Table of contents for Issue 984 in Closer

The final countdown to Christmas is on! This week, our supermarket special has fab, affordable ideas for the best decorations, gifts, beauty buys and fashion to pop in your trolley as you do the weekly shop. On p44, our money-saving ideas will show you how to get crafty with homemade presents that won’t break the bank and a personal touch to put a smile on the faces of loved ones. But, as we head out in our droves to the shops, Dr Christian (p40) reminds us that we need to keep ourselves and others safe following worrying news of the new Covid variant. So, let’s all remember to wear our masks and socially distance while out and about so we truly can enjoy Christmas this year with family and friends…

Closer’s psychological therapist, Emma Kenny, says, “It’s clear Katie has struggled with mental health and substance-abuse issues, and I think she really hit rock-bottom with the car crash. It could have been a wake-up call, but heading to Vegas rather than focusing on her recovery would suggest it may not have been. Sometimes, severe consequences are the only way we truly acknowledge and take responsibility for our actions. A severe consequence like prison – as horrible as it’s likely to be – may be the wake-up call Katie needs to realise she really does have to change. It’s sad, but it may be the best thing to happen to her. It could be the catalyst to make her face up to the issues she needs to address and changes she…

After nearly three years of very public battles with the Mail on Sunday, Meghan Markle won her privacy case for a second time last week when a judge denied the tabloid’s appeal. Meghan, 40, took ANL Publishing to court after they published a letter she’d written to her father, Thomas Markle Sr, after her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, where she asked him to stop talking to the press. But bombshell evidence emerged during the appeal, including the couple’s former communications officer-turned-personal secretary of three years, Jason Knauf, telling the court Meghan was aware the letter may be leaked to the media, even admitting she’d used the word “Daddy” – the name she revealed she used for her dad – to “pull on the heartstrings” of the public. He…

• The Wrap Up project is asking people to donate their unwanted coats, which are then distributed via homeless shelters, refugee centres, organisations supporting the elderly, women’s refuges, children’s centres and other charities helping people in crisis. Visit wrapupuk.org/ • If you’re struggling to think of a present idea for a loved one, charity donations are always well received. You can help those who have fled from war-torn countries to start a new life in the UK by making a donation to refugee-action.org.uk. • Donate an hour of your pay. Payroll Giving is a way of giving money to charity without paying tax on it. It must be paid through PAYE from someone’s wages or pension. Speak to your line manager to find out if your company is part of…

As Christmas approaches, Mary Frankland already has five turkeys – but the last thing she’d do is eat them. Her brood of birds – called Harriet, Prunella, Priscilla, Miss Peaches and Miss Pickles – are very much alive, having been rescued from the slaughter house, and now happily live at Mary’s animal sanctuary. Mary, 56, says, “Turkeys are incredibly intelligent and sociable. They love cuddles – we had one who would flop down whenever you went near her for a hug. “They know you and your voice and they make friends easily with each other. “I used to be a massive meat eater – at Christmas, I’d have a great big turkey, with beef and pigs in blankets. I’d never have that now.” CRUELTY Mary – who lives with her…

They announced their split last month but, just two weeks later, Lauren Goodger and Charles Drury have reportedly rekindled their romance. Fans were shocked when Charles, 24, said on Instagram, “We are going our separate ways. Things must remain civil for the sake of our daughter.” At the time, their four-monthold daughter Larose was in hospital. Ex-TOWIE star Lauren, 35, then wrote on Instagram, “I apologise for Charlie talking about our relationship status as our daughter is very ill and this is the least of my worries.” But sources say the split was due to the “pressure” of parenting and Larose’s illness, and the couple are ready to make a “fresh start”. The source said, “They’ve worked through their differences. Having a baby takes a toll.”…

Cara De La Hoyde-Massey, 31, has been married to Nathan Massey, 29, for two years after the couple met, and were crowned winners, of Love Island in 2016. They share a son Freddie, who turns four next week, and one-year-old daughter Delilah. Cara says, “When I first went into Love Island, I was partnered with Nathan, and I didn’t actually fancy him at all. I thought he was all right – but I didn’t think he was the best-looking one. He was so lovely, but just not the most attractive. There wasn’t a spark straight away. I remember from our first few conversations though that I thought he was funny – and he was from Essex. I thought, ‘OK, he sounds like me and he sounds like he’s a laugh…

FESTIVE PREP To cope with the overwhelming Christmas prep, I always write a to-do list. I love a list. Pen to paper is always better than on your phone – I pop mine on the fridge where I can see it and add to it. I also try not to let buying gifts take over – it’s about being together with family and celebrating the year and having fun. A phone detox and time out with a cup of tea helps, too! DECKING THE HALLS I put my tree up in the first week of December. I used to always buy a real tree every year, but I’ve had a really good artificial tree for the last four years now. My trick is that I buy scented tree sticks that…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY You will likely feel your tension levels rising in the coming weeks, and knowing how to manage this is key to getting the very best out of your Christmas celebrations. A great way to create calm in the chaos is to practise mindfulness. This is the ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, but not to be either distracted, overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. That may sound easier said than done when you consider just how busy your brain can be during this period, but there are some simple ways to achieve it. A great thing to try to do each day is to stop…

MAFS STAR MARILYSE CORRIGAN, 37, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND WATER AND SLEEP ARE THE TWO THINGS THAT KEEP ME ENERGISED... and they’re essential for brain function, too. I try to keep water with me all the time, I take a huge litre bottle with me to bed and I go through at least two litres throughout the day. I don’t tend to sleep until 1am, which is late, but I try to get eight hours. I also wear an Apple Watch to bed so I can track how many hours I’ve had and work out whether I need to go to bed a little earlier the next night. MY TOP EXERCISE IS RUNNING... I’ve been a fan of it for 15 years and challenge myself…

• Former GBBO finalist Kim-Joy says, “Try different types of chocolate and nuts. You’ll be in Christmas cookie heaven.” EASY ENTERTAINING PRAWN COCKTAIL SERVES 4 • 6 tbsp light mayonnaise • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup • Juice of 1 lemon • Dash of Worcestershire sauce and/or Tabasco, to taste • 400g cooked, peeled king prawns • 2-3 little gem lettuce, shredded • Smoked paprika and fresh dill, to garnish • Ground black pepper STEP 1 In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco, if using. Season well with black pepper. STEP 2 Add the prawns and stir well to coat thoroughly. STEP 3 Arrange the shredded lettuce on the plates and divide the prawn mixture evenly. Garnish the prawns with a pinch…

IN THE NEWS KIT OUT THE KIDS WITH GEORGE’S UNISEX DROP The kidswear range at George has long been a go-to for parents thanks to its fun designs and affordable prices – and, this season, there are even more reasons to shop! The latest drop of cosy clothing is unisex, made from sustainable materials – including recycled polyester and responsibly sourced cotton – and includes sweatshirts and pyjamas in neutral tones and on-trend prints. Available for ages 1-7yrs. SUPERMARKET SPECIAL EVERYBODY’S WEARING... ICY HUES This wintery blue-and-white colour pairing is a match made in fashion heaven. From cosy knitwear to tailored outerwear, recreate the celebrity-approved Frozen look with these lust-worthy supermarket steals. THE FASHION AWARDS OUR TOP 3 LOOKS STYLE CRUSH: SARAH JESSICA PARKER And Just Like That... here are…

7-13 DECEMBER IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK This could be an amazing year in terms of how you feel about yourself. The more you believe in what you can do, the more others will, too, which may impact your business life. You have great stars for better self-esteem and money. Positivity is key. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN SAGITTARIUS 22 NOV-21 DEC How you are feeling, post-eclipse? This week, you could feel like you’re being pushed to your limits. You need to do all you can to maintain your famous sense of humour, even if and when others seem hell-bent on seeing how much they can provoke you. Financially, there’s potential. Visit yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes. CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN This week, the more that you can take…

Solicitor Hannah Costley, of Slater Heelis law firm, says, “Katie broke the law by driving under the influence, but it’s worse as she was disqualified at the time – and on her sixth ban. People are regularly sent to jail for breaking driving bans as it’s a violation of a court order. “But there are many factors in this case. Her personal circumstances will be taken into account – she is a carer for her disabled son Harvey and her mother is terminally ill. She was also allegedly assaulted earlier this year and has faced financial difficulties, which could have put a strain on her mental health. “The court will look at how she’s acted since the arrest and will want to see she’s taken her rehab seriously, but her…

Rumours of an impending split had been circling for months and, last week, Little Mix fans’ worst fears were realised when the band – made up of Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall – announced a hiatus after 10 years together. In a message on their official Instagram page, the band explained how they’d be “taking a break” following the Confetti tour in April/May next year. They said, “It’s been 10 amazing years, a wonderful, non-stop adventure, and we feel the time is right to take a break so we can recharge and work on some other projects.” BAD BLOOD It followed reports that the band – who won The X Factor in 2011 and went on to become one of the most successful girl groups of all time,…

Rylan Clark looked happier than ever last week as he appeared on ITV1’s Lorraine, showing off a new look. The TV host, 33 – who took four months off work after splitting from his husband of six years, Dan Neal, 41, in June – revealed his new veneers and hairstyle. He told host Lorraine Kelly, “I wasn’t good [after the split]. The time off is exactly what I needed – but I’m good.” And insiders tell Closer that Rylan is back on the dating scene. He joined dating app Tinder last month and was seen cosying up to a mystery man. The source adds, “Although there’s no one special in his life now, he’s enjoying dating. He’s in a better headspace and is ready to find love again.”…

Her career has gone from strength-tostrength this year and Josie – who is one of six children – says she’s taking her family out for lunch on Christmas Day to thank them for their support. “I have got all my family – my brothers, sisters, everyone – coming down and I am taking them for a big family meal and I’m paying for the whole lot, so they had better not order champagne!” she laughs. “There will be 22 of us and it’s for me to say thank you to them because they’ve helped me out big time and helped me get to where I am. They know opportunities like this don’t come often and my mum, Reg’s dad and my sisters have helped by looking after Reg every time.…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK Sadly, I wasn’t surprised to hear that a new and potentially more worrying variant had been detected. We know that viruses mutate and, until we have enough global vaccine coverage, they’ll keep doing it. It may sound frightening, but there is plenty we can all do to keep ourselves safe. WHY CHANGES MATTER You may wonder why we’re worried – particularly if you’ve heard reports that it seems to cause mild symptoms. However, we know this horrible virus takes time to develop and affects different people in different ways. Omicron was first detected in South Africa – where only between 20 and 30 per cent of people are fully vaccinated – so it was the perfect breeding…

If you don’t approve of your child’s friends you may fear they will take on their seemingly negative behaviours. Frustratingly, you often cannot control their choices, but be reassured that you can help guide them in their decisions. ASK QUESTIONS First, you need to understand what has driven them to make these friendships. Without judgement, ask why they enjoy spending time with these particular peers to understand the benefits they receive. Just because kids have some “bad” habits, doesn’t mean that you should write off their worth completely. If you understand the attraction they hold, you may quickly diffuse some of your fears and come to accept that, while their friendship is imperfect, it is still good enough. DISCUSS RISKS If you suspect that your child is around cigarettes or…

INSIDE JOANNE’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Chillies • Nando’s Perinaise • Sriracha sauce • Brie • Camembert cheese • Cheese Strings • Wensleydale cheese • Garlic cloves • Lamb mince meat • Red onions • Bacon • Sausages • Spring onions • Potato • Stir-fry veg • Peppers • Ginger purée • Mushrooms • Olives • Carrots • Mixed salad • Fanta • Sprite • Semi-skimmed milk • Prosecco • Cider JOANNE How much do you spend per week? I spend around £20 a week on a Hello Fresh box and I can make six meals out of it. Then I spend another £20-£30 on other food. Describe your daily diet... I usually start the day with a sausage and egg bun, and it’s vital I have a coffee. At…

REFRESH YOUR GLAM FESTIVE WEAR UPDATE THE KIDS’ WARDROBES SUPERMARKET SPECIAL…

SUPERMARKET SPECIAL CLASSIC TRAIN There are more than 100 pieces in this FSC-certified wooden road set, which comes with trains, trees and a helicopter. SOAP STARS Bath obsessives will adore this fun set of vegan fizzy bombs and confetti to make time in the tub feel out of this world! COOKIE KEEPSAKE Biscuits are always appreciated and these chocolate-chip ones are extra special as they come in a wind up musical tin. LUXE NIGHTWEAR After a hectic few weeks, a pair of silky satin pyjamas will feel like the ultimate treat for busy mums. It’s time to relax! COSY COVER-UP This scarf will make a great addition to any winter wardrobe. The timeless pattern will keep it stylish for years. COOL GLASS Home-shaken cocktails will taste all the better when…

What’s in store? ell, I very much enjoyed dressing as Bing Crosby – an extremely butch Bing Crosby, as you can imagine, and we stay faithful to the original film [White Christmas]. That’s all we care about – authenticity! We have a real laugh and there is something very camp about a Christmas special. What’s it like working with Alan Carr and co? We have such a fun time, and Alan is the funniest person. Plus, Jennifer [Saunders] and Michael [Sheen] are such heroes that you can’t help but be inspired by them. When we do the White Christmas spoof, Jennifer is kind of laser focus in her timing, and very amusing. It’s a running joke that Alan always talks about Adele… I’m always making fun of him – going,…

There’s never any room on the sofa Chez Hawn. It’s either full of Golden Labrador or Goldie. Pity that poor little ’un on the floor… That horrific first mouthful of cold tea when you realise you forgot to boil the kettle first. We’ve all been there, Fearne. Rylan goes into more detail about the removal of his old veneers – this was the sound they made when they hit the dentist’s floor. You’ve really only cottoned onto this idea now, Bethenny? We’ve been using Jen An as our profile pictures for YEARS!!!! INSPIGRAM Tell you what, Kim – you cherish your health, family and friends and let us cherish that £903,873,377.52 that’s knocking about your bank account. Deal? Typical men. While his wife Frankie was working hard in the freezing…

He credited the near-fatal bike accident that almost left him paralysed for inspiring him to overhaul his life – confessing he would endure the horror again given the wake-up call it sparked. Despite breaking his back in three places after falling off his electric bike at his Malibu home in May, Simon Cowell, 62, admitted the crash “saved” him. “Honestly, if I could rewind, I would have gone through the whole process again,” he said last week, adding, “Just because I feel better now. Even though it hurt like hell at the time.” SPIRITUAL Since making a full recovery – which required months of round-the-clock care as he learned to walk again – the music mogul also revealed how he’s now riding 10 miles a day. The dad-of-one – who…

They’ve both had to endure their famous exes being in the spotlight with their equally famous new loves. And insiders say Jennifer Garner has been leaning on pal Jen Aniston as her ex Ben Affleck flaunts his renewed romance with former fiancée J-Lo. Jen, 52, was famously left heartbroken after her ex Brad Pitt, 57, went public with Angelina Jolie, 46, three months after their shock split in 2005. Her pal Jennifer Garner is facing a similar situation after Ben’s reconciliation with J-Lo, 52. AGONISING The pair – dubbed “Bennifer” in the early ’00s – have been publicly enjoying their resumed romance 17 years after their engagement ended. Last month, J-Lo admitted she would “100 per cent” want to marry and wore a wedding dress to perform new single, Marry…

She’s had a tumultuous year in her love life, having split from her fiancé Jamie Horn, the father of her baby son Billy, in the summer. Despite having reportedly moved on with old flame Alex Lawler, last week there were fears for Sheridan Smith after reports she was involved in a severe car crash last week. The icy conditions near to her home in Essex caused Sheridan, 40, to plough into a tree – wrecking her Range Rover so badly that a passer-by feared “someone must be dead”. The actress is said to have been in the car with new boyfriend Alex, whom she began dating in September but had previously been in a relationship with in her twenties. Her agent later confirmed no one was harmed in the collision.…

TV and radio presenter Vanessa Feltz, 59, divorced her first husband Michael – with whom she shares two grown-up daughters – in 2000 and has been with her fiancé, singer Ben Ofoedu, 49, for 15 years. She says “I love the idea of what Tracey is saying and I wish I could believe it – that we could all star in our own versions of When Harry Met Sally in real life. And that after sitting next to a fire and sharing a Chinese or cheering on the same football team, we’d suddenly want to rip off our best friend’s clothes. But I really don’t believe you can suddenly switch something on and just fall in love with someone. The idea that you can train yourself to fancy someone just…

Christmas is coming, which means lots of eating and drinking! It’s a time of year when people’s healthy eating sometimes goes by the wayside. The main thing for me with food is being mindful. I don’t believe in diets, I believe in eating wholesome food and I avoid processed stuff. My rule is that if it ran, swam or came from the earth, eat it. A Christmas dinner is great – I fill up on lots of veg and of course I have roast potatoes, too. I do find I tend to bloat quite a bit this time of year, and I’ve struggled with IBS in the past. But I read that probiotics are great for it, and eight years ago I started taking Symprove, a food supplement that has…

Whether you’re sluggish, irritable or low in spirits, it’s very common to feel you’ve lost your mojo when the weather turns chillier. In fact, it’s estimated that around two million Brits struggle when the days get shorter and darker, while around 6 per cent of us suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of seasonal depression. “Your mood and energy levels can take a profound dip in winter,” says Dr Nerina Ramlakhan (drnerina.com). “Your body is exposed to less sunlight, which causes it to produce more of the sleep hormone melatonin, leading you to feel extra tired. The lack of sunlight and vitamin D can also disrupt your body clock and cause you to produce less of the feel-good chemical, serotonin, which regulates your mood.” The good news is…

Dating fatigue affects us all. I regularly feel out-dated and frustrated that things never seem to work out for me – and that’s if I even get as far as a few dates with one person as usually I tire of the constant online chat with no real-life action. But it’s not only that, a lack of motivation to meet people can also be driven by too many bad experiences (yes, I’ve been there) and a total lack of people you’re attracted to on apps. But now, a new term has been coined for this feeling – “Hesi-dating” – the feeling of indifference around dating and a lack of decisiveness over whether you want to date seriously or casually. App Plenty Of Fish found that half of its users are…

1. LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER’S TEMPERATURE This is the appliance that heats the entire water supply in your home, so savings really add up if the temperature is a bit lower. 2. CLEAN YOUR FRIDGE CONDENSER COILS They get dirty because they are on the bottom at the back of the appliance, and are often forgotten. If they aren’t regularly cleaned with a vacuum, your fridge has to work much harder, causing bills to go up. 3. ONLY REFRIGERATE COOL ITEMS Putting hot food in your fridge means it has to work harder to keep contents cool. 4. TURN OFF THE HEATED DRY SETTING ON YOUR DISHWASHER You will save money if you allow your dishwasher to dry your dishes without heating the air that does so. 5. INSTALL DIMMER…

SUPER MARKET SPECIAL MORRISONS THE BEST LAMB GUARD OF HONOUR WITH GLAZE, £25 This British lamb is coated in an orange and juniper crumb, then glazed in cranberry and sloe gin. It is the perfect centrepiece. VEGAN ROAST JOINT WITH STUFFING, £5 A delicious alternative to turkey, this soya joint has a centre of onion, parsley, sage and thyme stuffing and is topped with gluten-free breadcrumbs. THE BEST TIGER PRAWNS IN BLANKETS, £4 Dazzle your guests with these canapés. These plump, juicy tiger prawns are wrapped in Hampshire breed dry-cured smoked streaky bacon. CARAMEL CHOUX STACK, £8 Filled with rich salted-caramel sauce and whipped cream, this delicious dessert has three layers of choux pastry and is decorated with chocolate ganache, salted-caramel sauce and honeycomb. ASDA CANDY CANE PORK, SAGE &…

TREND-TICKING WOMEN TRENCH UPGRADE With a flattering tie-waist belt, longline fit and made from recycled lining and wadding, this khaki-cool number ticks all of our boxes. NUTMEG AT MORRISONS £35 SNUGGLY STYLE Update your outerwear this winter with snuggly soft bouclé. Try the classic style in bold powder blue to brighten up grey days – and keep you toasty! TU CLOTHING £45 CASUAL & KIND Stylish and sustainable, this quilted borg jacket is made using melted plastic bottles and textile waste that’s been spun into a whole new yarn! Clever. GEORGE AT ASDA £30 WEATHER-READY MEN STORM FRIENDLY You can’t go wrong with a colourful puffer. With an on-trend quilted design, storm-proof cuffs and a hood, he’ll be ready for all forecasts. GEORGE AT ASDA £40 FUZZY FLEECE With both…

SUPERMARKET SPECIAL INSPIRATION YOU’LL LOVE! KITSCH TOUCHES Brighten things up with flashes of colour and joy-sparking décor. If it’s not your thing, give your children their own tree, away from the “main tree” – they’ll love going wild with their own look – and yours can still be Insta-worthy! TRADITIONAL ADD-ONS If you prefer the classics, these pieces will add a festive touch, and won’t date as the years go by. Adorn your tree with red ribbons and splashes of gold – and add a cosy factor with tartan and faux-shearling fabrics. WREATHS AND GREENERY You don’t have to spend a fortune on an artisan wreath. Pick up a simple style then weave in your decor leftovers, like lights and ribbon, to add a fresh twist. Reuse each year, or…

TRUTH IS OUT CORONATION STREET There’s dramz when Emma babysits Hope and Ruby – and Ruby accidentally swallows one of Curtis’ pills! A dash to A&E results in confusion, with the puzzled doctor assuring Emma that the “heart pills” are in fact vitamins… Eventually, Curtis admits that he’s not dying, but first feigned illness when his parents got divorced and he enjoyed the attention. Hanging his head in shame, the poor boy explains how he’s spent years convincing people he’s at death’s door – but he begs Emma to still go through with their wedding plans… Meanwhile, it’s bad news for Audrey (her eyes are getting worse) and a fragile Summer (feeling frumpy next to Daisy). Zeedan also gets an unwelcome visit from his ex, Marrium… HOLLYOAKS A BODY IS…

MUST READ Hide (NELL PATTISON) It’s Boxing Day and your friendship group has planned a hike. You know tensions are running high thanks to some rumours that are circling, but this trip is a chance for the group to reconnect and resolve the rift. However, as the sun sets, you hear a gun shot. One of your group is dead – and someone you know killed them. This is a really gripping story – we couldn’t put it down. BEST DAY OUT Shrek’s Adventure! As well as the regular visit to Far Far Away, Shrek’s Adventure! is now super festive thanks to the addition of Shrek’s grotto – including a very special guest... After you’ve ventured through Far Far Away with your favourite characters, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Rumpelstiltskin and…