Table of contents for Issue 980 in Closer

The future of the planet has been in the headlines as world leaders met for the COP26 climate change summit. Frightening scenarios were discussed about what awaits us all unless huge changes are made. But this week, we spoke to a grieving mum who told us pollution has already claimed lives in the UK. Ella Kissi-Debrah was nine when she tragically died from an asthma attack brought on by breathing toxins in the air. Her mum, Rosamund, made legal history when she had pollution registered as a contributory factor to Ella’s death. Despite government promises to tackle it, almost every British child is said to be breathing air that breaches official safety levels. Rosamund says we should all play our part, so let’s listen and make changes now – before…

Zayn Malik’s career lay in tatters last week after he was sentenced to probation and anger management for harassing ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid’s mother, Yolanda. The former 1D star – who was dropped from his record label – denied shoving the ex-Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star, 57, and calling her a “f***in slut” during a row last month. Supermodel Gigi, 28 – who shares one-year-old daughter, Khai, with the singer – was in Paris and reportedly heard the altercation over the phone, in which Zayn allegedly told a security guard, “Get out of my f***ing house.” There were reports Gigi – said to have split from her on/ off beau of six years – has urged him to get therapy for alleged heavy cannabis use, which he hasn’t confirmed or…

Finance worker Julia Kovaliova, 37, lives with her husband and their three children, Maksim, 12, Mark, five, and Maya, one, in Manchester. She says, “Maksim was diagnosed with asthma when he was seven and I’m convinced it’s linked to air pollution as we live near a very congested main road. When we go away to stay with my parents in the Lithuanian countryside, there’s a huge improvement in his health – he can run round without getting out of breath or needing his inhaler. But at home he has an attack every six months. The most recent one was in July, he was in a lesson at school and he couldn’t breathe or talk. “He needs clean air to live his life fully – and yet our local council planned…

Television personality Lizzie Cundy, who has two sons, split with her husband, footballer Jason Cundy, after 12 years together in 2012, when he admitted he had fallen in love with another woman. She says, “Believe me, I know how Alice feels. When your marriage ends, you feel like your whole world has been torn apart – like someone’s died. Knowing your ex is out there with someone else feels like a death, as it’s a grief you can’t shake. “But playing it out in public is not the right thing to do. It’s normal to want to tell the world what a b****ard you think he is – it’s a knee-jerk reaction to feeling angry and hurt and, at times, doubting yourself and thinking, ‘Is it something I did?’ I…

Twilight star Kristen Stewart said yes to her partner of two years, Dylan Meyers – sharing the happy news of their engagement on US talk show, The Howard Stern Show, last week. The 31 year old revealed, “We’re marrying, we’re totally gonna do it.” Last year, Kristen hinted she wanted to marry Dylan, 33, admitting she had considered proposing herself, but added she had been relieved that her screenwriter girlfriend had made the first move. “I wanted to be proposed to, so I think I very distinctly carved out what I wanted and she nailed it,” Kristen, who has dated Stella Maxwell and Robert Pattinson, said.…

After being spotted holding hands while on a roller coaster ride during a “double date” with her sister Kourtney and her fiancé Travis Barker last month, Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson were seen enjoying an intimate dinner last week – prompting more rumours the pair are dating. Pete, 27 – who kissed Kim, 41, last month during a sketch on his US talk show, Saturday Night Live – reportedly invited her to eat at an Italian restaurant in his hometown of Staten Island, with sources adding they’re having “fun” and “have chemistry”. A bouquet of roses was also delivered to Kim’s hotel room ahead of her meeting with Pete, with an insider adding, “Pete can be super charming and Kim loves the attention.” Kim filed for divorce from her husband…

After giving up booze three years ago, Susanna Reid felt better than ever as she celebrated shinier hair, better sleep, and losing a stone and a half within seven months. At the time, in 2018, she’d admitted to spending “big nights out” with former GMB co-host Piers Morgan, and revealed she’d suffered aggravated skin and burst blood vessels. “My skin was probably a manifestation of what I was putting into my body,” she said recently, adding that she hadn’t been tempted to celebrate with a glass of fizz on her 50th birthday last December. And while the mum-of-three has said she feels more “energetic” now, she admits she does fall off the wagon occasionally. “There are times you fall back into it. Each time, I regretted the alcohol. It either…

They were both regularly papped on nights out together, but today, pop stars Lily Allen and Florence Welch are teetotal. Lily said she first sank into addiction while touring in 2014, and after realising she was “self-medicating”, she quit drinking in 2019. Now sober and married to actor David Harbour, Lily – who has Ethel, nine, and Marnie, eight, from a previous marriage – posted in July, “Getting clean is the BEST thing I ever did.” Meanwhile, Florence marked seven years of sobriety in February. Her mum staged an intervention on her 27th birthday, saying her partying was getting out of control. Florence said, “It wasn’t like, ‘I want to be healthy and I need a change of pace.’ It was like, ‘I’m going to die. I need to stop.’”…

She recently tied the knot with partner William Lee-Kemp in a lavish ceremony in Majorca, surrounded by her family and her celeb pals. And Jess Wright reveals to Closer that she’s still getting used to being married. Jess, 36, who started dating William in 2019, says, “It’s still strange saying husband and wife! I call Will my ‘husband’ and I feel silly. It’s been great, but we’re so relieved we’ve got through it. It was such a hard run-up, with postponing it [due to the pandemic]. It was my dream wedding, but there were hiccups.” Former TOWIE star Jess had 12 bridesmaids – one of whom was Michelle Keegan, who is married to her brother Mark. Jess says, “It was so nice! I had all the girls in one room,…

She married her partner of three years, Scott Ratcliff, last month. And Kym Marsh and Scott made their debut as a married couple on the red carpet at the Pride Of Britain awards. This is the Hear’Say star’s third marriage, as she was previously married to ex-EastEnders actor Jack Ryder and Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, with whom she shares daughter Polly, 10. She is also mum to son Dave, 26, and daughter Emilie, 24 – who she had with her ex Dave Cunliffe – and a grandmother to Emilie’s son. And Kym, 45, gave an insight into her relationship, admitting, “Married life doesn’t feel much different, to be honest! I think the only thing that’s really changed is that we’ve both got rings now. We’re very happy.”…

She’s had a tough year after a stay in rehab for her alcohol and drug addictions – but Michelle Heaton appears back to a much healthier version of herself. On a recent holiday in Playa Abama in Tenerife with her personal trainer husband Hugh and their two children, Faith, nine, and AJ, seven, the Liberty X singer, 42, posted an amazing unfiltered shot of her figure. Since her rehab stint Michelle has been exercising regularly. She has previously said, “I try my best to go to the gym four or five times a week, and I do cardio one day and weights the next.” Food-wise, she’s revealed she prioritises protein and fruits, starting the day with a smoothie made with blueberry and protein powder, followed by an egg-white omelette with…

She looks like she’s barely aged a day since starring in Desperate Housewives nearly 15 years ago. And last month, Eva Longoria, 46, wowed with her trim and toned figure in a bikini. And Eva has said that a variety of workouts is the key to keeping her svelte. She loves morning runs with her husband of five years, José Bastón – with whom she shares five-year-old son Santi – but also does spinning, meditation and lowimpact exercise. She said last year, “I do a lot. I’m a runner, I do yoga, I do Pilates, I do SoulCycle and I’m constantly mixing it up.” She also has a “great diet”, saying, “I actually love fish and vegetables. I was raised on vegetables! Anything green – spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts –…

Radio presenter Jo Whiley has opened up about how the menopause has affected her job presenting her Radio 2 evening show, saying, “I felt rotten. I had brain fog... I felt I was a liability on the radio and it was very uncomfortable to feel I wasn’t in charge of what I was doing, suddenly grappling for words.” Although I haven’t quite started the menopause yet, my body is definitely changing and preparing itself for it. I can relate to a lot of the symptoms that she’s experiencing, especially the “brain fog”. I’ve also found that my motivation for life has massively reduced and I’m feeling a lot more anxious. Whether that is specifically related to the menopause or a consequence of the global pandemic, I don’t know. It’s great…

One in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK has endometriosis, yet the average time between onset of symptoms and formal diagnosis is eight years. The cause of the condition is unknown and there is no definite cure. It can affect women of any age. Symptoms vary but can include pain in the lower tummy or back, which can become debilitating during your period, pain during or after sex and/or when going to the toilet during menstruation, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea and finding blood in your urine during your period. It can make getting pregnant more difficult and the symptoms and pain can lead to fatigue and depression. If you think you have endometriosis, make an appointment to see your GP. Endometriosis UK has a pain and symptoms tracker…

INSIDE NIKITA’S FRIDGE ● Eggs ● Salad dressing ● Frube yoghurts ● Cheese Strings ● Jelly ● Jam doughnuts ● Smoked salmon ● Cream cheese ● Salmon fillets ● Onion ● Babybels ● Cheddar ● Parmesan ● Peppers ● Steak ● Sea bass ● Houmous ● Broccoli ● Tomatoes ● Chives ● Mushrooms ● Stir-fry vegetables ● Spinach ● Bottled water ● Semi-skimmed milk NIKITA How much do you spend? I live on my own and I’m very good at budgeting. I make a shopping list so I don’t overspend. My closest two shops are Aldi and Asda, so I’ll usually go to one of them. I spend around £50 a week, but I’ve been known to do it for £25! Describe your daily diet... For breakfast, I have either…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Digital health platform Peppy has found that just a fifth of people have spoken about the menopause at work and 40 per cent think women experiencing menopausal symptoms are likely to be discriminated against. On a positive note, two thirds wanted to know if a colleague was struggling with menopause so they could offer support. A big part of the problem is personal shame, so we need to confront that by talking. Perimenopause and menopause are nothing to be ashamed of, in fact menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce, so your honesty will likely benefit lots of your colleagues, too. You may suffer with hot flushes, headaches, poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, lack…

CHESHIRE HOUSEWIFE AND PSYCHIC MEDIUM, DEBBIE DAVIES, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY & MIND I SWEAR BY LAVENDER PILLOW SPRAY... to help me nod off. As I’ve approached the menopause I’ve suffered with such poor sleep, I’d often lie awake till 5am. Using a spray has massively helped. I like Avon or Neom. I USE THE HEADSPACE APP... it has meditations for problems such as stress and anxiety. I listen to one in bed and it’s very relaxing. TAPPING INTO YOUR GUT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE... I believe everyone is born with intuition and, if you use it, it will increase in power. We all say things like, “I had a gut feeling that was going to happen,” and we need to listen to those sensations more. Check…

GET HER LOOK ASHLEY ROBERTS Not one to shy away from a bold ensemble, singer and radio presenter Ashley is a constant source of wardrobe inspiration. Rocking a pink coat and trousers with a flash of a contrasting shade, the star showed us how to work the colour clash. IN THE NEWS... NUTMEG AT MORRISONS KIDS’ RANGE Nutmeg Kind is a cute new sustainable kidswear range from Morrisons. The affordable collection, made with responsibly sourced cotton, is mainly unisex so can be passed on to reduce waste and includes sweaters, joggers and socks. Ages 1-6yrs. EVERYBODY’S WEARING... ANIMAL PRINT Our favourite A-list celebs have been showing off their wild side recently. Animal prints never go out of style and still feel as fresh as ever. Incorporate these safari patterns into…

GLAM UP SIMPLE HAIRSTYLES Add extra pizzazz to your festive looks with hair jewellery. The trend for accessories like headbands and clips is still going strong, but you can get a new spin by adding individual jewels like Alicia. Tie hair back into a bun or ponytail, and add a line of jewels downwards – keep it minimal if you want a more understated look, or go all over to stand out from the crowd. You can even use jewelled twist pins, which are rotated into hair to stay in place, or go for hair slides. Make sure to hide the clip section. If you’re after a more intricate look, sticky jewel studs like Alicia has used can be really effective – apply directly to hair, making sure to use…

What are you most excited about? MEL GIEDROYC, 53: I feel very honoured to be presenting for a fifth time. There are some brilliant sketches and specials, and I already know it’s going to be a good ’un! GRAHAM NORTON, 58: I am so excited to be reunited with Mel – and I can’t wait to hear the extraordinary and inspirational stories of hard work and courage from all around the country. ADE ADEPITAN, 48: I love being part of it, there is so much going on and it’s really exciting. Do you have a favourite part of the show each year? ALEX SCOTT, 37: It’s the music acts for me! I enjoy watching the artists perform live and doing their thing. I also love it when the final total…

9-15 NOVEMBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK You can feel things deeply, so it could be hard to communicate clearly. Fortunately, you’re in a new phase where you should say what you mean and mean what you say. Be open, honest and vulnerable. Don’t let your thoughts and feelings stew inside. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SCORPIO 23 OCT – 21 NOV Take out your journal and map out your life strategy ifor the next two years. Write a wish list. Outline your goals. Decide what you want. Allow room for welcome, yet unexpected, changes. Life is unpredictable, but manifestation powers are extra potent. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV – 21 DEC The power of dreams is so, well, powerful! When we are no longer…

PSYCHOLOGIST AND RELATIONSHIP EXPERT NOEL MCDERMOTT SAYS, “Anger is healthy in a relationship – to a degree. Anger is how we communicate our boundaries and emotions, and it can open up a pathway to solving issues or having conversations that need to be had. Just like exercise – in particular boxing – is a great way to relieve stress and help you think about issues, anger in a relationship can be a positive thing. “However, there’s a limit and a balance, and I think it becomes unhealthy if it’s all the time. It shouldn’t be a go-to response or emotion. If you look at your partner and feel anger, it’s not right. I think you’d need to look at how often these angry rows are happening to determine whether or…

• Travel to shops in your local area by walking or cycling – and combine your trips as much as possible. If going further away, consider public transport such as a bus or train, and buy in bulk. • If you need to drive, make sure to service your car regularly. And consider switching to a cleaner car, such as an electric or hybrid, to lower your emissions. • Turn off your car when stationary in traffic. Leaving the engine running when the car is not moving can release many harmful pollutants into the air around you, as well as wasting fuel. • If you’re often doing a journey to a similar location, such as work or school, as someone else locally to you, it’s worth considering car sharing. Speak…

Radio presenter and journalist Vanessa Feltz split with her husband Michael Kurer in 2000 after 17 years, after she found out he was unfaithful. She says, “Ioan gets to post a picture with his new girlfriend and say, ‘Thank you for making me smile again’, while Alice is supposed to stay silent and not say a word in her own defence? I think she has every right to share her heartbreak. “I can relate to Alice as I’ve had a marriage breakdown. Mine was because my husband had an affair. We don’t know both sides of the story in Alice and Ioan’s case, or if he cheated. But he has moved on with another woman and that’s just as heartbreaking. “I spoke out during my split. It was such a…

Two months on from sparking rumours she had reconciled with her ex-boyfriend Alex Lawler, Sheridan Smith went public with the actor and model last week on the red carpet of a press night in London. Looking happier than she has in months following her July split from fiancé Jamie Horn – with whom she shares one-year-old son Billy – Sheridan, 40, couldn’t stop smiling as she posed alongside Alex. Introducing Alex, 40, to fans in September, Sheridan posted on Instagram, “So pleased this fitty I dated back in the day (20 years ago) is back in my life!” alongside a picture of the pair, with Sheridan seemingly wearing an engagement ring.…

When mum-of-four Dee Brown learned she’d need to have her leg amputated after it had been ravaged by cancer, it was her fiancé, Joe*, and best friend, Sarah*, who were her biggest support. But Joe and Sarah were actually having an affair – and four months after her life-changing operation, Dee learned the shocking truth. Dee, 29, says, “I thought my life was complete. I’d just given birth to twins and was in a happy relationship with Joe, my childhood sweetheart. But then everything changed. I was left fighting for my life while my former best friend and fiancé cheated. They’d been carrying on behind my back throughout my recovery, and the betrayal was too much to bear.” DELIGHTED Dee and Joe, now 30, got together in 2010 when they…

She quit drinking in early 2020, after more than two decades of struggling with depression and anxiety. And today, former Hear’Say star Suzanne Shaw looks and feels better than ever. The star first turned to booze after Hear’Say split in 2002. Following years of using drink as a crutch during “dark days”, Suzanne, 40 – who has son Corey, 16, with ex Darren Day, and Rafferty, six, with fiancé Sam Greenfield – decided it was time to break her “unhealthy” relationship with alcohol. She revealed, “Along with eating rubbish and hiding away when I was anxious, I’d turn to drink as a quick fix.” Suzanne – who has been teetotal for nearly two years – said becoming an ambassador for support platform One Year No Beer has also helped. She…

Next month marks nine years teetotal for Loose Women star Denise Welch, who says quitting booze is, apart from her children, “the thing I’m most proud of”. “Worse than what it was doing to me physically was what it was doing to me mentally. Anxiety, paranoia, anger, fear, depression, shame, you name it,” she said. “Sobriety has given me my life back and allowed me to deal with life’s constant challenges in a clear-headed, balanced way.” In her book, The Unwelcome Visitor: Depression And How I Survive It, Denise, 63, revealed she “drank a lot, reaching for anything to take the pain away and keep me going” over a period of 15 years, but says she’s much happier now. “For me, it hasn’t just changed my life, but it has…

He’s loved-up with wife Vogue Williams, who is expecting their third child. And Spencer Matthews tells Closer he and Vogue share a beauty regime and do each other’s fake tan ahead of events like the Pride Of Britain. Spencer says, “I’m looking so tanned right now! That’s because I’m wearing my wife’s fake tan. Before we head out, we put fake tan on each other. It is very romantic.” Spencer, 33, rose to fame as the Lothario of South West London on Made In Chelsea, and was known for his fiery relationships and infidelity. But Spencer settled down with model Vogue in 2018, and is now a devoted father to Theo, three, and Gigi, one. He says, “Life is great. We have our kids – we spend all of our…

They are one of the mostpopular creatures on cult computer game Minecraft, so it’s little wonder that an axolotl is at the top of many children’s Christmas lists this year. Since the summer, sales of the exotic animal have rocketed, but many have been abandoned or left seriously injured after owners were unable to care for their complex needs. Now, animal welfare charities fear the new trend will explode in the run-up to Christmas and are likening it to the ’90s fad of parents buying terrapins for their children – following the success of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon – meaning thousands of the reptiles ended up in rivers and lakes. Dr Ros Clubb, senior scientific manager at the RSPCA, says, “Unfortunately, many people are unaware of how much…

Toni Terry – wife of footballerturned-football manager John, 40, and mum to twins Summer and Georgie, 15 – looked incredible in a black bikini on an exotic holiday last month. A professional equestrian, Toni, 40, kept her toned physique throughout lockdown with regular at-home workouts using dumbbells, which she posted online. While she’s confessed to trying “every fitness and diet fad going” she now has a balanced diet, showing meals such as fish and vegetables, or eggs and salad, on Instagram. However, she credits John for helping her to slim down, after he introduced her to his trainer, Bradley Simmonds. In her fitness book, The Buddy Workout, she says, “John has helped a lot. He told Bradley he was training the entire family – us, my parents and the kids.…

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden flashed her washboard abs in a red twopiece while on holiday last month, with fans gushing over her svelte figure. Amanda, 50 – who is mum to daughters Hollie, 15, and Lexi, nine, with husband Chris – is a keen runner and also a fan of yoga, which she continued practising on her mini break. But she’s also spoken in the past about how her pescatarian diet has kept her feeling fit and healthy. She said last year, “For me, it’s lots of avocado, chickpeas and quinoa salads. I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 15, but I do eat fish.” However, she added that she makes sure she treats herself too, so that she feels satisfied. She said, “Life is too short to…

Growing up, Rachael Walkingshaw-McGuinness had always struggled with her weight and, despite trying several diets, kept slipping back into her unhealthy eating habits. But when mum-of-one Rachael’s husband Jamie was struck down with Covid last Christmas, she knew she had to act. With experts insisting that obesity was a major factor in spiralling death rates during the pandemic, Rachael – then weighing 19st 7lbs – was terrified of catching the deadly virus. Luckily, she didn’t contract it and hubby Jamie, 35, made a full recovery. But the prospect was enough to kick-start Rachael’s remarkable weight-loss journey, and within nine months, she lost a staggering 9st 7Ibs and is now a happy and healthy size 10. Rachael, who is now an independent diet consultant, and lives in Newport, South Wales, with…

Kristin – who is a single mum to adopted children Gemma, nine, and Wilson, three, and who has never been married – recently said she’d be perfectly content if she never ties the knot, but cryptically added, “never say never”. And on-set insiders tell Closer that the star has been growing close to her handsome 45-year-old co-star, Ivan Hernandez, who is set to play a sound engineer working for a podcast hosted by Carrie on the reboot. The source says, “Kristin and Ivan had an instant chemistry on set and that very much carried off-set, too, which caused a stir among cast and crew who all enjoyed watching them flirt. “Kristin has always been more of a closed book, but Ivan brought out another side to her that made her…

She’s one of the breakout stars of hit Netflix show about real-estate agents in LA, but this series of Selling Sunset will be totally different for Christine Quinn, as she’ll be joined by her husband Christian and their five-month-old son, also called Christian. Speaking exclusively to Closer during a recent trip to London for her collaboration with beauty brand Ciaté, Christine says, “At first, my husband Christian was a little confused by the cameras and comes off shy, but he’s actually not – he learned to have fun with this new season and realised it’s exciting and was just being himself. “Fans will definitely see a different side of me this series as a mum. I don’t let stuff get to me any more and I don’t get to a…

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! If you ask most people what they want out of life, they’ll give you the same answer: to be happy. But finding it isn’t always the easiest thing, especially when life throws you hurdles. Through her coaching business, Happiness Explorer, Lydia Kimmerling has helped thousands of people find it for themselves and, in turn, improved their lives. “If you feel like something is missing in your life but you can’t figure out what that is, maybe you’re stuck in a happiness waiting game,” says Lydia. “Too often we outsource our happiness to something in…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK I worry about flu every year because it kills around 11,000 people annually and for various reasons, which I’ll explain, predictions show more people are likely to lose their lives this winter. It’s pretty similar to Covid in that it can spread through a population quickly and kill vulnerable people. That’s why we need to be vaccinated against both. DON’T SWITCH OFF! A lot of people feel bored and fed up, we’ve just done this huge vaccination campaign, and we’re asking people to come forward again. People want to think about something else, but we have to keep up the motivation. I also worry that people will decide it’s too many injections in one year – they’ve…

With the rising cost of fuel, energy and even food, the cut in the uplift to universal credit, and furlough ending, the thought of treating the kids and overindulging over the upcoming Christmas period can feel understandably stressful. BE REALISTIC Of course, you would make your kids’ dreams come true every day of the week if you could, but right now many of us are dealing with challenging finances and extra expenses, so it is sensible parenting to be honest with your children about how this is going to affect Christmas. Before you broach the subject, make sure that you know the available budget you have to spend on the big day. Price up Christmas dinner and days out plus work out what you can realistically spend on their presents.…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER Did you know that the time of the year you buy certain items on your Christmas list can affect the price you pay for them? Popular items like coffee machines, televisions, hair straighteners and Lego vary in price throughout the year, but being savvy about when, where and how you buy them could save you a small fortune. Idealo, the price comparison website, has released some statistics on the best times to buy certain items, and it makes for a very useful heads-up. The figures are based on analysis of thousands of product prices over the run-up to Christmas and the average cost at hundreds of retailers. Katy Phillips from Idealo says, “At a time where saving money is paramount, being…

SMART STAPLE With a neat collar and optional belt, this khaki style is a great alternative to black. Ideal for the office thanks to its razor-sharp cut and practical length. QUILTED BOMBER Lightly padded and beautifully oversized for impact, this everyday quilted bomber coat adds a stylish edge to basics. PARTY PIECE If your social calendar is set to boom, make an entrance with this fauxfur checkerboard coat. Snuggly and chic, it’ll elevate any all-black ensemble. COCOON CLASSIC The drop shoulders give this smart coat a relaxed vibe. Plus, it creates a lovely, skimming shape all of its own. TIMELESS TRENCH The trench is a dapper staple not to be beaten. The belted waist cinches in winter layers and looks as cool over denim as it does tailoring.…

MUST READ Fatal Ambition (NICK DE BOIS) The Prime Minister is on borrowed time. His successor lies in wait – but who else has their eyes on the prize? The future of the government and the fate of the UK depends on who will win – the man who’s devoted his life to take the prize, or the woman determined to destroy him. Written by former MP Nick de Bois, this is a gripping read from a man in the know. BEST DAY OUT Hits Live! Featuring a stellar line-up of artists, including Rag’n’Bone Man, Anne-Marie, James Arthur, Mabel, Tom Grennan, KSI, Becky Hill and the latest addition, Jesy Nelson, Hits Live returns to Liverpool (19 November) and Birmingham (20 November). With live music back on the agenda, this is…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) SERENDIPITY B) KILL BILL: VOL. 1 NAME THE STARS 1) LEONARDO DICAPRIO 2) GEMMA CHAN GUESS THE CELEB A) EMILIA CLARKE B) JASON MOMOA WORD LINK A) YELLOW B) SLEEP C) RACE D) CHICKEN E) PATCH F) PIG SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CLOSER MAGAZINE TERMS & CONDITIONS 1. These terms and conditions together with any specific rules displayed or referred to on the relevant page of Closer magazine in respect of a prize draw or competition (a “Prize Draw Notice”) and H Bauer Publishing’s General Terms and Conditions (available online at http://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html) are the prize draw rules (the “Rules”) that apply to each and every prize draw and/or…

She’d starred on teen soap Hollyoaks on and off for 25 years, but in a shock move last week, Sarah Jayne Dunn was sacked after refusing to close her OnlyFans account. Sarah, 40, had revealed she was following in the footsteps of many other celebs by joining the X-rated platform last month, writing, “This is a decision I’ve thought long and hard about, having full power over my choices. I’ve done men’s mag upon men’s mag and calendar upon calendar; I’ve enjoyed every shoot but never felt like I had much say in them. Now I do.” She was rumoured to have earned £40,000 in her first week on the subscription service. However, Hollyoaks bosses insisted it wasn’t appropriate, with a spokesperson saying, “Hollyoaks is a youth-facing drama with many…

For the first seven years of her life, Ella Kissi-Debrah was a healthy child who loved sports and was scouted by Millwall Football Club. But Ella and her family lived just 25 metres away from the busy South Circular Road in Lewisham, London, where levels of air pollution from traffic exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Tragically, as a result, Ella developed severe asthma and between December 2010 and February 2013, she was admitted to hospital 28 times – on 27 of those occasions there had been a spike in air pollution in the area. Heartbreakingly, on 15 February 2013, Ella died when she stopped breathing during a severe asthma attack. Ella’s mother, Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, fought for justice for her daughter and, in December 2020, legal history was made when…

It was revealed last week that David Beckham’s BFF Dave Gardner and his actress wife Liv Tyler have split. The couple, both 44 – who were first introduced by mutual friend Kate Moss in 2014 and share son Sailor, six, and daughter Lula Rose, five, together – are said to have quietly ended their seven-year romance on amicable terms earlier this year. David, 46, and Victoria, 47, have previously been spotted out on double dates with the couple, with close friends Liv – daughter of Aerosmith rock singer Steve – and Victoria downing boozy jello shots together at Liv’s 42nd birthday in 2019. Prior to the split, Liv – who also shares 16-year-old son Milo with her ex, British rocker Royston Langdon – had bemoaned that football-mad Dave once took…

It’s been four months since she rekindled her romance with ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne, and now Maya Henry has been spotted with her £3m engagement ring back on. Seen in London last week, Maya, 22, headed out for dinner wearing the huge sparkler, which has been missing from the model’s finger since Liam, 28, called off their engagement in June. At the time, he admitted he was upset to “keep on hurting people” in relationships, but is said to have “won back” Maya with a “romantic gesture” in August. The couple were first linked in August 2018, shortly after Liam’s split from Cheryl, 38 – with whom he shares four-year-old son, Bear – and Liam and Maya confirmed their engagement in August 2020.…

If you want to drink less, try these simple steps... ● Opt for low or no-alcohol alternatives. There are loads of great booze-free beers, wines, ciders and spirits. ● Make plans with friends that don’t involve alcohol, such as visiting the cinema, meeting up for coffee, or going to a museum. ● Don’t share rounds – you often end up drinking more than you had planned. ● Find an alternative stress release. Exercise or a new hobby will help you relax. ● Stick to cash on a night out. Take a set amount out with you, so you know that once your money is gone you can’t drink any more. For advice, visit nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/…

Megan McKenna has had a transformation from hot-headed reality star to established singer, supporting the likes of Tom Jones and Michael Ball. When she first rose to fame on Ex On The Beach and TOWIE, she was known for her on-screen meltdowns and ill-fated romances, with her relationship with TOWIE co-star Pete Wicks characterised by screaming matches and cheating allegations. She then suffered a huge loss when her ex-partner, Love Island star Mike Thalassitis, took his own life in 2018 – less than a year after their split. Three years on, Megan is now happy in a new relationship – with businessman Joshua Riley – and thriving in her music career. She says she credits therapy and her love of singing for getting her to where she is today. Megan,…

She kept her recent pregnancy under wraps, giving birth to her second child just weeks after unveiling her pregnancy. And Katherine Ryan – who had baby Fred in June with her childhood sweetheart, Bobby – tells Closer she’s revelling in being a mum the second time around. Katherine, who already has daughter Violet, 12, from a previous relationship says, “I’m loving it. I’m a really handson mum. I love doing it all myself – I don’t need a nanny. I pumped seven ounces of breast milk today!” Comedian and presenter Katherine, 38, has divided fans with her strong opinions over the years. She admits, “I’ve always been honest, since I was born. I wish I were less honest, but I can’t help it! I connect with people who tell me…

Fans went into meltdown last week over Jennifer F Lopez’s iconic six-pack, when she showed off her sculpted midriff during an appearance at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in Cleveland, USA. The singer, 53, performed in a black crop top, long blue kimono and black trousers, and barely seemed to have aged at all since rising to fame in her twenties. One fan wrote, “You can’t deny how good she looks!” while another said, “Her body is age-defying”. Earlier this year, J-Lo’s trainer, Dodd Romero, spoke about the extreme ab workout she undergoes to keep her tummy flat and toned, which includes four specialist exercises and over 200 reps in total during their gruelling sessions. J-Lo – who’s mum to 13-year-old twins, Max and Emme – has…

CLOSER NUTRITIONIST JULIETTE KELLOW SHARES HER TOP TIPS FOR WHITTLING YOUR WAISTLINE. A healthy waist measurement should be below 80cm (31.5 inches) so if yours is above this then shifting those excess pounds is the best way to flatten your tum. A Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, fish and olive oil, and less meat, is linked to smaller waists, so follow these tips to slim your tum... • Don’t ditch dairy. Research shows people who include low-fat products, such as skimmed milk, as part of a lower-calorie diet tend to lose more weight – especially from their waist. Those who eat plenty of whole grains tend to have smaller waists, too. • Beat the bloat. A diet rich in fibre and plants increases…

SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE • Know the specific reason why you’ve chosen to lose weight, and really focus on it every day so it becomes a bigger motivation than that evening takeaway. • Surround yourself with people looking to achieve the same goals – I found Instagram amazing for this. • Celebrate small wins – running up the stairs without getting out of breath, or being able to play and keep up with your kids. • Remember it’s not just about the number on the scales, it’s also about working hard to make yourself feel good inside and out, so don’t focus solely on your weight. • Take regular pictures of your weight-loss journey and before you start, so on down days you can refer back and see…

While it may have been thought that Kim Cattrall’s absence would have paved the way for a more harmonious atmosphere on set, insiders reveal that, surprisingly, there have still been spats behind the scenes. The source says, “Chris [Noth], aka Mr Big, has never really seen eye-to-eye with Cynthia, which is believed to be partly down to the pair’s strong differences of opinion over politics and a bit of a personality clash. “The friction between them all those years ago hadn’t waned. There was some tension on-set, which was a little uncomfortable for those around them, especially SJP, who often felt stuck in the middle. “There was one particularly difficult read-through between Chris and Cynthia and there was talk of having to cut all scenes with them together, but thankfully…

When she welcomed her son Kairo in 2020, Lauryn Goodman described him as her “miracle baby” after previously being told it would be near impossible for her to conceive a child naturally due to her having complications with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. But while she feels blessed to have her toddler, the agonising symptoms of the endometriosis have returned and the star admits the pain often reduces her to tears and leaves her unable to pick up her son. Lauryn, 30, was diagnosed with the condition – where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes – six years ago, but when she fell unexpectedly pregnant, her symptoms, which included agonising abdominal pain and 12-day periods,…

Say what you like about dating apps – and I have said a lot – but you can’t fault them when it comes to shutting down scummy behaviour. Just as much as we do, the apps want to put an end to catfishing, unsolicited pictures and abusive messages and they’ll stop at nothing to halt harassment. Which is why Badoo has launched the Rude Message Detector – a safety feature that automatically detects insulting attacks in your app inbox. Once it finds them you will receive a prompt to ask if you’d like to report the interaction. The technology is sophisticated enough to know the way in which particular words and phrases are being used and can determine what’s harmless, flirty banter and what is inappropriate and needs to be…

According to Lloyds Bank, 20 per cent of gamers have been, or know someone who has been, the victim of a gaming scam. They have come up with these tips to help you to SHIELD yourself and your family from fraudsters. • SCREEN any chats from strangers, as well as unexpected gifts and special edition or time-limited offers. Never transfer money to someone you don’t know. • HIDE personal information from others at all times to prevent it from being leaked. • INVESTIGATE any gaming-related purchases before handing over money, such as checking whether the website is blacklisted on https://sitechecker.pro/blacklist-checker/, and only make card payments as they offer greater consumer protections. • EVALUATE whether gaming-related downloads are being made from established trusted sources and whether they are safe by checking…

NEW SERIES 1 TIGER KING 2 SEQUEL TO OUTRAGEOUS DOCUSERIES WED 17 NOV, NETFLIX The first series of Tiger King was a runaway hit last year – now the sequel about the feud between private zoo owners is here! Season one introduced us to Joe Exotic, an eccentric tiger handler from Oklahoma, centring mostly on his rivalry with Big Cat Rescue Owner Carole Baskin. This picks up right where we left off – looking into Joe’s plot to have Carole killed. Netflix teases: “Thought you knew the whole story? Just you wait…” Ooh! ALSO WATCH Carole Baskin’s Cage Fight – on Discovery+ from Sat 13 Nov, documents her investigation into the treatment of animals at the zoo formerly owned by Joe Exotic. 2 GRAND DESIGNS: HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2021…