Table of contents for Issue 968 in Closer

This week we’ve spoken to an incredible woman – Helene Svinos – who has been on the frontline of the pandemic doing daily 12-hour shifts as an A&E doctor. She said the main thing that helped her cope with the stress was her menagerie of rescue animals – including her beloved dog Maz who lost both back legs in war-torn Afghanistan. “Coming home to my amazing fur babies gave me the comfort and support I needed to carry on,” she told us. So many of us understand. Since the start of the pandemic 3.2 million households in the UK have taken on a pet. Animal companions bring joy and unconditional love, but caring for them as they deserve isn’t cheap. So this week, our money pages explain how to reduce…

Just weeks after his latest scandal, Wayne Rooney revealed that he’d been sleeping at his manager’s office, 70 miles from his family home in Cheshire. The Derby County coach, 35 – who is under increasing pressure to rebuild the ailing team by signing new players – said during a press conference, “I slept on the couch in the office last night and I’ll be sleeping on my couch again in my office tonight, trying to get these players over the line as quickly as possible so that we don’t lose out on them.” EMBARRASSMENT Last month, Wayne was forced to publicly apologise to his family after a string of embarrassing snaps went viral on social media of him looking the worse for wear in a nightclub and then in a…

• Only you can find the motivation to achieve your goals. Always keep in mind why you started this journey. • Whether it’s losing one pound or one stone, appreciate the difference you’ve made to your life, no matter how small. • This journey is so much harder without the right team around you – people who understand you, motivate you and help you build better. • Remember that rest days are important and it’s healthy to share your vulnerabilities.…

THE LATEST HOOK-UPS, MAKE-UPS AND BREAK-UPS Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck viewed a £60m estate in Beverly Hills last week, proving their rekindled romance is still going strong. The luxury pad has 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, an indoor sports complex and huge pool. Jen, 52, has already relocated from Miami since her split from ex-fiance Alex Rodriguez earlier this year, to be in LA with Ben, 49 – amid speculation the couple, who were previously engaged in 2002, will tie the knot. Recently, a source told Closer, “Jen and Ben truly believe they are soulmates. Things are moving quickly – they’ve already spoken about marriage – but they are just making up for lost time.” The couple began dating again in May – two months after Jen split from Alex…

Model and presenter Penny Lancaster, 50, sparked a hot debate last week when she revealed a friend’s husband once hit on her, but she chose to ignore it and not tell her pal, as they had a child. Penny – who is married to pop legend Rod Stewart and recently qualified as a special constable working with the police service in London – said on Loose Women, “I decided that he probably was a bit like that anyway and if it wasn’t me, it would be someone else, and he’s probably done it before and will therefore do it again. “There was a child involved, and so I didn’t say anything. I just distanced myself a bit… It felt like the right thing to do.” Closer speaks to three celebs…

KATE: ‘Lila says I’m really strict – more than other parents’ Her mum is one of the most famous and iconic models of all time – and Lila Hack is now turning heads for her stunning looks and uncanny likeness to mother Kate Moss. Lila, 18 – whose father is creative director Jefferson Hack, with whom Kate split in 2004 – was pictured walking with her lookalike mum, 47, in Ibiza earlier this month, resulting in fans commenting on how similar they look. The pair seem to be extremely close, and are often pictured in the front row at Fashion Weeks around the world in matching outfits. Speaking of her parenting style, Kate – who was renowned for her partying in her younger years – says, “I’m really strict with…

EVERY WEEK WE BRING YOU A BRILLIANT NEW GUEST COLUMNIST ‘Good luck to the Islanders in the real world!’  I can’t believe we’re coming to the end of Love Island already! This series has been brilliant and I wish all the Islanders luck in the real world – it’s crazy when you come out of it. You go from not being famous, to people knowing your name in just a couple of weeks! My advice to this year’s Islanders is try to stay as grounded as possible. It can be tempting to strike while the iron’s hot and move to London where the opportunities and events are. I think staying home and being with your family and friends for a couple of weeks helps in keeping you grounded. It’s great…

• Fill your social media feeds with posts from different types of bodies to help you realise that beauty doesn’t come in only one “rippling abs shaped” package. • We all have those clothes we look at longingly in the back of the wardrobe that don’t fit us now. Put those pieces on Depop and buy clothes that make the body you have right now feel and look glorious. • Too often, we pass off being mean about ourselves as being self-deprecating. Treat your body as you would your best friend, and every time your inner critic pops up ready to say something rude, be ready to correct them. • The way you look is the least interesting thing about you compared to everything else you have to offer. Think…

Gemma Oaten has wanted to be a mum for as long as she can remember, so when tests revealed her chances of having a baby were ‘slim’, it was a shattering blow. The 37-year-old actress has long been open about suffering with a eating disorder when she was younger and believes her anorexia battle damaged her fertility. The star hopes to raise awareness of the long-term impacts of eating disorders and admits she’s had to “dig deep” in order to come to terms with the fact that she might not be able to carry a child in the future. She tells Closer, “From the age of 10, I was in and out of hospital, going from anorexia to bulimia to binge-eating. My body was constantly under strain and my periods…

AL FRESCO DINNER FRIED MACKEREL WITH HORSERADISH BUTTER, GHERKINS AND LETTUCE IN BRIOCHE BUNS SERVES 4 • 4 tbsp butter, softened • 2-4 tbsp horseradish, to taste • 4 large or 8 small mackerel fillets • 4 brioche buns (or any soft roll), split open • 1 soft round lettuce, leaves separated • 4 large gherkins, sliced Salt and black pepper STEP 1 Beat the butter and horseradish together in a bowl, adding pepper to taste, then put the mixture to one side. STEP 2 Season the mackerel fillets on both sides and grill them over a high heat, skin-side down, for 2 mins. Carefully flip the fillets over with a spatula and cook for another 1 min, until just cooked through. (Cook in a pan with a splash of…

This series of Love Island has once again proved my theory that it mirrors everything in modern relationships and dating, perhaps on a more surgically enhanced level, but it’s still strikingly similar nevertheless. Last week, Millie and Liam decided to be exclusive, it’s a shame they didn’t bite the bullet and be official boyfriend and girlfriend, but after he hurt her by kissing someone else, this is a nice halfway house. I am in a similar boat and it’s a nice to have the security of knowing you’re not sleeping with other people without the pressure and expectation of a relationship, giving you some time and space to work out whether you want to invest everything into it and risk being hurt. On the topic of hurt feelings, another couple…

Laura Wateley, award-winning financial journalist and author of Money: A User’s Guide (HarperCollins, £7.99), explains why we need to deal with debt before starting to save... “One of the best ways to save money is to focus on repaying debt first,” says Laura. “Here’s a helpful example: if you have £1,000 on a credit card with a fairly standard interest rate of 21.9 per cent, and you repay only the minimum (of about £26 a month), it will take you 18 years and 10 months to clear the debt – and cost you £1,460 in interest, according to Barclaycard’s handy online repayment calculator. “If you doubled the amount you were repaying each month to £50, you’d cut the time to two years and one month (slashing the time you have…

GET CREATIVE Mini fashion designers can make their own cool kicks keyring. Add colour and stickers to get personalising! MUSIC MAKER Let them be the star of their own show with this wooden music table, filled with fun instruments to play with. JUNIOR JOURNAL Packed with quizzes and games, this journal, complete with invisible ink pen, is perfect for budding writers to scribble in. HANDY SAND An array of bright natural sands, moulds and tools for children to explore the cool way it sticks together – just like magnets! BAKE OFF Cook up a storm on a rainy day with this clever bottled baking mix. Kids will love adding the dinosaur topping to cupcakes. MESSY PLAY Just add this safe and biodegradable powder to a tub of water for the…

1 LOVE ISLAND: THE LIVE FINAL WHO WILL WIN? MON 23 AUG, 9PM, ITV2 After weeks of shenanigans, shouting and simmering sexual tension in Casa Amor, it’s finally time to crown this year’s winners of Love Island. Some have said it hasn’t been a vintage year for the show, what with most of the boys treating it like a lads’ holiday and the girls (mostly) sticking together, but it’s certainly had its moments. So sit back, crack open the prosecco, and enjoy the looks on everyone’s faces as the winners are revealed… 2 MCCARTNEY 3,2,1 ROCK ROYALTY WED 25 AUG, DISNEY+ Over six episodes, the legendary Paul McCartney has an intimate conversation with producer Rick Rubin to discuss his work with The Beatles, Wings and his 50-plus years as a…

She’d looked relaxed and happy earlier this month as she spoke to fans in a video released on her 40th birthday, launching a new charity campaign to empower women. But insiders say Meghan Markle faces a turbulent time after a new royal drama last week. It emerged her husband Prince Harry’s uncle, Prince Andrew, is being sued over allegations he sexually assaulted a young woman in the early 2000s, and knew she was a victim of sex-trafficking. Lawyers have claimed that the case, brought by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, has the potential to go to court, where Andrew, 61, could be quizzed over his sex life. He’s always strongly denied the allegations since they surfaced in 2019 and Buckingham Palace labelled them “false and without foundation”. The claims are the latest…

❛SHE REALLY FEELS RAMI COULD BE THE ONE SHE STARTS A FAMILY WITH❜ This time last year she was feeling heartbroken and hopeless about achieving her dream of starting a family. But 12 months on and Gemma Collins seems to be happierthan ever with boyfriend Rami Hawash, with the former TOWIE star regularly sharing pics of her time with him over the past few weeks. Gemma, 40, reunited with ex-fiance Rami, 48, last May, after splitting with on-off boyfriend James “Arg” Argent last July, with whom she suffered a miscarriage duringthe first lockdown. Last week, she was in Cornwall with Rami, his threeyear-old son and her family and the pair looked very lovedup. The couple, who were previously engaged in 2013before splitting a year later, were also seen attending an…

She’s received an outpouring of love and sympathy from fans around the world this year after the shocking extent of her conservatorship came to light. And now, at last, it seems like there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for Britney Spears. The 39-year-old star has been under her father Jamie’s control for 13 years but, after months of campaigning and the #FreeBritney movement gathering momentum, he has agreed to step down as conservator of her estate “when the time is right” – meaning she’s one step closer to finally becoming free. PROMISE Jamie, 69, filed a court document last week in which he promised he would relinquish control of her £43m estate, and assist with “an orderly transition to a new conservator”. He will not…

Indra Don Francesco, 51, is from Somerset. She has been a climate activist for 30 years and is a member of Extinction Rebellion. She says, “I’ve attended hundreds of peaceful protests and been arrested nearly 100 times. “But I won’t let the threat of prison stop me fighting to protect the planet. Whether we’re infiltrating government buildings to distribute leaflets or sitting in the road to stop lorries accessing power stations, our protests raise awareness of the climate crisis and interrupt the fossil fuel industry. “During the 2019 election, I was one of eight XR protesters to glue themselves to Boris Johnson’s battle bus. We dressed as bumble bees, to draw attention to the government’s refusal to debate climate change. It’s all about finding your own way to be defiant…

We all loved Millie and Liam’s relationship in the beginning, before it all went wrong during the Casa Amor experience – when he kissed another girl. But their relationship now just shows that people make mistakes and sometimes second chances really do work. That situation could have broken them and nearly did – but I think Millie was really mature to give Liam another shot, after he worked to win her back, of course. That’s why dating shows like Love Island are great – they show romantic situations and the different ways they can work out. I hope Liam has learnt from his mistakes and doesn’t mess up again. It seems they’re stronger than ever now and may even win. Either way, I hope they can make it last! •…

‘YOU’RE NOT ALONE’ Despite some minor setbacks in his career – including failing to qualify for the finals at Rio 2016 – Tom has never given up. He said, “After the 2012 Olympics [a year after his dad died, where he won a bronze medal], I had a rough time getting back into training. I thought I might not want to do diving any more. I thought I was going to win an Olympic gold in Rio and it turned out to be the complete opposite. When I was younger, I didn’t think I’d ever achieve anything because of who I was. I hope that any young LGBT person can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone. To be an Olympic champion now…

Big Brother icon Nikki Grahame died in April at the age of 38 after a life-long battle with anorexia. Having met Nikki a few times in the past, Gemma says, “A friend called to tell me Nikki had died, and I’m grateful to her as I was able to cry, get angry and talk. It would have been tough to find out on social media. She was a force for good and such a bright spark. People like her aren’t getting the right help early enough and are fighting to save their own lives. A positive thing to come out of her death for me was becoming close to two of her friends, Carly and Leon, and we’re looking at how we can continue Nikki’s legacy by helping others with…

INSIDE KIMBERLY’S FRIDGE • Raspberries • Apple sauce • Blueberries • Greek yoghurt • Pomegranate seeds • Melon • Brie cheese • Strongbow cider • Strawberry jam • Salad • Taste & Glory sausages • Tenderstem broccoli • Potatoes • Fresh pasta • Salmon • Kale • Cabbage • Barbecue sauce • Tomatoes • Mint • Cherry cordial • Rosé • Oat milk KIMBERLY How much do you spend per week? Usually £150 to £200. It always takes my breath away. I like to be organised and shop online, but lately I’ve gone in-store as I tend to only buy what’s necessary. I’ll use the butcher and local farm shop too. Describe your daily diet... Breakfast is yoghurt with chia seeds, berries and peanut butter, or granola. A salad with…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY No matter how independent you and your partner were pre-Covid, you may have grown so used to doing everything together, that the idea of being apart is overwhelming. If you work together or are retired, you may also have become too dependent on each other. It’s important to find a balance between being part of a loving couple, and having time to yourself. Learning to once again self-soothe where stress and anxiety is concerned is key. To rebuild your self-confidence, agree to do some activities and socialising independently. Create a weekly schedule so you both know which evenings you are busy, so there will be no sudden surprises, and also timetable nights together to ensure you are…

ACTRESS ANGELA GRIFFIN, 45, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I’M OBSESSED WITH GETTING EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP... I’ve been using the Sleep Cycle app for five years and it’s my go-to. It records my sleep and asks me questions about how I felt that day. Plus, it has wind down tracks, so I’ll listen to a story voiced by [actor] Alexander Skarsgard to drift off. I BELIEVE IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A HOBBY... I play tennis every day at my local club and having that outlet socially and physically has been revelatory. I play with my husband, Jason, and it’s great to do an activity together that doesn’t involve booze. FOR ONE WEEK A YEAR WE GET BACK TO BASICS... and go camping in a…

GET HER LOOK LILAH PARSONS DJ and presenter Lilah Parsons looks both chic and retro in her gingham frock and cat-eye shades. Gingham is all the rage right now and is perfect for daytime dressing. Switch out kitten heels for lace-up sandals to take this date look into picnic territory. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS... MANGO’S ALL INCLUSIVE RANGE! High-street favourite Mango has just revealed it’s extending its clothing size range to include sizes XXS (UK 4) up to XXL (UK 26). Previously only offering up to size UK 16, the new additions celebrate inclusivity and help dress women who haven’t been able to shop the brand before. Available in almost all of the designs in the Woman collection, this size offering will roll out into stores…

RELAX IN THE TUB Make the most of your time in the bath by transforming it into a relaxing spa treatment with a sprinkling of these bath salts. As well as smelling divine and moisturising the skin with both lactic acid and glycerine, the natural sea salt crystals soothe achy joints to help you unwind from a busy day. Your evening soak will feel like a real treat! DE-STRESS AND DRIFT OFF When rubbed gently over your pulse points, the soothing scents of natural sandalwood and jasmine will ease away any pent-up pressure and help you get into sleepy mode after a hectic day. The mini rollerball makes it easy and less messy to apply – we massaged it behind our ears, on our wrists and on our temples and…

Why did you want to play Hemple? SOPHIE: I love her – she’s such a great character. She’s quite naughty, and she doesn’t follow the rules. She’s full-on fierce, complicated, fearsome, scary, funny, sexy and dangerous. Aside from the character, were there other reasons for wanting to take the part? The weird thing is – and this is the first time I’ve ever done this – I was a massive fan of the show already, so I couldn’t believe it when I got the part. I love the whole thing. I came a bit late to the party, but I saw the first and second series together in one go, and I thought particularly the second series was fantastic. Describe Hemple’s look… A cross between a Roman and Donna Summer…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY B) HOCUS POCUS NAME THE STARS 1) JODIE COMER 2) ED SHEERAN GUESS THE CELEB A) WINONA RYDER B) DENZEL WASHINGTON WORD LINK A) FOOD B) OTHER C) BRAND D) TRAIL E) NAIL F) MINT 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 and every prize draw and/or…

During his emotional wedding speech last week, a delighted Ant McPartlin gushed about having the “perfect family” as he paid tribute to his two stepdaughters and touchingly revealed that they call him “Dad”. In his heartfelt toast, Ant, 45, reportedly welled up as he thanked his bride Anne-Marie’s teenage daughters, Poppy and Daisy, for being so welcoming to him at the star-studded bash, which reportedly cost a whopping £500k. “They are amazing girls and I’m grateful they call me Dad,” the Britain’s Got Talent presenter told his guests, before jetting off on a “family moon” with his new wife, 43, and the daughters she shares with her ex-husband, Scott Corbett. PAIN And while insiders recently told Closer that Ant’s ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, 44, had come to peace with her childhood…

Meghan faced another blow last week after her estranged father Thomas Markle criticised her in another tell-all interview. This time, Thomas – who Meghan hasn’t spoken to since she married Prince Harry three years ago – revealed his latest efforts at building bridges with his daughter, saying he sent her a bouquet of roses on her 40th birthday earlier this month. He said, “I wished her a happy birthday and brighter days ahead but I’ve not heard back.” Thomas, 77 – who has never met Harry, Archie or Lilibet – also confirmed he would take Meghan to court over meeting his grandchildren, saying of newborn Lilibet, “I’d like to see her, I’d dearly like to see her... I will be petitioning to the court.” Just days earlier, Meghan had faced…

As she parades across a stage in a jewelencrusted bikini and poses for a panel of judges, it’s hard to believe that, just two years ago, Georgie Copeman’s confidence had hit rock bottom. Then 19st and a size 22, Georgie, 45, never imagined she would be flexing her muscles as a bodybuilding champion – but after years of feeling unfit and miserable, she decided to take back control in a spectacular way. Interim assistant director of communications Georgie, who lives in Maidstone, Kent, says, “I was a candidate for diabetes or a stroke, and I hid myself away. I stopped valuing myself. “But when you start to feel healthier, you also feel happier in yourself. Building this body has transformed my outlook on life.” Georgie’s weight first began to fluctuate…

Friends’ fans went into meltdown last week after Closer revealed Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer have finally acted on 25 years of harboured feelings for each other – enjoying a string of secret dates since reuniting for the sitcom’s reunion show in May. And after reportedly enjoying dinners out and sunset hikes, pals say David, 54, is now set to join Jen, 52, on holiday in Mexico later this month. An insider tells Closer, “While it isn’t a full-blown relationship between the two of them yet, David and Jen are taking their time to work out their feelings. It’s not something that can be rushed into with all the years of friendship they have behind them, so they are exploring the chemistry they have.” They add that Jen has invited…

After weeks of speculation, last week sources confirmed Liam Payne has rekindled his relationship with his former fiancé Maya Henry – despite him becoming “closer than ever” to ex Cheryl recently. Liam, 27, broke off his 10-month engagement to the US model, 21, in early summer, but is said to have “won her back” with a series of low-key dates after realising he missed her when she returned to LA. Sources also confirmed their wedding is still on for next year. And an insider tells Closer that, while it was a “blow” for Cheryl, 37, to hear about the rekindled romance a few weeks back – as she had been open to a reunion between her and Liam, who is dad to their four-year-old son Bear – she is happy…

Jane Davidson shares her tips on how to help combat climate change in your own home… SWITCH TO A RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPPLIER: This is the quickest way to make a difference. Make sure 100 per cent of their energy comes from renewable sources, like offshore wind – try Bulb, Ecotricity or Good Energy. DEMAND ACTION: In November, global governments unite in Glasgow to debate climate change. This is a massive opportunity to make our voices heard. Write to your local parliamentary representative and pile on the pressure. GO ELECTRIC: 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the transport industry. Make your next car electric or hybrid, or better still, cycle or walk. CUT OUT GAS: Swap gas cookers for electric and look out for upcoming government grants,…

‘I take care of the garden foxes’ A woman has befriended four foxes and started an Instagram account to teach others about the woodland animals. Ronnie, who lives in East London, started looking after Sox after he appeared in her garden last year. She also takes care of three other foxes – Boots, Kegs and Spurs. Ronnie said, “Sox was a little bit braver than the rest of his siblings. If he hears me in the garden, he comes and visits. I feed him every night and he pops in for treats. I feed the birds in my garden and Sox just follows me around and watches. Look out for wildlife, leave them clean water, and if you have a fox that comes to your garden – a tin of…

BETHENNY: ‘This is the real me at 50’ Since celebrating her milestone birthday in November, Real Housewives Of New York City star Bethenny Frankel, 50, has been regularly posting pictures of herself in bikinis, and is on a mission to educate young women that “being flawed is being truthful and real”. Sharing a picture of herself wearing nothing but sporty underwear in her bedroom last week, self-professed ‘skinny girl’ Bethenny wrote, “If I were a ‘filterer’ I would have gotten rid of my lines and my dark circles, but this is me at 50. “I think it’s important for young women to know that being flawed is truthful and real, and that filtering yourself into someone fictitious is damaging to girls’ and women’s selfesteem. It’s courageous and beautiful to be…

When Jill Demirel met her son’s girlfriend, Stephanie, she felt an instant bond. Now, the pair have grown so close in the year that Stephanie, 17, has been dating Jill’s son Jem, 18, that controversially she admits she loves her more than her sons. Full-time mother Jill, 43, who lives in Beckenham, south east London with Jem and her other sons Jan, 19, and Jengis, 10, says, “I just loved Stephanie from the moment we met. I have always wanted a daughter, and she was exactly what I pictured – beautiful, warm and funny. She’s a girly girl just like me, and really takes care of her appearance. “I obviously love my boys fiercely, but I love Stephanie too. I’m obsessed with her! And because she’s a girl that means…

Whether you want to Boost your mind, body, soul, finances, relationships, love life or style, we’ve got recommendations for things that actually work. Scan the QR code for more tips! WORK YOUR PELVIC FLOOR TO BLITZ YOUR TUM! “A flatter tummy starts from within!” says Korin Nolan, leading Pilates expert. “Not only will using your pelvic floor muscles help to improve your posture and give the illusion of a slimmer shape, but it also helps you to connect with your deepest set of abdominals; the transverses, which wrap all the way around the spine. By working these muscles, rather than your superficial rectus abdominals (the six-pack muscles), you will achieve far greater results in terms of strength for your body shape. The best news is you can work your pelvic…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Pulse oxygen monitors are devices that doctors use to spot early signs of dangerous falls in oxygen levels in Covid-19 patients. The devices work by shining a red light on your finger and measuring the light reflected back. Your blood cells change colour with the amount of oxygen attached to them, so doctors can tell straight away if there is a problem. However, on darker skin, it can give a slightly different result. I’m not surprised about this finding, but I am shocked it’s taken so long for the guidelines to change. LOOK FOR CHANGES More than 300,000 pulse oximeters were sent out by NHS England for Covid-19 patients to monitor their oxygen levels at home. The…

Loneliness is a challenging emotion at any age, but if your child is struggling, it can feel really daunting. If your son or daughter feels lonely, discuss with them what has provoked these feelings. If they say they don’t have a lot of friends, encourage them to “notice” the ones that they do have so that you can help them make the most of these positive relationships. MAKE OPPORTUNITIES For some kids, creating companionships is more difficult. If this is the case, or if they have no friends, taking them to activities and clubs can boost their confidence and help them mix with others with similar interests. If they struggle thanks to autism or a learning dificulty, role play how to chat to and play with children, as they need…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER A huge 3.2 million UK households have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, with dogs the most popular choice, followed by cats, birds, rabbits and hamsters. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show we’re spending a total of £7.9m on our beloved animals every year, so here are the insider tricks from owners and experts to keep your wallet and your furry friends happy. AVOID PRICEY SITTERS Many dog walkers or day care centres offer discounts when buying blocks of time upfront, so check before booking. You can also try BorrowMyDoggy. com, which links up dog owners with people wanting four-legged company. For £44.99 a year, the premium package has a 24/7 vet line, you can get…

COMFY CASUALS If you’ve acquired a pile of loungewear, you might as well make the most out of it. Joggers, sweatshirts and knitted tops have all become everyday staples. Take your favourite knitted trousers and add heeled mules to elongate legs, a racer vest and lashings of jewellery for a twist on classic comfortable clothes. GET SHIRTY Although trends change, there’s one piece that is as chic as it is timeless: the white shirt. Classic and super versatile, every wardrobe should have one. For warm days, throw on over a cami top with shorts and tie at the waist to avoid looking swamped. When it comes to cooler days, do a double hit by layering over a white T-shirt with wide-leg trousers à la Rosie H-W. COOL CAMI If you…

NOURISH WITH AN OIL Oils are an easy way of adding instant moisture and cheating a radiant glow – apply this seaweed-enriched option before bed so it has enough time to sink in. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but a little really does go a long way. A drop or two will be plenty to nourish skin, and you don’t need to use it nightly, so a bottle will last a few months. KEEP BLEMISHES AT BAY Seaweed helps regulate oil production and also soothes redness, making it a clever, hard-working ingredient in acne-fighting buys. This clearing cleanser uses Irish seaweed to balance oiliness and zap zits, all without drying out skin. It’s ideal for combination complexions, because it does a bit of everything. BRIGHTEN TIRED EYES Algae…

MUST READ The Ex-Husband (KAREN HAMILTON) Charlotte and Sam were partners in life, and in crime. They never stole from anyone who couldn’t afford it. Wealthy clients, luxury cruise ships. It was easy money, and harmless. But now, years after Charlotte tried to put that past life behind her, it comes rushing back when her estranged ex-husband Sam suddenly goes missing – and someone threatens to expose what they did – and there’s nowhere left to run. Brilliant from start to finish. BEST DAY OUT Matilda The Musical Back again from 16 September at the Cambridge Theatre London, catch the award-winning musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story in the shiny West End. Celebrating 10 years since the production first opened in London, follow the story of schoolgirl Matilda as she…

17-23 AUGUST IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK Your birthday chart shows tons of potential for the year ahead. You have great money stars – go slow and steady towards financial goals – and relationship stars. Good things can happen quickly for you over the next 12 months. Being optimistic is key. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN LEO 23 JUL-22 AUG The Full Moon this week is in your Love Zone, which means you can expect a climax or conclusion in at least one pivotal relationship. All your important life lessons are coming to you via the most important people in your life. What are you learning? Pay attention! Visit Yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. VIRGO 23 AUG-22 SEP The Sun moves back into your sign this week after an…