Table of contents for Issue 977 in Closer

For many of us, our fifties are synonymous with the menopause and its mental and physical challenges. But as model Caprice proves in our exclusive photo shoot on pages 16-17, age is just a number. She tells us as she celebrates her 50th birthday that she feels more confident than she did in her 20s. And she’s not the only one feeling empowered! After years of yo-yo dieting, TV presenter Coleen Nolan (right) reveals she suffered with numerous aches and pains and feared she’d end up in a mobility scooter, but since losing 2st on a vegan diet she’s never felt so good – and she’s got a hot new romance to smile about, too! Perhaps Coleen could offer some dating tips to This Morning’s Alison Hammond, who reveals on…

Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny believes that Coleen – like many women when they reach their mid-thirties – is learning to prioritise herself. Emma explains, “It’s totally normal for this shift to happen – it’s a mid-life awakening. She’s realised that she’s still a young woman with a lot of her life left to live and, even though she still wants to do that with her family, she has realised she can have her own identity, too. “Coleen’s been in the public eye since she was 15. Women aren’t usually aware of who they really are until they’re 35-40, and that’s when they typically start changing and evolving, which includes widening your social circle and activities, honing your appearance, and experiencing new things in life, such as Coleen’s wild swimming.…

There’s not only been an emotional divide between the royals and Prince Harry and Meghan since the couple quit the Palace last year. The families have also been separated by thousands of miles after the Sussexes set up home in 40-year-old Meghan’s native California. But while America has been Harry and Meghan’s turf over the past 18 months, it seems they could face upset – with an official royal tour in the offing. Royal tours to the States have been a regular fixture over the years. Harry and William’s late mother, Princess Diana, was a huge success when she danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985, and her 1989 visit – during which she hugged children with HIV during a time when there was a huge stigma…

‘AS BITTER AS THIS FEUD HAS BECOME, IT’S ALSO BEEN A GREAT PUBLICITY BOOST’ Little Mix were once one of the most tight-knit girl bands in history, with the four girls becoming best friends after being placed in a group together on The X Factor in 2011. While other pop bands were plagued with reports of infighting, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Jesy Nelson seemed to be the real deal, going on holidays together in their spare time, giggling their way through interviews, and defending each other whenever needed. When Perrie, 28, split from fiancé Zayn Malik in 2016, she broke down crying during a live performance, and her bandmates wasted no time in stopping the performance to rush to her side and hug her. Speaking of their…

She’s had a career spanning 25 years and now Caprice Bourret tells Closer why she believes her fifties will be her best decade yet. The supermodel, who turns 50 on 24 October, proudly shows off her age-defying looks on our exclusive photo shoot, revealing, “When I was younger, I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, 50 is scary, it sounds so old.’ But now I’m here, it’s not so bad! Life is different but in some ways so much better. It’s not daunting to me. I have more confidence than I’ve ever had before and I’m happy – I feel empowered. “Some people ask me, ‘Do you want to go back to your 20s?’ Hell no! Count me out. I partied my a** off and I wouldn’t change anything, but would I…

Megan Barton-Hanson and James Lock finally went public last week when they were spotted kissing while leaving a restaurant in London’s Mayfair. And to confirm the romance, Megan, 27, and Lockie, 34, posted videos of themselves cosying up together in a bar booth on their Instagram Stories. The pair, who are thought to have met while filming Ex On The Beach, were also photographed the following day while holding hands on a shopping trip together in Essex. Lockie had dated his TOWIE co-star Yazmin Oukhellou on and off from 2017 until February this year, but last week Yaz gave his new relationship her blessing, saying, “I’m happy for him”. Meanwhile, the bisexual Love Islander previously dated Lockie’s co-star, Demi Sims, in 2019, which ended bitterly when Megan embarked on a…

‘Spirits are best left in another realm – mine made me ill’ Amanda Teague, 46, met 300-year-old ghost pirate, Jack, while lying in bed one night in March 2015. She told Closer they’d talk for hours and take romantic strolls along the beach. They even “married” at sea in front of Amanda’s family and friends, with Jack saying his vows through a medium. But shortly after, Amanda’s health began to suffer. She had flu-like symptoms and was in and out of hospital. It wasn’t until a medium said Jack could be an evil spirit that Amanda realised he was the source of her ill-health. A Pagan priest did an exorcism and Jack was banished. Amanda’s health returned to normal and doctors were stunned by her speedy recovery. She says “I’ve…

Most weeks, at twilight, Charlotte Clarke will grab her broomstick and long black cloak, and head down to a beach to meet up with her coven of witches. There’s normally around 25 of them, and under the moon, they’ll light a fire, cast spells and sing and dance in a circle. Far from feeling the need to hide away, they will cheerfully invite passers-by to join them. INTRIGUED Mum-of-five Charlotte, 57, who has seven grandchildren and lives on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, says, “We love what we do and we’re all white witches, so we only do good. People are intrigued, though there’s still a stigma to it which I’m determined to break down. We don’t do anything wrong, we like to help people.” Witchcraft is becoming more…

FUTURE CAREER PLANS “I’d love my own Saturday night show. I think I could be a little bit naughtier if it were in the evening. It would be amazing – I’d start the show every week with a dance with a celebrity guest, like Britney or Kylie. My dream guests would be David Jason and Michelle Obama.” MY SPIRITUAL SIDE “I’m called ‘Angel Alison’ – I love my Angel cards and do readings for everyone. I rub the cards on my chest then pull three out and read the cards. I also use mood boards at home to help visualise the things I want to happen. At the moment, on my board I’ve got a swimming pool, my own TV show and my own clothes line.” DIVERSITY ON TV “I…

TEATIME BITES Ideal with a cuppa, these mouthwatering mini chocorange bites contain milk chocolate chips and are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. CO OP CHOCOLATE ORANGE MINI MUFFINS, £1.95 FOR 12 SCARY FREE-FROM SNACKS You’ll either bite into a ghastly ghost, a petrifying pumpkin or a wicked witch inside each of these snack bars which are all dairy, soya and gluten-free. The chocolate is ethically sourced and the whole range contains no single-use plastic, meaning it’s fully recyclable. MOO FREE SPOOKY CHUMS 40P EERIE DIY KIT Get into the spirit by building your own ghostly graveyard. This kit comes with chocolate shortcake biscuits, including four shaped as gravestones and two shaped as bats. Plus there’s white icing and spooky sprinkles! TESCO, DECORATE YOUR OWN HAUNTED GRAVEYARD BISCUIT KIT,…

My criteria for a partner has never changed, although the list of prerequisites has got shorter in recent years. But I’ve never considered adding “shared music taste” until now. Tinder has found that 84 per cent of its users hope to find a match based on similar music tastes – beating the desire for looks (64 per cent), followed by a good sense of humour (48 per cent.) I’ve always believed that you don’t have to have much in common to fall in love, you simply need shared values. But I’m starting to wonder whether music taste – or at least your attitude towards someone else’s – is a good indicator. Last week, I watched former The Voice star, Becky Hill, on her current tour. I love her uplifting dance/pop…

In the first half of 2021, UK crime victims unwittingly transferred £355m to scammers’ accounts. Fraudsters often trick people into thinking they know them to get their hands on money. They often gain people’s trust by revealing personal details – that you may have shared on social media – like where you live, where you went to school, or even what pets you have, which makes you think they’re legitimate, so you trust them. Here’s an example; you tweet that you can’t wait for your ASOS parcel to arrive, and someone could turn up pretending to be a delivery driver. Put up photos from a school reunion, and a scammer could call pretending to be from that school, raising money for new sports facilities. Criminals use what we put on…

CHIC CLOUDS Who would have thought that cloud print could be so chic? This is a dead ringer for a designer version – wear with a peter pan blouse to lean into the kitsch vibe. NEW LOOK £25.99 POWER PASTELS Illustrated, detailed prints are everywhere this autumn. Wear with high-waisted jeans and loafers to tick the trend boxes. BERSHKA £27.99 MONO MAGIC If bright colours aren’t your thing, give a nod to the look with this monochrome pick – the checkerboard squares are classic ’80s. MANGO £35.99 BERRY BEAUTIFUL Buttoned-up cardigans are more flattering on bigger busts than a chunky knit – the line of buttons on this fruity beauty helps to elongate the body. STRADIVARIUS £27.99 COOL CHECKS Once reserved for outdoorsy types, funnel-necked zipped knits are now the…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) DATE NIGHT B) ONE FINE DAY NAME THE STARS 1) JENNIFER LAWRENCE 2) NOEL FIELDING GUESS THE CELEB A) JAY Z B) BRITNEY SPEARS WORD LINK A) EAGLE B) PASS C) COURT D) IRON E) WINE F) GOAT 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…

Appearing on American TV last week to promote her new beauty line, fans were quick to spot Victoria Beckham’s shock new look, and speculated it may be a result of non-surgical tweaks. Many suggested that fashion designer Posh had had filler or Botox, with comments including, “Love Victoria Beckham but what’s been done to her lips is a shame.” Another penned, “Victoria Beckham on GMA [Good Morning America] is freaking me out. She only moves her eyelids and lips when speaking... It’s so unnatural and distracting. The Botox/filler game can work for pics but wow it’s not good for life things.” Posh, 46 – who has previously denied surgery rumours, apart from having a boob job in her mid-20s – has seemingly changed her appearance over the years, albeit subtly.…

American model Caprice, who has lived in London for over 20 years, believes the Cambridges’ tour will be a huge hit Stateside. She explains, “I’ve been slightly concerned with how Meghan and Harry’s PR machine seems to have backfired. It’s only by their own actions that they sometimes come across as hypocritical, like taking private jets after preaching about climate change. I recently asked my mom – who still lives in the States – about how they’re perceived over there and she said nobody really cares about them. Americans are more obsessed with the Hollywood stars. “I suspect Kate and William are far more popular over there than Harry and Meghan. I think Kate’s already won over a lot of people. She’s genuine, she looks great, her style is so…

Jesy opened up about her confidence issues and online abuse on her BAFTA-award winning documentary The Odd One Out in 2019, when she revealed she had been left suicidal over trolling and felt “ugly” in comparison to her bandmates. Closer’s psychological therapist Emma Kenny says, “If you’re going to work closely with friends over an extended period of time, it’s important you’re all consistently open and honest with each other. As soon as one person feels set apart or alone, or thinks differently from the others, there can be a breakdown in friendships. “Jesy had issues with her self-esteem, and these issues may have ended up overshadowing her friendships with the other band members and made it difficult to move forward. They appeared to try to support her, but I…

It’s been 10 months since they separated, but last week Alice Evans launched a new Twitter tirade against her estranged husband Ioan Gruffudd – accusing him of “ghosting” her while publishing email communications between the pair. The actress said “the love of her life and best friend” suddenly “ended their marriage” and then went on to cut all face-to-face and phone communication with her, despite being married for 13 years and having two daughters together, Ella, 12, and Elsie, eight. She wrote, “This is the real Ioan Gruffudd. I’m not bending over for this guy. This man is devoid of any empathy whatsoever! He also wanted me to sign a legal document saying that it was MY FAULT that he couldn’t get any work (Hey – this is Hollywood). I…

Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley has revealed she’s expecting her second child with Tom Pitfield – announcing they would be welcoming a baby girl. The couple, who married in 2016, are also parents to six-year-old son Alfie, and thought they’d struggle to give him a sibling after Catherine, 38, believed she was going through an early menopause before discovering she was expecting. She said she had experienced “terrible insomnia” in the early weeks of her pregnancy and was “so hot at night”. When she was given the good news, she burst into happy tears and wrote on Instagram, “I can’t tell you how utterly blessed we feel right now”.…

MY SISTERS’ STRUGGLES: “We’ve become even closer since Anne and Linda were diagnosed with cancer. It puts everything into perspective. If I’m having a bad day, I think of what they’ve gone through and tell myself to shut up and stop moaning!” SOCIAL MEDIA: “I’m just sh*t at it! I get asked to post things and my answer is always, ‘Wait till I get home so I can ask my kids to do it’. I do like Instagram, but there’s a part of me that wonders if people actually care what I’m having for breakfast.” MENOPAUSE: “When my periods stopped, I went through a phase of feeling old and surplus to requirements, but I talked myself round and now it’s fabulous. I know some women suffer badly, but I was…

Being a dad to my 10-year-old son Jake is the best thing I’ve done. But I wish I hadn’t put off having a family. When I was 38 and my wife Anya was 37, after a year and a half of trying, doctors told me I was infertile and had zero normal sperm. I really wanted kids, so what was I thinking putting it off for so long? In reality, for a lot of people, it isn’t easy to get pregnant and it gets progressively harder with age. We shouldn’t be pressured into starting a family too soon or if we don’t want to, but I think it is important to decide what you want in life when you’re younger. There’s never a perfect time to do things, whether that…

When Natalie Reeves Billing first saw Manor House Farm, nestled in 18 acres of land in the middle of rural Merseyside, she fell in love with it. She imagined years of peace and an idyllic place to bring up children. The house is steeped in history – there was once a priory on the land, part of which used to be an ancient courthouse. The Archaeological Society also believe that the grounds were once the site of a Viking battlefield. With so much rich history, it’s not surprising that, soon after moving in, Natalie started experiencing supernatural events. Children’s author and mental health advocate Natalie, 40, who lives there with her husband Colin, 61, and children Nathaniel, nine, and Ellie Rose, eight, says, “I’ve seen one ghost while I was…

Mum-of-three Ginny Metheral, 49, of Honiton, Devon, has had a spiritual connection since she was a child. She says, “I’m a fourth generation witch. My great grandmother would consult tarot cards, my grandmother was a medium and my mother read palms and had premonitions. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know I was a witch. I did my first spell when I was six, as there was a girl I really wanted to be friends with. It involved rose petals and chanting, and it worked! Since then I’ve perfected my craft through reading books and exchanging spells with other witches. “It’s only recently that I’ve felt sure enough of my skills to come out to everyone. My husband and a few select friends have known for years and…

SCHEDULE ‘ME TIME’ My Pilates class is my me time. When I can, I go early in the morning and, luckily, my mum can have Beau. I go, then get a coffee and come back home to the madness. Having time to reset is key. TRUST YOUR GUT The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a mum is to try to stay as relaxed as possible and to not overthink. I really struggled at the start, I used to worry and stress myself out. But you have to just go with the flow and trust your gut. And communicate – whether it’s with your partner or other mums. Mums should always speak out if they’re struggling, even if they feel embarrassed. We’re all just doing our best, and we need to…

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 or search for @TheBoostUK on Instagram! USE ‘I’ NOT ‘YOU’ IN ARGUMENTS Arguments are actually really normal and healthy in relationships – providing things don’t become toxic and aggressive – and they’re important as it shows your boundaries are being pushed and tested. During a row, don’t use language like, “you always” or, “you never”. The best way to spin it is to shine the spotlight on yourself, saying, “I feel like” or, “It makes me feel”. By doing that you are dampening down any defensive behaviour that can occur from our partners when they feel like they’re being verbally…

INSIDE HAYLEY’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Avocado • Olive oil spread • Honey • Rowntree’s Randoms sweets • Dark chocolate • Lettuce • Tomatoes • Greek yoghurt • Strawberries • Blueberries • Watermelon • Garlic • Margherita pizza • Soy sauce • Ketchup • Salad bowl • Celery • Broccoli • Diet Coke • Orange juice • Soya milk • Bottled water HAYLEY How much do you spend per week? Around £80-£100, depending on my work schedule. I like to plan in advance, but sometimes I can end up in the supermarket midweek stocking up some more. Describe your daily diet... l always start my day with porridge and fruit, before I go to the gym or for a swim, or if I’m in a rush I’ll have cornflakes or…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Have you ever been chatting away to your partner only to realise that they have completely zoned out? It’s a surprisingly common problem in long-term relationships and one that needs to be addressed. Solid, healthy communication is essential in any relationship because it’s the pathway to intimacy. As opposed to getting defensive about their apparent lack of interest, be constructive by suggesting that you both need to work on your listening styles. Agree that when either of you have something important to discuss, such as your feelings or plans, you will ask for your partner’s full attention and vice versa. Get rid of any distractions while these discussions take place by turning off the TV and switching…

FORMER STRICTLY PRO ERIN BOAG, 46, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND DO SOME FORM OF EXERCISE EVERY DAY... even if it’s a 30-minute fast-paced walk. I’ve been known to get up before my family and run in the cold. I wear ear muffs and jumpers and go for it. It takes dedication, but you feel better for it. I have to stay fit, I wear Lycra for my job – that’s enough to scare anyone! DITCH TECHNOLOGY BEFORE BED... I used to wake up in the middle of the night worrying about irrational things. I’d reach for my phone, which made things worse, so now I keep it out of the way. It’s too much of an effort to get out of bed and wander across…

GET HER LOOK OLIVIA PALERMO, 35 Model Olivia is back to doing what she does best – taking fashion week by storm! We love her duster jacket layered over pops of red and a classic white shirt. Her soft updo completes the polished-yet-relaxed look. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! • Always be cautious to keep fancy dress outfits away from flames. IN THE NEWS... KIDS’ SPOOKY OUTFITS 31st of October is nearly here – and so is the task of kitting out kids in fancy dress for parties or trick or treating. Hit spook town without the scary panic buys this month as we’ve done the hard work for you with our pick of sustainable finds and bargain buys. MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS FASHION WORTH TALKING ABOUT! Alexa Chung, 37…

ALICIA KEYS’ CRUELTY-FREE ESSENTIALS KEYS SOULCARE After going make-up-free on her Here album cover in 2016, Alicia Keys now champions skincare over make-up. She teamed up with dermatologist Dr. Renee Snyder to create a clean, vegan and cruelty-free lifestyle brand. Expect everything from super serums to facial rollers and Zen-inducing candles. Each product has a skincare and “soulcare” benefit, so it’s all about taking care of your mind and spirit by looking after your body. PRICES START FROM £10 AT KEYSSOULCARE.COM JENNIFER LOPEZ’S SKIN SAVIOURS JLO BEAUTY If the secret to J-Lo’s eternal glow can be bottled, then we want in! The star created her cruelty-free skincare brand at the start of the year and with clinically-proven results, the price points are hardly surprising – but worth it. With “beauty…

Good to be back? DAVID, 50: I was delighted we were making another series because I always felt there were more stories to tell. Unlike a lot of sitcoms, it has a really good plot. You constantly want to find out what happens next. SOPHIE, 59: The people of Weston-super-Mare are so welcoming. They were really pleased to have us back, which was lovely. What’s Derek up to? DAVID: If anything, he’s got even crazier. But he’s just as pompous and self-regarding and delusional as before. You do wonder what Derek and Jeannie might get up to when no one’s looking… They are quite bizarre characters, but they’re great fun to play. They’re co-dependent – like me and Simon Cowell. We don’t like being together, but also can’t be apart…

19-25 OCTOBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The year ahead looks pretty intense. Your best bet is to decide now to work through any issues that you know are causing you problems. Look at any fears you don’t like to talk about. Moving through those will make the next 12 months far more worthwhile. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 23 OCT-21 NOV Hallelujah! This week, the Sun finally moves back into your sign at long last so, if you’ve been feeling a bit exhausted by life, that should ease up now. Now is the time to work on your image. Are you happy with the way you’re coming across in the world? Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC Let’s hope you’ve had a good…

‘SHE’S HAD AN EPIPHANY AND IT’S SPURRED HER ON TO START LIVING FOR HERSELF AGAIN’ She’s mainly stayed tightlipped about her husband’s numerous infidelities over the years, but last week Coleen Rooney broke her silence and condemned Wayne’s past cheating, insisting it was “not acceptable”. In the trailer for Rooney – an Amazon Prime documentary about the footballer, to be released next year – Coleen addressed the reports of Wayne’s romp with three prostitutes back in 2002, saying, “I knew groups Wayne was hanging around with [and] together with alcohol... not good. I forgive him – but it wasn’t acceptable.” RAUCOUS Coleen, 35, was just 17 when the incidents happened and, over the next two decades, she carved out a wholesome image as a doting wife and stay-at-home mum to…

They have both gone through high-profile marital splits – and now Adele and Kim Kardashian are said to be confiding in each other and sharing tips on how to move on and find happiness after each experiencing heartache. Last week, as she announced her fourth album, 30 – written about her 2019 divorce from Simon Konecki – Adele said she had “finally found my feeling again” after coming to terms with their separation, which had left her in “a maze of absolute mess and inner turmoil”. In her highly anticipated new single, Easy On Me, she sings about changing who she was to put him first. Earlier this month, Adele opened up about the devastating impact of the divorce on their nine-year-old son, Angelo. Discussing the guilt that resulted from…

TAKE THAT Robbie Williams left Take That in 1995 amid rumours of a feud with bandmate Gary Barlow and their manager. The next year, the band and Robbie both had number one singles. SPICE GIRLS Geri Halliwell’s departure from the Spice Girls in 1998 – days before their US tour – made headlines. Rumours swirled about rows – and both the Spice Girls and Geri had hits. ONE DIRECTION In 2015, Zayn Malik announced he was leaving One Direction. There were Twitter wars and fall-outs when Zayn released single Pillowtalk. 1D’s next song also was number one.…

He looked in his element last week, frolicking in the sea in Marbella and proudly showing off his incredible 7st weight loss. But behind James “Arg” Argent’s smile lies a secret unhappiness, as friends say he’s desperate to find true love. A source says, “Arg has spent the last few months in Marbella, where he’s been on quite a few dates. He’s met some lovely ladies, but they haven’t quite captured his heart. He is desperate to find someone he can picture himself sharing his life with. He’s getting to an age now where he wants to settle down and not waste time on a romance that hasn’t got longevity.” The former TOWIE star, 33, showed off his new slimline figure as he took a dip in the Spanish water.…

She ended her relationship with ex-fiancé Jamie Horn in July but, last week, Sheridan Smith fuelled rumours she was engaged again after posing for a picture with her new man, actor Alex Lawler, wearing a diamond ring on her engagement finger. Captioning the Instagram picture, the BAFTA-winning actress wrote, “Life begins at 40...” followed by a heart emoji, leaving fans asking if she was engaged. Sheridan, who turned 40 in June, went public with her new romance last month, when she revealed to fans that she and Alex had dated 20 years ago, and he had recently come back into her life. Sheridan and insurance broker Jamie split after three years together, and say they are “both committed” to raising their one-year-old son, Billy, together. The pair’s rocky romance was…

We’re well into the latest series of Strictly now, and EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and pro dancer partner Giovanni Pernice are hot favourites to take home the glitterball. They have captured the nation’s hearts, with fans on social media calling their foxtrot in Movie Week “one of the most beautiful performances ever”. The pair have also been praised for their “amazing chemistry” – but while Rose, 26, dazzles on the dance floor, she tells Closer she finds sexy moves a challenge. The actress says, “I’m not a very sexy person at all. If I have to be sexy, I tend to give myself a character and the character a name to not be me – it was ‘dirty Lola’ for the salsa, as normal Rose is about as sexy as…

CHILLING PAST In 2004, Vanessa Mitchell moved into The Cage in St Osyth, Essex, a medieval property renowned for its imprisonment of witches in the 1500s. The now-47-year-old was unaware of the property’s chilling past when she moved in, but the demons that lived inside soon appeared. By the end of her four years there, Vanessa was living in just one room of the house, as she was so terrified by the spooky happenings – which included blood splatters appearing and being pushed over by a ghost when she was pregnant. She left in 2008, but it took 12 years before she found a buyer – who doesn’t believe in ghosts! VIOLENT POLTERGEISTS 30 East Drive in Yorkshire is infamous for being home to Europe’s most violent poltergeists. In August…

She’s been a firm favourite on TV thanks to her no-filter A-list interviews and on-screen gaffes ever since she left the Big Brother house nearly 20 years ago, so it was little surprise when Alison Hammond landed a coveted presenting job on This Morning earlier this year alongside X Factor veteran Dermot O’Leary. CONFIDENCE While she makes no secret of the fact it took her and Dermot – who used to present Big Brother’s Bit On The Side – a while to click on-screen, she reveals the pair are like siblings now. “The last time I’d seen Dermot was when I came out of the Big Brother house in 2002! I was really in awe of him,” laughs Alison. “But you can’t expect to put two people together and have…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK A new law means that under-18s will no longer be able to get Botox and dermal lip-fillers for cosmetic reasons in England. I’m usually not a fan of banning anything because it can drive things underground and make them even more dangerous, however despite our best efforts, lots of people who aren’t necessarily qualified have been offering these procedures to vulnerable young people. Last year, around 41,000 Botoxstyle procedures were carried out on under-18s in England, and there were up to 29,300 dermal filler procedures. I was very surprised to learn that – and it’s why there needs to be regulation. KNOW THE RULES Importantly, as part of this new law, treatments can still be approved by…

Shortly before the first lockdown my father died in very sudden and tragic circumstances. It has been devastating for me and my children and made me reaIise people don’t talk enough about coping with death. KEEP ON TALKING Many people think that once the funeral is over, things will return to normal, but this is so far from the truth. Grief is lonely, scary, and exhausting. It is essential to keep communicating with kids about their feelings – if I hadn’t kept checking in with my youngest, I wouldn’t have picked up on his depression and PTSD, for which he needed professional support. If your kids don’t want to open up, fearing burdening you with their pain, buy them a journal so they can write down their feelings. Journalling is…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER We’ve all read worrying news reports about energy prices soaring, but the old advice about switching to find a better deal seems to have changed. “With gas prices at an all-time high, it’s all about focusing on reducing consumption rather than shopping around for a slightly cheaper energy supplier,” says Mark Sait, CEO of SaveMoneyCutCarbon – a company that helps homes and businesses reduce their energy and water bills, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. “Reducing the energy you use every day will often deliver much larger savings, and you will keep saving year-on-year regardless of what happens to prices. Plus, it’s good for the planet, too.” With that in mind, we’ve asked the experts to share 14 ways to use…

RETRO SCARVES Ladylike scarves are making a serious comeback and are an easy way to jazz up an otherwise simple ensemble. Bold prints and vibrant colours will help bring this trend to life. COOL BAGS This season’s arm candy comes in all sorts of styles – from quilted totes and nostalgic baguette bags to fluffy pouches. Size isn’t important – but print, colour and texture are all up for grabs. STATEMENT JEWELS Stock up like a magpie this season with anything that glitters. Think layered necklaces, statement earrings and chunky rings – and remember, there’s no such thing as too much. VERSATILE FLATS No matter what plans you have this autumn, these stylish shoes will keep you comfortable and on-trend. Suitable for work, play, and anything in-between.…

RUTH’S DEEP BERRY LIPS GET THE LOOK: • First, dab lips with moisturiser and allow to dry. Create an outline slightly over your natural lip shape with a lip pencil to match your lipstick, making sure to exaggerate the Cupid’s bow for a dramatic shape. • Next, grab your deep berry lippie, Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint is perfect. It’s super pigmented and has a punchy colour, so you’ll only need a thin layer to fill in your lips. • To complete, add a swipe of Kiko’s clear Lip Volume to plump, hydrate and add a vampy, glossy sheen. OLIVIA’S CHIC CAT EYE GET THE LOOK: • Concealer applied on lids can act as primer. • Use a golden-toned eyeshadow first then build up darker rusty shades on outer eyelids…

MUST READ In Every Mirror She’s Black (LOLA AKINMADE AKERSTROM) Kemi is ready to change her life. Brittany-Rae is determined not to struggle like her parents did. But she knows that to have one kind of freedom, she must sacrifice another. Muna’s been granted asylum, but she can’t shake the feeling that she will never belong. In search of escape, these three women find themselves in Stockholm – but instead of a fresh new start, they find the same problems just wear a different name. BEST DAY OUT Hogwarts In The Snow – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London It’s that special time of year when Warner Bros. Studio Tour London transforms many of the iconic sets from the Harry Potter franchise into all things festive. As well as the Great…