Table of contents for Issue 974 in Closer

With just days to go until Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it was heartbreaking to hear that TV presenter Julia Bradbury has been diagnosed and is waiting for a mastectomy to remove a tumour. Revealing her devastating news – which follows the tragic death of Sarah Harding earlier this month – Julia spoke of her “sadness and fear” and needing hugs from her three children. On p20, former Closer columnist and Loose Woman Carol McGiffin, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, tells us that although fear is a natural response, women mustn’t be put off seeking help. Carol – who underwent a mastectomy as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy – says, “It could save your life if you check at least once a month, if not once a week.”…

Despite British movie legends including Dame Judi Dench and Guy Ritchie in attendance – alongside royalty with Sophie Wessex –Gemma Collins still managed to be the centre of attention at the Chelsea Flower Show last week when she made a very grand entrance. Wearing a pink ballgown complete with billowing yellow cape, all eyes were on her as she shrieked, “The GC’s here, everyone!” while quaffing a chilled glass of champagne. And when Closer settled down with her later for a chat, Gemma, 40, cackled, “You know how I love to make an entrance! I’ve been dressed by my designer friend Patrick McDowell from all sustainable materials. It’s all about being kind to the planet now, babes. “I’m cutting down on food waste and everything… we’ve got to all start…

Sealed with a love heart emoji, Adele confirmed her relationship with new boyfriend, Rich Paul, last week – to the delight of her 40 million followers, who excitedly branded the post “hot celebrity couple alert!” LONGING Insiders told Closer that Adele, 32 – who shares eight-year-old son, Angelo, with ex-husband Simon Koneki – is keen to start a family with the 39-year-old sports agent, and now pals say her pregnant BFF, Jennifer Lawrence, known as J Law, has been quietly encouraging her to do it sooner rather than later. The Hello singer has been best friends with the 31-year-old actress – who last month announced she is expecting her first child with husband Cooke Maroney – since they met at the 2013 Oscars, where they both won a gong, and…

Body language expert Judi James says, “It was very interesting seeing Meghan and Harry out on their first public outing since moving to America. It was a sombre occasion so it’s unsurprising there were only a few smiles for the cameras. But what struck me was, while they had the air of a power couple, Harry seemed ill-at-ease. He looked anxious and uncomfortable – which was odd because he is used to visits and appearances like this, more so than Meghan. He did anxiety rituals, like fiddling with his jacket, and appeared to constantly turn to look at Meghan throughout the video footage. This could either have been because he was worried about Meghan, or that he was looking to her for guidance. Meghan appeared to be the one running…

Financial journalist and money expert Jasmine Birtles shares her advice on navigating the rise in outgoings, and how you can save – and make – money. She says, “When it comes to gas bills, remember your supply will never be cut off. If your provider folds, you will automatically be switched to a larger company, and any credit on your account will be transferred over. It is likely that your bills will be higher, but higher gas prices are temporary – many experts predict this won’t last forever. “There are also ways to save on bills. Turn off the heating at night, and wear extra layers. You can also put foil behind radiators to help the heat reflect back into the room, and put cling film on windows to reduce…

Liam Payne and Maya Henry made their reunion official last week as they returned to the red carpet together at a London Fashion Week party – four months after their brief split. And despite the Texan-born model, 21, not wearing the £3m engagement ring that the 1D star, 28, proposed with last year, the couple reportedly have quietly set a date to marry in the south of France next summer. The source says, “Part of Liam and Maya’s reunion was based on Liam proving his commitment to Maya and putting actions behind his words. “During their ‘make-or-break’ holiday to St Tropez earlier in August – two months after they ended their 10-month engagement – Liam popped the question again. They instantly decided it would be the perfect spot to get…

Three months after Sammy Kimmence was sentenced to prison, Dani Dyer has reportedly moved on – but believes her ex has been spying on her. Sammy, 25, allegedly asked a friend to “keep an eye” on Dani, also 25, while he serves time behind bars for scamming pensioners out of £34,000, after he became “enraged” by her close friendship with West Ham player Jarrod Bowen. It’s alleged he told a friend over the phone that he was “not happy” about their closeness. The incident is said to have left the former Love Islander feeling “afraid”. Dani, 25, said of the ordeal, “After all the awful things he did came out in court and we split up, I thought I could start to move on with my life with little Santi.…

Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny says, “A change in your outward appearance often not only has a physical impact, but a psychological one, too. For someone like Linda, a large part of her self-worth will have been based on her appearance. Her looks have been the source of major achievements and crucial to her business and identity, so for those looks to be distorted, changed or lost will cause massive trauma. It may seem difficult for Linda to no longer place so much value on appearance, but that’s what she must do. She has to let go of the past. She can celebrate her achievements and past, but ensure she doesn’t judge herself on how she used to look. It may be hard, but she can accept it, move forward,…

Shannon Wemyss was three days from her wedding and 19 weeks pregnant when doctors revealed her baby daughter might have Down’s syndrome. A scan had shown two holes in her baby’s heart and she came away from the appointment feeling lost. As a young mum enjoying her first pregnancy, Shannon was overwhelmed by negative information about the limitations that were likely to affect her daughter’s life. She was also urged on several occasions to terminate the pregnancy. But now, after educating herself about the condition and connecting with other families with Down’s syndrome children, the 25 year old and her husband, Mikey, 24, are amazed by what their daughter Gracey, two, has achieved. PROTECTIVE Shannon, from Inverness, says, “The doctors didn’t think we’d cope. We were told we’d be carers…

When we speak on the phone, Charlotte Dawson has had a long morning promoting her new clothing range, she’s rocking her seven-month-old son with one arm and making up his baby food with the other, while the phone is wedged under her chin. “Life has been crazy, I’m non-stop at the moment,” says the reality star – who gave birth to son Noah in January. “I think because of my job people think I have a glamorous life, but I really don’t!” And in a world where social media is full of polished and preened images, Charlotte – who shares Noah with fiancé Matt Sarsfield – has never shied away from showing real life on her Instagram page, from the sleepless nights and the baby sick to her postnatal body.…

I often forget, or perhaps just block out, just how much admin is involved when you try to set up a date. The matching and messaging part is pretty easy, but when it comes to making plans to meet up, it suddenly all seems to get a bit complicated. Perhaps a lot of singles are jaded – I know I can be at times – after making a lot of effort with a particular person and even more so on the first date it can be demoralising when it doesn’t go anywhere. And thanks to the odds of dating success, it has happened more times than not. I also find there’s a little laziness with dating too. Perhaps it’s all of the implied choice on apps, or how us singles…

Many companies offer a treat or discount on your birthday, here’s our pick of the best goodies up for grabs... • A FREE DOUGHNUT Download the Krispy Kreme Rewards app and register for the free loyalty scheme to get a voucher for a free doughnut during your birthday month from a Krispy Kreme store. • CHOCOLATE TREATS Get the Hotel Chocolat app, register for its VIP club and they’ll send a surprise gift – usually £5 off a £5+ spend. • £5 AT BODY SHOP Sign up for a free Body Shop Love Your Body loyalty card, and on your birthday you’ll get £5 to spend either online or in-store. • 25% OFF AT H&M Become a member via H&M’s app or website, and you’ll be emailed a code that…

ALL ANIMAL FRIENDLY CHIC SHACKET The shirt/jacket hybrid will take you through all seasons. Perfect for layering over knitwear or tees, this oversized piece has a recycled polyester lining. DIAMOND DUVET Swaddle up in Matalan’s neutral number that’ll go with all your new season wears. The drawstring waist will nip you in to help the long-line style feel less bulky. WEATHER WARRIOR Beat the British gales with this wind and water-resistant coat, with a fleece hood and stretch cuffs. Fab for the school run or dog walking. STATEMENT MAKER Make layering fun with this quilted slogan jacket. Available in sizes 6-28, it’ll look great on all shapes and ages for a very-now ’90s edge. TROPHY BLAZER One of this year’s key cover-ups, the printed trophy jacket will spruce up the…

EMMERDALE RUN FOR THE HILLS! David collapses after over-exerting himself, so Priya offers to move in with him. Meena assumes her stuff belongs to Victoria and readies herself for the attack – until Priya sets her straight. Fast-forward to an incident at the Hide, when a cap gun fired by Carl gives David a terrifying flashback of the siege. Vic is quick to comfort him, but Meena hisses at her rival to leave her fella alone, then promptly forces the poor man to relive the trauma of getting shot all over again by asking him about it – and replaces his extra-strong painkillers with paracetamol! Later, they both sit down to watch the horror movie Misery (OK, we made that last bit up…) HOLLYOAKS LUKE GETS WORSE What do you…

MUST READ The Man Who Died Twice (RICHARD OSMAN) Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague, a man with whom she has a long history. He’s made a big mistake – involving stolen diamonds and a violent mobster – and he needs her help. As bodies start piling up, Elizabeth enlists Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron in the hunt for a ruthless murderer. Can The Thursday Murder Club find the killer before it’s too late? A compelling read from the TV comedian – it’s itching to be made into a TV drama! BEST DAY OUT Halloween at the London Dungeon The home of all things gruesome, the London Dungeon brings us a totally new experience for the spooky season. Home to infamous characters Sweeney Todd, Jack the Ripper and…

CODE CRACK SUDOKU – EASY CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW B) BLACK SWAN NAME THE STARS 1) GARY OLDMAN 2) GWEN STEFANI GUESS THE CELEB A) JODIE COMER B) ROBERT DOWNEY JNR WORD LINK A) COMPANY B) TOFFEE C) BOTTLE D) NAKED E) CATCH F) BED THE BIG CROSSWORD SUDOKU – MEDIUM CRISS CROSS WORD SEARCH 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…

Ollie’s sensibly gone teetotal – but that doesn’t stop him from sniffing the glass. Enjoy! After reading about worrying food shortages, Nicole prepares to dig up her beautiful lawn to plant cauliflowers and turnips. Very wise. Oh Samira, if only we could mute people in real life too, huh? Our other half would be the first – GOODBYE CHRONIC SNORER! Monday??!! OMG Brie – we must’ve slept through our alarm too – it’s TUESDAY!!! INSPIGRAM Yeh, Khloé – we tried to transfer our energy this week but none of the comparison sites will touch us. So we’re stuck on our ridiculously overpriced plan! Paul used to be Bake Off’s muffin expert. Looks like he’s since become a mullet expert – nice ’do! Alexa reveals her incredible new magic act –…

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He’s been looking healthy and happy over the last few months and has been keen to show off his 5.5st weight loss. But sources say, despite the attention he’s received for his new look, James “Arg” Argent is still pining for his ex Gemma Collins. Arg, 33, has totally transformed his figure since having a gastric band fitted in January after reaching 26st. And his slimmer frame has garnered praise from fans. On an Instagram photo he’d uploaded of himself in Marbella last month, one fan wrote, “Wow you look so handsome, Arg”. And pap pictures showed the former TOWIE star surrounded by women while out partying. Closer also previously reported how Arg was keen to get back on the dating scene, after splitting from on/off ex Gemma last summer.…

As a single mum to two teenagers, money is tight for Kirsty Welch. But her situation is set to get even worse. The UK is currently in the grip of an energy crisis. As economies around the world reopen after Covid-19, the demand for wholesale gas has increased, causing prices to rise by a staggering 250 per cent since January, and some households could see their gas bills rise by 40 per cent. PANIC BUYING A shortage of HGV drivers also means there are issues with getting petrol to the pumps. The pandemic saw 40,000 driver tests cancelled, and 20,000 European drivers forced to leave the UK – and now BP and Tesco have been forced to close some stations. But despite MPs saying there is no shortage of actual…

Last week, TV presenter Julia Bradbury, 51, revealed the devastating news that she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer, and will undergo a mastectomy next month to remove a 6cm tumour from her left breast. The fit and active Countryfile presenter, who was diagnosed in July and has three young children, said, “We all live in hope of a peaceful end in our beds, having had children and grandchildren, or having fulfilled whatever mission in life we choose. But the word cancer is so ugly it makes you think of the most unimaginably horrible death. That’s the reality of it.” She first discovered a lump – which was later found to be a benign cluster of cysts – on her breast last year. A follow-up appointment and a mammogram shortly before…

They enjoyed a six-day holiday romance in Venice last October, and Mel Sykes proved she is very much still with her gondolier toyboy as he visited her in London last week. The TV host, 51, and Italian Riccardo Simionato, 24, looked happy during an afternoon stroll in the capital, holding hands and stopping for a cuddle. The pair met last year when Melanie and a friend took a trip on Riccardo’s gondola. She tagged him in a post on Instagram and referred to him as her “amore”. Last year, Mel – who is mum to Roman, 18, and Valentino, 16, whom she shares with ex-husband Daniel Caltagirone – slammed British men for having “limited vocabulary when talking about, and to, women”. She added, “I would love to find a good…

She’s wowed fans with her amazing 8st weight loss and body transformation – and now, 12 months on, reality star Chanelle Hayes has revealed just how far she’s come. The mum-of-two proved she’s still thriving on her fitness journey and looked happier and healthier than ever as she posted a series of pictures to her Instagram, holding up the tracksuit bottoms she’d worn the day she got her life-changing gastric sleeve surgery to highlight her impressive weight loss. Chanelle, 34, vowed to take control of her weight once and for all last year when, having reached a size 18 after overeating during the first UK lockdown, she opted to have a gastric band – fitted through Tonic Weight Loss Surgery – to reduce the capacity of her stomach, aiding her…

Weeks after getting engaged last year, Anthea Turner, 61, told Closer she and fiancé Mark Armstrong, 56, were planning to tie the knot this September. But speaking at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last week, Anthea now says she’s had to delay her wedding due to Covid complications. Anthea, 61, says, “We’ve postponed our wedding – we’ve decided we’re not getting married until everything’s sorted itself out. What’s the point? People have had to change their wedding dates twice or three times. We just thought we’d wait. We haven’t sorted bridesmaids or got anywhere near that sort of thing yet. We’re taking our time.” Anthea rose to fame in 1988 as host of Top Of The Pops in her twenties, and went on to host Blue Peter for two years.…

Emma Knight, 40, is a full-time carer to big brother Paul, 53, who has Down’s syndrome. They live in Carmarthenshire with her husband, Richard, and children Callum, 17, and Maya, 12. She says, “Growing up, me and my brother Jason never felt any different from our big brother Paul because our parents thought it was important to treat us all exactly the same. Paul just needed a bit more help with things, but to me he was just my brilliant and caring big brother. “When Paul was born in 1968, doctors warned Mum and Dad that Paul might never read, write, walk or even talk. But my parents were determined and he defied the doctors’ predictions. He flourished at reading and writing and his speech came along so well. I…

Despite how exhausting being a new parent is, Charlotte has really taken to motherhood and can’t wait to have another baby. “I would love more children. I’d love a little girl, a little mini me! But I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing,” she laughs. “I’d be happy with another boy too, of course. Noah is just my best friend in the whole world and being a mum is the greatest thing. I miss Noah as soon as he’s asleep and watch videos of him. It’s so funny, we’re desperate for a break and then we miss them as soon as they’re asleep!”…

INSIDE ALEX’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Protein bar • Light mayo • Tabasco sauce • Gruyère cheese • Lindt Dark Sea Salt • Avocado • Burrata cheese • Houmous • Tuna & sweetcorn deli filler • Cheddar cheese • Chicken breast • Red onion • Turkey mince • Cucumber • Kale • Tomatoes • Spinach • Peppers • Carrots • Parsnips • Sweet potatoes • Celery • Tomato pure • Oat milk • Bottled water ALEX How much do you spend? Usually £70-£100 a week for me and my boyfriend Paul [Klein, who stars on popular prankster YouTube channel Woody & Kleiny]. I do a big online order, then buy fresh bread and veg from our local grocers. I freeze as much as I can, too. Describe your daily diet...…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY A recent survey found that people think ripped jeans are “unsuitable” for women over 35, and fashion trainers aren’t OK for women over 40. The concept of an appropriate age to wear certain clothes is ludicrous and damaging. I’m 45 and wear a mini-skirt occasionally because I like them and how I choose to dress is nobody else’s business. These negative opinions impact girls and women, so we need to challenge them. Getting old is a privilege, but I genuinely think that we have forgotten this, replacing it with an obsession with idolising and maintaining youth at all costs. If you want cosmetic surgery, fillers or Botox, that is your choice, as long as you are doing…

RADIO DJ NICK GRIMSHAW, 37, ON HOW HE LOOKS AFTER HIS BODY AND MIND TURN OFF PHONE NOTIFICATIONS FOR A CLEARER HEAD... I was becoming a slave to them. Now I can choose to look at my messages when I’ve got time to do it. YOU CAN DO SMALL THINGS TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE… I’m walking as much as I can and taking public transport – I don’t have a car any more either. I’m a big fan of vintage and charity shops. They’re good for finding signature pieces for my house and great outfits. A GOOD MORNING ROUTINE IS IMPORTANT… The only thing that guarantees that I can motivate myself to wake up early is going to bed ridiculously early. The worst things to do are eat a late dinner…

IN THE NEWS STACEY SOLOMON’S KIDS’ PRIMARK RANGE Stacey’s back with another adorable kids’ collection for Primark that includes clothing, accessories and lifestyle buys – it’s full of perfect pieces for your own little pickles! You can shop from a range of unisex beanies, onesies and hoodies, fun feeding sets and bibs and gifts too, with prices starting from just £2. As if that wasn’t enough, the products are 100 per cent sustainable, with everything made from organic cotton, recycled polyester and silicone. Sizes range from 0-12 years. GIVE UP CLOTHES LIKE MILLIE MACKINTOSH FOR CANCER RESEARCH! TK Maxx is taking all of the hassle out of the big wardrobe clear-out you’ve been putting off with their annual “Give Up Clothes For Good” campaign. This year, they’ve teamed up with…

BLUNT LIKE OLIVIA BOWEN WHAT TO ASK FOR: A blunt cut will give you the Olivia look – the shorter you go, the chunkier and thicker it will look and feel. HOW TO STYLE: To get loose, tousled waves, blast with a hairdryer to add texture from the root and use a large barrelled curling tong to define the curls once dry. Brush out to give your tresses a cool, messy feel. PRODUCTS TO USE: Use a texturising spray to get beachy locks no matter the time of year. Redken’s Fashion Waves sea salt spray can be spritzed onto damp or dry hair. It’ll help to keep your new do in place, too. CLASSIC À LA KIM KARDASHIAN WHAT TO ASK FOR: A classic one-length bob that sits below the…

After two decades on TV, Holly Willoughby revealed a shock new career move last week by launching her own wellness brand – after going on a journey of self-discovery. The This Morning star revealed her new wellness website, Wylde Moon, on Instagram – which racked up 50k followers in the first day – and said, “The most important pillars of WYLDE MOON are about having a true sense of self, igniting your intuition, knowing your self worth, nourishing your body and soul through music, food, laughter, sex, passion, beautiful things, or all of the above.” The blog includes a podcast, as well as advice segments from Emma Lucy Knowles, Victoria Beckham’s clairvoyant and crystal healer, among other guests. Holly, 40, revealed she’d become interested in spirituality while filming I’m A…

They officially stepped away from royal life in April 2020, and have been on parental leave since the birth of their daughter Lilibet in June. But last week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marked their return to work with a visit to the One World Trade Center in New York City, to pay tribute during the 20th anniversary month of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. ENTOURAGE The couple posed and smiled for the cameras, before being greeted by the mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, and the governor, Kathy Hochul, and shown around the memorial and museum. Later that day, Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, met with the US ambassador at the UN headquarters, where they were said to have discussed “Covid, racial justice, and raising mental health awareness.” While…

Psychological therapist Emma Kenny says, “Life as we know it was turned upside down due to the pandemic, and many of us experienced either primary trauma – such as losing a loved one – or secondary trauma – regularly hearing about bad news, such as on TV. And now, when we see headlines full of doom and gloom, we become retraumatised, and it triggers feelings of depression, anger and anxiety. But while we can’t control what goes on in the world, we can control how we react to it. Dedicate 20 minutes a day to read the news, so you can stay informed, but delete apps from your phone, and avoid watching 24-hour news channels. Take steps to reduce your anxiety – meditate, exercise and spend time with friends. Be…

TV presenter Carol says, “When you get diagnosed with cancer, understandably the most prominent feeling is fear – even going to the doctor just in case it turns out to be dreaded cancer is terrifying. “But it’s important to remember that breast cancer is one of the most survivable cancers if it’s caught early enough. There are so many treatments out there, but that’s why it’s vital for women to check themselves regularly and not be put off from going to their doctor because of the fear. “I kind of thought cancer wouldn’t happen to me. I never thought it wouldn’t be cancer when I found the lump – I knew it would be – but I also had always thought, ‘That’s something that other women go through’. WORRY The…

The royal family rushed to congratulate Princess Beatrice, 33, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 38, on the birth of their first child together last week. The baby girl, whose name had not been made public as Closer went to press, will be given the Italian title of Nobile Donna, which translates to noble woman. The title comes from Edoardo – also father to Christopher Woolf, five, from a previous relationship – whose official title is Count. Beatrice’s younger sister Princess Eugenie, 31 – who also gave birth to her first child, son August, earlier this year with husband Jack Brooksbank, 35 – wrote on Instagram, “We’re going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. To my new niece... we’re going to have so much fun together.”…

She’s battled her weight over the years, fluctuating between a size 8 and a size 16. And now Chantelle Houghton has vowed to get back into shape after gaining 3st. The Celebrity Big Brother star, 37 – who is mum to Dolly, nine, with ex Alex Reid – said that eating unhealthy takeaways in lockdown meant she’d put on weight. She said in an interview, “I’ve put on about 3st since the start of the pandemic, mainly on my tummy. It just crept up and up and I’m now the heaviest I’ve ever been.” She later shared a photo of herself in workout gear on Instagram holding a healthy-looking meal plan box, telling her followers, “I can’t wait to take you all on this journey with me”. Chantelle – who…

She was one of the most iconic faces on the fashion scene in the ’80s and ’90s, gracing the covers of over 700 magazines around the world and spearheading the “supermodel” genre. But last week, Linda Evangelista revealed her life and career had been torn apart by a botched cosmetic procedure, which she says has left her “deformed”, “depressed” and feeling like a “recluse”. Linda, 56, posted an emotional statement to her Instagram – on which she has mainly posted throwback images – revealing her changed appearance and claiming it was the result of a botched fat-freezing procedure. Writing on social media, she posted, “To my followers who have wondered why I have not been working while my peers’ careers have been thriving, the reason is that I was brutally…

Last week, Willie Garson – the actor who played Stanford Blatch in Sex And The City and the upcoming spin-off show And Just Like That… – passed away aged 57 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. My heart totally broke when I heard the news. It’s very sad – 57 is so young. SATC is a show that means so much to me – it got me through many a break-up when I was in my thirties. I loved the show, but I particularly loved Willie’s character. It’ll make watching reruns and the new series – when it comes out later this year – bittersweet. ● Listen to Harriet on the Magic Radio Breakfast Show, Monday to Friday, with Ronan…

Has anything changed in The Family Dairies without Samantha [Faiers, Billie’s sister] and Paul [Knightley, her partner, who they co-starred with on The Mummy Diaries]? Billie: Because we’ve been filmed a lot more, it feels more raw than before. There’s a lot of family time and time spent at home – just things like getting out of the door in the mornings for the school run – but there’s also a lot more humour in the show now. Fans get to see a lot more of my mum [Suzie Wells, 52] and dad [Dave], which is really good. They’re not together, but they have a really good relationship and they’re friends. There’s a lot of banter, and you just get to see more of the dynamics within the family. Greg:…

She’s overcome true adversity throughout her life, so it’s little surprise Katie Piper has become a role model to many with her positive outlook. After surviving a devastating acid attack in 2008 that left her scarred for life and blind in one eye, the mum of two has gone from strength to strength in her career, becoming a TV presenter, charity campaigner and award-winning philanthropist. Now the 36-year-old star has released a new book, A Little Bit of Faith, which provides affirmations and inspiration for every day of the year. “The reason I became known was because of one of the most awful things that’s ever happened to me, and it feels amazing to be able to take the ethos and mindset of how I got through that into a…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Television presenter Julia Bradbury has sadly been diagnosed with breast cancer at 51. She’s urged women not to ignore warning signs like lumps and has talked about looking for changes in your breasts – including pain – and taking them seriously. It’s a very important reminder. STAY BODY AWARE Julia said she noticed a lump a year ago and spoke to her GP. A mammogram revealed harmless micro cysts and she was told to keep a close eye out for any further changes, and to come back regardless after a year. The lump became painful to the touch and, after more checks, a tiny shadow was seen on a scan and a biopsy revealed it was cancer.…

No matter how you bring up your kids, making sure that you inject fun, communication and learning opportunities into your time together is key. When you make the world around you into a playground of possibility, you really help strengthen your bond – and it’s easy to do. CREATE AN ADVENTURE Even the most mundane activity can become an adventure if you bring the experience to life. Take shopping; ask younger children to point out as many colours as they can in the fruit section of the supermarket, and you will keep them interested and inspire their knowledge. Whenever you are playing with your child, be fully engaged by removing distractions; turn off the TV and put your phone aside. As your kids form interests, connect with them. If you…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Whether you’re job hunting or have gone freelance, the world of work has changed. “We used to go to agencies to find a job or to seek others to help in our businesses”, says money expert Jasmine Birtles. “Now it can all be done online. There are apps for gig workers (contractors or temporary workers), apps and sites for networking and much more.” Here are Jasmine’s favourites... GET ON THE LADDER Students wanting to start their careers can get help with paid internships through Udrafter.com. “It offers paid, degree-relevant micro-internships”, says Jasmine. “It’s free to access and you earn an average hourly rate of £11, compared to the national living wage of £8.91. Before you sign the contract, though, check out…

SHOP SMART FOR SUITS Don’t overspend on suits. Set a budget, buy a high-street version, and spend the extra cash on getting it tailored to your body shape. Start by finding the best-fitting trousers. I always size up – wide leg and high-waisted trousers suit my shape best, as I have a small middle but curvy hips. TROUSERS £40 BLAZER £65 BOTH RIVER ISLAND PRETTY UP CLUTTER Group home accessories for a styled look. Interior designer Nicki Bamford-Bowes taught me to stack books and place accessories on top, like these little gold bugs. You can also pair up vases in doubles or triples. BEETLES £14 FOR SET OFTWO; VASE £25, BOTH HOME ESSENTIALS BUY BUDGET BASICS Don’t invest in staples. There’s always a chance that it goes in the wrong…

You filmed during the pandemic… We felt very lucky to be able to do that, and it was a mad experience to be working during those times. It brought us closer as a team, both in front of the cameras and behind. We didn’t get to see our friends and family for such a long time, but our escape was work. What can we expect in season three? It just feels like the bar’s been raised yet again – and there’s an extra couple of episodes in there. I’d say we had more fun this time; there are new people and we explore in a bit more depth the characters fans know and love. Where is Erin? She sees herself as a businesswoman and she takes over the Rat &…

28 SEPTEMBER-4 OCTOBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You really do have some lovely energies in your birthday chart, which augurs very well for the year ahead. For one thing, you have the chance to somehow reinvent yourself if you need to. It also looks very positive for you financially and romantically. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN Libra 23 SEP-22 OCT Work out what you want ASAP. Pretty soon the New Moon will be in your sign so the clearer you are on your desires, the better. This week, it looks very promising overall, and especially where home, money, self-worth and fun are concerned. Make the most of it! Visit www.yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV On the one hand, now is a good time for…