higgins caught Tom Walker making disrespectful comments about her. A rep for the ITV show has hit back at the claims, saying, “The show is not…

Fans have been demanding a Friends reunion ever since the sitcom’s final episode aired in 2004 – and with the show’s 15-year anniversary falling this year, rumours of a revival have been rife. Last month, Jennifer Aniston gave fresh hope to fans when she hinted at reuniting with the main cast, which also includes Courteney Cox, 55, Lisa Kudrow, also 55, David Schwimmer, 52, Matthew Perry, 49, and Matt Le Blanc, 51. Jen, 50, said, “I would do it. The girls would do it. And the boys would do it, I’m sure. Listen, anything could happen.” Meanwhile, Matthew has implied the opposite, adding recently, “If anybody asks me, I’m going to say no,” while Matt has also admitted, “I don’t want to do it – simple.” Last month, Lisa shared…

‘Lip filler is one of the most dangerous things you can have’ Chloe Madeley expressed her remorse last week over getting lip fillers, saying she’d “never regretted anything so much.” Her comments come as The Royal Society of Public Health are calling for lip fillers to be made illegal for under-18s. It’s not regulated and it’s crucial we make them prescription only, just like Botox, so that they have to be administered correctly. It’s currently perfectly legal for anyone to buy filler online and administer it. People who aren’t qualified are buying these products and injecting them. The people most at risk are the under-25s who tend to make impulsive decisions and are motivated by cheaper prices. Lip filler is one of the most dangerous things you can have done.…

‘We often forget that life is about pleasure’ She’s a passionate anti-bullying spokesperson and has her own charity to support other people living with burns and scars. But in a searingly honest interview, Katie Piper admits that when she scrolls through her Instagram feed, she finds herself feeling jealous and resentful towards others – and having to balance out the negative thoughts. Katie, 35, says, “I’ve experienced being a troll myself – not actively writing things, but feeling envious of other people’s posts or other people’s achievements. When I’ve been honest with myself, I’ve wished that I was doing that. But I think you’ve got to take that bitterness and anger and turn it into motivation. Don’t wish you were doing that – actually go and do it.” TIRELESS CAMPAIGNING…

Lottie Moss, 21 “If you’ve got it, flaunt it” was obviously Lottie’s motto for the night when she stepped out in this revealing number. We admire her confidence, but less isn’t always more. Jessica Alba, 38 Another day, another swoon-worthy look from actress Jessica. This floral frock is blooming lovely, and the peachy-pink colour perfectly complements her olive skin tone. Alison Brie, 36 The actress caught our attention for all the right reasons in this navy number. The cascading ruffles give the simple frock a stylish spin, while strappy stilettos prove the ideal finishing touch. Heidi Montag, 32 While this look isn’t the reality star’s worst ever outfit (no, really), the hi-shine dress did nothing for her fab figure. It worryingly reminds us of tinfoil, so it’s a thumbs down…

JUST LANDED PRO PRIME NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BARE WITH ME HYDRATING JELLY PRIMER WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT? A uniquely textured primer, it’ll hydrate skin, leaving the perfect base for foundation. Providing a subtle, healthy glow and a smooth finish, it’ll help your make-up last longer. WHY IT WORKS: Not your average primer, the unique jelly texture means it’s cooling on skin – perfect for sweltering summer days. It left our skin super smooth, and meant applying foundation on top was truly seamless. It’s brilliant! GET THE LOOK... BEACH WAVES These texture sprays are great for creating wavy mermaid locks like Ashley and Chrissy’s, perfect for a long day of sun-worshipping ❶ COLOUR PROTECTOR UMBERTO GIANNINI CATCH A WAVE TEXTURE SPRAY, £7 The in-built UV filters help keep colour fade at…

TURNING 30 “I feel like, when you’re 15, 30 seems like a really grown-up age. That’s the time when you’ve met your prince and you’ve got two dogs running around, you’ve got a nice baby bump, with another baby on your arm and everything is all lovely. But now I’m hitting 30, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I still feel like a 15-year-old.’ So I’m confused!” NEVER TURNING DOWN A TREAT “People say a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips. Yeah, but these hips are happy hips because they’ve had really nice cakes. Birthday cake shouldn’t be depressing!” KEEPING IT REAL “I’ve seen photos of me laughing hysterically. I probably technically look the ugliest I’ve ever looked – but I love the photo because I remember how much I…

Some health campaigners have called for sweets, crisps and sugary drinks to be in plain packaging to cut obesity, but kids aren’t eating sweets because of the packets. Kids are rewarded with sweets, taught that crisps and lollipops are a “treat” and that everything else is just boring old normal food. CLEAR OUT JUNK If you have a cupboard full of sweets and biscuits, kids are bound to hassle you for them. If they aren’t allowed, that won’t make sense in their little heads – so don’t have them. I’m not saying kids should have fruit rather than birthday cake, and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of sponge and custard or an apple crumble for pudding, but they could also have strawberries or yoghurt and banana. It’s about how…

ALSO STARRING IS POLDARK’S REBECCA FRONT – WHO PLAYS ISAAC’S CHAPERONE; THE PERSON LOOKING AFTER THE YOUNGSTER WHEN HE GOES OFF TO HOLLYWOOD… You play Cheryl Denon... She’s assigned to Isaac’s care, and he’s away for a very long time. Of course, when it becomes apparent that Isaac has been abused the big question is, “Where was Cheryl in all of this? Did she know?” What will viewers make of this series? I think it’s a really topical show because it’s in the wake of the whole #metoo revelation – the awful awareness that all is not necessarily right in the world of showbiz, media, business or politics or, indeed, anywhere else.…

MUST READ The Thunder Girls (MELANIE BLAKE) Chrissie, Roxanne, Carly and Anita were an ’80s pop sensation – until it all comes to an abrupt end. Thirty years later, their record label want the band back together for a money-making concert, but the wounds are deep and some need this gig more than others. They’ve been to hell and back, and some are still there, but while they all have a hunger for a taste of success a second time around, someone is plotting their downfall in the deadliest way possible. This is an engaging, roller-coaster read. BEST DAY OUT The Worst Witch Time to perfect that evil cackle – The Worst Witch is making its West End debut this summer at London’s Vaudeville Theatre. Based on the original books…

CANCER 23 JUN-23 JUL This is a massive month for you as there’s an eclipse in your sign. Think about what you want in the coming year – remember that what you achieve in the next 12 months could influence the rest of your life. Want to tune in to the eclipse? You can for free: moonmessages. com/moonlite LEO 24 JUL-23 AUG If you can turn a bit more inwards now and over the next six months, it will do you a power of good. Lining up an actual retreat where you can take time out will really allow you to go in to yourself and, crucially, see where your fears are sabotaging you. Want to tune in to the eclipse? You can for free: moonmessages.com/moonlite VIRGO 24 AUG-23 SEP…