Table of contents for Issue 986 in Closer

In the rear view mirror there’s a slightly wilted Christmas tree, and ahead of us... well we’re not really too sure. For some there may be romantic upheaval as sadly this time of year sees a sharp rise in the number of couples splitting up. It’s never easy, but our report on page 8 proves that you can limit the unhappiness and even go on to forge a different but happier kind of relationship. Talking of being newly single, SATC reboot And Just Like That has caused a huge division among fans, but one thing most agree on is that Carrie Bradshaw’s fashion sense is still the star of the show. So, if you fancy a little of SJP’s glamour, we’ve found some fabulous designer doubles you’ll love. Go on,…

‘Jen ends things before they turn toxic’ Proving just how close she’s remained to her ex-husband Justin Theroux, Jennifer Aniston recently cosied up to the actor in behind-the-scenes shots for a new joint project. It’s been three years since their divorce, but the former couple showed no signs of awkwardness as they hugged and embraced at a table read for a reboot of US ‘80s sitcom, Facts Of Life. The pair, who fell in love on the set of Wanderlust in 2012 and married three years later, separated in 2018, allegedly due to the distance. While Justin calls New York home, he reportedly never wanted to live in LA, where Jen is mainly based for work. But they have remained true to their split statement, in which they vowed they’d…

❛I WAS CONSCIOUS OF MY BODY CLOCK TICKING AWAY❜ Even before she’d met boyfriend Sam Ranson – who she went public with in August last year – Love Island star Amy Hart, 29, says she already knew freezing her eggs was the best option for her. She tells Closer, “I have always dreamed of being a mum someday, but until I got with Sam, I had never had a boyfriend and I was conscious of my body clock ticking away. I knew I had to start looking into other options because my mum, nan and auntie all went through menopause at the age of 40 – and I’m petrified of that happening to me. I feared early menopause would restrict my time to become a mum. “That’s why I decided…

DANIEL RADCLIFFE He became world-famous as the eponymous character, and once the franchise finished, Daniel’s career took off, starring in hit horror film The Woman In Black and Broadway hit Equus – which raised eyebrows, as he had to shed his schoolboy image and appear nude. Daniel, 32 – said to be worth £94 million – admitted he struggled with the fame that Harry Potter brought and turned to alcohol to cope. Today, he’s sober and has settled down with actress Erin Darke, who he met on the set of 2013 movie Kill Your Darlings. EMMA WATSON She went from playing bookish Hermione Granger to a supermodel, activist, graduate and award-winning actress. Emma has since made over 30 films – starring in blockbusters Beauty And The Beast and Little Women.…

She shot to fame almost a decade ago as the party-loving star on reality TV show The Valleys and underwent a dramatic body transformation in a bid for the perfect curves. But as Lateysha Grace shares the exciting news with Closer that she’s expecting her second child in April, she admits that – after some cosmetic procedures left her in agonising pain and in need of corrective surgery – being pregnant again has made her re-evaluate her attitude to her body. GRATEFUL The 28-year-old – who also has six-year-old daughter Wynter – says she regrets having surgery following the birth of her first child. She says, “I feel so blessed to be pregnant again. But I’ve learned my lesson from before and will do things differently this time. I was…

I’m the type of person who – no matter how bad the dating experience (and let’s face it, I’ve had a lot of those) – with enough time I can laugh at it and, more importantly, learn from it. After everything that’s happened in the past few years, we’re now seasoned pros at dating during a pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still acquire some new skills. Dating app Hinge has found that a huge 83 per cent of people would prefer to date someone who goes to therapy. I fall into that group – I find it attractive when someone can admit they’re struggling – because all of us do at times – and take the decision to get help. It hopefully also shows they’ll have empathy and…

Supermarkets have lots of clever ways to make us spend more – being aware of them can stop you from overfilling your trolley! BAKERY SMELLS We all know how appetising the smell of freshly baked bread is, and some supermarkets position their bakeries so the scent wafts into the street and down the aisles to tempt you! A MAZE OF A LAYOUT You go in for a few simple basics – bread, milk and eggs – but end up leaving with cookies, crisps and a random item from the “seasonal aisle”. It’s because supermarkets deliberately design their layouts to send you past various tempting products before you get to the basics – so stick to your list! AISLE-END TREATS We have become so conditioned to expect “bargains” at the end…

CYAN BLUE From classic tailoring to statement footwear, this sky-blue colour will bring an instant refresh to your look. HOW TO WEAR • Don’t be afraid to colour clash this electric shade – deep burgundy or red shades will give it a designer feel. FAB FUCHSIA Amp up the style heat with fashionforward fuchsia – this hot hue is guaranteed to brighten up any outfit. HOW TO WEAR • Try a cord boilersuit for countless style options. Dress down with trainers or add heels and a tailored coat for the evening. SCARLET RED Shouty scarlet will make a statement while being wearable. Look for prints or pretty trims for added impact. HOW TO WEAR • Scarlet shades and deeper ruby hues can be paired together for a grown-up, sophisticated look.…

PRETTY PALETTE One of the most popular highlighters from the Fenty range is now available in three new gorgeous shades – and you’ll get all of them in this handy palette. Each universally flattering tone has a powder-to-jelly texture that melts into skin beautifully to leave a gentle hint of sheen without looking or feeling chalky. You can use one on its own or blend two together for a different spin. There’s a subtle sparkle that will brighten dull skin in seconds. FENTY BEAUTY DIAMOND BOMB ALL OVER DIAMOND VEIL PALETTE £34 BRILLIANT BRONZER These golden drops of glimmer are like a little ray of sunshine in a bottle. The gold tone is perfect for adding warmth to your cheekbones and is designed to be used all over, so you…

What excited you about this series? TRISHA: It’s very me! I’ve always been interested in nutrition, mental health and fitness - and getting the most out of my body, even more so post-breast cancer. I can see the impact of food on my body quite quickly because I run every day, I ice skate four to six hours per week, and I hike on Sundays for five to 10 miles. Plus, I work out with weights three or four times a week. Is mental health a big factor for the people on the show? Yes, 99.9 per cent of people are affected by emotional eating. We associate happy times with food. You know that you’d be better off having an apple instead of a bar of chocolate, but if you’re…

Vanessa Hook will start the new year with her partner of three years Tom, 45 – and her ex-husband George and his fiancée Katie. Despite Vanessa and George divorcing in 2015, after 21 years of marriage, the four of them will already have spent Christmas together – clad in matching festive pyjamas with their children, Jess, 20, Belle, 16 Teddy, 14 and Ash, 11 – and they wouldn’t want it any other way. Vanessa, 46, admits she not only still adores George, 49, a driving instructor, but loves Katie, 27, a property manager – and the feeling is mutual. BICKERING Vanessa says, “I love George more since we got divorced – in the years before our split, all we did was bicker and argue about everything. It was no way…

While egg freezing is becoming more popular, experts warn women shouldn’t wait if it’s something they are considering. Dr Mariano Mascarenhas, who is a Consultant at TFP Fertility, says, “Egg freezing works best if you do it earlier in life when you are more fertile – ideally, before the age of 35. If you freeze 15 eggs before you turn 35, your chance of having a live birth is nearly 70 per cent. If you freeze 15 eggs after the age of 35, this drops to 38 per cent. “The approximate cost of one cycle of egg freezing, including medications, at our clinic would be £4,500. Some clinics can offer multi-cycle packages as getting a good number of eggs that are viable can sometimes require more than one round of…

As her 40th birthday approached, Angharad Binns was desperate to tackle the eating disorder that had blighted her life. At 22st, the mum-of-three decided to give herself a drastic makeover by spending £23,000 on a gastric bypass, tummy tuck, and excess skin removal surgeries. When her milestone birthday finally arrived in October 2021, Angharad had shrunk down to 9st and a size 6-8, and she felt better than ever. Single mum Angharad, who lives in Stevenage with her children, Tobi, 17, Bronze, 12, and Blake, 11, says, “I didn’t want to waste another decade feeling like I wasn’t living life to the full. I finally decided, ‘enough is enough.’ “It wasn’t easy. There’s a myth that weight-loss surgery is a quick fix, but I was on a strict diet before…

GREATEST HEROES ADELE This year, we saw the return of pop legend Adele, who released her new album 30 after a six-year hiatus. And she didn’t disappoint, with the album going straight to number one and her single Easy On Me topping the charts too. Not only that, but it was lovely seeing Adele, 33, come back into the spotlight, although there’s a lot less of her! The singer looks absolutely amazing, having lost around 7st in weight. She’s a new and improved version of the girl we always love d, not just because she’s shed pounds but because she is more confident. She’s got a hot new man too, – celebrity agent Rich Paul – and seems happier than ever. Some people have said she didn’t need to lose…

While on holiday in Borneo in September 2015, Victoria Bryceson came across an abandoned one-week-old pup. Victoria, 33, immediately fell in love with the mixed breed, who she named Miracle, and organised it so she could take her back to the UK. But her animal rescuing didn’t stop there and her new pet inspired her to help hundreds of other stray dogs overseas and back home. Victoria, from Carlisle, says, “I nursed Miracle back to health and it sparked an idea, which became Miracle’s Mission, a non-profit animal welfare organisation. Now, we’re setting up the UK’s first ever centre for disabled dogs.” Miracle’s Mission began by neutering stray dogs in Borneo. Victoria says, “At the start, I had no experience or contacts, but my friend Frances was volunteering at a…

Back in 2018, Lateysha hit back at critics who accused her of exploiting daughter Wynter on her hit MTV show Million Dollar Baby. The show followed her quest to help then two-year-old Wynter land a series of modelling and sponsorship deals to set her up financially for the future. Almost four years on, Lateysha says she has no regrets over the show – and would consider doing something similar for baby number two. “I’d love to do it all again – watch this space!” she says. “Wynter absolutely loves being in front of the camera – she’s still gets modelling deals with Instagram, which is crazy! She is such a natural – she wants to be a YouTuber.”…

INSIDE MEGAN’S FRIDGE • Eggs • Feta • Greek yoghurt • Houmous • Soft cheese • Apple • Capri Sun drinks • Steak • Bacon • Chicken fillets • Cucumber • Peppers • Onions • Grapes • Mushrooms • Quorn escalopes • Carrots • Salad leaves • Bananas • Bottled water • Almond milk • Semi-skilled milk MEGAN How much do you spend per week? I’ve recently moved in with my partner [Marc Newton] and he eats three times what I do so the bill has gone up! I used to spend £50 a week in Aldi or ASDA, but now it’s about £150. We also have a Co-op near us but you go in for one thing and easily spend £20. Describe your daily diet... I have Greek yoghurt…

YOUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL ISSUES AND FAMILY LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIST EMMA KENNY Research tells us that women sometimes earn less because they tend to be more agreeable. A person with a high level of agreeableness is usually warm, friendly, and tactful but it also makes them less likely to feel comfortable getting involved in conflict, or putting themselves first. As such, women are more likely not to ask for a promotion or a wage increase. It’s also why women struggle to get their voices heard in the workplace, so we need to start turning up the volume to avoid getting passed over. New evidence suggests that if you want people to take notice of your ideas and suggestions, how you verbalise them is key. Using a “supportive voice,” fuels…

TV CHEF CHING HE HUANG MBE, 43, ON HOW SHE LOOKS AFTER HER BODY AND MIND I BELIEVE FOOD IS MEDICINE... What you put in your body directly relates to how you feel. I try to make sure I’m getting a lot of plantbased nutrition and protein from things like tofu. Tofu is good for older women because it mimics the hormone oestrogen, so can help with the menopause. I EXERCISE THREE TIMES A WEEK... whether that’s yoga, swimming or a cardio workout. As a chef, I spend a lot of my time standing up or hunched over the stove, so my body holds a lot of tension, which the yoga and swimming really help to release. I TRY TO ENSURE I GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP... I’ll have a…

GET HER LOOK AMANDA HOLDEN, 50 The daily walk to work for radio DJ Amanda is a regular source of style inspiration for us. Her latest ensemble is this matchy-matchy combo. She wore multiple shades of auburn and tan for a timeless take on tonal dressing. I WANT WHAT SHE’S GOT! STYLE CRUSH: HAILEE STEINFELD The 25-year-old True Grit actress is a pro at wowing on the red carpet. Here are some of her best looks... Never one to shy away from a pop of colour, actress Hailee chose to go all-out in this flattering tailored two-piece. Flowing waves and a dark, smokey eye added to the overall glamour. Giving us lessons in red-carpet dressing, Hailee stunned in this H&M jumpsuit at the Fashion Awards. She styled the embellished polka-dot…

BRIGHT AND BOLD BEANIES Simple, cosy and forever in fashion, the fuss-free beanie is a wise choice for those extra-chilly mornings. This year is all about bright and cheerful shades – primary pops and zingy neons are always fun and will go with absolutely everything in your winter wardrobe. BAKER BOY REBOOTED It’s been around for decades, but there’s something about this boxy hat that keeps it feeling fresh year after year. A firm favourite with celebs, including Laura Whitmore, this boyish design adds a bit of attitude to an outfit without feeling OTT. Team yours with tousled hair and a ‘70s-inspired floral mini-dress. BACK-AGAIN BUCKET HAT Back from the ‘90s wardrobe wilderness, the bucket hat is officially cool again. The fitted shape with an eye-skimming flared brim may seem…

PRESENTER NICK, 37, LIVES WITH HIS BOYFRIEND HENRY MESHACH IN NORTH LONDON. HIS MODERN HOME IS A DREAM, FILLED WITH MIXED COLOURS, TEXTURES, ART APLENTY AND CHIC FURNITURE STEAL HIS STYLE…

MUST READ The Maid (NITA PROSE) Molly is used to being invisible in her job at the Regency Grand Hotel. She’s just a maid - why should anyone take notice? But then she is thrown into the spotlight when she discovers an infamous guest, Mr Black, dead in his bed. And as she becomes embroiled in the hunt for the truth, she discovers she can see things that others may overlook. We were hooked on this from the first page. It’s also being turned into a TV drama - and we can see why! BEST DAY OUT Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour Kicking off on 20 January, the Strictly UK Tour is back once again with a stellar celeb and professional line-up. Fresh from the ballroom, favourites Rose Ayling-Ellis…

CODE CRACK THE BIG CROSSWORD CRISS CROSS SUDOKU - EASY SUDOKU - MEDIUM WORD SEARCH CLUES & ARROWS GUESS THE FILM STILL A) WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING B) SCHOOL OF ROCK NAME THE STARS 1) DANNY MILLER 2) KIM CATTRALL GUESS THE CELEB A) BELLA HADID B) DWAYNE JOHNSON WORD LINK A) LEOPARD B) END C) SCREEN D) HATCH E) RANGE F) SHOT 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…

It’s often a time for reflection and new beginnings, and Cheryl is no different – telling friends and family that the events of the last year have made her more determined than ever to find love and expand her family. The singer has endured a difficult year, with the tragic loss of Girls Aloud bandmate Sarah Harding, as well as seeing ex Liam Payne – with whom she’d sparked speculation of a reunion in June – going back to his fiancée Maya Henry. Shortly before the pandemic struck in early 2020, Cheryl, 38 – who shares Bear, four, with ex Liam, 28 – confirmed she was open to dating again and would like her next boyfriend to be out of the public eye. “I would 100 per cent date a…

• Acknowledge it will be hard. Sit down together and plan for how you’re going to cope when it gets tough and accept that you want a fair resolution for both parties. Commit to being friendly, especially if there are children involved. • Get your support team in place. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the divorce process, while trying to maintain your daily routine too, but friends and family will always be happy to listen and help out. • Get clarity on what you spend individually each month so you can understand your spending patterns. Create a budget spreadsheet of your weekly and monthly expenditure. You need to take ownership of this so you feel more financially independent and in control. • Agree what to say to the kids.…

In recent years, egg-freezing has become an increasingly viable option for women without a partner, or who are not yet ready to have children despite the dreaded ticking of the biological clock. According to UK fertility regulator the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the number of women freezing their eggs or embryos rocketed by 523 per cent between 2013 and 2018, while clinics say enquiries have risen by as much as 50 per cent in the last year alone – a spike many clinicians put down to the pandemic placing a restriction on dating opportunities. And while the process has long been an almost taboo subject, celebrities are now breaking their silence more readily. Pop star Rita Ora, 31 – who has been dating director Taika Waititi since March…

It’s been 20 years since the legendary Harry Potter franchise hit cinemas and became a global phenomenon. The blockbusters, based on the magical books by author J.K. Rowling, made huge stars of lead characters Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, and sparked spin-off films, clothing ranges and even theme parks. And, after it was announced that the cast are getting together for a special on-screen reunion, airing on New Year’s Eve, Closer caught up with Jessie Cave, who played Lavender Brown. Jessie, who beat off competition from an incredible 7,000 other girls to win the role, recalls, “I remember it so vividly. I only had two proper auditions and then a screen test, but the whole process spanned six months of my life. “I didn’t think it would happen,…

GP Dr Stephanie De Giorgio, who has a special interest in obesity management, says, “Weight-loss surgery isn’t a quick fix, but it’s the most effective evidence-based treatment for the disease of obesity, both in losing weight and maintaining the weight loss. It’s big surgery – lasting around three hours – but the risks are the same as other common operations such as gall bladder removal. “Having a gastric bypass is a lifelong commitment, patients will have to eat differently for the rest of their lives, having small meals with protein first. They’ll also have to take vitamin and mineral supplements for life. It needs to be part of a package that involves psychological and nutritional support post operatively, and patients will need to regular blood tests to check they’re not…

Capricorn 22 DEC - 19 JAN THE BEST IS YET TO COME Fresh perspectives may arrive about what family means to you from May to October. At the same time, keeping lines of communication open with your key person will be extra-important. Draw up a list, make a plan, and be certain the two of you are moving in the same direction together. July and August are your most romantic months. Make room for quality time, even if it’s just those little sentimental things. If you’re single, you’re well-positioned to attract someone who captures your interest. POWER DATES 1 MAY - A happy plot twist may arrive. 29 MAY - Ask and you shall receive! 14 OCTOBER - A great for romance. Aquarius 20 JAN -18 FEB EXCITING TIMES AHEAD…

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 to follow The Boost for more tips, or search for @TheBoostUK on Instagram! Consistently, our top three resolutions are to exercise more, lose weight and eat better, but by mid-January, 40 per cent of us will have already given up. “New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to be about physical fitness,” says Katie Colombus, author of How To Listen: Tools For Opening Up Conversations When It Matters Most. “Did you enjoy overindulging at Christmas? Excellent. But is that a reason to punish yourself with an extra-gruelling regime? Of course not. Perhaps this year, rather than focusing on rectifying what we think of as…

DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK There has been a 29 per cent increase in the number of people referred to mental health services for their first suspected episode of psychosis – it’s seeing or hearing things that other people don’t (hallucinations), and developing beliefs that are not based on reality (delusions). People think of psychosis as extreme, as something that couldn’t happen to them, but there are all sorts of different triggers, and it can happen to anyone, at any age. Some people seem to have a tendency towards it, but it can be triggered by extreme stress or trauma, or by alcohol or drug misuse. It’s also a part of depression. THE PANDEMIC LINK For some people, the pandemic has been…

Without the term-time routine, kids get more playtime, which is wonderful – but if they have siblings, the fun may become more fractious. GIVE THEM SPACE It can be tempting to intervene the moment you witness your kids’ tempers fraying, but often this only delays the fallout instead of diffusing it completely. When you stop them solving their own problems, you prevent them from discovering healthy resolutions. Figuring out conflict strategies begins at home, as children safely try them out with family, and it’s a key part of their development. GUIDE, DON’T FIX If they are safe and things are not getting too out of hand, allow them to work it out themselves. If they ask you to step in, suggest that they need to try to solve disputes independently,…

APARTMENT CHIC Carrie has never been able to part with her brownstone apartment, and who can blame her? With its sweeping steps up to the front door and the famous walk-in wardrobe, it’s every girl’s dream abode. In celebration of the sequel, And Just Like That…, Warner Bros and Airbnb recreated Carrie’s New York pad, with everything from the pistachio-painted walls to her brilliant bright-blue closet we all know and love. Transform your home into one Carrie would most certainly approve of with these copycat paint colours. Carrie was working from home way back in the ‘90s. Her apartment furniture may have evolved over the years, but it’s the eclectic mix of mid-century styles that we can’t get enough of. COSMO COMEBACK The Sex And The City girls have been…

IS EYELINER MAKING A COMEBACK? “It has never left to make a comeback! It has always remained a classic staple in the dictionary of glamour. All eye shapes suit a cat eye.” IS LIQUID OR PENCIL BETTER FOR THIS LOOK? “Liquid on top so that it doesn’t crease, and pencil at the bottom. Pencils have wiggle room to blend and smudge, so it’s great for a soft effect, but it can transfer if used on the upper lash.” HOW DO YOU CREATE SUCH A PRECISE LINE? “I like to map out a line with either a shadow or pencil, then trace over it with a fine-tip liquid liner for super precision. Erase any imperfections with a small cotton bud dipped in make-up remover, and then patch up with a brush…

NEW SERIES 1 THE MASKED SINGER LET THE MADNESS COMMENCE NY DAY / SUN 2 JAN, 7/7.30PM, ITV Series three lands – cheering up those long, cold nights very nicely indeed. It’s the TV show in which a celebrity panel (and viewers at home) try to guess which famous faces are up there singing their hearts out on stage, disguised in bonkers costumes. We’re promised some “very crazy, high-concept ideas” this time around, with Joel Dommett back as host alongside judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Rita Ora and Mo Gilligan. And those weird and wonderful creations are: Chandelier, Bagpipes, Lionfish, Doughnuts, Traffic Cone, Panda, Rockhopper, Mushroom, Firework, Poodle, Snow Leopard and Robobunny. It’s going to be fabulous, and we can’t wait! NEW SERIES 2 DEATH IN PARADISE IT’S THE 11TH…

28 DECEMBER- 3 JANUARY IF IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK A return of optimism is possible not only because of a new year, but also from Jupiter moving into one of its most potent signs. As you lean into opportunities for personal growth, you’ll create a foundation from which to spring into another year and beyond. THIS WEEK’S CELEB STAR SIGN CAPRICORN 22 DEC-19 JAN The more you know, the further you’ll go, is the mantra for most. The more you know yourself, the more you’ll make the right choices. You’re going through a process of levelling up, so make personal growth and self-development your top priority! Visit www.yasminboland.com for your daily horoscopes AQUARIUS 20 JAN-18 FEB It’s been a topsy-turvy year. There’s rarely any glory without effort, but thanks…