Table of contents for Issue 950 in Closer

Just as Closer was going to press the sad news of Prince Philip’s passing was announced. For the public, it’s yet more upset in what has been the most dramatic year most of us can remember. For the Queen the shock could surely not be overstated. No matter how great an age someone you truly love has reached, regardless of poor health, their absence is shattering. They celebrated 73 years of marriage just a few months ago and their grandaughter Princess Eugenie once said, “Together they are invincible”. Undoubtedly the Queen will continue to stoically put duty above all, but when she rests her head on the pillow at night she will surely feel the same as anyone who’s been widowed – lost. Our hearts go out to her and…

Crowds gathered outside Windsor Castle to pay their respects and lay flowers, while flood of tributes to Prince Philip poured in from all corners of the globe. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world.” TV presenter Piers Morgan wrote on social media, “RIP Prince Philip, 99. A truly great Briton who dedicated his life to selfless public duty & was an absolute rock of devoted support to Her Majesty, The Queen, as the longest-serving royal consort to any British sovereign. A very sad day for the country. Thank you sir.” TV star Carol Vorderman shared an anecdote from when she met the late prince, saying, “I went for a private lunch with the…

Reports of the adoption have been rife in Hollywood, and celebrity insider Perez Hilton tells Closer he believes the adoption process has not only been completed, but suggests Jen could be introducing her baby soon. Perez, 43 – who put a longstanding feud with Jen to bed in 2011, with her calling their meeting to clear the air “lovely” – says, “I think she may have announced it to her friends as the adoption has already happened. “She would only tell the cast if it was a done deal – if the paperwork is done and there’s no chance of it falling through. “It’s a joyous thing so why not? And as a firsttime mum, she’ll have needed their support.” It was previously reported that Jen had supported her friend,…

Marine biologist Emily Stevenson, 23, has been litter-picking along the Cornish coast for years. She says, “In the past couple of years we saw a real shift in people’s attitudes towards plastic use. Most people carried a reusable coffee cup and a bag for life. But the pandemic has also now created an environmental crisis, as lots of us are using single-use PPE without realising the damage. Many single-use masks contain hard-to-recycle plastic, and disposable gloves are made from transparent light plastic. “The recent images of littered nature spots have been tragic. Everyone has a part to play in saving the planet. Start with small changes – for example, if I see a group of unequipped picnickers, I’ll offer a bin liner. Or you could carry a bag the next…

Having sex – and speaking about it – can be seen as a taboo subject as you get older. But recently, female celebs in their fifties have been breaking boundaries and speaking loudly and proudly about their bedroom antics, and how good they feel in their own skin. Last week, Amanda Holden let her inhibitions go when she revealed that she and her husband Chris Hughes still have a “primal” sex life after 12 years of marriage. The 50-year-old – who has daughters Lexi, 15, and nine-year-old Hollie with Chris – revealed, “He can’t keep his hands off me. I actually tell him off because I say, ‘I don’t want to have a kiss and a grope while I’m trying to load the dishwasher. He’s up for it any time.…

‘It’s been fascinating to play Trixie!’ Seeing Trixie change from “a bubbly, blonde, best friend-type” to delving into her past and exploring her alcoholism has really kept Helen George, 36, on her toes over the past ten years. She says: “There’s been such a change to her character over the past decade. It’s been fascinating to play and to be involved with someone else’s life for so long. “Trixie has this wonderful aid of going back to the AA meetings, so you can always check in with her and how she’s doing as a character. It’s been a fantastic storyline to live with through the years.” And Helen says the whole cast will be celebrating once the current lockdown restrictions ease. She laughs: “I’m sure there will be a lot…

PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY SAYS, “People might think that sites like OnlyFans mean quick and easy money. But there is a cost – you are getting validation from external sources based on how you look and what you do. “If you aren’t giving them what they want, they will stop subscribing and you won’t be earning anything. You’re not in a position of power, but one of submission and having to please. “It can be very harmful for your self-esteem if your subscribers drop off. Your confidence might be dented or you might be tempted to move your boundaries and do more overtly sexual poses or videos in order to win them back. I’d advise anyone to think very carefully before signing up. Apart from anything else, what seems fine…

Our Instagram feeds are often packed with celebrities and influencers racking up their likes and earning money by showing off their “perfect” bodies. But the uneasy quest for “perfection” was highlighted recently when an unfiltered image of Khloé Kardashian was leaked online, reportedly by mistake by her assistant, that looked drastically different to the one shared online the day before. The 36-year-old Kardashian sister immediately received an angry backlash for not being “genuine” or “real” with her followers. But Khloé – who owns workout brand Revenge Body and often posts snaps of herself in bikinis – defended the untouched pic by posting a video of her “real” body in an Instagram video, adding that she likes sharing filtered pics because of the “unbearable” pressure to be perfect after being branded…

TROLLING: “I’ve had death threats, I used to get called fat every day. Back then, I was insecure about things and myself, and I tried to get it fixed. But you’ve got to just learn to live with the trolling. That’s just the way life is when you’re in the public eye.” MY DREAM MAN: “I like someone who’s driven and knows what they want in life. They’ve got to be able to have a laugh and not take themselves too seriously. I know it doesn’t sound like me, but they’ve got to have a pot belly, skinny legs and a lot of hair! And I’d like them to be older – by about five years.” FITNESS & EXERCISE: “When I feel low, I hit the gym. It pushes me…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK We’re in a pandemic, spending hours in front of computers, lots of us are feeling anxious, and many are avoiding the GP – so it’s no surprise that we’re Googling symptoms and self-diagnosing. GET INFORMED I like my patients using Dr Google, because they become more informed. They don’t have to diagnose themselves – that’s my job – but if they come to me saying they think they know what they’ve got, that helps me. Some things patients latch on to when they Google are useful; it might be that they researched something because their mother or grandmother had it, so it’s a fear. I need to know if there’s an illness in someone’s family, so I…

Separation anxiety is developmentally normal, but usually passes quickly. Unfortunately, for the past year a great deal of children’s resilience has been broken down where school is concerned; they have grown used to having parents around and learning from the comfort of their homes. UNDERSTAND THEM Children who struggled with school have felt safe away from bullies and comforted by a parent who can help them with their academic struggles. Others have missed their friends, but grown fearful of school. They have been told it’s safe, but it isn’t as simple as flicking a switch; school requires masks, social-distancing and testing, which understandably makes a place that should feel safe and fun, feel the opposite. GIVE THEM COMFORT This is why you need to be more compassionate with your complaining…

“Ensuring you care for your clothes will mean you have to buy new less often,” explains Daniela. “Check the washing instructions and stick to them and avoid using a tumble dryer as they can sometimes shrink or warp the items. Don’t be afraid to get your current clothes repaired or tweaked too. If you have a dress you love, but it’s slightly too baggy on the arms, taking it to a seamstress will be cheaper – and kinder to the environment – than buying new.”…

GET HER LOOK ASHLEY ROBERTS The radio host looks every inch the style queen in a doubledenim ensemble that’s perfectly suited to mid-season weather. Ashley’s ribbed knit keeps things feeling relaxed, while stiletto heels add her signature touch of glamour. Tortoiseshell sunnies and a chic box bag make for the perfect finishing touches. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! IN THE NEWS… TU SEAMLESS STRETCH RANGE If you’re on the hunt for underwear that delivers on both comfort and style, look no further than Tu at Sainsbury’s and their new Seamless Stretch range. Wearable enough to forget you even have a bra on, yet stylish enough to feel your best, the edit boasts a large selection of colours and shapes in sizes X-S-XXXL, meaning there’s a piece for everyone. Prices start…

HARD-WORKING PRINTS AT OMNES This gorgeous new brand is filled to the brim with cheery florals, animal stripes and jumbo checks – every piece is like a mini style statement! The main goal behind this label is to reduce the amount of clothing in landfill, so pieces are designed to be hard-wearing and on trend for years to come, and the fabrics used are FSC certified or recycled. Also, minimal chemicals are used in the manufacturing process. Whether you’re after fancy day frocks or a Zoom-ready shirt, this label will have you covered. PLANT-BASED HUES AT H&M New for 2021, H&M has launched Innovation Stories, a collection designed and made using breakthrough new technologies and clever, planet-friendly materials. This is the second drop, putting the focus on colour techniques that…

Hello! I am thrilled to introduce you to Closer’s collaboration with Glossybox, designed to spoil you rotten – just as you deserve! In this box you’ll discover 10 pampering pick-me-ups. Each product has been handpicked to slip straight into your beauty routine, with a delicious mix of wrinkle-busting skincare, nourishing top-to-toe treats, and refreshing make-up swaps that you’ll love to wear daily. Now, what are you waiting for – dive straight in! We hope you enjoy using these wonder products as much as we do. WORTH OVER £190! TO GET YOUR HANDS ON A BEAUTY BOX, HEAD TO: HTTP://CLOSERONLINE.CO.UK/BEAUTYTREATS * Please note, brush type received may vary…

EMMERDALE THE DOTING MOTHER A nervous Ethan asks Manpreet if she’ll go with him to see his mum. Manpreet is surprised (as she might be), and there’s disappointment when mummy dearest doesn’t show up – but at least it’s been a nice bonding experience for them both, with Ethan confessing that it’s been great to get to know Manpreet again (er, wait until you see who’s behind this particular development). Over at Mandy’s place, everyone tries to come up with ways of clearing Paul’s debt. Vinny finds an intriguing notebook, and before you can say “gee-gees”, he’s logged into a gambling site to try his luck. Noooo! HOLLYOAKS CREEPY NEW ADMIRER Newbie Fergus gets wind of Ste’s cashflow problems, so comes to a little arrangement: buy the Lomax pad and…

MUST READ Greenwich Park (KATHERINE FAULKNER) When Helen, finally pregnant after years of tragedy, attends her first antenatal class, she meets brash single mother-to-be Rachel who is keen to be Helen’s friend. Rachel is also desperate to know all about her loving husband, Daniel, charming brother Rory and his also pregnant wife, Serena. And she won’t stop until she knows every little secret... A brilliant thriller. BEST DAY Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life At Home With major outdoor events off the cards for now, you can still do your bit to raise some much-needed money for Cancer Research UK. Walk, jog or run 5k locally on your own or with your household anytime in this month and tune into the virtual event on 24 April. To sign up, visit…

IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK The biggest thing for you to avoid this year is power struggles. If you find yourself locking horns with someone, ask yourself is what you’re about to say true, necessary, kind? If not, consider just moving on. It’s a potentially great year, if you get this right! THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN ARIES 21 MAR-19 APR The world has been through a lot – now it’s your time to start all over again. Where do you need to do this and are you willing to make the effort? If you have found the challenges of the past year hard to bear, make this your time to begin again! Find out your Rising Sign for free at moonmessages.com/freechart. TAURUS 20 APR-20 MAY The start of…

The gang returned to a new replica set, built specially at Warner Bros. Studio in Hollywood rather than in New York, where it used to be. Original set designer Greg Grande shared behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram of Monica Geller’s iconic purple apartment. But other than the different location, on-set insiders tell Closer the cast quickly returned to old habits upon reuniting, despite it being 16 years since cameras stopped rolling. One revealed, “It was like no time had passed at all – with Matthew poking fun at David’s thick head of hair like he always did and the group all laughing and chatting together like they’d only seen each other last week.” Courteney has previously revealed how Jen would make her and Lisa a special salad with turkey bacon and…

● Thousands flock to Fistral Beach in Cornwall every year – and leave mountains of rubbish behind. One local resident, Evie Whaley, seven, has taken matters into her own hands. Evie’s mum, Becky Miles, 39, tells Closer, “Every summer, the beach litter becomes worse, as high season brings more visitors. “My friend Mel often does beach cleans, so last summer, Evie and I started joining her there too. “We were shocked by how much rubbish we found. We collected 21 bin liners full of litter in less than two weeks. The work was tiring, but Evie was determined to keep on going. Now, she wakes up at 6.30am most mornings to pick litter – I don’t have to prompt her, it’s all her idea. “And sadly, during lockdown, littering has…

❛SHE FOUGHT SO HARD TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN AND BELIEVES IT’S THE BEST PLACE FOR HIM❜ Her husband has spent over a year fighting for his life in hospital following his battle with COVID-19 – but last week Kate Garraway revealed the incredible news that Derek Draper has finally returned home. Kate, 53, cried tears of joy as she revealed on Good Morning Britain that her husband had moved back in and had been reunited with their children Darcey, 14, and Billy, 11, after more than a year in intensive care battling the effects of “long COVID”. The TV presenter revealed how Derek “burst into tears” at the reunion, but although he is “aware” that he’s back home, he is still unable to speak. TEARS & HUGS She said, “‘When…

Presenter Jenny Powell, 53 – engaged to sports therapist Martin Lowe – says she stands firmly behind Amanda’s comments and praises her for talking about sex as a middleaged woman. She says, “Good on Amanda! I’ve always been fighting the corner for being aspirational in your fifties – we’re not invisible, we’re experienced. I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and the most confident I’ve ever been, so I fully get what Amanda’s saying. There’s no stopping antics in the bedroom or exuding sexuality in your fifties – and I don’t see why there should be. “For our parents, talking about sex wasn’t the done thing, but the world’s changed and the role of women has obviously changed a lot. Hormones may play a part in your libido being off –…

1 Emerald Fennell, who played Patsy Mount for four years on the show, went on to write Killing Eve Season 2, and has just been nominated for three Oscars for her film Promising Young Woman. 2 Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) is married to Call The Midwife creator Heidi Thomas. 3 Most on-screen births involve both a real and a prosthetic baby. The show has three prosthetic babies, which cost £5,000 each to make. 4 It takes around seven hours to film every birth – real infants can only film for 15 minutes at a time so the team has worked with thousands of children. 5 The show always starts filming in April, which means it’s summer when it comes to making the Christmas special, despite the fake snow! Laura Main…

Her life changed overnight when she entered the Love Island villa in 2017 and came out to hundreds of thousands of followers and deals with different brands. And, like most of the picture-perfect contestants, Tyne-Lexy Clarson was also flooded with offers of free cosmetic surgery from companies hoping for publicity. But unlike many Love Islanders, the thought of having nip/tuck couldn’t have been further from Tyne-Lexy’s mind, thanks to a real-life family health drama that has given her some perspective on the surgery fad. HORRENDOUS TIME Her mum, Tracee, was left fighting for her life in 2014 after contracting meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, and if it hadn’t been for Tyne-Lexy’s quick thinking in getting her to hospital she might not have survived. Tyne-Lexy, 23, says, “I get offered a lot…

Former glamour model Nicola McLean, 39, says those who airbrush their pictures to look “unrecognisable” are “deluded”. She tells Closer, “Retouching your pictures here and there is fine, but you have to be transparent about it. Until two weeks ago, my Instagram bio had a disclaimer for three years that read, ‘I’m not perfect, I like to filter my picture to make me look perfect.’ I filter all my pictures, but I don’t airbrush them or use the FaceTune app, and I’m honest about it. I had to take the disclaimer off because the rest of what I wanted to say couldn’t fit in but it’ll go back on at some point. “Khloé looks great in her natural pictures – it’s just a bad light. I’ve been a model for…

As of this week, hair and beauty salons in England are open for business – hooray! Like many, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Lockdown was great in that us ladies could relax a bit and take a break from beauty treatments. I do think it’s important to love ourselves naturally and not overly rely on make-up or all the other things we do to make ourselves look more polished. But I still love making an effort every now and then. Sometimes during lockdown, I had to remind myself, “Maeva, you have a boyfriend, try to be sexy!” I can’t wait to get my hair and nails done. I do get a little bit of filler in my nose every six or seven months, but that’s all…

Lucy Docherty felt instantly inspired by the courageousness of contestant Julian Fiano as she watched him on TV show First Dates revealing he had terminal cancer. In fact, she found herself so drawn to him that she decided to seek him out on social media. The pair hit it off instantly and they’ve now set up home together, and Lucy is supporting Julian through his gruelling cancer treatment. Despite uncertainty over his future, they are even considering starting a family, using sperm frozen after his diagnosis. Lucy says, “I found Julian so inspiring on the show and something compelled me to reach out. I’m normally shy, so it was completely out of character. Now, two years on, we are so in love. Julian’s illness may be part of our lives,…

SWEET TREAT YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO MAKE A MEAL OF IT… OATY BERRY AND GINGER SPEEDY ICE CREAM SERVES 4 • 100g organic jumbo oats • 250g natural yoghurt • 50g crème fraiche • 4tbsp of stem ginger syrup • 4 pieces of stem ginger • 500g frozen mixed berries, plus a few extra to serve STEP 1 Place the oats in a food processor and whizz up into a fine crumb. STEP 2 Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and blend until smooth. Add an extra splash of the ginger syrup to loosen the mixture, if required. STEP 3 Pour into a container and place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up a little. STEP 4 Scoop into bowls and serve with a few…

You know you’ve been single too long when you end up matching with people on apps you’ve already been on dates with. And that was the realisation I had recently, that, and how I am running out of men to date. While I wait to be taken off the singles market by the guy I’m seeing, I had a short stint swiping on Bumble. But all I got was a virtual haunting of past dates. If I’d have bumped into them in a bar (remember when we could visit those?) I probably would have said a brief hi and then carried on with my night, but in the app world it’s so very different. I suppose out of curiosity I swiped right on the former dates I re-matched with. One…

It can be easy to go wild when shopping online. “Adding something to a virtual basket somehow seems less real than when you’re physically holding items in a shop, so it’s easier to overspend,” says Daniela. “Make the most of filters and narrow down your search by specifying the item, size, length and even colour. Use more specific searches too, such as “cotton floral maxi dress”. Basically, the fewer options you have, the more likely you will find what you’re looking for and not be tempted by impulse purchases.” Daniela also says it’s important to only purchase items you’ll get plenty of use from. “Ask yourself, ‘Will I wear this item a lot?’ If you’re looking for something to wear for a specific occasion, have a think about whether there…

Most sites now have a reviews section, where customers can leave their feedback on individuals items. “Obviously this will help you gauge whether an item is popular with customers,” explains Daniela, “But you can also find out whether the item runs big or small and what the quality is like. Sometimes customers offer their real-life photos, which are more realistic and manage expectations. H&M even have a bar where the reviewers rate what the sizing is like, which can be useful for knowing what size to order yourself.”…

DESIGNER COLLAB After huge success with its previous collaboration, Ghost is back with a gorgeous new 15-piece collection of summer dresses at M&S. The vintage-inspired tea dresses will look just as chic with trainers as with metallic sandals. M&S X GHOST £59 ECO WEAR This new Artisan Studio collection of investment pieces from Monsoon is made from sustainable fabrics and decorated by hand using traditional methods in Jaipur. So you’ll look fab while supporting global artisans. MONSOON £29-£99 (SIZES 6-20) COVETABLE COVER-UP Whether you wear it with a bikini in the back garden or over a simple vest and jeans combo, this chic reversible kimono gives you two looks in one hero buy. ZARA £59.99 THE NEW SLIDER All hail the new on-trend footnote – the clog! It’ll make a…

RAISE THE BAR Solid formulations of things such as shampoos, soaps and body wash eliminate plastic altogether. They’re less niche than they used to be, with brands like Garnier, L’Occitane and Percy & Reed all launching shampoo bars in recent months. Small and concentrated, these mini bars last a deceptively long time – plus, the spill-free formulas mean they’re ideal for travel (when we can!). SAY NO TO SINGLE USE Throwaway culture is terrible for the environment. Switch to reusable cotton pads and muslin cloths or flannels instead of face wipes – but wash after every use. Buy a few and bulk-wash weekly. For times when single-use is preferred (say, nappy wipes), try biodegradable. They have the convenience and hygiene of the throwaways, without harming the planet. REFILL & REUSE…

FROM JUST £6 SERENE SHAPES Muted colours and smooth, abstract contours will bring a calming vibe to your bedroom. And relax… ABSTRACT HOUSE £40 (FRAMED) BIRDS OF A FEATHER This fuss-free monochrome sketch will mix in well on a gallery wall alongside black and white photos and frames. DUNELM £25 (FRAMED) WISE WORDS A simple but important message, this pretty take on the positive mantra will brighten up a bathroom nicely. GEORGE £6 (FRAMED) PETAL POWER Delicate blooms never go out of style, and this fuss-free design will look particularly pretty on a fresh white wall. NEXT £40 (FRAMED) YOUNG NATURE LOVER Playful yet educational, this animal alphabet poster will make a super-fun addition to a style-conscious nursery or playroom. JUNIQE £14.95 (FRAMED) MOVIE MUST-HAVE This retro-inspired film poster will…

1 CALL THE MIDWIFE OH BABY, IT’S BACK SUN 18 APR, 8PM, BBC1 It’s 1966 and changes are afoot at Nonnatus House, with some people happier about them than others. Sister Julienne is trying to keep up with the times, so sends Trixie off to a posh maternity home in Mayfair to see if it would be suitable for the nuns to work at (and bring in some much-needed cash). Naturally, Trixie’s overjoyed that she gets to wear a designer uniform and work Up West, but Doctor Turner disapproves of private healthcare and falls out with Sister J. Meanwhile, Sister Hilda is giving the nuns’ habits a makeover, but Sister Frances is petrified of this newfangled idea as she might have to show her knees, and Sister Monica Joan is…

The nation was left heartbroken last week when Prince Philip – who has loyally been at the Queen’s side throughout her 68-year reign and their 73-year marriage – died aged 99. The Palace announced the sad news on Friday afternoon in a statement that read, “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.” Someone who witnessed first-hand their remarkable relationship was former royal staff member Paul Burrell, who worked for the Queen before becoming Princess Diana’s butler. He tells Closer that Philip was “the rock” for the entire…

❛IT ALL SEEMS LIKE IT WAS MEANT TO BE❜ The Friends stars finally filmed their long-awaited reunion special last week following a year-long delay amid the pandemic. For the first time since the iconic sitcom’s finale in 2004, Matt LeBlanc, 53, David Schwimmer, 54, Matthew Perry, 51, Lisa Kudrow, 57, Jennifer Aniston, 52, and Courteney Cox, 56, were reunited at the same studio where the hit ‘90s show was made for over a decade. The actors weren’t in character to film the two-hour unscripted special – which, as Closer went to press, has no release date but will be aired on streaming giant HBO Max. David – who played geeky paleontologist Ross Geller – recently revealed, “Nothing is scripted and we are not in character. We are all ourselves, although…

As lockdown restrictions were eased in parts of the UK at the end of last month, sickening images were released on social media of parks and beaches littered with swathes of plastic rubbish. The photographs were a stark reminder of how much plastic is discarded in the UK, of which just ten per cent is recycled. Shockingly, every day, the UK produces enough rubbish to fill Trafalgar Square to the height of Nelson’s Column, and in Scotland alone, 300 million plastic straws and 276 million pieces of plastic cutlery are used every year. In the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed progress on sustainability efforts. Household plastic waste from supermarkets rose three times faster than expected due to hygiene fears, while an estimated 1,500 tonnes of face masks and…

● Instead of wearing singleuse face masks, buy a reusable face mask made from safe, washable fabrics. ● Get litter-picking. To volunteer for your local area, visit keepbritaintidy.org. ● Ocean Generation is challenging people to picnic without plastic this month. To be in with a chance of winning a prize, share your picnic on social media, with the hashtag #PicnicWithoutPlastic. For tips and information, visit oceangeneration.org/blog/a-picnic-without-plastic ● Check if your waste is definitely recyclable at home. A lot of plastic packaging from toiletries ends up in landfill, due to the small size and components. To save non-recyclables from landfill, sign up to Boots’ recycling scheme. Take toiletries that you can’t recycle through your household waste to a participating Boots store. In return for five empty products, the store will reward…

When 54-year-old Carole Horlock decided to have a 14th surrogate baby – 25 years after having her first – she went to doctors for a health MOT in preparation for hormone therapy. But when doctors checked her hormone levels last February they found her oestrogen was sky high as a result of having acted as a surrogate 13 times, plus having her own daughters Stefanie, 26, and Megan, 25. And she was warned that having more rounds of hormone therapy would put her at high risk of developing breast cancer. ABANDONED So now, Carole has turned her nurturing instincts to “fur babies” – saving the lives of abandoned cats and dogs in Greece, where she lives half the year. Carole says, “After 25 years, my surrogacy career is over. The…

Loose Women star Saira Khan turned 50 last year and says women shouldn’t put pressure on themselves to have a fiery sex life. She says, “Amanda and Ulrika are beautiful and it’s fabulous they’re having lots of sex, but they don’t represent the average woman in the street. I do not believe that most women in their fifties are enjoying that same kind of passion. I think you can get to it, but you have to work hard for it. “I’m one of those women who has a real issue with my libido. Sex was a problem and I had no idea why – society didn’t really speak about the menopause or the effect hormones have on your libido as we get older. You have to come to terms with…

Clad in underwear and stroking her baby bump provocatively, Carla Bellucci pouts into the camera before posting the picture on adult content website OnlyFans. Far from letting pregnancy hamper her modelling career, she’s exploiting it to get even more fans. Carla – who found notoriety as an NHS “scrounger” after admitting to faking depression to get a free nose job – joined OnlyFans last June and boasts she’s already earned around £40,000. And since announcing her pregnancy, she’s got 250 more followers as she flaunts her new curves to men with a fetish for pregnant women. She makes at least £2,000 a month – but in the past couple of weeks, since revealing her bump, Carla, who is just over 15 weeks pregnant, has already made £3,500. Carla, 39, who…

Just seven days after giving birth to her first child, Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore was back at work last week with her baby in tow. The proud mum shared snaps of herself in the make-up chair for Celebrity Juice while breastfeeding her newborn daughter, who she shares with comedian and Love Island narrator husband Iain Sterling. While some fans urged her to “make the most of the precious time of maternity with your newborn”, her celeb pals rushed to praise her for returning so soon. Spice Girl Emma Bunton wrote, “Wow! You’re amazing!” While Denise van Outen posted, “Working mummies rock! You legend. You look so beautiful.” It’s also reported that Laura, 35, and Iain, 33, will both be returning to work on the upcoming series of Love Island,…

Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei, 31, reveals that filters help her earn a living and feel good about herself. She says, “I think it’s OK to edit pictures if it makes you feel good. I get a lot of paid posts and I wouldn’t be able to work with anyone if I posted an image of myself looking like rubbish every day. That’s the honest truth. Brands work with you to use your image. As long as you wear good clothes, you look good and you’ve got the right lighting, brands will keep working with you and it’s good for your profile and your bank balance. If I post a photo where I look like crap and it’s unflattering, no one will want to work with me. It’s a harsh…

She first appeared on our screens in Geordie Shore in 2015 as a fresh-faced 19 year old. But, seven years on, Chloe Ferry looks totally different after a host of cosmetic procedures to change her look. Chloe, 25, has had multiple nose jobs, fillers, Botox and boobs jobs – and previously revealed to Closer that she loves the fake look. But she now tells us that thanks to both lockdown and getting older, her priorities have changed as she enters a new, more confident chapter of her life. She says, “For the first time in ages, I’m really happy with the way I look. I feel that I look good. And I really don’t think I will get any more surgery – I feel done with that now. I’ve been…

Last summer, just a few months after giving birth, Chloe Goodman candidly told Closer how she had struggled seeing other women seemingly snap back into shape soon after giving birth – but she vowed not to put pressure on herself. Now, the 27-year-old TV personality is thrilled as she tells us she’s back to her pre-baby weight and a size 8 after gradually losing 3½st since having daughter Isla almost a year ago. She says, “I put on 4½st when I was pregnant and only lost a stone of it immediately after giving birth,” she explains. “I’ve lost 3½st since, through eating a healthy diet, and I feel really good.” BODY IMAGE STRUGGLES Ex On The Beach and Celebrity Big Brother star Chloe – who shares Isla with her footballer…

INSIDE SIAN’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Tartare sauce • Grainy mustard • Strawberry jam • Cadbury Creme Eggs • Double cream • Onion chutney • Yeo Valley yoghurt • Onions • Cheddar • Goat’s cheese • Lurpak • Parmesan • Chicken thighs • Cherry tomatoes • Sweet potato • Bacon • Carrots • Mushrooms • Sauvignon Blanc • Coconut water • Mineral water SIAN How much do you spend per week? Around £80-90. I support local businesses, whether it’s the deli to get my cheeses and oils, or the fishmonger for fresh produce. If you shop local, you can find bargains! Describe your daily diet… For breakfast, a bowl of Yeo Valley yoghurt with double cream, a drizzle of local honey and roasted almonds. For lunch, bacon served with toasted…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Just because a couple seem happy when they are around you, or you see pictures of your colleague gloating about the flowers she’s received online, it doesn’t mean they have a fantastic relationship. In fact, research shows couples who post endless smitten pics online are unhappier than those who don’t. That highlights how unhealthy comparisons can be. Lots of us put on a fake smile when we are around friends and family, and the flowers your colleague received could have been an apology after an almighty row. One of the main issues with comparing is that you are basing how you feel on something you have made up in your head. Comparisons lead to unrealistic and unfair…

LOVE ISLAND STAR AMY HART, 27, REVEALS HER EMOTIONAL SECRETS MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IS... that I’m constantly proving people wrong. As an air hostess and then a Love Islander, people assumed that I would be stupid, but I’m not. I gave up my career to go on the show which was brave, as it could have gone horribly wrong! I REGRET... trusting the wrong people. I get comfortable with people very quickly and think they’re my friends, but I often find myself getting hurt when they betray me. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN IS... what’s for you won’t pass you. I hate when people say everything happens for a reason, but it’s true. I’ve learned that with time. IT ANNOYS ME WHEN... people aren’t true to themselves.…

HERO BUYS MAKE IT WORK This body-skimming co-ord will see you through outdoor meets. Replace flats for heeled mules and switch to a clutch for phase two of going out!…

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You play local cop Mare Sheehan... Playing Mare was one of the biggest challenges I think I’ve ever been slapped with... She’s nothing like me – so that was pretty scary, in a great way, if you’re an actor like me who likes to feel terrified and exposed. I’d just never done anything like this, but I was excited to read something that gripped me straight away. It came at the perfect time for me – I was looking for something that was going to consume me, and it certainly did. Would you be a good detective? I’d be lousy! I’d be very good at the coffee and the after-work beers, definitely – but I could never do the job that Mare does, I don’t think I have the mental…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA B) I AM LEGEND NAME THE STARS 1) CAROL SMILLIE 2) ANNEKA RICE GUESS THE CELEB A) COURTENEY COX B) WILL SMITH WORD LINK A) FOOT B) FOB C)FORTUNE D) ACTION E) AREA F) FREE 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…