Table of contents for Issue 894 in Closer

It might not be warm enough to pack away the woollies, but the days are getting longer and spring is in the air. Many of us might now start to think about changing up our lives. If that sounds familiar, we’ve got heaps of inspiration to help you do just that. Entrepreneur Michelle Mone reveals the secret to transforming her mind and body (p18-19) and how at 48, she looks and feels better than ever. Meanwhile, on p20, Denise Van Outen tells us about getting her mojo back after quitting booze and overhauling her lifestyle. And if you’re serious about giving your life a reboot then we’ve got plenty of motivation in our nine-page Spring Refresh special. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationship, declutter your home, find a new…

After vowing to “always have so much love for each other” following their 2018 split, Cheryl and Liam have stayed true to their word, continuing to spend Christmases together, affectionately embracing one another in public and amicably co-parenting their son Bear. And insiders say the pair now plan to surprise their son with a special trip to Disneyland Paris to celebrate his third birthday. Bear turns three on 22 March, with Cheryl, 36, said to be throwing him a big party at her Buckinghamshire home. She and Liam, 26, will then take him to Paris at a later date, for what will be their first holiday as a family since the couple ended their two-and-a-half year romance in July 2018. The Strip That Down singer – who’s openly spoken about…

She has weathered a rocky few months – with her fashion business suffering a £12million loss, and a reported falling out with pals Meghan Markle and fellow designer Stella McCartney. But Victoria Beckham looked happier than ever when she proudly posed alongside her husband as they watched his new soccer team Inter Miami FC’s first match in LA last week. Decked out in a chic tailored outfit from her own fashion line, notoriously solemn Posh, 45, cracked a wry smile as she cosied up to David, 44. Alongside a snap that she posted on Instagram, she wrote, “I’m so excited!! So many kisses @davidbeckham and Team DB!!” She also seemed in great spirits days later when celebrating son Brooklyn’s 21st birthday with a dinner in London, posting multiple pictures of…

• Avoid using products containing parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. These ingredients are just some of the widely-used chemicals which harm our environment. • Use refills where possible and recycle your empties. The Body Shop accepts clean plastic bottles, tubes and pots from any brand on behalf of Terracycle, who can repurpose plastic into new items such as park benches and playgrounds. • Join one of Marine Conservation Society’s beach litter picks taking place all over the UK. Find out more at Mcsuk.org. • Sign the petition at Friendsoftheearth.co.uk to phase out plastic pollution in the UK.…

IGNORE THE HATERS: I hate it when people criticise or judge others – so if there’s anyone bringing you down, or who hinders your goals, then ignore them. I’d never judge anyone who wants to do something that would make them feel happier in the long run. GET ORGANISED: Treat your health and body like a project or business. Make plans, work out the preparation time and the steps you need to take to get to where you want to be. Prepare your meals, work out when you can exercise, and educate yourself. PRIORITISE YOUR NEEDS: When you have a family, it’s easy to put your time into everyone else rather than yourself, and to almost give up on yourself and think it isn’t worth making the effort. But it…

KATY & ORLANDO’S BABY JOY She’ll become Orlando Bloom’s wife later this year – and now Katy Perry has also revealed that she’s expecting her first baby. The singer, 35, confirmed the news by debuting her growing bump in the video for her new song Never Worn White, which she later followed with a tweet, writing, “omg so glad I don’t have to suck it in anymore or carry around a big purse lol.” The announcement comes a year after Katy revealed she was engaged to Orlando following a romantic Valentine’s Day proposal, after three years of on/off dating. She said, “I got on a helicopter and he asked me to marry him, and then we landed on this building and then went downstairs and my family and friends were…

Charlotte’s father, the legendary comic Les Dawson, died in June 1993 after suffering a major heart attack at a routine hospital appointment in Manchester – just eight months after she was born. Charlotte, who once revealed she eats her Christmas dinner with a life-size cardboard cut-out of her late dad at the table, says, “I look like him in drag, don’t I? I miss him so much. I’m so proud to be his daughter. I’ve got all this footage, I’ve got a statue, all these home movies. I sleep with my dad’s autobiography every night – I take it with me everywhere, because the last page is dedicated to me. I get to take my dad everywhere I go, even though there are probably some things he shouldn’t see!”…

HERO BUYS Team this cropped shirt with high-waist jeans for an off-duty get-up. PRETTY LITTLE THING £18 Invest in this bright blazer, perfect for both work and weekends. ZARA £49.99 Make a statement with orange flares, ideal to lengthen legs. ESPIRIT £45 This dress will become a wardrobe staple for seasons to come. H&M £39.99 Wear this flattering skirt with a tee and trainers. BOOHOO £15 MAKE IT WORK Stand out at fancy events in head-to-toe orange. Colour co-ordinating outfits are big news in the fashion world. Mix different hues and add prints to create depth to this look. WEAR IT WITH... …metallic heels, to add glamour to an evening out. STRADIVARIUS £25.99 …a cool suede-ette biker jacket, which works for day and night. PRIMARK £25 …a pair of light-wash…

BLUSHING BEAUTY Update a tired make-up bag with something a bit special. This limited-edition blush will add a youthful glow. COSY COMFORT Make Sunday 22 March feel extra fancy with this luxe-looking PJ set, available up to a size 22. BAGS OF FUN Hello, hands-free shopping! This cross-body bag not only looks great (we love the bright green), it’s practical, too. BEAUTIFUL BLING A bit of sparkle goes a long way, and these bargain earrings are subtle enough for everyday wear. QUIRKY FIND Add a fun touch to a dinner setting with these salt and pepper shakers. Also available as penguins, tigers or peacocks. LOVE BIRD Once regarded as the preserve of middle-aged men, bird watching is having a revival! This chic bird house is a winner. STAR BAKER This…

SIMPLE SUPPER SIZZLING BEEF WITH NOODLES 315 CALS 8G FAT 4.5G SUGAR 1.8G SALT PER SERVING SERVES 4 • 350g lean rump or fillet steaks, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp light soy sauce • 2 tbsp dry sherry • 5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped • 2 tsp sesame oil • Large bunch spring onions, trimmed and roughly sliced • 4 small pak choi, roughly torn • 100g beansprouts, rinsed • 1 tsp Thai fish sauce • 1 small red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced • 300g pack prepared noodles • Grated zest 1 lemon STEP 1 Put the beef in a large bowl with the soy sauce, sherry, ginger, and half the oil. Season with black pepper and leave to marinate for 20 mins. STEP 2 Meanwhile, heat…

We all know that eating a Mediterranean diet is good for you, but experts say it’s olive oil that’s key. Apparently, the particular type of fat found in olive oil activates a certain pathway in cells that increases lifespan and prevents nasty diseases as we age. To get that effect, you need to be active, because the fat gets stored and is only broken down when you work up a sweat. Fasting can also help activate that, so you could try the 16:8 system, where you eat healthily during an 8-hour period (maybe 10am to 6pm) and fast for the other 16.…

THE BRAVEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE... is going on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006. It was daunting and I couldn’t do it now. I was dying inside when I had to pretend I was a celebrity – I really didn’t know what I was doing! I'M PROUD OF… my strength as a person and being emotionally strong. Suddenly entering into the public arena at the age of 21 meant I had to lean on myself to deal with any negativity that came my way. One minute everyone loves you, and then it can all change so quickly. MY BIGGEST REGRET IS... worrying about how I looked for so long. I spent most of my twenties putting pressure on myself to look a certain way, but I think that feeling…

I haven’t met a couple in my entire professional or personal career who haven’t, at some point, felt like the sparkle has vanished from their once-passionate romance. Feeling as though you’re stuck in a rut and are generally underwhelmed is far more common than you think, because sharing another person’s life and home can be challenging. The great thing is that there are some pretty simple things you can do to recreate the thrill of when you first met. BE KIND TO EACH OTHER Try not to worry too much about the small stuff. This is a big source of conflict, which can wear down even the strongest relationships. Consider what makes your partner unique, rather than concentrating on annoying quirks that can niggle after years together. Do some random…

Jade Sammour, 34, lives in Chelmsford in Essex with her husband Jamille, 30, and their children, 18-month-old Soraya and 26-week-old Attia. She says, “I worked as a nurse for 12 years. I loved the work – it could be so rewarding, but it was also exhausting and badly paid. “While I was still there, in 2014, I had a vivid dream I had become a jeweller. I decided it was a sign that I had to start making jewellery as a hobby. I bought manuals and beginner’s tools from eBay and taught myself using YouTube videos. “In 2016, I did some jewellery-making courses, which took two years. I’d sell bits and pieces to friends and family. “My decision to give up nursing in 2018 was complicated. A big part of…

1 VICKY PATTISON SPILLS THE BEANS RANDOM BUT ENTERTAINING FRI 20 MARCH, 10PM, TLC Like an episode of Come Dine With Me , Vicky Pattison hosts her “first-ever dinner party”, inviting pals Ferne McCann, TOWIE star Pete Wicks – and their mums. The three mums will dish gossip on their offspring (helped by the free-flowing prosecco). Topics range from the pressures of fame to – erm – teabagging. 2 THE UNDATEABLES FINDING THE ONE WED 18 MARCH, 9PM, C4 Meet Hannah, Jodie and Sam – all looking for lurve. Hannah was a ski instructor before she fell ill with a neurological disorder, while Jodie has a form of dwarfism and autistic Sam LOVES a wedding... 3 MISS WORLD 1970: BEAUTY QUEENS AND BEDLAM CONTROVERSIAL MON 16 MARCH, 9PM, BBC2 Keira…

Tell us about Penance. Everyone loves a psychological thriller, and this one is also a study of grief. It shows the journey of a family and how vulnerable people are when they’re grieving, and how they make really bad decisions. When I was reading the script, on every page I was going, “Don’t do that! This is a terrible decision!” There’s a great plot which weaves its way through. I was gripped – it’s a page-turner. It’s also a stonking good part for a woman. Do you think roles for older women are getting better? Slowly – but it really shouldn’t have anything to do with age. It should be about life experience. I think women over the age of, say, 45 to maybe 60 get kind of pigeon-holed and…

❛SHE’S OVERJOYED BY HOW PERFECT THINGS ARE AT THE MOMENT❜ In the past 18 months, Kerry Katona has transformed every area of her life by swapping booze for exercise, finding God, and even studying to become a counsellor to help others. Now, insiders say the 39 year old is taking the next step in her “rebirth” – by moving in boyfriend Ryan Mahoney, 28. The pair, who have been dating for two years, jetted off to the Maldives last week, and were snapped looking smitten in the romantic destination – with the star even jokingly suggesting he “get down on one knee” just days after they were spotted kissing as he helped her move into her new home. And friends tell Closer that after their return, Ryan will be moving…

She kept a low profile when she first confirmed her pregnancy but, at seven months, Sheridan Smith wowed fans with a rare public appearance last week. Cosying up to her fiancé Jamie Horn at the launch of new show Pretty Woman in London, the actress – who has battled alcohol issues, depression and exhaustion, following the death of her beloved dad Colin from cancer in 2016 – was glowing in a chic all-black outfit. EASY LIFE And speaking to Closer, Sheridan, 38 – whose son is due in May – revealed she hadn’t suffered any of the downsides of pregnancy so far, saying, “I’m feeling really good. I haven’t had any pregnancy cravings yet. I’ve had quite an easy ride. I had a bit of morning sickness in the beginning,…

Choose reusable pads to save 730 make-up wipes per year. FACE HALO PADS X3 £7.95 Wash with a bar for zero waste. LUSH SEANIK SHAMPOO BAR £8 Every bottle lasts 2.5 times longer than standard liquid hand wash. BECO. WILD BERRIES HAND WASH £3.50 These bottles are 100% recycled and recyclable. LOVE PLANET & BEAUTY SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER £7.49 EACH Soaper Duper’s naturally-derived products come with a bathroom recycling bin to encourage awareness. SOAPER DUPER GIFT SET W/BIN £25.99…

She’s spent two decades in the public eye, and now, at 45, Denise Van Outen is looking better than ever. And the star says she’s the happiest and healthiest she’s been in a decade, thanks to a booze ban and a lifestyle overhaul. Mum-of-one Denise says, “I feel amazing right now. I feel like the me of ten years ago and it’s because I’ve really stepped things up in the past year. I lost myself in my early forties – this time last year, I was unfit, miserable and had given up a bit. “But now, I’ve stopped drinking, I’ve changed my diet and I’ve got a clear head. I made some life changes and reinvented myself – I’ve got my mojo back!” Denise rose to fame presenting The Big…

❛THEY BOTH HAVE A WICKED SENSE OF HUMOUR AND A GREAT WORK ETHIC❜ She rose to fame alongside the likes of Kem Cetinay and Olivia Attwood on Love Island in 2017, but Montana Brown’s former co-stars have been eclipsed by A-listers, as the reality star swaps the small screen for the bright lights of Hollywood. Montana, 24, amazed fans last week when she posted snaps with an unexpected new friend – Pitch Perfect mega star Rebel Wilson, 40. The pictures came days after news she had reportedly signed up to a top talent agency in America, with her sights set on becoming a movie star. GOOD FRIENDS The pair hit it off after being introduced by film producer and actor Mickey Gooch Jr, 34 – who dated Rebel in 2015…

Every week, we carry unique, moving and shocking features, and we’re always keen to connect with our readers. If you’re interested in sharing your story, whether you’re hoping to raise awareness of a cause close to your heart, or you just have a powerful story to tell, please let us know. We will get back to everyone who contacts us. THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO GET IN TOUCH: • Email your story to Closer@closermag.co.uk • Or write to us with your name, address, contact number and a brief synopsis of your story to: Closer, 5th Floor, Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, London, NW1 7DT.…

❛THIS INVOLUNTARY SUBCONSCIOUS FLOOD OF EMOTION INHABITS YOU❜ It’s been almost six years since Peaches Geldof’s tragic death at the age of just 25, but for her dad, music legend Bob, the pain is just as raw now as it was then. Opening up about his grief, the Boomtown Rats lead singer, 68, last week explained how time “accommodates” but does not heal. He said, “This involuntary subconscious flood of emotion inhabits you, utterly. I’ll be at the traffic lights and I start to weep and I think, ‘You’re weeping.’ And I say, ‘Let it go. Let it happen.’ Then I begin to sob, racked sobs.” TREATMENT Peaches was found dead at her home by her husband, singer Thomas Cohen, 29, in April 2014 following a heroin overdose. Despite having…

JUST LANDED FABULOUS FLUTTER MAX FACTOR FALSE LASH EFFECT MAX OUT PRIMER WHAT IS IT? This miracle lash primer boasts blue pigments to help intensify black mascara when used together, making them appear darker, thicker and fuller. WHY WE LOVE IT: It really does help to deliver dense, fluttery lashes. Its anti-clump brush is full of tightly packed bristles to ensure an even distribution, making application a breeze! Wear under any mascara. GET THE LOOK... GORGEOUS GLOW Give your complexion a boost, like Kiernan and Leslie, with these savvy serums… ❶ ANTI-AGEING NIVEA CELLULAR ANTI-AGE CONCENTRATED FACE SERUM £10.50 With key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to help cell renewal, this intensive treatment reduces fine lines and wrinkles and helps smooth skin’s appearance. We love its lightweight texture, too. ❷…

She gave birth just five weeks ago, but a glowing Casey Batchelor was determined to pose in underwear for Closer to hit back at cruel trolls. The mum-of-two unsurprisingly admits she found it “hard” to read unkind online comments about her pregnancy and post-baby body, but insists she wants to show that women don’t immediately spring back into shape after giving birth. “My uterus hasn’t shrunk back yet, I’ve got a jelly belly and my boobs are huge,” she laughs. “But my body has created a baby, which is an incredible thing. During my first pregnancy, I was called a ‘whale that should be harpooned’, and in my second, ‘an oil rig’! Maybe trolls don’t realise that your body doesn’t just spring back after birth, but I don’t want other…

INSIDE AMY’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Mint sauce • Sour cream • Pickled onions • Pesto • Dark chocolate • Margarine • Goat’s cheese • Milk • Apple sauce • Cranberry sauce • Natural yoghurt • Cheddar cheese • Blue cheese • Houmous • Chicken fillets • Salmon fillets • Sliced Ham • Bacon • Potatoes • Sweet potatoes • Cucumber • Carrots • Lettuce • Avocado • Asparagus • Tomatoes VERDICT NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SAYS, “Amy seems to like a lot of salty foods. Soups, sauces, houmous, ham, bacon, dips, fast food, pizza and cheese are all packed with salt, too much of which can increase blood pressure. Cut down by swapping processed meat for fresh meat, limiting takeaways, and checking nutrition labels to find products with the least…

ALL ABOUT YOU HOW TO COPE WHEN YOU’RE OVERWHELMED Many of us feel we’re up to our eyes in work, family tasks and social responsibilities – Emma explains how to take control The average employee has 651 unread messages in their inbox at any given time. That can feel like a lot of pressure, alongside looking after family, managing a social life and trying to fit in a little rest. The healthiest way to change that feeling of being overwhelmed is by getting yourself organised. Figure out where your time goes in an average week. Be scrupulous, because that way you will be able to create precious pockets of opportunity to devote to areas needing more attention. Make a list of things to prioritise. These will include work, meal preparation,…

We all love a bargain – and now it’s easier than ever to bag one because there are literally hundreds of apps offering free or discounted stuff, available on both Android and iPhone. Here, financial advisor Sam Jennings (Jenningsfp.co.uk ) lists his favourites, so all you need to do is get downloading... PARK FOR LESS The Parkopedia app locates free (and cheap) parking wherever you are. Added features include real-time parking availability and, for paid parking, a pre-booking service that allows drivers to reserve and pay through the app. FIND HIDDEN FREEBIES Bargain-hunting Facebook groups are going wild for homeware store B&M’s app, which includes a self-scan function that allows users to check stock while in store and find items that have been reduced but not yet labelled. DRINK FOR…

When Vicky Richards, 39, from Woodham, Surrey, was told she carried the faulty BRCA gene – giving her a higher risk of breast cancer – she decided to have a double mastectomy. While recovering, she was inspired to start a new business... She says, “In 2017, I had to take three months off from my marketing job to recover from my mastectomy, which I’d chosen to undergo after seeing my mum battle cancer twice. During that time, I spent a fortune on flowers to brighten up my home. That, and scrolling on Instagram, made me realise flowers are everywhere. Faux flowers, however, were either cheap and looked artificial, or were realistic and expensive. I saw a gap in the market for quality, affordable faux flowers. “In December 2017, I started…

What did you think when you first read Belgravia? TAMSIN: I was intrigued by the fact that although women seemed less powerful at that time, Julian has put two women – Anne and Lady Brockenhurst [played by Harriet Walter] – centre stage. He has focused on their power, which is that they have secrets about the continuation of the family line. It’s what they do with that information which drives the story. How does that unfold? TAMSIN: Anne is the one who sets the cat among the pigeons by going to Lady Brockenhurst and saying, “You don’t know this, but you need to know it now”. The fascinating thing is, she is not doing it just for her own ends. Her husband is a social climber and wants to be…

MUST READ Pretty Guilty Women (GINA LAMANNA) At the luxurious Serenity Spa Resort on the Californian coast, guests arrive, ready to celebrate what is set to be the wedding of the year. Among them are four brilliant but desperate women – Ginger, Lulu, Emily and Kate – all harbouring a secret they’d do anything to protect. Just 24 hours later, a man is found dead at the hotel. In the ensuing investigation, each of the women confess to the crime, insisting they acted alone. The police know they’re lying – but why? BEST DAY OUT London Wetland Centre You may not think it, but there are plenty of lovely green outdoor areas in London to explore – the city isn’t just skyscrapers and car fumes! One of these places is…

PISCES 19 FEB-20 MAR This week, the Full Moon is in your Love Zone – so it’s time to make progress in an important relationship. If it’s ending, now is the right time to let it go and move on, but if it’s advancing to the next level, enjoy! PS Follow the Moon to join the (free) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages. com/moonlite ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR This could be a healing time for you. What do you need to move on from in your past? It’s also a week to lay low. Find stability between what you need for your own inner sense of well-being, versus whatever you have on your to-do list. PS Follow the Moon to join the (free) Moon Lite Club at moonmessages.com/moonlite TAURUS 20 APR-20…

They’ve endured a roller coaster relationship, which has seen them split up several times over the past eight years – but James “Arg” Argent has reportedly told friends he’s now ready to marry his “soulmate”, Gemma Collins. The former TOWIE star is coming to the end of a three-month rehab stint in Thailand, after a brief return to the UK last month. He will be back in Essex for good in the coming weeks, having completed his rehabilitation course for drug and alcohol addiction. And insiders say he has only one thing on his mind – putting a ring on Gemma’s finger. SUPPORT Last week, Gemma, 37 – who looked sensational during a sunshine break to Dubai with friends, while showing off her 3st weight loss – dropped a hint…

She strutted her stuff at Paris Fashion Week last week, stealing the spotlight from her famous parents in a range of ubertrendy outfits, and looked every inch the mini fashionista as she made her rap debut at her dad’s runway show. And insiders say Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s eldest daughter, North, six, already has her own £250k-a-year glam squad, to ensure she is one of the world’s most fashionable youngsters. A source says, “North takes a genuine interest in what she wears and has inherited her mum and dad’s passion for clothes. Kim’s stylists used to help her out, but it became clear she needed her own team to focus solely on her, which has clearly been paying off. IN DEMAND “She now has her own stylist, tailor, and…

Thousands of miles north of the United Kingdom, much of the once-clear water in the Arctic Circle has become saturated with plastic waste – and some of it can shockingly be traced back to our own make-up bags. From plastic containers to lipstick tubes and cotton buds, more than 160 billion units of packaging is produced by the global cosmetics industry every year, most of which isn’t biodegradable – and that figure is set to grow. British households, on average, spend 400 per cent more on personal care products than they did in 1985. ❛THERE WILL BE MORE PLASTIC IN THE OCEANS THAN FISH❜ Dr Diana Felton, a toxicologist who specialises in environmental health hazards, says, “By 2050, there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. The impact…

‘I worked hard to get what I wanted’ Looking back on her first wedding, Michelle Mone confesses she had zero confidence in herself. But as she gears up for her second nuptials later this year, the entrepreneur says she feels like a different person. Michelle, 48, has overhauled her diet, fitness regime and lifestyle, not only slimming down from a size 20 to a size 10, but completely changing her mindset, too. Michelle says, “I was unhappy, overweight and had bad mental health when I married my first husband at the age of 19. I didn’t like myself at all. Looking back, it’s crazy how much the changes I’ve made have affected the way I feel about myself and about life. “Nowadays, I have a clear mind, so much energy…

She starred in Neighbours last year as the feisty mum of Harlow Robinson, Prue Wallace – and now Denise will be returning down under for the show’s 35th anniversary, airing later this month. Speaking of her time filming for the hit soap, Denise says, “I felt really flattered to be asked back for Neighbours. It’s such an iconic show! I love Australia. I think it’s great. I always have fun – I feel like the Aussies have a similar sense of humour to us Brits. It was a lot of fun filming, too. The cast are so lovely and really went out of their way to make me feel at home and welcomed.” And Denise adds that filming for the Neighbours reunion has her excited for the TOWIE ten-year reunion,…

After botched lip injections, Ellen Gonzalez hoped corrective surgery would leave her feeling beautiful once more. But the mum of three was left with lips so deformed she was unable to close her mouth for two years. She couldn’t smile, food would fall out of her mouth as she ate, and she was forced to drink through a straw. But after yet more surgery, Ellen, 42, is finally able to live a normal life. MISTAKE She says, “The last two years have been miserable. My lips were lumpy and I hated going out with my children as I didn’t want to embarrass them. “I couldn’t eat any of my favourite foods – including ramen and soup – because they’d leak out of my mouth. In total, I’ve spent around £38,000…

She sparked engagement rumours last year when she was pictured looking at rings with her boyfriend, Matthew Sarsfield. And Charlotte Dawson admits she’d love for her rugby league player beau to pop the question. But while she waits for Matt, 28, to get down on one knee, the star – who happily posed for Closer to celebrate her gorgeous size 12 curves – is busy planning her dream weddings. Plural! LAVISH “I want five weddings!” Charlotte, 27, tells Closer. “Matt wants one abroad, and I want to get married in a castle. I get a sweaty upper lip when I get too hot, and I want to look amazing – I don’t want to be sweating my t** s off!” Top of Charlotte’s celebrity guest list is Jordan – real…

STATEMENT BLOUSE Turn that “jeans and a nice top” combo up a notch with an attention-grabbing blouse. The frilly sleeves on this number add a dose of drama to a classic floral print. Weekend outfit, sorted. TOP, RIVER ISLAND £28 JEANS, NEW LOOK £25.99 EARRINGS, MOOD BY JON RICHARDS £10 RINGS, CLAIRE’S, £12 FLOWER POWER Eighties-style dresses are back with a bang, and this one ticks all the boxes: puffy sleeves, a poppy print, and a flattering frilly hem. Toughen it up with a pair of heeled boots and a biker jacket. DRESS, ASOS £32 EARRINGS, NEW LOOK £2.99 RINGS, CLAIRE’S £12 IN CHECK Gingham is always on trend, but the mood-boosting orange hue gives the print a fresh update. Team with a chunky knit now, then swap for a…

GET ORGANISED “I bought a caddy from Amazon for £9 and I've filled it with nappies, wipes, cream, a water bottle, painkillers, lip salve, everything I might need. It saves me looking for things while I’m keeping an eye on two.” MAKE YOUR TODDLER A ‘SPECIAL BOX’ “Fill a box with toys and books and only get it out when you’re feeding the baby. It makes your older child feel involved and look forward to feed times too.” KEEP YOUR CURRENT ROUTINE “Try not to upset the toddler’s routine and let the baby fit into the routine you currently have going on – in my case, Sadie doesn’t know any differently.”…

‘JULIE’S RIGHT – DON’T BE SHY ABOUT POO’ Julie Walters has opened up about her secret bowel cancer battle. Dr C explains the main warning signs to watch out for After surgery and chemotherapy, actress Julie Walters has been given the all-clear 18 months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. It’s wonderful she’s well, but it’s also a reminder that the disease can affect anyone. I know that only too well, as I lost my best friend to it when she was 37. KNOW THE FACTS Nine in ten people who get bowel cancer are over 60, but that still leaves one in 10 younger people. Also, 44 per cent of cases are in females. Julie has said that she first went to her doctor with indigestion and discomfort, and…

After enough dating rejection to last me a lifetime, I’ve come to the conclusion it’s highly likely – from a law of averages – that (tragically) it’s me and not them. But one of the beautiful things about being an eternal singleton is that you have plenty of time and head space to reflect and work out where you could potentially be going wrong. After my poor little heart was broken by a series of men who all had jobs that took them overseas, I tried changing my type. I’d actively swipe past anyone who had to travel a lot for work. But after that great experiment failed to produce revolutionary results (they either turned me down after two dates, or after two months when they’d met someone else), I…

£11 on breakfast from Pret. I bought porridge, a fruit bowl, a ginger shot and an Americano with oat milk. £5 for a cinema ticket to see the Oscar-winning film Parasite. It’s mind-blowing. £14 on lunch at V-Rev Vegan Diner in Manchester. I had a salad with vegan seitan chicken, tomatoes and sauces. £20 for a warm jumper from Zara. I like getting out for walks and exploring. £50 on face cream from Origins. I bought one that has mushrooms in the ingredients. • Follow Coronation Street on Twitter @itvcorrie and Instagram @coronationstreet…

Half of all UK employees feel like they are in the wrong job, and since we spend 3,507 days of our lives at work, if you’re feeling trapped in a career that leaves you bored, stressed or underwhelmed, maybe now is the time to consider a change. That may seem easier said than done, but according to Marianne Cantwell, who has written two best-selling books to help people do just that, it’s entirely possible with the right mindset. Here are the steps you need to follow if you want to refresh your career and start enjoying work again… Recognise the signs “It might be a time for a career change when Sunday nights make you feel tight inside, or when you look at what’s five or ten years ahead in…

STRESS WILL MAKE YOU OVEREAT When you’re feeling frazzled, the chances are you want carbs or sugar-heavy foods, or you simply eat too much. That’s because stress triggers our fight or flight reaction, and the body responds to this by craving energy. THE SOLUTION: “Instead of grabbing a biscuit when you’re under pressure, do an activity that will lower your levels of stress hormones,” says Sophie. “Listen to three tracks of your favourite music, text a friend, or go for a 15-minute walk. Try listening to a meditation app like Calm or Headspace for ten minutes, or even watch comedy videos. If we did this every time we felt stressed, instead of reaching for sugary or starchy carbs, we’d be in a much better place mentally and physically.” YOU’RE SNACKING…

PHILIP GLENISTER (James Trenchard) Anne’s ambitious husband never stops trying to up his social status. ALICE EVE (Susan Trenchard) The Trenchards’ daughter-in-law is also a social climber, but she’s not stupid. HARRIET WALTER (Lady Brockenhurst) Anne and Lady B share a secret – but for how long? JAMES FLEET (Reverend Stephen Bellasis) A weak, scheming gambling addict. Not a nice man! PAUL RITTER (Turton) The Trenchards’ butler, Turton, is not adverse to some dodgy dealing.…

Luisa’s the most positive person we’ve ever met. Even when her garden shed catches fire, she still manages a smile. Jamie’s cab driver turns out to be Smurfette. No, hang on, it’s his girlfriend Heloise, suffering with the blues. What Democrat Jen didn’t know is that her pooch Clyde secretly voted for the Republican candidate after Trump promised free snacks for all canines. Apparently it’s fake chews! Who’s that behind the mask? We’re guessing it’s Joel – but with improved pores, a nutrient-rich epidermis and increased collagen levels. Are we right? You know it’s windy out when you can’t even get your jacket on. Poor Suki. RYKARD JENKINS We tried this last summer, Rykard. You wouldn’t believe how fast we had to run to keep up with that ice cream…