Table of contents for Issue 982 in Closer

It’s been over a week since Britney Spears won her freedom following a 13-year conservatorship under which she was allegedly forbidden from making everyday decisions – including buying herself a coffee. But those closest to the singer tell Closer they fear she’s jeopardising her new-found happiness by plotting revenge on those who controlled her. It’s not easy to forgive and forget, but as Vicky Pattison tells us on p42, it’s vital to focus on ourselves to protect our peace and sanity. The Geordie Shore star has come a long way since she made her name on the raucous reality show and now credits long walks with her dog and opening up to friends for helping her feel more content than ever. For more tips and advice on how small changes…

She’s been notoriously open about her love life – speaking out about threesomes with a married couple and her love for bad boys. But last week, Emily Atack was said to be rattled amid claims she’s secretly been dating England footballer, Jack Grealish – behind his childhood sweetheart Sasha Atwood’s back. The actress-turned-presenter, 31, was reported to have fallen for the Manchester City star, 26, who was said to be “torn” over whether to dump his 25-year-old girlfriend of 10 years after becoming “besotted” with Emily. Pals close to the actress-turned-presenter insisted she thought Jack was single when they were reportedly first introduced by one of his England teammates six weeks ago, as she had previously spotted him on exclusive dating app, Raya. Some shocked fans weren’t convinced, with one…

They’ve spent 30 years on opposite sides of the world after Kylie relocated to the UK to pursue her music career. But now the Minogue sisters – Kylie, 53, and younger sibling Dannii, 50 – are set to finally be reunited in Australia. Last month, Kylie shocked fans when she revealed she’d be moving back to her home city of Melbourne, saying, “I have spent a lot of time in Australia with my family this year, and it felt really good.” And Dannii couldn’t be more excited to have her big sister home, adding, “We really want to take some family holidays – all of those years, we’ve missed out on weddings, birthdays, and I think there’s just a lot to catch up on.” HELPLESS Prior to the news last…

Jane Land, 39, lives in York with her husband, Matthew, 49. She says, “I’ve always loved animals, so I stopped eating meat when I was 21. “I met Matthew in 2012. He was already vegan and inspired me. In 2011, he’d taken part in the annual Movember challenge. We decided to start our own initiative – a month encouraging people to kickstart the year by changing to a vegan diet to prevent animal suffering, protect the environment and improve their health. “That first year, 3,300 people signed up. I left my job in teaching and we used our life savings to grow the campaign. We hired staff to help and we travelled the world networking with animal welfare societies and corporate partners. “It was exhausting and expensive – for a…

Aautism campaigner Carly Jones MBE, 39, lives in Berkshire and has three daughters aged 23, 19 and 13. The youngest two are autistic. She says, “When Mel Sykes described her autism diagnosis as ‘life-changing and life affirming’ and Christine McGuinness said it was a ‘relief’, I knew exactly what they meant. When I was diagnosed aged 32, I was so happy. I even sent the lady who diagnosed me a bunch of flowers with a card saying, ‘Thank you for the first day of the rest of my life’. It made sense of the difficulties I’d had throughout my life. “I struggled for as long as I can remember. I have strong memories of being three years old and everyone else running around in the playground, but I’d just head…

They seemed like a match made in pop heaven, but Camila Cabello, 24, and Shawn Mendes, 23, have split after two years together. The singers revealed the news via a joint statement on Instagram, describing their love for one another as “stronger than ever”. On both of their pages, they posted, “Hey guys, we’ve decided to end our romantic relationship but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever. “We started our relationship as best friends and will continue to be best friends, so we appreciate your support from the beginning and moving forward.” The couple – who began flirting on Instagram in 2014 and were forced to deny they were dating a year later-finally went red carpet official in 2019, before spending lockdown together last year.…

They’ve made headlines since they started dating earlier this year, but Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s relationship has divided fans due to their very public displays of affection (PDAs). The loved-up pair have been snapped multiple times in compromising positions, and Kourtney, 42, was recently pictured straddling the Blink-182 drummer in a booth at a friend’s wedding – sparking a mixed response from fans. While one wrote, “Oh god, how embarrassing, their poor children!” and “Get a room!”, others delighted in the couple’s romance saying, “Leave them be! They are clearly very happy and what harm is it to anyone?” The couple also fronted a publicity shoot together, where they were pictured passionately kissing with their tongues on full display. And in August they were snapped getting steamy on 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! USE SOCIAL MEDIA POSITIVELY With almost five million followers on Instagram, Vicky’s no stranger to the negative effects of social media. But she’s taken steps to turn her account into a positive place. She says, “It’s so important to be real on there. For years, I felt like I was on this hamster wheel of trying to be somebody I wasn’t. Scrolling can make you feel inferior. I just thought ‘f**k this’, I want to be the change that I want to see on social media. I try to make women feel like it’s…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK The British Toy and Hobby Association recently looked at hundreds of toys that are sold online and found that almost half of them could cause harm to children. They said that many could choke, strangle, burn, poison or electrocute kids, because they don’t comply with UK safety legislation. LOOK FOR MARKS It’s really important – especially in the run-up to Christmas – that parents are aware of this, because while you may not buy these gifts, your child could be given something from a well meaning relative who has found a bargain online. We have things to look out for – the Lion Mark (a picture of a lion in a square on the packaging) means that…

Around 80 per cent of us feel that we lack energy and suffer from low mood during the winter months. Most of the time, that isn’t to do with the way you are thinking or the life that you are living. Instead, it relates to how a lack of light affects your brain chemistry. UNDERSTAND WHY YOU FEEL SAD The nerve centres in the brain that control our daily rhythms and moods are stimulated by the amount of light entering the eyes. During the night, a gland in the brain called the pineal gland produces melatonin, which makes us drowsy and suppresses the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. At daybreak, natural light stops this, but on dull days, there’s not enough light to do so. As a result, our…

HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER According to the Bank of England, a typical UK household spends over £700 more in December compared to other months. Our booze budget goes up by 38 per cent and we spend 20 per cent extra on food – before we’ve enjoyed any festive activities or bought a single gift. Sadly, that leaves nearly one in five of us struggling with money and one in 20 in significant debt. “Christmas is an expensive time, but it shouldn’t push anybody into worrying debt”, says Ola Majekodunmi, Founder of All Things Money (allthingsmoney. uk). “By being aware of common overspending pitfalls, you can avoid them and still enjoy a totally magical Christmas, without January money worries.” Here’s her advice for how to spend…

1 CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING CLASSICS AMANDA HOLDEN AND DAVINA MCCALL FOR JD WILLIAMS The offerings in this edit celebrate womankind. Amanda says, “It’s always fun getting dressed up! Our collection has everything you need for Christmas day or parties, including lingerie to boost your confidence.” Sizes range from 8-32. 2 PUNCHY PARTYWEAR JESS WRIGHT FOR DOROTHY PERKINS Jess’ glamorous style takes centre stage in this satin and sequin-filled collection, with plenty of jewel tones. She says the edit “is for every woman and the epitome of how I want this Christmas to be – fun, fabulous and a celebration”. In sizes 8-20. 3 AGELESS STYLE BILLIE & SUZIE FOR IN THE STYLE Having always shared clothes with mum Suzie, Billie Faiers worked with her to create a collection “designed so we can…

What’s special about this series? I always want to inspire people to enjoy cooking and this series is all about giving that extra bit of detail in the recipe. Each episode has its own theme – and I meet all sorts of wonderful people. You filmed mostly outside post-pandemic? That did come with its challenges, but cooking outside actually does people a lot of good in terms of mental health – and we got to visit some beautiful places. Why should we be tuning in? I hope that viewers will really be inspired to try the dishes at home – without the need for a long and complicated list of ingredients of things that you haven’t already got in your cupboards. I also hope they will be inspired by all…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU – EASY SUDOKU – MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) 50 FIRST DATES B) BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S NAME THE STARS 1) MARION COTILLARD 2) LIAM GALLAGHER GUESS THE CELEB A) JOHN TRAVOLTA B) TAYLOR SWIFT WORD LINK A) TOWN B) NEWS C) STEERING D) ESCAPE E) ORANGE F) POKER 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…

Rumours of another Spice Girls world tour gathered momentum last week as four of the band held ‘top-secret’ talks at a London hotel to discuss their hotly-anticipated reunion. Mel C, 47, was said to have joined her former bandmates via Zoom from LA after Emma Bunton, 45, Mel B, 46, and Geri Horner, 49, were spotted arriving at Marylebone’s swanky Mandeville Hotel for the meet-up. Amid the continued absence of Victoria Beckham – who refused to join their 2019 UK reunion tour – insiders say talks centered largely around trying to coax back Posh, 47. A source says, “The girls are desperate for Vic to join and know how much kudos would be achieved if all five of them were back on stage together again – not to mention the…

Earlier this year, Helen Rimell gave up her life in London to move back home to South Wales to care for her mum Sue, 70. While she did it without hesitation, the process has been physically and mentally exhausting, so in September this year, needing some respite, Helen, 39, and her sister, Michelle, 36, arranged for Sue to go into a home for a month – but the sisters were shocked at the treatment their mum received. Helen, a photographer, says, “Mum has early onset dementia. She is still mobile, but needs help to get dressed, eat and brush her teeth. But she is still getting out and about. “We thought we’d all benefit from her being in a home for a short while, but the social worker recommended a…

When she stepped into her white wedding gown, Ayse Smith took a deep breath. But she didn’t walk down the aisle to meet her handsome groom – instead, she turned on her laptop. Despite having never met, Ayse, 26, and her husband, Darrin, a trainee lorry driver, 24, got married over Zoom, while she was in Lancaster, UK, and he was 3,600 miles away in Detroit, USA. The happy couple met online during the pandemic and haven’t yet met face to face, but insist they are deeply in love. Ayse, who currently lives with her parents, says, “I don’t think anyone expected this when we started talking last year, but now we’re married and it’s all completely legal and official – I still can’t believe it. “It’s so hard being…

KATE & PIPPA MIDDLETON They may have swapped nights out for royal events when Kate wed Prince William in 2011, but Kate Middleton, 39, and her sister Pippa, 38, are still each other’s number one. “We’re very close. We support each other and get each other’s opinions,” Pippa has said. The sport-loving duo, who are now both mothers themselves, also acted as each other’s chief bridesmaids, with Pippa carrying her sister’s white train for the royal wedding, and Kate returning the favour when Pippa wed James Matthews six years later. BEYONCÉ & SOLANGE KNOWLES If proof were ever needed of the bond Beyoncé, 40, shares with her younger sister Solange, 35, then look no further than the notorious “liftgate” scandal in 2014. Footage emerged of Solange punching her sister’s rapper…

Dr Sarah Lister, clinical director for the National Autistic Society, says, “This is a huge moment for Christine and Mel and for the public understanding of autism. So many autistic people and families will relate to their powerful words, particularly women and girls. “On balance, the consensus is that they tend to slip through the net more than boys and are diagnosed later on. As a generalisation, females tend to be more likely to develop better social skills and appear to be coping in social situations. They tend to be better at masking – copying and mimicking what other people are doing. “They’re more likely to be told they can’t be autistic by professionals when they’ve gone for a diagnosis, because their social skills are too good, they make eye…

She’s been desperately longing for a daughter for years, and Danielle Lloyd’s dream came true last week as she announced she had given birth to a baby girl “On Friday, we welcomed our beautiful baby girl to complete our family. We are all over the moon and both mummy and baby are doing well,” the reality TV star wrote on her Instagram, alongside a cute snap of her holding hands with the newborn. Danielle, 37, who already has four sons – Archie, 11, Harry, 10, and George, eight, with her ex-husband, footballer Jamie O’Hara, and four-year-old Ronnie with her husband Michael O’Neill – conceived her baby daughter naturally, after previously admitting she was considering undergoing a gender selection process abroad. Instead, the couple used the “Babydust” method, which involves monitoring…

Kerry Katona, 41, is loved-up with fiancé Ryan Mahoney and mum to Molly, 20, Lilly-Sue, 18, Heidi, 14, Max, 13, and Dylan-Jorge, seven. But after marriages to Brian McFadden, Mark Croft and the late George Kay, she says she’s learned that less is more when it comes to showing affection. Kerry tells Closer, “I’m all for affection in relationships, but I think you’ve just got to keep some things private! I have been like Kourtney and Travis in some of my past relationships – I was all over my partner in public and on social media. But now, looking back at how I acted, I cringe – it was so unnecessary and I think, in a way, I was so OTT because I was trying to prove to myself and…

CHLOE BROCKETT: Chloe comes across as abrasive on TOWIE but, to me, she’s the sweetest, most kind and beautiful girl I’ve met since being in the UK. She’s going to become a best friend. NIKITA JASMINE: Nikita is a Geordie, so she’s very loud and bubbly and outgoing. I like that she’s straight to the point, honest, and she’s a real girl’s girl. ULRIKA JONSSON: She’s vivacious, beautiful and sexy. She’d have known going into the show that she’s in an older age group, and I love that about her. She is a great friend.…

You’d have thought, with my seven years of dating experience, it would take a lot to fool me – but, as we all know, love isn’t logical and sometimes hope can pull the wool over the most cynical of eyes. Last month, I clicked almost instantly with someone. It graduated into daily messages and regular phone calls, so the next step was meeting up. He’d apparently “just moved house” and was dealing with the stress of doing it up, so had a plausible enough excuse to delay a meet up in real life. My inner sceptic was ready to rule him out, but I pursued it with positivity. I’d cancelled my previous three dates because the guys wouldn’t commit to a coffee in advance, so I tried to be more…

These clever energy-saving tips from USwitch can save you cash… • Making food in a slow cooker or microwave (if you don’t have either, check eBay, OLIO, Facebook Marketplace, eBay or freecycle to see if any are being given away or sold cheaply) uses less energy than an oven. • Snuggling under an electric blanket in the evening means you can turn down your thermostat by a few degrees and also switch it off an hour before bed because it will already be cosy. Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can knock £55 a year off your bill. • Buying draught excluders for around a fiver could save you £25 a year by stopping heat escaping under doors. • Swapping your shower head for an energy efficient one costs…

FROM JUST £16.99! KIDS’ CLUB To entertain little ones, Disney’s new princess smart watch is a hero. With a camera, video, voice recorder, calculator and a variety of games, it’ll keep them busy for hours. DISNEY AT VERY £40 ’80S CHIC The Casio watch is back – it’s all about the vintage look. This sweat-resistant unisex style has an adjustable mesh strap to fit your wrist plus it has an alarm, light and stopwatch. CASIO AT ASOS £60 COOL COLLAB Coca Cola has joined forces with Timex to create three limited-edition watches. The retro styles – representing peace, love and harmony – have funky ’70s-inspired faces. TIMEX £79 GORGEOUS GIFT This statement timepiece is a present anyone would love to receive. The chunky style has a feminine edge thanks to…

PAPER SHOWPIECE Make a conscious choice to be more sustainable at Christmas, with this paper angel. So Scandi – and so pocket-friendly, too! DUNELM £1.50 GET PERSONAL Gift this customised wool ornament to a cherished one as a festive treat, ANTHROPOLOGIE £8 EACH JOYFUL PICK-ME-UP This sweet decoration is perfect for a friend who needs a little pick-me-up. It can also be displayed on a shelf when Christmas is over. MATALAN £2.50 TRADITIONAL TREATS Stock up on these festive bows and cover your tree in gorgeous red and gold tones. Traditional themes will never date. H&M £2.99 FOR 2 RAINBOW HEART Capture the mood of the last year perfectly with this colourful heart – a quarter of all profits go to the NHS. JOHN LEWIS £8 ANGELIC MEMORY This resin…

MUST READ The Replacement (MELANIE GOLDING) A small child is found wandering alone and is finally reunited with her panicked mother. Miles away, the body of a man is discovered – but he isn’t dead. Two seemingly unrelated events. But disturbing truths start to come to light that connect the man to the mother and child – and suddenly it’s not clear where the danger truly lies. Chilling. BEST DAY OUT Christmas at Kew From now until 9 January, the botanic gardens at Kew are transformed into a magical winter wonderland after dark. Walk among clever light trails, including a replica of the Northern Lights along the Holly Walk, watch the impressive finale show in the iconic palm house and maybe even bump into Santa along the way! With tasty…

23-29 NOVEMBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK It’s great to be independent, but more happiness and fulfilment for you now and in the coming year lie in your most important relationships. The next 12 months are also a key to success for you. Healing is on offer with romance, kids and creative issues. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC You are now in the celestial spotlight as your birthday approaches. How do you feel about yourself? If you’re happy with where you are, this can be a wonderful time. If you know you could give yourself some life upgrades, do it now, while the skies support you. PS Think positively! Visit yasminboland. com for your daily horoscopes. CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN Now’s the time to take…

They’ve both been candid about the personal battles they’ve endured since being thrust into the limelight, but insiders say Cheryl is growing increasingly concerned about her ex Liam Payne. Reports recently emerged that the One Direction singer had been dropped by his management firm KIN, which he has been signed with since 2016. The firm had allegedly “reached the end of their tether” over the star’s “partying lifestyle”, with a source saying that he “isn’t committed to anything and is spiralling a bit.” And now insiders tell Closer that Cheryl – who shares Bear, four, with her former partner – has had crisis talks with the singer. The source says, “Cheryl is incredibly worried about Liam – not only as a friend but as a co-parent. She knows how important…

She marked the end of her “abusive” conservatorship with her first ever glass of champagne last week, but Britney Spears is said to be intent on seeking vengeance against those who controlled her life for the past 13 years. And now, pals fear the fragile pop star may prolong her agony by dwelling on the past. HORRIFIED A source tells Closer, “While Britney’s friends are horrified by what she’s been through, they are worried that launching a high-profile case against her family is going to stir-up more pain and trauma. They fear her bid for revenge could ruin her freedom and everything she’s been dreaming of for so long.” Last week, Britney, 39, said her family “should all be in jail” for their role in the guardianship, while a member…

Jane Connery, founder of Care Campaign For The Vulnerable, has been influencing the care sector to adopt safety monitoring in homes since her mother suffered neglect in one. Since the start of the pandemic, calls to her helpline have increased tenfold. She says, “When picking a home, always visit more than one to get an idea of what’s available. Check out the Care Home’s CQC report and rating (cqc.org.uk) before you make your decision. Although it’s not guaranteed, the risks will be fewer if you choose a care home that is rated as outstanding by CQC – the watchdog for care homes. “Trust your gut instinct. If you wouldn’t want to live there, why should your loved one? Concentrate on how it smells – if unpleasant, this could show staff…

Much like last year, the campmates in the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! are facing a very different experience to the usual hot and steamy surroundings of the Australian jungle. Trapped once again in the damp and cold Gwrych Castle in Wales, the celebrities are getting to grips with an altogether more dreary experience. And AJ Pritchard, who endured life in the castle last year when the show was forced to stay in the UK for the first time due to the pandemic, says the campmates will find themselves actually looking forward to the trials – just to keep warm! Professional dancer and former Strictly star AJ, 27, tells Closer, “It was very cold, I can’t deny it! And the more tired you got,…

When Jo Joyce endured a series of personal tragedies – including the death of her beloved son, Ben – she dealt with her grief by comfort eating. Her unhealthy lifestyle left her weight spiralling to 19st 8lbs, but switching to a vegan diet meant that she improved her mental health and lost a staggering 9st. Jo, 47, says, “Going vegan changed my life, and I can’t recommend ditching meat and dairy enough. “Not only was I doing my bit for the planet, but I felt better and had so much more energy to keep up with my youngest son Harvey, five, which really improved my mindset, too.” Growing up, full-time mum-of-five Jo, from Cambridgeshire, had always struggled with her weight. She says, “I was always a big girl and there…

I had quite an emotional week last week, because my best friend Sam [Faiers] and I headed out to Moldova, where we visited the orphanage that my husband and I help fund. It’s run by Outreach Moldova, an organisation that provides services and support to the most vulnerable children living in state care. I’ve been involved since 2013, when me and my then-boyfriend (now-husband) Andrew went on a date to one of their charity events. Our hearts totally melted and we knew we had to get involved. We’ve been out to visit multiple times over the years and all the orphans are so incredible. I have a real bond with the children now, as I’ve watched them grow up, and it was so lovely to see them all last week.…

They’ve endured cancer and a brief split, but last week Michael Douglas, 77, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, 52, celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary together. Posting a sweet montage of throwback photos – including a picture of the couple cuddling each other – Michael wrote on Instagram, “Happy Anniversary my darling Catherine! I love you so much!” The couple marked the occasion in Catherine’s home town of Swansea, where they built an expansive £1m property in 2004 so Catherine could visit her parents. Just months after they wed, the couple’s now 21-year-old son Dylan arrived, followed three years later by their daughter Carys, who is now 18. Michael also has a son, Cameron, 42, from his first marriage to film producer Diandra Luker. But it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Michael fought…

It’s been two years since they announced their shock split after four years together, but Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk sparked rumours they could be getting back together last week when they were spotted strolling arm in arm back to his place in Manhattan. The supermodel, 35, and the actor, 46 – who share four-year-old daughter Lea – have been co-parenting since their split, which is thought to have been due to Bradley’s gruelling work schedule. Their cosy outing comes after Irina’s rumoured romance with long-term friend Kanye West, after they were spotted enjoying a romantic weekend in France in June for the rapper’s 44th birthday celebrations. Meanwhile, Bradley is thought to have remained single since their break-up.…

Announcing her exciting news on Instagram last week, Geordie Shore star Marnie Simpson revealed she’s expecting her second child with fiancé Casey Johnson. The reality star – who is already mum to her adorable two-year-old son, Rox, with Casey, 25 – wrote, “Baby number 2! EEEKKK! It’s happening guys.” Marnie, 29, said her pregnancy had come as a “shock”, but added, “We’re so excited and super happy”. And now, a source tells Closer that Marnie – who has previously said this pregnancy will 99.9 per cent be her last – is secretly hoping for a little girl. They said, “Of course, Marnie just wants a healthy baby and would be happy if it was a boy or a girl. A little brother for Rox would be adorable, but she’d also…

She may not have found love on Married At First Sight earlier this year, but reality star Nikita Jasmine, 27, happily kissed and cosied up to her assigned “husband” Ant Poole while trying to give their relationship a go on the show. Nikita – who is currently single and filming for Celebs Go Dating – says, “I’m a big fan of PDAs and I think Kourtney and Travis looking so loved-up is adorable! We all know what it’s like when you get into a good relationship – you feel so happy and you can’t keep your hands off each other. Kourtney and Travis are in love, so why shouldn’t they show it? I don’t understand how anyone could have a problem with that. “Affection is so important in relationships and…

INSIDE JANET’S FRIDGE • Reduced-fat pesto • Crunchy peanut butter • Lurpak butter • Houmous • Ketchup • Daim Dairy Milk • Diet Pepsi • Chicken and pesto pizza • Bacon • Strawberries • Apples • Raspberries • Steak casserole ready meal • Chicken pad thai ready meal • Protein bar • Chicken fillets • Spinach • Dairy-free priobiotic drink • Oat milk • Balsamic vinegar • Fentimans lemonade JANET How much do you spend per week? Around £65. I go to the shops every day. Most of the time, I work from home, so doing my food shop ensures I remember to leave the house. Describe your daily diet… I often get stuck in a rut and have the same breakfast for six or seven months. At the moment,…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY The NSPCC recently suggested that being “abrupt” with kids can be seen as “mild neglect”. I understand where they are coming from, but taken literally, that would mean every parent has been neglecting their kids – and this simply isn’t true. Kids thrive when they are having their emotional, physical, social and psychological needs met. If you find yourself snapping regularly, ask yourself, “Could I be more patient?” The majority of us will probably find we could and, once we acknowledge this, we can do the work to create a calmer family. If you are annoyed, frustrated or angry with your child, rather than reacting, take a moment to step back from your feelings and concentrate on…

FORMER STRICTLY DANCER JOANNE CLIFTON, 38, ON HOW SHE STAYS HEALTHY AND HAPPY I DO DIFFERENT MEDITATIONS… I practise manifestation [picturing what you want in life] before bed and feel excited for my future. I’ll manifest things like good health for my family and think about my dreams. When you focus your mind on something, you subconsciously do more to reach your goals. A HOT WATER BOTTLE SOOTHES MY ARTHRITIS… I’ve had it since I was 15. It can get bad at times so, as a dancer, I have to adjust my routines. I wrap water bottles around my knees and it helps the pain. HAVING A GRATITUDE LIST HAS BEEN LIFE CHANGING… I’ll list 10 things at bedtime and find I wake up happier. If you’re feeling down, it…

IN THE NEWS OASIS’ GLAM PARTY PIECES With retro glamour, opulence and jewel tones at the forefront of Oasis’ party collection, we’re getting ready to make an entrance this festive season. From dazzling metallic dresses to sharp tailored culottes, these beautiful shapes and styles are sure to bring a touch of magic to weekday-to-weekend dressing. Bring on the celebrations! Sizes range from 6-18 and prices start from £10. EVERYBODY’S WEARING… RAINBOW RAZZLE-DAZZLE Our fave celebrities are ditching traditional gold and silver sequins in favour of rainbow embellishments. The best part? This fresh take on party-season tones couldn’t be easier to recreate. STYLE CRUSH: LADY GAGA The Queen of Pop gave us serious outfit envy on her House of Gucci press tour SLEEK SLIP We’re still thinking about this asymmetrical silk…

ECO PUZZLE Know a jigsaw lover? This 1,000-piece puzzle is sustainable, letterbox-friendly and can be framed once done. WRITING SET Full of stationery goodness from pens to deskpads, treat organised friends or students to Papergang’s Bright Ideas box. BEAUTY HAUL Featuring 12 make-up heroes, this glamorous gift box has everything you need to get party ready this season. COOL COCKTAILS From a mulled wine highball to a gingerbread espresso martini, these cocktails are designed by bartenders. AFTERNOON TEA Hand-iced by biscuit specialists, send a foodie a set of festive cookies and loose-leaf Christmas tea. FUNKY SOCKS With one, six and 12-month subscriptions, send cotton and bamboo socks in six styles. We all need a drawer top-up! PAGE TURNERS The perfect present for book worms, surprise them with a box of…

1 PADDY AND CHRISTINE MCGUINNESS: OUR FAMILY AND AUTISM EMOTIONAL DOCUMENTARY WED 1 DEC, 9PM, BBC1 Paddy McGuinness and wife Christine’s three children, eight-year-old twins Leo and Penelope, and five-year-old Felicity, all have autism – as does Christine herself. This emotional documentary explores the different responses the couple had to their kids’ initial diagnosis – Paddy struggled with it, while Christine was much more accepting. But over the course of the film, as they learn more about the condition, the couple grow closer together as they come to understand more about how autism affects people’s lives. 2 KILLER CAMP ROMANCE IS ACTUALLY DEAD! MON-FRI 29 NOV-3 DEC, 10,45/11PM, ITV2 Dubbed “Murder Love Island”, contestants try to find The One – while attempting to work out who a secret “killer” is…