Table of contents for Issue 953 in Closer

We all have different ways of coping with difficult feelings. Marilyn Cormack – who felt invisible in childhood – has turned herself into a human vampire after having her eyes tattooed and her tongue split in two! Meanwhile, psychic Sally Morgan is having a face lift at 69 as she feels she has “saggy skin” after her 16½st weight loss. And Davina McCall reveals she’s had a terrible time with menopause until she started HRT and is now encouraging all women at that stage of life to fight for help and answers. But there are simple things we can all do every day to help us navigate anxiety and change. This week, we talk to women who have altered their lives purely because the pandemic forced them to reassess. Follow…

For years, there have been rumours of an impending streamlining of the monarchy, with only those in line to the throne being considered “royal” in order to save costs. And reports last month claimed that Prince Charles, 72 – who’s due to ascend the throne after the Queen – was considering a cut down version of the royal family sooner rather than later. That would mean just Charles, his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, his wife Kate the Duchess of Cambridge, and their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, would be considered senior royals – and members such as Harry and Meghan would lose their royal status. But US media guru Perez Hilton says Harry and Meghan will go on to reign supreme in…

As a founding member of Atomic Kitten, and after winning I’m A Celeb! in 2004 and bagging lucrative advertising deals, Kerry Katona has made millions during her 22-year career. But, after failing to pay tax bills, splurging on expensive cars and being “too trusting” with her cash, she’s been forced to declare bankruptcy twice in the past 13 years. However, last week, the mum of five proudly announced that, after working hard to build herself back up, she has purchased her dream family home – for a cool £1.7million. She told her 700k followers on Instagram, “I want to share this news because many times over the years I literally felt suicidal BUT I never gave up. If I can turn things around and get back on top, anyone can.”…

The pandemic inspired Tanya King, 37, to take control of her health. She says, “When lockdown was announced last March, I was a size 18 and so low in confidence. I was a busy mum to my five children – Tamzin, 16, Bronson, 13, Austin, seven, Mason, two, and Roman, one – and my fiancé Lee and I lived off burgers and takeaway pizzas because we never had time to cook fresh food. At 5ft 10, my weight had soared to 15st 8lbs, which meant I was obese. I was desperately unhappy but didn’t know what to do about it. Then, last April, stuck at home, Tamzin and I decided to film some dance routines together on TikTok. But when I looked back and saw the video, I was horrified.…

THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS AND BREAK-UPS They’re an unlikely match but Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor and Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson confirmed their romance while on a date in Stoke-on-Trent last week – as friends tell Closer the pair are “smitten”. The rising star, who’s the daughter of Coronation Street’s Sally Dynevor, looked loved- up strolling with her comedian boyfriend in the city, where she is currently shooting new film The Colour Room, which is based on the life of ceramic artist Clarice Cliff. America-based Pete is said to have first thought Phoebe, 26, was “hot” while watching her steamy scenes as Daphne Bridgerton in the hit Netflix show. And a source tells Closer, “Pete was smitten with Phoebe from the moment he first saw her on screen –…

In a rare glimpse into his home life with wife Beyoncé, Jay-Z has opened up about lockdown giving them a chance to “connect” as a family. The rapper, 51, revealed, “It was time for everyone to sit down and really connect, and really focus on family and being together, and take this time to learn more about each other.” He added, “family is your foundation”. In 2013, rumours swirled that Jay-Z – who has been married to Beyoncé, 39, since 2008 – had been unfaithful. This was followed by #elevatorgate when Beyoncé’s sister, Solange Knowles, attacked him in a lift while his wife watched on. Jay-Z, who has previously hinted they could have got divorced, said they used their music as “therapy” to work through their problems. However, following the…

Symptoms of childhood leukaemia depend on many factors and can have other causes as well, but they can include the below signs. If you’re concerned about changes in your child, seek advice from your GP or medical practitioner. • Feeling weak, tired, dizzy or having a shortness of breath. • Having a fever or persistent infections, which won’t go away. • Easy bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums • Poor appetite and weight loss • Swollen lymph nodes (glands) or a swollen abdomen (belly). • For more information, visit bloodcancer.org.uk…

Fans were thrilled last month when actor and writer Ricky Gervais revealed filming had started on the third and final season of hit Netflix show, After Life. Animal-lover Ricky, 59, has been photographed filming with his character Tony’s German Shepherd Brandy, and has also shared posts alongside his castmates – including Ashley Jensen and Tom Basden. The heartfelt but hilarious drama follows Tony, played by Ricky, as he navigates life following the death of his wife, Lisa. The show’s first series was the second most-watched programme on Netflix in the UK in 2019, and viewers were overjoyed when it was commissioned for a third, with one writing, “There’s never been a show that’s more about being human than #AfterLife. Just watched it all again. And can’t wait to watch series…

After a string of health scares, operations, and an early menopause - topped off with the recent stress of lockdown - Michelle Heaton took the brave step of seeking treatment for alcohol dependency last week. A source confirmed the mum-of-two had entered rehab after hitting “rock bottom” and starting to rely on alcohol as a “crutch” as a result of her latest battles. A spokesperson for former Liberty X singer Michelle, 41, added, “She has the love and support of her family and friends.” Her heartache began in 2012 when she discovered she was carrying a gene known as BRCA2, which is associated with an increased risk of breast and cervical cancer. She bravely opted to have a double mastectomy, which significantly reduced her risk of getting cancer and, three…

She’s as well known for her weight battles as she is for her talent for speaking to those on “the other side.” And following a shock heart attack 10 years ago, TV psychic Sally Morgan had a gastric bypass and went on to lose an incredible 16½st - dropping from a size 32 to a 12/14. But now, a decade on, Sally is preparing to go under the knife again to have a face lift to get rid of the excess skin that had gathered around her neck as a result of her weight loss. NERVOUS Sally, 69, tells Closer, “I was heavy for 30 years - my skin had got used to being stretched, so when I lost the weight I had a lot of excess skin. “Because of…

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS “There are a whole range of other symptoms that women don’t know about – confusion, brain fog, depression, anxiety, aching joints. These are often written off by GPs because you’re too young to be going through perimenopause. You should definitely know exactly what the symptoms are and get on it as soon as they hit.” LEARN ABOUT HRT & DECIDE FOR YOURSELF “It’s trying to tell people about it in a way that doesn’t make them go, ‘Oh, you’re just a rabid HRT loony’. You have to be quite careful about the way that you put it because I don’t want to feel like I’m forcing it down people’s throats at all. But what I am saying is go and talk to somebody about it. In my…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK You might have heard recent reports, suggesting a link between COVID- 19 infection and subsequent mental health conditions. This stems from research that found one-in-three people who had been severely ill with coronavirus went on to be diagnosed with mental health or neurological issues. The most common was anxiety, which affected nearly one in five. However, I’m not sure it’s specifically the virus itself that’s to blame. I’m not denying that people have gone on to have psychological issues after having COVID, and serious disorders affecting the nervous system (such as strokes) occur too, but I think many of us will suffer with mental health problems after a lockdown in general, particularly a frightening global pandemic. Here’s…

Everyone learns differently; some kids like to take notes in class, while others prefer to just listen. Some feel their understanding drops into place when they look at a diagram, others need a friend to explain things to them. The way we all process information isn’t the same, so many kids will have fallen behind because their learning style doesn’t thrive when being taught online. GET MOVING Fortunately, you can help them cover lost ground – the key is to make learning fun. A new study has found that combining basketball and maths helped kids learn and stay motivated. They had weekly classes, where they performed calculations associated with basketball drills – things like counting how many times they could sink a basket from three meters away versus one and…

IT’S A WRAP Florals are a winner in the warm-weather months, and this waist-whittling wrap skirt will work for everything from a picnic to a shopping trip. MONKI £30 CHIC SPOTS Petite ranges will ensure shorter ladies can get in on the act without being swamped in fabric. Style dots with a glam lace cami or clashing stripes. DOROTHY PERKINS £28 SLINKY STATEMENT The silky slip is still firmly on the style radar for 2021. Ruched details help to create shape on straight cuts, while zingy hues add a dash of holidaying abroad fun! RESERVED £24.99 FELINE BLUE Date-night dressing is finally back on the agenda and this luxe-looking asymmetric design does the trick. Buddy it with an asymmetric body and heels. WAREHOUSE £45 RUFFLED LAYERS Gingham + ruffled layers…

SOOTHE & STAIN WITH LIPPIE SERUM Mask-wearing, along with exposure to winter’s weather, can cause lips to dry out. This launch is formulated to work in a similar way to hydrating skincare, but for your pout. The tinted tones add a pop of colour while smoothing flaky skin. It’s a serum and lipstick in one! GET MEGA STAYING POWER With outdoor dining back on the menu, we need a lasting lipstick that packs a punch, and the colour on this doesn’t budge all day long – seriously! One side provides long-lasting colour, while the other end seals it with a high-shine finish – but you can skip this step if you prefer a matte look. COLOUR EYES, LIPS & CHEEKS! There’s nothing better than a hardworking buy and, with this…

For the uninitiated, why should we be tuning into Motherland? Because it’s a laugh, innit? It’s just really funny! Meg has to deal with racism at the school this series? I contributed to the writing of that storyline, and I tried to make it clear that it’s not something that gets solved in half an hour, or a day. The rude awakening is the fact that the school has nothing in place to deal with it. Her friends are more concerned about the actual incident - they love Meg and have got her back. Do you have a favourite episode? Yes! They go on a coach trip, and we had Natalie Cassidy and Martha Howe-Douglas guest starring, who are two of the classiest people in this profession that I’ve ever…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK It looks like a challenging year for you - but please don’t worry, there is good news, too! While you may have to deal with a lot of issues and egos, authorities and expenses this year, you can come out the other side more loved-up and prosperous than ever! THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY You can be number one at work, but you have to believe in yourself and have a good time while you’re doing it. Be grateful for your job, but be serious about your ambitions. Job seeking? Look for work that’ll make you happy. Find out your Rising Sign for free at moonmessages. com/freechart. GEMINI 21 MAY-20 JUN Take some time out if you need it. You’re…

Susanna Reid has recently made a big decision within her personal life, as she last week confirmed her on/off romance with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is back on. The couple began dating in 2018 – four years after Susanna split from Dominic Cotton, dad to her three teenage sons, after being together for 16 years – but they split a year later. The romance came to light again last week when Susanna, 50, interviewed Steve on GMB, and the pair were later pictured on a dinner date in London. But now Susanna is said to be at a crossroads in her professional life, too. TV insiders reveal that, after Piers Morgan’s dramatic departure from GMB in March, which has seen a slump in one million viewers, ITV bosses are…

After 20 years of “not loving myself the right way”, Rebel Wilson took to Instagram last week to show some serious self-love as she posed in a racy bodysuit for a Kim Kardashian-style “belfie”. Showing off her new svelte figure to her 10m followers, Rebel – who is currently in Liverpool shooting a new movie – wrote, “She’s glamorous on set today,” racking up thousands of comments from male fans calling the star “beautiful” and “stunning” alongside lots of fire emojis. And a source tells Closer that the star is feeling so self-assured that she has signed back up to exclusive dating app Raya in a bid to find a hot new man in time for summer. The source says, “Rebel has told friends she’s ready to meet a new…

Just two months after confirming her divorce from Kanye West following seven years of marriage, Kim Kardashian is said to be dating Van Jones – the Emmy awardwinning political host of US TV news channel CNN. Kim, 40, and Van, 52, have known each other for years, as the Yale-educated lawyer played a role in helping budding solicitor Kim free grandmother Alice Johnson from jail in 2018, after she was imprisoned for life for a first-time drug offence. GOOD TOGETHER The political documentary-maker has been divorced from Jana Carter – the niece of former US president Jimmy Carter – since 2019. Eagle-eyed fans commented that mum-of-four Kim and Van “look good together” when they both attended a criminal justice summit in January. And as reports emerge that they’re dating, others…

Rugby star Danny Cipriani has married his girlfriend Victoria Rose in a “small and intimate”ceremony – and they’re now planning a bigger Caribbean bash as soon as regulations allow. Sharing images of their relaxed wedding day on Instagram, the 33 year old wrote, “Married my best friend today!” One picture shows a smitten Victoria planting a kiss on her new husband’s cheek, and another features the happy couple showered in white confetti. Victoria, 40, also revealed the pair have planned a second celebration, explaining, “We are looking forward to our big day Caribbean style when travel is permitted. Cheers to love, laughter, but especially to our happily ever after. Our adventure begins.” The couple announced their shock engagement last August after just four months of dating. The Rugby Union player,…

He’s celebrating his 60th birthday this week and George Clooney feels “happy and blessed” in his marriage to Amal as he passes the six-decade milestone. According to sources, the Hollywood heartthrob “tells anyone who’ll listen how he’s the one who hit the jackpot here, not her”. George married his 43-year-old barrister wife in Italy in 2014, and the couple share three-year-old twins Ella and Alexander. Before he met Amal, the actor was known for being a ladies’ man. He dated a string of stars including Renée Zellweger, Lisa Snowdon and Lucy Liu, and was married to actress Talia Balsam from 1989 until 1993. Opening up about meeting Amal, George has said, “I didn’t know how un-full it [my life] was until I met Amal. And then everything changed.”…

In a heartbreaking tribute last week, former footballer and Ex On The Beach star Ashley Cain spoke out about the devastating loss of his baby daughter Azaylia. She was just eight months old when she tragically passed away after a gruelling battle with leukaemia. Ashley and his girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee, 34, broke the tragic news on Instagram. “My heart is shattered,” wrote Ashley, 30. “You gave my life purpose, my face a smile, filled my heart with love and my soul with pride.” Little Azaylia was born in August 2020 and diagnosed with a rare form of aggressive leukaemia when she was just eight weeks old. Both Ashley and Safiyya regularly updated fans on her brave battle and support poured in from around the world. Incredibly, Azaylia’s story saw over…

Our third UK lockdown is gradually lifting, with Brits now able to meet up with friends and family - and actress Lily James says the pandemic has taught her that she needs her friends more than ever - something that’s a major theme in her new drama, The Pursuit Of Love. Lily, 32 - who plays Linda Radlett in the BBC One series, says, “The endless Zooms we’ve had in lockdown have made us see what female friendship means to us and the impact on our lives. We all need each other. And The Pursuit Of Love is really about two girls and their friendship - they’re soul mates. I think girl friendships can be the most vital in your life.” KISSING The actress - who rose to fame as…

Last year, it was reported that alcohol sales had soared during lockdown, and a recent survey by Public Health England found that 8.4m people are now drinking at problematic levels - almost double the number before the pandemic began. Closer’s psychological therapist, Emma Kenny, believes the lockdown, coupled with Michelle’s health battles and recent grief of losing a close friend, was likely the catalyst in her self-medicating with alcohol. Emma says, “Michelle lost a friend in tragic circumstances and lockdown has meant she won’t have had access to things that may have helped her cope - like the gym or therapy - so she may have turned to other ways to handle her emotions. “Grief is such an awful emotion and if you don’t find ways to handle it, it…

Former model and Big Brother star Imogen Thomas - who split with her ex and father of her two daughters Adam Horsley in 2018 - also believes marriage isn’t as important today as it has been in the past. Imogen, 38, says, “I agree with Stacey - I really don’t think marriage is necessary these days. Having children is definitely more of a statement of how much you love one another than marriage. “I come from a broken family - my parents divorced when I was six years old. So maybe that’s why my views on marriage are the way they are - I don’t see it as a necessity at all. I was getting little bit older when I met Adam. Having kids was my priority - I wasn’t…

As shallow as this is going to sound, this is the truth – when I’m swiping on dating apps, I make my selection solely based on looks. Let’s face it, there’s little else to help with my decision other than some pictures and a few sentences, if that, on their interests. I miss the days of the traditional dating websites like Match, My Single Friend et al, where people had full profiles about themselves, (Muddy Matches still offers this if you’re also craving more info on potential dates). But there is a solution – once I’ve sifted through the first stage of swiping, I’ll now go through another level of selection with my matches, based on two elements: whether I am physically attracted to them, and whether they listen to…

GET HER LOOK KARLIE KLOSS Nailing the “off-duty supermodel” look, Karlie’s chic ensemble keeps things weather-appropriate without scrimping on style. Her jeans and classic loafers are staples, while the rainbow knit adds a vibrant, fun touch. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! It was a toned-down affair due to COVID – but these stars still nailed the glam factor OSCARS 2021 SPECIAL Reese Witherspoon Reese pulled out all the stops in this crimson gown. The ruching, thick pleats and wide straps were eye-catching, while diamond-drop earrings made for a sparkling finish. Carey Mulligan The Best Actress nominee gave Disney’s Belle a run for her money in this gold skirt and top by Valentino. Cartier jewels completed the modern princess ensemble. Simply dazzling! Viola Davis Opting for a…

EMMERDALE MYSTERY OF BROOCH THIEF There’s a major hoo-hah when Brenda reckons Faith has swiped her precious brooch, with a bit of the green-eyed monster thrown in too as she thinks Faith is after Pollard (who can resist?). It was actually Mack whodunnit, but when Aaron takes matters into his own hands - stealing the bling back from him then trying to put it back, he gets whacked with a bat by Pollard for his efforts and ends up in hospital. Elsewhere, Liv is at breaking point - having taken to secretly swigging vodka in the park. Maybe it’s time to tell Vinny the truth about what really happened with Paul, eh...? HOLLYOAKS SECOND CHANCE FOR WARREN Former lovers Warren and Maxine left us all open-mouthed when they enjoyed a…

MUST READ The Road Trip (BETH O’LEARY) Addie and her sister are about to embark on a road trip to a friend’s wedding in rural Scotland. But not long after setting off, a car slams into the back of theirs - and the driver is Addie’s ex, Dylan. He and his best mate are heading to the wedding too, and Addie has no choice but to offer them a ride. Is this really the end of the road for Addie and Dylan? A warm and lovely tale - this left us with a smile on our face.…

She’s adored by the public as the bubbly co-host of This Morning, but behind the scenes, friends say Holly Willoughby has been left feeling “drained” by “constant rows” at home and work. Last week, it was revealed that Holly, 40, and her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin, 46, are embroiled in a bitter dispute with their neighbours over renovating their £2.8million family home in Barnes, London. On top of that, it’s reported that her continuing legal dispute with her former agents over what percentage of her pay they should receive could also end up in court. And with the furore over the recent reshuffling on This Morning, friends say the turbulence has taken its toll on the TV host. UPSET NEIGHBOURS A source says, “The ongoing issues with her former…

Attending the Oscars’ afterparty of her good friend Daniel Kaluuya to celebrate his win, Adele looked ultra-confident as she showed off her slim new look and glam Hollywood makeover. The notoriously private star has kept a low profile over the past few months, but sources say there was a reason she attended a showbiz bash – she has her sights set on making a name for herself in Hollywood. The insider says, “Adele has turned down a string of acting roles in the past, but her divorce and lifestyle overhaul have sparked a newfound confidence which has helped her finally bite the bullet. “She’s setting her sights on making her first Hollywood cameo and has been seeking advice from friends like Jennifer Lawrence, as well as reaching out to Lady…

• Enjoy the little things. During the pandemic, we’ve learned to appreciate small wins like getting a coffee from your favourite café, or a long soak in the bath. As life moves on, don’t forget to appreciate those moments. • You can thrive on your own. For many of us, “me-time” used to be a daunting prospect, but now we know we don’t need to make plans with lots of people to enjoy ourselves. Continue to carve out time to spend with yourself. • Prioritise the people and things that matter – this time has shown us that we will keep in touch with the people we love the most – even when there are so many obstacles to overcome. Remember who you leant on during this time and keep…

When Kirsty Wilkie, 38, from Edinburgh, gave birth to her daughter, Hope, in January 2020, she and her partner, Tomasz, 38, were thrilled to become parents after conceiving through IVF. But eight months later, Hope was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a precursor to Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Kirsty says, “Hope was conceived after many ups and downs with IVF – she’s our miracle baby. “Shortly after she was born, doctors mentioned that she might have Down’s syndrome, as she had some of the tell-tale signs, and tests later confirmed it. “It came as a huge surprise to me and Tomasz. We felt anxious about Hope’s future, but we were just so relieved that she was here. We knew we could give her the best life possible. “We researched Down’s syndrome and…

As one of the most-watched programmes of 2020, fans of Normal People have been eagerly awaiting a TV adaptation of author Sally Rooney’s other book, Conversations With Friends. And last week, it was revealed that filming for the show – due to air at the end of this year or early 2022 – had begun, with actor Joe Alwyn sharing the news on social media. Joe, 30 – who has starred in the likes of The Favourite alongside Olivia Colman, but is best known for being the boyfriend of pop sensation Taylor Swift – will be playing the part of Lothario Nick, alongside the likes of Jemima Kirke and Sasha Lane. The show is likely to rival the success of Sally Rooney’s first TV adaptation – which garnered 62 million…

Reality TV has become a huge hit in recent years, with millions of viewers tuning into the likes of TOWIE, Geordie Shore, Made In Chelsea and Love Island to watch the stars’ highs and lows of life play out on screen. But last week, Geordie Shore star Holly Hagan revealed the darker side of reality TV, when she claimed that in the midst of a “breakdown” after splitting up with ex Kyle Christie on the show, producers “forced” her to watch him “bring girls home for a threesome” while living in their communal house. In a series of posts on her Instagram Stories, Holly, who quit the show in 2016, alleged that situations were engineered by producers to cause drama between her and Kyle, saying, “I was literally in the…

Georgia: Drinking too much in lockdown left me feeling down – so I made myself quit’ Love Island star Georgia Harrison decided to go teetotal after using alcohol as a comfort during the pandemic. Georgia, 26, says, “In the beginning of lockdown, I was drinking every night with my mum, having three or four glasses of wine. I was enjoying myself, and it was something to make you feel better during the endless lockdown evenings. “But as the weeks went on, I began to realise I was drinking too much and I realised the negative effect it had on me. I was finding it hard to get up in the morning, I was feeling down, I was putting on a bit of weight and I felt rubbish. I realised I…

Carly Hay has struggled with her weight all her life. She first joined a slimming club when she was just 15 and weighed 15st. But after trying several diets over the years and never being successful, now, aged 31, she’s finally happy with her weight, after having bariatric (weight loss) surgery in Latvia in January 2020. At the time, she weighed 24st and was a size 26. Now, just 16 months later, Carly, who’s 5ft 7, is emerging from lockdown at just 11st and a size 10. And her husband, inspired by her incredible success, has had surgery, too. When he went abroad for the op in Turkey in August last year, he weighed 23st and now has also slimmed down to 11st. Carly, who works as a care assistant…

Mum-of-four Danielle Lloyd has been married twice - first to footballer Jamie O’Hara, with whom she shares Archie, 11, Harry, 10, and George, eight, and now to electrician Michael O’Neill, father of her son Ronnie, three. And she believes marriage cements the family and shows you’re committed to each other forever. Danielle, 38, says, “Marriage, to me, is really important for a family set-up. And I’ve been divorced - I know it isn’t nice and can be really tough. It was horrible - but it didn’t put me off getting married again. When I met Michael, we both knew we wanted a child together, and that we’d be together forever. While at first I was apprehensive about getting married again, we knew we wanted to commit to each other forever…

When TV presenter Davina McCall began suffering her first menopausal symptoms aged 44, she had no idea what was happening. What followed were some very difficult years, and she admits to struggling to cope and feeling alone. For Davina, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) has since helped her enormously, but she still firmly believes there’s not enough education, support or discussion around the menopause. In an attempt to address that, Davina, now 53, has filmed a documentary for Channel 4, Davina McCall: Sex, Myths And The Menopause. Here, she candidly reveals her own experiences and what changes need to be made so that women feel better supported. ‘We need to talk about it and not be ashamed’ ‘I FELT WASHED UP’ “I first started getting signs [of the menopause] when I…

INSIDE GEMMA’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Cranberry sauce • Tunnocks wafer bars • Lurpak spread • Sausage rolls • Ketchup • Coke Zero • Strawberries • Brie • Ham • Chicken slices • Broccoli • Dairy Milk • Cauliflower • Bananas • Carrots • Kiwis • Pears • Mixed salad • Potatoes • Orange juice • Oat milk GEMMA How much do you spend per week? Around £100 for my me and my husband, Ian. I tend to overbuy on my food shops – we’re very well fed! I’ve started doing Gusto and Hello Fresh meal delivery boxes They’re lifesavers! Describe your daily diet… For breakfast, Bran Flakes with oat milk, kiwi and blueberries, and toast with butter and jam. I’m training for the London Marathon, so my carb intake…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Lockdown has seen us grow used to our own company, and while this has been important, it has also created a level of introspection that could, taken to the extreme, be counterproductive. I often recommend mindful practice as a way of remaining in the present and ensuring a good level of self-care. It enables you to avoid fears around your future, and to let go of your past, which is helpful as you cannot control either, and trying to only leads to unhappiness and anxiety. But new research has suggested that being too dedicated to the practice can lead you to become more selfish, serious and introspective, as opposed to compassionate, community-minded and loving. Any spiritual exercise…

I STUNNED MYSELF... when I completed the London Marathon in 2019. That same year I ran three half-marathons and a 10k. I’d never run before and had no idea I’d be able to achieve it. It shows if you give yourself a challenge, you can rise to it. I WISH I WERE... an early riser. I tend to not get up quite as early as I need to, unless it’s for filming, as I like my sleep. It would be nice to have an extra hour to get more done. I HAD A HUGE PHOBIA OF... spiders. I’d walk into a room and check all the corners first, and I couldn’t look at pictures of them. Then I had neuro linguistics programming [changing someone’s thoughts and behaviours] and, within 20…

RETURN TO THE OFFICE Back to your desk soon? Choose a smart cut with pressed pleats to give a sharper spin. Make like Myleene and team with a timeless blue shirt and a blazer for business hours, then restyle with casual basics for the weekend. OUTDOOR COCKTAILS Light fabrics in bold hues have a glam feel that’s perfect for evening plans. Tuck in a retro band tee to a high-waisted pair and add heels, then switch up for a sweatshirt and trainers for the morning-after coffee run. PICNIC IN THE PARK Cropped lengths are a little easier to wear (especially for petite frames) and will update pretty much any top you pair them with. Buddy- up pastel-toned denim with preppy knits and sandals, and you’ll be all set to meet…

Turn to page 42 for more NEW SERIES 1 DAVINA MCCALL: SEX, MYTHS AND THE MENOPAUSE IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION WED 12 MAY, 9PM, C4 The menopause is one of the few remaining taboos when it comes to health, but with over 13 million in the UK currently going through it, Davina McCall decided it was time to tackle the subject head-on. Talking to health experts and celeb pals such as Zoe Ball and Meg Mathews about their experiences, Davina also shares personal details about her own menopause - such as how she didn’t admit to taking HRT to even her closest friends. Honest, informative and insightful, this is must-see viewing for women of all ages. Well done, Davina FACTFILE Despite the many benefits it can offer, only one in 10 menopausal…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS B) MUSIC AND LYRICS NAME THE STARS 1) ZOE SALDANA 2) REGÉ-JEAN PAGE GUESS THE CELEB A) NICKI MINAJ B) ZAC EFRON WORD LINK A) SPEECH B) TIME C) WORLD D) KILLER E) SLEEP F) SALT SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal. co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each…