Table of contents for 29 August 2017 in Closer

It’s often said that we’re a nation of animal lovers, but when it comes to doggy devotion, Angela Garvin leads the pack. The mum-of-one controversially confesses that she loves her French Bulldog “Frenchie” more than her husband and teenage son. Whether you empathise with her, or think she’s barking mad, we reckon you’ll find her story on page 32 fascinating. Meanwhile, at this time of year everyone’s gearing up to get the children back to school – and we’re here to help. Our eight-page special is packed with expert advice, ideas for power-packed lunches and breakfasts, plus busy mum Danielle Lloyd shares her tips for smooth early starts and drop offs. With our help, the new term should be as simple as ABC!…

She was the subject of a wave of criticism last week amid accusations of Photoshopping after posing in a racy showgirl outfit on the front cover of a magazine, but looking significantly curvier on stage in the same week. Critics took to Twitter to blast Mariah Carey, saying the singer was “deceiving fans” and should “decide whether to shape-up or embrace your body.” Now sources close to Mariah, 47, say she’s going to great lengths in her desperation to appear younger and thinner, and has bizarrely splashed out £1m on special lighting and flattering mirrors in her home. A source says: “Mariah’s not ready to accept that her curves are quite so full and refused to be seen on the cover of a magazine unless they recreated a more slender…

She’s rarely ever been single, having had three failed marriages in close succession. And now pals say that Kerry Katona is making the most of her newfound freedom following her recent split from third husband George Kay – and is secretly dating someone new. A pal says: “Kerry has a new man – he’s a Scottish businessman she met at an Atomic Kitten gig. She’s been visiting him in Scotland recently with her eldest daughter Molly, 15, which is great because they can keep their relationship more private up there. She’s playing her cards close to her chest with this guy.” Kerry, 36 – who’s also mum to Lilly-Sue, 14, Heidi, 10, Max, nine, from her previous marriages and Dylan-Jorge, three, with George – announced the end of her third…

Her romance with 21-year-old Connor Yemm may have raised eyebrows due to their 18-year age gap, but Lauren Harries looked loved-up as the pair enjoyed a holiday in Benidorm last week. The couple – who met recently on Twitter – frolicked in the pool as Lauren, 39, showcased her curves in a bright-coloured bikini. Lauren – who shot to fame as a young boy, James, on Antiques Roadshow, going on to have gender reassignment surgery to become a woman in 2001 – and Connor opened up about their blossoming new romance on Loose Women earlier this month. The Celebrity Big Brother star insisted she’d been the one to instigate a conversation with Connor, saying: “We met on Twitter, and the first thing I asked him was whether he liked women.…

It was claimed Mark Wright snubbed V Festival earlier this month to avoid another showdown with Danny Dyer – following the reported fight that erupted between Mark’s friends and the actor at last year’s event, which left Danny with a black eye. And as reports swirl that Mark’s wife and former Corrie star Michelle Keegan, 30, is in talks for a role in EastEnders to star alongside Danny, who recently renewed his contract for his role as pub landlord Mick Carter, pals say former TOWIE star Mark is feeling upset. A source says: “Michelle loves doing big TV dramas, but she misses the familiarity of being on a soap and having something more sustainable. She loves getting her teeth into a role, which can develop over time. The EastEnders set…

‘There was no choice but to have surgery’ Her confidence has soared since shedding a staggering 12st by overhauling her diet and fitness regime and dropping from a size 28 to a 12. And now Lisa Riley has an even bigger reason to smile, as she’s completed the final stage in her radical makeover by removing over a stone of saggy skin after surgery. The star – who found fame as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale – has had two operations in the space of four months to remove skin from her groin, legs, stomach and back, and she’s delighted with the results. Lisa, 41, tells Closer: “I’m truly elated with my body. I can’t believe the transformation – I’m constantly stroking myself. Now the saggy skin has gone, I’m completely…

When Amal and George Clooney tied the knot in September 2014, they looked like a perfectly matched couple. But now, following the birth of their twins Ella and Alexander in June, their 17-year age gap has become more apparent – while Amal, 39, is blooming, George looks every one of his 56 years. Hopefully they won’t fall foul of a recent study that found couples in age-gap relationships are less likely to stand the test of time than those who are a similar age. The research showed that, after six to 10 years, those with big gaps were more likely to be dissatisfied with their partner. Dr Terra McKinnish – a professor of economics at University of Colorado in Boulder and a co-author of the new study – said: “People…

She was spotted for the first time since giving birth last week, soaking up the LA sunshine with her newborn baby daughter Romy Wren and lawyer boyfriend Nate Greenwald. Days earlier, Danielle Bux – who gave birth on 8 August – shared a photo of her 14-year-old daughter Ella holding Romy’s tiny hands, with the caption: “Sisters. Our baby girl has arrived Romy Wren Greenwald. A whopper, as expected. 8.5lbs.” One person eager to offer their well wishes was ex-husband Gary Lineker, 56, who commented on the post: “Congratulations to you both. Chuffed for you.” And pals say while the couple separated in January 2016 after seven years of marriage, Danielle, 38, insists she’s fortunate to still have Gary in her life. A source reveals: “Dan’s thankful to have such…

“I WAKE UP AT 7AM AND GET CHARLIE, 10, AND ASTON, EIGHT, READY FOR SCHOOL. I’ll start getting their breakfast ready while sipping on a coffee. I’m never hungry in the morning but I do have about 10 coffees to get me going! My PA will then take the girls to school. My other daughters, Darby, 21, and Taylor, 19, will be up and about doing their own thing, so it’ll just be me and Ashley left in the house at 9am, when we’ll have a 30-minute business meeting to discuss how we’re doing. THEN I’LL HEAD TO THE OFFICE – WHICH IS ATTACHED TO MY HOUSE. I run a property business with Ashley and have my own beauty clinic, Skulpt. For lunch, Ashley and I will make something healthy, like…

• JODIE MARSH Earlier this year, Jodie, 38, admitted that she would rather have pets than children. She explained: “My dogs and cats are like babies who will never grow up but who don’t need their a*** wiped and who don’t drain me mentally and financially.” • SIMON COWELL Simon, 57, has made no secret of his love for dogs. In 2015 he announced that he wanted to clone his beloved Yorkshire Terriers, Squiddly and Diddly. Simon adopted the dogs in 2013 and said he couldn’t imagine life without them. • SHARON OSBOURNE Sharon, 64, loves her two pet pooches so much that she forks out £230,000 a year so they can fly first class with her. Once in the air, her dogs enjoy fully reclining seats, special dog treats…

Serena Williams faced a huge backlash recently when she said that having a baby will make her a “real woman.” The 35-year-old tennis champion, who is eight months pregnant, angered fans with the comments she made during an interview with an Australian newspaper. She said: “I have so much respect for so many women [for giving birth]. I am about to be a real woman now, you know? It’s going to be something incredibly impressive to go through.” Here we speak to Karen Williams, who was unable to become a mum, and writer Jocelyn Cook, who says that having a baby left her feeling her most womanly. YES: ‘Even after failed IVF, I never felt any less female’ KAREN WILLIAMS, 43, A FAMILY LIAISON OFFICER FROM CHESTER, HAS BEEN MARRIED…

1 FRESH SANDWICHES “Good carbs provide steady energy. Use wholegrain, seeded bread or mini rolls and pack a protein punch with tuna, turkey, egg or houmous, with salad.” 2 A BANANA “Most children like bananas and they’re easy to eat and pack into a lunch box. Bananas contain fibre and are good for sustained energy.” 3 CHEESE CHUNKS WITH GRAPES “Put chunks of cheese like Edam or Cheddar in a pot with red grapes (cut in half for younger kids). Cheese contains protein and calcium for healthy bones.” 4 VEG STICKS WITH HOUMOUS “Kids like colourful crunchy veg, so go for chopped carrots, peppers or celery. Houmous is a nutritious, protein-packed snack.” 5 YOGHURT “It’s a rich source of calcium and protein, but make sure you get natural varieties, which…

EYE BRIGHTENERS To swiftly combat signs of tiredness, apply three products together. Mix a little eye cream, highlighter and concealer, then pat under eyes with fingertips. SMOOTH MOVER Look for moisturising shower gels that soften skin while you wash, or clever lotions that can be slathered on to wet skin with an express absorption time. MULTI-USE BASE CC cream is the answer to a speedy make-up routine as it hydrates, gives you light coverage and corrects skin tone. Blend a cherry-sized blob from the centre of your face outwards. WAVE WONDERS For a beachy, lived-in wave, wash hair the night before. Add mousse, then twist sections and pin into a bun. Undo first thing to reveal soft curls. INSTANT SHIMMER Need a quick fix for chipped nails? Apply glitter varnish…

GO VEGGIE YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT... BAKED PENNE WITH CAULIFLOWER CHEESE SERVES 4 • 250g mezze penne tricolore • 1 small cauliflower, broken into small florets • 50g butter, plus extra for greasing • 50g plain flour • 600ml milk, warmed • 250g extra mature Cheddar, grated • 1tsp English mustard • 50g hazelnuts, roughly chopped • 1 handful of parsley, chopped STEP 1 Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 8–10 mins, then add the cauliflower for the last 5 mins. Drain and set aside. STEP 2 Preheat oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 and grease an ovenproof dish with butter. STEP 3 Melt the butter in a pan then mix in the flour. Stir over a low heat for a few mins,…

FAMILY MATTERS DON’T WRAP YOUR KIDS IN COTTON WOOL Children need to be exposed to stress so they can develop strengths as adults. Emma explains how to do it right Recently, my 12-year-old son showed me a video of him doing parkour: jumping over obstacles and throwing himself from eye-watering heights. I congratulated him, then asked him never to show me such a video again! I’ve always allowed both my boys to take risks, some of which have worked out, others that have resulted in the odd battle scar. But if you want your children to succeed as adults, they need to see the world as their adventure playground, because every experience has value – even the painful ones. Parents instinctively protect their kids, but we need to allow them…

MUST READ The Threat Level Remains Severe (ROWENA MACDONALD) House of Commons secretary Grace’s life becomes that bit more exciting when a smooth-talking yet opinionated Australian named Brett is recruited and begins to shake things up. Then Grace receives an email from a secret admirer and her stuffy day job brightens that bit more… This intriguing story, with an unexpected twist, offers a fascinating look at the working and personal lives of three very different characters who find their fates entwined. An incredibly well-written debut novel. BEST DAY OUT Pup Aid Taking place on 2 September, Europe’s biggest anti puppy farming event is back in picturesque Primrose Hill, London. With vegan food, boutique shopping for your pampered pooch and fantastic doggy displays, Pup Aid is a fun day out for…

She looked happy and content as she hit V Festival in Essex with friends last weekend, dressed in a black bodysuit and hot pants. But shortly afterwards, Lauren Goodger fell victim to cruel body shaming once again, with online trolls taunting her over her size 12 curves. One cruel critic said: “Tree trunk alert! I can’t unsee it! Ugh, horrible!” while another added: “She’s a beast!” Lauren took to Twitter to vent her hurt and frustration against the nasty backlash – posting an old picture of herself when she was a size 8 and controversially writing: “I would love to be underweight how I was then maybe they give me a break but they didn’t even was I was like this… what do I do guys [sic].” A source says:…

Her scandal-hit marriage to Kieran Hayler suffered yet more scrutiny last week when reports claimed Jordan is being increasingly open about her plans to officially end the relationship. And she did little to silence the speculation last week. After returning from a family holiday to Cyprus with Kieran, 30 – who infamously cheated with her two best pals in 2014 – she posted a video on social media of her flashing her bottom before revealing: “I’ve got no wedding rings on.” CRYPTIC TWEETS Then, on Loose Women , Jordan – aka Katie Price – declared: “Once a cheat, always a cheat.” The blunt statement came just weeks after she Tweeted a series of posts about cheating. Just days earlier, Scotty T, who was linked to Jordan, 39, in October– although…

Following an on-off romance with her former Geordie Shore co-star Gary Beadle, Charlotte Crosby tearfully confessed last year that she’d suffered an ectopic pregnancy – when a fertilised egg implants outside of the womb – after falling pregnant with his child. She candidly admitted she feared for her fertility after doctors had to remove one of her ovaries. And following shock news last week that Gary, 29, is now expecting a baby with his girlfriend Emma McVey, the reality star couldn’t hide her heartache during a TV interview. Asked how she was dealing with the news, Charlotte’s voice broke as she admitted: “I just can’t even describe how grateful I am for all the support.” At the time of her surgery in April 2016, Gaz was filming for MTV’s Ex…

SIMON COWELL ‘Eric knows more than me’ He’s been dubbed Mr Nasty due to his harsh and brutally honest judging technique. And clearly Simon Cowell pulls no punches when he’s at home, admitting he’s just as honest with his three-year-old son Eric. He says: “Eric makes me laugh because he’s a terrible dancer. I tell him he’s the worst dancer and he goes: ‘I know!’ and just carries on.” But the 57-year-old music mogul insists his young son – whose mum is long-term partner Lauren Silverman – is very knowledgeable about music. He says: “He seems to know more about music than I do! I think he’ll end up doing what I do. When we get new records from our artists, I watch him when we play it. If he’s…

LISA KICK-STARTED HER WEIGHT-LOSS AT SLIMMERIA RETREAT IN SUSSEX AND STILL FOLLOWS THEIR RULES. SHE SAYS: • I don’t eat anything after 6.30pm because it’s easier on my digestive system. • Instead of eating from a plate, I eat from a bowl because it tricks my brain into thinking I have a bigger portion. • I avoid fizzy or sugary drinks, and I’ve completely given up booze and now only drink water, tea and coffee. • I work out five times a week, but if I can’t get to a class, a typical workout at home would be 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, and 100 knees-to-chest moves. • I don’t keep any junk food in my cupboards at all – by day three of my period I crave Maltesers, but I…

Gillian Harvey, 39, from Hertfordshire, fell for her husband Ray when they both taught at the same school. She was 23 and he was 51. She says: “Sixteen years ago, if anyone had told me that one day I’d marry a man 28 years my senior, I’d have laughed. After all, why would anyone date someone the same age as their dad? But now I couldn’t be happier. “I’d only had a handful of boyfriends before I met Ray – all of them the same age as me. Then, in 2001, when I was 23, I began teaching at the same school as Ray. I didn’t fancy him, but then eight months later, at an end-of-term bash, we posed for a group photo and when he put his arm around…

She may have endured a stormy romance with Jude Law over the years, but Sienna Miller proved there was no longer bad blood with the actor’s ex-wife Sadie Frost as the pair were spotted out together in London last week. Sadie and her son Rafferty, 20 – from her relationship with Jude – went to support Sienna in her performance of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and the trio headed home together in the same car. But things haven’t always been so rosy for Sienna, 35, and Sadie, 52. Sadie was said to be furious when Jude, 44, embarked on a romance with Sienna after their marriage split in 2003. When Sienna and Jude’s romance came to an end in 2006 – amid revelations he’d been unfaithful – Sadie…

Last week I read a statistic that revealed more than half of millennials wish they had more sex and that their sex life dramatically decreased once they got married. This is madness! I don’t know why you wouldn’t have lots of sex when you’re in your twenties and thirties. It’s easy to get busy and forget about it – but it’s important for your health and wellbeing. And in a marriage, it’s an integral part of your relationship. I fancy Ashley more than I ever have. I always make sure I look nice for him and we always make time for each other.…

BLOUSE JACKET SUIT TROUSERS EARRINGS LOAFERS DRESS SPENCER COAT ENCER EARRINGS BAG SHOES SPENCER 2017 is officially the year of the fancy sleeve! Look for puffed-up shapes, frills and ruffles to make sure your staples feel anything but basic. BLOUSE ZARA £25.99 JACKET AS BEFORE EARRINGS NEW LOOK £5.99 A slouchy tee can still be boss-lady appropriate when styled with a pencil skirt and heels. George at ASDA has a great selection of basics, from just £5. T-SHIRT ASDA £5 SKIRT HANDBAG HEELS EARRINGS Androgynous pieces buddied-up in one ensemble will instantly have you feeling ready for business. Step away from failsafe black, and freshen your look with a chambray shirt and metallic brogues. SHIRT BOOHOO £20 BLAZER TOPSHOP £59 TROUSERS TOPSHOP £56 EARRINGS AS BEFORE BROGUES BOOHOO £20 Don’t…

ON TREND ANIMAL PRINT Stash away your leopard spots and zebra stripes – this season is all about animal motifs. Inspired by Dolce & Gabana’s tongue-in-cheek A/W17 catwalk collection, these high-street pieces are ideal for unleashing your wild side! And with celebrities sporting the quirky designs, you can rest assured they have the A-list stamp of approval. Check out our top picks… IN THE NEWS... FEARNE COTTON’S MINI CLUB In its first-ever celebrity collaboration, Boots Mini Club has teamed up with fashion-loving mum Fearne Cotton to launch a cool and comfy new line for children aged nine months to six years.…

MAY 2013 Stepping into the spotlight, Louise looked oh-so elegant for her red-carpet debut. SEPTEMBER 2014 Showcasing a love for the high street, this Coast skirt and crop-top showed off her fab figure. MARCH 2015 The star looked extra demure in this gorgeous gingham oat, teamed with er trusty Zara heels. SEPTEMBER 2015 Pulling off monotone dressing, Louise looked chic and understated in this camel ensemble . NOVEMBER 2016 Ditching a classic LBD for a pastel shade, this summery hue really enhanced her holiday glow. FEBRUARY 2017 Louise opted for old-school glamour with a faux-fur stole and silk dress at the Fifty Shades premiere. JULY 2017 Nailing the cold-shoulder trend, Louise added glitz with sparkly heels nd earrings.…

She found fame on The X Factor and now plays Lisa Loveday in Hollyoaks – but Rachel Adedeji is about to take on a very different role, this time as a mum! The pregnant star is over the moon with her baby news and, when we meet up for her Closer photoshoot, Rachel can’t contain her excitement. “We are overjoyed,” she smiles as she pats her 23-week bump. “I’m due on the 27 December so we’ll have a Christmas baby.” Rachel, 25, who has been married to talent agent Jason Finegan for two years, says she’s been lucky and has enjoyed a relatively easy pregnancy so far. “I’ve felt more tired but, apart from that, I’ve been fine,” she says. “We often do 12-hour days filming so I try to…

ROXANNE How much do you spend per week? Around £100, because I always have friends over and my mum comes to stay quite often . I love going to the supermarket between 11pm and 1 am, there are no queues and you don’t bump into anyone. Describe your daily diet… I start the day with an Americano followed by a banana and muesli smoothie or poached eggs on toast. Lunch is usually avocado on brown toast with balsamic vinegar. I’m big on spicy food, so dinner is either a pad Thai or a Thai green curry. If I fancy a snack, I’ll bake a sweet potato. Is there anything you refuse to eat? I haven’t eaten fish since I was three years old. My mum said after I watched Little…

BUY IN BULK AND SAVE A FORTUNE! Certain products cost much less when you shop big. So here’s what to store away in the cupboard under the stairs… Have you heard about “shrinkflation”? Manufacturers of everything from sweets to soap have downsized over 2,500 items in the past five years – but kept prices the same – meaning we’re not getting as much bang for our buck. According to money expert Jasmine Birtles of MoneyMagpie.com, bulk-buying is a solution to this swizz. “Shampoo, coffee – even train tickets – can be bought cheaper when you buy a lot in one go,” she explains. Here’s how… FOOD & DRINK “It’s best to stock up on food that won’t go off, like tins, pasta, rice and flour,” says Jasmine. “But if you…

Where did the idea for The Davina Hour come from? It’s my baby! I’ve always really enjoyed being on shows like Loose Women and This Morning, where you can really get into a subject, but I always want to talk more! Loose Women will go: “That’s the end of the show!” and I think, “I’m not ready!” I need to go forensic… What can viewers expect? It’s a free-form conversation between a group of individuals who have something to say about each subject. We cover things like happiness, perfectionism and parenthood – and we bring in experts as I love someone who really knows what they’re talking about. There are also people talking about their own experiences. What episodes really stood out for you? “Parenting” is…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You have a great-looking year ahead. You should find any efforts you make, especially to do with cash, self-worth, home or family, will be worth it. Also note you have Mercury retrograde on your birthday chart this year, so there is extra room for uncertainty. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN VIRGO 24 AUG – 23 SEP What other people think doesn’t really matter. The question is, how do you feel about your progress? Mercury reversing in your sign makes it a great time to take stock of your life and change plans. For your spoken forecast about your current astro-cycle, call 0906 7511 677* LIBRA 24 SEP – 23 OCT You have Mr Popularity planet Jupiter in your sign, so you’re easy and fun…

She’s one of the biggest reality TV stars, but Lauren Goodger admits that it was tough to adjust to the constant trolling when she first found fame on TOWIE in 2010. Speaking on the documentary Celeb Trolls , Lauren admits: “I was just a normal girl living a normal life and then I got picked to go on this show. It went to everybody talking about you and judging you like a product.” Lauren admits the abusive messages started straight away, saying: “At the beginning it was strange. They’d just say ‘you’re an attention seeking c*** .’” She added: “You’d never walk up to someone on the street and say that stuff.” Lauren admits the trolling got so bad, she suffered from anxiety: “It was the pressure and worrying about…

‘ SHE’S REALLY DAMAGED HER BRAND WITH HER OUTBURSTS AND BOOZY ANTICS’ During her three-week stint in the CBB house, Sarah Harding was branded “unstable” by her housemates and dominated the headlines with everything from boozy sessions and tearful breakdowns to saucy scenes with on/off boyfriend Chad Johnson. The former Girls Aloud star, 35, had entered the house vowing to show people the “real Sarah” after gaining notoriety for her party lifestyle in her 20s. She’d previously opened up to Closer , saying: “People want to label me as a wild child who’s gone off the rails, but it couldn’t be further from the truth – I’m not like that any more.” She then spoke candidly in the house about her dreams to find Mr Right and start a family.…

She was pictured last week with new toyboy Alan Thomason as he cradled her rounded stomach amid reports that she’s pregnant. And Danniella Westbrook did little to silence the rumours as the pair were later spotted shopping for baby clothes. It comes just days after the actress appeared to laugh off claims she was expecting again at 43, saying during an appearance on Good Morning Britain: “Not since I last checked” and adding she was “just fat at the moment.” But while Danniella is yet to publicly confirm the news on her social media, friends of the star insist she is pregnant after a whirlwind romance. Danniella – who is already mum to son Kai, 21, and Jodie, 15, from previous relationships – met Alan earlier this summer in Spain.…

‘SHE’S COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF BEING LIAM’S MANAGER’ After six months in hibernation, Cheryl has slowly been making her return to the limelight – first sharing a picture on a photo shoot for L’Oréal and, three weeks ago, she was snapped for the first time in public. Last week there were mixed reports about whether her imminent move to America with her boyfriend Liam Payne and their five-month-old son Bear would be permanent. Now pals tell Closer that the family will move to LA temporarily but add that Cheryl, 34 – who Closer previously reported was torn over how she’d juggle her career and childcare – has found a way to still get time with Liam and Bear while focusing on her work, too. A source says: “Cheryl’s…

IF YOU THINK A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER COULD BE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, HERE’S WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR: • Losing contact with friends and family. • Change in behaviour – becoming withdrawn, nervous and looking exhausted. • Not carrying out their usual routine, like missing work or events they’ve been looking forward to. • Bruises/injuries – making constant excuses for signs of physical abuse, including trying to cover them up. • If you witness them being put down or told they are worthless. • Being worried about spending money or having their finances controlled. • If their partner is extremely jealous towards other women. • If they’re given unreasonable demands and threats. • If they’re anxious about making their own decisions.…

It’s a hot sunny day and Closer is in leafy Didsbury, Manchester, to meet the stars of Cold Feet – one of the biggest TV comebacks of recent times. Pinching ourselves, we’re sat waiting in the kitchen of Karen Marsden’s swanky townhouse when the boys (James Nesbitt, John Thomson and Robert Bathurst) come filing in… In the flesh, James, 52, who plays Adam Williams, is in great shape (“Men get better as they get older,” he comments when we ask if he’s been hitting the gym). Robert Bathurst, 60, who plays David Marsden, is cool in a linen shirt, which complements his piercing blue eyes, while John Thomson, 48, who stars as Pete Gifford, is the friendliest of the trio – flashing smiles as our interview gets underway. The revival…

Maria-Louise Warne, 60, who lives in France, was married to husband Carol for 26 years, until they split in 2008. He was 22 years older. She says: “I was a 25-year-old shop assistant when I fell for my boss, Carol, 47. While I didn’t care about the age gap, everyone else was horrified. My mum warned me I’d end up supporting him in his old age, but I was so convinced he was The One that I ditched any friends who disagreed. “We moved in together after five years, but it wasn’t the ‘happily ever after’ I’d imagined. His friends were all in their fifties and I had nothing in common with them. We never had sex and he refused to discuss having kids. He said his daughters from a…

❛ANIMALS LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY – PEOPLE ARE MORE COMPLICATED❜ When Angela Garvin gets in from her job as a legal secretary, there’s one face she’s longing to see – and it’s not her 13-year-old son Daniel’s, or even that of her solicitor husband Peter, 45. It’s her French Bulldog, Frenchie. Angela, who lives in Romford, Essex, says: “I always feel excited coming home because I get to see Frenchie. As soon as he hears my keys in the lock, he runs to the door and bangs against it trying to get to me. He’s unfailingly happy to see me. I’ll pick him up and we’ll have a lovely cuddle – he’ll snuggle into me and give me a lick and I’ll feel so happy. “My son and husband may grunt…

LEE RYAN has turned his hand to acting and made his debut in EastEnders as barman Woody Woodward in April. There were rumours the character was facing the axe, but this week it was confirmed Lee would be back on the Square. Phew! ANTONY COSTA has also carved out an acting career, playing the lead role of Milton in the ’60s play Save The Last Dance For Me earlier this year and starring in Classic Theatre Company’s production of A Judgement In Stone. DUNCAN JAMES has had a successful career in TV and theatre. In 2009, he starred in the West End production of Legally Blonde and, in 2015, he was in stage show Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. He’s also worked in soapland, joining Hollyoaks in May 2016.…

Many celebs, including Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, have come out in support of Kesha. Just this month, Taylor, 27, won her case against ex-radio DJ David Mueller after he was found guilty of groping her at a 2013 concert. Mr Mueller had initially tried to sue the singer for £2.3m after her claims cost him his job. She counter-sued for just $1 (78p) and, after the judge ruled in her favour, released a statement saying: “My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organisations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves.” Lady Gaga, 31 – who will later testify in the legal case between Kesha and Dr Luke – revealed in 2014 that she…

We all want our children to get the best out of school, so we need to boost their energy, help them focus and avoid an afternoon slump. Nutritionist Amanda Ursell (Amandaursell.com) says: “Giving them enough iron for concentration, omega-3s to feed their brains and the right ratio of carbs to protein to maintain energy all day is the way to go – it may sound daunting, but it’s easier than it sounds!” BRAIN-BOOSTING BREAKFASTS Paediatric dietitian Ana-Kristina Skrapac (London-nutrition.com) gives her top tips for breakfasts that pack a punch and lunches to keep them going all day… NATURAL, PLAIN YOGHURT SWEETENED WITH FRUIT “Yoghurt is a good source of calcium for building strong bones. To make plain yoghurt more appealing, put it in a colourful bowl and add fresh fruit,…

BREAKFAST The most important meal of the day needn’t be the most stressful. Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or 30 seconds, there’s a breakfast choice to get your little learners off to the right start. Try Toast Thins with Clover Spread and berries for a fun and nutritious way to start the day when you’ve got a little more time. Or if you’re in a hurry, Kelloggs Coco Pops Crispy Granola is a new, tasty take on a breakfast classic, while Actimel or Tropicana Little Bottles are perfect to grab and go. We’ve got endless opportunities for the best brekkie in town. LUNCH When that lunch bell rings, say goodbye to soggy sandwiches and hello to wonderful wraps with our Ham Salad and Tuna and Rocket varieties. They taste and…

THE FASH-CLASH The model and former Miss Universe shows off her fashion know-how by expertly pulling off this season’s boldest colour- clashing trend: pink and red. Absolutely flawless. MONOCHROME MAGIC Adding “fashion designer” to her résumé, the star styles this hi-shine mini skirt (from her new Pretty Little Thing collection) over a long shirt. Brave – and sassy. THROWBACK With a firm nod to the ’80s, Olivia pairs a pearl-embellished two-piece with white heels for a sophisticated sports-luxe spin. Honestly, it shouldn’t really work – but it so does! LADY IN RED Dressed head-to-toe in autumn/ winter’s hottest colour, the Hollywood star gives us major style envy in this striking ensemble. Committing to one shade is no bad thing. ANIMAL INSTINCTS Street style at its best – Olivia overhauls a…

• TAKE GENTLE EXERCISE:  “I have a Shih Tzu who demands to go walking every day. But it’s good for me to keep active, plus the fresh air clears my head. I’m just making the most of being able to walk around while I’m not too huge!” • EAT A BALANCED DIET:  “Your baby is feeding off you, so try to get a lot of nutrients. I know it’s difficult for some women who get terrible sickness, but I’m taking Pregnacare Plus, which contains folic acid, and I’ve definitely noticed I have more energy.” • OPEN UP:  “I’m quite chilled usually but my hormones have been all over the place. I try to speak to friends and I text Jen [Metcalfe] or my sisters to ask if I’m normal!” •…

‘ OUR TAKEAWAY CULTURE IS KILLING US’ The high streets are rammed with fast-food outlets and our waistlines are expanding – Dr C is sending us back to the kitchen The number of fast-food joints in England has risen by 4,000 in the past three years, which means there are now more than 56,000 of them. They make up more than a quarter of our food outlets, but it’s even worse in more deprived areas – in Blackburn-with-Darwen, for example, 38 per cent of all eateries are takeaways. We know that being exposed to junk food close to home and at work is associated with having a higher BMI and an increased chance of obesity. It’s human nature – anything that’s easy and convenient is attractive. Plus we often use…

1 COLD FEET MOSTLY ABOUT ADAM FRI 8 SEPT, 9PM, ITV We last saw the gang at Adam’s un-birthday party, and the whole nation was rooting for the resident charmer to get it on with Tina. Well, they are properly together now (yay!) and this opening episode is all about them. Adam wants a baby (yes, really) but instead of bringing this up with Tina, he offers the next best thing – a key to his house, aw. Elsewhere, Karen is busy being Mrs Businesswoman and Jenny is now a top high flyer at work, ooh! l Turn to page 22 for our chat with the cast FACTFILE It’s the 20th anniv year and James Nesbitt says: “We enjoy being together and people seem to enjoy watching it, so I think…

We’ve saved water like this for years, Eva – we even refuse to flush the loo after we’ve brought the wine back up at 3am. Keith Lemon’s latest sketch (above) made us realise Kim K with a beard is Conchita of Eurovision fame! Men just can’t help falling for Alexa Chung’s web of intrigue. There’s panic at Nicki Minaj’s sleepover when everyone discovers she has no spare beds. CHRISSY TEIGEN We used to think it must be great being friends with a celeb – then we read this Tweet. We’ll stick with our civilian pals, thanks Chrissy. SARAH MILLICAN Stay firm for the sisterhood, Sarah. When he gets back, point to the packed washing up bowl and some biscuit crumbs and scream: “Look what you left behind!” NICKY HILTON The…